Scars

Scars
By Cheryl Rainfield
2010
233 pages

Summary: Kendra hasn’t felt safe since she started remembering gruesome images of her childhood sexual abuse. While she cannot bring herself to remember her attacker, she knows she’s getting closer. Unfortunately, she thinks HE knows too, because she thinks someone is following her. Not sure who she can trust, Kendra seeks comfort in Meghan, a girl from school with her own troubled past. Together they try to piece together the missing pieces, before Kendra runs out of time.

Review: Scars is a compelling and emotional read. While the writing was not as smoothly executed as some other books on the topic that I’ve read, there was a lot to make this novel stand out. Through Kendra’s memories the reader is slowly introduced to the abuse without having to read about it first hand. This allows for some distance between the reader and the protagonist, which can be incredibly helpful for some reading this type of novel. Further, the memories in some ways separated Kendra from the abuse, making the story not just about her as a victim, but also about her as an individual (a friend, a girlfriend, an artist, a cutter, a student, etc.). I thought elements such as the art therapy and the relationship with Meghan were well done and created depth to this novel. Those who enjoy issue fiction or who are looking for a window/mirror will definitely find something to like.

Also by Cheryl Rainfield: The Last Dragon

If you liked Scars, you might also enjoy: Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess, Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, Willow by Julia Joban

Additional Info:
Secret Shame website on self injury: http://selfharm.net/
Recover Your Life: Support and Community for those who self harm: http://www.recoveryourlife.com/
Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans Youthline: http://www.youthline.ca/

Here is a link to sexual assault centres in Southwestern Ontario. Please find one in your area if you need assistance.

Author website: http://www.cherylrainfield.com/

Rating: W2.5/4 C3/4 P3/4 O2.5/4 PP2.5 (issue fiction isn’t for everyone) CR4/4
Grade Level Interest: JS (some mature elements, but topic is very relevant to a younger audience. Easy to read, which also makes is accessible to a younger audience)

The Queen of Everything

The Queen of Everything
By Deb Caletti
2002
372 pages (paperback)

“People ask me all the time what having Vince MacKenzie for a father was like. What they mean is, was he always crazy?

Summary: Jordan finally has a normal life. She’s living with her normal father (and not her hippie mother), she’s got a best friend and a new boyfriend, everything is the way she wants it. That is until Gayle D’Angelo comes into her and her father’s life. Now her father isn’t sleeping, he’s drinking, being paranoid and acting really strange. Having an affair with married women is turning him into something Jordan doesn’t recognize, something dangerous and Jordan doesn’t know what to do.

Review: While The Queen of Everything definitely has a Caletti feel (slow, rich and purposeful writing), this story contains a lot more edge and drama. Readers of realistic fiction will enjoy Caletti’s everyday teen world with an authentic voice, but there is a lot of suspense and action to keep the story fast moving. The characters are flawed and captivating (pretty cute romance included) and the slow moving build in of violence and suspense make this a hard book to put down. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable read, one that crosses a lot of genres. While it might be a little old, it is still very relevant and would appeal to a wide audience.

Also by Deb Caletti: Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, Wild Roses, The Nature of Jade, The Six Rules of Maybe

If you liked The Queen of Everything, you might also enjoy: Margaux with an X by Ron Koertge, Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott and Leftovers by Laura Wiess

Additional Info: If you like Deb Caletti’s books you might notice some of the characters and places showing up again and again. She has a pretty cool character and location map on her website here.

Author website: http://debcaletti.com/

Rating: W4/4 C3/4 P4/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR1/4
Grade Level Interest: S

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I’ve decided to participate in the 2011 Debut Author challenge this year. Kristi from The Story Siren does such an amazing job putting it together, and I love supporting new authors. I’m committing to reading 12, hopefully I can read more.

2011 Debut Author Challenge participant information:
- The objective of the DAC is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit! I encourage readers who can read more than twelve to do so!
- Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.
- You do not have to have an blog written in English to participate.
- You can join at anytime. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

Qualifying books:
- Books must be a Young Adult or Middle Grade novel.
- DO NOTE: Just because a book has a teen character or is about a teen, does not mean that it is necessarily a Young Adult novel.
- This must be the authors debut with a release date in 2011.
- If an author has a previous novel published under adult fiction/nonfiction or children's fiction/nonfiction, they can still qualify for the challenge if they are releasing their YA or MG debut.

Check back in 2011 to see how I do.
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Blogger Hop

Time for the Blogger Hop from Crazy for Books

What a great idea! I love following readers blogs almost more than I like blogging myself. What a great way to get out there and meet new people who share the same interests as you.

This week’s question: What’s your favourite book cover?

This is a difficult question because there are so many beautiful covers. However, I think my all time favourite cover is Fallen by Lauren Kate. It’s just so dark and beautiful. I have always loved it, I still do. It’s actually my favourite part of the book.

Coming Soon to a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Playing Hurt

Author: Holly Schindler

Release Date: March 8 2011
Summary: Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family. That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Oh, this sounds like one of my favourite movies from when I was a kid, The Cutting Edge...so cute!

Fade

Fade (Dreamcatcher Trilogy)
By Lisa McMann
2009
248 pages
Book 2

Summary: Dreamcatching is taking its toll on Janie physically, but also on her relationship with Cabel, who hates to see her hurt. On top of that she’s been asked by the Captain to help find a possible sexual predator in her school. While Janie tries to use her dreams to catch the predator, she comes to find that she’s more involved than she wants to be and she’s dangerously close to a nightmare she won’t be able to wake up from.

Review: For those who enjoyed the first book in the series (Wake), this second instalment will not be a disappointment. While it still contains the choppy writing style that the first book does, Fade demonstrates growth with respect to story and character development. There is a lot more time given to Janie’s thought process and her life outside of the dreams. This resulted in a lot of room for readers to connect with the story, especially with Janie, that wasn’t there in the first novel. There is also a significant amount of action and suspense, which also makes this book feel fuller. It was a quick, easy and enjoyable read, one that would be applicable to wide audiences of varying ages and genre preferences.

Also by Lisa McMann: Cryer’s Cross (2011), Wake and Gone

If you liked Fade you might also enjoy: Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Haria Stolarz, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Sleepless by Cyn Balog, Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling, Evermore by Alyson Noel

Author website: http://lisamcmann.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P4/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: S – low level for reading but mature elements.

The Karma Club

The Karma Club
By Jessica Brody
2010
258 pages

“Good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. That’s just how Karma works. Well, at least that’s how I thought it worked.”

Summary: Hell hath no fury...When Madison’s boyfriend cheats on her with Miss Perfect Heather Campbell, she’s not sure she wants to wait around for Karma to take care of things. So instead she decides to start a Karma club to dish out bad things to those who deserve it, especially her ex boyfriend. However, Madison soon realizes that every action has a re-action and soon enough Karma will catch up to everyone...even her.

Review: The Karma Club is a fun, light read that could easily be devoured in one or two sittings. Readers who enjoy upside down high school settings where the cheerleader finally gets what is coming to her will no doubt find something satisfying in this comedic novel. Madison is a very likable and charming character, despite her desire to seek revenge. Her honesty and frankness make her stand out amongst the plethora of other realistic fiction main characters. There are also key elements of friendship, forgiveness, honesty and romance to appeal to YA audiences.

This is Jessica Brody’s debut YA novel

If you liked The Karma Club, you might also enjoy: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook, Getting the Girl by Susan Juby, Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

Additional Info: you have to check out the awesome book trailer on Jessica’s website. It’s like watching a movie, really well done.

Jessica Brody’s website: http://www.jessicabrody.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P4/4 O2.5/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level Interest: JS

Book Blogger Hop

Time for the Blogger Hop from Crazy for Books

What a great idea! I love following readers blogs almost more than I like blogging myself. What a great way to get out there and meet new people who share the same interests as you.

This week’s question: "Since Thanksgiving is coming up next week, let's use this week's Hop to share what we are most thankful for and what our holiday traditions are!"

Canadian thanksgiving was over a month ago, but it’s good to be reminded what you are thankful for all year round.

I am most thankful for: my wonderful and supportive husband who I couldn’t survive without, family and friends who I love deeply, that my sisters have had babies this year (that’s three extra little people in my life to love), a job that lets me be the best that I can be and is letting me change the world, freedom, the feeling that I’m not alone and a deep sense of peace.

Traditions: Thanksgiving for us is filled with a lot of family. We always spend one day with my parents and my grandma, and another with my husband’s family. We don’t really have traditions per say, but we always spend it together.

Great question, I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say.

Awesome Movie Trailer

This looks so good, cannot wait!!!!

Non-Fiction Addiction

Non-fiction for teens sure does have a bad rep. This feature will introduce non-fiction titles that are fun and informative and hopefully bring to life the wealth of relevant and amazing titles that are out there.

Out With It: Gay and Straight Teens Write About Homosexuality, edited by Al Desetta

Summary: Sensitive issues of teen sexuality, coming out, homophobia, and relationships with family and friends are explored in a dozen articles authored by teens. Updated with new stories.

“Out With It is a powerful and wonderfully evocative collection of writing by teens about homosexuality, identity and the struggle for understanding, friendship, love and community” – Greg Tewksbury, School Voices

Thoughts: The articles are well written and honest and I think this book would be especially helpful for a friend or family member with a loved one struggling to come out. It does a really great job of being a window. It is also a great example of giving teens a voice. My one complaint is that while many of the stories would be transferable, most of the authors experienced life in group homes, resulting in a lack of diversity of experiences.

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: So Shelly

Author: Ty Roth

Release Date: Feb 2011
Summary: Until now, high school junior, John Keats, has only tiptoed near the edges of the vortex that is schoolmate and literary prodigy, Gordon Byron. That is, until their mutual friend, Shelly, drowns in a sailing accident.After stealing Shelly's ashes from her wake at Trinity Catholic High School, the boys set a course for the small Lake Erie island where Shelly's body had washed ashore and to where she wished to be returned. It would be one last "so Shelly" romantic quest. At least that's what they think. As they navigate around the obstacles and resist temptations during their odyssey, Keats and Gordon glue together the shattered pieces of Shelly's and their own pasts while attempting to make sense of her tragic and premature end.

This is actually a pretty popular plot, which I generally like, so I’m going to give this one a shot.

Epic Giveaway

Seriously, how awesome is this? You should enter!!!!! Check out their website for a list of the awesome children and teen books they have and then head to their facebook page to enter.

Shadow Kiss

Shadow Kiss ( AVampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2008
443 pages (paperback)
Book 3

Summary: Rose has finally started her exams as a guardian and she’s excited to spend some more time with Lissa. However, when she is assigned to Christian instead, Rose unwillingly must learn to protect someone without the power of the bond. What does it matter right? It’s just a training exercise...until Strigoi show up and capture Dimitri. Now Rose must decide, go after Dimitri and risk Lissa or stay and protect Lissa and lose Dimitri forever.

Review: This was a much slower paced novel than the first two. Mead gives a lot of attention to dealing with the outcome of the last books and preparing the way for the rest of the series. The result is a novel that for the most part feels like filler. That’s not to say a lot of good things didn’t happen and that there wasn’t any action, but the good stuff was really pushed to the last part of the book. This change in pacing, however, did really leave room for character development, especially with Rose, Dimitri and Adrian. While not my favourite book of the series, it definitely left me wanting more.

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Frostbite (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Grey and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

Additional Info: There is a graphic novel version and the movie rights have been sold, so expect to see Rose and Lissa on the silver screen sometime in the future.

Author website: http://www.richellemead.com/index.htm

Rating: W3/4 C4/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR2/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Rumors

Rumors (A Luxe Novel)
By Anna Godbersen
2008
423 pages (pbk)
Book 2

Summary: As rumors fly about the untimely demise of New York’s brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, all eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her sister, Diana, the family’s only hope for redemption; Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind; even Elizabeth’s former maid, Lina who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency. (from book jacket)

Review: While the first Luxe novel was at times difficult to follow due to multiple narratives, Rumors moves more smoothly as readers are already familiar with the main characters. The book starts with a wedding, and the rest of the book moves quickly as the reader is anxious to find out who will be the bride. While I enjoyed the characterization and quick pacing I found some of the storyline redundant and circular. There simply wasn’t enough plot development to entice me to finish the series. I still think there are a lot of elements to appeal to a wide audience (fashion, gossip, love, historical elements, suspense, betrayal, etc); unfortunately, I didn’t find this book interesting enough to continue.

Also by Anna Godbersen: Envy, Splendor and Bright Young Things

If you liked Rumors you might also enjoy: Anastasia’s Secret by Susanne Dunlap, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Secret Society by Tom Dolby and Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Author website: http://www.bytseries.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P2/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR4/4
Grade Level Interest: S

From the Desk

One of my favourite things about being a Children and Youth librarian is that every morning someone puts on my desk all the new books that have arrived at our Branch for me to look over. It’s a really great way for me to know what we have in our collection, and I’m learning about all kinds of great new books.

Considering I don’t have time to read everything, I thought I would highlight some of the books that I find on my desk that look really interesting.

Being in the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A Meyer (2008) - In this installment in the series, the teen is back in Boston as a student at the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls. While there, she tries to comport herself as a proper young lady in polite society. When the girls go on a field trip to a nearby island, they are kidnapped and put on a slave ship called the Bloodhound, which is bound for Africa. Jacky quickly falls back on her seagoing experience to organize the captives into divisions and devise a daring escape plan, which could mean the difference between life and death

Stravaganza: City of Ships by Mary Hoffman (2010) - The Stravagante is Isabel, a younger twin by a matter of minutes. Her talisman is a pouch of silver mosaic tiles and she stravagates to Classe, where she is met by Flavia, a successful female merchant who trades spices, silks, tapestries, and whose son is an outcast and a pirate. Isabel finds that Classe and Bellezza are under threat from attack by the fierce Gate people. What can she do to help save the city? This is a thrilling story packed with action, pirates and drama.

The Rhinestone Sisterhood by David Valdes Greenwood (2010) - Ride a bull. Chat up a Senator. And get your homework in on time. It’s all in a day’s work for a festival queen.If you assume all pageant queens are airheads who can’t handle geography, or vain girls who like to parade around in bathing suits, then welcome to the alternative universe of America’s festival queens. With titles like Catfish Queen and Swine Queen, and royal duties ranging from leading parades to kissing frogs to doing PR for local industries, these hardworking girls represent the best of what America has to offer: local cultures, unique traditions, and the kind of can-do community spirit that makes Main Street sparkle with promise.

Book Blogger Hop

Time for the Blogger Hop from Crazy for Books

What a great idea! I love following readers blogs almost more than I like blogging myself. What a great way to get out there and meet new people who share the same interests as you.

This week’s question: If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?

Absolutely, I cannot imagine starting later in the series. Wouldn’t you miss so much?

Program - Postcard for Peace

Surprisingly not a lot of libraries run Remembrance Day programs, especially not for teens. I’m sure there is some underground stuff that goes on that doesn’t make websites (themed books in book clubs, art contests, ec), but I was surprised to find so few events actually promoted.

Yesterday I was part of a massive outreach initiative at one of the high schools in the city. It gave me a chance to meet with the school librarian and get a tour of the library. That school in particular was participating in the Postcard for Peace government program which provides opportunities for youth to send postcards to express messages of thanks to those who served Canada in times of war. The school had some really creative artist who had made some beautiful submissions, and I know a lot of the students were participating. I was really excited that students were actually doing something in thanks and remembrance and that the library was spearheading it.

Coming Soon the a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Playing Hurt

Author: Holly Schindler

Release Date: March 8 2011
Summary: Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family. That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?

Oh, this sounds like one of my favourite movies from when I was a kid, The Cutting Edge...so cute!

This Gorgeous Game

This Gorgeous Game
By Donna Freitas
2010
208 pages

Summary: 17 year old Olivia thinks that all her dreams have come true when she wins a much coveted writing contest. Not only does she get a scholarship to university but she also gets to be mentored by her literary idol Father Mark Brendan. At first Olivia is over the moon with all the attention Father Mark gives her, including praises of her work, small tokens and chance encounters. But soon she finds that she’s spending all her time with Father Mark and he has a lot of requests. When things start being taken a little too far, Olivia finds herself trapped in Father Mark’s world playing a very dangerous game.

Review: This Gorgeous Game was a very fast read and felt more like a short story than a full on novel. This quality would make it a perfect selection for reluctant readers. The story is fast paced with a steady increase in Mark’s bizarre behaviour, which no doubt will draw the reader in. The main character is well constructed and Freitas does a good job of showing the struggle between following along with someone in authority and feeling like something doesn’t feel right. I thought the concept was really interesting, I just wish the story had been filled out a little bit more.

Also by Donna Freitas: The Possibilities of Sainthood

If you liked This Gorgeous Game you might also enjoy: Because I am the Furniture by Thalia Chaltas, Fade by Lisa McMann, Boy Toy by Barry Lyga and Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Author website: http://donnafreitas.blogspot.com/

Rating: W2.5/4 C3/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR1/4
Grade Level Interest: MJS

Wake

Wake (Dreamcatcher Trilogy)
By Lisa McMann
2008
210 pages
Book 1

Summary: Seventeen year old Janie has a big problem; she can see into other people’s dreams. Not only is it annoying (how many falling dreams can you stand, really?) but she doesn’t have control over when they happen. Usually they are nothing more than a huge inconvenience, but when she enters into someone’s gruesome nightmare things take on a whole new level of scary. Will she find out the identity of the dreamer, and will mysterious Cabel still like her if he finds out her secret?

Review: Wake was an unexpected read. The writing it very stylized with short choppy sentences and the story is structured around a time line. While it serves to move the reader along at a quick pace, it does limit the amount of depth the novel can reach. This will no doubt frustrate some readers, but I found the writing style unique and refreshing. While I would have liked more depth to the story and the characters, I was happy to be along for the ride. The concept of dream watching is interesting, and I liked how McMann jumped into the story without a lot of background explanation. The elements of mystery and romance will make this book appeal to a wide audience. The style of writing and fast paced plot will also make it accessible to reluctant readers. A very fast and enjoyable read.

Also by Lisa McMann: Cryer’s Cross (Feb 2011)

If you liked Wake you might also enjoy: Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Sleepless by Cyn Balog, Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling, Evermore by Alyson Noel

Additional Info: There are two more books in the series: Fade and Gone. There will be a movie, possibly with Miley Cyrus as lead.

Non-fiction Connection: Dreams: Close Your Eyes and Open your Mind by Tucker Shaw

Author website: http://lisamcmann.com/

Rating: W3/4 C2.5/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: JS – low level for reading but somewhat mature elements.

From the Desk

One of my favourite things about being a Children and Youth librarian is that every morning someone puts on my desk all the new books that have arrived at our Branch for me to look over. It’s a really great way for me to know what we have in our collection, and I’m learning about all kinds of great new books.

Considering I don’t have time to read everything, I thought I would highlight some of the books that I find on my desk that look really interesting.

The Joshua Files: Invisible city by M. G Harris (2010) - Joshua's life was pretty average until his archaeologist father was reported dead in a plane crash. Josh's dad had been searching for the Mayan Codex, said to contain key information about the 2012 Mayan prophecy foretelling the end of the world. Was the crash simply a tragic accident, or is there more to his father's death than the authorities are willing to tell him?

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather David (2009) - Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys. But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots. Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it.

The Vanishing Violin by Michael Beil (2010) - When there are mysteries to be solved, the Red Blazer Girls are on the case! The discovery of the Ring of Rocamadour has secured the girls' reputation as Upper East Side super-sleuths, bringing many sundry job requests and some unwanted attention from crooks. This time the girls must follow a trail of cryptic clues, involving everything from logic to literature, to trace a rare violin gone missing. But nothing is as it appears, and just as a solution seems imminent, the girls find themselves scrambling to save the man who was once their prime suspect.

Book Blogger Hop

Time for the Blogger Hop from Crazy for Books

What a great idea! I love following readers blogs almost more than I like blogging myself. What a great way to get out there and meet new people who share the same interests as you.

This week’s question: What are your feelings on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?

Hmmm, I haven’t put a lot of thought into it to be honest. I don’t put a lot of stalk into how many followers I have, it’s not why I blog. Although I would be sad if someone left because I offended them, hopefully that has never happened.

I have stopped following blogs, mostly because they have stopped posting. I’m pretty committed to visiting the blogs I follow. I have everyone in my reader and I check them all once a day. Just because I don’t comment doesn’t mean I’m not there. I appreciate all of you!!

Coming Soon to a Library Near You

Coming Soon to a Library Near You is a weekly feature inspired by Jill at Breaking the Spine that looks at upcoming books.

This Week’s Book: Leverage

Author: Joshua C. Cohen

Release Date: Feb 2011

Summary: The football field is a battlefield There’s an extraordinary price for victory at Oregrove High. It is paid on—and off—the football field. And it claims its victims without mercy—including the most innocent bystanders. When a violent, steroid-infused, ever-escalating prank war has devastating consequences, an unlikely friendship between a talented but emotionally damaged fullback and a promising gymnast might hold the key to a school’s salvation. Told in alternating voices and with unapologetic truth, Leverage illuminates the fierce loyalty, flawed justice, and hard-won optimism of two young athletes (goodreads)

This just sounds so different. Plus the cover is very interesting.

Frostbite (A Vampire Academy Novel)
By Richelle Mead
2008
327 pages (paperback)
Book 2

“Things die. But they don’t always stay dead. Believe me, I know.”

Summary: Winter break is proving to be more disappointing than Rose could have imagined. She still has feelings for Dimitri, but it looks like he might like someone else, Mason has a crush on her and Lissa has been spending all her time with Christian. On top of that there has been a massive Strigoi attack, putting everyone on edge. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse her friends take off to strike against the Strigoi, and in order to save them she must team up with Christian. Only this time, she might find herself in a danger she can’t get out of.

Review: I really enjoyed the first book in the series and Frostbite didn’t disappoint. Rose is still as interesting, sarcastic and bad ass, and her relationship with Dimitri is still as steamy. I liked that Mead built up Mason and introduced Adrian. Having new people in Rose’s life added a little bit more dimension. However, it seemed to be at a cost to the storyline between Rose and Lissa. Overall, I was pleased with Mead’s ability to maintain all the key elements through the second book. The novel is fast paced with a lot of action. Those who enjoy paranormal romance with fast paced plots will really enjoy this second novel (it could be a stand alone, although I would suggest reading all of them).

Other books in the series: Vampire Academy (2007), Shadow Kiss (2008), Blood Promise (2009), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (Dec 2010)

If you liked Vampire Academy you might also enjoy: The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Evernight by Claudia Gray and Blue Bloods by Melissa De la Cruz

Author website: http://www.richellemead.com/index.htm

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3.5/4 O4/4 PP3.5/4 CR2/4
Grade Level Interest: high J or S

Trash to Treasure - October

Each month there are several books that I start to read but for one reason or another I just can’t get into them. I have a pretty low tolerance for the books I read, usually only giving them between 50-100 pages before I quit. There are just too many books to read and not enough time to “trudge” through something I’m not enjoying. However, I recently realized that I never mention them on here. So I’ve decided to do a monthly feature looking at some of the books I just couldn’t get into and why.

This month I only had one that I couldn't finish, sadly it was one I was really looking forward to.

Gone by Lisa McMann. (2010) – Read 57 pages.
While I LOVED the first two books in the series, I could not get into this last one. There just wasn’t enough going on plot wise and for the first time I found the writing style a pain rather than an asset. The aspect that I really loved about the first two (the crimes) wasn’t there in the beginning of the book, which felt like a big deal breaker for me. I’m sure it’s a good book, and I would have liked to see the conclusion to Janie and Cabel’s story. Unfortunately with the huge TBR pile I have, I just didn’t want to commit any more time to it.

Shooting Stars Mag, The Compulsive Reader and the Cozy Reader all have positive reviews on their sites to check out.

Before I Fall

Before I Fall
By Lauren Oliver
2010
470 pages

“They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that’s not how it happened for me.”

Summary: Sam had it all; she was part of the popular group, she had a boyfriend, was incredibly popular and she was feared and adored by all. Friday, February 12 should have been just like any other day but after a wild party she and her friends get in a car accident, and when she wakes up...it’s Friday, February 12 again. Sam finds her self in a strange time loop that always ends the same. To end the cycle she’ll have to find the key to her death and she’ll get the chance to do things right, one more time.

Review: Before I Fall is a unique spin of the typical high school tale. What if you got the opportunity to do it all again, what would you change, and what would be of value? You might think that re-reading the same day over and over again would make for a slow read, but Oliver has created such an extraordinary main character that it’s hard to look away. The story is more about Sam’s grieving process and her self realization than it is about the days and the differences between them (but don’t worry the days are interesting in and of themselves). The book is fast paced and honest in its observations of cliques, bullying and how easy it is to go through life without noticing things. The novel’s strongest element is its ability to evoke emotion in the reader as it creates an unparalleled experience of hope. Hope that Sam will be able to fix it and hope that things can be better. Incredible writing, incredible characters, this book obviously comes highly recommended.

Also by Lauren Oliver: Delirium (Feb 2011)

If you liked Before I Fall, you might also enjoy: Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr, How it Ends by Laura Wiess,

Author website: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/

Rating: W4/4 C4/4 P3/4 O3.5/4 PP3.5/4 CR3.5/4
Grade Level Interest: S