Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Book: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Available Formats: Ebook | Hardcover
Publication Date: July 31st, 2012 Harlequin Teen
How Did I Get This Book: For Review
First Sentence: "My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has... well... issues. How do you think I'm doing?"
Description: So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

When we met Echo, she's simply broken. She doesn't live her life; she walks around in a cloud of misery. She is separate from everyone and everything in her life, that is until she meets Noah. Noah is going through quite a bit as well; a few years ago his parents died in a house fire and entered the foster system. He's had a rough go of it and is having a difficult time getting his life back on track.

Much like the main characters, as the reader, you experience a complete range of emotions in regards to the other characters. You think you have your mind set about how you feel about them and then suddenly everything changes. I loved this. McGarry was able to not only get you to feel strongly about things, but was able to convince you that you were wrong in the end. I don't know about you, but this rarely happens to me when I'm reading. I get a feel for characters or situations in my mind and then I stick to it. I never really flip-flop about my decisions, I stick to my guns to the end. So the fact that by the end of the book my mind, just like the Echo's and Noah's, had been changed really impressed me.

I loved the dual narration of the book. McGarry flips back and forth from the perspective's of both Echo and Noah. They both had distinct, likable voices that kept me interested in their separate stories as well as their combined relationship. That being said, the main issue I had with this book was rooted in Noah's narration. He is constantly referring to Echo as a siren, nymph/goddess and it just didn't work for me. I mean, I can't say for sure, but I cannot imagine a teenage boy running around thinking those things. Unless of course this was a fantasy and she actually was a mythological creature.

That being said, I felt the book seem to drag a bit. It's not that I found it boring, it's just that it felt long. I was interested in what McGarry had to say, it just felt drawn out at times.

Favorite Quotes

My father was a strange combination of drill instructor and Alice's white rabbit: he always had someplace important to go and enjoyed bossing everyone else around.

His dark eyes searched mine and then moved down to inspect the rest of my body. I should tell him to stop or make a sarcastic comment or at least feel degraded, but none of that happened.

It doesn't get any better," I said. "The pain. The wounds scab over and you don't always feel like a knife is slashing through you. But when you least expect it, the pain flashes to remind you you'll never be the same."

Luke used to give me butterflies. Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls. 

Dizzy from nerves, I swayed to the right. Noah took a small step toward me while guiding me into him using gentle pressure on my back. I shouldn't be touching him, but I wanted to hear the answer and I needed someone to lean on. Just one time - this one moment only - I would rely on him.

There are edges around the black and every now and then a flash of color streaks out of the gray.

I should have thrown her over my shoulder and dragged her from the gym. Instead, like an idiot, I'd given her the choice. 

Not sure how I felt about Antonio and Echo, I linked my fingers with hers. Antonio cocked a surprised eyebrow. Damn straight,bro. I did just mark my territory. 

I was done being controlled.

The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see - the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it.

Review: Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

Book: Paradise by Jill S. Alexander
Pages: 256
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Buy A Copy: Amazon / Book Depository
Available Formats: Hardcover / Ebook
Publication Date: July 5th, 2011

First Sentence: "All it took to find Paradise was a five dollar bill and an ad in the Thrifty Nickel."
How Did I Get This Book:  From Publisher, For Review
Description: Paisley Tillery is the drummer for a country rock band. If they can make it to the stage at the Texapalooza music fest, then Paisley will be closer to her dream of a career in music and a ticket out of her small Texas town. Drumming and music are what Paisley has always wanted. Until the band gets a new lead singer, the boy from Paradise, Texas. With Paradise in her life, what Paisley wants, and what she needs, complicate her dreams coming true.

Well, let me just start off by saying, I really, really, wanted to love Paradise. The description made it sound like something that would be right up my alley – a music obsessed, strong willed teenage girl pursuing her dreams to make it big. Plus, it had a cowboy. Sounds great, right? If only. 

First of all, Paisley didn’t exactly jump off the page for me. I loved the setting of the book (rural Texas) and I enjoyed the idea of the characters, but I struggled to connect with them – especially Paisley. She was so overtaken with the idea of playing at Texapalooza, that her character was utterly consumed by it. She came across as incredibly one dimensional and her relationships with other people suffered. I did however enjoy her narrative. Alexander does an excellent job giving Paisley a distinctive and undeniably entertaining voice.

I honestly, did not see much chemistry between Paisley and Gabe (aka Paradise).  The squeezebox playing cowboy instantly had a thing for our leading lady and she eventually admitted her feelings for him. That being said, I did not really feel like they were good together. First of all, Gabe could be rather pushy. While I was trying to sort out my feelings on Paradise,  I looked at some other reviews. Nobody else seemed to be bothered by his character, but he certainly riled up my feathers a few times. There is a scene in which Paisley and Paradise are getting cozy in the back of his pickup and he keeps pestering her about going further. 

Paisley, for her part plays the “not now” and he gets irritable with her. Now, maybe this doesn’t seem like a big deal to others out there, but you have to look at the context.  I am not one of those people who flinches at sex in young adult books, but this particular scene got to me. At this point, Paisley and Paradise weren’t even together.  Does he really expect her to give in? Is it really okay that he pressures her like this? Is that just how things work in rural Texas? Look, I don’t know, the extent of my knowledge can be summed up by what I’ve seen on Friday Night Lights. But, I cannot imagine this sort of behavior would fly anywhere. Needless to say, his character certainly fell a few notches for me.

Now, let’s talk about the sucker punch of an ending. Look, I’m not the kind of person who needs a book to end with a “happily ever after”. But, at the same time, I cannot stand it when books have unnecessarily depressing endings either.  Unfortunately, I feel like the ending of Paradise was incredibly unnecessary. I am not saying things had to be all sunshine and rainbows, but it certainly didn’t need to be hurricanes and hailstorms either. 

In theory, Paradise sounded like a great idea. I love myself some cowboys, I am a huge music buff and I enjoy strong female leads. Unfortunately, the book itself just did not work for me. I could not connect to the characters, the leading man didn’t do it for me and the ending made me want to completely jump ship.  However, I seem to be in the minority here. So my advice to you (if Paradise sounds like something you would like) is to check out some other reviews on the book -tons of people really seemed to enjoy it. I however, am just not one of them. 

Favorite Quotes

"He ambled across the concrete floor with a bronc-busting swagger like he'd just gone eight seconds on Boom-Shocka-Locka."

"I reached into my back pocket. Pulled out my drumsticks. I tossed one into my left hand and twirled the other by my side. Just to let him know I was more than eye candy and the role of band badass was taken."

"Breathe, Paisley," he whispered. "Life's short."

"Sometimes when I played, I got the urge to tear it up, just pound away like I was running across the pasture racing for home. But at the moment, like a kid swinging on a summer afternoon, I closed my eyes and rode the rhythm."

"On a rise about two hundred yards inside a barbed-wire fence, the Tucker barn - with it's roof painted like the Texas flag and outlined in Christmas tree lights - twinkled like Barbie's Redneck Playhouse."

Review: Exposure by Therese Fowler

Book: Exposure by Therese Fowler
Pages:  381
Genre: Fiction / Young Adult
Buy A Copy: Barnes & Noble / Amazon
Available Formats: Hardcover / Ebook
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2011
How Did I Get This Book:  For Review, From Publisher
Description: In Exposure, Therese Fowler has written her most gripping novel to date—a ripped-from-the-headlines story of ardent young love and a nightmarish legal maelstrom that threatens to destroy two families.Amelia Wilkes’s strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents only after she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.

Despite Amelia’s frantic protests, Harlan uses his wealth and influence with local law enforcement and the media to label Anthony a deviant who preyed on his innocent daughter. Spearheaded by a zealous prosecutor anxious to turn the case into a public crusade against “sexting,” the investigation soon takes an even more disturbing and destructive turn.

As events spiral wildly out of control and the scandalous story makes national news, Amelia and Anthony risk everything in a bold and dangerous attempt to clear their names and end the madness once and for all.

A captivating page-turner, Therese Fowler’s Exposure is also a deftly crafted, provocative, and timely novel that serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of love in the modern age.

Exposure by Therese Fowler is a boldly captivating, riveting and at times, haunting story of young love that is distorted and misinterpreted by outside forces. What makes Exposure a standout novel is the fact that the characters are so utterly real. I think that everyone can relate to these teenagers because everyone knows an Amelia and an Anthony. You can truly connect with the story, because you can get inside it. You feel a kinship with these teens, because they have such honesty in them.

The story definitely has elements of heartbreak, especially in the way that the relationship between Amelia and Anthony is skewed and formed into something else by her father. As you read the passages narrated by the young adults, a vision of a all-consuming, genuine first love. When you see it from the fathers eyes and see what he tries to portray their relationship as – well it stirs up quite a reaction. Therein lies the gold-mine of Exposure – strong reactions and difficult emotions.

Fowler expertly plays up these heightened feelings and forces readers to take notice of this difficult subject matter. She beautifully crafts this complicated tale of a young love that is cast in different lights depending on the viewer. Fowler throws many difficult questions at the reader and forces you to feel. This, I think is the mark of a wonderful book -something that pushes the boundaries, something that takes hold of you and puts you through a riveting emotional ride. 

The writing is superb, the storyline is captivating and the characters are honest. Honestly, I do not know what else you could ask for. Exposure is one of those rare novels that quickly grabs hold of you and never really lets go. If you enjoy challenging storylines that not only encourage thinking, but demand it – then Exposure is the book for you. 

Favorite Quotes

"He, with his luxurious hair, his full lips, his quick wit, his quiet assurance, was her savior. He'd made her believe not only that she should claim her future for herself when the time came, but that she truly would. Her father did not own her. No man did. Whatever she would do, wherever she would go, it would be all on her terms."

"Loss creates a hole, true, but it also opens space to be filled anew."

"...but she had never loved a man with wholehearted abandon, with the rapturous blindness that seems possible for only the young. No one had ever adored her without reserve, planned his life so that it would braid with hers, not simply coexist."

"Amelia did things to him, to his brain, to his heart, that no girl had ever done before. She could make him dizzy, literally, just by standing close enough for him to smell her."

Review: Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie

Book: Dream Smashers by Angela Carlie
Pages: 244
Genre: Young Adult 
Buy A Copy: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Available Formats: Ebook / Paperback
Publication Date: April 4th, 2011
How Did I Get This Book: From Author for Review
Preview Book: Read Chapter 1
Description: Sixteen-year-old Autumn has spent her entire life worrying about others. Her ailing grandma, meth-addicted mom, and a best friend who is always in trouble. She's spent the last few years attempting to worry less, to be carefree, without success.

Enter Evan, whose radiant attitude is an Autumn magnet. With Evan at her side, Autumn's able to let some of her worries go as they trudge through life's difficulties and fall for each other in the process.

A girl who no longer wants to care and a boy who cares enough for the both of them, Dream Smashers is a love story, but most of all, it's about letting go.

Dream Smashers is a daring and intelligent contemporary young adult story that features an interesting and likeable heroine.

Autumn Winters is a bit of a mess, but what sixteen year old isn't? Autumn has spent her life trying to keep things together - she has been thrown a lot of curves balls and she struggles to stay on top. You see, her mother is a meth addict and Autumn wants nothing to do with her destructive life. This creates an interesting dynamic in Autumn, because she wants to be a good person. She certainly isn't perfect, but she certainly is trying to better herself. Her inner narration is both witty and heartfelt and she is easy to connect with. The problems she deals with make you want to champion for her, and the strength that she faces everyday earn her a place in your heart. Autumn is a complex character, but one who is easy to love.

Although Autumn was a dynamic and multidimensional character, I thought that her love interest, Evan was rather flat. He is a nice character, and he genuinely cares about Autumn, but I found him to be rather dull. I think the reason I felt so strongly about this is because Carlie switches back and forth between the viewpoints of Autumn and Evan. Although we are only given brief glimpses inside Evan's head (the majority of the story is told from Autumn), he still came off as one dimensional. He was always thinking exactly what I thought he would be, he always did exactly what I predicted and he always said what I thought he would say. He never changes, never grows, he simply remains the same Evan we started with. Although I liked that Evan, he was overwhelmingly predictable.

Rainy one the other hand, Autumns best friend, does go through some character development. However, I still did not really like her. I think we've all known people like Rainy before; self-centered, demanding and a bit crass. She is rather outgoing and Autumn latches on to her. I know I had relationships like that growing up, like Autumn, I was the sidekick who was dragged long to questionable activities and circumstances, when I clearly knew better. I think that Rainy is an incredibly believable character, I just did not like her. However, I will admit that Carlie does a great job with her. I definitely felt strongly about the character, which is the goal. She is both memorable and thought provoking.

The plot line was incredibly captivating; it was depressing and uplifting at the same time. At times it was hard to watch Autumn's interactions with her mother - much like it is hard to watch a car accident happen right before your eyes. It's terrible, it's horrible, you may even feel sympathy pains; but you still don't look away. Dream Smashers definitely pushes the boundaries. It makes you think and feel. However, like I stated before, Dream Smashers is both depressing and uplifting. Although it is hard to sit idly as Autumn deals with her pain, it is incredible to see her begin to turn things around for herself. This is a story about Autumn's journey to accepting that she is control of her own life and nothing can ever change that.

I enjoyed Dream Smashers - Autumn was a remarkable character with a captivating story to tell. It was the rest of the cast of characters that fell a bit flat for me. Evan was a kind character, who served his purpose in the storyline, but he wasn't anything more. Rainy, although well-written did not exactly do it for me either. Still, I would recommend Dream Smashers. It is a story that makes you think; which in my opinion is the best kind.

Favorite Quotes 

"He enters my space, gives me a brief, sincere hug, then steps back, tripping on the curb. His face beams red - handsome and sweet."

"There's a feeling, Evan's read about in books, when two separate souls collide that were never meant to be apart, but are. When nothing and everything matters and all the protagonist sees is the beauty of creation - love - right in front of his face. He always thought it was just fiction. He thought wrong." 

Review: Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton

 

Book: Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton
Pages:  320
Genre: Young Adult  
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Book Depository

Available Formats: Ebook & Paperback
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2011

How Did I Get This Book: From Simon & Schuester Galley Grab

Preview Book: Preview on Google Books

Description: Anna is dreading another tourist-filled summer on Dune Island that follows the same routine: beach, ice cream, friends, repeat. That is, until she locks eyes with Will, the gorgeous and sweet guy visiting from New York. Soon, her summer is filled with flirtatious fun as Anna falls head over heels in love. But with every perfect afternoon, sweet kiss, and walk on the beach, Anna can’t ignore that the days are quickly growing shorter, and Will has to leave at the end of August. Anna’s never felt anything like this before, but when forever isn’t even a possibility, one summer doesn’t feel worth the promise of her heart breaking…

I am not usually one for these summer romance books, but Sixteenth Summer somehow struck a chord with me. The character of Anna, is incredibly easy to relate to; she embodies the image of the "girl next door". She is kind, yet willful and has an easy confidence, but is still unsure of who she is, or who she wants to become. She definitely has her flaws and she has a great deal of growing up to do. Watching her navigate her relationship with Will or the course of the summer is simply refreshing.


Obviously, the center point of this story is the romance between Will and Anna. However, I do not feel like it was overdone; which is often the case in these sort of books. The story is so undeniably realistic that it almost feels like you are reading about your own past. There were a number of parts that I was able to easily place myself inside the character of Anna, having experienced some similar situation.


It is easy to see why Anna falls for Will, because he pretty much embodies every boy I ever crushed on during those years. He is a bit awkward, a tad shy, rather sensitive and undeniably charming. He accepts and loves Anna for her quirks - isn't that what we all want?

The tone of the book presents you with a bit of a conundrum - it is both fluffy and depressing at the same time. Honestly this book embodies the term "bittersweet". It has one of those endings that you don't necessarily want, but yet, it needs to be that way.


Sixteenth Summer isn't a deep thought-provoking work, but it's entertaining, easy to relate to and charming. It's realistic story, one that traps into the bittersweet nature of life. Dalton transports you back to your own sixteenth summer, when possibilities were endless and love was around the corner.

Favorite Quotes

“it was like his was the face I’d always been looking for. It was foreign and familiar, both in the best way.”

“instantly I felt like I had to know what color his eyes were. I wanted to hear what his voice sounded like. I needed to know his name.”

“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. Sometimes I wanted to dance and laugh with my friends until midnight, and sometimes I wanted to screen all calls and hide away with a tragic novel and a bag of candy. Sometimes I spent an hour trying to pretty myself up, and sometimes I could barely be bothered to comb the knots out of my hair before I left the house.”

“he was wearing faded red swim trunks and an almost-transparent gray T-shirt. I wanted to reach over the ice cream case and touch it. Luckily, that would have involved some not-terribly-subtle climbing up on the counter, so it wasn’t too hard to restrain myself.”

“Will looked at me. His expression was something I’d never quite seen before. Call it a meeting of delight and nausea. Which was pretty much exactly how I’d been feeling ever since our date.”

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Book: Anna and the French Kiss (Stephanie Perkins)
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand-Alone

Pages: 372
Genre: Young Adult

Purchase A Copy: Amazon | Book Depository

Preview: On GoogleBooks 
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2010

How I Got This Book: Library

Description (From Goodreads): Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Anna and the French Kiss is nothing short of amazing. Honestly, I was a little afraid to read it because nearly  everyone has loved it. I am not usually one for the sugary sweet teen romance books and I was afraid that’s what Anna would be.

While there were definitely those cutesy moments, they were never unrealistic. A lot of teen rom-com books place so much stock in the “romance” portion of the book that the characters suffer. What I loved about this book is that the characters stood for themselves. Anna is incredibly well-rounded and extremely easy to relate to. I saw so much of myself in her character and I think a lot of girls will see themselves in her too. She is in a word – real. Anna is insecure and overwhelmed by the sprawling city of Paris. She doesn’t speak French, so she refuses to order anything complicated at meal time. She is intimidated by her classmates and she feels like she doesn’t belong. She also has so many quirky little traits that really bring her to life. She wants to be a film critic and has a huge passion for old movies. She is a little goofy and is an extremely caring person. which is what really gets her into trouble.

Almost immediately after Anna arrives in Paris she falls for one of her new friends, St. Clair. I mean, who wouldn’t? Perkins went all out with this heartthrob. Our heroine never stood a chance. He’s devastatingly handsome and excruciatingly charming. Oh and did I mention he has a British accent?  He’s also quirky and caring and extremely down-to-earth. I just have one question… where can I find one? 

Anyways, unfortunately for Anna, St. Clair is taken. Because she is a good Southern girl, Anna decides the best plan of action is to hide her feelings for him. As the book and their friendship progress , Anna does a lot of maturing. I love when we see characters grow up throughout the story and Anna really comes into her own. She isn’t perfect by any means – she makes plenty of mistakes along the way. But that’s what makes her so relatable, you cannot help but cheer her on as the story unfolds.

The plot line reminded me a lot of those old romantic comedies where the characters are always misunderstanding one another. I am assuming this was done on purpose, since Anna is obsessed with those old movies.  Much like the romantic comedies, it’s almost painful for the reader because it is obvious how perfect Anna and St. Clair are for one another.

Like I said before, there are a number of “cutesy” moments peppered throughout the novel. Please don’t be put off by this, because they are done so well. Perkins has such a talent for understated charm – all of the Anna/ St. Clair moments are almost downplayed. It’s not a book full of hot make out scenes  and tons of heat; it takes much more of a realistic approach. Because of this the reader is able to see how well the characters actually mesh together. Their relationship is an actual relationship – they have discussions, they tease one another and they take care of one another. 

Anna and the French Kiss was a remarkable debut. Perkins’ set the bar so high with this one – I can only hope that her next book is half as good. Anna's story is honest, heartwarming and endearing.  She is easy to relate to and St. Clair is the perfect match for her. if you haven’t read this book yet, you NEED to. No excuses , go find a copy right now.  I don’t care if you have to beg, borrow or steal it from someone (well, don’t steal) but you simply must read it!

 

 

 Favorite Quotes

 "I wish friends held hands more often, like the children I see on the streets sometimes. I'm not sure why we have to grow up and get embarrassed about it."(pg.310)

"I'm a little distracted by this English French American Boy Masterpiece."(pg. 173)

"Girl scouts didn't teach me what to do with emotionally unstable drunk boys."(pg. 140)

Review: Stay by Deb Caletti

Book:  Stay by Deb Caletti
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand-Alone
Pages: 313
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: April 19^th, 2011

How I Got This Book: ARC Tours at Good Golly Miss Holly

Description (From Goodreads): Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Stay by Deb Caletti is a book that certainly makes an impact. This is one of those rare fictional treats that doesn’t feel the least bit fictional; it could be anybody’s story.  Clara is a character that anyone could know, she could easily be the girl next door, your friend or your cousin. 

Like the character of Clara, the story was very realistic to me. It was gritty and ugly at times but it was also lovely in places.  This isn’t a neat story; it doesn’t come wrapped up in a pretty bow. It’s a story about a stalker, but it is also a story about a teenage girl finding herself and maturing in all aspects of her life. Her relationship with her father is explored and questioned, and she finds herself having to come to terms with a great many things.

I don’t want to say that I enjoyed watching the story unfold, but I did. it was a bit like watching a car crash that you know is coming – you know it’s going to make you feel terrible, you know that witnessing it will change you forever, but you still can’t look away. I feel like Caletti did a marvelous job telling Clara’s story. In fact, I would say that the format was perfect; it’s actually quite a unique setup. 

The book is written completely from Clara’s perspective – she is writing her own story, looking back at the events of her life and trying to make sense of everything. She alternates between two time periods with each chapter – one before leaving Christian and one after leaving him. This format gives the reader an interesting perspective because you see Clara falling for Christian, but you immediately see the aftermath as well. My favorite part of the format though, would have to be the footnotes. The story is peppered with footnotes from Clara where she adds random tidbits about certain passages. It gave the story a very personal feel and at the same time it allows you to better understand her character.

Another point that I wanted to touch on was Caletti’s writing style. I feel like this is something that you are either going to absolutely love or hate. First of all, let me say that the narrative and writing style fit perfectly with Clara’s character. Her father is a writer and she is a self professed lover of words. Everything is very descriptive and there are tons and tons of extended metaphors. There are pages and pages of just Clara and her thoughts – her different takes on certain events. I must say it is extremely beautiful writing – but at times, it was just too much for me. I sometimes found it difficult to get through. Which is a pity, because even as I was reading it I knew how exquisite the writing was. I just feel that things dragged in certain spots – I wanted to keep piecing together the story, but Clara wanted to analyze a facial expression for 6 pages. 

That being said, I had a very difficult time giving this book a rating because it was so beautifully written. Unfortunately, at times it actually hindered my reading experience. This in turn caused to like a book that I would otherwise have loved. I want to be clear though, in saying that many of you will probably love the book for the exact same reason. It’s completely up to the reader’s discretion.

Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Book: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand Alone 
Pages: 260
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: October 26th, 2010
Description (From Goodreads): “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

I have never read Cohn & Levithan's prized first novel, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but like most of the world I am familiar with it. When I first discovered Dash & Lily's Book of Dares, I thought the premise sounded intriguing enough and I thought it sounded cute enough.

I was right on the money, because if I had to describe Dash&Lily in one word it would be “cute”. It is one of those stories that you plow through in a few hours. While it provided some wonderful rom-com moments and a few exquisite moments, I wouldn’t stay it made a great impact on me. Don’t get me wrong, I whole heartedly enjoyed watching Dash & Lily’s story unfold, but nothing in this book was exactly earth shattering. 

The book is written from two POV’s; the narrative switches between both Dash and Lily. I thought this format was perfect for this type of book, especially when there are two different authors. All of Lily’s narratives were written by Cohn, while Dash’s were written by Levithan. That being said, I much preferred Dash’s sections. While I was reading the story I did not know how the writers divided the sections, but I was really drawn to the sections from Dash’s POV. All in all, I just found his narrative to be more entertaining; it was funny, honest and of course – snarky. He had a few different great lines and I was just simply taken with him.

Lily, for her part, was an alright character. She was sweet and quirky, but in my opinion, she did not stand out. I am not sure that I will remember much about her character in a few months – she just wasn’t interesting enough to me. Honestly, I just read the book a few days ago and all I can remember about her now is that she loved Christmas, she had a gay older brother and all of her family called Dash “snarly”. 

However, even though I didn’t like Lily as much as Dash; the two together are a perfect match. Where he is snarky, a bit aloof and distant, Lily is in your face, loving and all consuming with her affection. They balance each other out marvelously – I would have loved to see more of their face to face relationship. At first I thought they were a bit too different, especially with their polar opposite reactions to Christmas. Dash couldn’t hate the holiday more, while it is Lily’s favorite time of the year. I especially loved seeing their different takes on those people who stand outside of stores and ring the charity bell.  

Like I said before, this book to me is best described by the word “cute”.  If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable teen romance then I would definitely give Dash & Lily a try. It was well written, entertaining and charming. Dash was a memorable character and Lily was quirky enough to keep your interest. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is an enjoyable read that will leave you with a smile.

Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Book: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand Alone

Pages: 280
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 7th, 2010
Description (From Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger is one of those rare novels that everyone can relate to. We all feel out of place and outmatched sometimes, it’s what makes us human. With her debut novel, Keplinger creates a heroine that is tough but venerable; innocent but wise beyond her years.

I am not sure how many people are familiar with the term DUFF – I, like Bianca learned of it during high school. I remember hearing a boy I liked in one of my classes joke about an underclassman, calling her the dreaded name. At first I was clueless as to what it meant, so I did what any teenage girl would do – I continued eavesdropping. Soon enough the term was defined; and needless to say, my crush on the said boy deceased immediately. 

Although I was not the one saddled with the term, I began to analyze my own group of friends. I came to the conclusion that I was in fact the DUFF. Like Bianca, I did not find myself repulsive, but I could not compare to my gorgeous pint sized pals. It’s a terrible feeling to have – to have a whole can of insecurities opened up inside your head. 

I think this is why I enjoyed Keplinger’s novel so much. I felt a certain kinship with Bianca and although her character irritated me at times, I felt I understood her. Like every teenager on the planet she was extremely confused by life, but she tried to remain true to herself.  She was extremely snarky and brutally honest at times, which provided an honest and entertaining portrayal. I particularly enjoyed her take on teenage love – I was the same way in high school. She did not think you could love someone at sixteen, she felt that it took years to properly learn to love someone. 

I also adored Bianca’s love interest. At first he comes off as a complete pig, but as the book progresses he does an absolute 180. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this; there were times when I wanted to crawl inside the book and give that poor boy a hug. He certainly had reasons to be screwed up. 

The DUFF was a charming story that was both believable and intriguing. What makes this a stand out for me was that Keplinger didn’t romanticize anything; she didn’t create a farfetched whirlwind romance, she wrote a believable story about a teenage girl. Yes, there are romantic elements, but they aren’t of the “undying love” persuasion. 

I thoroughly enjoyed The DUFF and am looking forward to reading more of Keplinger’s work. It’s hard to believe that this was a debut novel – it is clearly evident that she is going to be one to watch!

Review: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Book: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
Series or Stand-Alone: Series, The Mockingbirds #1
Pages: 332
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: November 2nd, 2010
Description (From Goodreads): Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.
In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

 The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney is nothing short of phenomenal. This book has been on my radar for a while now, and I was eagerly anticipating the day when it would finally show up in my mailbox. Well, it came at last, I immediately starting reading it - putting my current read aside. I finished this book the day I began it - I could not put it own. I read it under my table during my Psychology, Children's Lit and Government classes - I read it walking to my car, walking from my car - I had to draw the line while I was actually driving. 

The Mockingbirds is a story that absolutley sucks you in. It begins with a heart-wrenching scene; the morning after Alex's first time. The morning after Alex was date raped. From that point on you follow Alex on her quest to find out exactly what happened that horrifying night and then eventually as she seeks out justice. Fearful of her parents reactions, she decides not to go to the police, but instead to enlist the help of the elusive Mockingbirds. Now, being the dense person that I am - before I read the book, I did not get the reference to the beloved Harper Lee novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. Somehow, I missed the image of the tree on the cover, the one from the cover of  Lee's book. But alas, a light-bulb finally went off while reading. You see, the Mockingbirds are named after the book - they aim to right the injustices of Themis Academy - just like the injustice Tom Robinson faces in Lee's book when he is wrongfully accused and convicted of rape. 

I honestly, cannot explain to you how much I enjoyed this book. The entire thing was beautifully written and was one heck of an emotional roller-coaster. You cannot help but identify with Alex as she tries to cope with things and tries to overcome everything. It is absolutely heartbreaking to read as she begins to hide from everyone - she stops going to the cafeteria, she takes the long route to all her classes, she hides in her room; all because she fears she will run into Carter. I would imagine that this is the same reaction I would have and I am sure many other girls would react similarly. We would all like to say that we would never hide - we would stand up and face things, but could we really? I don't know if I would be able to look at something that ugly head on. I would be frightened and unsure, just like Alex.

Alex's narrative is flawless; every thought that she has seems completely spot on with what I would imagine. She is terrified of the entire situation; at first she simply wants to forget it every happened, but as horrible details start coming back to her, she finally realizes that she has to take a stand. She is backed by her faithful group of friends, including her roommates, her music friends and the Mockingbirds. Everyone shows Alex support and it provides her with enough strength to do what is needed. 

What makes this book so wonderful is that not only is the storyline remarkable, but it is conveyed is such a mesmerizing and beautiful way. With, The Mockingbirds Whitney pulls on all the right heartstrings and creates an exquisite heroine in Alex - she is a dynamic character who has a tremendous amount of heart and courage.  I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone - it should be added to everyone's reading list!

Review: The Kid Table by Andrea Seigel

Book: The Kid Table by Andrea Seigel
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand-Alone
Pages: 304
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 14th, 2010
Description (From Goodreads): It's there at every family event. A little smaller, collapsible, and decked out with paper napkins because you can't be trusted with the good ones. But you're stuck there. At the Kid Table. Because to them- to the adults- you're still a kid.

Ingrid Bell and her five teenage cousins are in exactly this situation. Never mind the fact that high school is almost over. They're still eating mac and cheese with a toddler. But what happens when the rules change? When Brianne, the oldest cousin, lands a seat at the Adult Table, the others are in shock. What does it take to graduate from the Kid Table?

Over the course of five family events, Ingrid and her cousins attempt to finish childhood and send the infamous table into retirement. But as Ingrid turns on the charm in order to manipulate her situation, the family starts questioning her motives. And when her first love comes in the form of first betrayal (he's Brianne's boyfriend), Ingrid is forced to consider how she fits into this family and what it means to grow up.

The Kid Table takes an in depth look at a highly dysfunctional, yet loving, extended family. The book follows the Bell family, through the character of Ingrid, to five different events. The book covers all different kind of issues, including eating disorders and homosexuality. Because the story is seen through Ingrid's eyes, you spend a lot of time with her cousins - her fellow "kid table" castoffs. There is Cricket, Ingrid's closest relative, Dom and Micah, the two male cousins, Brianne, Autumn and, four-year-old, Katie. The trouble (and story) begins when Brianne suddenly is given a place among the adults at Ingrid's Uncle's bar mitzvah. This causes friction among the other cousins, especially Cricket, and sets everything into motion.


The Bar Mitzvah is also where Ingrid meets Trevor. Ingrid is instantly taken with him and engages in some flirting, before she realizes that he is Brianne's new boyfriend. This is one of the major problems I had with this book. From the get go, I never really liked Trevor. To me, it was obvious that he was using Ingrid, while dating one of her cousins. For that matter, I did not exactly warm up to Ingrid either. While I enjoyed some of her general cynicism, her overall character was rather flat. I found some of the other family members, like Cricket, much more interesting. Cricket is the cousin that deals with an eating disorder and I have to tell you, I would have loved to follow her story instead of reading about Ingrid complain because Trevor is taken.


In fact, the redeeming part of the book was definitely Ingrid's slightly deranged family. Each member of the Bell family is unique and distinctive - and they all have their own baggage and quirks. Like I said before, I enjoyed the character of Cricket, but I also enjoyed Brianne. Brianne was one of those characters that you love to hate. She is the oldest of the cousins and is now attending college, where she is a psych major. Early on in the book she comes to the conclusion that Ingrid is a psychopath. She makes this diagnosis based on Ingrid's sort of emotionless attitude, general demeanor and shockingly unfortunate luck with pets. She promptly announces this to family and continues to pick out psychopathic behaviors Ingrid displays through the book. 


I enjoyed the format of the book - you only witness the five family events depicted. There is no in-between storyline, you simply skip to the next time the family is together. The overall tone was to my liking and while I appreciated the idea of the story, the main characters just fell a little flat for me. 

However, the Kid Table was an enjoyable read, mainly because of the spectacular host of secondary characters. The writing is also superb - Siegel does a wonderful job creating a truly outrageous, yet charming family that everyone can relate to.

Review: What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Book: What My Mother Doesn't Know (Sonya Sones)

Pages: 259
Genre: Young Adult

Preview on Google Books
Description (From Goodreads):

My name is Sophie.
This book is about me.
It tells
the heart-stoppingly riveting story
of my first love.
And also of my second.
And, okay, my third love too.

It's not that I'm boy crazy.
It's just that even though
I'm almost fifteen
it's like
my mind
and my body
and my heart
just don't seem to be able to agree
on anything.

 I remember when I first read this book, I was 13 and in the 8th grade. I had bought the book from one of those scholastic book orders. I read What My Mother Doesn't Know in one night and immediately passed it on to one of my friends. My copy made rounds through most of my friends and I never got it back. If that doesn't speak for this book, I don't know what will.

Sophie's story is one that rings truth among us all. I think everyone has a little bit of her inside them - honestly, when I first read it, I remember thinking; "God, I'm not the only one". Sones does a remarkable job expressing feelings and thoughts that we all have had before. Sophie struggles with all the common issues; insecurity, popularity, peer pressure - but the author approaches it in such a unique way. The entire book is written in free verse and it reads as almost a diary.

The plot line isn't earth shattering, but it's honest. I saw so much of myself in Sophie; she is incredibly easy to connect to. She is unsure of herself and often confused by her feelings; especially when it comes to the class geek, Murphy. Sophie wants to be his friend, but is worried about what everyone else would think. When everyone else leaves for Winter Break, Sophie and Murphy finally have time to form a friendship. They are practically inseparable for those two weeks, but what will happen when Sophie's friends come back? Now, what teenage girl doesn't deal with the frustration of peer pressure?

I connected with and loved this book at 13, and now at 20 I still find myself in awe of it. The poetry is understated, raw and emotional. There are so many beautiful examples; but my favorite is  Heading Home.

HEADING HOME

Walking with Murphy

through the bone-freezing chill

towards the bus stop,

I start shivering.

And somehow,

when he slips his arm around me

to warm me up,

it feels right.

Righter than anything ever has.

See what I mean? Sones somehow manages to capture the spirit of youth and innocence in her poetry; it just transports you back in time. Sophie's story is exquisitely captured and told and will always have a place in my  heart. It's a short book and a quick read, but definitely worth your time. If you haven't read this one yet, you are missing out. 

Review: Geek Magnet by Kieran Scott

Book: Geek Magnet (Kieran Scott)
Stand-Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Pages: 308
Genre: Young Adult 
Preview on Google Books
Description (From Goodreads):
Everyone loves KJ Miller, especially the geeks. She's pretty, smart, and super nice to everyone, which has made her the geek pied piper of Washington High. If only Cameron, the star of the basketball team, would follow her around and worship her the way her dorky entourage does.

As the stage manager of the spring musical, Grease, KJ has to deal with a few geeks, but she also gets to hang out with Tama, queen of the popular crowd and star of the play. Tama has the solution to all of KJ's problems: get cruel. After all, the nice girl never gets the guy. Can KJ actually pull off a transformation into a mean girl?

I had not heard a lot concerning this book, probably because it's a few years old, but I saw it on sale online, so I picked it up on a whim. The story sounded cute enough and I thought the cover was adorable so I purchased it. All things considered, I am glad I had a chance to read this book.

The story centers around KJ, a high school junior who was just given the job of stage manager for her school's musical production of Grease. I think a lot of people can relate to KJ, I certainly can. There are a lot of teen books out there about "mean girls" and 'frenemies" and whatnot; but KJ is entirely unique in this market - she is a nice girl. In fact, she is too nice. She cannot be mean to anyone and therefore attracts the unwanted attention of the school geeks. I love the idea of this, because this really happens. I was one of those girls in high school, not to the extent of KJ, but I could not make someone feel bad either.

Anyways, on with the story. The problem arises when Resident popular girl, who happens to be playing Sandy, takes KJ under her wing. Tama tries to set her up with KJ's longtime crush Cameron, but Tama declares that the geeks have to go. She tries to teach KJ how to repel the geeks and how to be mean. Now of course, drama ensues and KJ begins to question who she is becoming. People begin to get angry with the new KJ, but a select few stand by her side.

One of which is her new friend, Robbie. You see, the two of them developed a friendship because KJ agreed to help Robbie get Tama interested in him. However, their bond soon grows and KJ really begins to trust and rely on Robbie.

The geeks are also brilliantly and hilariously written. There are three main geeks that kind of stalk KJ throughout the book  - Andy, Glenn and Fred. Andy is incredibly smart and logical. Everything he does has some kind of scientific backing. He is also extremely into health foods. He is constantly trying to get KJ to eat weird foods. Then, there is Glenn. Glenn is my least favorite type of Geek. He is super touchy-feely. We all know people like that. He seems to have no idea about the concept of a personal bubble and is constantly saying inappropriate things to KJ. Finally, we have Fred. Fred is chubby next door neighbor. He is extremely sweet and would do anything for her. Unfortunately, he is exactly socially graced and he often embarrasses himself and those around him.

Honestly, the only problem I had with Geek Magnet, is that it was rather predictable. The plot was not surprising in the slightest, but it was still well written. The characters are charming enough that it is still an enjoyable read, even when you know what is coming. 

Geek Magnet was a quick and enjoyable read that is perfect for a lazy day. It is easy to get into, but isn't exactly hard to process. It isn't the best book I've ever read in this genre, but it was certainly entertaining.

Review: Sleepwalk Society

Book: Sleepwalk Society (Kendare Blake)
Stand-Alone or Series:  Stand-Alone

Pages: 163
Genre: Young Adult
How Did I get this book: For Review from Kendare Blake
Description (From Goodreads):

Violet Monroe has just fumbled her way through the first year of college. All she wants now is to go home and have one great summer with her best friends, Terran, the beautiful one, and Joey, the perpetually angry underachiever.

But when she goes home, she finds that everything has changed: Joey's charismatic cousin, Brandon, has come to town, and pays more attention to plain girl Violet than she's used to. Terran and Joey meanwhile, decide to give in to their mutual attraction, only to deal with a troubling aftermath.

In the midst of everything, Violet must decide who she is, something which her parents insist is intrinsically linked to what kind of job she gets after graduating.

A contemporary coming of age story about the choices you make when you have no idea how it's all going to turn out.

Sleepwalk Society by Kendare Blake was an extremely refreshing read. Blake was able to accomplish, in her debut novel,  what many other, more experienced, writers are unable to - she created completely believable world and story. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that she was courageous enough to write a book about young adults that teenagers could really connect with. Often times I feel that writers don't give teenagers enough credit and they produce watered down versions of reality. The world within Sleepwalk Society is not perfect; it is a gritty and confusing place - just like the world we live in. A lot of controversial issues and subjects arise within the plot - Blake is not afraid to push buttons, which allows for an honest portrayal of an 18 year old American girl. 

With Violet, she produces a character that could truly walk off the page. Everyone can identify with Violet, we all have a little bit of her within us. Her narrative is not always pretty, in fact it is often dark, confusing and unsettling. Her thoughts are not wrapped in a perfect presentable packing - but they are sincere and honest for her character. Violet is constantly struggling with what she is suppose to be in life. She suffers from a major identity crisis. She is aware of what other expect her to be, but she cannot determine who she wants her to be or what she wants out of life. One of the main causes for the push Violet feels to answer these questions, is her father. He gives Violet an ultimatum - she has to declare a major or she will not be returning to school in the fall. Not only does he want her to declare a major, he wants her to declare a respectable one. He instills the belief in Violet that what career a person chooses in life directly affects their worth. This just adds to the weight Violet feels from the decision and causes her to struggle even more.


Blake brings up some great questions about our society through Violet - my favorite being what's the rush? When did it become necessary to plan our entire lives by 18? I think Violet puts it best, she says,

 "I'm searching for the answer, any answer at all, be it the meaning of life, or the Holy Grail, or the Loch Ness Monster. Because at 18 I'm already behind schedule. We don't have time like we used to have time. I can feel mine burning away like the wax of a candle."

 I think everyone can identify with that. Especially today's youth. I know I certainly can. In today's world, you are expected to go to college and expected to have all the answers. You get your degree, then get a job and spend the rest of your life working to create a better life than what your parents had. But who says you have to go at such a break neck speed? Who says that this is what everyone wants?  

Not only was I able to identity with Violet's internal struggles, but I truly enjoyed her as a character. She reminded me of a female version of Holden Caufield - at least to an extent. Like I said before, Blake made Violet's narrative brutally honest - which sometimes makes her a little like Holden. She is of the world, but removed from it as well. She sees things differently, and often analyzes others (even those closest to her) from a distance. Her internal narrative is witty and honest - and always entertaining. However, Blake does a great job keeping Violet very human. She has a soft side; she wants to please people, which only makes herself more conflicted. There is a quote in the book about Violet, that I absolutely loved and identified with; "That's what I love about you, Violet. You're a cynic and a dreamer. Your a crowd of ten people who've fought to a standstill". Now, tell me this, who doesn't identify with that?

As the story continues Violet also has the deal with the changing dynamic of her relationship with her two best friends, Joey and Terran. The two of them begin dating and it puts Violet on the back burner. She has a difficult time with this, because like I said, she doesn't really know herself. She has always defined herself as one of the points of the Joey-Terran-Violet triangle, and for the first time in her life, she has to become her own person. She soon meets and befriends Joey's cousin, Brandon and he sort of helps her examine what she wants out of life. He is also the only one in her life that expresses that it is alright to not know.

I love the relationship between Brandon and Violet. It is never forced and like every other aspect in this novel, it is so utterly realistic. Brandon is not cast as the answer to all of Violet's problems and she does not become overly dependent on him - which I love. 

The book is highly character driven and all of the secondary characters are just as well written as Violet. There is not a single "stock" or flat character - everyone has the ability to surprise you. Blake did a marvelous job creating a novel that truly has the ability to speak to today's youth. Sleepwalk Society is a beautifully written coming of age story that really hits home. This could be a story about anyone - you, your neighbor or your best friend. This book puts into terms the pressure today's youth feels in a beautiful and captivating way.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Do yourself a favor and go read it, right now!