It is the summer of 1984 and Ebony-Grace Norfleet (aka "Space Cadet E-Grace Starfleet") is flying to Harlem, NY (aka "New Joke City" to Ebony) from heIt is the summer of 1984 and Ebony-Grace Norfleet (aka "Space Cadet E-Grace Starfleet") is flying to Harlem, NY (aka "New Joke City" to Ebony) from her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. She'll be staying with her father (the evil "Sonic King"), falling deeply into her fantasy Sci Fi worlds (largely Star Trek inspired) to escape the stressful City Life world she's been thrust into after a sheltered country life down South with her mother and her granddaddy (the only one who has ever understood her, aka "Captain Fleet"). Ebony-Grace's confusion and habit of retreating into her imagination any time things get frustratingly different (no one understands her, she's all country and this is the city, break-dancing is big and she's clueless, she's a big science aficionado in a group of kids who mostly just aren't) are incredibly relatable and will resonate with many readers. The comics interspersed throughout are delightful and really add to the story and enforce Ebony-Grace's feeling of alienation from her current living space and her family (who is keeping her in the dark).
Anything you didn’t like about it? The references are old. While readers in their 30s/40s and beyond who are familiar with Star Trek will find much to make them smile; current Middle Schoolers may be a bit baffled in places. Then again, some shows and movies (ie: Star Wars; which is also referenced) transcend generations so if you have a reader into sci fi (there is a lot of space information; it isn't all references to old shows) this may be perfect.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) For anyone who has ever resorted to their imagination to pretend they are someone cooler; or living someplace much more interesting; or just living a life that made more logical sense... Would be a really fun one to discuss in a book club.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
What did you like about the book? Everything! I sank into this novel with joy and an unexpected but entirely appreciated love for the world the authorWhat did you like about the book? Everything! I sank into this novel with joy and an unexpected but entirely appreciated love for the world the author built and the characters she brought to life within the pages. The plot is good: Fatima lives a simple life in the city of Noor: a city ruled by a maharajah and protected from chaotic, tainted djinn by the Ifrit: djinn of order and reason. One day, during a visit to her favorite book shop to deliver a book, things go terribly awry and she finds herself with new abilities and suddenly yet firmly thrown into the depths of the city's political strife. The writing is amazing: beautiful prose which can at times tinge towards the lavender hues of Purple Prose but which serves to truly construct a rich tapestry of a world from the creation of a magical system to the cultural rites and the really deliciously described foods to the daily movements of the many prayers throughout the day to the relationships between each of the characters and their underlying thoughts, beliefs and motivations. I found myself wanting to devour the book but unable to resist slowing down to absorb each line and every scene; even re-reading entire passages to enjoy them again. The romance between Fatima Ghazala and Zulfikar is very steamy but physically light (kisses are as far as we go). This is a story about the importance of names, the deep connections humans forge and the women who fight to create harmony in their city of a thousand religions, cultures, languages, and lives. It was glorious and a breath of fresh air in the YA market. Don't miss this one.
Anything you didn’t like about it? This is a slow paced book with much tension but little "battle" so if you're holding out for a big, climatic action-filled final fight you will be disappointed. Also be warned that there are lot of similar names so, as with much large-cast fantasy novels, you may be confused at times (there is a very helpful guide to main characters at the front though to help in those moments).
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) Everyone who loves to sink into a magical realm that is fully realized, filled with complex and varied female relationships and strong (though flawed and all the more real for their flaws) women and girls all with really wonderfully detailed Middle Eastern fantasy trappings: this is the fantastic book for you! Who should buy this book? (Middle schools, high schools, public libraries, day-cares-) Middle Schools, High Schools, Public Libraries, Individuals.
Where would you shelve it? Fantasy Fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes!...more
On the mountainous island nation of Medio, there are the upperclass families living in splendor at the top of the mountain to whom tradition and religOn the mountainous island nation of Medio, there are the upperclass families living in splendor at the top of the mountain to whom tradition and religion dictate two wives will go to every man; and those who live in abject poverty and fear down by (or worse, even OVER) the border wall closer to the sea. Our leading lady, Daniela, is about to graduate from training to be a rich man's "first" wife: his Primera. Primeras are to be smart, thoughtful, business savvy key to helping run her husband's home along with the Segunda; the second wife who is tasked with bringing the comfort and love to the home. Dani gets assigned to Mateo; a cold young man with presidential aspirations. And, of course, she's paired with Carmen: the Segunda who's cutting remarks and betrayal in wife-training school has strained her entire school experience. On top of it all, Dani ends up blackmailed into helping the rebels because she has her own secrets: she's not from the "good" side of the border wall... This was a good read! Daniela and Carmen's slow but passionate fall into romance is tender and steamy and very nicely done. And the political intrigue of starting a rebellion against the rich and powerful is compelling.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The fantasy/sci-fi element seems to only be that this is a fictional land; the religion which sets the start of the book is only barely referenced in the book's "modern day" era where the story takes place. This is a story of politics and poverty and rebellion and not so much a story of a beautifully realized fantasy world. At times the plot becomes a bit disjointed but overall it reads well and ends on a cliffhanger that should get you wanting to read the second part of this duology.
To whom would you recommend this book? Recommend to readers who loved the Utopia/Dystopia and rebellious leads in books like Delirium, Birthmarked, Divergent.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This is a retelling of Price and the Pauper but with girls and set in a modern day geeky sci-fi convention. Imogen (the "pauper") is trying to get folThis is a retelling of Price and the Pauper but with girls and set in a modern day geeky sci-fi convention. Imogen (the "pauper") is trying to get folks excited about her #SaveAmara initiative: generating interest in reviving the beloved sci fi show's now-dead character. Jess (the "Prince") is the leading Hollywood lady who played (and wishes to finally STOP playing) this now-dead character: Amara. In a silly but fun mad-dash rom-com style romp; the two switch places so that Jess can discover who is releasing sneak peaks of an upcoming movie script that has to be the one she angrily threw in the trash... There's some nicely done LGBTQ representation: we have the ladies Jess and Harper falling for each other while Imogen and Ethan start their own romantic tensions. It's over-the-top in ridiculous moments but also largely enjoyable.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It moves very fast; which works well if you're up for a bit of brain-candy; but any time you slow down to think about it things fall apart a bit. Just don't think too hard and enjoy the ride.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) Great for anyone who likes Princess Diary style stories: swapping lives and finding out who you truly are. Also for geeky readers but be warned that more than a few things about the sci-fi con are wince-inducingly not-quite-right...
Who should buy this book? Public Libraries
Where would you shelve it? YA Fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? It's quick; so yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: April Duclos, Hudson Public Library, Hudson MA
Date of review: 2/28/19
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This novelization of Jerry Denton's 7 years as a POW in North Vietnam during the Vietnam war was incredibly compelling, thoughtful, and while it didn'This novelization of Jerry Denton's 7 years as a POW in North Vietnam during the Vietnam war was incredibly compelling, thoughtful, and while it didn't hold back from describing the treatment and even torture that Denton and the other prisoners endured; it wasn't gory for the sake of seeing more blood on the page.
It brought a real-feeling narrative to those caught behind enemy lines during an unpopular war (which was never actually declared) and allows room for interesting discussion of this historical time period regarding treatment of prisoners of war versus war criminals; the efficacy of torture, the strength of the human psyche and a person's faith, and the boundless desire of a person to survive. There's a deep list of bibliographical resources and notes (though these are not marked in the text, allowing it to read as a story).
Anything you didn’t like about it? It was a bit long in parts but overall it read quickly and was powerful enough to overcome the few slower/repetitive portions.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) This read to me like "Night" by elie wiesel: often blunt and yet somehow still poignant. Recommend to readers who enjoy darker moments in history novelized into a strong narrative. Also good for fans of survival fiction.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Twin teen boys Alex and Charlie are part of The 48, a secretive society of today founded with the intention of using time-travel to unravel various asTwin teen boys Alex and Charlie are part of The 48, a secretive society of today founded with the intention of using time-travel to unravel various aspects of the past via meddling, murder, and mayhem. The twins have gotten their first assignment: they have 48 days to prevent Henry VIII from marrying the Protestant Jane Seymour; part of an initiative to change and ultimately eliminate religion in the world. But shortly after they arrive in Tudor court time in England; their younger friend Alice arrives unbidden and it seems that the 48 is not all it seems to be. This contains intrigue in spades, court drama, romantic triangles (and quandrangles) and yet also a few great nuggets such as Alex's relationship with Marlon. Overall the book was longer than it needed to be and very predictable with a time-travel element that was largely for show and not necessary to the story, really.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The characters are often too similar in their mindsets: to the point that it is sometimes even difficult to tell apart characters from "our" time and those from the actual Tudor court. The pacing is also a bit slow so if you're looking for a fast-paced thrill-ride this one will disappoint: there's too much "telling" and not enough "showing" at times.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) Better for fans of Historical fiction than those of Sci Fi as the time-travel element is really a minimal part of the story and mostly just serves to start off the plot and give an excuse for the two teen boy leads to throw in occasional references to modern day phrases or technology.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This is the story of budding teen musician, Lark, and the split her life takes after one day at a lake when she is forced to choose between saving herThis is the story of budding teen musician, Lark, and the split her life takes after one day at a lake when she is forced to choose between saving her new boyfriend, Alec, or the young girl she babysits, from drowning. This is a story that follows (in alternating sections) what would happen if she saved Alec, and what would happen instead if she chose to save Annabelle. It's about grief and friendships and being torn in two by indecision. The magical aspects involve alternate dimensions: this toys a lot with the idea of parallel lives (both with Lark AND with her mom, who is dead but who also apparently spoke a lot on the topic). The concept of trying to potentially merge two diverging parallel lives (when neither one seems really optimal, if we're honest), was really interesting and keeps you reading.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The characters are fairly flat and undeveloped (since there are really two stories in one here we don't get enough time with anyone in either version). It even becomes difficult to tell the "versions" apart because aside from a hair-change, Lark is essentially the same person in each; it's just that her passion and focus switch from being either solely shining on her relationship with Alec, or with her musical group.
To whom would you recommend this book? There are so many loose ends and questions the book brings up that this would likely make a very interesting choice for a book club to discuss.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Mup is a young tween who spots the men and women witches in the trees following her and her mom as they drive home to see Aunty. The night Aunty dies.Mup is a young tween who spots the men and women witches in the trees following her and her mom as they drive home to see Aunty. The night Aunty dies. The night when everything changes and it is revealed that Mup's mam is the daughter of a tyrannical queen of Witches Borough. This is part road-trip to save her kidnapped dad, part a coming-of-magical-age, and part the story of the side-kicks because Mup's mam is the one that is the "Chosen One". And yet; Mup can also turn into a rabbit; a "stitcher of worlds"; so she has her own power and potential as well. Combined with the boy Crow who turns into a Raven, Badger the family dog, and Mup's younger brother Tipper who spends most of the book, once they cross the border into the Borough, as a puppy; Mup learns the joys of magics hidden from her and her mam by Aunty for all these years and also question the right of anyone in power to make unilateral decisions for those under their rule. This was adventurous and fun and even exciting/intense in spots. Recommended.
Anything you didn’t like about it? This is a bit disjointed in spots but overall the story is compelling enough to enjoy despite it.
To whom would you recommend this book? Enjoyable for anyone looking for a fantasy set in a new sort of fantasy world, drawn from Irish traditions with a diverse cast and interesting characters. It's a bit like taking A Wrinkle in Time, combining it with Irish mythology and a bit of Narnia or even Harry Potter and delivering a girl learning about her powers, and about who she wants to be in the world, all while trying to save her father.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
More of a 2.5; it would be very easy to skim and not miss much.
This story follows Brynn Caldwell; a science student starting to find her way as she cMore of a 2.5; it would be very easy to skim and not miss much.
This story follows Brynn Caldwell; a science student starting to find her way as she comes out of a depression; who realizes she may have some forgotten traumas that are starting to come to light just as her scientist mother is about to launch a brand new drug aimed at curing PTSD victims of their bad memories. There's intrigue and political danger and mystery and conspiracies and lots of never knowing who to trust as Brynn begins to remember something she never should have forgotten. The tension gets high and this reads like nearly a screenplay for a fast-paced Hollywood flick complete with threat of bombs and flashbacks and twists at the end with betrayals heaped on betrayals.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The melodrama is incredibly ratcheted up so the story of a depressed teen reeling from escaping an abusive boyfriend mixed with high-action thriller suffers a bit in the execution: it is a bit campy in spots it likely doesn't intend to be and just plain over the top in others. It's also incredibly predictable. Also; aside from telling us that she clearly did one key small project; we don't see any of Brynn's supposed science student smarts in here used in any useful way.
To whom would you recommend this book? Will appeal to anyone looking for a very cheesy but fast-paced and twisting terrorism conspiracy thriller with some light talk of depression/PTSD
Who should buy this book? Public Libraries with large YA budgets
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
More of a 3.5, but I'll round up for the generally light, fun feel which did keep me turning pages, despite wishing it had gone a bit deeper.
This storMore of a 3.5, but I'll round up for the generally light, fun feel which did keep me turning pages, despite wishing it had gone a bit deeper.
This story is about 16 year old Sadie. She’s already survived one car accident with her parents years ago. Today, she’s just survived another but when she’s found she’s desperately asking for a boy that no one knows. Not her boyfriend, Henry, or her father; Sadie keeps asking for George. Slowly, as the story flicks back and forth between present day with Sadie in the hospital in the psychiatric ward, and the past before the most recent accident, we learn that George has never been real; he is only a vivid and compelling daydream.
But Sadie is losing her friends and possibly herself to this imagining that she can’t stop wanting to delve into: adventures with her George, the handsome, brave, wonderful boy with the mysterious briefcase from which all manner of amazing bits and bobs are revealed to help them on their imaginary journeys. There is a lot of switching between present day and the past and often times you remain unsure what is real and what is just in Sadie’s head. The constant references to Harry Potter though are fun and work well. It’s a bit of a mystery story (trying to find out about Sadie’s first accident and the origin of “George”), a bit of a coming of age story for Sadie, part adventure story, and a tiny smidge a mental health story with some diversity in characters which will keep you turning pages.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The flips between past/present sometimes happen without warning and can require a bit of re-reading to follow what’s going on. Though it seems this story was going to delve into mental health issues it really does not dig deeply.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) Going Bovine; Calvin; it would be good for anyone who really enjoys a potentially unreliable narrator, a dabbling in mental health issues, and a bit of humor/teen-snark banter.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This is the story of Elise: homeschooled 8th grader who has been making it a goal to speak as few words as possible at school since a cascade of talkiThis is the story of Elise: homeschooled 8th grader who has been making it a goal to speak as few words as possible at school since a cascade of talking mishaps on her first day in public school. Hoping to somehow make it a day without marking a single tally in her notebook of words per day; Elise intended the venture to only last until she settled in and learned the ins and outs of public school. However, as the weeks pass and her silence grows she is losing her friend Mel who is tired of defending her. Then there are the family secrets: Elise sees her mother going into their locked shed at night and wonders what is going on. But her mother barely speaks to her and in her 12 years of life has never celebrated her birthday once. Also, it seems like Beady, the stuffed bird in one of Elise's classes, is moving? Something strange is going on and Elise is going to find out what it is. Overall this story was very compelling and the mystery of what is going on with Elise's family history and with her silence make the pages turn quickly.
Anything you didn’t like about it? This is a great, thoughtful piece tackling the topic of selective mutism (not triggered by tragedy), bullying, and struggling to find and keep friends in middle school. The only slight downfall of the book is how little we see of Elise's mother, who seems to have be battling her own depression/anxiety, until the very end. Still; enough is there that the topic of Elise's mother would make an interesting one at a book club.
To whom would you recommend this book? Recommend to readers who enjoy a bit of whimsy with their middle-school mystery-lite coming of age story. Though intended for the younger crowd, readers of Speak may also enjoy this one.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This story is about the friendship formed between two 12 year old girls in Scotland. First: lispy bully Caylin who spends her days stealing lunch moneThis story is about the friendship formed between two 12 year old girls in Scotland. First: lispy bully Caylin who spends her days stealing lunch money from other kids and her evenings caring for her alcoholic mum, hoping no one discovers that her only parent is effectively useless in a deep depressive funk since the death of her grandfather. Second; Syrian refugee Reema who desperately misses home and her brother who has been missing since before they escaped Syria. Her formerly strong and faithful father is not feeling the call to pray and sits in his wheelchair desperately searching the internet for hints of his son. Caylin and Reema both find an injured mother fox behind their apartment and begin to feed her and her cubs. Their friendship grows (in fits and starts) as they come to realize they are both taking care of this fox family.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Nothing. This story is a delightfully nuanced, diverse, thoughtful and even fun/cute story of friendship and learning to be a good person. The ending is a bit overly sweet but it works with the rest of the feel-good story.
To whom would you recommend this book? Really great for anyone who loves a great story of friendship
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Incredibly enjoyable! Marinka is 12 and she lives with her grandma (Baba) who is a Yaga: guardian of and guide to souls needing the gateway to the lanIncredibly enjoyable! Marinka is 12 and she lives with her grandma (Baba) who is a Yaga: guardian of and guide to souls needing the gateway to the land of the dead. Each night, a new batch of dead show up at their chicken legged house to party and share their memories with the Yaga and then make their way to the gateway before dawn. After a time, the house gets up and walks away to somewhere new. Marinka is sick of it. The dead, the lack of stability meaning she’s never in one place long enough to make friends, even her magical chicken legged house is starting to annoy her. But then she meets Ben and a wee lamb and for the first time she ventures beyond the fence... This was magical and sweet and fun and heartfelt. It’s about friendship and love and determination and fighting destiny to find your own way. There’s nothing not to like about the world or the characters or the twisting and interesting plot. It's intended for a middle school audience and will have large appeal there but was also enjoyable enough for older readers (even adults).
Highly recommend!
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
**spoiler alert** This story begins 3 years after a school shooting. Skye Gilchrist is moving back to her hometown. It's bad enough moving back to a s**spoiler alert** This story begins 3 years after a school shooting. Skye Gilchrist is moving back to her hometown. It's bad enough moving back to a school system where a shooting took place. Skye's situation is even dicier: her brother was one of the shooters 3 years ago. Her former best friend and almost boyfriend, Jesse Mandal, lost his older brother in the tragedy. This is a tense and interesting story about Skye trying to reclaim her life back in the town where it all happened and reconnect with her former friend. This is fully of casual diversity in the cast, and also full of bullying as students and even staff push back against Skye: brother of a school shooter. This all felt painfully realistic and well done. There's also a bit of mystery as things move from "girl growing up and coming to terms with her brother's actions 3 years ago and possibly getting romantic with a former friend" to "trying to figure out who's suggesting that her brother might NOT have been involved...and also who's trying to kill Skye??!" It was a page-turner.
Anything you didn’t like about it? The romance felt very uninspired and timid; which might have been intentional and worth exploring perhaps in a book club discussion. Where it fell flat for me overall is that after delving a bit into the interesting concept of how to grieve for a brother who turned out to be part of a group of murderers; it all ends up that maybe he's innocent after all and it's just a big misunderstanding! So it really lost that impact of the main character struggling to reconcile grief for her brother with sadness for the actions he committed against others and ended up falling flat for me. Also; the "mystery" was incredibly simple to figure out for the most part. Still, it is all written compellingly enough to keep you turning pages and would, I think, make a very discussion-worthy book club read.
To whom would you recommend this book? This will appeal to anyone who wants a bit of mystery with their school shooter "moving on after the tragedy" style story.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Charlotte was abducted when she was 12 years old. She has spent over 4 years locked in a small attic with her abductor sharing her bed every night. ThCharlotte was abducted when she was 12 years old. She has spent over 4 years locked in a small attic with her abductor sharing her bed every night. The thoughts that keep her surviving are: that her family has each other to love and that her twin sister, Alexa, continues to be spared her fate; hopefully living life "double" because she cannot. But today, she is found and freed. We start the story with her freedom and return to her family; where things are not as rosy as she'd hoped and dreamed during her captivity. Her parents have divorced. Her mother is an alcoholic, her father is a fame-hungry creator of a lost children's foundation created with her name, her new step-mother and young step sister make her physically sick, and her sister is in rehab for drug abuse. This was heart-wrenching and didn't pull any punches regarding what happened to Charlotte during her captivity (though we're largely spared nitty-gritty details of the violence and sexual assault heaped upon Charlotte), nor did it shy away from the painful reality of the difficulties faced in trying to return to "normalcy" after such trauma. This is a fairly short but highly compelling and well-written novel.
Anything you didn’t like about it? This is definitely a "Happy Endings Wish Fulfillment" sort of story. While not everything "goes back to normal"; there's an awful lot that does. However; if you're looking for a story about such traumas which has a bit of hope and happiness; this will really satisfy. Be warned though there are a LOT of tear-inducing moments if you're prone to cry-reading.
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them) Read if you couldn't put down "Room", or "Speak"
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
This is the story of Eve: just a 17 year old WarDome robot gladiator builder, keeping her grandpa alive through the ravages of cancer by fighting for This is the story of Eve: just a 17 year old WarDome robot gladiator builder, keeping her grandpa alive through the ravages of cancer by fighting for enough creds to buy his meds. But when we enter the scene, Eve's fight has gone awry and secrets start coming out of the woodwork. Then it's a maddash adventure race through a dystopian future West Coast, USA with her bestie, Lemon Fresh, and a lifelike robot boy who swears he knew Eve in the past... This is both a rousing fast-paced sci-fi action story and a novel on what it means to be "human". This is science fiction, dystopia, adventure, and YA coming of age all with a bit of magic, some diversity, and even some mystery thrown in for good measure. It kept me guessing and would make a really compelling book-group read prompting some very animated discussions!
Anything you didn’t like about it? There are a few scenes that didn't feel like they matched the characters well (view spoiler)[Like Eve/Ana being so EXTREMELY pissed the Lemon Fresh didn't share her secret/lied. But...come ON! For Eve/Ana to just walk out like that...killed me (hide spoiler)] but overall the pacing and all the secrets that keep piling up as we delve into this world of robot tech and wastelands and god-complexes made the few odd scenes more like blips than roadblocks.
To whom would you recommend this book? Great for fans of Cinder.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Ellie and her boyfriend, Noah, have a fight one morning before school so instead of heading inside, she huffs off and drives across town to sulk in a Ellie and her boyfriend, Noah, have a fight one morning before school so instead of heading inside, she huffs off and drives across town to sulk in a nearby lighthouse. That's when the tornadoes come... In the wake of the "outbreak"; nearly 100 people in a town of barely 2,000 in Ohio are dead; the area is declared a disaster zone, and Ellie had watched in stunned disbelief from her vantage point in the lighthouse as her high school exploded. This is the story of a town trying to cope with the massive loss and grief after such a ravaging disaster. Ellie lost her 3 best friends as well as her boyfriend. Yet, a few days after the outbreak; she realizes that her next door neighbor's son, who she keeps seeing on the back deck listening to his music, was also killed during the storms. Largely a story about navigating life after huge loss; this also becomes a bit of a ghost story as Ellie realizes she is seeing the ghosts of many who died during the outbreak and that she is able to help them cross to the other side. A lot of good writing, some nods to diversity with a brother of a friend who is gay and a Japanese American friend, and a hint of spooky ghost action.
Anything you didn’t like about it? While it seemed in the last third of the story that things were going to get very spooky and dark; it all fizzled away a bit unsatisfactorily with a very weak and rather boring climax so if you go into that build-up expecting something a bit more dire and interesting to happen you'll be disappointed; this is all about one girl (one town) processing her grief.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Indian-American film-buff teen Winnie Mehta is worried about getting into the film program at NYU but, more pressingly, about her crumbling love life.Indian-American film-buff teen Winnie Mehta is worried about getting into the film program at NYU but, more pressingly, about her crumbling love life.
She has lived her life expecting the prophecy given to her by the family pandit to bring her true love before her 18th birthday. Instead; we start the book watching as she buries all the movies she'd ever gifted to the (former) love of her life: Raj.
This is a teen love story that reads like a fun, if overly melodramatic, gender-swapped and Bollywood-ized version of an 80s Rom-Com. Complete with love-triangle, misunderstandings, dramatic romantic gestures and big displays of love as "destiny".
The Indian family life though (specifically Winnie's grandmother and even the family pandit) is really lovingly portrayed.
Anything you didn’t like about it? It is very over the top so if the constant references to Bollywood films (and the way the many dream sequences make it FEEL like a Bollywood film) sound annoying you may not enjoy this otherwise quick and silly (but fun) story.
To whom would you recommend this book? Great for anyone wanting a really lighthearted (and nicely diverse) beach-read that may make you want to watch a few of the many Bollywood films referenced.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
**spoiler alert** This story melds the horrors of depression with the joys of budding new romance; the pain of tragic pasts with the hopes for brighte**spoiler alert** This story melds the horrors of depression with the joys of budding new romance; the pain of tragic pasts with the hopes for brighter futures. Ray is a history buff in a small town named Burgerville. Along with his milk and vampires obsessed friend Simon; the two meet and become friends with newcomer Jane Doe at the start of their Junior year. The format of the story and the tone all very quickly let you know that Jane is struggling in life and that; at some point (the one around which the entire novel's timeline is pinned) something horrible will happen. The story addresses two different sorts of depression realistically and weaves a story of the lives affected around them. It was compelling and heartfelt.
Anything you didn’t like about it? I often have trouble when the narrative structure of a novel is one of alternating time periods; though after the first few chapters this one did work for me. Still; it might be a bit of page-flipping at first to realize you're reading about 200 days BEFORE and then 12 days AFTER, etc. I did feel a bit bummed that despite ending up with his own depression to navigate; Ray did not ever seem to understand that Jane couldn't just "make her own happiness"; that's not how depression WORKS! So while the author's note at the end was very encouraging about finding help and reaching out; it still bummed me out that Ray remained a bit clueless on that front throughout.
To whom would you recommend this book? Similar in style and even character feel to John Green's "Finding Alaska"
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
Valka is a Russian girl who is eager to use her flying skills to help out in the war efforts during WWII. When the restriction against women joining iValka is a Russian girl who is eager to use her flying skills to help out in the war efforts during WWII. When the restriction against women joining is lifted due to desperate times, she and her cousin Iskra join up. Based upon the Night Witches from true history, the story follows Valka and her cousin (who's parents were convicted of being against communism, being "wreckers") as they train and fight for the all-female Aviation Group 122. It also intersperses letters between Valka and a boy from her hometown, Pasha, who was drafted into the war as a radioman and gets trapped behind enemy lines after his entire squad is killed. The story of the girls becoming pilots and flying to fight for their country; of becoming the Night Witches, is solid. The "romance" will likely make you roll your eyes. A lot. It's just super boring
Anything you didn’t like about it? The letters and "romance" between Valka and Pasha really bogged down what was otherwise an interesting story of strong girls being hardcore to help out their country during a war by flying planes and dropping bombs. The tech-lingo also gets to be a bit much at times. The "romance" and overly technical moments do end up taking away from the time to develop the characters as they consider the ramifications of war and their actions which would have been vastly more interesting.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers looking for a hint of historical girls being amazing with a heavy-handed romance-angle forced into the story to lighten the otherwise dark tone of a war novel.
FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review....more
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