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