Category: New Releases

DAC :: THE S-WORD

11 Comments

I’m excited to discuss Chelsea Pitcher‘s intensly honest, issue-driven  debut novel The S-Word…
(Reviewed for the Debut Author Challenge)

From Goodreads: Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she’s caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie’s own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out. Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.

The S-Word is very much an issue book. Suicide, homosexuality, date rape, child molestation, slut-shaming, bullying, and cutting are all given varying degrees of attention throughout the course of the story. Sound like a lot? There were times when it felt like a lot, to be honest. While the novel was entirely absorbing, I wish author Chelsea Pitcher would have narrowed the story’s focus a bit, allowing me more time and space to fully absorb the gravity of the issues presented. That said, she handles the heavy content with the courtesy and reverence it deserves, without ever crossing into preachy territory.

My favorite thing about The S-Word, hands down, is protagonist Angie’s voice. She reads as so spot-on eighteen, it’s hard to believe the author isn’t a teen herself. Angie’s brutally honest stream-of-conscience narration and facetious conversational comebacks made this book a swift and entertaining read. But as much as I enjoyed Angie’s voice, there were a few instances during which I found her a little too flippant for the subject matter. Her lifelong best friend has just killed herself and Angie’s harboring tons of guilt. While I understand that distancing herself is a coping mechanism, there were times when Angie felt too clever and catty. I found myself wanting more emotion and less wit.

The S-Word‘s conclusion is another of its strengths. The story wrapped up in a way that felt satisfying and realistic. I thought the principal characters (with the exception of one — highlight: Lizzie’s father) got exactly what he or she deserved, and Angie made some big strides in becoming a more compassionate, more mature person. I found myself thinking of her even after I finished reading the novel, wondering what she might’ve chosen to do with her life after high school.

If you’re a fan of issue books with authentic teen voice, you will probably like The S-Word. Its tone reminded me of Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers, as well as Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally. Definitely check out The S-Word if you’re a fan of either of those novels, or of serious contemporary YA.

What’s the last issue book you read and enjoyed?

(Learn more about the Debut Author Challenge HERE.)

Bookanista Rec :: QUINTANA OF CHARYN

10 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation is Quintana of Charyn, the final novel in Melina Marchetta‘s incredible Lumatere Chronicles.

From Goodreads – Separated from the girl he loves and has sworn to protect, Froi and his companions travel through Charyn searching for Quintana and building an army that will secure her unborn child’s right to rule. While in the valley between two kingdoms, Quintana of Charyn and Isaboe of Lumatere come face-to-face in a showdown that will result in heartbreak for one and power for the other. The complex tangle of bloodlines, politics, and love introduced in Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles coalesce into an engrossing climax in this final volume.

{In case you missed my review of Finnikin of the Rock, the first of three novels in the Lumatere Chronicles, you can check it out HERE. Mild Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles spoilers to follow…}

Since reading Finnikin, I zipped through Froi of the Exiles, which was wonderful but, as is often the case “middle” books, was my least favorite of the trilogy. When I finished Froi, I dove straight into Quintana of Charyn and read obsessively from beginning to end. In hindsight, I’m glad I waited until all three Lumatere Chronicles books were released before beginning to read them. This trilogy is complex; its cast of characters is extensive, and its plots are numerous and overlapping — I’m forgetful and I imagine I would’ve ended up confused if I’d had to endure a year between books. It was a treat to be immersed in this world and the lives of these characters for a few weeks, with no interruption or waiting.

Quintana of Charyn is a stunning conclusion to an amazing trilogy. Despite its considerable length and complicated storyline, it is a fast read. I had a hard time putting it down, and even when I did, I was still thinking about Quintana, Froi, Finnikin, Isaboe, Lucian, Phaedra, and the many other vibrant characters who populated this book and its predecessors.

The characters made this story for me; they kept me up late reading, and made me worry and wonder and smile and sigh. The way they loved each other, fiercely and unabashedly, made it easy to fall in love with them. I found each of the main characters (and there were many) to be distinct and flawed and brilliantly drawn, with redeeming qualities that made them absolutely endearing. The complexities of their relationships — extreme highs and intense lows — made them seem so real and accessible, even within their high fantasy setting. (And while we’re talking characters, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I ❤ Lucian so hard. He is such a man and I dig that.)

Aside from the characters, Quintana‘s plot (and the way it builds upon the plots of the previous books) is its greatest strength. There are many POVs and lots of crazy things going down, but the novel never read as convoluted or confusing. I attribute that to the tight and precise weaving of the story’s threads. I LOVE when random details sprinkled throughout a book reappear hundreds of pages later and become major elements in the story’s plot. Melina Marchetta is a masterful plotter (hello, Jellicoe Road), and the careful way she planned and executed the Lumatere Chronicles gave me chills many times over. Bits of information that seemed inconsequential in the first two books came together in the most satisfying way by the time Quintana of Charyn wrapped up. And, while we’re speaking of conclusions, I must say that Quintana did not disappoint. In fact, I’ll go so far as to declare it one of the most gratifying finales I’ve read.

I love this trilogy so very much, for its dynamic characters, sophisticated themes, and beautiful prose. I’ll recommend it up and down the blogosphere, but I think fans of high fantasy will especially appreciate it. Even if you’re not a big fantasy reader (I am not), please do give Quintana of Charyn and the Lumatere Chronicles a read. I think you’ll be glad you did.

A few related reads:
Lola Sharp’s review, which speaks eloquently to Quintana‘s mature themes.
Kat Kennedy’s glowing review — she’s a Marchetta fangirl like me!
Ten Reasons to Read the Lumatere Chronicles from Belle’s Bookshelf…
An interview with Melina Marchetta concerning the Chronicles from Hypable

And don’t forget to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to:

Elana Johson is enthralled by CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson

Stasia Ward Kehoe is mesmerized by GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers

Christine Fonseca adores DEAD SILENCE by Kimberly Derting

Corrine Jackson revels in ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sara Dessen

Kimberly Sabatini is touched by TARNISH by Katherine Longshore

What are you reading now? Any recommendations?

Book Talk :: USES FOR BOYS

8 Comments

Uses For Boys, a contemporary YA novel by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
(Reviewed for the Debut Author Challenge and The Bookanistas.)

From Goodreads: Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna’s new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can’t know. Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.

I first heard about Uses For Boys on author Sarah McCarry‘s blog, The Rejectionist. She wrote an honest and affecting piece on slut-shaming as it relates to this debut novel and its Goodreads reviews. The undeniable thread of ignorance in the review excerpts Sarah included in her post hurt my heart and made me wonder, yet again, at the lack of compassion in some people. The excerpts Sarah posted also made me wonder about the book itself. So, I did a little more research on Uses For Boys. While it was pretty clear from the story’s summary that Anna and I don’t have a lot in common, her journey intrigued me.

Uses For Boys is a tough book to read. It’s a character study, an in-depth, unflinching look at what it’s like to live in Anna’s shoes, and it is haunting. Throughout most of the story, Anna is just trying to survive. Yes, she makes some crappy choices. Yes, there were several occasions when I thought, Oh, Anna, don’t do that! Yes, Anna sleeps with a lot of boys, and yes, several of them are one night stands. But the thing is, Anna has her reasons for behaving the way she does. Reasons that, for the most part, spiral back to her neglectful mother and the varied occasions of assault Anna suffered early-on. I may not have been able to relate to Anna’s experiences, but I was certainly rooting for her to find happiness and some inner peace. Erica Lorraine Scheidt’s fearless flair for storytelling and stark, lyrical prose helped me empathize with her protagonist in a way I didn’t think I’d be able to.

My favorite parts of Uses For Boys were the chapters involving Toy, Anna’s incredibly complex best friend, and Sam, the gentle boy who comes along toward the end of the novel and, with his awesome family, becomes a catalyst of change in Anna’s life. Additionally, and this is sort of a small thing, but I also loved the way Erica Lorraine Scheidt described Anna and Toy’s clothing. Fashion is such a big part of their lives — it’s what brought them together and, at times, it’s what keeps them together. Their senses of style and clothing choices were so eccentric and odd, they added a very cool bit of color to an otherwise dark story.

Uses For Boys is definitely one to check out if you’re a fan of edgy, upper YA (this book is very frank in its discussions of sexuality), and if you enjoy character-driven contemporary stories.

Check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to today:

Corrine Jackson is swept away by SUCH A RUSH

Christine Fonseca interviews THE LIES THATBIND authors
Lisa & Laura Roecker

Elana Johson celebrates THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

Stasia Ward Kehoe parties with the Academy of American Poets on
POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY

Jessica Loveis wowed by WHERE THINGS COME BACK by John Corey Whaley

Tracy Banghart delves into THE HOST (book & movie) by Stephenie Meyer

And learn more about the Debut Author Challenge HERE.

March Reading Wrap-Up

18 Comments

Big thanks to my ongoing mental rut and the well-greased elliptical at my fitness center for all the reading motivation and time. I experienced some pretty fantastic books in March… 

When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle – This book came highly recommended by several friends and I ended up liking it quite a bit. The spin on Romeo and Juliet is unique, and main character Rose was likable. I thought her friendship with Charlie and Olivia was this story’s greatest strength. I loved the unwavering loyalty between the girls. Rob (Romeo), on the other hand, was a total douche. I don’t want to spoil anything, but let’s just say that the emerging relationship between Rose and “the other guy” was far more romantic.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren – If you’ve been following my blog for any amount of time, you know this isn’t exactly my usual kind of book. But I have to say… I liked it better than I though I would. I was prepared for smut and cheesiness — both were present — but there was also some genuine emotion and a semblance of plot. The stakes weren’t terribly high, but Chloe was a smart, sassy woman with a backbone, and Bennett was reasonably complicated and eventually likable. I appreciated that Chloe didn’t let her cocky boss walk all over her, and Bennett’s arc was enough to leave me satisfied (jeez… no innuendo intended). While I probably won’t read more books of this type, I have to say: I didn’t hate it.

The List by Siobhan Vivian – I was hesitant to pick up this book thanks to the mention of eight (!) narrators in the summary. The mere idea of it seemed really… crowded. But, I’m SO glad I gave The List a chance. This novel was excellent: compelling and relevant and surprising. It was easy to keep track of the eight girls whose names appear on the list because their voices and their stories are all incredibly unique. Similar to the movie Mean Girls and Courtney Summers’s  Some Girls Are, I feel like The List should required reading for all girls about to enter high school. Its message is profound without ever trying too hard. My full review is HERE (at YA Confidential).

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – I loved this book more than I can eloquently express. I actually considered not reviewing it because it’s so hard to put into words how deeply Eleanor and Park’s story impacted me — I absolutely adore these two. Eleanor & Park is just too incredible not to recommend, so I featured it in a raving, fangirl-ish Bookanista post. You can read it HERE.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan – I don’t read tons of books classified as paranormal, and I don’t often read books that people describe as “funny,” but Unspoken got so much love during the 2012 Superlatives Blogfest (thank you for the constant mentions, Tracey and Jess!), I just couldn’t resist. Unspoken is funny, but not in a silly, slapstick sort of way. Rather, protagonist Kami is quick and witty, and her motley crew is always up to some sort of craziness in the name of journalistic truth. My favorite part of this story (by far) is the very complicated bond between Kami and Jared, and, to be honest, the last few pages of the book kind of shattered my heart. Cannot wait to read the next in this series, Untold.

Requiem by Lauren Oliver – I liked Delirium a lot, and Pandemonium was one of my favorite books of 2012. Requiem, while very, very good, left me wanting more. Lauren Oliver’s writing was predictably gorgeous, and Lena continued to be a protagonist I could relate to and root for, but the road the romance took in this final installment was not what I was hoping for (totally my personal preference, so if you’re on Team Other Guy, you’re probably hating me right now). Also, the final chapters left me slightly underwhelmed. I wanted more — more emotion, more explanation, more wow. I don’t know… Am I crazy?

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson – This one is not just a military book, nor is it just a cheating book.  There’s so much to Quinn’s story: weighty family issues, bullying, genuine (though rather untraditional) friendships, and incomprehensibly difficult choices.The dynamic between Quinn, Carey, and their good friend Blake was incredibly compelling, and Jackson’s writing is lovely, nuanced and authentic and without fluff. A definite recommend. You can find my full Bookanista review HERE.

Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley – Lots to like about this novel: the slowly unraveling mystery behind Angie’s disappearance and “the man” who held her prisoner for years, the complex science behind “fragmented” personalities, the ups and downs of recovering from unimaginable trauma, and the complicated preexisting relationships Angie is thrown back into after emerging from captivity. That said, Angie’s lack of emotion (while understandable when factoring in her “alters”) made her occasionally difficult to connect with. Recommended to those who enjoy stories of the psychological sort. My full review is HERE.

Tell me: What’s the very best book you read in March?

DAC :: PRETTY GIRL-13

13 Comments

I’m excited to discuss one of my most anticipated 2013 novels:
Liz Coley‘s gripping debut Pretty Girl-13 
(Reviewed for the Debut Author Challenge)

From Goodreads – Reminiscent of the Elizabeth Smart case, Pretty Girl-13 is a disturbing and powerful psychological mystery about a girl who must piece together the story of her kidnapping and captivity. Angie Chapman was thirteen years old when she ventured into the woods alone on a Girl Scouts camping trip. Now she’s returned home…only to find that it’s three years later and she’s sixteen-or at least that’s what everyone tells her. What happened to the past three years of her life? Angie doesn’t know. But there are people who do — people who could tell Angie every detail of her forgotten time, if only they weren’t locked inside her mind. With a tremendous amount of courage, Angie embarks on a journey to discover the fragments of her personality, otherwise known as her “alters.” As she unearths more and more about her past, she discovers a terrifying secret and must decide: When you remember things you wish you could forget, do you destroy the parts of yourself that are responsible? Liz Coley’s alarming and fascinating psychological mystery is a disturbing – and ultimately empowering page-turner about accepting our whole selves, and the healing power of courage, hope, and love.

I’ve been fascinated with Elizabeth Smart’s harrowing kidnapping experience since she went missing in 2002, and equally captivated by the graceful public recovery she’s made since she was rescued nine months later. When I found out Liz Coley’s contemporary debut, Pretty-Girl-13, was reminiscent of the Smart case, I was immediately interested. Mentions of Angie’s lost memory and her “alters” were also intriguing. I snatched this book up as soon as it was released.

Pretty Girl-13 is an unputdownable novel, one I found myself thinking about even when I wasn’t reading. There is a lot to like: the slowly unraveling mystery behind Angie’s disappearance and “the man” who held her prisoner for years, the complex science behind “fragmented” personalities, the ups and downs of recovering from unimaginable trauma, and the complicated preexisting relationships Angie is thrown back into after emerging from captivity.

Without giving too much away, I’ll say that Liz Coley handled the different voices in this story with a deft hand. I found her narrative smooth and easy to follow. Furthermore, I found the way she explained the dense (and occasionally fictionalized) science behind Angie’s condition to be clear and easy to understand. While Angie spends a lot of time in therapy and with doctors, her story never reads as bogged down with medical terminology.

*(A few spoilers follow in white text. Highlight to read.)*

Pretty Girl-13 is a difficult novel to sit back and simply read. Angie has an incredibly rough go of it, and there is quite a bit of detail in the descriptions of her suffering. While I understand that Angie’s mind found a way to “protect” her from shock and pain, there were a few occasions during which I wanted more emotion from her. Sometimes I thought she handled her situation with too much poise; she was able to shrug off terribly upsetting news that would have completely undone most people (highlight to read: for example, when she saw the scars on her ankles left by the bindings used by her captor, her first thought was that she wouldn’t be able to wear sandals anymore). I think I would have related more to Angie if she would have broken down a few times, as I imagine I would if faced with her situation.

More often than not, I found myself reading Pretty Girl-13 through my Mom Lens, which made it hard to suspend belief in some instances. For example, if my daughter disappeared without a trace for three years, then appeared on my doorstep with huge memory gaps, bearing evidence of disturbing physical abuse, there’s no way I’d ever let her out of my sight again. Angie’s parents, in my opinion, didn’t react to their daughter’s experience with enough intensity or heartache. I found it odd that, knowing what they did about Angie’s mental state, her parents allowed her to baby-sit late at night for the neighbor’s infant. I was also unsettled by the way a certain family issue (highlight to read: Yuncle’s repeated inscestual abuse of Angie) was essentially swept under the rug. I wanted more resolution for Angie in that area, especially considering that it was the catalyst that made her mind ripe for fracturing under distressing situations.

My favorite thing about Pretty Girl-13 was Angie’s enduring strength. Despite its difficult subject matter, this is a hopeful sort of novel, one that left me with much to think about, and a definite sense of optimism. Recommended to those who enjoy stories of the psychological sort.

Learn more about the Debut Author Challenge HERE.

YA Book Club :: JUST ONE DAY

16 Comments

{YA Book Club is the brainchild of writer/blogger Tracey Neithercott.
For guidelines and additional info, click the image above.}

March’s YA Book Club selection is Gayle Forman‘s latest novel Just One Day. I posted a glowing review of the story back in February and upon rereading that post, I noticed two things: One, my feelings regarding this story haven’t changed. And two, I stand by my declaration that Just One Day will be one of my very favorite 2013 releases.

I have family in town this week and I am on a whale-watching boat in the Monterey Bay right this very second (hopefully not completely seasick), so I am going to cheat and repost my Febraury review. My apologies if you’ve already read it. If you haven’t… Enjoy!

c3647cba73d011e2a7ab22000a1f97eb_7

From Goodreads: When sheltered American good girl Allyson “LuLu” Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines. Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon (October, 2013)!

Gayle Forman is one of those authors, one who is just so awesome she’s taken on a bit of a celebrity status in my head. She’s smart and generous in sharing her wisdom (as evident in blog posts like this one), and she’s thoughtful and classy (even when she’s calling people out for being assholes, like in this post). I was lucky enough to hear her speak at an event last year, and I was blown away by how funny and bright and authentic she was. I’ve come to look up to her both as a writer and a person, and If I Stay and Where She Went are two of my very favorite contemporaries. So, of course I terrified to read her latest release. I mean… What if I was a disappointed?

Thankfully, I was not.

If I had to describe Just One Day in just one word, that word would be RICH. It is a story that is rich in far-reaching themes (finding your identity, lost love, coming of age, making a mark; there are mentions of Shakespeare throughout the novel). It is a story that is rich in lusciously-described settings (Paris, Mexico, Amsterdam, London, among others). And it is a story that is rich in colorful, dynamic characters (I adored Dee most). Every sentence, every page, every chapter of Just One Day made me think and wonder and imagine and  feel, which is the very best kind of reading experience.

I absolutely loved this book.

I think that’s mostly because I got the main character, Allyson. I understood her need to please, empathized with her initial absence of identity, felt the gaping hole she suffered when things with Willem went to hell. When I was eighteen, I was a lot like Allyson — that perfection-seeking girl with a lack of confidence and very little autonomy. That’s why it was so compelling to watch her grow into her personality and become self-reliant, a full, well-rounded person. That’s why I was rooting for her even when she was at her lowest and, frankly, sort of hard to like. By the time I reached the final page of her story, I wanted to be Allyson’s friend. I wanted to travel Europe with her!

Now. Let’s talk about Willem. I want to read his story, Just One Year, like, RIGHT NOW. Just One Day ends in a pretty staggering cliffhanger. The story will continue on in Willem’s narration coming this October (*sigh*), and I cannot wait to hear his side of the story. As of now, I know him only through Allyson’s romanced eyes. In Paris, he is charming and fun and sexy and impulsive, but I get the overwhelming sense that there is much more to Willem than the persona he presented to Allyson. I didn’t love his apparent love ’em and leave ’em ways, but I think we’re going to learn that there’s a very real and reasonable explanation for his behavior. I am so looking forward to learning more about him, his presumably complicated past, his feelings concerning LuLu, and what exactly happened on that fateful morning in Paris.

Fans of contemporary YA, fans of romance, fans of beautiful writing, fans of books: please, pLeAsE, PLEASE go buy Just One Day. It is a gorgeous, emotional, whirlwind of a read, and you will love every minute of it.

Tell Me: Have you read Just One Day? How do you think it measures up to Gayle Forman’s other novels?

(Don’t forget to drop by Tracey’s blog to see what other YA Book Club participants thought of Just One Day!)

Bookanista Rec: ELEANOR & PARK

30 Comments

Today in amazing books:
A sweet, unflinching, achingly real young adult romance…
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
(Reviewed for the Debut Author Challenge and The Bookanistas)

From Goodreads: TWO MISFITS. ONE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE. 
It’s 1986 and two star-crossed teens are smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love–and just how hard it pulled you under.

 A cross between ’80s movie Sixteen Candles and the classic coming-of-age novel Looking for Alaska, Eleanor & Park is a brilliantly written young adult novel.

And a tiny excerpt from Rainbow Rowell’s website: 

“Bono met his wife in high school,” Park says.

“So did Jerry Lee Lewis,” Eleanor answers.

“I’m not kidding,” he says.

“You should be,” she says, “we’re 16.”

“What about Romeo and Juliet?”

“Shallow, confused, then dead.”

“I love you,” Park says.

“Wherefore art thou,” Eleanor answers.

“I’m not kidding,” he says.

“You should be.”

Honest confession: I loved this book more than I can eloquently express. I actually considered skipping a review because it’s so hard to put into words how profoundly Eleanor and Park’s story impacted me. But, Eleanor & Park is too incredible not to recommend. So, with the help of bullet points, I will try to explain why you must to read this novel…

  • Eleanor – She’s crass and self-conscious, sarcastic and quick-witted. She’s a low-income chubby girl who dresses in over-sized men’s clothing and avoids eye contact. Sounds hard to like, right? Well, she’s not. In fact, Eleanor is so courageous and vivid and resolute and real, it’s easy to be on her side. Seeing her through Park’s adoring eyes doesn’t hurt either.  
  • Park – He’s small, half-Asian. He’s punk rock, reads comic books, kicks ass at taekwondo, and goes through an eyeliner phase. He’s also mentally floundering, trying to figure out where he fits in at school and among his family. Park is easy to love: honest and loyal and sweet and inimitable. I want to hug him. 
  • Setting – Eleanor & Park is set in the eighties, which is all kinds of awesome. The musical references alone made me want to jump into a time machine set to 1986 Omaha. Also, the absence of technology (cell phones, the Internet) aids in the slow-burn getting-to-know-you stage of Eleanor and Park’s relationship. 
  • Park’s Parents – I don’t usually pay a lot of attention to the parents in YA novels (probably because more often than not they’re inconsequential), but Park’s parents totally won me over. They’re deeply in love, which is a nice change of pace. His Korean mother is adorable and sassy and strong, and his father, while brusque and quite opinionated, clearly has an enormous heart. 
  • The Hand Holding – Oh my goodness… Who knew hand holding could be such a sensual, tantalizing event? It’s about as far as Eleanor and Park go for the first half of the novel, but the way Rainbow Rowell describes it — the literal action of holding hands, not to mention the tangle of emotions involved — is so evocative and beautiful. It gave me all the first-love butterflies. 
  • Against the World – There’s not one Big Bad Antagonist in Eleanor & Park. Rather, the two protagonists are putting out fires left and right: Park’s initially disapproving parents, Eleanor’s completely tragic home life, bullies at school, not to mention their own private uncertainties and insecurities. Watching Eleanor and Park work through their problems was equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. 
  • The End – I had a physical heart-drop reaction as I read the final words of Eleanor & Park. The conclusion is open-ended, left to be interpreted, and at first I wanted MORE. But upon further consideration, I realized that the end of this story is exactly what it should be: hopeful and lovely and very much befitting its tone. 

I feel confident declaring that Eleanor & Park will be one of my very favorite 2013 releases. But if you’re still not convinced, check out the Eleanor & Park review John Green wrote for The New York Times: “Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.”

And don’t forget to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to:

Jessica Love covets the cover of ALIENATED

Elana Johson thinks MAGISTERIUM is magical

Tracy Banghart counts on THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY
OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Shelli Johannes-Wells  is wild for POISON

Stasia Ward Kehoe basks IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS

Nikki Katz adores OUT OF THE EASY

 

And learn more about the Debut Author Challenge HERE.

Book Rec: TAKEN

20 Comments

I am so very excited to share one of my most anticipated 2013 debut novels:
Erin Bowman‘s futuristic dystopian thriller, Taken (April 16th)
(Reviewed for the Debut Author Challenge and The Bookanistas.)

Taken (Taken, #1)From Goodreads: There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone. They call it the Heist. Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive. Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

This is a tricky review to write because Taken is one of those very cool novels in which almost nothing is as it originally seems. That summary up above? It’s only the beginning. Countless surprises follow, and to discuss the story itself would be to spoil it. I will say that Erin Bowman’s plotting is tight and her twists are unexpected. Seemingly inconsequential bits of information presented early in the story have a way of popping back up at crucial moments, tying once unrelated threads together. There was never a dull moment in Taken. I flew through this book as if I was on Gray’s journey with him — and what an exciting journey it was.

Speaking of Gray… I totally fell for him. It was refreshing to read a dystopian YA story told from a male protagonist’s perspective, and Erin totally nailed Gray’s sheltered, contemplative, gritty voice. While he certainly has his flaws, I found Gray incredibly endearing. His temper is short and much of his decision making is rash, but he is loyal and vulnerable and very much a romantic. I loved, too, the female characters in this story, Bree especially. Oh my goodness… She is totally kick ass. Like, literally! Plus, she’s part of one of the best almost-kiss scenes I’ve ever read, one that totally made me laugh out loud.

Erin Bowman has a gift for simple, graceful prose that reads as effortless. In Taken, she has built a complex, formidable world and woven a truly unputdownable story — I’m already curious about how the remainder of this trilogy will play out. Fans of twisty dystopians like The Giver, Matched, and Under the Never Sky will be all over this novel. I can’t wait for you to read it!

{In the interest of full disclosure, I feel like it’s important to mention that Erin and I have been friends for a few years. While I adore her personally (here’s her Twitter and her blog), my review of Taken is without bias.}

Check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to today:

Jessica Love raves about MY LIFE NEXT DOOR

Elana Johnson is head over heels for LET THE SKY FALL

And learn more about the Debut Author Challenge HERE.

Hello, March!

29 Comments

It’s March! That means spring is right around the corner, which makes this warm weather lover very, very happy. Come on, sunshine!

While I’m gad to welcome a new month, I have to say, February was good to me. I ran 160 miles, which puts my 2013 total at 321 miles. I also decided which writing project I most want to focus on next, and began outlining it in earnest. And, I read tons of amazing books. Like, so many! It was glorious! Here are the highlights:

The Tragedy PaperThe Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan – A quiet sort of book. The characters who populate its pages are wholesome kids mostly trying to do the right thing. But, they have weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and those weaknesses and vulnerabilities are what kept me turning pages. Perfect for fans of contemporary YA, and readers who appreciate clean, straightforward prose and characters who experience profound growth over the course of a story. My full review is HERE. 

The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter, #1)The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd – I’ve been waiting to read this one since my first glimpse of its beautiful cover many months ago. There’s been no shortage of buzz surrounding this book, and now I see why. While it was a bit of a slow start for me (Juliet doesn’t arrive at her father’s creep-tastic island until about 100 pages in), there was so much about The Madman’s Daughter I enjoyed. My full review is HERE.

Just One Day (Just One Day, #1)Just One Day by Gayle Forman – Oh, this book… LOVE. I totally got main character, Allyson. I understood her need to please, empathized with her initial absence of identity, felt the gaping hole she suffered when things with Willem went to hell. And Willem was compelling in his own right: charming and fun and sexy and impulsive, but with depth we haven’t quite gotten to the bottom to yet. I can’t wait for his follow-up novel because Just One Day has become a new favorite. Find my full review HERE.

Taken (Taken, #1)Taken by Erin Bowman – Full review to come next month, but oh my goodness… This debut novel is fantastic. Erin Bowman has a way with lovely, spare prose and Gray, her complicated and conflicted and — ahem — hot main character, is nothing short of compelling. I can’t wait for you all to experience this book and its unique world and its many twists and surprises. A total page turner!

Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks, #2)Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally – I read Miranda Kenneally’s debut, Catching Jordan, last year and liked it a lot. I have to say, I enjoyed Stealing Parker even more. While it took me awhile to warm up to Parker, when I did, I was completely endeared. And the romantic interest she eventually ends up with… adorable. The way this novel tackles love and sexuality as they relate to religion and “right and wrong” was smart and fresh. A recommend for fans of contemporary YA romance novels with sassy voice.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi – I know I just raved about this one yesterday, but yes… This stuffing sequel more than lives up to its predecessor. There’s no dreaded Middle Book Dragging in this novel. Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder — they are all as dynamic and fascinating as they were in Under the Never Sky. And the chemistry between Aria and Perry… Yowza. My full review is HERE.

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr – I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for nearly a year and I continuously passed it up because it involves teen pregnancy and that’s not really my thing. I should have know better, though, because Sara Zarr is amazing and apparently capable of taking any common-in-YA element and spinning it in such a way that I become totally and completely invested. Her writing is just so effortless and gorgeous; I actually shed tears at the end of this one (for those who’ve read: Dylan = Adorable). How to Save a Life is one of those quiet, lovely books that hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention. It has become my personal mission to remedy that. Read this book — you will LOVE it.

Tell me: What’s the best book you read in February? 

Book Rec: THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT

14 Comments

A stunning sequel that more than lives up to its predecessor…
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
(Find my review of Under the Never Sky HERE.)

From Goodreads: It’s been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don’t take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. With the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe’s precarious existence, Aria fears that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both. 
Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?
In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

A few days ago I was chatting with a some fellow book lovers about Dystopian Fatigue. I think most of it have felt it at one time or another — that mental sigh we experience when we hear about yet another new dystopian novel hitting the shelves. There are just so many dystopian-esque books that have recently come out, or are about to come out, and sometimes it’s hard to keep them all straight. It can be difficult to see each book as unique, and it’s a challenge to dive into yet another story set in one of those dystopic worlds that, for me at least, have a tendency to blend together.

I’m happy to report that this is definitely not the case with Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky trilogy. I am absolutely smitten with these books, their world, and their characters. Rossi seamlessly and brilliantly blends the oh-so-popular dystopian trend with strong elements of fantasy and romance, making her novels feel so original: fast-paced, atmospheric, and totally swoonworthy.

My very favorite thing about Through the Ever Night (a “middle” book that could have dragged but absolutely did not), is the way Rossi challenged Perry and Aria’s relationship. Sweeping external conflict combined with super emotional internal conflict made their romance so captivating and so real. I was rooting for them not just because their kisses are steamy and their banter is fun (both true), but because I could feel the way they cared about each other — deep down, and with everything in them.

I loved, too, the way Aria has grown and changed since we first met her in domed Reverie in Under the Never Sky. She was initially a difficult character for me to get behind, sheltered and self-centered and despondent as she was, and it’s been a joy to watch her transform into a strong, independent, caring person. I can’t wait to see what Into the Still Blue demands of her, not to mention Perry, Roar, Cinder, and the rest of Rossi’s fantastic cast of characters.

Through the Ever Night is most definitely a five star book, one lovers of romance, fantasy, and adventure will surely fall head over heals for. If you’ve yet to begin this amazing trilogy… What are you waiting for?!

Check out what one of my fellow Bookanistas is recommending:

Jessica Love introduces ELEANOR AND PARK.

Carolina Valdez Miller celebrates new book deals!

What’s the last dystopian novel you read and loved?