Book Review: Ruined by Paula Morris

Ruined is what Rebecca's life feels like right now.  She is forced to move from her home in New York to New Orleans, a place that couldn't be more different from home.  Her father is on an extended business trip in China, and Rebecca must stay with her aunt, an eccentric fortune teller who isn't even a relation.  The only person she feels comfortable with is Lisette, a girl who she met in the creepy cemetery, and who also happens to be a ghost.  When Anton Grey, a popular and good-looking boy from school starts to pay attention to her, Rebecca begins to wonder just what kind of secrets this old town may hold.

Things I Liked:

The setting in New Orleans is the most intriguing part of the book, I felt.  The history and the details about the town were more interesting than the story itself.  Rebecca was dull as a character, and I enjoyed Lisette more (probably because she was mysterious).  I thought that near the end, the story picked up and became more readable, with some good twists that I didn't see coming.

Things I Didn't Like:

I thought the ending was a little too simple and complete, wrapping things up too neatly.  There should have been more backlash for what happened.  The beginning of the book was very slow and I kept wishing I was reading something else. 

Read-alikes:

Possibly like The Hollow by Jessica Verday (though I haven't read it)
Reminded me of Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Maybe a little bit like Evermore by Alison Noel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !

some

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->

some violence

Overall rating: ***

What is your favorite setting (place or time) for a story?

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Book Review: Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have seems to be all that Andrew can think about.  He is starting his sophomore year of high school and used to be just fine with his life of being the second fattest kid in school and hanging out with the UN geeks.  The new girl, April, changed all that.  Now, Andrew wants to change himself and he might just get the chance when he is saved from getting beaten up by the star football player.  Will he become who he really wants to be or does he even know what that is?

Things I Liked:

The book is carried entirely on its humor and the character of Andy.  I love Andy - he is a little bit of all of us - insecure and not really sure what or where he wants to be.  It was a little scary being back in that fairly realistic depiction of high school drama.  I also thought it was refreshing to have a book about an overweight boy instead of a girl.  Here's a taste of the humor:

"306.4 is big at my age.  Okay, it's big at any age  It's not big enough that they make a Discovery Channel documentary about you, but it's big enough that you stand out wherever you go.  There's no flying under the radar at 306.4.  There's a lot of surface area to reflect radar signals." p1

"There's no way to keep secrets in high school, especially secrets involving underpants and personal mortification" p53

"When you sit with people in high school, it's like you're declaring your allegiance.  Kind of like registering to vote for a particular party.  I'm not ready to be with any party.  I want to be independent for a while." p306

Things I Didn't Like:

I think perhaps it was a little too much of a glimpse into a teenage boy's mind for my taste, but I think teen boys will like it.  Even if they identify more with O. Douglas. 

Read-alikes:

It reminded me (possibly because of its title) of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !@#

prevalent

mrg-factor: XXX

enough references to last a while

v-factor: ->

minor bullying

Overall rating: ***

Anybody else notice the prevalence of titles like this?  Perhaps I should create a list.

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In Which I Overcome My Book Envy (or at least try)

I apologize in advance for the somewhat personal and philosophical nature of this post. But, it was screaming to be written.

The buzz from ALA Midwinter is not quite gone. I sat, with many others, in anticipation of the announcement of the award winners.  I read the posts of those who were there, mixing with fellow librarians, listening to new ideas, and best of all, browsing the exhibitions.  

But, when the lucky attendees began listing the "prizes" they came home with, I felt something growing in my heart.  Yes, it was Book Envy. 

For those of you unfamiliar with this phenomenon, let me describe some of the symptoms:

1 - Do you ever find yourself reading a review of a book not yet released and thinking "Man, I need to get a copy of that, because it sounds like exactly something I would like and why hasn't the publisher sent me one too, knowing as I am sure they do that I would love it?"

2 - When you peruse your friendly neighborhood book blogs, do you continually need to wipe drool from your chin, particularly when you find In My Mailbox or Mailbox Monday posts?

3 - Immediately following ALA conferences or BEA or other large book fairs, do you find yourself staring forlornly at posts recapping the goodies they have brought home?

If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, you may be suffering from Book Envy.

Back to ALA Midwinter (the source of my recent illness).  Unfortunately, several factors prevented me from attending.  I will list them, at the risk of sounding very sorry for myself.  (You may skip this section if you desire.)

1 - I am not currently a member of ALA (oh, the shame)

2 - I would like to be a member, but have not yet managed to scrape together the funds required to pay the yearly dues (which, considering how reasonable they are, is really quite sad, but I refer you to #3 for some explanation).

3 - My husband is in school (and plans to be for the next few years).

4 - Considering the implications of #2, it should be obvious that I could not even begin to contemplate the price of attending the conference, let alone the price of a cross-country ticket to Boston. 

Now, ever since reading of the delights of those who attended, I have felt festering in me, this dreadful envy.  I will admit, though I really shouldn't, that this envy is almost exclusively for the lovely stacks of ARCs.  What of networking and continuing my education?  What of expanding my knowledge and gaining insights into new advances in the field?  No, secretly, it is all for the ARCs.  I am already anticipating with equal measures of dread and excitement the delightful recaps of those fortunate enough to attend BEA in NYC this spring.  For obvious reasons (see #3 and #4 above), I will not be going.

And, having looked hopefully ahead to ALA's Annual Conference this summer, I was unhappy enough to realize it would fall prey to the same misfortunes mentioned in #4 above.  There is a remote, though more likely, chance I may be able to scrape out to ALA's 2011 Midwinter Conference in San Diego, but my life is such that planning a year in advance is futile.  

*Drags self out of large pool of pity* 

Now that I have laid before you the guilt in my heart and probably wallowed far too long in my financial woes, let me now expound on how I am dealing with my current and anticipated future Book Envy.

First of all, I must mention that I am very happy to have a job at present.  Really, considering economical situations around the country (and the world), I am quite fortunate.  While the job is not precisely where I would like to be right now, it has provided for our financial needs very well.  

Second, I happen to live in a place that allows me the use of two public libraries.  There is one in my city and one about 15 minutes away in a neighboring city.  Both of these beautiful places have provided me with thousands of free books.  The value of libraries, I think, is vastly underestimated and unappreciated by many people today.  While they may not provide me with copies I can keep or with ARCs, they supply me with the majority of my reading choices and allow a much broader range of tastes and selection than I could ever achieve on my own dime or even with the delights to be found at conferences and book fairs.

Third, which is much less easy to articulate, but rather more personal, is my realization that sometimes I feel entitled to things.  Through no particular merit of my own, I already receive a very small number of ARCs and review copies from publishers and authors who are generous enough to offer them.  Why, then, should I feel like I am being cheated in some way, when I do not get stacks of ARCs? 

Overcoming Book Envy is not an easy process, trust me.  I have found that a healthy dose of appreciating what I do have can lead to real contentment.  Now, when I see those lingering ALA posts, and hopefully when BEA posts start trickling in, I will be able to smile and feel genuinely happy for those fortunate enough to attend.  It is a process, but I will continue to work on it!  (It does not, however, prevent me from entering as many contests for those desirable ARCs as possible :)

Do you suffer from Book Envy?  How do you overcome it?

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Book Review: The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

The Demon King is an evil figure from distant past that seems to still be affecting the lives of people in the Seven Realms today.  Han Alister, former thief and all-around misfit, has the misfortune of obtaining an amulet that has a deadly history leading back to the Demon King.  Princess Raisa, meanwhile, is dealing with the limitations of her position as princess heir.  In addition to these burdens, she begins to feel a threat to her kingdom that has roots stretching back to the time of the Demon King.  When their paths cross, things become even more complicated and the Demon King is at the heart of it all.

Things I Liked:

Chima has done it again - creating a new world and setting up a rip-roaring great story to go with it!  I love how detailed and complicated and convoluted the storyline gets.  She has made a world that feels very much alive and has a huge untapped history behind it that we get just little glimpses of, to tease us.  It makes me hungry for more!

Things I Didn't Like:

Initially, I had a bit of a hard time with all the new fantasy elements being introduced.  It seems like a lot to take in all at once, but then you just fall into it and can't get back out!

Read-alikes:

Definitely like the Heir Trilogy by Chima

A little like Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore
It reminded of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien with its fabulous historical feel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !@

some throughout

mrg-factor: XX

innuendo and references, not graphic

v-factor: ->->

some street fighting

Overall rating: ****

Do you like fantasy with a base in the real world or something that doesn't resemble the real world at all?

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Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

 *ARC provided by publisher*

Fallen is the story of Luce, who, after a tragic summer accident, ends up at a reform school.  While trying to fit in with the other reform school misfits, she finds herself inexorably drawn to Daniel, a boy who seems both interested and offended at her interest, but who also seems strangely familiar.  Cam, on the other hand, obviously likes Luce and she finds herself also drawn to his charm.  But, when dangerous things begin to happen to her again, Luce finds that there is more to both these boys than meets the eye.

Things I Liked:
Despite the rather slow beginning, it was really an engrossing story, with just enough details to intrigue and keep you reading without overwhelming you all at once.  I was pretty caught up in the story and wondering just what would happen next (or sometimes, what stupid thing Luce would do next).  I liked the quirky supporting characters, particularly Arriane and Penn. I guess it was like Twilight in that the story was quite interesting, but not much else.

Things I Didn't Like:
Near the end of the book, things seemed to fall apart a bit.  Despite the things Luce was learning, she was always in the dark.  Not enough was explained to make it feel even somewhat wrapped up.  It leaves plenty for the sequels, but I felt like I had no idea what was happening or why.  I was somewhat disappointed that the publicity and blurbs for the book all gave away the big "reveal" that Luce takes so long to discover.  Also, near the end, the love story began to be much too cheesy and cliche for me to enjoy.

Read-alikes:
Probably like Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (though I haven't read it, yet)
And it did feel rather like Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Reminded me a bit of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few

mrg-factor: X
really only some passionate kissing

v-factor: ->
some fighting with a few frightening images

Overall rating: ****

What are some of your favorite "light-weight" reads - entertaining, but not much else?

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Listless Monday, Bring Your Hot Chocolate Edition

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

Today's list is inspired by the cold, wet weather we've been having here and around the country. Curl up with one of these and a cup of hot chocolate.

Cold/Winter books (aka Read With Hot Chocolate):

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The White Darkness by Geraldine Mccaughrean
View from the Summit: The Remarkable Memoir by the First Person to Conquer Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary
Peak by Roland Smith
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
East by Edith Pattou
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Snowed Inn by Rachel Hawthorne
Let it Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin 
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

Be sure to check out Court's In the Bleak Midwinter list for more books on this theme.

Any other books you want to add?

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Book Review: Lament: the Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception draws the unsuspecting Deidre Monaghan into a world she didn't know existed.  When the gifted musician meets Luke, an extraordinary boy who seems to draw her out of her shell, she doesn't realize that he might have a darker interest in her.  As her visions of faeries and other strange creatures become more clear, she and her best friend James are drawn into a deadly fight against the Faerie Queen.

Things I Liked:

Oh, the faerie details in this book!  They are gorgeous.  You can tell Stiefvater spent plenty of time looking at celtic lore for her back story and mythology.  I loved the intricacies and depth involved in creating manyd different kinds of faeries and creatures.  Her writing can be quite gorgeous, particularly when describing music:

"The strings were still buttery-soft from the heat outside, and the acoustics of the stage made the harp sound twenty feet tall.  Luke chipped in and began to play, and the flute was low and breathy like his singing voice, full of expression and barely suppressed emotions.  Together, we sounded like an orchestra, albeit an ancient, untamed one, and when I began to sing, the auditorium became as still as a winter night." p23

Things I Didn't Like:

Occasionally the dialog sounded a little stiff and I wasn't exactly sure of the meaning because of an awkward turn of phrase.  There were also a few minor elements in the story that I thought didn't quite fit with the story - it's very difficult to explain, but sometimes they almost detracted from the rich details of the story.  These things were only very minor, though, because I found myself very caught up in the story.

Read-alikes:

Felt a lot like the Wicked Lovely books by Melissa Marr

It also reminded me of Need by Carrie Jones

Of course, it felt a little Twilight-esque too :)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !@

not many in number, but they were the big ones

mrg-factor: X

some crude humor and references

v-factor: ->->

a few violent incidences

Overall rating: ****

Do you suppose it is mostly the fame and hype of Twilight that make us compare everything to it, or a matter of which book we read first?

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Book Review: The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

The Ask and the Answer is the action-packed second book in the Chaos Walking series.  Viola and Todd made it to Haven, only to land in the hands of the very person they were running from.  They are separated and Todd begins life under the rule of President Prentiss and works with his son, Davy.  Every day he is forced to do things he doesn't want to, and wonders how he can find Viola and escape.  Viola becomes involved with the mysterious group known as the Answer and finds herself drawn into things she is uncertain she wants to do.  Will they be able to find one another and will they recognize each other when they do?

Things I Liked:

This continues to be a very intense story, making me wish I could devour it in one sitting.  I find the setting very interesting, the characters complex, and their interactions believable.  I like the way different dialects are written and the way Noise is set apart from regular speaking and thinking.  Ness has a real talent for creating an intriguing and also terrifyingly realistic story.  The book also gives you a lot to think about, such as this:

"Men have Noise and the way they handle it is to make themselves just a little bit dead, but you, even when you want to, you can't.  More than any man I've ever met, Todd, you feel... But that makes you powerful, Todd Hewitt.  In this world of numbness and information overload, the ability to feel, my boy, is a rare gift indeed." p459

Things I Didn't Like:

It really grates on a person to read a story so hopeless, doomed, and fatalistic.  Sometimes it was bordering on the melodramatic as well.  I hated the ending, partly because it seemed inevitable, but especially because it was a choice one of the characters made and choices were so important throughout the book.

Read-alikes:

Read the first in the series The Knife of Never Letting Go
Somewhat like The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Kind of like the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: !@

some, not a lot

mrg-factor: X

a very few references

v-factor: ->->->->

a lot of violence and fighting

Overall rating: ****

Do you ever struggle with finishing books that seem hopeless or depressing?

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Unsung Heroes of the YA World

You know I can't resist an opportunity to combine list-making with praising books.  Thank you to Kelly from YAnnabe for thinking of this fabulous idea. Here is my list of The Best YA Books You Haven't Read (be sure to follow that link for other excellent lists).

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
The Schwa was Here by Neal Shusterman
Crown Duel and Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

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Book Review: Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier

Heart's Blood tells the story of Caitrin, a girl running from her past, who finds herself in the remote village of Whistling Tor.  When she finds a position as a scribe for the strange crippled Anluan, she does not expect to be drawn into a curse that haunts his family.  The farther she delves into Anluan's family history, the more she learns about the terrible secret that has been plaguing Whistling Tor for hundreds of years. 

Things I Liked:

Marillier has a way of writing gorgeous rich stories that draw the reader right into the action.  The beautiful and complex fantasy world includes historical details with just the right touch of the Other to make it perfect.  The story and characters were fabulous, each with their own history that made me want to know more about them - they each have so much depth that none of them are extraneous.  She could probably write several more books just about the stories of the minor characters!  Here's a quote that illustrates this depth and the descriptive writing I loved:

"I started violently, whirling around at the rough, booming voice.  Between two massive oaks stood an extraordinary man.  I hardly had time to take in his squat build, his ruddy cheeks like ripe apples and his mossy, green-gray beard.  I glanced only briefly at his odd garb: a rough tunic and breeches of skins, a garland of leaves and twigs on his wild thatch of hair, festoons of greenery wreathed around his neck.  As he took a step towards me, I saw what was coming up behind him. If the man was unusual, the dog was monstrous." p19

Things I Didn't Like:

Perhaps with all these things, there may be just a little too much description and too many extra stories - it felt pretty long.  She could have cut some parts and written a separate book about those parts.  Then again, I also wanted more history of each character when I read, so maybe it wasn't long enough. :)

Read-alikes:

It actually felt a lot like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, though it is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast

The historical depth and feeling reminded me of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Wildwood Dancing also by Marillier

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: none

mrg-factor: XXX

several scenes and references

v-factor: ->

some fighting and domestic violence

Overall rating: ****

How much do you think modern authors are influenced by the classics?

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