Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling (Unraveling #1) by Elizabeth Norris
Balzar + Bray, 445 pages
US Release Date: April 25, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge, Debut Author Challenge

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed--as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows--with every fiber of her being--that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something--but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened--the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life--points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets--and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.
---------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"It's just..." He sighs. "I don't always make the right decisions, and I get that." He shrugs. "But at the end of the day, I want to be able to look myself in the eyes and say I believe in them. I want to know I'd make each one again.

Did you know Liz originally wrote this as a stand-alone?! I suppose you'd have to have already read the novel to understand why I'm so indignant, but trust me when I say this ending? THAT IS NOT AN END. No. As Dan Krokos said at the event I went to for him and Liz: "It is a great ending!...FOR A BOOK ONE."

True dat, Dan Krokos. True. DAT.

Moving right along.

This book was so much more than I expected you guys! Honestly, I wasn't sure going in, because I had so many questions! Is this a reincarnated-type thing? Maybe a strange come-back-from-the-dead-are-you-really-alive thing? What is this countdown? It made me nervous that I had pretty much no idea what I was in for, and I am ashamed that I let that intimidate me. Especially because all that worry was for nothing! Unraveling was a phenomenal read, filled with something for everyone. There's a bit of paranormal in there what with the whole boy-brings-you-back-to-life-LITERALLY thing, but it evolves into so much more. This is for the science nerds and sci-fi geeks, for contemporary lovers and people who can really feel for characters.

I'm not usually one for science-y things - black holes and wormholes and time warps and all that jazz kinda goes over my head. But Elizabeth Norris handles it all flawlessly, explaining in such a fascinating way that I completely understood everything AND was totally into it! I was reading all I could as fast as I could, and that means something if I'm reading science crap!

Something I wasn't really expecting? The deaths! We know someone close to the main character dies, and it's important. I was guessing who it would be, and then...and when...and THEN that person...oh you guys. It was absolutely heart-wrenching and I may have shed a tear or two or nine when a few of the deaths happened. It's shocking how fast you fall for everyone in the book.

Which leads me to chat about Ben, the main interest and boy who revives Janelle. Ohhh boy. I may love him a little bit. Or a lot a bit. He's probably the closest character I've ever read to someone who I would actually fall for in real life. He's a bit broken and secretive and he's not always right or doing the right things. But he's got conviction and heart and is filled with such thoughtfulness and consideration that I wanted to reach through the pages and yank him out and hug him.

One of my favourite elements was probably the relationships - not the romantic ones, but the friendships and the family relationships. Janelle's mom has issues, but the love Janelle has for her brother and dad was so strong, it absolutely emanated from the pages. And even though I have professed my love for Ben, I was totally taken with Janelle's best friend Alex, too. He so reminds me of a bunch of people I know, and I love it. They've got a great friendship going too, one that's not perfect but completely relatable and real. As does Ben with his friends, Elijah and Reid. Even though the trio frustrated the crap out of me sometimes, they were so distinct and made a great group.

Does it seem like I'm talking about a lot of different things? I know I am. There is a lot going on in this book; and while all of it is riveting and it's actually pretty easy to follow, I definitely had to stop and think for a few seconds to remember what plot point we were following. It's a hefty page count, and rightfully so - there's so much packed into it!

Something I loved? It's set in San Diego! Janelle dies at Torrey Pines beach, which was the one my friends and I went to all the time in high school! And an earthquake absolutely crushes a bunch of the freeways, all of which I totally went on today! I love when books are set in my city - not just because it's really fun, but it makes it that much more real for me. I know these streets, and I loved that Elizabeth stuck to real locations and was completely accurate with it all. I felt like I was going around these suburbs and neighborhoods. Especially Pacific Beach, where Ben's bike shop is - I used to work there and know that part of town increeeedibly well. If you've read the book, trust me when I say that everything Elizabeth said about PB? Totally, 100% true. Old and leathery has-beens, y'all.

I'm really glad Sierra pushed me to read this, you guys - it was fantastic and filled with crazy adventures, crush-worthy boys, and a storyline worth all the thought put into it. I cannot freakin' wait for Unbreakable, the (thankful!) second book in the series. Not just because I want more Ben in my life, but because I'm so fascinated with the setting and situation Elizabeth has cooked up! I want to know more!

4 Stars / 5

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Balzar + Bray, 402 pages
US Release Date: June 12, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's "Persuasion", "For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.
---------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

"Elliot?"

Elliot dragged her eyes up to the woman's face, half terrified Felicia would see the tears clinging to her lashes.

"You should know that you're exactly the person you think you are."

Elliot turned away as the tears escaped. That's what she was afraid of.

So first off, MAJOR COVER LOVE. I can't even tell you how gorgeous it is in real life - and I have a bookmark (thanks Natasha!) that uses a foil that gleams for the title...oh man. I can't...I just can't. Stunning.

Anyway.

I can actually move all that praise for the cover to the book itself: you guys, I am IN. LOVE. with this book. So in love. I would marry it, if I could. I haven’t read Persuasion, but reading this book is completely like reading an Austen novel. It’s filled with that heartwrenching suspense and careful, doomed hope. That feeling that you’re on the brink of every emotion ever, and it’s all cresting to the surface and you just don’t know what to do with it all.

I’m hesitant to call this a Dystopian novel, even though I know it is in it’s technical sense. But the world itself is so…background. The description, all the events that happened that created this Reduction they speak of, it’s all so smooth and flawless that it just seems as though it is. I believed in it wholeheartedly almost from the very beginning. It’s also one of those scenarios where it feels like it could be real – I don’t actually think it will, but I get it. I understand how humanity could try to “play God” and mess with the way things are supposed to be to the point where it wipes out people. It’s sensible and real, in the most fictional way.

Something that’s a bit weird is that I didn’t really focus much on the characters – which, if you’ve read my blog for awhile, you know character are pretty much EVERYTHING to me. I can love a book, but if a character rubs me the wrong way, it’s pretty much doomed from that point. So it says something, in my opinion, that I was so swept up in the story I didn’t even focus on characters.

That’s not to say they’re bad, of course. They’re not. They’re wonderful. Elliott has such a gentle strength to her, I was immediately drawn into her story of loss and compassion. Her family is a piece of shit, but her friends are such fantastic people for her that I immediately restructured them into her family. Benedict was awesome (as is his name), because you really are unsure who he is throughout the entire thing. He’s immediately scummy, but there’s still something captivating about him, and I was wondering the entire time I was reading.

And Kai. Oh, Kai. Who I loved in letters, and was so furious with in scenes. Who strung me along, who played with my heart and toyed with my emotions, who I wanted to grab and shake and make out with at the same time (though that’s probably a bit uncomfortable…). He is such an Austen-like man, whose glances can make you come undone and one eyebrow raise will make your heart pitter patter. It’s incredible that it can be done through the pages of a book, but oh…can it ever. If I could, I would probably spend miles of blog pages talking about Kai, because I want to say so much about him and his attitude and his transformation into Captain Malakai Wentworth (HOT name, amirite?!)…but I shall not. Just know that I want him, in the way that almost any woman wants Mr. Darcy.

So, important things: the story. It’s not the most exciting story, nor is it action packed or one to make you flip pages lightning fast trying to find out what’s going to happen by the end of the chapter. But there’s something fantastically riveting about this book, one where you get wrapped up in all the details and little nuances of scenes. It moves at the perfect pace, slowly revealing itself until you look up and only then realize how entranced you are in what’s going on.

There’s a little something for everyone in here: romance, family, friendship, a little science fiction and fantasy. For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of those books that I loved so much that I stopped reading it for a day because I couldn’t stand the thought of it being over. Because I wanted to stretch out my time with Elliott and Kai, I wanted to make more paper gliders and listen to Donovan sing his mournful songs. The world is fascinating, seeing all the rules put in place after the Reduction and  figuring out what Elliott – and Kai and the rest of the Posts – are up to and the ramifications of each. Normally I don’t like series novels, but I absolutely wish this one was a part of one because I want to find out more of the story!

I have to mention the structure of the story as well, how we get to read the letters passed between Kai and Elliott from their childhood growing up to the point of their broken friendship/relationship. It’s smart, because we get the explanations of the world from a child’s point of view, which is arguably one of the most pure, curious views; because that makes it feel just a little more like an Austen novel to me; because it’s the perfect way to introduce us to different events and stories from the past as we read. It’s also fun, because we get to see them grow together and flirt in such adorable ways only 6 year olds, then 8 year olds, then 12 year olds, then teenagers can through letters. And it’s brilliantly beautiful, because you feel like you really know the pair and you’re that much more attached to them. It’s perfect.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a book I was excited to read going in, and ended loving even more than I ever imagined in so many ways I never thought possible. It’s such a quiet, unassuming book, but the payoff…it’s fantastic, and I gladly place this on my favourites shelf.

And because I think I’m pretty hilarious, I thought I’d write the timeline of my reading. I post-it note during reading just to mark passages I love or thoughts, and I definitely had more in this one than usual. I share with you the pages and my thoughts, because this was seriously the roller coaster of my reading experience:

FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS by Diana Peterfreund:

A Timeline Review

Page 56: This already breaks my heart.

Page 79: Ouch.

Page 86: So much anger still…and yet we all know how closely tied love and hate are.

Page 143: I truly want to cry.

Page 146: So reminiscent of Austen, absolutely amazing & wonderful.

Page 177: How can I love Kai so quickly after being so angry at him?

Page 190: Heartbreaking. I know this feeling.

Page 192: This paragraph is beautiful writing.

Page 197: I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.

Page 232: My heart can barely bear this scene.

Page 248: What is Benedict up to? He seems fine, but I’m still suspicious. Something fishy.

Page 267: I would hate it if someone said this to me.

Page 329: This entire thing is a perfect example of things both wrong and right. Two truths, two lies.

Page 329: I am in love with this line.

Page 385: No. This can’t be.

Page 391: OH GOD OH GOD MY HEART LITERALLY LEAPED.

5 Stars

(And even in darkness, I'd give it a billion more.)

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare
Margaret K. Eldenberry (imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens), 528 Pages
US Release Date: December 6, 2011
Challenges: Local Library Challenge

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.
---------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

I feel myself diminished, parts of me spiraling away into the darkness, that which is good and honest and true-- If you hold it away from yourself long enough, do you lose it entirely? If no one cares for you at all, do you even really exist?

*Because this is Book TWO of a series, there may be spoilers from Book ONE. You've been warned!*

If you would like to read my review of Book 1, Clockwork Angel, please click here.

"...Master Will has always been the brighter burning star, the one to catch attention--but Jem is a steady flame, unwavering and honest..."

I ended Clockwork Angel not knowing who I loved more: Jem or Will. And now, after Book 2, I can tell you that while my love for both have grown exponentially and past many more depths than I thought they could...I belong to Will. Forever.

"They're not hideous," said Tessa.
Will blinked at her. "What?"
"Gideon and Gabriel," said Tessa. "They're really quite good-looking, not hideous at all."
"I spoke," said Will in sepulchral tones, "of the pitch-black inner depths of their souls."
Tess snorted. "And what color do you suppose the inner depths of your soul are, Will Herondale?"
"Mauve," said Will.

Truthfully, I don't know how to review this book because I enjoyed all of it so much. I feel like Cassandra Clare only gets better with every book of hers I read; and I already think she can do no wrong, so there's few more ways I can express how much I love her books! I was wary going into CP because so many people had told me it was better than Clockwork Angel and that the book broke their heart. I mean, that's expectation and anticipation! How was I to get past that?

But I did. And this one is SO much better. And I am heartbroken. Heartbroken. For Will, because of so many sad reasons, and for Jem, because I feel like he's going to get hurt in the end (aside from his imminent death, of course), and for Jessamine, because she just wanted a normal life, and for Tessa even, because we still don't really know what she is and how she came to be. Even though I wanted to punch Nathaniel at the end of CA, I'm still sad for what happens with him.

I'm a bit stunned to realize that I don't care for Tessa much. I'm trying to figure out if I don't like her, or if she simply pales next to such stunning other characters. I feel like all the others have such a unique set of details and personality -- and Tessa is sorely lacking. She's still got redeemable qualities, and I find her to be a good, strong woman amongst the mess Mortmain has made. She can hold her own, sure; but there were a few passages I just wanted to smack her. Especially when it came to the parts with Jem, because I simply don't believe she has the feelings for him she thinks she does.

Aside from Tessa, everything else was fantastic. I loved the plot line of this book, it was exciting and filled with the action and adventure we come to expect from a Shadowhunter world. I loved the addition of Gideon and Gabriel into the story, and was extremely happy to see Sophie take a bigger role: I love her. I think she's strong and loyal and does right by who she is and is supposed to be. I've never wanted to hug Charlotte and Henry more, especially that one scene...well, I'm sure those who have read it know which one.

I do think this suffers from what I call "Book Two Syndrome" - that unfortunate time in a trilogy/series where a book is simply a bridge, a means to get to an end. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, I always feel like Book Two Syndrome books are a bit...boring? Not quite the right word, but while I'm reading, I can't shake a sense of biding time until something massive hits. A lot of information to prepare for the next book, and not an equal match of action.

Regardless though, I still loved this book. I craved the information it did provide, and I think it was all presented well and necessary. I loved the character development and how much of Will we get to finally see, and I'm more eager than ever to find out what the hell evil Mortmain is up to. Such a tangled web! Clockwork Prince does nothing but spin more to the mess Tessa finds herself in, and it's fantastic. Filled with intrigue and passion and romance, I can't believe now I'm in on the wait for Clockwork Princess. Dear World: Can you make March 2013 come faster? Please?!

PS. Who's the anonymous commenter on my Clockwork Angel review that wrote 'demon pox is real'? Because at the time I got that comment, I had no idea wtf it meant! I'd half considered marking it as Spam. BUT I GET IT NOW AND AHAHAH YOU'RE FUNNY! (seriously.)

PPS. Did we all see the cover reveal last week of the cover for Clockwork Princess? Because ohmahgah IT'S GORGEOUS. I think it's a Herondale on the cover, for some reason. What say you?

5 Stars / 5

Review: My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 320 Pages
US Release Date: June 7, 2011

Challenges: Local Library Challenge

PLEASE READ THIS! MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Okay, maybe that was a bit melodramatic, but I’m sorry, I’m feeling a bit melodramatic at the moment.

Here’s the deal. My name is Brooklyn Pierce, I’m fifteen years old, and I am decisionally challenged. Seriously, I can’t remember the last good decision I made. I can remember plenty of crappy ones though. Including that party I threw when my parents were out of town that accidentally burned down a model home. Yeah, not my finest moment, for sure.

But see, that’s why I started a blog. To enlist readers to make my decisions for me. That’s right. I gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else be the one to decide which book I read for English. Or whether or not I accepted an invitation to join the debate team from that cute-in-a-dorky-sort-of-way guy who gave me the Heimlich Maneuver in the cafeteria. (Note to self: Chew the melon before swallowing it.) I even let them decide who I dated!

Well, it turns out there are some things in life you simply can’t choose or have chosen for you—like who you fall in love with. And now everything’s more screwed up than ever.

But don’t take my word for it, read the book and decide for yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream in frustration. Or maybe that’s just me. After all, it’s my life.
-------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Some things don't require practice. Some things simply work on the first try.

Do you not love the summary of this book?! I myself can relate very much to being "decisionally challenged", and I loved the premise. If I were in my teens still, I would probably follow suit and make a blog to have others make all my decisions, too! There were so many fun possibilities too, I definitely looked forward to reading this.

Mostly, my expectations were met; but unfortunately, there were some things I didn't quite like. I never really took to Brooklyn, the main character. She's funny and lively, sure, but I also felt like she was incredibly selfish. I know she's supposed to be in the beginning, but she never really lost that trait throughout the entire novel and it was bothersome. I wanted to thump her on the forehead a few times for bonehead decisions she'd make, too - which I know is why her blog (and thus, the book) exist in the first place, but even so there are parts I just wanted to yell and ask her where the hell her brain was.

I also felt like more fun could have been had with this whole 'the public makes her decisions' thing. I know you can't go too crazy or else the novel wouldn't be plausible, and it is still a teen book so you can't do any super crazy shit - but it felt so unexplored! I just wanted some fun, useless decisions to be made, too - not just which Shakespeare play she should choose. And even though I wasn't looking for some wacky, off-the-wall plot, the story was terribly predictable. Almost as soon as you meet characters and find out their relationship to Brooklyn, you knew how it would end. I was able to figure everything out really early on, even down to how things would happen, which could be frustrating as I read because I felt like I was waiting the entire novel for a character to catch up.

But enough with the bad! I know I just ranted for 2 paragraphs, but trust me when I say this was a fun, enjoyable book and I'm really glad to have read it. Brooklyn gets herself into some funny situations, and I did like how real the book kept itself. Her decisions are things we legitimately go through in high school, and it was nice to see a real teen in the pages. And even though most of the cast was predictable and a bit typical, I still enjoyed who they were. Everyone was written really well, with quirky little traits or adorable features. Brian was my favourite (as expected) because he felt like a guy I would really like in real life.

Something I really enjoyed about the book was the voice and tone - the style is a perfect YA, and Brooklyn is so clearly this sarcastic teenage girl. She's a bit snarky and a lot defensive, equal amounts of flirty girly girl and tough independent chick. Her indecision is so clear and endearing (usually), and it's expressed perfectly. Jessica Brody has the most fun writing style that works perfectly with the content.

Two random things that made me really happy: 1) that underwater basketball game she refers to that Izzy is fiddling with it while discussing the blog with Brooks, because I TOTALLY HAD THAT WHEN I WAS YOUNG. and 2) that kissy scene. ohhhh yes.

3.5 Stars / 5

Review: Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy

Being Friends With Boys by Terra Elan McVoy
Simon Pulse, 361 Pages
US Release Date: May 1, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge, YA Contemporary Challenge, Completely Contemporary Challenge

Charlotte and Oliver have been friends forever. She knows that he, Abe, and Trip consider her to be one of the guys, and she likes it that way. She likes being the friend who keeps them all together. Likes offering a girl's perspective on their love lives. Likes being the behind-the-scenes wordsmith who writes all the lyrics for the boys' band. Char has a house full of stepsisters and a past full of backstabbing (female) ex-best friends, so for her, being friends with boys is refreshingly drama-free...until it isn't any more.

When a new boy enters the scene and makes Char feel like, well, a total girl...and two of her other friends have a falling out that may or may not be related to one of them deciding he possibly wants to be more than friends with Char...being friends with all these boys suddenly becomes a lot more complicated.
--------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Even your misery was compelling.

No matter how hard I try to get out of the contemporary world of YA literature, I can’t deny that it’s the place I feel most at home in. Every time I read a contemp after a string of Dystopian/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Thriller/whatever, I just get that overwhelming sense of “yes. This is where I belong.”

Being Friends With Boys reinforces that feeling of belonging. Perfectly.

I’ve never read any of Terra’s books before but I can assure you that after this, I definitely will check out her others! Her writing is so genuine and quietly strong, she really knows how to build characters that could walk past me on the street any second. The voices of each character are distinct, and each personality is crystal clear.

Initially, I wanted to read this book because it sounded similar to my own life. I do have girl friends, but growing up, I was definitely ‘one of the guys.’ I hung out with my brother and all his friends (still do) and always had a ton of guy friends. The dynamic is just different, you know? I don’t mean anything bad towards female friends, I love my girls and would be lost without their friendship and willingness to dissect every little glance and touch and not-saying-but-he-said-it-with-his-eyes moment. But guys are different, and sometimes it’s nice to enter into their world.

Being Friends With Boys is pretty spot on regarding how girls are friends with guys. How usually it’s drama free and easier, but one tiny little change and it will make it a mass of complications. My life is nothing like Charlotte's, and none of my guy friends are like the boys in this novel; but I felt like I was seeing my own relationships with guys on the pages. How some just have that deep, underlying understanding that can’t be questioned. How some are so comfortable and close you sometimes have to look away because you see him too clearly. How some are just innately complicated. How some start as more, and then get fuzzy with where it goes. How some friendships are just friendships. How some are better left at friendship. All of those were found in this novel, just as I’ve found them in my own life, and I loved every minute of it.

Also, all these boys? I've never been so in love, so mad, and so emotional towards so many characters at once! I felt just as invested as Charlotte, like it was me going through the fights or listening to music or hashing out songs and lyrics or having his arm slung around my shoulders. It definitely got a bit difficult to track at times, and the opening pages had so many different boy names in them I had to reread it just to figure out the relationships. But each boy is so unique and fun in their own way, making me all angsty towards them. While I had a suspicion from the very beginning how it would all play out, I was kept guessing the finer details until almost the end.

I was pleasantly surprised at the family aspect, too. While not a large part of the novel, I enjoyed that it's a functional, solid family unit of a blended family. So many books portray step-families as evil or misunderstood or terrible, and this was entirely refreshing to see it working. Giving sisters to Charlotte was also a brilliant way to counteract all the boys in her life, and my heart crumbled a bit when Jilly left to go back to college after Thanksgiving Break.

Charlotte is also a really strong character, and I appreciate that Terra let her be an independent girl among all these guys. She wasn't clingy or fussy or slutty or trampy towards them; she just was. She knew who she was; she just wasn't sure who she was with each of the guys. She's pretty fierce all on her own, with the perfect amount of teen indecision and doubt mixed in. With the exception of grades (I can't stand the idea of missing an assignment!), I'm fairly certain I could be Charlotte. Or at least, I hope!

Being Friends With Boys is the perfect contemporary YA novel, with tons of lovable characters, a great story, and fun little twists and surprises. If you want to fall in love and find some great friendships, pick this one up.

4.5 Stars

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection (Selection #1) by Kiera Cass
HarperTeen, 327 Pages
US Release Date: April 24, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge, Debut Author Challenge

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
----------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

In my experience, true love is usually the most inconvenient kind.

This book kept me up at night. No lie. First I stayed up way late to finish it just so I could find out what happened, and then at the end I was so freakin' frustrated that I tossed and turned at 6am trying to figure out my feelings about it. On one hand, it means it's a decent book to affect me like that; but also, BOO HISS I NEED SLEEP!

Obviously, I had expectations going into this book. There's been such a hype for it all year that there was no way I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried. I mean, I've heard every opinion under the sun about this book. My expectations were hesitant because the things I knew about it weren't really appealing: I can't stand the Bachelor shows (some of the worst brain rotting television, in my opinion) and I'm not generally a fan of the CW - so for them to not even pick up the pilot...well. That says something.

Though I am a fan of Ethan Peck. Yes ma'am I am.

So let's go the easy route and go with a pro/con list. Start with the bad!

Cons:

• America. I know, the main damn character! She was largely a reason why I was kept up at night. She just pisses me off so much, and I get so frustrated with her choices and opinions. I find her to be selfish for a large part of the novel, which is terribly complicated since she's in the Selection to provide for her family! It seems like an unselfish reason (and it is), but that she's using the royal contest when there are millions of other girls who would die to be in her place for its actual function? Selfish.
• Aspen. I hate him.
• America and Aspen's relationship. I just did not see any value to it. I know we're supposed to assume it's a great relationship for having sustained in secret for 2 years, and he was sweet in the opening, but I just could not stand it after awhile. He was horrible and mean and to just let it go the way he did? Unacceptable. And for the record, she fell and he caught her?! I call massive shenanigans. Get your head out of your ass, America.

Pros:

• Prince Maxon. I fell for him so much faster than I thought I would. The commanding voice telling the guards to let her into the gardens? BE STILL MY HEART.
• It's a fast read. Some of the beginning is a bit weird for some reason (couldn't quite pinpoint why), but less than 50 pages in and I was sucked in entirely. It really is like watching bad reality TV: I just couldn't turn away, I had to know!
• Handling a cast of 35 girls in writing is tough, but done well here. Just enough were highlighted to really be like a contest, but still manageable to a reader.
• The history lesson. While most of the world-building was lacking, the history lesson was a smart move on the writer's part. I thought that was helpful and enabled me to understand the world they live in. 
• The Singer family. America's family isn't perfect, but they love each other and understand the sacrifices they need to make for each other. I like their relationship.
• The peeks into the Dystopian world. Like the rebel divisions that Maxon thinks exist, and how it seems they're searching for something specific. Even though it's all cliff-hanger-y goodness, I'm quite intrigued!
• America's ladies in waiting. I love that they're a respectable part of the novel, that they play a larger part than just the girls who dress America. They each have stories and strength, which I appreciated.
• Prince Maxon and America's relationship. Even though I don't really like America, I do like hers and Maxon's friendship/relationship hybrid. They're good together, and I liked their interactions and secret ear tugs and smiles together.

So, the pros outweigh the cons to me; but the cons are such large parts to the story! I ate up this novel, but there were strong flares of irritation through all of it. Prince Maxon and how utterly eager and cute he is did its best to simmer the annoyance, but still...it's there. I can't wait for book 2 though, just because I need to know what's going to happen! Especially after that ending, when I'm just so damn pissed at America and what she's doing within the castle. I just...I can't. I just can't. UGH.

I think the big thing someone has to know when going into this book is that it's not some tough, hardcore Dystopian. It has a set-up to be, but it's largely a romance book. Its focus is the love story and Prince Maxon finding a future wife and Queen; not on the war and attacks and Ilea's imminent doom. I do think it'll come in Book 2 though - at least, I hope so! I want to know about these attacks and rebels! As far as I'm concerned, this is a romance contemporary book masquerading as a Dystopian.

To further show my indecision, The Selection made me make a whole new rating. While I enjoyed it immensely and want to enter into the Selection myself to win Prince Maxon's heart, I'm just so damn bothered by America and Aspen I can't overlook it. I'm too dang torn!

4.25 Stars

(So what is that, like 4 and a point and a half of a star? Yeesh.)

Review: The Story of Us by Deb Caletti

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
Simon Pulse, 390 pages
US Release Date: April 24, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge

Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise:

Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war.

While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her....
-------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Stories are what you have when the place is gone and the dried-up roses have crumbled and the ring is lost and that old car is finally junked. Stories are where the meaning ends up.

This is definitely another one of those books I wished I had when I was graduating high school or college (see also: The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour, It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, An Off Year by Claire Zulkey) - it would have helped me SO much at the time, and probably would have made me feel better, like I wasn't alone with all my feelings.

The book follows Cricket through the week leading up to her mother's marriage, which creates complete chaos as all the family comes together and Cricket tries to figure out her future, where she stands with her long-time boyfriend, and how to cope with all the change that is going on in her life. It's a sweet story, filled with equal parts sarcasm, fun, funny and meaningful.

My favourite element of the story was the emphasis on family, and how much it can mean. Even when a family is divorced or going through tough times, there was still that love and caring there. The dynamic between Cricket, her mother and her brother, Ben, was so sweet and lovable - I absolutely adored any of their interactions. It definitely reminded me of my family: I'm incredibly close with my brother and parents, and I loved seeing this reflected in a book. Often in YA, it's a broken family -- and while Cricket's isn't perfect, the relationships are solidly there.

I think I was expecting more romance in the book - I mean, the title, the synopsis, everything we know about it points to that, right? I'm not entirely disappointed that it wasn't as big as I thought it would be, but it was definitely surprising. The little romance that was there is sweet and funny, and I was hanging onto Cricket's words trying to figure out just what it was that she had done to Janssen and what would happen. I admit the "big reveal" seemed anticlimactic, but it actually fit the story really, really well. Being left in the dark for most of the novel about what she'd done makes for an interesting read, in that I just wasn't sure how to feel about her and Janssen, or her with Ash, or all the issues she was going through. I mean, how could I judge it when I don't quite know what I'm judging? I'm on the fence if that was brilliant or not, because I definitely kept reading to find out.

I've heard that a lot of people found the characters to be one dimensional - and sure, a few seemed to be. But the main characters, the big ones that mattered, were fine. I really loved Cricket, because I felt like she's a past version of myself when I was going through that weird time of just graduated and trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do with my life. That period of "New Adult" is a truly terrifying time, and Cricket captured it really well. I laughed at all the imagined disaster scenarios, because that's definitely how I used to be at that time. I was also amazed at how fully I felt like I knew Janssen, and he's not even really in the novel! He's just outside of it, the recipient to her letters and part of the memories she reveals. But through her letters and recounting their story, I felt like he was just as real as the ones that were staying in the beach house with them.

I'm also in love with Cricket's brother, Ben. He was so sweet and funny and such a perfect Boy character. He was a wonderful older brother, and I kind of wish I knew him in real life. Definitely a "good guy." (I guess you have to have read it to get that.)

And there's no way I could write a review of this without mentioning Jupiter, their dog. I was surprised at how infused dogs were in the story, and I do think that it could be a turn off to some readers. Five years ago, I wouldn't have gotten any of the dog love in the story: I never had a pet growing up, none of my friends did, and I didn't understand what it meant to have a pet. But one of my past jobs had dogs in the office, and I learned to love them and how they really become such a part of your life. I haven't worked at that office in 6 months and I still miss the dogs every day! So because I went through that, I understand all that Jupiter meant to the family and loved it that much more. She was such a fun personality to have around, and leant an awesome and unique structure to the story.

I felt like this book had a bit of everything in it: family, the pondering of future, relationships, friendships, divorced parents, struggling relationships, pets, possible new relationships, step-siblings, miscommunications and misunderstandings, reconciliation and moving on. While sometimes that did feel like the sheer quantity may have detracted from the quality of each element, I think it was still done well and comes together as a solid, wonderful contemporary novel.

The Story of Us is a great read for those who remember (or are going through) that awkward period of change in life. When the leaving and the going meld together into that chaotic mess of how it will all work out. When the relationship seems to be on the cusp of Something Big. When the past has to reconcile all the Could Bes of the future. While it's not the fastest moving novel (though the wedding scene had me cracking up with all the action!), the meaning and wisdom make it more than worth it.

4.5 Stars / 5

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends, 387 pages
US Release Date: January 3, 2012
Challenges: Local Library Challenge, Debut Author Challenge

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

Lines drawn into his face suggested he had spent many years thinking very hard over very difficult problems. But his eyes were bluer than the sky and, at that moment, they were smiling.

Even though this is a retelling of a classic fairy tale that we all know and love dearly, Cinder is still one of the most original stories I've ever, ever read - absolutely incredible.

I was a little weary heading in when I knew it was about a Cyborg Cinderella, because there's so many potential questions. How is she a Cyborg? (How) Does she feel? Is she the only one? How does she function in society? What do they think of her? Simply put, I was worried.

All for naught.

(Sidebar: Do people still say that, by the way? I've been called an old British Biddy when I say that IRL.)

During last week's Top Ten Tuesday, the topic was books we'd like to see as movies, and I was startled to see so many lists include Cinder. But it really would be perfect, because the world Marissa Meyer builds is fantastic. The entire society and city of New Beijing, even the brief mentions of other continents...it all integrates so well. I was completely immersed in the story, to the point where I truly had to spend a few minutes drawing myself back out whenever I put it down.

I'm not sure if my brain is just weird, but I had the plot figured out pretty quickly; I don't know if certain plot points were meant to be Major Twists, but nothing really was for me. But oddly enough, it was almost better for me that way! I was fairly certain how everything was going to work, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing just how they were going to get there. I mean, basic plot elements are expected since this is a retelling of a classic, but there was so much more to the story as well, and I was eating up everything I could about it.

I loved how Marissa Meyer worked in magic - in the classic tale, magic functions as a beneficial element. It helps disguise Cinderella, it is the reason why she has the opportunity to go to the Ball and see the Prince. But in Cinder, the magic has so much more potential and SO much more use. It can be negative and evil and destructive, while also useful and good. The variation was surprising and awesome.

There's SO much more of this I want to talk about. I want to say how awesome and multi-faceted Cinder was, discuss how brilliant I thought the merging of human + cyborg was, discuss how horrible the Lunars are, talk about how in love I am with Prince Kai, how I wanted to cry when Peony got sick, how I wished I had a sensor when Cinder and the Doctor were chatting because I couldn't figure out what was real and what wasn't....there's was SO much of this that had me in awe that someone could create this entire society and world.

Quite obviously, I am in love with this book. It's a simple twist on a simple tale that makes it entirely extraordinary.  Now, BOOK TWO WHERE ARE YOU?!? I NEED YOU!

5 Stars / 5

(and oh my Stars it would get more if I could)

Review: Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
Delacorte Press, 320 Pages
US Release date: March 8, 2011
Challenge: Local Library Challenge

It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin.

When they're united for a project, they form an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. Grace plays along when Mandarin suggests they run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds plaguing their Badlands town.

Because all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken, and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, no friendship can withstand betrayal.
-------------------------Goodreads summary

Notable Quote

While it's smart to plan for the future, we won't find real happiness if our eyes never leave the horizon.

When I was reading this, I had to keep reminding myself that Grace is only 14-years-old -- so many instances I wanted to shake her and tell her to come to her senses! She was just so impressionable and naive, and it absolutely killed me.

I did not like Mandarin at all--but she's a great character because of that. She's a lost 17-year-old who needs to act out and chooses to do so in bad ways; when she finds Grace, a girl willing to do and be just about anything for or with her, how could Mandarin resist? I'm nothing like Mandarin and I don't think I would have been able to.

Their friendship is infuriating to me, because it's just such a bad thing and I wanted to step in and be the mother that Grace doesn't have in her own. I wanted to forbid her from seeing Mandarin and tell her all the wrong ways she was going about standing out -- even though I knew it would make Grace go faster. It was a very obsessive devotion from Grace, which was a bit disturbing to me. I was surprised at such a strong reaction I was having, actually, which is a testament to how well and consistent the characters and stories were.

Everything that happens in this novel makes sense, and as long as you remember the ages and circumstances, you'll enjoy it. The supporting characters were done really well, especially Taffetta, and each one has an integral part to the ending third of the book.

Truthfully, I was a bit underwhelmed by the book, and I can't quite pinpoint why. I don't think I had too many expectations after Wanderlove since it is such a different premise, and I don't think I went into it expecting anything. The first half felt a bit slow, but I powered through the last half. And while there's nothing bad at all about this book, there was nothing I was completely gushing over, either.

3.5 Stars / 5