Shine

Shine
By Lauren Myracle
May 2011
Netgalley

Summary: When her best friend Patrick falls victim to a hate crime, Cat starts her own investigation. Living in a tight knit southern community means that everyone is close, but in the case of violence, Cat is learning they protect their own and don’t appreciate her sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Her investigation leads her to learn shocking secrets about those closest to her, secrets that lead her closer and closer to Patrick’s attacker and to danger.

Review: Shine tackles some serious and not often touched on topics including homophobia, hate crimes, poverty, abuse and drugs. While the novel is gritty and honest in how it handles these darker issues, the story has a much softer side. Cat is a compelling character as she comes out of her own brokenness for the sake of Patrick and learns to let people back into her life and to forgive. There was a lot of suspense and I think YA readers familiar with the more adult genre of mystery will really find something to love in this novel. Shine does have a little something for everyone. The writing is very mature and the author often went on flashback tangents that made the pacing a little uneven. However, I think it was an enjoyable novel; one that I hope is not overlooked in favour of more typical blockbuster books.

Also by Lauren Myracle: Kissing Kate, Peace, Love and Baby Ducks, ttyl and Bliss

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

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 3.5/4
Originality: 3.5/4
Popularity: 2.5/4
Cover Art: 2/4
Grade Level Interest: S

Posting Problems

I am having a difficult time posting at the moment (see yesterday's post). I can't seem to fix the format, even in html. Has anyone had this problem before???

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging By Louise Rennison 1999 255 pags Summary: Georgia has a 3 year-old sister who peed somewhere in her room, a cat who is insane, parents who embarrass her at every turn and a crush on a guy way out of her league. This hilarious novel follows Georgia, on the cusp of womanhood, as she attempts to survive high school and her first full frontal snogging. Review: This novel is quirky! It is told through hilarious and blatantly truthful diary entries, making it a fun and easy read. Readers will laugh out loud at the social awkwardness and embarrassing moments that befall poor Georgia. Despite the silliness, the novel is not without charm and sincerity. Readers will be drawn to Georgia’s honesty as she makes her way through early adolescence. The book is very British, and some younger audiences might stumble over the language. But if you can look past some of the strange sayings, there is a lot to love in this gem of a novel. Also by Louise Rennison: Withering Tights (June 2011) and the rest of The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series Additional Info: Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging was made into a movie in 2008. Author website: http://www.georgianicolson.com/ Rating: Writing: 3/4 Characters: 3/4 Plot: 2.5/4 Originality: 3/4 Popularity: 3/4 Cover Art: 3/4 Grade Level Interest: J

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 could physically put yourself into a book or series...which one would it be and why?

I’m going to guess this is going to be a popular answer this week, but I would pick Harry Potter. It so magical and who wouldn’t want to go to Hogwarts??

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.

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer - Foster McFee dreams of having her own cooking show like her idol, celebrity chef Sonny Kroll. Macon Dillard's goal is to be a documentary filmmaker. Foster's mother Rayka longs to be a headliner instead of a back-up singer. And Miss Charleena plans a triumphant return to Hollywood. Everyone has a dream, but nobody is even close to famous in the little town of Culpepper. Until some unexpected events shake the town and its inhabitants and put their big ambitions to the test. Full of humour, unforgettable characters, surprises, and lots and lots of heart, this is Joan Bauer at her most engaging

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: Hereafter
Author: Tara Hudson
Release Date: June 2011
Summary: Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Wither

Wither
By Lauren DeStefano
March 22 2011
368 pages (galleygrab)

Review: Rhine lives in a world where girls die at 20 and men at 25. In a botched attempt to rid society of disease, people are dying younger and younger. Now men steal orphans to be wives and bare children, and people become desperate to find an antidote. Rhine was looking forward to spending her last few years with her brother, but she is kidnapped and forced to live with two other women as wives to young and wealthy Linden in his strange secluded mansion. Despite the luxurious lifestyle, Rhine doesn’t feel safe and the mansion is not where she wants to be. Can she escape before her time runs out and is there even anything to go back to?

Summary: DeStefano’s strength lies in her storytelling. Nothing about the novel stands out as exceptional, but when all the pieces are put together, a beautiful and enjoyable story is found. The world that she created was interesting and there were elements that made me feel like I was reading a historical fiction, rather than a dystopian. It was quite an enjoyable blend. The writing style made Rhine a little hard to relate to, but I enjoyed reading about her, especially her relationship with the sister wives. The three of them together was the most dynamic aspect of the novel. Readers will also be drawn to Linden as he straddles the line between foe and friend. The book does have a bit of an older feel to it, and readers looking for a fast-paced dystopian might want to look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a good read with a unique story, Wither is for you.

This is Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel

If you liked Wither, you might also enjoy: Matched by Ally Condie, The Giver by Louis Lowry and A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Additional Info: Wither is the first book in The Chemical Garden trilogy

Author website: http://www.laurendestefano.com/index.php

Rating:
Writing: 3.5/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 2.5/4
Originality: 4/4
Popularity: 4/4
Cover: 4/4
Grade Level: S

Stay

Stay
By Deb Caletti
April 2011
eGalley

Summary: Clara’s relationship with Christian was intense from the start; they were the perfect match. However, the intensity of their relationship starts feeling a little dangerous when Christian starts becoming possessive, obsessive and a little violent. In a bid to start fresh, Clara and her father flee the city and Christian for the summer. As Clara reflects on her role in Christian’s obsession, she begins to wonder if she will ever be free.

Review: Caletti once again creates a beautiful and engaging story that captivates the reader completely. Caletti’s strength lies in her characters who are honest and relatable. Clara is a likable character who reflects on her mistakes and struggles to overcome obstacles. Caletti also writes rich side characters, people you love as much as the main characters. Her writing is always fluid and sweeps you into the story. It is easy to get lost in a Caletti novel. Finally, where some of her stories can have a slower pace to them, with a focus on character rather than plot, Stay was actually rather fast-paced with a lot of suspense. Through flashbacks, Caletti did a great job of building up the story of Christian’s obsession, alongside the present day suspense of him finding Clara. Her best yet.

Also by Deb Caletti: Six Rules of Maybe, The Secret Life of Prince Charming, The Fortunes of Indigo Skye, Honey, Baby Sweetheart, The Nature of Jade

If you liked Stay, you might also enjoy: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

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:
Writing: 4/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 3.5/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity 3/4
Cover 3.5/4

Grade Level: S

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: Do you read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?

I have a monogamous relationship with my books. If I do more than one the plot and/or characters get mixed up. My husband on the other hand can have 2-4 books going at once, drives me nuts.

Matched

Matched
By Ally Condie
2010
322 pages

Summary: Cassia lives in a world where everything is decided for her, from her food to her future husband. She believes that it is for her benefit and so she blindly trusts The Society who makes all the rules. That is until there is a mistake at her Matching ceremony and two boys are shown on the screen instead of one, two boys who Cassia knows very well. As the secrets of The Society start to unravel, Cassie begins to wonder which version of her life is the real one; the safe and regulated one with her best friend or the one that challenges everything she’s ever believed.

Review: Condie does a great job of world building. She gives the reader enough detail to make sense of the story, but at the same time leaves things open to suggest that not all is as it seems. The book feels a little like The Giver, in that it is a controlled dystopia. There are also similarities in writing style. The author’s smooth writing style and attention to detail did fill out the novel, but at times resulted in slower pacing. With respect to character development, Matched did feel like a first book in the series. Other than Cassia, there wasn’t much attention given to the other characters. I am looking forward to how the relationships play out in the next novel, especially between Cassia and Xander (who I thought got the short end of the stick).

Also by Ally Condie: The Yearbook Trilogy, Being Sixteen and Freshman for President

If you liked Matched, you might also enjoy: The Giver by Lois Lowry, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Additional Info: The sequel Crossed will be released in November 2011

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

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 2.5/4
Plot: 3/4
Originality: 2.5/4
Popularity: 4/4
Cover Art: 3.5/4
Grade Level: JS

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: But I Love Him
Author: Amada Grace
Release Date: May 2011
Summary: Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap. At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight - A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved-and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything-and everyone-in its path. This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.

I’m sensing a theme here. Two weeks in a row I’ve had books about abusive relationships. I like this genre; I think it’s important to have books that talk about this sort of thing, because abuse is not an ‘adult’ problem.

Delirium

Delirium
By Lauren Oliver
2011
441 pages

“I love you. Remember. They cannot take it.”

Summary: Lena is counting down the days until she can get the surgery that will save her life. She’s afraid of catching amor deliria nervosa, of being in love, an act which is outlawed. Luckily, in a few months she will qualify to have the cure and her life will set into perfect, safe normalcy. But when Lena meets Alex, an uncured, he shows her that the world is full of beautiful things, and without love there is nothing. The lines between what is right and what is better start to fall away and Lena must decide if she will choose safety or love, even though sometimes with love there is unbearable pain and loss.

Review: The writing is exceptional with Delirium. The pacing ebbs and flows, creating a smooth read that is easy to fall into despite the size of the book. Oliver also somehow manages to create a story that doesn’t feel linear, where readers can be lost in a world that feels more encompassing and complex. While the story lacks the grittiness that is found in many dystopias, Oliver does create a world that is poignant and not without sadness and loss. Readers will feel for Lena as she struggles to realize the truths being kept from her and the value of what she’s expected to give up. The relationship between her and Alex is sweet and slow to progress, giving it authenticity. The ending is unexpected and readers will be left salivating for the next book in the series.

Also by Lauren Oliver: Before I Fall

If you liked Delirium, you might also enjoy: The Uglies by Scott Westerfled, The Giver by Lois Lowry and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Additional Info: Delirium has been optioned (are we really surprised?) and the next two books are going to be called Pandemonium and Requiem.

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

Ratings:
Writing 4/4
Characters 4/4
Plot 3.5/4
Originality 2.5/4 (does feel a little bit like The Uglies)
Popularity 4/4
Cover 3/4
Grade Level: S

The Witch Child

The Witch Child
By Celia Rees
2000
261 pages

Summary: When her grandmother is accused and found guilty of witchcraft, 14-year-old Mary flees to the Americas on a ship full of Puritans wanting to rid themselves of the world’s sin. Trying to be vigilant and not found out, Mary is taken in by a widowed healer in the community. But things are difficult to keep hidden in this new community, and when strange things start to happen people turn to the outsider of the group, Mary. How long can she hide her true nature, and when so far from home, where will she go if they find out the truth.

Review: The Witch Child is a polished novel that provides a full picture tale of what it was like for some people in Mary’s situation. Despite the small size of the book, Mary’s journey is detailed and precise. Readers get to see what it was like not only in the colony, but also on the passage from England. This unique perspective added an extra dimension to the novel. Mary herself was an interesting and likable character, easy to relate to despite the historical setting. Readers will be swept into her tale and feel as if they too are always on the verge of being discovered, as there was a lot of suspense. The only downside was that it had a bit of a slow beginning. A great choice for reluctant readers, teens looking for a book for an assignment or just those interested in historical fiction.

Also by Celia Rees: Pirates!, Fools Girl and Sovay

If you liked The Witch Child, you might also enjoy: The Sacrifice by Kathleen Duble, The Minister’s Daughter by Julie Hearn and Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill

Additional Info: If you liked The Witch Child and want to know what happens to Mary, there is a sequel called Sorceress.

Non Fiction Connection: The Salem Witch Trials by Lori Lee Wilson

Author website: http://www.celiarees.com/index.html

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 3/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 2.5/4
Cover Art: 2/4
Grade Level: J

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: Bitter End

Author: Jennifer Brown

Release Date: May 2011

Summary: When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole -- a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her -- she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.

As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself.

I loved Brown’s Hate List. It was one of the first YA novels that I got lost in when I started this blog. It was so beautifully done. I can’t wait to read Bitter End.

I'll Get There. It Better be Worth the Trip

I’ll Get There. It Better be Worth the Trip.
By John Donovan
1969
199 pages

Summary: Set in 1969, Donovan's seminal tale centres on Davy Ross, a lonely thirteen-year-old boy. When his grandmother dies, Davy must move to Manhattan to live with his estranged mother. Between alcohol-infused lectures about her self-sacrifice and awkward visits with his distant father, Davy's only comfort is his beloved dachshund Fred. Things look up when he and a boy from school become friends. But when their relationship takes an unexpected physical turn, Davy struggles to understand what happened and what it might mean. (from amazon)

Review: I really liked the simplistic writing style of Donovan’s novel. There weren’t a lot of unnecessary elements, creating a story that felt very honest. It did have a more mature feel to it, so younger readers might stumble with the writing style. Davy was an appealing character, one with a lot of whit. While readers might find the setting and the some of the writing hard to connect with, Davy felt rather timeless. His experience of loss and loneliness will resonate with readers. I would recommend reading the 40th edition copy due to the reflections of other authors on the back. It gives a great perspective on the novel and its importance in the cannon of YA literature.

Additional Info: Apparently the first teen novel to address homosexuality

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot 2.5/4
Originality: 4/4
Popularity: 2.5/4 (because it's older)
Cover Art: 2.5/4
Grade Level: 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.

Love, Inc. By Yvonne Collins - Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents’ marriages hadn’t fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they’ve each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways. Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match-making expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc.

How cute does this sound?

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: Who’s your all time favourite book villain?

This might sound strange, but Helen from Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook. Despite being the main character, and one that I completely rooted for, she did some horrible things. I like that she was a complicated enough character to be the villain of her own story. Plus the book was hilarious.

Monthly Recap - February

I always enjoy reading blogger’s monthly recaps. It’s a great way to see what you’ve missed, notice trends and see how books compare to each other. I stole this idea from Imagination in Focus, one of my favourite blogs to follow.

Number of Books Read: 8
Favourite Read: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Least Favourite: I really enjoyed everything I read this month, but I think I liked I’ll Get There by John Donovan the least. Only because it was a little dated
Most Original Idea: Wither by Lauren DeStefano, I the plot!
Best Character: Death in Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler
Best Villain: La Spider and Liam Knight in Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Best Supporting Character: Xander in Matched by Ally Condie ( I always root for the underdog)

February was a great month for dystopian’s, I read Wither, Matched and Delirium all in succession.

Also, no Trash to Treasure this month...I finished all my books! YAY

Coming Soon

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: The Summer of Firsts and Lasts
Author: Terra Elan McVoy
Release Date: May 2011
Summary: Three sisters. One life-changing summer.

Calla loves summer because summer means Duncan. They’ve been best friends for years, but Calla has never worked up the nerve to tell him how she really feels. This summer, the summer before college, is Calla's last chance.

Violet isn't much of a rule breaker in real life. But this isn't real life, this is summer, and Violet is determined to make the most of it. Besides, a little sneaking out never hurt anyone. And sneaking out with James is 100% worth the risk...even though James is completely off-limits.

Daisy has never been the sister that boys notice, but when sparks fly with Joel at the first bonfire of summer, it seems so easy and right. So why is being his girlfriend so complicated?

This book seems really light and fun, the perfect summer read. I’ve enjoyed Terra’s work in the past, so I’m sure this will be good too.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour
By Morgan Matson
2010
343 pages

Summary: After a terrible car accident kills Amy’s father, Amy has a difficult time driving. While she’s been happy to avoid it in the past, when her mom moves out east and wants her to drive there, things become more complicated. Enter smart, funny and good looking Roger, the son of a family friend. Amy isn’t thrilled to be driving cross country with a stranger, but together they embark on an epic detour filled with diners, national parks, roadside attractions and a whole lot of flirting and tender moments. The best part of a detour, is that is always leads you somewhere unexpected.

Review: Amy and Roger’s story is sweet and genuine. Readers will be drawn into Amy’s story as she struggles with her father’s death and her feelings for Roger. Their relationship was slow to develop, tender and deliberate, which added an element of realism to a genre that’s filled with insta-love. There were times of sincerity and sadness mixed with hilariousness and charm. The tension between the two was especially engrossing. The cross country road trip was a perfect backdrop to this story, adding interest and excitement. It was a well-rounded novel that was easy to get lost in. Readers who enjoy romantic comedy-type novels will fall in love with this story.

This is Morgan Matson’s first novel.

If you liked Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, you might also enjoy: Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt, One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Non Fiction Connection: Road-Trip USA by Jamie Jensen

Rating:
Writing: 3.5/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 4/4
Originality: 3.5/4
Popularity: 3/4
Cover Art: 4/4
Grade Level: S