Currently reading
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
That Time I Joined the Circus
Siege and Storm
1984
Sweet Evil
Yeah...I don't think this book is for me. I can see how it could appeal to fans of steamy paranormal romance, but as someone who despises paranormal romance with a passion, and thinks steamy romance is icky, I don't think I'll be returning to this book. And now I can't give away my beautiful, brand new copy to someone because my little sister decided to write my name in it...
The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber
Kind of weird and took a while to get into, but really good! My only complaint is that the copy I was reading had typos every. single. sentence!
Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1)
This book has been recommended to me dozens of times, but I somehow never managed to pick it up. It looked like just another dystopian, but it was something more than that. It’s what set the stage for these zillions of other dystopian YA novels to follow, and many have had a tough time measuring up to it.I think I had a hard time with the story at first because it seemed to follow the same structure of so many other books I’ve read. And then it dawned on me that this was actually written before nearly all those books! I still found the plot somewhat predictable, but enjoyed it more so after.It was kind of hard to connect with Tally at first because of how warped her views were, but as she learned more about the real world, she became much more relatable. On the other hand, I really liked Shay from the beginning, but as Tally grew more distant from her, I began to like Shay less.The world held many familiar elements from our world, but everything was so skewed. The way that people had been taught to think was really foreign and strange. And after learning some plot-spoiling secrets, I found myself dying to learn more. I wish there’d been more explained behind how the world came to be this way, but I guess that’s what the other books are for!
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Imagine Wonderland, full of all the creepy, twisted magic we all know and love. Now think of it turned sideways, backwards, and upside down all at once. That’s the best way I can think to describe this book. While it might looks like just a simple Middle Grade fantasy on the outside, the inside is complete and utterly complicated nonsense. I should’ve guessed from the ridiculously long title, but never suspected, leading to an unexpected and unforgettable journey!Catherynne M. Valente takes the reader on an unimaginable journey through Fairyland, the most strange and complicated place you’re likely to encounter in the Middle Grade genre. It’s a place where everything is immensely different for all we know of this world. So you can imagine the shock that comes upon September when a little green man riding a leopard drops her into this strange, new environment. She feels lost and alone, but manages to make some friends along the way.My favorite part of the whole story were the characters. They weren’t flat, unoriginal cardboard cut-outs like we see all too frequently in books for young readers. They were 3-dimensional; so much so that they felt like they could literally jump off the page. They were as realistic as you would think a fairy tale character to be. I especially enjoyed and the vile Marquess, and A through L, the Wyverary.One thing I definitely wish had been different is that it had been marketed as YA, with September being several years old. Not that I didn’t love September, but she already seemed mature beyond her years, and then there wouldn’t be 8 year olds struggling through and almost giving up due to it’s complexity. I couldn’t even understand what was happening half the time! And if it had been marketed as YA, the little traces of romance that were present could’ve been expanded upon as well, and I know that’s something I would’ve enjoyed.Nevertheless, this was a wholly enjoyable read that I found surprising, but still with a warm familiarity to it that will welcome readers in.
Roman Fever and Other Stories
Pretty dull the first time around, but after the (rather predictable) twist, I reread it and picked up on a lot more. Read for school.
Lamb to the Slaughter and Other Stories (Penguin 60s)
Very twisted and strange. Certainly different from most of Roald Dahl's works. Read for school.
 - Roald Dahl)
Between Shades of Gray
“Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch.”This quote near the beginning of the book kind of sums up how horrifying this whole book is. It’s terrible, and yet so painfully beautiful. It brought me to tears, and things never got much happier.Lina was an amazing character. She’s just a normal girl who withstands impossible circumstances. But she’s a wimp compared to her mom. Her mom was so strong and selfless. She’s an amazing role model for women. She would literally give anything for her loved ones, and puts herself last. And she was super smart. When everyone else was falling apart, she was the voice of reason who always had a plan.The writing was so beautiful. It gave Lina a strong voice, and was full of such detailed descriptions. Even with a setting as harsh and horrible as this one, she found a way to add beauty to the most simple things.I will warn that there isn’t much of a happy ending. It’s hard to find a happy ending in the Holocaust. But this book does end with a small glimmer of hope, and left me satisfied. I’m looking forward to reading much more by Ruta Sepetys, and seeing how her voice will further illustrate history in such a beautiful way.
The Amaranth Enchantment
This book was utterly delightful! A light-hearted fairy tale beginning on a similar path of the classic Cinderella story, but taking a turn somewhere along the lines, and ending with a fairy tale ending completely it’s own. In fact, if I hadn’t known beforehand that it was an interpretation of Cinderella, I doubt I would’ve picked up the subtle hints.I loved all the characters so much, but especially Peter. He reminded me of Sage from the False Prince so much, it not even funny (if you’ve read it, then you know exactly what I’m talking about). He was sly and smooth, plus goofy every once in a while. He was just great!The story wasn’t overly complicated, but still had a couple surprises up it’s sleeve! It flowed freely and smoothly, and went by just fast enough to keep the readers attention without skipping over detail.I’d highly recommend this book to fans of Jessica Day George and Gail Carson Levine. The writing, characters, and plot structure are both very similar, and yet clearly distinct from one another. Or if you’re just craving some yummy fairy tales, you need to try this one out.
Sisters Red
Oh. My. Goodness. This book was so flipping fantastic! I don’t think I have words that can adequately describe my feeling!I think my favorite part of Sisters Red was seeing how the sisters interacted with each other. There aren’t many sibling duos out there is YA lit, and those I have found seemed to despise each other, so I was happy to find some sisters who actually kind of got along (most of the time) and worked together. It was also interesting to have the dual narrations, and seeing how one sister would perceive the other, and vise versa. Even those who don’t like paranormal (like me) will be blown away by the plot. It was fast-paced, full of surprises, and hinted at it’s Red Riding Hood roots, while being very much it’s own story. Some parts were a tad predictable, but so mind-blowing I didn’t care. The history behind the Fenris was fascinating, and it was interesting seeing which parts were influenced by mythology and what was solely the author’s imagination. Without giving too much away, I want to say that I think that the way the one becomes a Fenris was genius, and it was so cool seeing how they went about solving that mystery. The writing was just…wow. So deliciously wonderful I can’t even come up with the right words. I couldn’t get enough of it! Luckily, she has more books. I can’t wait for more from Jackson Pearce!Language: Moderate (Multiple d*** g** etc… (if there were “badder” words, I quickly forgot them) )Sensuality: Moderate (Rosie has a difficult relationship with Silas. Rosie takes an art class which includes a nude male model. )Violence: Heavy (Well, they’re werewolf hunters. What do you expect? Lots of blood and gore. Scarlett’s eye was ripped out as a child. Rosie is frequently used as bait for the Fenris. Lots of especially violent stuff near the end. )Recommended age: 15+
Jellicoe Road
I’m really not a big fan of contemporary anything, but I do make exceptions for exceptional novels. And thankfully this most certainly fits into that category. It was a fresh, bittersweet, and most definitely exceptional novel.For the first half of the book I felt a little lost, but that’s mostly my fault for being in the middle of 3 other books at the time. But by around page 200 things finally started making sense, and I quickly put together what had happen in the beginning. And then I got to enjoy the journey that Taylor and her friends get to go on.I loved the flashbacks to the past. They added another layer of depth and helped to piece together the future of where things might lead. The plot was masterfully constructed. It wasn’t an insane, thrilling story. Just the simple story of a girl trying to discover her past. But it was so much more than that.The different characters were all complex and interesting. I loved learning their backstories, especially Taylor’s. The things she goes through to full discover her past are remarkable.The ending was heartbreaking and wonderful. Nothing horribly dramatic, but outstanding nonetheless. I very highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a touching and thoughtful story that will stay with them long after they finish it.
The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Series #1)
I went into this book knowing nothing. At all. Very much like Thomas, the main character, and so I was on the edge of my seat through this whole entire crazy, thrilling, and terrifying book!I think the thing that deserves the highest praising is the world-building. You’re thrown into a completely unfamiliar environment, and slowly learn how things work. Seeing how the Glade has developed, and how they function as a society is really interesting. And the idea that anyone in the world would decide to set children into such a horrible situation is probably the most terrifying thing.The characters were all fascinating. Those which we were introduced to had very distinct personalities. I think my favorite characters were Chuck and Teresa. Chuck might not have been the smartest of the bunch, but he was kind and forgiving and loyal and I loved that about him. And then there’s Teresa. Even though she’s kind of in a coma for most of the book, I liked her attitude and personality and seeing how she interacted with Thomas.The writing was different from what I usually read (I’m used to a female narrator I guess), but it certainly wasn’t bad. I wasn’t a big fan of the swear words they’d developed in the Glade. It was really excessive (although, what should I expect from a bunch of boys?) and drove me crazy!!! And one thing that bugged me throughout the whole book was this: It’s made well-known early on that they get one boy once a month, and that they’ve been there for two years. Well, that would equal 24 boys, right? Except I’m pretty sure at least a dozen people died before Thomas ever showed up. So now we’re down to twelve. But there are definitely more than twelve guys around. And then near the end it’s mentioned that there are well-over 40 boys there. Now, where did that number come from? This is never cleared up, and was nagging me the whole time.So, all in all this book was really good, with just a couple minor problems. And, most importantly, it left me begging for the next one (which I promptly, at 1AM, requested from the library)!
Forest Born (Books of Bayern)
I actually didn't like Rin when I first read this, but now I see just how similar I am to her...strange. Anyway, completely beautiful!Full review to come...
River Secrets: The Books of Bayern
Razo is so freakin' awesome! He alone deserves 10 stars, and then throw in a thrilling plotline and Shannon Hale's writing, and you've got a completely brilliant book!
Enna Burning (Books of Bayern)
I love this book with a deep, burning passion (pun intended). In many ways it's even better than the Goose Girl. I love that we get to see beyond the happily ever after ending, and find out what happens next!Enna is a feisty, strong-willed heroine, which is why I love her so much, but I also love the fact that we get to see her weak side. But she stays strong throughout it all which I think makes her so admirable.I love how this book focuses on Enna and Isi's friendship. They would give anything for the other, even if their life was at stake. And I think that it's beautiful. The way they interact and work together makes me smile.And who could forget about old Finn and Razo? Finn's such a sweetheart. He and Enna are complete opposites, which is why they go together so well. And then Razo is as funny as ever, always there for some comic relief!This book is just so amazing on so many levels. It's something you could read over and over again and never get tired of. It's something you can never forget.
The Princess Curse
I’m not sure what to think about this book. It was so incredibly different than I was expecting. Originally I thought it was just about the twelve dancing princesses, but then I found that the latter half of the book tackles another tale altogether: Hades and Persephone! The dust jacket says Beauty and the Beast, but it’s clear that it’s more than that.I found myself struggling to connect with Reveka. She didn’t seem very realistic to me. She had her heart set on joining a convent, and she’s only 13! That and a lot of other things seemed really out of character for a 13 year old. I think if she’d been older (15/16), she would’ve come off as more realistic and relatable.The ending wasn’t very satisfying. I didn’t agree with Reveka’s choices at all, but I understood her way of thinking. Things were left open for a sequel, though, so maybe things will be properly resolved once and for all.I liked seeing how Reveka interacted with her father. So often in MG/YA lit the parents are out of the picture. While Reveka starts her adventures out for the most part on her own, soon she has her dad joining her, and the way they interacted and their relationship grew was convincing, while a teensy bit cheesy.The magic and mystery surrounding the princesses and their curse are exciting and suspenseful. I think many readers, young and old, will find The Princess Curse an enjoyable adventure that they will not soon forget.
