Book Review House Rules by Jodi Picoult

House Rules: A Novel by Jodi Picoult
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: March 2010
Pages: 544
Source: Library
For: Book Club

Jacob is not your average teenager, locked in his own mind, unaware of social cues.  He has Aspergers, but that isn't the only thing he is: he's very smart and really wants to fit in, to be normal.  When his tutor, a girl who is helping him to learn about social interactions, turns up dead, his Aspergers symptoms make him look very guilty.  Will he be able to explain what happened, or is there more going on than meets the eye?

Things I Liked:
Picoult always manages to suck you into a story.  I cared about the characters - I wanted them to succeed, especially Jacob.  Her stories are tight and current and with just enough action to keep you interested.  I liked the book and I liked the themes and the portrayal of Aspergers.  I thought it showed many different views and attitudes about Aspergers, the most interesting, of course, being his own view on it.  A solid, heart-felt book.

Things I Didn't Like:
There always seems to be something to annoy me when I read popular adult fiction. :) The first thing that bugged me was how Jacob was described as always taking things literally, but here and there during his point of view, he'd throw out phrases that seemed like something he wouldn't get.  Most times, he would explain what it meant or how he initially didn't understand it, but a few times it was left without explanation (notably "fireworks go off in your head" on p 63).  Would he really use a phrase like this without commenting about how silly it was or how it didn't mean what it sounded like?  I don't think so.  Little things are mostly what bothered me.  I didn't enjoy the many (many, many) side stories and other things going on.  I don't care about the other people involved as much as the family.  And the ending was so obvious from very early on, it annoyed me.  I almost found it unbelievable that the people involved would so explicitly NOT state what had really happened.  Seriously, just spit it out already.  It was ok for a while, but it dragged on for a ridiculous amount of time, stretching it too far.  All this makes it sound like I hated it, which I didn't.  As I mentioned, I was sucked in - I read it nearly all in one sitting.  It's the kind of book I devoured and enjoyed, but on further contemplation annoyed me.

Read-alikes:
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (which I enjoyed a LOT more, though it is a kids book)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
(only other Picoult I've read is My Sister's Keeper but both felt the same, just with different basic problems)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$ 
so, so many (f-bombs throughout)

mrg-factor: XX 
plenty of action, some described

v-factor: ->->-> 
crime scenes and gruesome deaths are frequently described

Overall rating: *** 

What's your favorite Picoult (or are you not a fan)?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Birthmarked trilogy, Book 2

*Spoilers for Birthmarked very likely*
Set to wandering in a wasteland with few supplies and her infant sister, Gaia's plight seems hopeless. Until she is picked up by an outrider and taken to Sylum, a very different kind of society from the one she left behind. Women are outnumbered two to one and hold all the power too. But in order to see her sister, Gaia must obey the strict society rules and change the way she thinks of the world. Will she be able to give up all she believes and wants or will she find a way to reconcile the two worlds?

Things I Liked:
I was really surprised with the direction this book went.  This is definitely not a sequel that just rehashes the first book, or bridges to another book.  This is almost a stand alone story.  I really enjoyed how it was completely its own book, didn't depend (much) on the first book, and was still interesting.  What made the book for me, though, was Gaia.  She was a flawed, realistic, confused, but still strong person - especially in the way she dealt with the Matrarc.  I kept wanting to read so I could figure her out, since she made both mistakes and hard choices.  She was complex and had a lot of emotions and different motivations warring in her.  Her choices eventually led to the (somewhat predictable) ending, but were still hard to make and interesting in the consequences.  A strong book with a compelling main character.

Things I Didn't Like:
It actually kind of dragged for a while.  The middle felt so slow I often set the book aside.  And I wasn't too impressed with the way Sylum was set up, how they were kept there, and what Gaia found out about them.  It felt only quasi-scientific and just didn't really make sense when I sat and thought about it.  And yes, the love square was rather annoying.  But didn't bug me too much, even if she should have figured out what she wanted way before she finally did.  Definitely its the character development that made this one good to me, not so much the world building or romance.

Read-alikes:
Obviously, start with Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
Reminded me a bit of the society in The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (though, obviously without the zombies) and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe a few

mrg-factor: X 
some kissing, mostly it was birthing scenes that might be a bit graphic

v-factor: -> 
again, it was more for the births, though there is some minor fighting

Overall rating: **** 

What stood out to you in this one?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Top Ten Tuesday: Not-a-Reader Books

I'm joining Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish again this week.  Today's topic is Top Ten Books you'd hand to someone who says they don't like to read.  I'll be honest, it really depends on the person.  Each one has tastes and interests that hopefully you'll be able to figure out so you can hand them just the right book.  I've tried to give some variety to my list, from young reluctant readers to burnt out too-much-required-reading-in-my-past adults:

MG and YA (and some adult) non-readers:
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer:
I'm just going to say it.  I have heard a LOT of stories about non-readers picking this up and becoming a reader.  It may not be good literature, but it is a gateway series for many, many people. 

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:
Ditto this one as the series that made many non-readers into hard-core readers.  Hand this to your action-movie addicted friends.  They will get sucked right in.  And then they can enjoy all the dystopian/apocalyptic/post-apoc stuff coming out now.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling:
The movies did a lot for this series, though it didn't need much help.  But many who watched the movies then turned to the books and found a new love.  The first books are short, accessible, and funny.  That should get them addicted, er started.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney:
Seriously, these are funny and have lots of great kid-friendly illustrations to ease anyone into reading.  Hand this off to your reluctant tween readers.

39 Clues series by various authors:
For the kids who are addicted to computers and electronics - this will help them interact with the printed word too.  Plus it has lots of action and puzzle-solving fun.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz:
If someone's seen a few too many fairy tales or analyzed a few too many folk stories, hand them this for a not-your-usual fare.  They will laugh and gasp in horror and certainly enjoy every minute.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick:
Easy on the eyes and with overwhelmingly few words, this is sure to spark an interest in what else might be between book covers.

For the adult non-readers:
My Sister's Keeper: A Novel by Jodi Picoult:
Readers will be drawn into this emotional and accessible story. And if they love it, there are tons more Picoult they can enjoy on the way to becoming a reader.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold:
This one also packs an emotional punch that will engross them quickly and completely.  It also holds non-stop story to keep them reading to the end.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:
A surreal trip through a fascinating landscape and with a love story to lure in those itching for a little romance. 

What are your go-to non-reader recommendations?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss

Lola thinks she has it all together. She's dating a hot rocker guy and her plans for the future are in order. But when the Bell twins move back in next door, her life is turned upside down. Cricket Bell, the boy who broke her heart, is suddenly in her life again and nothing feels right anymore.

Things I Liked:
I was so happy that I picked this one up!  I was one of the very few not blown away by Anna and the French Kiss.  I did not adore St. Clair or Anna and I didn't think it was the greatest book I'd read (which, you know, it seemed like everyone else did).  But this one, this felt more like what I remember of high school romance.  Lola was so much fun!  I loved her personality and her insecurities and her fashion choices (obviously).  I loved Cricket even more.  He made this book for me.  He was the epitome of what the boy next door means.  Their weird and hesitant and confusing relationship was so well drawn, so real that I began to think of them as real people.  Perhaps I liked it more than Anna, because it felt more like what I experienced in high school.  Just what I like in a nice light romance.  Happy to be a Stephanie Perkins fan now.  Here are some favorite parts:

I don't believe in fashion.  I believe in costume.  Life is too short to be the same person every day.  p 7

I wonder if he's looking at my butt.
WHY DID I JUST THINK THAT?  Now my butt feels COLOSSAL. Maybe he's looking at my legs.  Is that better?  Or worse?  Do I want him looking at me?  I hold on to the bottom of my dress as I climb into the backseat and crawl to the other side.  I'm sure he's looking at my butt.  He has to be.  It's huge, and it's right there, and it's huge. p 128

Things I Didn't Like:
Honestly, it seemed like there was a LOT of other stuff going on.  There were so many issues in Cricket's family and Lola's family that it seemed just a bit too much.  Yes, there is usually family drama going on, but it felt overdone at times.  Still, loved it.  Would recommend it to pretty much everyone.

Read-alikes:
Of course, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Otherwise, I really have no good read-alike ideas...

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
not too much, actually, but it's there

mrg-factor: XX
I really didn't like her boyfriend

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Any read-alike suggestions for these books?  I'm completely at a loss.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

In Which I Talk About TV *gasp*

I know that lots of other book bloggers talk TV, but I watch very little compared to many, so I usually have nothing to talk about.  However, I got sucked into a new series recently and joined (er, invited myself to join) a group watch with Suey and Kailana for the newest Sherlock Holmes BBC series.  I checked the first season (or series as they call it in Britain) out from the library and watched all three episodes nearly back to back.  And what a crazy show it is!  Be sure to check out Suey's and Kailana's recaps, since they had lots more to say.  Here are some excellent questions the others' threw out to get my brain juices flowing:

-- Favorite thing about this show?
Watson.  I love how complicated he is and also, how I feel just like him - totally lost about what Sherlock is doing.  He makes the show more human.

-- Least favorite thing about the show?
Sherlock :) No really, he's a big old jerk and while I'm totally fascinated by him, he annoys me every time!  And he does some very weird things.  He's almost too quirky.  Almost.

-- Are you most into the stories? Or the characters? Or the actors?
I think the stories are the most fascinating, though I got lost a few times on some episodes, especially the second one.  What brings me back to it is the characters.  Mostly Watson.

-- Have you ever read the original novels?
With the exception of The Hound of the Baskervilles, no.  I read Hound so long ago I don't remember a thing from it, either! 

--If you haven’t, does watching the spin-off shows and movies make you want to read the books? 
Actually, yes!  I'm interested to see what jerky things Sherlock did in a previous era, and what things they stayed true to (and could stay true to in this modern reinterpretation).

--Which was your favourite episode of the 3?
I'd have to say the last one, The Great Game, was the most exciting, though the first one, A Study in Pink, was pretty fun too.  The middle one, The Blind Banker, didn't do anything for me.

--Did you like how the show is set in the present day?
I loved this aspect!  Maybe it's because I'm on a retelling kick (see Classic Double Challenge), but I love to see modern versions especially.  I like the update this one got.

--What do you think of how while Sherlock is thinking, words appear on the screen instead of the watcher being left in the dark. 
This made me feel like I was a part of things and I think it requires more cleverness on the part of producers, since they have to find more subtle ways to surprise us. 

--What do want to see in the second season?
More Watson.  Sherlock making a mistake (and not just socially).  Great stories.

Have you seen this new version?  What do you think?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: January 2012
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Under the Never Sky, Book 1

When Aria finds herself thrown from her safely enclosed city, she is terrified of what she'll find in the Outside.  Things are nearly as bad as she pictured, with aether storms, wild animals, and the savage people who live on the outside.  But she must trust herself to one of those savages, Perry, if she is to get back to her home again.  And Perry must travel with Aria, despite his disgust for her soft Dweller ways, in order to save someone he loves.  Will the two survive the Outside, and each other?

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed the compelling ideas about our future this book portrayed, especially the way people spend most of their time living in virtual reality (which, honestly, is an idea I've had for a book for quite some time, so maybe I'm biased a bit).  I liked watching Aria experience life on the outside, in the real world, and the very real differences between Aria and Perry. Those differences didn't change, which allowed the characters themselves to change their perspectives.  I loved how their relationship developed - how it was slow and steady and had setbacks and wasn't instant or eternal.  No love triangle, just real obstacles.  And what kept me reading was that I had no idea where the story was going.  The ending and a lot of the lead up were not predictable (at least to me).  It was unique, well-crafted, smart and complex. No huge cliffhanger, but some interesting plot points for a sequel.  All around, it's an impressive dystopian debut that avoids some of the tropes of its genre.

Things I Didn't Like:
There were some things about the future tech and explanations for how the world ended up that way that didn't entirely satisfy me.  The world building felt a bit cursory or shallow.  Essentially, I wanted more!  Hopefully more about the Aether and the technology will be coming in the sequels.

Read-alikes:
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Matched and Crossed by Ally Condie

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
not too many, but some

mrg-factor: XX
not on page, but implied

v-factor: ->-> 
definitely some action, a bit gory at times

Overall rating: **** 

What does your idea of the future look like?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Good Times in Author Land

So I'm slow as usual in posting about these author events.  However, I have been pretty lucky to meet several authors in the last few months.  I was able to see:

James Dashner (again) so that all my books are neatly signed.

I was pretty excited to hear about the prequel to The Maze Runner, The Kill Order, slated for this August (especially because that was in answer to my own question of what was next for him).

In all his signing glory.

Then we had a visit from the Great Christopher Paolini (it seems like we should call him that, since he brings his own bodyguard and the signing line was so mechanical that I was through before I could even think of something to say).  He was pretty funny to listen to and I really enjoyed the energy of the crowd (even if our view of him was less than stellar).  It was the first event my husband attended where he was exposed to the true geeky-ness that exists in fantasy fans.  I felt right at home, of course :)

I took a little video of him talking about how he figured out he should be a writer (pretty fun story of what kinds of things kids do in their spare time).

And last but not least, I went to the Dark Days tour at Changing Hands, which was lovely. I only had one book to get signed, since money is pretty tight, but I really enjoyed listening to the authors: Veronica Rossi, Tahereh Mafi, and Ellen Schreiber. While I didn't really like Tahereh's book Shatter Me, I am a personal fan of hers. She has such enthusiasm for writing and YA lit and really understands fans (being one herself). I think she's one of the most interesting and personable authors I've met.

Don't mind my wretched phone pic skills.  I take terrible event photos and very few of them as well.

Who do you want to meet?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage 

Classic Double Challenge: February

 
Hooray for those of you who have already done some reading on this challenge!  It's month two, and I still haven't picked up a book for this yet (but I have one on my list that's coming up - New Girl by Paige Harbison, a retelling of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier). 
 
The winner for last month's prize is Jenni Elyse!  I'm still putting the prize together, but I'm quite sure at least one book will be included.  We'll be doing the same thing this month, everyone signed up for the challenge is automatically entered.  If you leave a link for the month (or a review in the comments, for those with no forum to review), you will get extra entries.  Do check out the links folks leave so we can have some discussion.  And for a little brain work, today's question is:
 

What is your all-time favorite retelling (or sequel/related book) and why?

 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson

The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Jenna Fox Chronicles, Book 2

*Spoilers for The Adoration of Jenna Fox*
Two hundred and sixty years after Jenna woke up, her two best friends Kara and Locke have finally been released.  After spending centuries locked inside their own memories in the dark, the two are trying to adjust to a new life, in a completely new world.  As they learn more about their new place in this world, they become more and more anxious to find the one person they remember from before: Jenna.

Things I Liked:
I'm always excited to read books about future ethical issues, particularly medical ethics.  And this book also has a fabulous story to go with it.  It has complex and interesting characters, internal and external conflict, and all the makings of a spanking good story.  I love how Pearson's future world felt realistic and totally believable - I can see how these types of medical advances just might be possible.  I liked being in Locke's head, feeling all that he experienced being in a new world and trying to figure things out, all while still dealing with the horrible past he couldn't forget.  A book that will make you think deeply about what being human means.  Here's  some of my favorite parts:

I have a fabricated body. I am in a world that is completely different from the one I was born into. What I think is all I have left. My mind is the only thing that makes me different from a fancy toaster. What we think does matter - it's all we truly have. p 105

My surprise at the mission suddenly clicks. I didn't picture a future that would have room for faith. I thought everything would be explainable by now, right down to the atom of every mystery, but the world has more mysteries for me now than it ever did. In fact, I am one of those mysteries. How does someone like me fit into this world now? p 180-181

I told you Bots dream. At least some of us do, whether we are supposed to or not, we dream. Some of us think beyond our cabs, we imagine where our customers go and what things they see. When they jump into our cabs, we imagine where they have been, and how it has changed them.their worlds become our secret worlds, and sometimes we share those places with others like us and sometimes ed even dare to dream that those worlds could be lures knew day. We don't know if that could ever be true for us, but we hear stories. And now...I am one of those stories. Escape is not about moving from one place to another. It's about becoming more. p 249-250

Things I Didn't Like:
Despite the great story surrounding Locke and Kara, I was not as interested as when we were in Jenna's head in the first book.  Also, some parts of it were slow and made me want to put it down. Still, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this sequel/companion novel to one of my favorite futuristic books, The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Read-alikes:
Start with The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few

mrg-factor: X
a little bit implied

v-factor: ->
a bit here and there, nothing too gory

Overall rating: ****

What's your favorite thing about futuristic books?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Ivy and the Meanstalk by Dawn Lairamore

 Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Ivy and the Meanstalk by Dawn Lairamore
Publisher: Holiday House
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 221
Source: Review copy provided by publicist
For: Review
Series: Sequel to Ivy's Ever After

Princess Ivy and her dragon friend Elridge seem to be settling down after saving Ivy's kingdom.  But not for long.  When a giant beanstalk disrupts Ivy's fairy godmother's wedding, Ivy and Elridge are pulled into another new adventure.  This time, they must recover a stolen harp to help an angry insomniac giantess before it is too late for the kingdom.  Can they convince the greedy king who has it to help them out?

Things I Liked:
This was another fun adventure for Princess Ivy and her faithful dragon friend Elridge.  I loved the way the Jack and the Beanstalk tale is woven throughout, but has a very different perspective from the usual.  It is a fractured fairy tale at its best.  I love Ivy and the way she grows and changes over the book, but also the way she doesn't fit into the typical princess mold - and doesn't particularly care if she does.  Her zany adventures are a blast, and there is some depth and thought to the book, making it more than just fluff.

Things I Didn't Like:
These books are fun for younger MG/older elementary kids, though the end was just a little too easy (though there were some surprising difficulties as well).  Change came to some characters a bit too quickly, but fortunately not for Ivy.  Still an enjoyable read for those who might like a light twist on the typical fairy tale.

Read-alikes:
Read the first in the series, Ivy's Ever After by Dawn Lairamore
Reminded me of Jessica Day George's Dragon Slippers books

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: none 

Overall rating: **** 

What's your favorite fractured fairy tale?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Name That Book, Episode 22

Name that Book is a biweekly (haha) game where you get to guess a book title from the photo clues.  Occasionally I offer prizes for those who guess right!

It's finally back!  I'm not sure it will be a regular biweekly thing, but I finally managed to get two Name That Book puzzles together this week.  I'm calling it the Cybils edition, since the two books are Cybils books (that's a good hint, if you don't know what they are).  Feel free to leave your guesses in the comments.

Book 1:

Book 2:

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

A Wrinkle in Time 50th Anniversary Blog Tour: Sharing A Wrinkle in Time

One of the best parts of reading is sharing what we read.  We form book clubs and start book blogs and become librarians in order to experience the joy of sharing our favorites.  But what I find even more fun than just blabbing on about a book I loved to a (sometimes) astonished friend/patron/stranger is something a little bit more: putting the right book at the right time into the right hands. 

A Wrinkle in Time, which is celebrating its 50th year of publication with an awesome new edition (see the features below), is such a unique book!  It has a little bit of everything and doesn't quite fit anywhere, rather like the main character Meg feels.  Part fantasy, sci-fi, religious allegory, even dystopian at times, this book has it all.  But what makes it survive the test of time are the relatable characters.  Meg, who doesn't quite fit in, who doesn't do things "right" at school, who doesn't feel comfortable in her own body.  In short, nearly every young girl or boy at some point in their life will feel like Meg. 

So why is this book not universally loved?  There are many people who did not love this book.  Even hated it.  Several of my siblings expressed loathing for this book years after having read it, admitting they remember nothing about it except that hatred.  It is an odd book, quirky, difficult to feel comfortable with.  Universal love is not what makes a book "good" or "classic" or "enjoyable."  That is why connecting just the right kind of reader with just the right kind of book at just the right time is essential. 

When children or young adults or not-so-young-adults feel like Meg, like they don't fit into their own life or their own world.  This book could remind them they have a place, that they fit somewhere in this universe.  That they are not alone.

The right readers for this book (and millions of other books) are out there waiting. It could be someone you know or someone you don't know, aching to find the right book at just the right time.  Put it in their hands.
_____________________________________

Check out the other blogs on the 50 years, 50 days, 50 blogs tour

 A Wrinkle in Time: 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition features:

• Frontispiece photo*†
• Photo scrapbook with approximately 10 photos*†
• Manuscript pages*†
• Letter from 1963 Caldecott winner, Ezra Jack Keats*†
• New introduction by Katherine Paterson, US National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature†
• New afterword by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughter Charlotte Voiklis including six never-before-seen photos†
• Murry-O’Keefe family tree with new artwork†
• Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery acceptance speech 

* Unique to this edition                † never previously published

And check out the book trailer!

 

What kind of Wrinkle reader were you?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Yes, Book 1.

Viktor and Konrad are twin brothers who have shared just about everythin in life. But when Konrad becomes ill, Viktor finds that the only place he can turn is to alchemy and a dark secret hidden in his father's house. Will he be able to save Konrad before it is too late, or will he find that he has fallen into something much deeper and darker than he imagined?

Things I Liked:
[I totally wish I'd read this in 2012, so I could pair it with Frankenstein for my Classic Double Challenge.  Alas, I didn't.]  Just the concept of seeing Frankenstein as a teen delights me.  I really enjoyed the interactions of the characters, including a love triangle that didn't suck.  I especially liked seeing Viktor wonder about his motivations and the lengths he'd go to in order to save his brother.  I thought it was a pretty good backstory that fit right in with the classic book.  There was also quite a few exciting adventures and a touch of the Gothic spookiness from the original tale.  A pleasure to read. I liked Elizabeth a lot:

"I just assumed it would be Henry and me climbing the tree."
"Oh."  she nodded humbly.  "Yes.  I suppose that makes the most sense.  I can just wait at the bottom and do needlepoint by the light of the lantern-"
"Elizabeth-," I said, hearing the fire kindling in her voice.
"-or just daydream about the latest Paris fashions." p 105

Things I Didn't Like:
It definitely doesn't have the spark or the depth of ethical issues that Frankenstein does.  I guess that's what happens when you talk about what some crazy guy did before he went really crazy! 

Read-alikes:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A little like Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy by Michelle Zink for the atmosphere and Gothic feel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
one or two

mrg-factor: none 
a bit of kissing, though

v-factor: -> 
some rather intense parts, a little fighting

Overall rating: **** 

What do you think of a prequel for a classic book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

The Queen's Thief Week: If You Like...

Chachic of Chachic's Book Nook is celebrating one of my all-time favorite series all week long!  Be sure you go check out the awesome guest posts and other goodies (including a guest post from Megan Whalen Turner).  Ever since she announced this, I wanted to write something.  But what?  I didn't have time to reread the series, not even the books I haven't reviewed on my blog.  And what could I possibly say that hasn't been said better elsewhere?  So, I thought I'd list just a few enticements that might make you want to pick up this series if you haven't, or read it again if you have. 

If you like...

...political intrigue, you will become embroiled in the Queen's Thief series.

...complex plots, you will get caught in the intricacies of the plots in the Queen's Thief series.

...a cocky, wickedly lovable, indescribably sneaky main character thief, you will love Gen from the Queen's Thief series.

...a love story that will surprise you with its depth and impossibility, you will fall for the Queen's Thief series.

...subtlety of plot and mere hints of clues, you will devour the Queen's Thief series.

...an ending that both surprises and makes sense, you will drop your jaw for the Queen's Thief series.

...detailed, smart, layered writing, you will find it in Megan Whalen Turner's the Queen's Thief series.

...a pseudo-historical setting with mythological aspects, you will get lost in Sounis, Eddis, and Attolia from the Queen's Thief series.

So, what makes you love the Queen's Thief series?  Or what makes you want to start it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Families

I'm jumping in on another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, just in time for freebie week! I decided I'm going to talk about my favorite bookish families.  I have a soft spot for family dynamics, whether sibling or parent-child.  Growing up in a big family was so fun (and crazy) and played a huge role in making me who I am today.  Here are ten of my favorite fictional families (in no particular order):

The Beaumont family from Savvy (and Scumble) by Ingrid Law.  Oh how I love the quirky wildness of not just the immediate Beaumonts, but the whole crazy extended family.  Reminded me of my own family's hectic reunions.

The Ryves brothers in the Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan.  What a sticky, interesting, realistic relationship they have.  And it just gets better with each book.  To a lesser extent, I also like the Crawfords too.  Really, this book is filled with fabulous family dynamic.

Carter and Sadie Kane from the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan.  I just finished listening to The Throne of Fire on audio and it was absolutely hilarious!  I fell in love with the sibling banter, the growing relationship between these two.  A perfect book for brothers and sisters to both read and enjoy.

The March family (of course!) from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  Can any family list be complete without the Marches?  I adore the four daughters, with a soft spot in my heart for Jo, naturally.  I loved reading about the ways they understand each other and the ways they don't.  How different and yet how similar.  Definitely rang true for this girl with four sisters.  And don't forget Marmie! 

The Bennets from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  The ultimate family of frivolous and sensible sisters (and parents).  I adore how Lizzy and Jane can understand one another so well, and still love their ridiculous younger sisters.  And the parents, I wish we had a story about them falling in love (or not falling in love as the case may be).  To a lesser extent, I also like the Dashwoods in Sense and Sensibility, though I think they are too extreme for my taste.

Kendra and Seth from the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull.  Much like the Kanes, this brother-sister team is full of fighting and love, butting heads and working together.  There is something about brothers and sisters that makes such an interesting dynamic.  They can get along so well, but they can also fight like the dickens!  (Which, come to think of it, is the way sisters are too.)

The de Luce sisters from the Flavia de Luce books by Alan Bradley.  Oh I will never get over the antics these rivaling sisters throw at one another.  Spiteful, bitter enemies, but still managing to hide a regard for each other deep under the surface.  A realistic, if slightly scary look at sisters.

The Pevensies from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.  I just loved how they all had to work together (at least in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) to accomplish anything.  Each one is so individual and there is a lot of envy and rivalry, but they hold fast to each other in the end. 

The princesses in Entwined by Heather Dixon.  Seriously, putting twelve princesses into a story sounds like a nightmare (not to mention real life)!  But I just fell in love with those oldest three and how unique and fun they all were.  Again, each one was important to the story, but in different ways.  It seems they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

The Weasleys from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.  Really, who doesn't love this collection of red-haired brothers and sister.  Every one of them was unique, every one of them had strengths, and I loved each of them to bits.  Nothing quite like a big family to make me feel at home!

Who are your favorite fictional families?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

My Epic Youth Media Awards Fail!

I just had to note: I totally failed on this year's winners! Usually I manage to read at least one book from the Newbery or Printz winners list before the announcement. This year? Not. One. Seriously, how did this happen? In fact, pretty much the whole list of winners was a fail for me. I read (and loved) one honor book for the William C. Morris award (debut authors), The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.  I'm hoping to fix this and I put several of the winners on hold at the library. Still, I'm feeling pretty lousy in my reading. And I admit I'm a bit sad that Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt didn't even garner an honor.  But!  There are lots of delightful books (well, I hope so, since I haven't read many) on the winners list.

Newbery winner:


Printz winner:


For a full list of the winners, check out ALA's announcement.

How did you do on your award-winning reading?

 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 368
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 3

*Spoilers for the first two books likely*
Lia is nearing the end of her search for the things she needs to close the gate.  All she needs now is the fourth key and the stone.  But, time is something she doesn't have.  Pursued by the Souls and constantly battling against their powers has worn her down.  Will she have the strength to withstand them and will she be able to get Alice to help her close the gate?

Things I Liked:
I was happy to finally have the conclusion to this series.  I love the Gothic historical fantasy feel to the story.  With the secret societies and the place the two sisters have in the prophecy, I couldn't stop reading the final book.  I loved especially the dynamics of Lia's relationship with her sister and with the other keys, particularly learning to forgive and trust.  I thought those were the most interesting parts of the book, though how the ancient rite would be performed was also intriguing.  Though the ending seemed inevitable, I was still interested in how she would get there.  A satisfying end to an interesting series.

"We all fall short at times, don't you think?"  she asks.  "But we forgive others their shortcomings and hope they will do the same for us."  "Perhaps.  But that's the thing; I have not forgiven their shortcomings as readily as you forgave mine.  Now..." I sigh.  "Well, now I suppose it seems unfair to expect them to extend their kindness to me." p 238

Things I Didn't Like:
I got a bit tired of the doom and end of the world feeling that Lia seemed to express at the end of every chapter.  Yes, if she fails, it's all over, but it seemed overdone and beaten to death.  Also, I was rather disappointed in how easily and neatly the end came about.  Alice's part in the book came suddenly and seemed rather unlike her character.  I admit I had a hard time believing it.  Still, a good story.

Read-alikes:
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few
 
mrg-factor: XX
it's there, but not explicit

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***.5 

I'm starting to think I just don't like the last book in trilogies anymore.  Maybe I just don't like endings?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Library
For: Fun

This book is very hard to describe, but at its center lies Le Cirque des Rêves, the Circus of Dreams, a mystical, unusual, different kind of circus. Battling behind striped curtains and caramel apples are two magicians, Celia and Marco, locked in a battle not of their making. Will this place of dreams be a witness to their destruction or to a much different end to their battle?

Things I Liked:
This book is very, very atmospheric, and I think this is it's greatest strength, why so many people have raved about it.  The way Morgenstern writes, the strange details and the unique elements of the circus come right to life.  It is like living through a vivid and strange dream on page, never knowing exactly what will pop up next.  I really liked some of the characters, notably not Celia or Marco, but Chandresh and Poppet.  It is, to use the overused phrase, evocative.  You actually feel (and smell and taste) like you are at the Night Circus.  A truly interesting and unique book that really pops from the page to life.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was not really impressed with the epic love story.  I felt like there wasn't any development of their relationship.  They have very little page time together and yet they have this unbreakable bond of love.  I just couldn't buy it.  I also really wanted more explanation of the magic, the illusions, and what happened in the end.  It was so vague that I honestly thought I'd skipped a chapter or something.  Definitely worth the read just for the experience, though.  All that raving didn't go awry in this case.

Read-alikes:
I really don't know of anything similar, maybe Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark a little

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@# 
at least one f-bomb that I can remember

mrg-factor: X 
sensual, but not much action on the page

v-factor: -> 
a few incidents but the details are light

Overall rating: **** 

Can you think of anything like this?  It is very unique, I think.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage