UnWholly (Unwind #2)

  I read Unwind by Neal Shusterman back in 2008. It was one of the most disturbing, thought provoking books that I've ever read. When I heard it was going to be series, I was simultaneously excited yet worried. My expectations for the sequel was very high and I left it unread for several days in fear that I would be greatly disappointed. After being reassured from fellow Unwind fans that I would enjoy it, I took the plunge and I wasn't disappointed.

Description (edited to avoid spoilers): In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to survive until they turn eighteen. The morality behind unwinding has finally been brought into question. It has now become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but expand, allowing the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished. In this chilling tale of survival, how far are you willing to go to save your own life?

Review: Please note that this review is intentionally vague in order to avoid spoilers for either of the books. In the Unwind series, our current war is in chaos. After a terrible war between the Pro-Life and the Pro-Choice, an amendment called "The Bill of Life" was added to the Constitution. The Bill of Life states that life of any child is protected from conception until the age of 13. Once a child reaches 13 a parent then has the right to unwind their child. Unwinding is a process where the child officially remains alive – but in a “divided state.” Every part of the body is harvested at a Harvest Camp and preserved and later used for people that need replacement parts. For example, if someone is suffering from heart failure – instead of having your traditional bypass surgery you just get a new, live heart that once belonged to a child that was Unwound. A parent or legal guardian can sign the unwinding order for any reason (i.e. they can't financially afford to support their child, don't like their child, etc) for their child until the child reaches 18. With this chilling and horrifying premise, Shusterman plays with all of our darkest fears such as death, abandonment, disappointment, and the fear of being unloved and challenges his readers to think of what lengths they would go to in order to save themselves in this gripping and brilliantly imagined thriller.
  While Unwind focuses on the individual, unwinding experiences of three teens, UnWholly provides its readers with a lot more historical context of how the Bill of Life came to be. Not only do we reconnect with the main cast of characters from the first book, we are also introduced to new characters, some of which you hate with a passion and others that evoke your sympathy yet make you feel uncomfortable with their presence. Each character is fully realized with their flaws and strengths drawn with equal strokes. The story is told through multiple perspectives, which done quite well. 

  UnWholly could have easily been your standard middle book, but thankfully Shusterman gives equal time to  character development and story arc without losing its intense action sequences and incredible pace in his short chapters. There were many times where I thought I knew where the story was headed, but the author threw a curve ball several times and left me unsure. I took a long time, by my standards, to finish UnWholly but that is not a reflection of the book's quality. For me the horror described both metaphorically and literally in the book seeped into my bones and I needed some distance after reading it which is why I read it sections. Still I had to force myself to close the book both in fear of the foreshadowing and ominous tones in the book. 
  If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller that makes you think and are tired of all the hype of the next dystopian ala "Hunger Games" derivative, definitely pick up this series. This series is sure to get you out of a reading rut and has been proven effective to get reluctant readers motivated. To those I've recommended this book to, I've not heard one disappointment yet. The Unwind series will make you feel wide range of emotions from anger to horror, but it will also show you what it means to be alive. Though UnWholly doesn't end in a cliffhanger, I'm very, very excited and interested to see how the events in this book unfold.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, strong violence, disturbing images, and mature themes. Recommended for Grades 10 and up.

If you like this book try: Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, Gone series by Michael Grant, Afterschool Charisma series by Kumiko Suekane, Maze Runner series by James Dashner, Escape from Furnace series by Alexander Gordon Smith

Read More

Challenged: Julie of the Wolves

  I've gotten a great response from reviewing challenged books and though I'm not participating in any banned/challenged books this year, I do plan on continuing reviewing these books as I think it's important information to know. I am even considering making it my own meme/feature for my blog. What do you think?

Description: While running away from home and an unwanted marriage, a thirteen-year-old Eskimo girl becomes lost on the North Slope of Alaska and is befriended by a wolf pack.

Review: During my younger reluctant reading days, I was handed a copy of Julie of the Wolves to read since I absolutely loved and adored Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins and was hoping to read a similar story. I did not finish Julie of the Wolves because the plot moved too slowly for me and I couldn't connect with Julie at all.
  Now after several years I tried Julie of Wolves again since it is one of the most frequently and prominent children's book that has challenged. Looking at the reasons listed for the challenges, I quickly realized that this book is one that I ought to know about.
  Though I still find the plot pacing to be very slow and found the protagonist to be a bit aloof, I immediately drawn into her desperate situation. In the first half of the book, she is alone and struggles to befriend a pack of wolves in the snowy backdrop of Alaska in the hopes that the wolves would give her food and their protection. She spends a lot of trying to understand the wolves' behavior in efforts to communicate with them. Slowly, the wolves become somewhat comfortable around her. Soon the wolves become an allegory of her troubling family situations.
  Julie of the Wolves is a many layered adventure story that also brushes upon colonialism and self discovery just to name a few. For example Julie's real name is Miyax but she is called Julie when she goes to school where she learns how to read and write English. Miyax is torn between abandoning her "old" Eskimo customs and culture in order to become more "civilized" in the modern world of the white-man “gussak". Though she enjoys and is successful at learning English, she is taken out of school because she has become a marriageable age. Troubling home situation after another, Miyax runs away into the Alaskan wilderness and must decide for herself what life she wants to lead. Although the climax and the ultimate ending of the story seem troubling, bleak, and unsatisfying, it speaks of  Miyax's maturity and her newly gained independence.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Why it was challenged: Julie of the Wolves is listed at #32 on the ALA's most frequently challenged books 1990-1999 and #91 on the 2000-2009  list. The reasons for the book challenged are: references to alcoholism, divorce, abuse  (therefore, anti-family), for sexual content, offensive language, violence and being unsuited to age group. Source: Marshall Library and MVCC library guide.

Words of Caution: There are allusions to adult alcoholism and a glimpse of domestic abuse. Recommended for Grades 7 and up. The most notable scene which the challenges are referring to is that of Miyax's marriage to Daniel, a boy who is described as "mentally slow" and that of her in-laws. Daniel's father is an alcoholic and we learn that Eskimos have a low tolerance to alcohol. Daniel's father becomes an angry drunk and hits his wife. The readers don't see this happening but we hear it from one of Miyax's friends. Meanwhile Daniel storms home and is angry that people from his village are making fun of him that he can't please his wife. In a fit, Daniel pushes Miyax down and rips her shirt. Many readers have construed this small scene as rape, but when I read this scene I didn't find any contextual clues to suggest this. Not to condone his behavior, Daniel jumps up and says "he can" and soon leaves. The author has said that she needed a very urgent and important event happen to Julie in order to motivate her to leave her situation and find her own life as family is extremely important to the Eskimo culture.

If you like this book try: Julie (Julie of the Wolves #2) by Jean Craighead George, Island of Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Read More

The Age of Miracles

    I seem to be very luck with most of my adult reading picks this year. The latest book that struck a strong chord with me is Karen Thompson Walker's debut novel, The Age of Miracles, that makes us wonder what we would do if we are confronted with a natural disaster and whether life we knew it would irrevocably change.

Description: On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in a California suburb, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow. The days and nights grow longer and longer, gravity is affected, the environment is thrown into disarray. Yet as she struggles to navigate an ever-shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the normal disasters of everyday life.

Review: The Age of Miracles is a gripping yet quiet debut novel. Our narrator is the precocious eleven year-old Julia who wakes one day to the news that the earth's rotation has started slowing. The unheard event sends ripples of bewilderment, fear, paranoia, and chaos everywhere. The immediate effects of the slowing is startling as people rush to the nearest grocery stories and survival disasters kits, which is not common with what people really did with the potential threat of Y2K twelve years ago.
  "The slowing" is growing slower still, and soon both day and night are more than twice as long as they once were. The simple concept of what we think time is suddenly altered causing fractions within the nation as the federal governments decide to stick to the 24-hour schedule (ignoring circadian rhythms) while a subversive movement called "real-timers" erupts and disregards the clock and appear to be weathering the slowing better than clock-timers-at first. As the days continue to lengthen, gravity increases, the earth’s magnetic field begins to collapse and the world faces potential famine as plants die during the ever-lengthening nights. The slowing is never explained nor addressed beyond its after effects, much to the frustration of many readers, but I had no issues with it as I saw the event as a series of metaphors ranging from the classic coming of age to the loss of the innocence all thanks to the wonderful narrator.
  I loved Julia right from the start. Her voice is memorable, authentic, direct, and conversational. I connected with her on so many levels. On the brink of adolescence, she's as concerned with buying her first bra as with the world falling around her. She keenly observes her parent's failing marriage and also has a bittersweet first romance of her own. She tries to survive the mercurial waters of junior high where her peers are tweens acting as if they are in their mid-20s and attached to their cliques. Though she attempts to fit in, she still wants a companion who can understand her and be comfortable in her own skin. She wants to take risks but at the same time is afraid to leave her familiar world.
 While the slowing causes irreversible damages, the narrative remains focused on the horrifying day-to-day and the personal decisions that persist even though no one knows what to do. The book suggests that perhaps we are worrying about the wrong set of problems that will bring our end. An exquisitely written, poignant read, The Age of Miracles is easily a book that can be enjoyed by teens and adults alike. I would not be surprised to see it on this year's Alex Awards.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pffeffer, Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by  Jonathan Safran Foer

Read More

Beauty Queens + Giveaway Winners for "Freak" and "War Stories"

  I've been a Libba Bray fan ever since I read and loved her Gemma Doyle series. Each of her books are completely different from one another, which shows how versatile she is as a writer. I've had the great opportunity to meet her in person and she is genuinely awesome. When I first heard about Beauty Queens I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of the book and read. As a side note, for information about the giveaway winners please scroll down this post.

Description: When a plane crash strands thirteen teen beauty contestants on a mysterious island, they struggle to survive, to get along with one another, to combat the island's other diabolical occupants, and to learn their dance numbers in case they are rescued in time for the competition.

Review: Beauty Queens is a satire done right. With extremely witty and spot-on social commentary, surreal plot elements, and feminist themes Bray's Beauty Queens is a book of many layers. At the book's surface level is it modern rendition of Golding's Lord of the Flies with sparkles, lip gloss, and a cast full of caricatures.  The plot itself is outlandish as we follow a group of beauty pageant contestants stranded on a remote island after a plane crash. Undaunted by disaster, the teens hone their survival skills as they practice dance routines and pageant interviews, while a ruthless corporation secretly plans to use them as pawns in an arms deal with an insane dictator.
  Beneath the absurdity and the laughs lies a thought-provoking exploration of society's expectations for how young women should look, feel, think, and act. Wry footnotes lampoon the media and pop culture. Hilariously scripted and well timed "commercial breaks" interrupt the narrative, leading readers to question the pervasiveness of self-improvement products that make consumers feel inadequate. There were many times where I laughed out loud and shook my head in agreement with the various products advertised. Bray's off beat humor shines in Beauty Queens. While some readers thought the breaks were annoying, I absolutely loved them and thought they demonstrated her purpose quite well.    
    There is quite a large cast of characters in Beauty Queens and I was a bit worried that not all of them would get a change to shine, but thankfully Bray rises admirably to the challenge. Each pageant contestant is given a confessional of sorts that exposes their true personality, conveying both strengths and insecurities  Not only do we get to hear their distinct voices, but we are shown how each girl possesses much more than surface-level beauty, and even the most stereotypical ditzy girl offers unique and unexpected strength. Readers from all backgrounds will identify with the representation of various religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations among the characters. There are moments when you are cheering these girls on the sidelines especially when they embrace their own individuality and drop their facade. I love the empowering theme of self-acceptance and the affirming message that women should not underestimate themselves or others makes in this novel and that's why it is a standout to me and one of the best satires I've read in a very long time.
  As a side note, I've heard from many readers that Beauty Queens is a bit hard to read due to the "commercial breaks" so I would suggest you look for the audiobook which is narrated by Bray herself and she does a marvelous job. The audiobook might be easier to follow.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, frank discussions about sex, and a small non-explicit sex scene. Recommended for strong Grade 8 readers and up.

If you like this book try: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart, So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld, Feed by M.T. Anderson

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

  Unfortunately, last week got the best of me and I wasn't able to post the winners for the Freak and War Stories giveaways. Thank you to the authors for stopping by the blog to talk about their books and for their generosity. Thank you to all of the readers who entered the giveaway. The winners were all chosen by Random.org. Congrats goes out to Elizabeth from Nightmare on Bookstreet, Suzy, and Bn100! Winner have already been confirmed and notified. 

Read More

Tricked (Iron Druid Chronicles #4)

  Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne is a series that you should definitely check out if you are in the mood for a humorous, action-packed thrilled ride filled with mythological and paranormal creatures.  Many thanks to publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book so I can provide my readers with an honest review.

Description (from the publisher): Druid Atticus O'Sullivan hasn't stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they've chopped up his body in the Arizona desert. But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he's been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he's got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won't be fooled again. Famous last words.

Review: Now that Atticus and company have complete one plot arc, we are now poised for the next one. We switch our focus from Norse mythology to Native Amerian mythology in Tricked, where Coyote as you might have guessed plays a very large plot of the book. I know some readers complain that Hearne veers off from his plot and does a crash course in mythology, but as someone who loves mythology I don't mind it a bit.
  Tricked is filled with a series of consequences after the major turning events that transpired in Hammered. The book is not as heavy on the gods or action, but strengthens the relationship between teacher, lovable dog/sidekick, and Druid apprentice. The humor as always is top notch and one of the best things that I love about this series.
 As the series progresses, we gain insight as to what it must feel like to live several millenias like Atticus. His vulnerability shows which is not to say makes him weak, but reminds us that his life isn't all fun and games. He too has suffered loss and is hesitant to move forward especially with building relationships to anyone in fear that he would lose them. I thought it was interesting that Atticus didn't always save the day, but his trainee and Oberon, his adorable dog, also pitch in and even help save Atticus's life.
 In an interview, which took place at the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" read-along, Hearne mentioned that there is a start of a love interest for Atticus. There is a glimpse of this new budding relationship, but it is very subdued. I'm guessing as these characters grow, there may be more development in this aspect of the story. So readers looking for a full blown romance will be disappointed. As a fan of Atticus, I'm happy to know that the potential of romance is there. Overall, Tricked is a solid continuation of Iron Druid Chronicles and I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Trapped, very soon.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Strong violence, some disturbing scenes, and language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Trapped (Iron Druid Chronicles #5) by Kevin Hearne, The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman,  Child of Fire by Harry Connollly

Read More

Hammered (Iron Druid Chronicles #3)

  If you are in the mood for a humorous, action-packed thrilled ride filled with mythological and paranormal creatures alike, you should definitely pick up the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne. There are currently four books out in the series thus far with more books to follow. I've yet to become disappointed with this series.  
 
Description (from Goodreads): Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.
   One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.

Review: Unlike Hounded and Hexed, Hearne turns a bit more introspective, dark, and serious in Hammered, but still retains its spectacular humor and action. Though we've traveled and battled alongside Atticus, we didn't get a chance to know him on an intimate level. Throughout the series thus far, we have been given glimpses into his long lived life. We know that he is capable of overcoming many obstacles and has been successful in being the oldest druid alive. In Hammered, we are introduced to the human Atticus who has made mistakes, loved and lost people he's cared for. Atticus's saddness becomes your own thus making you all that more connected to him. 
  For me the draw of the Iron Druid series has always been the perfect balance of Atticus's character. He’s a guy’s guy, who tries to think logically and long term without going crazy. He is blunt and honest, never to hide his emotions. He may not have all the answers and he does make mistakes along the way. He is fiercely loyal (especially to his wonderful, screen stealing irish wolfhound Oberon. Love him!) and a man of his word. Atticus is someone you want to have your back in times of trouble. Despite his very, very old age, he retains his humanity. 
  Since Atticus has promised Leif and a few others he meets along the way to finally kill Thor, Atticus is warned by none other than Jesus (over beer, fish & chips) to be reconsider, warning him that his move to the Norse god will have serious repercussions. Determined to keep his promise no matter the cost, partly out of a code of honor and partly out of pride, Atticus sets his path. He organizes his affairs in Tempe, Arizona, and set sails for a tumultuous odyssey. I have to say that I had two thoughts running through my head while reading Hammered. My first thought: I kept asking Atticus (yes, I know he's not real but still) whether or not he was really sure he sure about him committing deicide. My second thought: Why would you want to hurt this face? I did have to remember that I was meeting a completely different, unlikable Thor in Hammered who took satisfaction is causing people pain for no real reason. Hearne does a great job in giving a glimpse into the lives of those whose that Thor has hurt, especially Leif, which not only make you step back and view the actions and very some huge surprises but truly feel their anguish and anger. 
  Hearne continues to do a great job in exploring the theme of power, particularly with the mythological gods as the issue of keeping power in check versus behaving like spoiled little children. Questions of what makes us truly human, to the choices we tend to make shape our lives and the effects. It's very easy for Atticus to go down the dark road of a god complex, but he has learned the hard way of balancing his powers. We do, however, see how others deal with this same situation through Thor and Lief.
   Just a heads up, there is a slight, kinda big cliffhanger at the end of the book. One part of the plot arc has finished while another one leads to the next book. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence, some language and sexuality in the book. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Tricked (Iron Druid Chronicles #4) by Kevin Hearne, The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman,  Child of Fire by Harry Connollly

Read More

My Abandonment

A library friend recommended that I read My Abandonment a couple of years ago. I completely forgot about it until I was looking for books to read for my Alex Award reading challenge. My Abandonment is a short, quick read but its impact and thought provoking questions linger in your mind once you finish the last page. I was really surprised that the first half of the book is inspired by a true story and the second half is what the author thinks might have happened.

Description (from Goodreads): A thirteen-year-old girl and her father live in Forest Park, the enormous nature preserve in Portland, Oregon. There they inhabit an elaborate cave shelter, bathe in a nearby creek, store perishables at the water’s edge, use a makeshift septic system, tend a garden, even keep a library of sorts. Once a week, they go to the city to buy groceries and otherwise merge with the civilized world. But one small mistake allows a backcountry jogger to discover them, which derails their entire existence, ultimately provoking a deeper flight.

Review: My Abandonment is a deceptively quiet novel. At first glance, it appears as an ordinary coming of age story that focuses on a father-daughter relationship and the setting mirrors our own, but we still can't rid of this lingering, instinctual feeling that something is not right. You see Caroline and her father are homeless and live in Forest Park, a nature preserve, not because of unfortunate circumstances but of choice. Even when they are given the opportunity to have a home and the local authorities find a job with Father, both Caroline and Father feel constrained and uncomfortable. I found Caroline and her father's lifestyle to be jarring, unusual, and to be honest a bit cockeyed. I guess the point that they are trying to make is that they feel closer to nature and at their purest when they are not tied down to  world of convenience. This aspect of the book really reminded me of the American Transcendentalism unit I had in high school, which I always thought was a good idea in theory but not really realistic.
   Just as I was trying to get comfortable at looking through Caroline's and Father's lens, the story takes a really strange and disturbing turn. We learn some startling details from the detached, wide-eyed, and innocent Caroline who obediently follows Father. As she begins to thaw and open up, we are given another account of her story which throws not only confusion and challenges us to re-evaluate the story we were told in the first half of the book, but also another complex layer of what it means to survive, love, and be alienated. I don't want to go into detail about the plot twist because I think you really need to experience it yourself.
  While I thought My Abandoment was a compelling and emotional read, I did have some problems with the writing. The voice of Caroline is not consistent. She can sound like a 10 year old in moment, an adult in another. Perhaps this was done on purpose to make us feel disconnected and now thinking back on the book makes sense, but if the author chose just one of these voices it would have made the book much more powerful. Unlike most books I've read, My Abandoment is filled with descriptive narrative with sporadic dialogue, which at times worked for me because it initially drew me into the story but it got old quickly. I quickly realized that much of the story lies in between the sentences and paragraphs.
  I would definitely recommend picking up My Abandoment is you like a compelling, psychological fiction and you are okay with having more questions than answers. There are lots of things to discuss about this book, which I think would make this an interesting choice for a bookclub.   
 
Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language and disturbing images. Recommended for older teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin

Read More

The Wicked and the Just

  It is often said that history is written by the victor, but what happens when you are given two sides of the same story. Who is the winner and who is the loser? In J. Anderson Coast's debut novel, The Wicked and the Just, which details the occupation of Wales in the Middle Ages, the answer isn't simple.

Description (from Goodreads): Cecily’s father has ruined her life. He’s moving them to occupied Wales, where the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will finally be the lady of the house.
  Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now she must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl.
  While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And outside the city walls, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point.

Review: The Wicked and the Just brings in a fresh voice to the historical fiction genre. Majority of the historical fiction that I've read usually paints the time period of their setting in a romantic light with the emphasis on ambiance, clothes, and mannerisms. While there is some of that in Coat's debut novel, there is also a stark reality of what really happened. Instead of given the voice of a victor, we are given two unapologetic voices that forces us to choose who is bad and good.
  Readers looking for an action packed book, may be disappointed with The Wicked and the Just. Though there is action, especially in the second half of the book, it's mostly off the page. The book's pacing is relatively slow and then quickly crescendos to its climax, allowing the reader to fully feel the realities of the time period. The book is clearly character driven and what made this book, in my opinion, shine.
 The center of our story are two girls of polar opposites who are unwillingly brought together by the English conquest of Wales. The English Cecily who is in a tizzy becase she has to leave her home and relocate to the Welsh frontier. She seeks consolation that she will become the lady of the manor when her father will soon take a borough in Caernarvon, which was recently conquered by Edward I. I had a very strong aversion to Cecily at first. She reminded me a lot of Scarlet O'Hara, a character that I absolutely detest. Cecily is spoiled, superficial, and puts importance of hosting the right parties, ignorant of the atrocities that are happening around her. Not only does Cecily hates Caernarvon, she also abhors its natives, especially Gwinny, the servant girl who doesn't obey, and the young man who stares at her. While Cecily's characterization may seem simplistic at first, it starts to take on depth as her dismissal of the Welsh as subhuman slowly changes to sympathy and then something entirely in between.
  While Cecily informs us the comfortable lifestyle of someone fortunate in the Middle Ages, we are confronted by the cruel, cold world of Gwenhwyfar, who struggles to make ends meet for basic survival. Gwenhwyfar's fierce parallel story was much more appealing to me as a reader. While her section was terse, it cut straight to the chase without sugar-coating anything. It's hard not to warm up to her at first, however, I'm not so sure how I felt about her in the end.
  Speaking of the ending, I thought it was so brutal and unexpected. It threw my already conceived notions and feelings about the characters into a blender as it forced me to think harder about identifying who was wicked and who was just. Without coloring the book with her own opinions, Coats re-creates the occupation of Wales from the eyes of both opposing sides.
 Since I don't know much of the Middle Age time period, I can't comment on how historical accuracy of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction with depth are interested in this time period.

Curricular Connection: Social Studies

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence, which mostly happens off the page, but are talked about in the book. There are a few scenes of attempted rape, and some language. Recommended for strong Grade 8 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Catherine, Called the Birdy by Karen Cushman, The King's Shadow by Elizabeth Adler

Read More

172 Hours on the Moon

  It seems as if mankind has always been curious about outer space. To walk or travel to the moon has been on many people's wishlist. What would we find if we go there? What if we could settle there and make it our second home? Johan Harstad's science fiction/horror novel, 172 Hours on the Moon, explores these questions. Please note that this review is based on an advanced reader's copy of the book provided by Little, Brown (thank you!) which no way influenced my review.

Description (from back of the book): It's been decades since anyone set foot on the moon. Now three ordinary teenagers, the winners of NASA's unprecedented, worldwide lottery, are about to become the first young people in space--and change their lives forever.
   Mia, from Norway, hopes this will be her punk band's ticket to fame and fortune. Midori believes it's her way out of her restrained life in Japan.Antoine, from France, just wants to get as far away from his ex-girlfriend as possible.
   It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but little do the teenagers know that something sinister is waiting for them on the desolate surface of the moon. And in the black vacuum of space... no one is coming to save them.

Review:  I was expecting a science fiction/horror book, which is how this book is marketed but unfortunately, it felt flat for me in both ways. Though the book's premise and cover captures a truly creepy idea that immediately makes us think of movies of its kind such as James Cameron's 1986 movie Aliens or Johnny Depp's The Astronaut's Wife.
  There are several laughable moments such as when the evil government head has an epiphany and suggests sending teens up in space. You really have to suspend your disbelief in order to read the book and ignore the many plot holes that might arguably be as big as black holes. All the buildup to the moon launch only exists to establish the various one dimensional characters, who really felt cardboard cutouts that didn't leave any impression at all. All that we know of the teens selected is how and why they applied to NASA's lottery. I had hoped that once these teens were selected and were on the moon they would get some depth alas there was an unemotional romance between the two characters that seemed to be tacked on to the story. Once the 'suspense' starts, you can practically identify every cliche found in sci-fi horror movies is here. You already know how the book will end, making the book boring and a chore to finish.
 Don't get me wrong, the book had great potential. We are never told what happened to the first mission. Perhaps if the characters had found some kind of captain's log from that mission we could have learned more or maybe if the one person who knew anything wasn't an Alzheimer's patient and could actually remember something? Maybe if we got to actually and get emotionally attached to the characters we could actually feel their terror instead of making it all happen off screen. 
 Overall, this book did absolutely nothing for me and to be completely honest, I'm not really sure who to recommend it to. Maybe those who enjoy a B-rated horror movie or who are excited to see Prometheus.  

Rating: 1 star

Words of Caution: There is strong language and disturbing, violent images. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, BZRK by Michael Grant, Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Read More

Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles #2)

  I had such a fun time joining in the Kiss Me, I'm Irish Read-along which featured Hounded, the first book in the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne. The book is filled with action, humor, and mythology. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. Luckily, books 1-3 are out and the fourth book will be released later this month!


Description (from Goodreads): Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn't care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they're badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.
   With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor's rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Review: Hexed takes place right after Hounded. New readers to the series who pick up Hexed should have no problem as Hearne provides enough recap to set the stage without dragging the plot down. After Atticus finally defeats his long time nemesis, he thought he get a nice break. Wishful thinking, of course! Not only does he almost get killed by a long distance magic attack by a new coven of witches, but he has to deal with Bacchus, a fallen angel, and the everyday troubles of keeping his true identity as a disguise. 
  Along with the action and humor, we slowly learn more about Atticus's past. We learned that he helped families in WWII. I can only imagine what he has seen through the millenniums. Though we admire Atticus as a hero who respects nature and understands his limitations of power, we are reminded that he is not perfect as his prejudice against all witches (after meeting the witches, it's kinda hard to disagree with him) come to the forefront. He struggles to change his mindset and places some of his trust on the coven he makes a treaty with, which alters his simple, black and white world view into shades of grey. My favorite moment describing Atticus's humanity is when he talks about his love for his Irish wolfhound Oberon and how losing Oberon would be devastating. For Atticus, Oberon isn't just a pet, but a confidant, a partner, and a true friend.  
  Characters that only get mentioned in Hounded get more time in Hexed such as the trickster Coyote, and Atticus's paranormal lawyers Leif and Hal. We also get to see Granuaile, Attiucs’s new apprentice, starts showing her smarts and her backbone, standing up to Attiucs when she feels he’s in the wrong. I loved to get more character development of these secondary characters in the next few books. I'm lead to believe we'll learn more about Leif as he is gunning to get his revenge on Thor (whom everyone seems to love to hate) and leaves a opening to the next book Hammered, which I can't wait to read.


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some crude humor, brief non-explicit sex scenes, strong language, and strong violence. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Hammered (Iron Druid Chronicles #3), Harry Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green

Read More

I Hunt Killers

 I have been curious about Barry Lyga's I Hunt Killers since it was an idea that the author was working on. My curiosity grew as his Facebook statuses began to reflect on the chapters and characters he was writing about. So when I had the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of the book, I pounced. Thank you to Little Brown for the advanced reader's copy. As a side note, I am doing an ARC giveaway of this title along with several other books, if you're interested be sure to click on the book cover found on the right panel of the blog to enter!

Description (from Goodreads): What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad? Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say. But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.
    And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod. In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?

Review: As much as I anticipated for I Hunt Killers, I wasn't sure if I'd be brave enough to read it. I'm not interested in serial killers. I switch the channel and make an effort to not watch Silence of the Lambs. I've only caught the last half of Copycat when Holly Hunter is about to catch the bad guy. Sure I was glued to the screen when I saw David Fincher's Se7en and Zodiac, but that's because the emphasis was based on psychology and the aftermath of the murders rather than watching the serial killer at work. I told myself I'd give I Hunt Killers a shot, just to see what it is about and if it got too much, I'd put it down. Right. For my lunch break, I burned through the first 100 pages of the book. Every time I thought of putting it down, I was on the verge of discovering something new and had to pick it right up again. I was hooked, riveted, and completely disturbed.
  Are violent offenders the product of nature or nurture? Do you have the ability to change your destiny when all odds are set against you?  If you are Jasper “Jazz” Dent, I'm not so sure the answer is a resounding yes for both questions. He has two huge factors working against him: Not only is he the son of the country’s most notorious serial killer, but daddy dearest has forced him to watch those grisly crimes and sometimes…more. Jazz is barely surviving. He thrives on the belief that he will not follow his father's footsteps. He believes people are real and have feelings. At least that’s what Jazz keeps telling himself as he watches the police inspect the crime scene of a brutal murder through his binoculars at home. Jazz suspects a new serial killer is at work in his small town and can't help but flash back to the memories that make him extremely uneasy. Is it possible that he help kill someone he loved without knowing it? Can he stop the ticking bomb within himself as he hears his father's soft voice instructing him on 'to enjoy and capture' a new prey? 
  I'm sure many of you think this book is "Dexter for YA", which is exactly how it is marketed, but what sets this apart is Jazz. He is incredibly complex, and believable character. Jazz is consumed by the idea that he is incapable of loving anyone without hurting them. He carries the guilt of not helping his father's victims or 'toys' and hangs their pictures as a reminder. Though he is charismatic and charming, you wonder about his intentions. He easily manipulates his friends to help him in the investigation without a second thought, putting his mission and needs first. Even though we admire and hope along with him that he can capture the serial killer on the loose and be better than his father, we realize that his mission is tainted in more ways than one. For Jazz, justice is a second priority. Clearing his name is his first.
 The story itself is engaging. Though I don't know anything about criminology, it does look detailed, well-researched in an accessible way. I was delighted to discover a few chapters written from the serial killer's point of view interspersed with Jazz's chapter which ramped up the suspense. These chapters were brief and allowed us to see whether or not Jazz was on the right track on finding the serial killer. I did not expect the book to be funny, more of the black, dry comedy flare, which is a nice surprise to lighten the book's somber tone.
  Despite its catchy plot and great characters, I'm not sure this book is for everyone. I admire Lyga's tenacity of refusing to look away from the often horrific nature of brutal crimes. The twisted mind games made my head spin and I was shocked multiple times.  Early in the book we’re eased into some crimes because they’re mostly told in past tense, but the later scenes definitely escalate in tension and violence, some of which are graphic but nothing that wouldn't be shown on CSI or other detective shows found on TV.
  There were a few times when the writing faltered by using overused phrases or the use of paragraphs when a few, sharp sentences would suffice. I also think that Jazz’s give and take relationship with the police is something readers will have to grapple with, although their doubtful reliance upon him is portrayed in a fairly believable tone. The ending made me scream is frustration as it ends with a semi-cliffhanger and leaves open for a much anticipated sequel. 
 I Hunt Killers definitely pushes the YA envelope, making us rethink once again what young adult literature means. While I would hesitate giving this book to younger teens due to the psychological content of the book instead of the violence, I do think it's more suitable for older teens and adults. Readers who are looking for a psychological thriller have been served. Dark, disturbing, and unsuspectingly funny, I Hunt Killers will grab your interest and not let go. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence (mostly, which takes off screen but it is described graphically) and some strong language. Recommended for Grades 10 and up.

If you like this book try: Zodiac by Robert Graysmith, Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, Darkly Dreaming Dexer by Jeff Lindsey, and I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

Read More

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1)

 I've been in a post-apocalyptic and dystopian slump for quite some time. After reading a slew of books in this genre, where every story and characters felt the same. I figured I was just burnt out from the genre and took a break. After reading several rave reviews, I was glad I took a chance on Veronica Rossi's debut novel, Under the Never Sky, to help me get out of my genre rut. Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of the book.

Description (from Goodreads): Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse. Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.
   A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Review: I'm not exactly sure which genre fits Under the Never Sky the best, but from what I've learned about the book's world I'm leaning towards post-apocalyptic. Regardless, it is a compelling account of characters searching for truth, love, and identity in two separate worlds. Aria has grown up in a Pod, where every aspect of life is highly regulated by technology and things can immediately happen just by thinking about it. Dwellers such as Aria lead sheltered, insulated lives in the Pod, enjoying protection from the often treacherous, unpredictable weather. They live their lives vicariously through their devices and really reminded me of the people glued to their chairs in the movie Wall-E. Peregrine lives outside of a Pod, an Outsider, in what the Dwellers consider perilous wastelands where humans live without the technology the Dwellers depend upon. The Outside world is very similar to what we would call the Stone Age where hunting, using ones survival skills are the only ways to guarantee your will survive.
  Aria and Peregerine's world intersects when ruling authorities banish Aria from the Pod and Peregrine loses something very valuable to the Dwellers. The two characters struck up an unlikely alliance as they help one another on separate quests that turn out to have unexpected connections. While the plot of Under the Never Sky isn't groundbreaking and uses common tropes of the genre, I really liked the characters and the traditional use of an epic journey that entails action, romance, and humor.
 Using alternating points of views, we are able to get to know the main characters intimately. I thought Aria's chapters were cold, whiny, and removed at first, which exemplifies her Dwelling lifestyle. She has grown accustomed to getting what she wants immediately just by voicing her desires and quickly moves into a fetal position when she's thrown out of her comfy home (not that I don't blame her). I loved her development from a passive to a strong girl who can fend for herself and roll with the punches. Her transition isn't immediate and does mess up but her determination is admirable. Unlike Aria's chapters, I instantly connected to Peregrine's as his voice was filled with real, raw, emotions. While he may be commonly seen as a 'cave man' to Aria, we quickly learn how much he cares about his family and his fears of becoming the leader of his tribe. Aria and Peregrine not only strike up a rocky friendship, but they slowly dispel their stereotypes of one another, gain mutual respect and admiration. Their romance slowly burns and for the most part a bonus to their story as they never lose sight of their original mission.
  Rossi establishes her world building in creating a unique language for her characters, which add texture to their respective regions. As a reader you plunge head first into the action with very little explanation. Thankfully, I was aware of this before reading the book and it didn't hinder my enjoyment too much as I expected it. I did, however, grow a bit frustrated in trying to figure out what exactly are the Aether storms and how the weather helped mutate the Outsider's genetics as they are known to have special powers, which are repeatedly mentioned. I also didn't like the book's abrupt ending. I hope these issues are addressed in the next book, which I'll definitely will be reading. Rossi has got me hooked and I can't wait to see what happens next in her offbeat and mesmerizing series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence, a few scenes of underage drinking, and a few allusions to sex. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Blood Red Road by Moira Young, Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Read More

Touch of Power (Avry of Kazan #1)

 I absolutely loved Maria V. Snyder's Study series. It made my favorite list of books in 2010. I thought the series had a great combination of intrigue, fantasy, and romance with a great cast of characters. It's definitely a series that I've been recommending nonstop after finishing it. When I heard that Maria was going to do a new series, I was very excited to read it. I really enjoyed reading the first book in the Healer series called Touch of Power for the most part, but did have a few issues with it. Many thanks to Mira and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.


Description (from Goodreads): Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
  Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...


Review: Touch of Power is a promising start to the Healer series. Snyder develops an intricate and intriguing world where the possession of magic abilities comes with a double edged sword, it may allow you to survive but it might also put you on the death list. I thought the world building was easy to understand and it didn't take me long to get immersed into the story. I loved how the concept of a magical ability, the potential abuse of power, and ethics play a role amongst all of the characters.
  Avry is another strong heroine created by Snyder. While I didn't like her as much as I liked Yelena from the Study series, she did hold her own. Avry was smart, stubborn, funny, and always had good intentions at heart though her envisioned plans didn't always work as she wanted them to. She also has the ability to heal, which makes her a very special commodity for those seeking the power of the throne. Avry uses her ability with discretion, which I think sets her up quite nicely for many complex questions as the series continues. I'm curious as to whether Avry will be in danger of taking advantage of her own power. Even though Avry had these strengths, she did come off as being a bit dense sometimes. There were times when I shook my head in amazement and said aloud "Really, that wasn't a rhetorical question?" when she asked stupid questions or didn't understand what was going around her. I couldn't help but wondered how in the world did she survive without being found for many years. 
  As for Kerrick, the male lead in the story, I didn't really care for him. He comes off as a complete jerk. He treats Avry awfully and cruelly when she refuses to obey his command. While he may have gotten the brooding, distant look right, I didn't fall for him at all. Actually, I kept waiting to see if I could just even trust or stand just seeing him whenever he popped on the page. Though he does seem to change (I'm still debating this), I couldn't negate his earlier behavior nor do I think we are suppose to.
 My issues with Kerrick dampened the romance aspect of the book for me. I didn't see the chemistry between him and Avry at all. I'm not fully convinced that they are meant to be with one another, especially when Kerrick's history is revealed. It almost seems both Avry and Kerrick are rebounds to one another.
  While I did have some issues with the main leads, I absolutely loved the secondary characters that make up Kerrick's unit and band of family. Each of these character brings warmth and humor especially when the story turned dark whenever the aftermath of the plague was discussed. In their own way, they dote on Avry and replace the hole in her heart of not having a family to return to after the spread of the plague. In addition to these great characters, there is also the deliciously evil villain who can easily make your skin crawl and reminded me a lot like Klaus from the Vampire Diaries.
 The pacing of Touch of Power is quite good. There is a balance between action and dialogue, never making the reader bored. We are given answers to questions, but more questions arise as we move forward in the plot. There were a few twists to the story that I predicted ahead of time, but there were others that I didn't see at all. To be honest, it took me a while to understand why the book was written in our language and didn't really ring of the fictional medieval setting but I got over it as I got swept away by the characters and the story. All in all, Touch of Power is an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what happens next to Avry.   


Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is PG-13 language, fantasy violence, an allusion to sex, and a few disturbing images. Though marketed to adults, I think the book is a great crossover to YA (recommended for Grades 9 and up).

If you like this book try: The Shifter by Janice Hardy, the Study series by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Fire by Kristin Cashore

Read More

Don't Breathe a Word

 At one point in our lives we all thought about running away. We can picture ourselves packing up our necessities and leaving our homes with vows of never returning. For many of us, it is just a fleeting desire as we realize that we are acting upon our heighten emotions and logic require us to think rationally but there are others who don't feel like they have an option and running away is a way of surviving. Joy Delamere belongs to the latter category.

Description (from Goodreads): Joy Delamere is suffocating...From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out. Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far. Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.
   Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength

Review:  Don't Breathe a Word weaves two separate threads that come together in a grim but powerful take on an abusive relationship and a coming-of-age love story. While they don't entirely mesh well, the plot keeps the reader engaged throughout. Joy Delamere suffers from asthma. Her illness is a literal and metaphorical prison that shuts her in and burdens her family until she meets dangerous, sexy, and wealthy Asher. While their romance is liberating and exciting at first, but it becomes another prison as Asher becomes abusive and gains power over Joy and her family. In desperation, Joy decides to runaway. She fakes her kidnapping and flees, losing herself among the homeless teen population on Seattle's Capitol Hill. Joy quickly realizes as after a couple of days on her own that she is not cut out for the rough lifestyle. Her suburban naivete gets her in very dangerous circumstances, but four teen squatters led by an attractive musician, Creed, take her in and teach her street smarts. Each of the four teen squatters have their own problems which range from having a neglectful parent with a drug problem to being thrown out from the family because of their sexual orientation, which propel them to be homeless.
 Unlike the sadistic and abusive Asher, Creed is gently protective of Joy.  I didn't really see Joy and Creed having a romantic relationship but thought they had more like a brother-sister relationship. Though Cupala does a great job in developing Joy and allowing her to become her own, I thought the tough issues are too easily resolved which lessens the book's power and authenticity. Despite this, I thought the book's vivid setting and characters, particularly Joy's street family who are broken, jaded, and original, kept my attention while reading the book. While Don't Breathe a Word may lack believability and is not the typical book I would read, I do recommend it for readers who like gritty contemporary fiction that ends on a hopeful note.


Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: Due to the book's strong language, allusions to sex and prostitution, references to sexual and physical abuse, and drug use I think this book is suitable for older YA readers from Grades 10 and up.

If you like this book try: Kara, Lost by Susan Niz, Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen, Life is Funny by E.R. Frank, Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe

Read More

Children/MG Minireviews: Out of the Dust and Riding Freedom

  You may have noticed that I have been reading a lot of children/middle grade and YA books a lot more than I usually do. It's because I'm frantically trying to complete my Off the Shelf challenge, where I read books that have been sitting on my shelf unread. I'm realizing now that my goal of fifty was a bit too ambitious. Luckily, I am about halfway and have Winter Break from the high school which will help boost my reading speed. Today I bring you two mini-reviews of children/middle grade historical fiction that I thought were very inspiring and great reads: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Description: In a series of poems, fifteen-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of the Depression.

Review: Billie Jo's life is defined by physical and emotional plight. She can't  forgive her father for causing the accident that killed her mother. She fights a daily battle to survive during the worst days of the Oklahoma dust storms. She strives to heal her body and her soul when severe burns leave her disfigured and unable to play the music she loves. Hesse's novel in verse set during the time of the Great Depression and written in free verse, is deceptive. Though it it is written in simplicity and straightforwardness manner, the story it unfolds is powerful and moving. The verses easily captures every shade of Billie Jo's emotions, from heart-wrenching sadness at the death of her mother to the anger and desire to rebuild a relationship with her father. You can also feel the strong winds, walk the dry fields just by reading. My only complaint with this otherwise perfect book is that the resolution comes a bit too fast. Teachers looking for a book that helps but the Dust Bowl and Great Depression into context would love this book. Though Billie Jo may have lived in another time period, her desires and emotions still resonate today.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies

Words of Caution: There is a death scene that may be a bit too much for younger readers though it is not graphic in description. Recommended for Grades 5 and up.

If you like this book try: Tennyson by Judy Blume, Lizzy's Storm by Sally Fitz-Gibbon, Treasures of the Dust by Tracey Porter



Description: A fictionalized account of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst who ran away from an orphanage, posed as a boy, moved to California, and fooled everyone by her appearance.


Review: I never heard of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst before, but now I'm glad that I did. She was the first woman to vote in the state of California, and maybe in the whole United States. She is feisty, head strong, remarkable, and fascinating. Raised in an orphanage where she is the only girl, she is prevented from being adopted by the staff. Charlotte is kept aside to replace the cook in the kitchen as she gets older. Her desire is to be with the horses and to help Vern, the elderly man who cares for them. Vern's tales of escaping slavery is complimented to Charlotte's own desperate bid for freedom after her only other friend is adopted. She realizes that she can't accomplish anything if she's a woman, so Charlotte disguises herself as a boy named Charley. Her knack with horses soon enables the disguised Charley to pursue her dream of driving a stagecoach, earn a livelihood in California, and vote. Many trials arise and threaten Charlotte's dreams but with hard work and persistent, she succeeds and becomes a role model especially young girls who are told they can't do anything because of their gender. Brian Selznick's (author and illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck) full-page, black-and-white pencil drawings are well done and enhance the book's prose.

Rating: 4 stars


Curriculum Connection: Social Studies

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3-6


If you like this book try: Prairie School by Avi, Hattie the Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Read More

The Reel Shelf Presents: Peter Klaven and Sydney Fife (I Love You, Man)

  Welcome to The Reel Shelf, a new weekly feature here at Books in the Spotlight where I imagine what's on my favorite TV/Movie character's book shelves. If you have missed any of my previous Reel Shelf installments, you can find them all here. Today I'm spotlighting Peter Klaven and Sydney Fife from the movie I Love You, Man which demonstrates a successful bromance. A bromance is a a close but non-sexual relationship between two (or more) men, essentially close friends. 

Image and Quote from IMBD

Sydney Fife: *On the phone* Just meet me at Muscle Beach in like... I don't know... half an hour?
Peter Klaven: Muscle Beach. Half an hour. I will see you there or I will see you on another time.
Sydney Fife: That was very confusing. I don't know if you're gonna come or not?
Peter Klaven: No, I'll be there. I'll be there.
Sydney Fife: [laughing] Alright I'll see you then, buddy.
Peter Klaven: Alright. Laters on the menjay.

  I loved the story of I Love You, Man. Peter Klaven's world revolves around his job as a realtor and his fiancée Zooey. After he pops the question, she calls her best friends and they go into wedding planning mode. Everything seems fine until the question of who is going to be Peter's best man pops up. Peter has no male friends and that poses problems: will he turn out to be a clingy guy, and who will be his best man? Zooey, her friends, and Peter's brother Robbie offer help that results in awkward moments. Then, at an open house Peter's hosting, he meets Sydney, an amiable, laid back kind of a guy. They trade business cards, and Peter calls him to meet for drinks. A friendship develops that's great at first but then threatens Peter's engagement and career. Can guys be friends and couples be in love?
  While there are several famous bromances both in life and in literature such as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, I loved how this movie shows the beginning and trials of a relationship that is sweet, funny, and genuine. Not to mention that I adore Paul Rudd and think Jason Segel is hilarious. If you haven't seen this movie yet, I highly suggest it. FYI, it is rated R. The following books showcase that have great bromances that I think Peter and Sydney would enjoy. Once again, the website that I generally use to do this list is down so I'll try my best to post them here. If there's any book that you think should be listed, be sure to leave them in the comments!

  The Reel Shelf Presents: Peter's and Sydney's Book Shelves

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond - The Watson family moves to Stoneygate, an old coal-mining town, to care for Kit’s recently widowed grandfather. When Kit meets John Askew, another boy whose family has both worked and died in the mines, Askew invites Kit to join him in playing a game called Death. As Kit’s grandfather tells him stories of the mine’s past and the history of the Watson family, Askew takes Kit into the mines, where the boys look to find the childhood ghosts of their long-gone ancestors. (Amazon)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne - When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.  But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences. (Amazon)

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury - Imagine you and your best friend head off on a cross-country bike trek. Imagine that you get into a fight. Imagine you stop riding together. Imagine you reach Seattle then come home alone, still p.o-ed. Imagine the FBI is now at your college dorm. Imagine finding out that your former best friend never made it home. And imagine that he had actually been carrying over $20,000 in cash with him.

Imagine your world shifting.... (Amazon)




Swim the Fly by Don Calame - Fifteen-year-old Matt Gratton and his two best friends, Coop and Sean, always set themselves a summertime goal. This year's? To see a real-live naked girl for the first time — quite a challenge, given that none of the guys has the nerve to even ask a girl out on a date. But catching a girl in the buff starts to look easy compared to Matt's other summertime aspiration: to swim the 100-yard butterfly (the hardest stroke known to God or man) as a way to impress Kelly West, the sizzling new star of the swim team. (Amazon) If you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out the companion novel Beat the Band!

Two Parties, One Tux, and a Very Short Film About the Grapes of Wrath by Steven Goldman-
Mitchell Wells may not survive eleventh grade. He really only has one friend, his best friend, David. His normally decent grade point average is in limbo due to a slightly violent, somewhat inappropriate claymation film. And girls . . . well, does hanging out with his sister count?
  When David tells Mitchell he’s gay, Mitchell’s okay with it—but it still seems to change things. Since David’s not out to anyone else, the guys agree to be set up with prom dates. Then, one of the most popular girls in school decides she must date Mitchell, and he’s gone from zero to two girlfriends in sixty seconds.
From his pending English grade, to his floundering friendship, to his love life—the one thing that’s taken a bizarre turn for the better—Mitchell is so confused, he’ll be lucky if he lasts another week in high school! And then there’s the prom . . .(Amazon)

 

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green  - When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. (Amazon)



 The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent's death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society. (Amazon)

The Chosen by Chaim Potok - It is the now-classic story of two fathers and two sons and the pressures on all of them to pursue the religion they share in the way that is best suited to each. And as the boys grow into young men, they discover in the other a lost spiritual brother, and a link to an unexplored world that neither had ever considered before. In effect, they exchange places, and find the peace that neither will ever retreat from again. (Amazon)

Mexican Whiteboy by Matt de la Pena - Danny's Tall and skinny. Even though he’s not built, his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce any college scout would sign him on the spot. A 95 mph fastball, but the boy’s not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound he loses it. But at his private school, they don’t expect much else from him. Danny’s brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can’t speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they’ve got him pegged. Danny’s convinced it’s his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico. And that’s why he’s spending the summer with his dad’s family. Only, to find himself, he might just have to face the demons he refuses to see right in front of his face. (Amazon)

 Black and White by Paul Volponi -  Marcus and Eddie are best friends who found the strength to break through the racial barrier. Marcus is black; Eddie is white. Stars of their school basketball team, they are true leaders who look past the stereotypes and come out on top. They are inseparable, watching each other's backs, both on and off the basketball court. But one night--and one wrong decision--will change their lives forever. Will their mistake cost them their friendship . . . and their future? (Amazon)

Read More

Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles #1)

 I'm relatively new to the urban fantasy genre. Thanks to friend recommendations I've found great reads. I first heard about Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicle series from Missie over at The Unread Reader. It's kinda hard to not pick books that are featured in her My Book Boyfriend meme. When she featured Atticus O'Sullivan, I knew I had to go out and find this book. Thanks for the recommendation, Missie!

Description (from Amazon): Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
   Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review: When I picked up Hounded, I read a few books that didn't work well for me and I needed a change. Hounded hit the spot with its witty characters, a great blend of mythologies and the modern world along with a sharp sense of humor. Before reading this book, I've only read urban fantasy series such as the Kate Daniels and Mercy Thompson series which are driven by a strong female character. Hounded is the first male driven urban fantasy series that I've read.
  Atticus O'Sullivan is a 2100-year old Druid, supposedly the last of his kind. He is disguised as a good looking 21 year old Irish guy. He lives in Tempe, Arizona, and runs a New Age herbal and book store. Atticus is on the run from the Celtic god of love who wants a mystical sword that Atticus took from him in a battle centuries ago. The god also wants Atticus dead. Periodically, as the god has located Atticus, he sends his minions after him to kill him. In Hounded, the god of love wants to kill him personally. 
   In the scope of the urban fantasy genre, many of the common tropes exist. The Tuatha De Danann, werewolves, vampires, witches, ghouls, gods, goddesses, demons, etc., are present in the story but they are not common knowledge to the general human population. Though the book focuses on the Celtic mythology, which I'm not well versed in at all, Hearne gives the reader enough contextual clues to understand the mythological figures and to not make the reader feel lost. Elements from other mythologies such as Native American, Slavic, Nordic and Indian mythologies are included in the book too, which made the book rich and even more interesting.
  I thought all the characters are fleshed-out and interesting, and most of all, the highlight of this book is its sense of humor. The plot has some nice twists and turns. There is enough action in the book to keep the reader's attention. I never felt bored while reading the book. Things that seem impossible things are given enough logical explanations so that I didn't have to suspend too much disbelief to take me out of the story.  
  Atticus is a delightful hero who is paranoid, smart, snarky, yet has a warm heart. He is rough around the edges, but you can easily see why he has been alive for many centuries. I loved how well he tries to adjust to live with today's world. His commentary of why today's people do the things they do were extremely amusing. As he looks back on his past, you can tell he has definitely retained life lessons that has helped him along the way. His loyalty to his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, is heartwarming and brought a smile to my face several times. Oberon and Atticus are able to communicate mentally and their conversations are hysterical. Here is one of my favorite snippets: 

Oberon: Well, give her back her check and send her packing! We don't need to play her witch's games. They always want to get you and your little dog, too!

Atticus: "I knew I should have never let you watch the Wizard of Oz."

Oberon: Toto didn't deserve that type of trauma. He was so tiny.

In addition to Atticus and Oberon, one of my favorite secondary character is the Widow MacDonaugh, an elderly woman that is Atticus's neighbor and a friend. MacDonaugh has survived the sectarian conflicts in Northern Ireland. She is incredibly funny and not your stereotypical old lady who is completely oblivious to what's going on. She actually picks up things quite quickly and in her own unique way accepts Atticus's quirks and explanations. I would love to have her as my grandmother.
   This is one of those books that I wish I could hear on audiobook. I would love to hear the Irish accent and the proper way to pronounce the various ethnic names in the book. Thankfully, there is a glossary included in the first book that I found to be useful and referred to a lot in the beginning. Hounded is one of the books that you want to read to the end once you start it.  I know that I will definitely be getting the next two books in the series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language and violence in the book. There are also allusions to sex. Recommended for mature teens and up only.

If you like this book try: Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles #2) by Kevin Hearne or Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher

Read More