Review: Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Publisher:  Simon Pulse

Publication Date:  February 7th, 2012

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I had been looking forward to this book for a very long time.  I am a fan of Lisa McMann's and when I heard about this book, I was really excited.  As a Contemporary novel, it's something of a departure from what she usually writes (Fantasy and Paranormal), and I was eager to see what she would do with it.  When I purchased it, I was excited, but had a pile of ARCs to get through... When I finally got a little break from that, I immediately picked up Dead to You.  It's a pretty quick read (most people should be able to finish in a day or two), and it's really good.  That said, I still don't know how I feel about it...  I know it's my 2nd favorite of her books (The Unwanteds, her MG Fantasy, is my favorite), and I enjoyed the writing- technically speaking, there was nothing wrong with the book.  I guess I'm just having a difficult time articulating how I feel because it effected me deeply, and I still have an uncomfortable feeling in my gut after reading it.  It's one of those books that makes you think; I mean, REALLY think.  As the parent of a 10 year old and 7 year old twins, this book kind of hit me hard from the beginning, which I expected.  What I didn't expect was that the hits would keep coming and coming and coming, until the very last page.  I really can't delve deep into the story without major spoilers, but I will say that the synopsis doesn't even scratch the surface of what this book is about, or the intensity of the situation.  Honestly, it's a good thing that this book is so short because the kind of emotional turmoil it brings up would be too much if it were longer.  My only (very small) issue was that I kind of saw some of the ending coming from around the middle of the book.  I wasn't prepared to believe it because it was so heartwrenching, so I tried not to, and that made it all the more shocking when she went there, but I did see it.  I kind of wish that there would be a second book, because I wouldn't mind knowing how everything plays out, but at the same time, the way Lisa ended things was pretty perfectly aligned with the entire story.  This book has left me completely conflicted, and I don't think that will change, but I liked it.  Make sense?

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ 

Grade Level Recommendation:  There are a bunch of swears, some extremely heavy themes, and some sexual situations.  I would say this book it most appropriate for students grade 9 and up (ages 14+) if they are reading it on their own, however, I think this would be a great discussion book for an 8th grade class or book club.

Review: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication Date: August 30th, 2011

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I'm not typically one of those people who re-reads books.  I've read the Harry Potter books a couple of times, The Hunger Games, To Kill a Mockingbird... I've read Gone With the Wind five or six times.  But really, I don't do it much.  There are so many new and exciting books, who has time for re-reads?  I tell you this about myself, and I list some of the books I have re-read, because I want you to understand the company this book keeps when I say that I have read it twice.  Pretty freakin' good company, if you ask me...

Kirkus says that this book is "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter."  That statement alone sold me, and while the quality was definitely there, I don't think that it's true.  This book stands alone.  The story is completely unique and I think Kirkus did not do this book justice by comparing it to those two books.  Sure, it probably sold a lot of books, boldly displayed on the cover the way it is, but this book very much has the potential to be a modern classic in its own right.

I've read a couple of Lisa Mcmann's books, and to be honest, I was surprised when I heard that she was writing a MG novel.  Cryer's Cross and the Wake Trilogy, while great, are pretty dark and scary, and I was very curious to see if that wouldn't bleed into this MG book.  I even went so far as to preview it before letting my 10 year old read it (she LOVED it!).  I got an advance copy, and was drawn in immediately.  Lisa develops each character nicely, at an even pace, so you kind of feel like you're getting to know them as you would people you meet in real life.  In most cases, you don't immediately connect with someone; connection develops over time, and that's how it is with the characters in this book.  As far as the story is concerned, I loved it.  I loved the premise of kids believing that they are going to their deaths because they showed creative ilk, only to find themselves part of this fantastical world where their creativity isn't punished, but celebrated!  I will say that the story is a bit more fast-paced than what I am used to as a reader of YA, but that works here because most MG readers lose interest if the book isn't action-packed enough.   Kids ages 7-12 don't necessarily have the attention span to  wait it out while the storyline develops.  I think a lot of MG authors fail to create a strong story with enough action to keep kids focused and engaged.  Lisa McMann has absolutely no problem with this.  As much as I loved the story though, my favorite part of this book was the world building.  I have always loved Fantasy as a genre because of the worlds that are so different from anything I can think up.  I love it when I find an author who can stretch my imagination and make me really see what I never thought possible.  I would love to be an Unwanted in Lisa's rendering of Artime.  What a world!  

I blog YA, but I actually read a lot of MG fiction as well.  From time to time I review it here, if I like it well enough.  Obviously, I felt like this book was worth reviewing.  Of all the MG books I've read this year, this is the best!  I think that YA readers would adore this book, and should definitely give it a go!  You won't be disappointed!  Looking forward to the release  of book #2, Island of Silence, in August of 2012.

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  

Grade Level Recommendation:  This is a Middle Grade book, and I think it's fine for most MG readers.  That said, MG is ages 7-12 and I don't think I would read this to my 7 year-old twins just yet because I think they would be scared.  I would say this is best for ages 8 and up (3rd grade+).

*Don't forget to register for my 25 Days of Jubilation Giveaway!  Three lucky entrants will win their choice of one book off of my Top 25 YA Books of 2011!  Click HERE!*

WWW (15) and Waiting on Wednesday (September 21st, 2011) Double Feature

W. W. W. Wednesday is hosted by Should Be Reading a great blog that I subscribe to. Here's how it works... Each Wednesday I will answer the following questions:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you'll read next?

Ugh. Last week was tough for me books-wise.  I had a book that took me FOREVER to get through, and didn't get as much reading as I would have liked to because of it.  Anyway...

What are you currently reading?

Supernaturally by Kiersten White~  I have finally gotten to this long awaited book.  I'm only a few chapters in, but so far I'm loving it.

Ultraviolet by R.J Anderson~ I've been meaning to read this since I've had the NetGalley for ages.  I'm a couple of chapters in and, OMG!  Stay tuned.  I have a feeling that this will be one I have to post my review on immediately upon finishing!

The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch~  My (almost) 7 year old son decided that this would be his bedtime read. I decided I don't mind since I have been wanting to read it for awhile.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness~  Amazing first book in an amazing series.  Listening to the audio because I've heard the reader really brings it to life.

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White~ Beloved classic.  Reading it to my (almost) 7 year old daughter at bedtime. I think I love it more every time I read it.





What did you recently finish reading?

Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston~ I've read this to my son several times.  It never gets old.  Dr. Seuss meets Roald Dahl in 192 pages of hilarious rhyming verse.  Do not miss this book!

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin~  Great book!  Audio version was fantastic.  I will be doing of giveaway of the audio, along with my review, starting October 2nd.  Don't miss it!

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore~ I was disappointed as compared to the first book.  I almost gave up on this.  If I hadn't liked the first book do much, I would have.  It redeemed itself a little in the end, but I'm sorry I bought it instead of getting it from the library...




What do you think you'll read next?

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp~ I'm co-moderating a challenge and it is the final book on my list to complete it.  I've been putting it off, but I'm running out of time...

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs~ I had hoped to get to this book this week but stupid The Power of Six took so damn long to read.  Next week, definitely!

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater~ I didn't really like Shiver, but EVERYONE keeps telling me to give the series another chance, so I am going to.  We'll see...

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins~ Long awaited.  It's predecessor, Impulse, is on ALA's Banned/Challenged list, so I'm going to be giving a copy away during Banned Books Week (September 24th-October 1st).  Stay tuned!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is another fun blog event. Hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, this event gives us a chance to talk about the books we anxiously await the release of. Since there is ALWAYS a looooooong list of books I'm waiting on (I actually keep a spreadsheet), I figured this is one that I MUST do.


I've actually learned about a lot of new books through this meme, and although I had planned on doing Insurgent by Veronica Roth now that the cover has been revealed, I have a feeling EVERYONE will doing that one this week, so...

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

(Courtesy of Goodreads)

I have recently become a fan of Lisa McMann.  I read Cryer's Cross when it came out early this year and thought that it was great.  I decided after reading it that I should give Wake a try.  I read it this past spring, and thought it was very good.  When I got an advance copy of The Unwanteds I read it and decided that it was the best MG book of the year (my 10 year old is reading it for the 3rd time).  When I heard this was coming out and read the synopsis, I was like, "Hell Yeah! This book is going to be GOOD!".  So, I am waiting on Dead to You by Lisa McMann.  What are you waiting on?

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: February 7th, 2012

My Expected Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★