Champion

by Marie Lu
4.5/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
369 pages
YA Dystopia Finale

Source: Library

Finally I have a chance to finish the Legend trilogy! I was quite impressed with Legend and Prodigy so of course I had to see how it ended, clutching my hopes for June and Day close to my chest. I also must mention that I expected this cover would have red for the color and I was correct (ahem). I believe I managed to avoid spoilers for this book but this probably won't make much sense if you're not familiar with the first two books of the series.

Like the previous books, Champion alternates narration between our two protagonists who have been separated for some months but who still maintain a steady love for each other. For real, the June/Day relationship has been a big part of my enjoyment of this book. I was so nervous to pick it up because I feared that someone was going to die. I don't want to spoil the ending but the way that everything unspooled with their relationship left me pretty satisfied. Is it what I would have written? Well, no because I go unrealistically happy with my writing but it is fitting for the tone and in line with the events of this book. Furthermore we go deeper into the inner life of each character with Day's relationship to his brother taking up more space because they're finally reunited and June discovering what she wants to pursue in life and making tremendous sacrifices.

While that romantic relationship was important in forming a bond to this series, it is not the only element of interest. The struggling government of the Republic and its historical repression of its people but also efforts to change implemented by new Elector Anden caught my attention too. The very existence of this nation is in peril over the course of this book and naturally Day and June are integral to the fight. As we approached the end of the story, the chapters got shorter and shorter, causing me to clutch it closer and almost bite my nails (I have managed to break myself of that habit) because I just had to know how everything would turn out. Things look bleak at points and, again sadly for me, there is no unrealistic crazy happy ending. Rebuilding and changing takes time and this book recognizes that fact.

Overall: A suspenseful conclusion to the trilogy that kept me on the edge of my seat and managed to please my huge shipping of Day and June.

Special Guest Review: A Hundred Summers

Today is a special treat as my mom is stopping by to share her thoughts on this book :) Please welcome Reader1809, who completed an interview with me to compose this review; I'll be sharing my thoughts as well.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
4/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
355 pages
Adult Historical

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

B: Hi Mom, welcome to the blog! I'm going to ask you some of the questions I usually ask myself when composing a review. To start, why did you want to read this book? (When mom wants to read a book, she gives me the title to put on hold at the library.)
R: Book seemed like a fun summer read (it has summer in the title.) I like books about friendship.
B: I wanted to read this after seeing how much you enjoyed it and also because I like historical fiction.

B: Okay, second prompt is to describe the plot in brief.
R: The main character meets the love of her life in college. Fast forward 7 years and this love is married to her best friend. Story alternates between the year they met 1931/2 to the present day 1938 to explain what happened.

B: Now, we start the review in earnest. What did you think about the characters?
R: I really liked main character Lily and her love Nick. The best friend, Budgie, was not likable from the start and should have been developed more. I could relate to the Lily character; she was nice and nurturing and I think I am like that.
B: I would second that description of you. I liked those characters a lot although I think I had more sympathy for Budgie-I love the calculating woman who goes after what she wants but eventually even Budgie pushed past the bounds of what I could tolerate.

B: What did you think of the plot and writing?
R: Plot was similar to other stories I've read (like Scarlett going after men in Gone With the Wind). I also liked how one chapter was in 1931 and then the next in 1938 and how the story continued alternating between the two. Also liked the way they incorporated the famous New England hurricane of 1938 with these characters.
B: I agree that the plot was very akin to other stories (I'm thinking specifically of The Ashford Affair, which I read earlier this year and has the same basic plot of best friend steals girl's love) and most everything felt very familiar. I am wondering if my readers know about the hurricane; it was not known to me but you have a funny story about it.
R: Yes, I was telling some of my friends about this book and they had never heard of the hurricane. Of course, I had told your dad about it and he came right back with knowledge about the storm including the fact that Katharine Hepburn almost died in it. My friends replied that they weren't alive back then; well, neither was your father so that's not much of an excuse!

B: Did anything infuriate you? (I know I am often driven to comment on the things that bother me.)
R: I don't know about infuriate but unfortunately I guessed what happened between the couple early in the story so the ending was not a surprise for me.
B: Don't watch Castle or Psych or any of those detective shows with my mom as she has a tendency to spoil them within about 15 minutes!
R: I also didn't personally like Budgie since I couldn't relate to her but I found her fascinating to read about.

B: Would you recommend this book? To whom?
R: Yes, I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. It is an enjoyable book to read.
B: I think it is a fun beach book-though there are darker moments, it still moves quickly

B: Overall, what is your impression?
R: Kudos to the author for including two other books on the hurricane that one could read if interested. Also really liked how she added an epilogue dated 1944. I am the type of reader who wants to know what the characters are doing years later!
B: I thought you would like that part-you always want to see a wedding or a family with kids at the end of romantic comedies :)

B: To end, do you have any thoughts about the cover?
R: Simple cover that shows two girls in the sand under an umbrella. Girls are missing drinks in hand (B: there is a lot of drinking in this book considering half of it is set in Prohibition and almost all of it is set in stodgy New England) and/or books and/or towels. Why are they wearing shoes???

Prodigy

Prodigy by Marie Lu
4.5/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
371 pages
YA Dystopia
Sequel to Legend

Source: Library

Legend was one of my favorite books from 2012 so I was heavily anticipating this second book especially after seeing so much positive buzz for it. My feelings about this book are also largely positive but there may be some SPOILERS so be forewarned.

June and Day are on the run: the prodigy and the criminal, united in a common purpose against the Republic (which reminded me very strongly of North Korea in this book). They are recruited by the resistance to assassinate the new Elector, June's old compatriot Anden. But on their quest to accomplish that, they uncover some surprising realities and keep the reader on the edge of her seat.

Now of course there is so much more to this story than the romantic parts but that has been my favorite section. June and Day are an amazing, smart, powerful (would-be) couple. And the fact that some people got in the way of that made me angry. Gah, I wanted to cut Tess! Anden was less irksome, I think because he didn't know June had Day but Tess knew and a girl I thought I liked in Legend became absolutely loathsome to me. I know that these two kids do not have an easy road ahead of them (made all the more difficult by the decisions of the last few chapters) but I'm rooting for them!

Like the first book, this is again told in alternating chapters, which were very easy to fly through. Day's font is blue instead of gold this time and I found that much easier to read while it also has the bonus of matching the cover. Also like the first book, this is filled with action, tough decisions, and stunning revelations. The world of June and Day is only getting darker and murkier-there are no easy paths and the ending left me near heartbroken but relieved that there will be a book three to hopefully give some resolution.

Cover: I am wondering if the third book will have red in the cover? Could look cool with the gray/yellow and blue/black covers.

Other Opinions:
Debbie's World of Books
Gone with the Words
Holes In My Brain
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Tripping Over Books

ARC Review: The Madness Underneath

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
4/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
290 pages
YA Thriller Supernatural
Book 2 in the Shades of London
Scheduled to release February 26

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*Spoilers for book one*

After adoring first book The Name of the Star, I was chomping at the bit for this sequel and am so pleased to be providing an early review. I was mostly satisfied with the novel but had some big problems with the ending which will be discussed at the very bottom under the spoiler heading.

If you liked the snarky opinionated personality of Rory in book one, I am happy to report that she is back. Despite almost dying in the first book, Rory is too tough to be kept down although she is struggling with the discovery that ghosts exist and she can see them as well as recovering from her attack. She is recuperating in the countryside with her parents but craving the chance to know more about her powers. Somehow she returns to school but mostly ignores schoolwork in favor of spending more time with Stephen, Callum, and Boo.

However despite the strong narrative voice, this book kind of suffers from second book syndrome although I thought of it more in terms of films. You know how Pirates of the Caribbean was an excellent (and profitable) movie so they decided to make sequels? Then the second film set up a lot of stuff but it didn't pay off until the third? Yeah, that's kind of what happened here. Some things do happen but I feel like the third book is where things are really going to happen especially in regards to the spoiler below.

Thinking back over the book, I am remembering a few plot elements but mostly I get the feeling of waiting for something big. I appreciated that The Name of the Star was almost a standalone and loved the mystery revolving around Jack the Ripper. This book's plot is much less strong in my opinion although as I said, I do believe it will pay off in the third book, which of course I am eagerly anticipating! (Despite it not being currently listed on goodreads!)

Other Opinons:
The Compulsive Reader
Lisa Loves Literature
Pure Imagination

SPOILER:

What the heck? Where is Stephen? Rory better find him is all I can say.

END SPOILER

Black City

Black City by Elizabeth Richards
4/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2012
374 pages
YA Paranormal Dystopia

Source: Library

This book caught my attention quite easily with its gorgeous explosive cover. While I still retain a deep fondness for covers with pretty dresses, I am finding myself more open to other images and the destruction of this rose is simply captivating (and appropriate for the story).

Would that I could say exactly the same about the story. It's not bad by no means but the most accurate description I have is that I found it pleasant whereas I would prefer to rave incoherently about how much I love a book. This story does not push me to that level despite enjoying it and planning to read the second book.

What really worked for me was the dual narration. This is an example of a book where I basically liked both of our narrators equally which is not always the case. Natalie is the daughter of a prominent politician, returning to Black City with her mother determined to implement new legislation from the country's leader, her beloved sister broken from torture, and her father dead. She also recently discovered her boyfriend/body guard Sebastian cheating on her. So Nat's not in the best condition. But she's better off than Ash, a twin-blood (human father and Darkling* mother) in a city literally divided in to two with humans warily living their lives while the Darkling population is confined to ghettos. He is also peddling the Darkling drug Haze to humans in order to ensure his family's survival.

As the first book in a series, there was a lot of introduction. The politics and world-building were something I was intensely interested in at first but soon the characters took over much more of my interest. As you might have guesses, Natalie and Ash do end up falling for each other after a protracted struggle due to an instant mutual dislike and then the edicts against interracial relationships. Their relationship is further complicated by other love interests for each and various misunderstandings. The course of true love never did run smooth but I'm rooting for the pair.

However it took me a long time to finish the book (three days) which is not something I can say about the books I love most. When I'm enjoying a book, I fly through it and enjoy a leisurely reread. I never savor a book I'm loving because I'm so passionately involved in the story that I can't wait (of course I'm also dreading the moment I reach the end-it's a difficult bunch of feelings).

I would be remiss to not mention two of my observations of how this book relates to other YA. First was the frequent use of the word "sparkling" most often in reference to Ash's eyes but which always made me think of the sparkly Twilight vampires. The second note is how much the epilogue reminds me of the ending for The Hunger Games (book/movie, not trilogy as a whole). Did anyone else notice the similarity?
*Also Darkling is going to bring to mind Shadow and Bone for me. Plus dual narration makes me think of Legend.

Other Opinions:
Blkosiner's Book Blog
In Bed with Books
Young Adult Book Haven

Cold Fury

Cold Fury by TM Goeglein
4/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2012
313 pages
YA Paranormal Suspense
Book 1 in series

Source: Received from Jen Ryland/YA Romantics

Summary: Sara Jane has long thought there was something a little bit different and hidden about her family. But it's not til her sixteenth birthday that she discovers that her family is deeply entwined with the Chicago Outfit (or as you may call them, the Mob) and her parents and younger brother disappear, leaving Sara Jane behind to pick up the pieces and fight for them.

It's funny how one line can bring you completely on board with a character (or conversely totally turn you off). In this case, I fell for Sara Jane when she shared this about her family: "And the thing is, I loved being with my family because they were funnier and smarter and more interesting than most other kids' families" (pg 25 ARC). The reason this worked for me was because that's basically how I've felt. My dad is SO funny and my mom's a total nurturer and when we're all together, it can be really good. Having this line in the back of my mind throughout the book really kept me close to her.

This was necessary because while Sara Jane has an interesting time in the book, the way it is written was hard to read. There are many, many interesting plots (some of the more important are Sara Jane's missing family, their history with the Outfit, her uncle's simmering resentment against her father, and her boxing career although there is also some romance, some friendship, and a tiny hint of paranormal). But they do not all coalesce. Sometimes it seemed like we were shifting to focus on one plot and then mechanically moving on to a different part of the story. It did not flow as smoothly as I might have liked.

As mentioned, I liked Sara Jane but given that this is more of a plot-driven novel, the other characters didn't make much of an impression. They were easy enough to keep track of while reading but after a few days, I have largely forgotten their names and actions. This is definitely not a novel for someone who wants to get all up-close with the characters. You have to be ready to go for a wild ride!

Legend

Legend by Marie Lu
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2011
305 pages
YA; Dystopian
4.5/5 stars

Source: Library

I saw quite a bit of buzz around this book so I wanted to pick it up and see if it lived up to the hype. I was surprised to reach the first page and discover that the font was in gold (I did enjoy the matching color font in Maggie Stiefvater's Forever trilogy). Even more surprised was I to finish the first chapter and discover a different font, color, and narrator for the second chapter. And that is how the whole story is told: in alternating perspectives. Now this can be difficult if you end up preferring one narrator to the other and then you're just waiting for her to return but I was pretty evenly split.

Our first narrator is most-wanted criminal Day, a fifteen-year-old kid from the slums who has been bothering the Republic for five years ever since he failed his Trial. He causes great disruptions but seems to run alone and make a point of not killing anyone. Until the night he does kills Metias, brother to our other narrator June.

I really loved June (just the teensiest bit more than Day). She's a military prodigy, who earned a perfect score on the Trial (the only to do so) and has enjoyed a spectacular career at military school, where she is preparing to join her older brother in safeguarding the Republic until his tragic death leaves her alone in the world (she was already orphaned) and starts her off on the path to track down Day. Of course, because she's brilliant and innovative, she manages to find Day and have him arrested. But is Day as bad as the government says or is there more to the story?

I think what appealed to me about June was, well actually a lot of things, but two in particular. First her brains made me think of River from Firefly, a show I am currently savoring rewatching. This connection makes me happy. The other main reason is I love when characters think their government is so great and then slowly discover that major things are being covered up. Because then this character gets to go in high-gear and kick some major butt as June does!

Now don't get me wrong, I liked Day too. I loved their similarities-how both are so smart and can easily adapt to various situations; how they don't want to hurt people; how they're so protective of their families; how they want to do the right thing. This helped me root for their romance, which ended up taking a bigger role than I would have liked by the end but I'll forgive that.

Overall: A splendid time was had by me as I devoured this book-I would very highly recommend it!

The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2011
372 pages
YA; Paranormal; Thriller
5/5 stars

Source: Library

I was so nervous picking this book up. Yes, I've seen lots of mixed to positive reviews but I was hyping it so much in my head that I figured it could never live up to my expectations. However I thought this was fantastic!

The main character is Rory, don't call her Aurora, an American student spending her senior year at a London boarding school while her parents are on sabbatical in Bristol. She has to adjust to a new school, tough academics, and different way of life in England. She also has to deal with a string of Jack the Ripper murders and a mysterious new ability she seems to have developed.

The big deal is the Jack the Ripper murders, which made me think of the television program Whitechapel, which is from 2009 but just aired in the US and also focuses on copycat murders. They are completely different stories, don't worry, but it's interesting to me how Jack the Ripper is popping up in my life because I really have no interest in serial killers unlike the Ripperologists who appear in both stories.  This ties in with Rory, whose boarding school is located basically right in the middle of where Jack the Ripper struck and is thus caught up in the panic that engulfs London.

But that is not the end of the story. One night Rory and her roommate sneak out and when they return to their dorm, Rory sees a man...but the roommate does not despite his proximity. Is Rory going crazy? Don't worry, it's just a paranormal ability. This introduces her to a bunch of other people and leads to the stopping of the murders.

As we journey through the story, we also have some romance, suspense, terror, and even comedy cropping up at odd times. I thought the writing was very assured and each character was well-developed and contributed toward his/her part of the story, whether that was being menacing or adding color to life at a boarding school.

Overall: Highly recommended-great mix of different elements without being too scary. Concludes the story while still setting up a series; definitely will be reading the second book, The Madness Underneath, due out later this year.

The Implosion of Aggie Winchester

The Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2011
278 pages
YA; Contemporary
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

I spotlighted this book on a Book Blogger Hop awhile back for "crazy book title" due to its inclusion of "implosion" which I don't think I've ever seen used for a title and for including the main character's full name. Having read the book now, I think the title is very apt as Aggie's life does seem to be falling apart.

During her first year in school, a popular girl made Aggie's life miserable due to her status as the principal's daughter. In turn Aggie became best friends with goth outcast Sylvia and has projected a tough outer shell. Now though Sylvia is pregnant with the most popular guy in school's baby and is determined to build a family with him; Aggie is skeptical but as she tries to gently warn Sylvia, she is only pushed away. Then there are the two guys with confusing intentions, Aggie's mom's cancer, and a huge school scandal that blows up to the national news.  And Aggie is deeply embedded in all of those plots-is it any wonder that she feels like her life is imploding?

I had some trouble bonding with Aggie, who's so angsty in the beginning but I quickly fell for her as she tries to navigate the minefields around her. It seems like she can do nothing right with almost everyone in her life turning on her on a dime. So glad my high school experience was better! The worst part for me was the mistrust of her parents. Her mother thinks Aggie is sexually active despite repeated assurances of the hospital and other attempts to talk about things end only in frustrated miscommunications. It was so sad.

In the whole, I thought there was a little too much going on (see my plot summary) but for the most part, all of the separate plot threads were juggled well and came together in coherent if mostly predictable ways. And even though I could see what would happen, I enjoyed Zielin's writing and the way she brought it all together.

Overall: A fine contemporary with a generally fast pace and an easy to root for main character.

Where I Want to Be

Where I Want to Be by Adele Griffin
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005
150 pages
YA; Contemporary; Sisters
4/5 stars

Source: Library

When I was at the library, I was looking around for a shortish book because technically I'm supposed to be focusing on my ebooks. I thought I'd see what Adele Griffin books were on the shelf since I'd already read two and enjoyed them a lot. When I saw that this book focused on two sisters, I was sold.

It alternated between third-person perspective about older, now dead sister Jane and first-person perspective from younger, still living Lily.  The sisters are just a year apart in age but are worlds away in personalities.  Lily is acclimated to the outside world, popular with a boyfriend and a cheery disposition. Jane prefers her solitude where she can pretend and she struggles with Lily's easy acceptance into the outside, away from their house, their family, and her.

The book only covers a couple of days after the death of Jane, switching between Jane's path to an afterlife and coming to an understanding about her life and Lily's struggle to move on.  In general I preferred Lily's narration because of the personality that accompanies a first-person narration and because I was fascinated by her relationship with her boyfriend Caleb, her anchor who keeps her from sinking in grief.  Jane's story is more remembrances of her history and eventually quick segment about her death.

Although I had expected a highly emotional read based on my feelings about sister-sister stories where one of them is hurt or dead, I did not get that from this story. I felt sad for them as their relationship didn't end on a positive note and I was happy that they got a measure of closure.  But I had anticipated crying and an internal ache, which I did not have at the end.

Overall: Well-written but not as emotional as I had hoped.

The Julian Game

The Julian Game by Adele Griffin
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010
200 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

I originally wrote this book off because of the weird cover-what the heck is up with the wig and the gloves?! But after reading Small Review's championing of the story inside and that the cover relates, I decided that I would give it a chance.

At first it seemed to be going on a pretty routine path with new, smart, scholarship girl Raye being drawn into the games played by popular girl with a cruel streak Ella, falling for the hottie Julian, and ignoring her heretofore best friend Natalya.  That is actually about the first half of the book but then it veered off in a different direction, surprising and pleasing me.

Despite the short length, there was a lot packed in here with vivid characterizations of the four characters I mentioned plus family members and other students making memorable impressions.  I almost wish the book was longer so that I could have spent more time with Raye.  However I appreciate Griffin for having a story to tell, telling it very well, and then stopping instead of inflating the page count with needless exposition.  The story within is to the point and packs a wallop.

That story deals largely with bullying and cyber pranks within a high school context, a highly relevant topic.  But it is never preachy here and is often laced with humor that helped get me into the story.  Also despite the short length, I did not fly through this book because there was so much to savor and think about.

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010
325 pages
YA; Fairy Tale; Fantasy
4.5/5 stars

Source: Library

I can't believe I didn't read this sooner after loving Shulman's Enthusiasm.  But seeing it on the YA Book Battle Longlist prompted me to pick this up.

I'm so glad I did as its mixture of contemporary with fairy tale was a great deal of fun.  Elizabeth Rew is living an almost Cinderella life with thoughtless stepmother and stepsisters, a father who almost completely ignores her now, and no friends.  But after writing a paper on the Grimm Brothers, her favorite teacher Mr. Mauskopf recommends her for a job at the New York Circulating Material Repository, like a library but with objects other than just books and containing the Grimm Collection among other priceless treasures.

At the Repository, Elizabeth meets many new people, most notably: Anjali, a sweet girl flirting with Marc, Marc, the basketball star at her school, and Aaron, jealous and cranky that Anjali doesn't like him.  They help her learn about the fantastical objects but they also warn her about the dangers.  It seems like someone is stealing objects and sapping them of their magic.  An atmosphere of distrust builds but the students need to work together to solve the mystery. 

Like much of YA, none of the kids tell the adults about what is going on although Elizabeth does want to.  They claim that the some of the adults might be involved in the scheme (one is although against his/her will).  This irked me because they don't know as much about the collections as the adults do even if they are very determined and smart.  However the words of their mentors do help them in times of distress and they do eventually reveal everything to the adults.

Besides the four student pages, there are also siblings!  Anjali has an adorable little sister Jaya, whose help proved instrumental and Marc's little brother Andre also helped despite only being three! They sounded so cute. They were also very brave as some bad magic attacks the students.  Various items from the Grimm fairy tales also make appearances, such as the twelve dancing princesses' slippers and the cudgel in the sack. 

If movies didn't have a tendency to mangle books I love, I would enjoy seeing this as a film.

SLIGHT SPOILER:
So while Aaron originally seemed to like Anjali, he ends up liking Elizabeth (and she reciprocates) which is so totally obvious to everyone except for the two of them.  It leads to a very Sam-and-Diane from "Cheers" back and forth that was so pleasing to me! I adore Sam and Diane and Aaron and Elizabeth's banter was so cute!
END SPOILER

Overall: Although not hardcore fairy tale, the elements are there creating an exciting magical story!

Cover: I actually don't find the darkness very appealing.  I love the title font but the tag seems kind of lame to me.

Hosted by Irena at This Miss Loves to Read.

Pegasus

Pegasus by Robin McKinley
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010
404 pages
YA; Fantasy
3/5 stars

Source: Library

Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pegasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own Pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication. But it's different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close-so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo-and possibly to the future safety of their two nations.  From Goodreads.

Thoughts: I am so glad that I read Allie at A Literary Odyssey's review which warns that the plot moves slowly because I would probably have dropped it.  It is so slow-I kept waiting for something to happen but there are only sporadic action sections and a lot more building a world through description.

A problem with those descriptions is when the pegasi attempt to describe things to Sylvi such as the caves which are really only understood through seeing and experiencing them.  I found the description useless in those cases and it only added to my boredom.  Then there was my confusion as the beginning of the story is Sylvi reading the history of her land before a sudden shift to the story proper.  Frequently the setting shifts between when she is 12 to when she is almost 16 without a clear delineation leaving me confused.

Some parts were great though.  I was very intrigued by the political manipulations; I enjoyed scenes with Sylvi's father King Corone and how he was negotiating against his opponents.  The parts between Sylvi and her pegasus Ebon were interesting as they share a special relationship.

But there wasn't enough suspense to sustain the story; just a lot of talking.  Ordinarily I do like "talky" novels but this did not do it for me.

Overall: So slow until the rapid cliffhanger that prepares the reader for a sequel.

Cover: Gorgeous-pegasi are magnificent and the landscape is lovely.

My Double Life

My Double Life by Janette Rallison
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010
265 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Summary: Alexia lives with her mother and abuela in a small town.  When pictures of her appear on the internet, she is contacted by a celebirty with an unimaginable offer that will change her life and help her meet her father.

Thoughts: I've read most of Rallison's works so when I saw this, I knew I'd want to read it.  I expected something funny with maybe a bit of a crazy plot plus judging from the cover, some Hollywood shenanigans, which I love.

I was pretty satisfied; Rallison is a funny author. Alexia was adorably awkward as she tried to flirt at home and then as she adjusts to her new life as rock star Kari's double.  Kari was also very sympathetic.  She has a lot of problems (gambling and shopping addictions) and is not articulate in the press but she is mostly sweet and seems determined to continue to produce quality music for her fans.  The whole plot is crazy!  But I sped through this book and accepted it.

The worst aspect was Alexia's relationship with Grant which was basically only described in terms of his looks.  Practically every time they were together she rhapsodized about how good looking he was without elaborating on any other qualities he might possess. Oh and for his singing voice because he's a rock star.

The other aspect I didn't like is that Alexia's father is supposed to be such an upstanding guy but he basically had a one-night stand with her mother because she looked like his dead wife despite her being a not-quite high school graduate.  Ew!  He was also kind of a jerk to Alexia when he first met her.

Overall: Wildly implausible but contains some sweetness and funny bits.

Cover: I don't really the picture but I like the spacing and styling of the words.

Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials

Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials

By Rosalind Wiseman

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010

279 pages

YA; Contemporary

Summary: Charlie had an awful time in middle school so she is determined to have a drama-free high school. She makes friends at her new school, including meeting up again with the newly hot Will. But a hazing situation tests her loyalties to him, to the school, and to what's right.

Why I Read This: I had seen this book around and saw that it was available in my library system so I requested it.

My Thoughts: I guess I would classify this more as young YA because the main character is 14 and just seems really young. The topic is important (mean girls-Sugarland song!; hazing; peer pressure) but it didn't really work as a fiction book for me. I should have written this earlier because I don't remember that much from it. Overall lackluster for me. Luckily I was not highly anticipating it or I would have been very disappointed.

Overall: 3.5 out of 5. At times I was intensely aware that the author of this book had written nonfiction books dealing with similar topics.

Cover/Blurb: I think the cover is really cute and pretty appropriate. I wanted to mention the blurbs because Tina Fey (who adopted one of Wiseman's books into Mean Girls, which I totally want to watch again now!) and Meg Cabot (YA goddess) wrote the two on the back. I don't think it's as funny as they made it out to be but what recommendations!

Climbing the Stairs

Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatraman

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008

247 pages

Genre: YA; Historical

Challenge: South Asian Author Challenge

Summary: Vidya is a young girl living in India circa 1941. Her father is beaten by police during a nonviolent protest and the family must move in with the strict paternal family. There the genders are separated and Vidya laments her former more liberal lifestyle. Then her brother enlists, violating family wishes and their father's example of nonviolence.

Why I Read: I realized that I had started my other challenges but not this one so I jumped right in with a book from my list.

Thoughts: I found Vidya very engaging and it was easy to agree with her viewpoint and dislike her traditional aunts and uncles. Her ambition is to go to college and I also find that admirable. The story also has romance in the form of someone I think is her cousin (but might not be) who is going to MIT and will be away from the war. Vidya is very isolated after the move, no friends at school, no friends at home but she has books. That's why she climbs the stairs in fact, to enter the family's library. In the Author's Note, Venkatraman explains how her own family was an inspiration for the book, which I thought was really interesting.

Overall: 4 out of 5. Not too sure about the ending, it seemed a little too pat.

Cover: I like the colors and the pattern on the top but it's a little boring.