10
December
2011
This is a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian romance with more emphasis on the dystopia and less on the romance. Again, we have dual narrative voices – swinging between the rebel, Day and the loyal prodigy, June. The author does a credible job of creating a Orwellian society where the masses are fed propaganda and live in poverty & squalor, while the elite have everything.
The two heroes are very focused, and have a strong moral sensibility. They recognise this trait in each other, and are drawn to the other’s courage and determination. Even once they know they are on opposing sides, they can’t take back their feelings. But, they do fight them. But the romance is underplayed. It is not a swoony or passionate depiction. The way their feelings develop is in keeping with the tone of the novel: somber, serious and uncertain.
The ending ramps up with an incredibly tense climax, and I was unable to tear my eyes from the page with the suspense. The author does not make anything easy or painless. It is breathtaking, and heartbreaking to read.
I really like this cover. The other version has a girl and that is less likely to appeal to you boys. But a shiny abstract Hunger-Games type cover, might succeed. I am sure it will become a popular favourite in 2012. Read December 10. Review originally posted at Goodreads (but improved here).
Posted under Adventure, Covers, Dystopia, Fiction, New books, romance Tags: action, Dystopia, family, romance, suspence
9
December
2011
Skovron uses the third person present tense for the majority of this book – when we are with the MC, Jael, watching her life unfold. This is a rarely used point of view technique and I am not sure about it. Readers feel distanced from her, and the present tense is sometimes unsettling.
However, it is a clear contrast from the flashback parts of the novel, which occur quite often. Written in the standard past tense style, they fill in the stories of Jael’s parents – Paul, her father, the former demon hunter & exorcist, feared by all demons, and her mother Astarte, a demon herself. A forbidden love that develops against the backdrop of a complex evolving situation where immortal creatures’ powers rise and ebb through the vast oceans of time that they have.
The author’s knowledge of Catholicism ensures the narrative is well grounded with biblical references and archetypes, bringing it all together with flawed present-day characters who are all doing their best to survive and save each other. Not an easy job, given the villains they have to fight.
I found this novel an effective blend of action, humour and family drama. Jael has much to figure out about her identity, and how she fits into both Gaia and other dimensions as well. I can see how ‘Misfit’ could develop into a series, and would be happy to spend more time with Paul, Uncle Dagon and (especially) gorgeous Skater Rob.
But it works fine as a stand alone too. Read December 4. Review originally posted at Goodreads.
Posted under Authors, Fiction, paranormal, romance, Series Tags: Demons, family, relationships, romance
8
December
2011
Jordan’s voice is immediately loud & strong. I found her characterization very engaging and interesting. She was depicted just as I imagined a girl who hangs out with boys all the time would be. But when she started to talk to girls, I liked that she was totally open with them. That despite all her socialization of boys’ behaviours, ultimately she still wanted to talk about her feelings – just like a girl.
However, there were times towards the end when she resorted to tears, and I wasn’t convinced by this behaviour and wanted her to rediscover her backbone. I see that she was in turmoil about her life, but still, she showed us through the rest of the novel how tough she was. But this is a small quibble.
Knowing nothing about US football, I wonder how realistic her dreams of playing college football are, but again, this wondering didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the narrative. There is an awful lot of talk about grid iron, so I hope some of you boys might still pick it up, despite the cover. It moves along at a great pace, and it very easy to read.
Highly recommended. Read December 5th. Review originally posted at Goodreads.
Posted under Contemporary YA, Fiction, New books, romance Tags: family, relationships, sport
24
October
2011
There’s a lot happening in Lucky Linderman’s life and not much of it good, unless you count the dreams wherein he tries to rescue his grandfather Harry MIA during the Vietnam War.
Lucky’s narration is genuinely honest. His attempts to articulate his voice, to face his inner demons, and to recognise his self-worth are described both powerfully and painfully.
As with Vera Deitz, there is also the weird and the funny. The pergoda is almost out-classed by the ants, who have a snarky, insightful comment on the antics of the crazy people around Lucky, who in turn, threaten him, ignore him, & chastise him, but ultimately support him. There are several laugh out loud moments courtesy of those ants, but it’s important to remember their other more serious purpose: Highlighting depression and bullying, but not in a didactic or judgemental way. Part of the strength of the novel is King’s ability to encapsulate these themes effortlessly.
I loved this book. Read Oct 24. Review originally posted over at Goodreads.
Posted under Contemporary YA, Fiction, New books Tags: bullying, family, friendship, identity, male narrator
29
September
2011
I am feeling extremely guilty about my lack of blogging. It’s not that I am not reading, it’s just that I am not reading books I can write about. But these holidays, I have managed to fit in two that I would like to talk about. One is this one – Epic Fail. A fairly nondescript title. It doesn’t really tell you anything about the book. Granted, the main character uses the expression a couple of times, but really it isn’t relevant or crucial to the plot.
What is significant is Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. The author of Epic Fail has updated the story to work as a contemporary YA novel. And it works pretty well too. Don’t worry if you haven’t ever read Pride and Prejudice, this book stands quite successfully alone too.
Elise’s family have just moved across America to California, and has to adjust to a new school. Both her older sister, Juliana and her younger sister Layla fit in and find friends almost immediately. Elise must work a little harder, and unfortunately she manages to get on the wrong side the handsome and famous Derek Edwards.
This is a light romp through typical American teenager world. But parts of it are very funny, and some quite touching. I enjoyed escaping into Elise’s world. Read Sept 29.
Posted under Authors, Fiction, New books, romance Tags: family, Humour, romance
3
September
2011
You know how important I think it is that you read? Well, some of you are well beyond that. I am pleased to say that there are lots of you reading. So to you people I say: It’s important to read different things, outside your comfort genre, away from the normal run-of-the-mill books that experts say boys read. And this book is one of these.
What do you think of the cover? I think the big red love heart indicates romance, and it’s there, but not ‘girly romance’ (whatever that is anyway). But the old-fashioned typewriter? The title? They are all significant and reflect the narrative beautifully.
You know I try hard to buy books with male narrators? But you really should also find books with female voices. Why not? It won’t hurt you. In fact, they may be helpful: figure out the way a girl thinks. Show you that the worries they have aren’t so different from you fellas. Girls read books with males as main characters all the time, and nobody thinks twice about that (ok, off my feminist high horse)!
But the main reason I encourage you to read it is simple: This is an extraordinary book. Keek’s narrative voice is defiant, vulnerable, and amazing. She is stuck in bed for the majority of the book dealing with the chicken pox, with little access to people or technology. The author does an excellent job of ensuring the story moves forward, often by flashing back to episodes in Keek’s (real name, Karina) life before she was sick. Because for a while, Keek had the perfect life, and then things fell apart. (see what I did there with the title?)
Keek’s obsession with, and dependence on, Sylvia Plath’s novel, ‘The Bell Jar’, really lifts ‘And then Things Fall Apart’ into a genuinely moving story. It deals with depression, divorce and dating with a humour and a bitterness that forces the reader to experience a very wide range of emotions. I bought a copy of Plath’s book a couple of years so, so if this book inspires you to, seek it out.
I sofa king loved this book. Read September 3rd. Original review posted at Goodreads.
Posted under Contemporary YA, Covers, Fiction, New books Tags: depression, divorce, family, identity, rite-of-passage, writing
31
August
2011
Each of the separate components of this story – the road trip, the mystery of Penny, the odd-ball tourist traps, the friend or boyfriend question – are all high on my must-have-in-books list. And it delivers.
Top of the list is the banter between Lil and Josh. They are true friends. And to know immediately, that Lil would like to push things further increases the anticipation, and the suspense. But Lil’s voice is such a good one – she’s quirky, she’s honest with herself and she’s putting herself out there. She knows that sometimes, we have to take risks.
Josh is a slacker. A charming geeky self aware slacker. But there is honesty to him, as well. He doesn’t push Lil, or lie to her. Even if sometimes, he doesn’t want to face a few truths.
We are all afraid of the future. Penny has much to worry about, and I like it that her story is left the most open. We think everything will be okay for her. But she’s got a lot of steps to take yet.
The overall tone of ‘Don’t Stop Now’, is a perfect balance of light-hearted quirky and serious search for meaning.
Read August 30.
Posted under Authors, Fiction, Humour, New books, romance, Uncategorized
17
August
2011
Not as snarky, or as irreverent as ‘Paranormalcy’. But considering we dig deeper into Evie’s life — fret as she chooses to keep secrets from Lend, and identify with her realisation that an ordinary life isn’t as good as she thought it would be given she craved normal — that’s hardly surprising.
The humour is still there, and it is used to great effect. Evie’s constant use of ‘bleep’, her fearless comebacks to a variety of nasty paranormals, and her obsession with ‘Eastern Heights’, ensure her characterisation is consistent and real.
The introduction of Jack, and the return of Reth force Evie to examine her motivations, her desires and her place in the world, and at times, this scrutiny is harsh and unforgiving. Enticed by her ability to take souls, Evie’s temptations make the novel darker than others of this ilk. The narrative doesn’t become too intense, though, which ultimately makes this an enjoyable journey.
Thoughtful, but also loads of fun. Originally posted at Goodreads. Read August 18.
Posted under Authors, Humour, New books, paranormal, Series, Uncategorized Tags: Humour, paranormal, romance, snarky
13
August
2011
This novel is due out September 27th. By the author of ‘The Lighter Side of Life & Death’, C K Kelly Martin.
‘
How to Save a Life‘ is written by Sara Zarr. Admittedly, I haven’t put any of her other books in the library, but they are so awesome. Maybe I should. Due out October 18th.
‘Catching Jordan’ is a debut novel by Miranda Kenneally. But everyone says it’s good, so it’s worth a look, I reckon.
Posted under Authors, Covers, New books, waiting-for Tags: anticipation, covers, New books, romance
13
August
2011
Saving June by Hannah Harrington isn’t a book I thought I would ever put in the library. When I read about it on good reads, there were just so many positive comments, that I had to buy it for myself. Just look at the cover — It shouts Girly! The fact that it is published by Harlequin Teen also made me dubious. I must confess to doing a lot of hunting for this book. I was determined to have it. I’m not sure why it captured my attention so much, it just did. And boy am I glad I looked for it.
I know I say this often, but please believe me when I say: Do not judge this book by its cover. There is so much going on here. The main character Harper, is grieving the death of her sister, June, who committed suicide. Her divorced parents want to split her ashes between the two houses. Harper is determined to give her sister something more. She decides to go on a road trip all the way to California, and it is this journey that comprises the majority of the book.
Joining her on this trip, is her best friend Laney, and reluctant Jake. What makes this book so good, is that Harrington doesn’t just give us Harper’s story. Laney and Jake have their own stories to share,and they are equally as important. This is the story of three people not just one. Or, should we include June? Because ultimately, Harper needs to discover the truth about her sister. This will be painful, and we know that Harper needs time to face these truths.
With the road trip structure, readers inevitably meet characters who aren’t along for the ride. Usually they are merely introduced, then dropped off on the side of the road. But here, many of them are given depth, before being dropped off on the side of the road: Seth, Quentin, Pink-Haired boy and Carmen are all real people and crucial to the narrative.
Intelligent, observant and bittersweet, Saving June is an excellent example of the coming of age novel. I cannot recommend it highly enough to you. Loved it. Read August 7.
Posted under Covers, New books, romance Tags: family, grief, loss, protests, road trip, suicide
This is a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian romance with more emphasis on the dystopia and less on the romance. Again, we have dual narrative voices – swinging between the rebel, Day and the loyal prodigy, June. The author does a credible job of creating a Orwellian society where the masses are fed propaganda and live in poverty & squalor, while the elite have everything.
