Midwinterblood: Lovers Back Through Time

Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick

Why did I read it?

One of my coworkers read it as it won The Printz Award, and even though she wasn't sure what she thought about it, she said it was definitely worth reading.

What happened?

While the island was called Blessed, and the kindness and hospitality of the island dwellers seems to support that name, Eric Seven's natural journalistic curiosity was definitely aroused with this assignment.

First there are the rumors that no one on the island has aged in years. Secondly there is the fact that the island produces many medical remedies that no one can quite explain. Then there is the reality that Eric doesn't seem to notice his curiosity anymore. He is more enthralled with a young woman on the island that he has never met before, and yet, has...Merle...who is she?

So begins a novel sweeping backwards through history. Tragedy in the present seems to relate to similar events in the past. Events in one time relate to and effect another. Two lovers, Eric and Merle, call, long, and reach for each other through time.  

What did I like or not like?

This novel is divided into seven parts; each one set in a different time period. It begins in the future, and then each part travels further back into the past. Each time a new period is introduced, we are offered another look at the characters, and given more revelations of their story throughout time. This unique writing structure kept me turning the pages wondering what pieces of the first story would be revealed and explained in the past. 

Even though the book was well-written, had an interesting writing structure, and felt like a fairy tale mixed with poetry, it wasn't one of my favorites. I don't think it was a particular element in the book that turned me off; it apparently just wasn't my particular cup of tea. That notwithstanding, my coworker was right; it was definitely worth reading =D

Blaze: Reputation Up In Flames

Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Why did I read it?

I knew it was going to be chick lit (which I try to read every once in a while because its not what I normally read), but I figured I'd read this particular chick lit novel because it featured some geeky comic book stuff as well =D

What happened?

Blaze has been sacrificing her normal teenage life of going to the mall and having boyfriends since her Dad left her Mom, and she's ready for a change. Especially if that change came in the form of the nearly perfect, beautiful, and popular Mark (her younger brother's soccer coach), taking an interest in her. She might even consider changing her Super Virgin status...

And to Blaze's own turd-brown van driving, comic-book drawing self's amazement, Mark actually does go out with her. But, it isn't the happily-ever-after she imagined it would be. When  circumstances in and out of her control go completely sideways, Blaze finds her life turned completely upside-down, out of control, and her reputation smashed to smithereens.

Maybe what Blaze needs is a hero...or maybe she needs a chance to rise like a phoenix from the ashes...or maybe she just needs a chance to settle things with her Dad once and for all...or maybe she could just erase everything that happened (if only life was more like a comic book)...

What did I like or not like?

I was expecting chick lit, but I wasn't expecting to like the characters as much as I wound up liking them. Things do keep going from bad to worse, but Blaze is able to mostly keep her wits about her, and learns some interesting things along the way.

I also appreciated all the geeky, nerdy comic-book and fan-fiction references and conversations. Blaze has to deal with some intense stuff, but her juxtaposition of comic characters' problems and issues makes the novel lighter and easier to relate to.

P.S. This one has some cussing and sexual content.

The Testing: What If the Tests are Deadly?

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau 

Why did I read it?

Because Miss Karen compared it to a combination of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent...nuf said. 

What happened?

Cia Vale has always wanted to attend The University. To be counted among the chosen few destined to rebuild the war-scarred world left after the Seven Stages War. She loves her family, and she has been successful helping her father and brothers revitalize the land surrounding her small colony. But, she has always hoped against hope that she would be chosen for The Testing upon graduation.

The Testing is the first step toward attending The University. Officials from Tosu City evaluate the merits of each school graduate, and invite the elite to participate in a series of tests. These tests determine who has true leadership potential and should therefore move onto The University. While no one has been chosen from her colony in many years, Cia is elated when she and three other graduates are chosen from her colony.

But, Cia's happiness quickly turns to concern when her father shares some of his worries. All Testing candidates do have their memories erased at the conclusion of the tests. But, Cia's father warns her that his fragmented memories and nightmares of The Testing contain unspeakable horror, death, and Testing candidates pitted against each other. With her expectations set on edge, Cia leaves all that she knows behind and heads toward whatever horror or honor The Testing contains...

What did I like or not like?

This book is really, really readable. You are immediately drawn into the characters and the world that Charbonneau has created. Just like Miss Karen promised, this book does contain similar elements to The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent. But, it is definitely its own story, complete with great characters, chilling action and consequences, and mystery.

Like most Young Adult novels published at this time, this one is the beginning of a series, and I'm definitely going to need to keep reading this story.

Insurgent: Can Pain Lead to Strength?

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Why did I read it?

Because Divergent was awesome, and I couldn't resist reading it anymore =D

What happened?

SPOILER ALERT

Triss didn't have a choice, but it doesn't mean she doesn't regret killing Will. Why couldn't she just have shot him in the hand? There wasn't anything she could do to stop them, but why did her parents have to sacrifice themselves for her? How can she move on without them?

But move on she must. She and Tobias might have been able to stop the Erudite plot, but there is no telling what might be coming next. With Abnegation all but destroyed, the other three factions have to choice their side, and several of them have close ties to Erudite. Where can she and the other outcasts find safety?

Perhaps its with the factionless, those banished, exiled, or kicked out from their chosen faction. But despite what many said, the factionless aren't as helpless as they might have appeared. In fact, they might have been planning something. But what?

There are also the rumors that Triss has heard. Maybe the Erudite attack on Abnegation might have been about much more than a simple government takeover. It might have been about secrets that could rock their entire world.

What did I like or not like?

As far as Dystopian novels go, this series is one of my favorites. The society is brought to the point of destruction, and yet the characters are still led by values and convictions. The plot and action keep you interested throughout the novel, and the questions that the characters ask in their make-believe circumstances apply to all of our lives today. Ultimately, the book ponders the idea of who we are; what we choose to do, or what we have to do. 

Forever: Realistic or Substantial?

Forever... by Judy Blume

Why did I read it?

Originally written in 1975, this book has become a classic in Young Adult literature. I figured a young adult librarian should probably read the classics of his own genre =D This book was quite controversial when it was first published, and remains that way to this day. I wanted to see where I fell on that controversy.

What happened?

Katherine and Michael are both seniors in high school, and after meeting at a friend's party, they have an immediate connection. Pretty soon, they are doing everything together.

Once things get a little bit more serious, both Katherine and Michael have to decide how far they are going to take this relationship physically. Katherine is a virgin, and wants her first time to be absolutely perfect. She is pretty sure it will be with Michael because he is worth the commitment of taking it all the way.

But, things don't always go as we'd like them to. While the school year was practically perfect, they are separated for the summer, and they really have to consider whether this is a love that will last a lifetime.

What did I like or not like?

It is always interesting to read novels that were written a few years ago. Most of the time, they kind of feel dated. While that was kind of the case with this title, the situations and issues that Katherine and Michael deal with are very much still alive to this day.

Now let's get to the interesting part. What did I think about the controversy? Forever... is largely an exploration of two teens' sexuality and how that fits into love, and consequently, this book has quite a bit of sexual content and discussions in it. I think some readers will appreciate these discussions, while others probably won't, but I think it should be left on shelves so readers have a choice to decide for themselves.

One thing that did surprise me was the parallels I drew between Forever... and David Levithan's Every Day. (SPOILER ALERT) Both relationships didn't make it, and both relationships involved some sex. But I couldn't help but think that A and Rhiannon's relationship in Every Day was based on something more substantial than Katherine and Michel's relationship in Forever...


I understand that Katherine and Michael's kind of relationship is common in real life and the literary world, and as a book about a sexually active boyfriend and girlfriend, the book rings true and honest and important. This frankness and honesty is probably the main reason that it has become a classic YA work, and why it is still read to this day.

But I prefer relationships in real life and books that are a little more...substantial, worthwhile, deeper, in for the long term, able to handle some struggles?? Agree, disagree, think I'm crazy??
Let me know :)

Goth Girl Rising: Lashing Out or Moving On

Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Why did I read it?

Because I finished The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl and had to know if Kyra was going to be able to work through her problems, or if she was going to get worse...

What happened?

SPOILER ALERT

So Donnie thought that he might have unintentionally told Kyra to kill herself, so he freaked out and called her Dad who swiftly dropped her back in the mental hospital. Oh sweet!

Well, Kyra just got released, and she is still ticked at her Dad and Fanboy (Donnie)! But, she is willing to give Fanboy a chance because she really did like him, and even though he still has a lot of work to do on Schemata (his graphic novel), he understands girls better than any other boy she knows.

But, she very quickly realizes that she can't forgive Fanboy like she thought. Not only did he not write her a single email while she was imprisoned, he seemed to forget she even existed and completely move on without her. He even had the nerve to publish Schemata in the ridiculous school art paper.

So needless to say, Kyra is not happy, and she is going to stop at nothing until she has absolutely destroyed Fanboy!

What did I like or not like?

As I mentioned, I decided to read the sequel because I had to figure out what was going to happen to Kyra, and I also got totally drawn into these characters and this world. Lyga's sequel doesn't disappoint. You still have the same interaction and characters from Fanboy and Goth Girl, but instead of it being from Donnie's perspective, this time we get a peek inside of Kyra's head.

Similarly to Donnie's experience, Kyra goes through a whole bunch of things that ultimately make her realize that she isn't as alone as she might have thought. But even more ultimately, Krya finds a way to deal with her anger, and her mother's death, that is both realistic and hopeful.

P.S. Just like the first title, there is language and sexual references throughout this one.

Wonderstruck: If Only the World was Organized

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Why did I read it?

Because The Invention of Hugo Cabret (same author and style) was awesome, and because we just talked about it at TeenBookWorms =D

What happened?

Even though they are separated by 50 years (Rose's tale starts in 1927, and Ben's starts in 1977), Ben and Rose have a lot in common. Both of their fathers aren't in their lives, they have a hard time connecting to those around them, and they are both deaf. They also have a passion for New York City, and collecting things around them.

But, their stories are also different. Rose's parents don't think it is safe for a deaf child to be unattended in a large city and Ben has just lost his Mom and is stuck living with his Aunt and Uncle. So, when Rose sees an article about her famous mother, and Ben finds a note relating to his long-lost father, they both start off on adventures to find a place to belong, and answer the questions beating inside their heads.

What did I like or not like?

Similarly to Hugo, this book does a really good job of showing the wonder and awe that a child's world has. It also shows how important it is for kids to have caring adults in their lives, and to know where they fit.

This book was also really cool because also similarily to Hugo, part of it is told in text like a novel, and the other parts are told in pictures, kind of like a flip chart.

Another unique part of the story was the many references to Deaf culture, libraries and museums. These are typical plot elements, and that made the story all the more fascinating.

Finally, even though the novel starts as two distinct stories, we find by the end that Rose's and Ben's stories are much more connected than we originally thought, and they both find a part of what they are looking for in each other.

Three Little Words: Nine Long Years

Three Little Words: A Memoir by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Why did I read it?

I don't normally read memoirs. But I thought it was cool that they were included on my required reading list for school, because I probably wouldn't have read this book otherwise.

What happened?

Ashley, and her younger bother Luke, were born to a young mother who struggled with drugs, alcohol, violence, and responsibility. Taken from her mother at 3 years old, Ashley spent the next 9 years of her life in a legal and emotional limbo, until she was finally adopted by another family.

Throughout this time Ashley bounced between relatives, foster families, and shelters. When someone actually seemed to care, a circumstance would mess things up, and the rest couldn't handle Ashley's rough points for very long. After being abandoned by her mother, and shipped off whenever things got tough, Ashley was relatively sure she never wanted to love anyone again, and relatively sure she would never be adopted.

What did I like or not like?

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get through the entire memoir this week. But, up to this point, it has been a really eye-opening experience.

Ashley's memoir paints a very clear picture about most of the foster families she lived with, and some of them aren't pretty. Her memoir also gives us a very clear look at what is going on inside her head, which helps us feel the desperation and anger she feels, and the love she longs for.

If anyone wants an honest look at the foster care system, and a girl who succeeded after going through it, this memoir is a very interesting and heat-felt read.

Mockingjay: When An Author Stays True to Her World...

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Why did I read it?

Because I literally had to start the third book once Catching Fire ended lol

What happened?

SPOILER ALERTS

Unbelievably, much to the chagrin of the capitol, both Katniss and Peeta once again survived their time in the Hunger Games. But, this time Katniss didn't escape by threatening to eat some poisoned berries. She escaped by destroying the force field encasing the arena, and was rescued by District 13 hovercrafts!

Unbeknownst to Katniss, and the rest of Panem, District 13 was not destroyed at the conclusion of the rebellion seventy-five years ealier. Instead, they moved completely underground, and have been waiting for their opportunity to once again challenge the Capitol. Katniss was just the figurehead they needed for all-out war on their persecuters.

There are only a couple of problems. Katniss isn't sure she wants to be a pawn in District 13 hands,  Peeta was captured by the Capitol, and with each step she takes, she is more unsure who she can really trust, and whether or not she, or anyone she cares about, will get out of this alive.

What did I like or not like?

Let me say here that this is NOT a happy trilogy. There is a semi-happy ending, but there is a lot of death, dying, suffering, questions, betrayals, and sacrifice that lead up to it.

But let me also say here that this trilogy blew me away with how awesome it was! I got done reading and all I could think was how amazing the storyline ultimately was. Each choice, each small circumstance affected everything else, and the characters were absolutely realistic and true to the last page.

Many people I have talked to about the trilogy say the third book was violent just for the sake of being violent, and that Suzanne Collins didn't have to make many of the choices that she did. More people could have survived!

But, this is my take on it: Suzanne was just being true to the world that she created. From the very first chapter of The Hunger Games, Suzanne created a dangerous, violent, unfair and chaotic world, and when the stakes went up, these things took their affect as well; with disatrous consequences.

I've also had friends who disagree with the books themselves. They don't agree with the thought of young adults killing each other being seen as entertainment.

Here is my take on that: While The Hunger Games are entertainment, and are hugely popular, they don't view death and killing as entertainment, and they also don't condone it. The characters in Suzanne's world have to deal with these realities, but with every chance they get, they strive to remove these atrocities from their world.

So, those are my quick thoughts on an awesome trilogy. If you have other ideas, hit me up on Facebook, Twitter, or leave a comment below. Or, you could track me down at the Hayden Library, and I'll be more than willing to spend a very long time chatting about this series with you :)

Catching Fire: Need I Say More?

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Why did I read it?

With the huge success of The Hunger Games movie that just hit theatres ($253,006,396 in 11 days according to Box Office Mojo) everyone is talking about The Hunger Games right now. I originally read The Hunger Games in 2010, but because of a crazy schedule and other books, I wasn't able to finish the series. So, when I heard the movie was coming out, I reread the book, and this time, I couldn't stop until I had finished Mockingjay.

What happened?


SPOILER ALERTS
(Not a ton, but its hard to do a synopsis of a second book without giving some stuff away)

Both Katniss and Peeta survived the 74th Hunger Games! This is a situation unheard of in Panem history and there will be consequences. The Hunger Games were designed to give the illusion of hope while demanding respect and fear and exacting control. With the stunt that Katniss pulled, this control has been called into question and the scent of rebellion is in the air.
Preparing for the Victory Tour, a quick trip around the districts designed by the Capitol, Katniss is approached by President Snow himself. Snow makes it clear that he isn't forgetting her defiance, and that he isn't afraid to destroy everything she holds dear if she steps out of line. Okay, don't mess things up on the tour, got it!

But, the choices that Katniss made have taken on a life of their own, and she soon realizes that nothing she did or didn't do on the tour could change where Panem is heading. In an effort to stamp out this fire that is quickly catching across Panem, President Snow issues a special edict for the 75th Hunger Games, and no one could have seen it coming.

What did I like or not like?


Holy moly and pandemonium, I love these books! The Hunger Games was amazing, but the way Suzanne was able to build the scope of the story while remaining so true to the original world is spectacular.

So many trilogies suffer in their second book because the author doesn't want to give away too much of the story. They almost drag along until the third book. But, this is something that Suzanne doesn't have a problem with. There is so much story to tell that this story will glue you to your seat and not let you up.

Suzanne also does a great job giving us new revelations in each character, but never changing who the characters are. It is no wonder why these books are so popular, and if you haven't read them, I would highly suggest them.

Next Book Blurt I'm going to be chatting about Mockingjay, and a little bit more about the ideas behind the trilogy. Stay tuned!

Divergent: Could Thinking for Yourself Get You Killed?

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Why did I read it?

Dystopian novels are huge right now, so we decided to read this book for TeenBookWorms. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 4-5pm, to discuss a book together.

What happened?

After a devestating war ravaged the planet, survivors created factions that focused on a particular virtue to combat the evil that caused the war. Those who said the war was caused by deception formed Candor (the honest), those who blamed selfishness formed Abnegation (the selfless), those who blamed cowardness formed Dauntless (the brave), those who blamed anger formed Amity (the peaceful), and those who blamed ignorance formed Erudite (the intelligent).

Many years after the establishment of this seemingly perfect society, Beatrice Prior will choose which faction she will join just like every other sixteen-year-old in Chicago. For most, a simulation will definitively tell them which faction will be the best fit for them. But, for Beatrice, her choices in the simulation are inconclusive, and that can mean only one thing; that she is divergent.

While no one will tell her exactly what that means, she is told repeatedly that it is dangerous and could get her killed. Fantastic! As if surviving initiation in her chosen faction isn't going to cause enough problems for her.


What did I like or not like?


Veronica is only 22 years old and this is her debut novel, but it is amazing! She does a great job imagining a world where society members are split by personality, and how focusing on one virtue can mess us up instead of help us.

The initiation process that Beatrice has to endure provides a great mix of excitement, adventure, discoveries and a little bit of romance. But, beneath it all, there is something more sinister that Beatrice can't put her finger on, and it is this undercurrent that eventually rears its ulgy head and threatens to topple the system her entire society is built on.

P.S. There is some violence (this is a Dystopian novel) and some brief sexually-themed discussions.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns: Why Did God Choose Me?

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Why did I read it?

Because Nick is a fan of the required reading list for my Young Adult Literature class :)

What happened?

Elisa always imagined her older sister, Alodia, would be married first. She was the older, more beautiful princess, and had a knack for playing the games that came with royalty and politics. So, imagine Elisa's surprise when she is very quickly and quietly married to their ally, King Alejandro de Vega. Thinking this rushed ceremony strange, Elisa's suspicions are confirmed when her sister warns her to trust no one, and her husband tells her she was relocated to protect her.

Could it have something to do with the godstone in her navel, the symbol that she is the chosen of God, designed for some divine purpose? While she has never been sure how God could have chosen her, overweight and useless, her questions only multiply when she is kidnapped by desert dwellers who have their own plans for her, and their own ideas about the will of God.

What did I like or not like?

This story grabbed me from the beginning. Elisa's voice is so truthful and unsure, that you feel everything that she feels. Then, as the novel progresses, you applaud as Elisa finds the strength and faith that she needs to save her new country. While this is Carson's first novel, the plot is tight, the characters are interesting, the stakes are high, and it kept me guessing to the end.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox: What If There is Only 10% Left of Me?

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Why did I read it?

Another one of those books I probably wouldn't have read without it being on the required reading list for my Master's class. But, it was a fascinating read.

What happened?

After waking from a year-long coma, all Jenna Fox knows it what she is told. At the request of her parents, she watches videos of her life before the accident, hoping that it will spark her memory. Hoping that if Jenna will just remember, everything will go back to normal, and they will have their perfect daughter once again.

But, somehow, Jenna doesn't believe that she will ever be the same again. Maybe it is the odd feeling she gets when she walks or tries to clasp her hands together. Maybe it is the voices that she hears calling to her. Maybe it is the memories that she beings to have, even though she shouldn't have them. Slowly, Jenna starts to piece together her life before the accident and the accident itself. But when she does it doesn't bring clarity; only more questions.

What did I like or not like?

Science Fiction is so interesting because obviously these circumstances aren't reality, but with ever increasing technology, these futures aren't that far outside of what is possible.

In a future where bio-engineering allows entire organs and limbs to be replaced, strict scientific boards have been formed to make sure these life-saving techniques aren't taken to an extreme. But, what if they were? The questions about bio-ethics, humanity, and how to move on that arise from this situation are really interesting to read and experience.

Come In From the Cold

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Why did I read it?

In 2010, I worked with the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICFL) as a presenter for Teens and Technology. We held a workshop on creating booktrailers, and we used the 2010 Teen's Top Ten as the books. This fantastic book was on the list (and required reading for my Master's class, so I finally sat down and read the whole thing).

What happened?

Why hadn't she answered the phone? Could she have saved her? Could she have talked her out of it? After Lia's best friend Cassie is found dead, Lia is racked with guilt and quickly returns to her destructive patterns of depression, anorexia, and cutting. Convinced that becoming thinner will make her stronger, Lia ignores the pleading, begging and ordering of her mom, dad, and stepmom. But, her stepsister, Emma, thinks the world of Lia, and that love might be just enough to help Lia hold on and come in from the cold she has been creating.

What did I like or not like?

Wintergirls is a powerful and well-written novel that will make you understand where Lia is coming from, but will make you want to scream as she injures herself. Through powerful metaphors, scrambled words, and literally crossing out the thoughts that Lia wouldn't like, Anderson helps us comprehend Lia's experiences. While the novel deals with difficult topics, it ultimately has a hopeful message that will reach out to anyone struggling with depression, eating disorders, or cutting, as well as anyone who needs a realistic and helpful look at this subject.

A Little Bit Sitcomish, But Enjoyable

Lost and Found by Anne Schraff

Why did I read it?

My YA Lit class professor used the Bluford High Series (this is the first book) with a group of at-risk teens. She said the group really enjoyed the books, and wanted us to check them out.

What happened?

Great one more thing for Darcy to worry about! Not only does she have an exhausted mother struggling to make ends meet, a Grandma whose mind is slowly slipping away, and a sister who is having a hard time in school, she now has to deal with a partner like Tarah. Tarah is overweight, obnoxious, has a loser of a boyfriend, and would probably pull Darcy’s grade down. Why couldn’t her teacher have paired her with Hakeem (who she secretly liked) or Brisana (her best friend)?

But, as the plot thickens, we find out that this will become the least of Darcy’s problems. She will ultimately have to face something she has tried to walk away from, and find out who her true friends really are.

What did I like or not like?

Many of the books I’ve read have been award-winning and have a pretty high reading level. So, the writing style in this book seemed kind of simplistic. But, now I think it was a nice change. Not everybody enjoys , needs, or wants a high reading level, and it was interesting to read something else.

The simple writing style just tells you how things are, and even though the conflict is real, it isn’t traumatizing to read. Ultimately, I think it reads like a sitcom. The story takes us through problems that need to be dealt with, lessons that need to be learned, but everyone winds up happy at the end.

Couldn't Stop Listening

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Why did I read it?

This book has been on my radar for a little while now so I was excited when it also showed up on my required reading list for my Young Adult Literature class.

What happened?

Clay finds a package with no return address on his doorstep, and finds seven cassette tapes inside. After opening them up, he is shocked to find Hannah’s voice coming from the tapes. You see, Hannah had killed herself two weeks before, and she explained that if you were listening to the tapes, you were somehow responsible for her death!

Thinking back over the summer working at the movie theatre, and the one party where they finally spent some time together, Clay can’t remember anything that would have hurt her. Even though he knows he doesn’t belong on the tapes, Clay can’t help listening to Hannah as she slowly and painfully gives the thirteen reasons that she kills herself.

What did I like or not like?

This book was really hard to put down. I knew I needed to get it done quickly because there is going to be a lot of reading in this lit class. But, once I started it, I had to figure out what happened next.

The book also has a very interesting perspective. Hannah narrates the events leading to her death through the tapes, and Clay responds in real time because he can’t help himself.  

While Asher does a good job explaining that we can never know how our small actions will negatively or positively affect others, he also writes that Hannah ultimately chose to give up on herself.

P.S. This book has some sexual content, and some discussions that lean that direction.

The Savvys on the Bus...

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Why did I read it?

Would you believe that this is actually a book I started before the winter break? This was one of the last titles we were supposed to read for my master's class...but it seems time gets away from me around the holidays...

But, our programs started back up this week, and I wanted to make sure that my social media started back up too, so, I figured I'd finish this one off.

What happened?

Mississippi (Mibs) Beaumont lives in a family with special talents, called savvys, that show up on your thirteenth birthday. Most of her brother's birthdays had a few large hiccups, like a lighting storm or hurricane, as they discovered their hidden talents for the first time. But, instead of a storm front for her birthday, Mibs finds out that her father is in a coma after a car accident, and she can't even go see him because it happened a couple cities away.

The next day, after a hibernating turtle that looked dead wakes up, she can't help the funny feeling that her savvy might be to wake things or people up. Armed with that knowledge, Mibs sneaks aboard a bus heading toward her father. There are only a couple of problems. The bus has deliveries that have to be made, the bus driver doesn't know she's there, any ink on someone else's skin talks to her, and two of her brothers and two friends sneak aboard the bus with her. Nothing that bad could happen, right?

What did I like or not like?

The quirkiness of the characters and situations makes for an interesting read, and I enjoy stories with characters that have "special talents." There is also a nice theme of growing up, making decisions, and using the talents that you have.

My Dad...The Rat

Beige by Cecil Castellucci

Why did I read it?

I'm a sucker for an interesting cover. I've wondered by this book many times on the shelves, so I figured I'd read it and see what it was about.

What happened?

Katy and her mom are a tight team. Her dad lives in Los Angeles, and hasn't been in the picture since she was a little girl. But, Katy is in for a bummer of a two weeks when her mom goes to Machu Picchu and sends her to spend the time with her dad. As if it isn't bad enough that her mom went to an archeological dig without her, Katy and her dad have absolutely nothing in common. He's a loud, ex-drug addict who is trying to make another go at being a drummer with his band Suck, and she is quiet, loves silence, and can't stand his brand of music. To add insult to injury, The Rat (her dad) has bribed an aspiring musician to "hang out" with her for the two weeks, and she and Lake (the bribee) have absolutely nothing in common either.

What did I like or not like?

As music plays a huge part in the story, each chapter has the title of a different rock song, which is pretty cool. The story and motivations also seem very realistic. The point of the book is finding your own personal voice and story, and it takes her polar-opposite dad to break that to Katy. Even though the story is not a feel-good type of story, I enjoyed it. P.S. For those who would like to know, there are some cuss words in here.

Is Escape Possible?

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Why did I read it?
Its funny how I pick books sometimes. Basically, the sequel to Incarceron came out recently, showed up on my shelf and it sounded really interesting. But, I don't like to jump into the middle of the series, so I decided to read the first installment.
What happened?
Finn lives in Incarceron, a living prison that constantly watches, controls, and intimidates its inmates. As there is safety in numbers, Finn is part of a Scum band that raids other prisoners. But, Finn doesn't think of himself as a prisoner or as a member of the band. He has a special tattoo on his wrist and visions of "Outside." He assumes that he was born outside and cast into Incarceron, even though everyone thinks he's crazy. Armed with his visions and a Key, Finn seeks Escape.
Claudia is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron. There are two things she knows; her father is the only man alive who knows the location of Incarceron, and she will be married to the heir to the throne, a long-held tradition. But, Claudia doesn't want to marry the current heir to the throne. He's an arrogant, self-righteous jerk and she can't stand him. Marrying the heir wasn't going to be too bad when it was Giles, but he mysteriously died several years earlier. Even though she is told it was an accident, she can't help but wonder if their is something darker going on at court.
What did I like or not like?
This is just a well-written book. The two complimenting storylines keeps things moving quickly, and the idea of a living prison is a scary and fascinating idea. I haven't quite finished the book yet, but I can't wait to see how it ends.

Time-Crossed Lovers

A Book Blurt on Timeless by Alexandra Monir.

Why did I read it?

I get the chance to sneak a peak at many of the new YA books added to our collection before they hit the shelves, and this one caught my eye. The tagline read, “What if the person you’re meant to be with lives in another time?” It sounded interesting.

What happened?

Michele Windsor is the daughter of an exiled heiress. When her mother was young, she fell in love with a man who was wonderfully old-fashioned and traditionally romantic, and ran away with him, cutting herself off from her wealthy parents. But, after a short time together, he disappeared, and the only thing that made it bearable was her baby daughter. As the book opens, Michele’s mother is taken in a tragic car accident, and Michele is sent to live with her grandparents who probably ruined her parent’s relationship. Her cold grandparents and high-class classmates don’t make the loss of her mother any easier. But then, Michele is accidently sent back in time through a key her father owned, and she sees him, Philip Walker, the man of her dreams. Even though he is the only one that can see her, she has to find a way to be near him, because he is the only thing worth living for.

What did I like or not like?

I loved the historical detail and twists and turns through time. In an effort to get back to Philip, Michele visits the Gilded age, the Roaring Twenties, and the World War II years. Each time the story gets more interesting, more layered, and reveals more about Michele’s mysterious father and past. The love story itself is sweet, and hoping that the time-crossed lovers will eventually end up together keeps you reading.