Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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: The Sharp Time
Author: Mary O’Connell
Release Date: Nov 2011
Summary: Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge.

Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets. Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she's offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance.

I love contemps and this one sounds so good!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Beginning of After

The Beginning of After
By Jennifer Castle
September 2011
Egalley (approx 432 pages)

Summary: After a family get together with her neighbours, Laurel decides not to go out with everyone, but rather stay in and catch up on homework. With that decision her life changes forever. Her parents, brother and her next door neighbour are killed in a tragic car accident. Now Laurel must struggle to live her life in the absence of those she loves and lean on David, whose father caused the accident.

Review: The Beginning of After focuses on the process of grief and the steps necessary to piece back together one’s life after such a tragic accident. The plot is slow moving, but the writing is rich and reflective. It doesn’t read as fast as similar books such as The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, but there is sweetness to the story that warrants the slower pacing. Castle does a great job at showcasing the highs and lows of moving on through believable and likeable characters. Lauren’s job at the vet provided an interesting twist and provided more depth as readers see how Lauren’s grief works itself out with the animals she cares for. David was a bit of a disappointment and I’m not sure readers will buy his relationship with Laurel. However, this doesn’t subtract from the book and those who enjoy “loss” books will enjoy Castle’s story.

This is Jennifer Castle’s first novel

If you liked The Beginning of After, you might also enjoy: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, If I Stay by Gayle Forman and Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Authors website: http://www.jennifercastle.com/home

Additional Info: Check out Jennifer’s thoughts on “Ya Fiction and ‘the death cliche’”

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

Monday, August 29, 2011

Biff

I missed the blog hop this week and it was about pets, darn. However, I thought I would still share a picture of my hilarious and awesome cat Biff.


Unbelievable

While I was on my trip I got seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Unbelievable
By Sara Shepard
2008
335 pages

PLL book 4

Summary: Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer is afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much. If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.

Review: Answers, finally! A lot of pieces came together in this fourth book leading up to A’s big reveal! The main characters are becoming even more complex, but at the same time predictable enough that readers feel like they ‘know’ them. I was especially enthralled by the secondary characters of this novel, especially Jenna, Lucas, Melissa, Meredith and of course Mona. While this could easily be the end of the series, readers will be dying to know what will happen next.

Rating: 4/4

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Program: Geek Prom

I love when libraries hold dances, especially in areas where schools do not have the space. One of the bloggers I follow (who is a teen librarian) posted in June about a program she ran called Geek Prom. It kicked off their summer reading program and gave the teens an opportunity to have a really goofy and fun time. Who doesn’t like to dress up like a geek?

Highlights include: geeky music, a duct tape station and prizes for the geekiest costume.

Check out her post here.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Sometimes It Happens

Sometimes It Happens
By Lauren Barnholdt
2011
320 pages

Summary: During the first days of summer Hannah’s boyfriend cheats on her and her best friend Ava leaves her for summer camp, leaving Hannah all alone. To fill time and make a little cash she takes a job with Ava’s boyfriend Noah. Now it’s the first day of school and Hannah has to deal with the aftermath of the summer; her relationship with her ex, separation from Ava and an unexpected night between her and Noah.

Review: While not my favourite of her novels, Sometimes It Happens has many of the same elements that one comes to expect from Barnholdt’s work. It has the same easy to read writing style with short sentences and dialogue that make it perfect for reluctant readers or those wanting a quick read. Also, the characters are sarcastic and witty and easy to like. Hannah’s voice was surprisingly authentic despite the predictable plotline. While the flashbacks usually enhance Barnholdt’s novels, in this case they broke up the story a little bit too much making it difficult to connect. However, it was still an enjoyable read.

Also by Lauren Barnholdt: Two-Way Street, Once Night that Changes Everything, Aces Up

If you liked Sometimes it Happens you might also enjoy: The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti, The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Author website: http://laurenbarnholdt.com/

Rating:
Writing: 3/4
Characters: 2.5/4
Plot: 2/4
Originality: 2/4
Popularity: 3/4
Cover: 2.5/4
Grade: JS

Friday, August 19, 2011

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’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?

This one is easy...the Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I can’t remember how many pages it was, but it was thick and it took me FOREVER to read. While I enjoyed it immensely I remember thinking “isn’t this book done yet???”

My husband read War in Peace over the holidays a few years ago...he puts me to shame.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Perfect

While I was on my trip I got seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Perfect
By Sara Shepard
2008
336 pages
Book 3

Summary: In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem. Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister.

Review: This one had a lot of mystery, and just when you think you might get some answers…bam what a cliff hanger! Great character development, especially Hannah. Not only were the girls stories getting more interesting as they got more complex, similarly A is becoming even more mysterious as she ups the ante on the secrets. My favourite thus far.

Rating: 4/4

Friday, August 12, 2011

Program: Read a book, save a tree

While this is not a teen program, I wanted to highlight a really cool element of the summer reading program that London Public Library is doing this summer.

Usually the TD Summer Reading Club has some pretty nifty little prizes to encourage children to participate. However, this summer LPL has partnered with ReForest London to plant trees as a form of encouragement. For every 25 books a child reads this summer, ReForest London will plant one tree. It is projected that there will be around 800 trees planted in the fall at a tree planting ceremony that the children will be able to attend.

How cool is that?

Check out the news article here.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Flawless

While I was on my trip I got seriously addicted to the Pretty Little Liars series. Since the books are very similar in plot, writing style, etc., I’ve decided to do mini reviews so I’m not repeating myself as much. For a full review, check out my review here.

Flawless
By Sa
ra Shepard
352 pages
2008
Book 2

Summary: Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.

Review: What a great sequel! Shepard dives a little farther into the girls’ past and we finally get to find out what happened with Jenna. It was well paced with a perfect mixture of finding out secrets and discovering new mysteries. I liked how Shepard dealt with Toby and also how the girls’ storylines diverged a bit (especially Ari). Definitely enticed me to read more.

Rating: 4/4

Monday, August 8, 2011

Where She Went

Where She Went
By Gayle Forman
2011
260 pages

Summary: It’s been three years since Mia left Adam for New York, three years since Adam’s world fell apart. Since then he’s used his pain to propel his band to huge levels of stardom, but having all his dreams come true without Mia, doesn’t feel right at all. When he is left behind in New York one evening, Adam decides to see Mia, to ease some of his pain and to see if he can get some answers. Together they tour the city, reminisce and finally are honest with each other about what happened after the accident.

Summary: Once again Forman delivers a completely satisfying read. The quick and easy pose gives the reader an element of intimacy to the story, which is further highlighted by the stark language and at times brutal honesty. Through Adam’s narrative, readers also get a more in-depth look at a character that was so loveable in If I Stay and in doing so serves to round out the great romance between Mia and Adam. Readers will appreciate the inside look at celebrity life and the musical references. I was also pleased to see more glimpses of Mia’s family life before the accident. A fantastic sequel to a well loved novel.

Also by Gayle Forman: If I Stay,

If you liked Where She Went, you might also enjoy: The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard, Audrey Wait by Robin Benway and Looking for Alaska by John Green

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

Ratings:
Writing: 4/4
Characters: 4/4
Plot: 3.5/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 4/4
Cover: 3/4
Grade Level Interest: JS

Friday, August 5, 2011

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 is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?”

Even though it doesn’t come out until next year, I would love to read The Story of Us by Deb Caletti. I love her books and I simply cannot wait to read her next one (hint hint!). Seriously she could write anything and I would read it.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

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: Finding Somewhere
Author: Joseph Monninger
Release Date: November 2011
Summary: Two girls: Best friends Hattie and Delores feel that life in their small New Hampshire town is a dead end. One horse: Old and about to be put down, Speed gets a reprieve when Hattie and Delores decide to save him. A road trip: Determined to set Speed free, Hattie and Delores drive him west in search of rangeland. But the road takes some unexpected turns as the girls get their own taste of freedom—and as they confront the reasons they left home.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a horse book, but a roadtrip horse book??? How can you beat that?

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Month in Review - July

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: 9
Favourite Read: Flawless (PLL) by Sara Shepard
Least Favourite: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholt
Most Original Idea: Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Best Character: Christopher from Clean by Amy Reed. He was so innocent and endearing, yet completely broken and sad. Loved how complex and sweet he was.
Best Villain: Melissa from the Pretty Little Liars series. I love to hate her! She is so intriguing, but so completely annoying.
Best Supporting Character: Mike from the Pretty Little Liar series. I love his immature charm.

Can you tell I read a lot of PLL in July?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars
By Sara Shepard
2006
286 pages
Book 1

“I’m still here, bitches. And I know everything.” – A

Summary: Spencer, Aria, Emily and Hanna are bound together by horrible secrets. Since the disappearance of their best friend Allison in seventh grade, the girls have drifted apart. Now several years later the girls start getting mysterious text messages from someone who knows their deep dark secrets, secrets that only Allison could know. Who is the mysterous A sending text messages, and what will happen to the girls if everything is revealed?

Review: Pretty Little Liars is a quick and addictive read. Fast pacing and short sentences make this perfect for reluctant readers or those seeking an easy read. While the characters seem shallow and one dimensional, they actually address real and important issues that readers will relate to such as: insecurities, domineering parents, not fitting in, bulimia and homosexuality. The scandals and mystery add fun and unique twists to the plot. Furthermore, Shepard does a great job at setting up the series, giving enough of the back story without giving too much away. Interesting characters, great storyline, readers will be hooked.

Also by Sara Shepard: The Lying Game and Never Have I Ever

Other books in the series: Flawless, Perfect, Unbelievable, Wicked, Killer, Heartless, Wanted and Twisted

Author website: http://www.prettylittleliars.com/author/

If you liked Pretty Little Liars you might also enjoy: The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Rating:
Writing: 4/4
Characters: 3/4
Plot: 4/4
Originality: 3/4
Popularity: 4/4
Cover: 4/4 (extra points for the covers staying the same throughout the series)
Rating: S (content)

 
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