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After reading this in May I had this whole "review" written out that I wish I had posted. I gushed about how great this book was and gave it what from me is the highest praise possible: I would buy a digital and physical copy. I talked about how great the writing and editing was. Most importantly how the author did everything right, especially compared to that book that I didn't find Beautiful and was quite a Disaster. Also about how Lucas is everything Travis from said book isn't. But alas, I lost that review. I'm so happy this book is getting so much deserved praise. I just love when it happens to talented writers. I have gone on to read everything she's written and will continue to do so. In case you have't guessed, I highly recommend this book. It will no doubt be one of my favorite reads of 2012.
Three Wishes
Eight years later? Really? I'm done. I'm sorry. I can't. Don't hate me. I just don't get the appeal. I feel like I'm being told a story by a wannabe bad girl teenager. "And then this happened. And then this happened. And then this. But then this happened."
I think 2013 is when I've finally, finally learned to stop reading a book I'm not into, regardless of how long I waited to borrow it.
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Head Rush (The Disillusionists Trilogy, #3)
This has pretty much become my most anticipated book ever.
This book, in all its awesomeness, made me a little angry. Why? Because while it seems like all I do is lament the lack of quality young adult novels during my adolescence, this book was published in 1992, meaning it was out there and I had no idea of its existence. I truly think reading this book back then would have been a momentous experience for me. Which I guess is what a “coming of age” novel is supposed to do, right?As an Italian-America, I was just so fascinated to learn that Italian families really aren’t that different, no matter where they’ve immigrated. But then I was also shocked to learn how the childhood of someone like Josie could differ so much from mine. Growing up where I live, we didn’t experience that kind of prejudice. In fact, here, anybody with even a drop of Italian blood would walk around proudly bragging about how Italian they were! I don’t know if that’s really how it was in Australia in the 90s but I hope that’s not how it is today.
So this is more of a personal, hit close to home 5 star rating for me, as opposed to the knocked my socks off Jellico Road.That book was such a sucker punch I couldn't even try to review it. But either way, having only read two of Melina Marchetta’s book, I can’t even begin to express how enamored I am with her writing!
I'm going to share a story rather than review this. A while back, I took my niece and nephew to the last hour of the local library book sale, where for just $2 you could take home a bag full of books. I browsed with them, since the YA books were in the same section. I picked up A Northern Light, hoping to impart a little bit of literary knowledge. I told them, "Guys, when you see a book with a medal like this on it, read it. This means it's a good book." Luckily, my advice was correct because this is an excellent book!
The Deepest Cut (MacKinnon Curse #1)
I stumbled upon the Labor Day Indie Book Blowout and this was the first book to catch my eye, admittedly because I think the cover is beautiful. I was instantly hooked by the Kindle sample and quickly purchased it. Can I just say this book is a total steal at $0.99?! As for the story--I really enjoyed it. A fairly quick read that was creative and interesting and I guess you could say delightfully creepy. I really like Riley, and even liked her foul-mouthed little brother :P This leads me to something else I liked about this book: the teenagers seemed like real teenagers. I realize I'm about to sound like a hypocrite because I personally don't think teenagers should be using drugs and alcohol, but I still liked the fact that these kids were swearing and drinking at parties and contemplating sex. It made them more well-rounded and believable.
Often times I find myself rolling my eyes at some of the dialogue and things that happen in YA books. That didn't really happen with this book. And while I'm comparing it to other YA books, my only complaint would be that while I find some books are unnecessarily long and tedious, I felt this book could have actually benefited from the extra length. I think if it were a little more fleshed out, the creepy parts would have been even more creepy, and the romance would have been even more sweeter and believable.
I highly recommend YA fiction readers give this one a try. For the price you can't go wrong. I have to say, I am much more impressed by this indie book than I have been by a lot of the mediocre YA books I have read in the past. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Wow. Wow. This book is amazing. Seriously, why is it not available in paperback? I would gladly pay twice just to have a physical copy of it. That's probably the highest praise I can think to give a book. Like others have said, the title and cover of this book can be a little misleading. It is not your average romance novel. There is so much depth and emotion to it. When something good or bad, exciting or sad happened I literally felt it in my gut. I found the characters and their relationships genuine and believable. I even thought the book within a book was rather clever.
I don't necessarily consider myself a "romance" reader, although I have read my fair share of them lately. Reading this makes me reconsider my opinion on the whole genre. I can't explain it, but I just found it to be special and unique. Am I just naive and are there lots of books out there like this? Did this book come along at just the right time and scratch an itch I didn't know needed scratching? It's possible. But either way, it completely blew me away. I don't think I expected to love it as much as I do.
So in conclusion: Did I feel the character's emotions in my gut? Yup. Have I been rereading it for the past couple days because I'm not ready to move on? Yup. It gets 5 stars from me.
Unfortunately I'm going to have to mark this one "DNF" for now. Haven't been able to get past the first 50 pages. I've heard much about how funny Jen Lancaster is, so I will try this one again when I am in the mood for a book like this.
Wow. I’m not sure what I expected of this book. I’m not even entirely sure how I feel about it. This was my first book by this author—which is surprising considering how many novels she’s written—so I can’t compare it to her other work. But I can say that I haven’t had a reaction like this since reading My Sister’s Keeper. I haven’t reviewed that book, but anyone who has read it will probably have an idea what I mean by that. I keep sitting down and attempting to review this book, and finding myself unable to put together my thoughts in a tactful way. Because of that, it’s been a while since I finished this book, so my thoughts may be all over the place.
Basically, what stands out for me is that I think this is a book that will have the ability to affect people in completely different ways, depending on where they are in life, and what experiences they have been through. By that I mean, I think mothers will most likely relate and sympathize with Jude and younger people quite possibly will relate more to Lexi. Myself: I have actually experienced the kind of tragedy that occurs in this book and seen the devastation it causes. And while I did sympathize with Jude and tried not to judge her too harshly, I still identified more with Lexi and what she went through and really felt for her. I totally understood how a girl like her could become so infatuated with Zach and Mia. I also couldn’t help but feel that what happened was in some way a result of over-indulging children. I’m not saying they were bad kids, but because they always got whatever they wanted, they just couldn’t comprehend not getting their way and the consequences their actions could have. So for me, it was easy to see how Zach and Mia could steamroll Mia in the moment, and it was sad to read where her life leads, all because she thought she was doing the right thing.
Overall, I think this will be a bit of a divisive book. Some will feel frustrated by the characters and their actions; others will find the sadness of the plot emotional and compelling.
Ok, so I am sort of kicking myself for only visiting the official website after finishing this book. It has this really awesome diagram of the ship that I wish I had known about, to refer to instead of just the diagrams in the book. (I read an ARC, so I don't know what the maps in the finished version look like.) Just wanted to start with that, because I highly recommend checking it out.As for the book--I really enjoyed this. Another book that's right up my alley, with its dystopian/sci-fi themes. I think many fans of these genres might love it. I am very impressed that this is a debut book. It sucks you right in and is so well-written and thought provoking. Yet another book that I wish had been around when I was a teen.
Now, I am a "the book is better person", but I really think that this story would make a great movie. Just thought I'd throw that out there, since so many YA books seem to be turned into movies these days :P
So yes, I highly recommend this if you are a fan of this type of book. I also read that it is the first of a trilogy, and I will definitely be checking out the next book and anything else by this author.
*I won a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Wow, this was quite an intriguing and unique book. I've never read anything like it. My major was psychology, and my favorite course was forensic psychology, so I have always been fascinated by the subject. It was so interesting to read from the point of view of a teenage sociopath. I found him so honest and insightful. He's trying to do good and fight against what he knows he is. A noble sociopath you can empathize with...who'd have thought? Okay, maybe noble is too strong of a word, but you get the idea!Another thing I liked was how the twists really caught me off guard and surprised me. That doesn't happen to me very often.
I do want to say, without spoiling anything, that when John tells us what he got everyone for Christmas presents--I literally laughed out loud. I found it so hysterical for some reason!
This is the first book of a trilogy, and I am very interested in seeing how the story continues.
*I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
I’ve never owned or read a companion book to a TV series so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised. But first, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about my interest in The Vampire Diaries. Like many people I have been caught up in the vampire craze. I suppose I never really left it ever since Buffy and Angel. So when I heard they were making a show based on The Vampire Diaries book series, I went and read all the books before watching the show. Now, normally I am in the camp of “the book is better” but if I’m perfectly honest, in this case I think I like the show better. Not to say the books aren’t good, but I have really enjoyed how the show has expanded the storyline and really brought it to life. I mention all this because I enjoy how Love You to Death gives you the background of the book series and the author. Along with a synopsis of each episode, the author also provides a section drawing parallels and comparisons to the books, which I really liked. Another part of this book I really enjoyed was learning more about the show’s creators and the actors. It gives a detailed background for them, giving readers lots of tidbits they might not have known. For instance, I was shocked that the network had to be convinced on Ian Somerhalder, because to me he is perfect as Damon! I also liked the discussion on why show Elena is a brunette, because I too had trouble getting used to it but am also glad they chose Nina Dobrev, because I like her Elena better than the book Elena.
So, overall, this was a very interesting companion book to the television series. I think hardcore fans who like to collect things about their favorite show will love this, and anyone who is looking for more info will be happy with all the new things they learn from this book. I’m glad I got the chance to read it; it made me realize how much I enjoy the show and how much I’m looking forward to its return this September!
*I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
The subject matter of this book is not for everyone. I myself am never one to shy away from depressing or disturbing books so I dove right in. I quickly began to realize it was basically the sum of my worst fears put on paper, with several new, unimaginable fears thrown in. To be honest, I almost wanted to stop reading, but I kept going. This is one of those books that you hesitate to say you loved. I mean, how can you love a book about a woman who was abducted, raped, and forced to live in terror? What I can say is that it is truly amazing. I loved the narration, the writing style and the way the plot unfolded. I felt so many emotions as I read. If this were a movie, it would be one where I watched while grimacing, with my hands over my eyes for much of it. In fact, I had to take breaks from reading, but would find myself still thinking about it and have to pick it back up and continue.
I like to think that you learn something new with each book you read. I think I learned something about myself as I read this book. As I ponder what Annie went through, I do not know if I would be strong enough to survive it. That being said, I think I did relate to Annie and if God forbid I ever were to go through anything like that, I would imagine my behavior in the aftermath would be very similar to hers.
All the descriptions you read on the back of the book—gripping, compelling, terrifying—are absolutely correct. This book grabbed me from start to finish, and ended with a twist that left me saddened but ultimately at peace.
While I probably wouldn’t recommend this book for everybody, I think for people who might be interested in reading it, you will not regret it. Unbelievable debut; I am glad I got the chance to read it and am a new fan of Chevy Stevens.
*I received a copy of this book for review.
I love dystopian books, and this one did not disappoint! I loved that it reminded me a little of both The Handmaid's Tale and The Hunger Games. The world was well developed and I could easily imagine what it would be like to live in it. I also really liked and connected with Gaia. Both of these things are what made this book stand out for me. I keep talking about how great Young Adult literature is nowadays, and this book was no exception. I borrowed it from the library but plan to add it to my collection at some point. I look forward to seeing where the story goes in the sequel.