The Lost Sun

The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton
4/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013
350 pages
YA Mythology Paranormal

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

Though this book was released at the end of June, I haven't seen much buzz for it. I find this surprising as I know the author has had popular releases before, it features Norse gods in an intriguing paranormal/alternate history story, and because I really enjoyed it so why wouldn't others?

I will try to keep my plot summary as simple and straightforward as I can. In an alternate history, the United States of Asgard seems to cover what is known as the United States of America in our world and is based on worship of Norse gods who came over. One of those is Baldur who dies at the end of every summer and comes back to begin summer; he is associated with sun (hence the title). To solve the mystery of his disappearance stunning prophet Astrid enlists our narrator berserker Soren to go on a road trip to find him based on the information in her visions. Soren is reluctant as he has been fighting his fate to become a bloodthirsty warrior but succumbs to

My summary above isn't that good but I wanted to try to describe it differently from the official publisher synopsis and I think I did that well! For me, the best part of this book was the writing. I fell very easily into this world and did not want to leave until it was concluded. The plot moved at a fast clip, surprising to me as road trip books don't tend to be among my favorites. I also loved all the bits of mythology incorporated. Though I'm not familiar with most of the aspects, I suspect a lot was modified for this story. I would love to know more about what was changed, o knowledgeable readers!

As for the characters, yes there is a bit of a romance. I have a soft spot for guy who falls for the seemingly unattainable girl and just adores her so this played well for me. I have read some reviews mentioning the romance wasn't very well-developed and I honestly can't argue with that other than to say that for some reason it worked for me but it might not work for you.

One last piece of information to know: though this is the start of a series, it does not end on a cliffhanger. The main conflict of this book (where is Baldur?) is resolved though there are still lingering threads of tension to explore as the series continues; I will definitely be returning! I also want to check out Gratton's other books since this outing was such a success.

Other Opinions:
The Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia
Birth of a New Witch
Miss Print

ARC Review: Twerp

Twerp by Mark Goldbatt
4/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013
288 pages
MG/YA Historical Realistic
Scheduled to release May 28

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

This book is technically set in the 1960s but for the most part it feels very contemporary, lacking, for example, talk about the civil rights movement but also lacking mention of computers and cell phones. Apparently it is based on the author's own childhood and it feels like it comes from a very real place.

The format of the novel is that the protagonist, Julian, is keeping a journal for his teacher after an undisclosed bullying incident (which is eventually revealed to us at the end). Along the way, we gain insight into his friendships, first romance, and a burgeoning talent for writing.

For me, the real standout of this book is the writing which felt sophisticated but not in an off-putting way. I imagine that very few sixth-graders write as well as Julian but just because they're not able to put it all in words, doesn't mean they're not thinking these things. I feel like this book could be very popular both with its target audience as well as crossover to an older audience due to the writing style. There's a great balance between comedy and drama and I loved how friendship and loyalty are at the core of Julian's life even when they lead him astray.

Overall, this is a title that I would definitely recommend to young and older readers alike who enjoy contemporary/realistic stories. This is also a great addition to the literature about bullying, being a compelling witness to its wrongness without veering into preachy territory.

The Paladin Prophecy

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost
4/5 stars
Random House Children's Books, 2012
547 pages
YA Fantasy
1st in series

Source: Library

I saw this featured on one blog in particular in December (can't find link any more although I have links to some other reviews below) and was caught by the premise of the main character being sent to a futuristic fantastical boarding school.  So I requested it from the library and was given pause when I saw what a massive book it is. Luckily it moves pretty fast.

Our story centers on Will West (have I mentioned that I love book boys named Will?) whose parents have tried to keep him under the radar, downplaying his spectacular gifts, constantly moving and training him with an expanding list of rules, currently numbering 98. All of this preparation ends up being needed when Will's parents are taken by some creepy guys in black caps, sending Will running to the only place that might be able to provide him security: the aforementioned boarding school, which is recruiting Will exactly because of his special abilities. Once on campus, Will meets a whole host of characters, from his brilliant roommates to the tyrannical upperclassmen to instructors of various temperaments. He begins to realize that his talents place him squarely in the middle of an epic battle with fantastical forces far beyond anything he's ever imagined.  And since this is book one, we're only getting warmed up!

I really liked Will. Yes, he's tremendously special but once he's at the school, he seems a bit more ordinary because everyone there is similarly smart and gifted. He is also quite humble and very loyal. One of his big challenges is to ignore a bit of his upbringing and learn to trust his four roommates: Ajay, Brooke, Elise, and Nick. I also really loved his roommates, who were all distinct personalities to me except for Brooke who is going to need more characterization for the next chapter.

This is a very action-packed book with many physical moments. Will is constantly on the run (including an intense scene at his first cross-country practice) and each time it seems to escalate more in violence and danger. Some reviews have mentioned that the writing is very "telling rather than showing." I thought it worked and felt very cinematic but for people who don't like that kind of writing, be forewarned. I would also say this is more of a plot-driven novel rather than character-driven if you couldn't guess from the mention of all the action. Still I feel there is a bit more character development here than in other action novels.

I do have a few complaints though. For example toward the end everything went kind of crazy leading up to the big climax. Because I was desperate to know what was coming next, I may have read the book a little too fast to fully absorb everything. There is also the character Todd, a secondary antagonist for Will who I presume will play a bigger role later on as he is not resolved in this book; I really want to know what happened to him. And since this is a series, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about the overall struggle. There is a tiny snippet of book 2, Alliance as it seems to be called, and although far too short, it is a great teaser for those who liked this book and should leave you craving book two.

Other Opinions:
Book Sake
The Overflowing Library
The Paperback Princess

Not Exactly a Love Story

Not Exactly a Love Story by Audrey Coulombis
3.5/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
276 pages
YA Historical

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

As seems to happen so often to me of late, I am of two minds about this book, one very positive, the other latching onto one element that really drags down the rating of the book because it just strikes me the wrong way. It's a huge bummer because of course I want to love every book I read.

Let's start with the good, which is that this is a historical. It is so weird to classify this it that way but it is set in 1977 while being written today so that is what it technically is (sidenote: props to Coulombis for not making any characters obsessed with Star Wars because I would have been unable to resist that temptation). But it feels very contemporary with its focus on high school, love, and family. I especially loved the family plot, which has Vinnie's parents getting divorced, his mother almost immediately remarried, and Vinnie moving across the city, forced to attend a new school and getting bullied. He's also navigating crushes including the beautiful popular Patsy who is dating Vinnie's bully.  All of these parts were just fine with a good balance struck between everything.

What is the bad then? Well, Vinnie steals the phone number to the private line of Patsy, who lives next door to him. He decides to call her at midnight and his opening line is...shall we say...not smooth. He sounds like a pervert and he continues to call her, trying to develop a real relationship. Along the way he thinks about how she could've been nicer and more understanding but it's not like she owes him anything. It's also really creepy that she learns he goes to her school but he refuses to divulge his name or his private number or anything about himself. Vinnie can learn as much about Patsy as he wants but she is stymied in learning the most basic facts about him-he has all the power in the relationship and I was really uncomfortable because Vinnie is our hero. I hope he's not going to be used as a role model for similarly awkward boys. And because it's 1977, all Patsy can do is find out from the operator that the number is local-there are no other ways to trace.

Overall: As I said, this one negative element really gave me pause and dragged down the rating of the book. It's my one big hesitation when thinking about whether or not to recommend it to others so I guess I'd say the writing is good but this one plot point was a big sticking point for me.

Flutter

Flutter by Gina Linko
3/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
342 pages
YA Paranormal

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

I entered this book, not really knowing much about it but caught by the mention of time loops. Time travel being a concept I love to ponder, I was curious to know more. In this case, Emery has suffered from what she calls "seizures" for years. However during those seizures, she seems to loop through time, meeting people she knows and especially one particular little boy. As the years pass, they get more serious and Emery fears she is approaching death. Her father and his medical team share this opinion, treating Emery as a scientific subject rather than his daughter and a human being. So Emery decides to go on the run, following clues she has received from the little boy she meets.

These clues lead her to a beautiful small town and bring her into collision with Ash, who she seems to know instinctively is important. I the reader did not understand this at all. I felt like she had plenty of time to shake him but since he ended up being a huge part of her story, he stayed around. While I tried to connect with Emery, I could tell it was not going to happen with Ash.

So the characters were a bust for me. But what about the plot? Emery's father is very indistinct but he does convey scariness later on as he searches for Emery, sending her threatening emails and further distancing himself from his daughter as if she is only something to be studied. I loved the loops-they're told every couple of chapters in italicized font and they have a very different feel, as is appropriate for the truth behind them. That truth is awesome and the ending is killer. If I only I had loved Emery...

If you've read this book, what did you think of the ending? Were you expecting that at all?

Overall: My inability to connect with the characters made this an average read for me.

 

Yesterday

Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin
3.5/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
352 pages
YA Science-Fiction

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

Hmm...this is a difficult review for me to write as I'm pretty neutral about C.K. Kelly Martin's latest offering. I've seen some of her other books around and was thrilled to grab this new one. But while the words tend to flow when I have specific praises or criticisms about a book, they dry up when I have neutral feelings about a book, which is the case here.

I do give Martin props for her writing, which helped lift a middling tale in my opinion. Some elements of the book felt very familiar. For example, the book starts in the future with a rebellious daughter, difficult relationships with parents, and the pending threat of government security. But then there are the more unique elements, like the fact that the girl Freya wakes up in 1985 having received a mind wipe that was unfortunately ineffective. During the parts where Freya can't quite remember, this is a strong realistic fiction offering. Then she sees a guy and realizes that he means something; this remembrance sets them off on an adventurous path to uncover the truth.

Gosh, I even feel lackluster sharing that part of the plot. I think one of my problems is that we are left wondering about the specifics of Freya's remembered life but we already know the basic outlines from the prologue. I wonder if this could have been a stronger entry had the book just opened with Freya in 1985, struggling to remember something that is just not right about her life. Then once she does remember, we have a massive info-dump chapter. I am someone who has a high tolerance for that and I kind of liked having some of my guesses confirmed as well as having Martin's vision for the future elaborated upon but it does freeze the book while all of that information comes out.

Another problem for me was the romance. Freya had feelings for the guy Garren in their future and those feelings are not dormant in 1985. But since I didn't feel much for either character, I didn't care for the romance. I also tend to find it weird that they can focus on that while being hunted and chased but I guess that makes it all the more important to cradle and fight for what really matters.

Overall: Decidedly meh-I cannot recommend this book although maybe you speculative fiction lovers would find more to enjoy.

Unspoken

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
3.5/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
370 pages
YA Paranormal

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

Long ago on the blog I reviewed Sarah Rees Brennan's The Demon's Lexicon, The Demon's Covenant, and The Demon's Surrender with decidedly mixed feelings that left me unsure if I would ever read another book by her. But then the collaboration on Team Human surprised me with its funny quips and heart so I decided to pick this book up.

I can easily compare this book Unspoken, the first in the Lynburn Legacy series to my experiences with those other books. On the one hand, it has many hysterical lines a la Team Human. All of the characters are pretty snappy but especially main character Kami whose odd sense of humor has kept her somewhat separated from many of her classmates. Another element that has contributed to that isolation is the fact that she has a boy in her head. No, not an invisible friend but the ability to communicate mentally with Jared despite their very different lives, he in America, she in English town Sorry-in-the-Vale. Although this is an odd circumstance, it's been working for them. Until the day that Jared shows up in town along with his mother, his aunt, his uncle, and his cousin, the Lynburns who basically run the town. This unexpected arrival leads to all sorts of complications including mysterious murders in the woods, which Kami sets out to investigate along with her motley crew.

I did not have a problem with the beginning of the book. Right away I thought Kami was hilarious and I loved her best friend people-hating Angela as well as new friend Holly. Their families also had some great moments. But while I was laughing, I was wondering where the story was going. When the Lynburns show up, it adds a jolt and some direction but not enough and not quickly enough. A large portion of the book is Kami freaking out over meeting the boy in her head. Jared poses as your stereotypical bad boy although he would basically do anything for Kami and their relationship is mighty complicated.

That's where the book and I started to differ: first in the way the relationship between Kami and Jared is handled and then in the secret behind the Lynburns return. The adults actually play a large part in making this book paranormal and it was just not engaging me. I could not decipher why the plot was twisting the way it was. I managed to finish the book but it was halfhearted. This is the same way I ended up feeling about The Demon's Lexicon trilogy, just a complete inability to invest in the direction Brennan was taking the story.

Overall: I am very aware that my problems with the book are my unique problems and that it is very hard for me to pin down the exact reasons why. So I'll just say that this was a case of author/reader mismatch: I want x things and she gave me y things.

Cover: Very beautiful-relevant to the story while also eye-catching and enchanting. I think it stands apart from a lot of other colors and I bet it will look very nice on a shelf.

Jump Into the Sky

Jump Into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall
4/5 stars
Alfred A. Knopf BFYR, 2012
342 pages
MG/YA Historical

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

I was very excited to give this book a read as it is set in America during the waning days of WWII (we actually experience V-E Day as well V-J Day). I haven't read many books during that time and lately have read mostly European-set war books.

Our protagonist is Levi whose aunt has been keeping him in Chicago while his father serves in the army but who is sent to join his father at camp in North Carolina. When Levi arrives, he discovers that he just missed his father and stays with an injured armyman before they journey to Oregon to meet up with the rest of the men. It's not exactly the most exciting novel given that it's all in the US but I appreciated it (just a warning for other readers).

There are however several bursts of intensity surrounding Levi's trips through the South, where he experiences Jim Crow laws and receives threats based solely on the color of his skin. This is scariest when a shopkeeper turns a gun on Levi, who's really one of the sweetest book boys I've ever read, while forcing him to drink. I was actually prepared for even worse things to happen based on the time period and location but that was definitely the most overt aggression although there are many other instances of discrimination.

One place of discrimination is in the army (remember that troops were still segregated although integration will be coming soon). Levi's father was part of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, an all-black airborne unit, whose members crave to serve their country overseas but who are relegated to the homefront, including fighting fires in Oregon and searching for elusive Japanese fire balloons, the very existence of which they come to doubt although their work is eventually justified. Again this isn't something I know much about so it was great to learn something new.

Lastly I wanted to mention themes of family and sticking together. The members of Levi's family always seem to leave, starting with his mother and continuing with his father's wanderings. It makes Levi wonder about his own constancy until the events of this book prove his loyalty and consistency. I also really loved the family Levi stays with in North Carolina. They are a young couple who have a child during that time and they are just good people trying to do their best under difficult circumstances and of course I loved that they took care of Levi.

Overall: A sweet slower-paced book about the homefront toward the end of WWII; vivid descriptions and characterizations reward the reader.

Cover: I'm not a huge fan of the cover given the huge face on the cover although at least he's not staring at me but I do like the plane and paratrooper superimposed over his head.

The Wednesdays

The Wednesdays by Julie Bourbeau
3.5/5 stars
Illustrated by Jason Beene
Alfred A. Knopf BFYR, 2012
245 pages
Middle-Grade Fantastical

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

I'm not entirely sure why I requested this book to read other than that I've enjoyed a lot of middle-grade stories lately so I'm always on the lookout for more to love.

The book is set in a small village that seems perfectly normal except for the fact that it completely shuts down on Wednesdays and everyone stays indoors to avoid the awful and peculiar things that happen otherwise. One exception is Max who loves the freedom that comes from no one else being around. At least he loves it, until he runs into literal Wednesdays and discovers that he is turning into one, a fate he desperately wishes to avoid.

Honestly this book was just fine but it didn't have that extra something special that gets a book onto my favorites shelf. I think that was partly because of its focus on the male gender, which may make this a great book for young boys who like that sort of thing. However I tend to prefer a female main character so it didn't work for me. Although girls used to be Wednesdays but no more, that element isn't really discussed or delved into. That might have given this book an extra punch that would have made me more interested.

I thought the writing was fun with a good sense of humor and pretty good pacing. It did get a little scary and tense toward the end but then I'm kind of a wimp so that very much depends on your own fortitude. The illustrations were cool and something I appreciated; I love getting that extra peek into an author's conception of characters and scenes. There are also some great passages about family as Max wants to stay human and be with his.

Overall: A fun adventure, one perhaps better suited for its target audience than adults.

Cover: Love that the dog Thursday is on the cover as the only character who can fend off the Wednesdays.

Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
4/5 stars
Wendy Lamb Books
180 pages
Middle-Grade Contemporary

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

I thought the cover and the blurb for this book looked cute so I requested it. I didn't realize this the author of When You Reach Me (it is written in rather small font on the cover photo) and I haven't read that any way so I did not enter this book with any expectations.

Our main character is Georges (named after George Seurat, the painter of the very famous pointillist masterpiece "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette".) He is undergoing some big changes as his family has moved to a new apartment because his father lost his job. Meanwhile he never sees his mother because she has been at the hospital, picking up every double shift that she can. In this new apartment building, Georges meets Safer, part of an eccentric family (how eccentric? The parents waited until the kids were about two and then named them based on their personalities.) Safer is the resident spy and he recruits Georges to spy on their neighbors. At school Georges deals with bullies and negotiating his way through middle school.

For the most part, this is a pretty quiet contemporary story with not much action (although there are some suspenseful moments when Georges and Safer put their investigative skills to the test). One of my favorite elements was the mention of the reform spelling movement (of which Theodore Roosevelt was a proponent) from one of Georges' classmates in some funny scenes. I also enjoyed seeing Georges navigate the rocky waters of school and implement an excellent plan for handling his problems there.

As I read though, I thought, "This is pleasant enough but how is this book going to wow me?" Well, it turns out that it will have a twist that makes you go back and rethink many of the passages that came before. I can see this twist was included (I don't want to be spoilery about it but for the right reader, it could be very emotional) but I found it to be cheap and manipulative, leaving me with a bad taste in my mouth. I think there could have been a bit more work done to prep the reader.

Overall: A heartwarming story except for the little matter of the aforementioned spoiler.

Cover: I love this cover-I think it's really cute and appropriate for the story.
 

Seraphina

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
5/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
451 pages
YA Fantasy

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

I didn't know much about this book other than that it featured dragons which was reason enough for me to read it. As popular as dragons are, I still have not read much fiction with them. I had also seen several positive reviews of the book, albeit with some cautions about a slow beginning.

So recently I picked the book up and was soon consumed by the world created and especially the characters. I just loved them all so much and I really want to underscore that as I don't always have such a powerful positive reaction to characters. Of course there is main character Seraphina, half-human, half-dragon, who reminded me very strongly of Alanna from Tamora Pierce's series, perhaps because of the deception both must perform to maintain their place at court. Seraphina is not even supposed to exist, living in a country where humans and dragons maintain an uneasy peace. She must keep her dragon parts tightly under wraps even as the two world collide and she possesses a unique mindset to maintain that peace. Because of her covert way of life, Seraphina often lies, trying to maintain the masquerade; although this usually bothers me in a character, I completely understood her reasons and strongly sympathized with her.

After Seraphina, we have her uncle Orma, a dragon secretly masquerading as a human. He has served as her teacher and mentor and serves as our prime insight into the mind of dragons. They're kind of like Vulcans, with an emphasis on logic and pursuit of knowledge while despising human emotions like love, and Orma seriously reminded me of Spock in his careful way of speaking as well as his confusion over the human world. The other major character I have to mention is Prince Lucian Kiggs, who I pictured as Richard Armitage in North and South-sawoon, captain of the Queen's Guard and betrothed to the princess-heir but whose mind is dangerously perceptive to Seraphina's secrets and lies. I realize that of the three characters I mention, I also compared them to others, which I find to be a good thing. They're not exact copies; they just elicit positive comparisons to characters I already love in one way or another.

As for pacing, I can see some people finding parts slow, especially those who generally don't like fantasy. I did struggle with some of the names and new words, being unsure of pronunciation. But I am also comfortable with a slow pace so I can't really comment on that section. I can say that I thought information was doled out at a pretty appropriate pace and I don't have any complaints. It was maybe a bit on the long side but since fantasy has a lot to establish, I am understanding of that.

You may notice that I didn't share much about the plot. That was intentional as I don't want to accidentally reveal any of the many twists and turns. There are so many more great characters I didn't mention as I don't want spoilers and just a lot packed into this book. I am very excited for the next book.

Overall: Pretty dang perfect fantasy!

Cover: Not my favorite-I tend to like bold, bright covers that catch the eye. This seems more muted although I'd have to see it in person to really judge properly.

Racing the Moon

Racing the Moon by Alan Armstrong
3/5 stars
Random House Children's Books, 2012
211 pages
MG Historical

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

I requested this book on a whim after seeing that it was a historical novel, a genre close to my heart. I thought I saw something about a female main character with a love of adventure and dreams of the moon, which sounded different from my usual read.

Well, this ended up being kind of a weird read for me. There were a lot of threads and things I thought would be explored more but then weren't and things that were oddly brought in. For example, I had expected a story about young Alex following her dreams to learn about space travel in the year 1947. Instead it seemed to be more about her older brother Chuck, straightening out his life and receiving an amazing opportunity to join the space program after much talk about being adopted, actions made out of spite towards other, and multiple endangerments of Alex's life (more about that later). Then there is the exciting Captain Ebbs, who helped feed Europe after World War II and is working to create new space food for the astronauts. Her interest in the kids gives them the amazing opportunities they experience, including meeting the brilliant Wernher von Braun, a Nazi-scientist who defected to the US to continue his pursuit of knowledge. She also is a descendant of John Smith (he of Pocahontas fame to us Disney fans) and shares his journal about exploration with parallels to the work of the day's rocket scientists.

First things first, Alex clearly adored her older brother but I was frequently appalled by his behavior and what he modeled for her. He encouraged thievery, looking before you leap, and trespassing on federal grounds where they could easily have been shot! I can see where Alex sought adventure but I just wanted to shake some sense in to that boy. Additionally Captain Ebbs offered them friendship and guidance and they went behind her back as Chuck doggedly pursued only what he wanted. I could not believe the way he repaid her hospitality.

There wasn't much about von Braun, whose membership in the Nazi Party has been debated as well as his feelings about the slave labor utilized under that regime for his work. Did he join under coercion? Could he have done something to end the slave labor without sacrificing his own life? These questions aren't really debated but they are something I'm thinking about as I do my own research after the book. Similarly the excerpts from John Smith have inspired me to look for more since, as stated earlier, I am most familiar with him from the Disney film despite its questionable relationship to reality. I wish there had been an author's note talking more about these figures although some suggested reading is provided in the acknowledgements.

As I read back over what I have written, I see that expectations played a big role in my dissatisfaction. I thought there would be more of a focus on a young girl instead of an almost adult male. Alex was a sweet inquisitive kid so to see her do her own exploring instead of being Chuck's shadow would have been more to my taste. Furthermore, the book seemed a bit overpacked with both von Braun and Smith, whose sections did nothing for me. I feel like the story I got wanted to be a YA tale focusing exclusively on Chuck and bringing in more historical detail.

Overall: Expectations not met but could still be a great read for a more prepared reader as there is lots of adventure and excitement.

Cover: It definitely looks middle-grade to me, something about the close-up on the face.

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher
3/5 stars
Random House Children's Books, 2012
230 pages
YA Contemporary

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

It's a bit unfortunate that "unbearable" is in the title of this book as that largely describes my feelings about the characters presented in this book.We have four high schoolers who for one reason or another are stuck in their small town for the summer with mothers who think it is a great idea for them to gather for a book club.

Those book clubs were very interesting especially when they actually discussed the work such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," both of which I have read and enjoyed. I was not familiar with the other titles but they were intriguingly presented and I am interested in checking them out at a later date. I also liked the framing device of defining various literary terms such as "simile" at the beginning of each chapter since the book is presented as a school assigment.

However the book club is not the only thing going on in the book. Narrator Adrienne has a knee injury that kept her from going on a camping trip. CeeCee is a spoiled rich girl, eager for thrills whose parents have grounded her from a Paris trip. Jill is an overachiever who managed to secure a summer job and Wallis is the mysterious precocious youngster who skipped a grade (or two) and clawed her way into the group despite the absence of her mother. I never felt a connection to any of them and at times actively disliked them and their choices (in particular CeeCee's bad girl ways and Adrienne's attraction to them).

Overall: Due to my inability to connect with the characters but enjoyment of the writing, this was a wash for me. If you do give this a try, I hope it all works better for you.

Cover: Promises a fun summer read; the setting is around a pool but I didn't feel the fun.

Spirit's Princess

Spirit's Princess by Esther Friesner
3/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012
449 pages
YA; Historical Fantasy

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

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book although I knew that it was based on a real-life historical figure, known as Himiko, in ancient Japan. That is not a time period I am familiar with so that meant that everything would be new to me.

Now I don't know if it was because of how new everything was or what the reason might be, but I really struggled to read this book. That would be mostly because of the characters. I could not get a feel for the young Himiko and none of the other characters really interested me. Honestly I thought Himiko was kind of a brat, quick to anger and selfish.  Most of her mishaps come from her bullheadedness and inability to listen to people unless they told her what she wanted to hear.

The setting was fine. Himiko is the only daughter of the chief of a secluded clan (not sure how big they are though they must be of some size) and somewhat spoiled. She desires to be like her eldest brother and also finds herself drawn to the shaman of their tribe. Through these twin desires, she wanders through the book, which takes place over some years (not entirely sure how many but she goes from child to adult woman ready for marriage).

Saying that, there were some cool plot points that relate to the fantasy aspect. The shaman educates Himiko but Himiko also seems to possess her own powers that infused some magic into the story. The descriptions around these experiences were very intriguing especially the final one toward the end, which I think will help guide Himiko in the next book in the series. However I will not be joining them because I did not enjoy this book enough.

Overall: A different kind of historical fiction (we need more non-Europe stories) but with lackluster characters and a meandering plot that made it difficult for me to concentrate.

My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan

My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan by Seth Rudetsky
Random House, 2012
211 pages
YA; Contemporary
4.5/5 stars

I have a total talent crush on Seth Rudetsky. I've seen him be hilarious on that Legally Blonde talent search show, I've read his columns for Playbill.com, and I've heard him on Sirius XM on Broadway. He's so funny and so knowledgeable about music and Broadway. However I wasn't sure if he could write a novel with characters I would care about-he's so good at that other stuff; could he be good at this too?

Well, I am happy to say that I found this book immensely satisfying with a likable MC and lots of funny bits, even if it is very predictable. The plot revolves around unpopular Justin, a sophomore with an intense crush on jock Chuck and a burning desire to be popular. However he's awkward with weird friends until he comes up with a brilliant plan: pretend to date Chuck's secret girlfriend Becky since her dad hates Chuck; get closer to Chuck; become insanely popular. Of course, as the reader, you can spot all sorts of flaws with this plan but that doesn't mean that I stopped reading even as I predicted every element of the plot.

First Justin is a sweet kid even if his priorities are a little messed up. He loves piano and he knows every bit of Broadway minutia; I would totally want to be friends with him and like Becky, may even have developed a misguided crush, were I around him. His best friend Spencer is also a great kid even if he's a little frustrating. I also liked that both boys knew they were gay and were pretty comfortable with that despite some of the awful kids around them. The story isn't so much about being gay as about navigating high school pitfalls, which everyone can relate to.

Second this book is SO funny. I'm already familiar with Rudetsky's writing style from his columns but I found his fiction writing just as enjoyable. The pacing was pretty good although some parts dragged too much for my taste.

And my last main point is that I loved the representation of the parents. They're pretty aware of Justin's life and a little interfering but with good intentions. They seemed pretty realistic and are responsible for some of the funniest moments. Love good YA parents!

Now I'm not saying that this book is in any way groundbreaking. As mentioned it's very predictable but I think the humor adds a welcome aspect to it and really made me enjoy it. I closed the book with a big smile on my face because I was just so happy!

Mastiff

Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
Random House, 2011
581 pages
YA; Fantasy
4/5 stars

Source: Library

In the conclusion to the Beka Cooper trilogy, we come to this massive doorstop book. I was so intimidated picking it up from the library and realizing its size. Additionally it opens with Beka at the funeral of her fiance, Holborn, who I didn't remember! Luckily after some searching, I realized that he had not been introduced before, which creates a jarring effect. Why start honoring the death of a character we don't know?

But then it does move into the story, which puts Beka, her partner Tunstall, her scent hound Achoo, and constellation-in-cat-form Pounce on the hunt for the kidnapped prince, a tangled web of disgruntled mage and nobility deception. Along the way we also meet a new character, a mage Farmer Cape, who is brought onto the Hunt to counter the many magical challenges they face. In short, he is delightful. He is full of curiosity and is very inventive. He's funny and sweet and I obviously fell for him...as does Beka.  We also see some of the other characters from the previous books such as Tunstall's lover Lady Sabine and Beka's patron Lord Gershom but the focus is on the core group hunting the prince.

And despite its bulk, this book does move fairly fast. Part of that is due to Pierce's confident writing style and the engaging characters. Then there is the nature of the story, which is tracking clues and attempting to piece disparate elements together. That kind of story usually compels me to read as fast as I can to discover what happened.

One of my favorite parts was the end, which returns to time of Alanna and shows George Cooper, descendant of Beka, as he begins his reign as the King of Rogues and just after he's met "Alan." Great shout-out for fans of the Song of the Lioness Quartet and hopefully intriguing enough to get any one who hasn't read those books to pick them up.

However this book is far from perfect as you might surmise from my rating. First as already mentioned is the opening, which made it hard for me to get in to. Holborn meant nothing to me and while Beka had disengaged from her fiance, meaning that she wasn't in mourning, it made the whole start awkward.  Additionally Pierce seems to have wanted to focus on the devastating effects of slavery but it is a little heavy-handed rather than naturally included. One last point is the reveal of a traitor to Beka; other readers have been very upset with the twist. I could see why that person was chosen but I really wish it hadn't happened.

Cover: Beka's head seems at a really awkward angle; I can't imagine that it is comfortable. I do like seeing Pounce and Achoo though.

The Enchantress of Florence

The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2008
349 pages
Literary Fiction; Historical; Magical
3.5/5 stars

Source: Bought and read for school

Read the summary on its Goodreads page.

This was my first experience with Rushdie and it definitely left me intrigued for more.  I read it for a history class and thus was most interested in the real-life figure Akbar the Great, Mughal Emperor, and in my opinion, the most interesting character in the book.  His musings on life and philosophy were some of the most entertaining passages.  Otherwise the sections in Italy confused me, mostly because of characters with several names.

The role of women was also something that caught my eye.  Although they are subordinate to men, they are still able to exercise some power, usually through their sexual powers and their ability to enchant entire populations.  This is also the time of Elizabeth I so one women even has the power of a monarch.  Yet overall I found the female characters lacking in the depth and personality that most of the male characters received.  While this disappointed me, it did not altogether surprise me given that Rushdie is male and that literary fiction often skimps on women.

I did not like the many obscenities and the preoccupation with sex evidenced by many of the characters.  I found those instances unnecessary and I think that most of the information could have been conveyed in a different way.

Overall: Left me wanting more Rushdie, particularly to try his highly acclaimed Midnight's Children

Cover: Very striking with its combination of reds and yellows.

Read for British Books Challenge

The Ninth

The Ninth: Beethoven and the World in 1824 by Harvey Sachs
Random House, 2010
200 pages
Non-fiction; History; Music
3/5 stars

Source: Library

Summary: A look at the pivotal year in music of 1824 with the premiere of Beethoven's masterpiece, the Ninth Symphony.  Additionally examinations of other Romantic artists of the time, a look at the symphony itself, and how this symphony influenced later musicians.

Thoughts: I wanted to read this because of the cover and because Beethoven is my favorite composer.  I'm a violist and I've been lucky enough to play the First, the Fifth, and the Sixth-I wish I could have the opportunity to play more.  I really liked the first section which explored Beethoven writing the symphony and then arranging for its premiere in Vienna.  This was a good historical narrative.

Then it went to the second part with other artists such as Lord Byron and Alexander Pushkin; they may or may not have been motivated in similar ways to Beethoven and they may or may not have heard his music.  Any way, it was boring.  The third section was also boring with long descriptions of his impressions of the symphony but not in a technical way, which I think I would have appreciated more. 

I also liked the fourth section because of the adulation Hector Berlioz had for Beethoven.  Berlioz is my second favorite composer and he wrote my favorite piece Symphonie fantastique. I guess I know why I like Berlioz so much now; he calls back to Beethoven in some ways while also being totally original and himself.

Overall: Boring and while technically short, seemed much longer.  While I've heard the Ninth, I definitely want to listen to it again.

Cover: I still love the cover; it attracted me to the book.

A Truth Universally Acknowledged

A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Great Writers on Why We Read Jane Austen ed. Susannah Carson

Random House, 2009; 277 pages

Summary: Collections of essays by writers on why we read Jane Austen.

Why I Read This: "I am a Jane Austenite, and therefore slightly imbecile about Jane Austen."

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this. It definitely encourages me to reread Emma which I was already planning to do, having been inspired by the recent miniseries (which was meh but I'm always happy that people want to continue to read and reinterpret Austen so I don't mind too much; the main thing that stuck out to me was that there was a lot of Frank Churchill and I want to see if I get that feeling from the book too.) My favorite point was the delightful pleasure we get from rereading Austen. Any book that can be reread like that is something worth cherishing. My main complaint is repitition as in some essays repeat the same couple of quotes about or from her which got old fast.

Overall: 4/5 Good for people who love Austen's works

Question: What is your favorite Austen? And what did you think of the 2009 Emma miniseries, if you saw it? My answers are Pride and Prejudice and meh.