Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Henry Holt and Company, 2010
343 pages
YA; Contemporary; Fantastical
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Best Overlooked YA Book Battle.

As I think back on this book, I actually have quite a few problems with it but the overall tone and style swept me away and kept me flipping those pages very quickly!  I was satisfied with the conclusion; there were just some problems along the way.

The book starts with Sam's perspective; it turns out he's a necromancer and he has come under the interest of Douglas, a powerful necromancer who brooks no competition.  Most of the story is told from Sam's perspective but occasionally it shifts to third-person to examine other characters mainly Douglas although some other characters briefly are the focus.  I can handle books with shifting perspectives but it was too inconsistent for me.  Brid, a were-human, is the focus of a couple of chapters and then it just ignores her.  Other characters only have their perspective highlighted once toward the end; I just didn't see the point of that.  If it couldn't be told from the point of view of the characters already established, then maybe it needs to be rethought.

Douglas is super evil: ambitious, cruel, and supposedly super-smart.  Yet in the final showdown he seemed to not notice that Brid's cage was empty despite it being big and in the center of his basement.  I did not believe that this intelligent man would not notice that rather important circumstance.

There were also some threads left hanging such as Ramon, Sam's friend who is injured, and questions about Sam's family, who are also strong in necromancy.  I want to know that they will all be okay.

Other than that though, this was a quirky (and fast-moving) novel touching on family ties and all sorts of cool paranormal creatures and abilities.

Cover: The crow is important but I think Sam looks a little smug, which is not in character.

Eon

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
Viking, 2008
531 pages
YA; Fantasy
4.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

If you enjoy Tamora Pierce's Alanna series, I think there is much to enjoy in this book too.  Similarities include a woman posing as a man in order to attain a specific military and court position.  She will have to use all of her powers to save herself and the ones she loves from destruction.  However this is a completely different story with much to enjoy in its own right.

Eona, posing as Eon, is attempting to become a Dragoneye, one of twelve dragons aligned with animals such as the Rat Dragon, Tiger Dragon, etc. There seems to be much that is drawn from Chinese culture in particular and Asian culture in general.  Goodman did a great job describing Eona's feelings and building the world around her.  Although the book is long, I flew through it because I was able to picture myself in the world.

One of the big themes is exploration of gender.  Eona hides as Eon and attempts to sublimate every part of her femininity, described as her moon side while allowing full rein to her sun side.  Two helpful companions are Lady Dela, born as a man but who dresses and appears as female, and her bodyguard Ryko, a eunuch who helps Eon immensely in many ways.  They open the discourse for these this theme.

There was a lot of action and suspense that thrilled me to no end.  I did have one big disappointment (not a spoiler): the book ends with no mention of what happened to Kygo, an almost friend of Eona's; in fact, he seems largely forgotten.  I assume he will appear in the sequel Eona but the reviews I've read have been sketchy on details.

Overall: A fast-moving adventure story with a complex mythology and interesting characters.

The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose

The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose by Mary Hooper
Bloomsbury, 2006
334 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Overlooked YA Book Battle.

I wasn't entirely sure about this book because it's set in Restoration England and features a closer look at one of Charles II's many mistresses, Nell Gwyn.  She befriends Eliza Rose, who undergoes a remarkable journey.  Eliza's stepmother kicked her out, so she traveled to London to find her father who was looking for work there.  She lands in jail but is bailed out by Nell Gwyn's mother.  After narrowly avoiding having her virginity sold to a wealthy man, she becomes the maid to Nell as she begins her affair with the king.  Eliza learns more about the world and her family background.

I thought the most striking feature of this novel was the comparison of three paths followed by vulnerable young women in seventeenth century England.  Nell is a poor actress who confidently manipulates men with her sexuality, steadily rising in the world as a mistress to powerful and wealthy men until she secures a place with Charles II and conceives a child by him.  Their friend Jemima was wealthy but she fell for the charms of a scoundrel who only wanted her wealth; her fake marriage and their very real baby lead to her fall from grace.  Eliza walks a sort of middle ground, avoiding the advances of men and attempting to live respectably.  However all three girls achieve relatively happy endings.

Eliza's ending, while hinting at respectable marriage, was too pat for me.  She finds out early on that the people she thought were her parents were not.  Through a series of events, she discovers who her family actually is but I didn't buy it.

I was also disappointed with the historical details.  I've read historical novels where I felt immersed in the world, could see the details, could smell the scents.  This was not one of the novels.  Nothing felt anachronistic; I just didn't disappear into the world as I would have preferred.  Part of this might have been a general dislike for this time period.  I've always disapproved of Charles II's excesses, especially the behavior encouraged in his illegitimate son and his rowdy crowd, which is highlighted in this novel.

Overall: A fine historical novel, of particular interest to fans of Restoration England or YA historical fiction in general.

Cover: Eliza is a pretty girl with lovely hair but it doesn't really look like a historical fiction novel to me although I feel like the title and font of her name signals another time.

Read for British Book Challenge.

Book Battle Bracket Choice

The YA Bloggers Best Overlooked Book Battle 2011 hosted by The Shady Glade

The contenders in this bracket are: Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda and Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro.

This was a tough bracket to judge because on the one hand, we have British, dark, action, paranormal, intersections of history and religion; on the other hand, there is American, light, comedy, romance, teenage angst.  Totally different, right? But what it came down to was how connected I felt to the characters, which only happened in Top Ten Uses.  I immediately loved Nic and the writing style.  Despite my interest in the exciting plot of Devil's Kiss, I always felt at a distance from main character Bili even though she grows a lot as a character.

Winner: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress-good luck in the rest of the battle!

Make sure to keep checking The Shady Glade for more updates on the battle.

Crowned

Crowned by Julie Linker
Simon Pulse, 2008
290 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

I really enjoyed the conversational tone of this book as Presley directs her narration toward the narrator with frequent asides.  I also enjoyed the setting, which is focused on a beauty pageant, as might be guessed by looking at the cover.  The main focus is Presley's rivalry with Megan at the pageant and many hilarious events happen over the course of the novel.  Presley is brash and rather confident but she frequently acts ridiculous and I found myself laughing a lot.

Although I think I've only watched Miss America maybe once, I'll admit that I have long been interested in the whole concept of the beauty pageant circuit (too many viewings of Miss Congeniality?)  This provides many insights on the process from talent to interview portions and they added verisimilitude although I admit that I can't actually judge on the accuracy.

Of course there are also some cute guys.  There is the very nice but gullible Gabe who breaks up with Presley by making out with Megan in the hallway of their school early in the book.  However Robbie, the very hot senior, takes more than a friendly interest in Presley.  Neither guy occupies much page space but being possessed of a vivid imagination, I was able to conjure up pictures of them, which added a lot.

Overall: A funny and opinionated main character in the cut-throat world of beauty pageants.

Cover: The main character's hair is actually stated as blonde in the beginning although that changes...but I really like the purple and the tiara is very pretty.

The Rise of Renegade X

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell
Egmont, 2010
340 pages
YA; Fantasy
4.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

Damien has been waiting for his sixteenth birthday and the "V" that will appear on his thumb signifying his future as a supervillain.  However on the big day, he discovers an "X" indicating that his supervillain mother slept with a superhero and leaving Damien's future up in the air.  His father and family take Damien in to teach him about heroism with Damien stubbornly resisting all the way. But a villainous crisis sends Damien into questions about what his future path will be.

I really loved Damien; he was so set on being a supervillain and some of his plans were quite ingenious but his compassion keeps tripping him up.  He didn't want to hurt lab rats, he wants to mend his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Kat who had cheated on him but who he still loves, he helps the weird girl in school Sarah, and other deeds.  His narration was amazing and I loved his point of view.  Not only did he describe things well, he also made me laugh a lot!

I also really liked the supporting characters, in particular Kat and Sarah.  Kat got her "V" early with the super cool ability to shape shift herself.  Kat and Damien endure a physical separation as he lives with his dad and he suffers embarrassment over his "X."  Sarah is also cool; she's technically ordinary but she has a brilliant name and comes up with Damian's name.  She creates his costume and gadgets and offers herself as his trusty sidekick.

The world created was okay. The setting is Golden City which has the highest concentration of heroes and villains in the United States.  Obviously there are distinctions because of the presence of them and the Banking and Finances Building, the tallest around, plays a very important role but overall it was the characters that shined for me.

Overall: A cool concept, well-written and executed. Sequel please?

Cover: The cover probably wouldn't make me pick up this book because I tend to look for female narrators but it's definitely fitting.

On Viney's Mountain

On Viney's Mountain by Joan Donaldson
Holiday House, 2009
224 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

This historical novel is set in very rural Tennessee in the late nineteenth-century.  Although Viney loves her mountain town her older sister Lizzie loathes it and hopes to escape one day.  She might get her wish when a group of Englishmen arrive in Rugby to found a new utopia.  Despite Viney's hopes, the changes wrought by these foreigners will forever alter her life.

Viney was a tricky character.  Although she professes to hate the changes inflicted on her town by the Englishmen and to be uninterested in courting, her actions did not always follow that.  Sometimes she was cruel and spiteful; the next moment warm and welcoming.  I felt a bit unbalanced while reading her story.  However I did admire most of her actions.  She lived in a very difficult time and place, especially as a young single woman who is effectively orphaned.  She is also a skilled weaver who incorporates the mountains into her artwork and is eager to read.

Her relationship with her sister Lizzie is important but as Lizzie jumps at the opportunity to flee their small cottage in the hopes of being in the way of an eligible gentleman, the reader doesn't spend much time with her, at first.  After tragedy strikes, we learn more about Lizzie and she shows her real mettle.

Although many of the Englishmen are useless twats, there are a few good men.  One is Seamus, who's actually an Irishman and a skilled fiddler.  The other is Charlie.  Viney takes the opportunity of their arrival to feign an interest in courting in order to appear normal to her neighbors.  Of course, this manipulation of the decent men does not entirely end well and Viney is forced to make difficult decisions.  There are some very cute moments between her and Charlie, I must say.

The historical elements were great and the writing was fine.  Quite a bit of the dialogue is told in the vernacular with "ain't"s and such filling the text but I understand the historical accuracy of that; I don't like it but I understand it.

Overall: A fine historical novel of an often ignored time and region in American historical fiction.

Cover: Pretty plain; doesn't jump out at the reader to attract attention. I think it has a fairytale-esque element to it like a young maiden on a quest.

The 10 P.M. Question

The 10 P.M. Question by Kate De Goldi
Candlewick Press, 2008
245 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

The main character of this book is Frankie Parsons, who has anxiety over many of the situations in his life leading to frequent 10 pm talks with his mother as he seeks reassurance.  Among those pressing items: his relationships with his siblings Louis and Gordana, his friendships with Gigs and Sydney, and household worries.  One thing that is never discussed is why his mom hasn't left the house in nine years and why he spent months with his great-aunts while his mom suffered a nervous breakdown.  However Frankie's world seems to be unraveling and there's nothing he can do about it.

I really felt for Frankie, whose tendency toward worst-case scenarios mirrors my own (although I would say his was worse).  His quirky family also captured my heart.  Despite their many flaws, in general, their love for each other and their willingness to help each other warmed me.

The story itself maintains tension through hinting at his mother's mental problems but with Frankie working to ignore them for as long as he can and attempting to control what he can.  As the story continues, though, that control falters and Frankie has to face it.

The language was great; there were some difficulties for me in understanding New Zealand talk and cricket but nothing that interfered with my enjoyment of the book and my love for Frankie.

Overall: A zany cast of characters with real heart in the story.

Cover: I do actually like this and how it relates to the story (partly because of Frankie's interest in birds).

The Third Pig Detective Agency

The Third Pig Detective Agency by Bob Burke
The Friday Project, 2009
149 pages
YA; MG; Fairy Tales; Mystery
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Overlooked YA Book Battle.

This is a cute little mystery story.  The third pig is Harry Pigg of "The Three Little Pigs," who built his house of bricks.  He has turned his attention to solving crimes in Grimmtown.  One day Aladdin comes to him and commands Harry to find Aladdin's stolen lamp.  Through a tangled twist of lies and deception, Harry manages to solve the case and bring everything to a satisfying conclusion.

I was really excited about this because I love fairy tales and mysteries.  I thought they were well-combined here in a light and humorous way.  Harry has a straightforward way of speaking to the audience and the pacing was excellent (it's a pretty short book).  There were many twists and turns as Harry keeps running afoul of different dangerous people and having to scramble to get out of traps.

Personally I would have liked a bit more fairy tale but there were many references; I just wanted more.  The inclusion of Aladdin threw me a bit because I kept his stories separate from the Grimm fairy tales; this proves that various oral literary traditions should be thrown together in order to provide more amusement.   Keep an eye out for the sequel The Ho Ho Ho Mystery involving the disappearance of Santa Claus!

Overall: A quick mystery with a likable detective; recommended for fans of Jasper Fforde.

Hosted by Irena at This Miss Loves to Read.

13 Little Blue Envelopes

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
HarperCollins, 2005
217 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Free NookBook

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

I was so disconcerted that this book was written in third person instead of first.  Every time it referred to Ginny instead of her referring to herself made me mentally rewind.  I just felt like it was a book that would have worked as first person.  Not that I didn't like it in third.

The plot is that Ginny's aunt died and after her death, Ginny received a bundle of 13 envelopes sending her off on a trip around Europe.  I have to agree with the boy Ginny meets, named Keith, who correctly observes that her aunt is flaky and kind of nuts to have come up with this plan for Ginny.  Her adventures were interesting but I was worried about her safety and her mental health in still dealing with the loss of her aunt.

Once I ignored that quibble though, I loved Ginny's adventures.  She traveled all over western Europe, seeing many places that I hope to see some day.  The descriptions were great and there was a lot of hilarity.  Ginny meets some many different people and they all teach her something valuable about life even if she doesn't realize it at the time.  I can also see how the sequel will start, based on the ending to this book.  Hopefully I can read that soon.

Nevermore

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010
543 pages
YA; Paranormal
3/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Best Overlooked Book Battle.

Summary from goodreads: Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game.

Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind.

Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

I was excited about this book once I found out that it incorporated Edgar Allan Poe.  Sadly the main story used was Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," which I hadn't read before. I was hoping for a wider variety of stories and though there were some allusions to "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Raven" as well as others, Masque was the main one.  That's not a bad thing; I just would have preferred a different reference story that I knew better.

Second, this book is LONG.  And I think some of the scenes were expanded past the point they needed to be.  Luckily there are a few excerpts from the actual Poe story so that explains part of the length but I ended up skimming some scenes because they were boring and they didn't contribute to my understanding or enjoyment.

My main criticism stems from the main character Isobel-girl is not bright.  She starts the story dating creepy possessive Brad, QB for their school's football team but once she is paired up with goth boy Varen for an English assignment, she becomes interested in his art and writing.  Isobel is a cheerleader who had previously failed to complete an essay so she has to do well on this project.  However I don't think she ever reads a Poe story despite Varen lending her a collection of Poe's work.  She is a poor judge of character as her original group of friends screw her over because of her assigned association with Varen.  She's not as mean as them but she's not exactly nice.  Her family life was bizarre as her dad grounds her from even working on her English project because he's suspicious of Varen and in general he had some mood swings, from angry, angry man to helpful father.

Varen is somewhat of a cipher as he is constantly fleeing.  The paranormal aspects of this book are a dreamworld designed by Varen and similar to what Poe accessed before his death.  They were not explained until very late in the story and even then it was very imperfectly described.  The mysterious Reynolds character confused me.  I think he's also known as Pinfeathers or was that a typo at one point?

I did like secondary characters Gwen, a new friend Isobel makes, and Danny, her little brother who despite their sometimes combative relationship comes through for her in several ways.

Regardless of these complaints, I flew through the book and I'm eager to read the second, Enshadowed, which appears to be shorter and hopefully more cohesive.

Cover: So the actual cover does not feature Varen wearing a lip ring although the character does have one. I'm not sure where I found this picture (I merely googled the book) but I guess it's an early version?

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell
Feiwel and Friends, 2007
357 pages
YA; Contemporary
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Vassar has the next few years of her life completely planned out from the summer before her senior year to her achieving a PhD and marrying a surgeon (or judge) by age 25 to receiving a Pulitzer.  But a few days before that summer, she receives a package from her grandmother and embarks on a trip with her to collect found art around Southeast Asia, including stops in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos, which completely shakes her worldview.

I alternated on liking Vassar.  I admired her ability to plan and her commitment to seeing those plans through (I tend to lack follow-through) but she was also very supercilious and closed-minded in a lot of ways.  Judgmental would be a great word to describe her for much of the book.  However what she undergoes during this trip was startling.  Toward the end, she is basically held for ransom by opium addicts in a tiny Laotian village! So there's that.

Just as I sometimes liked and sometimes didn't like Vassar, I also alternated on the plot.  On the one hand, I think her grandmother's art sounds crazy. I don't get modern art, preferring a nice landscape and flowers as you can see in my icon over there on the left (it's Monet).  Everything that the grandmother picks up is garbage...or priceless antiques that would cause the police to intervene.  One the other hand, she really challenges Vassar's notions of the "correct" way to live and is the reason for much of the crazy things that happen. 

Besides Grandma Gerd, there is also Hanks, a Malaysian cowboy who further challenges Vassar's preconceptions and helps her to loosen her rigid stance on life.  The descriptions of places and food in Southeast Asia were fascinating.  I became interested in the region when I studied abroad in Singapore and thus those parts were the most exciting for me.

Overall: Some fascinating descriptions but all of the place in terms of quality. I appreciate the message that there's more to life than school and that not everything can be planned but I didn't love this book.

Saving Maddie

Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson
Delacorte Press, 2010
231 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

I remember seeing this book last year and being interested that the character had a cross on her neck; I really enjoy reading about modern struggles with the Christian faith, which is largely what this book about.

Maddie is a character who has been largely written off as irredeemable; by her father, by her congregation, by almost everyone except for her aunt and her best friend Joshua.

Now Joshua is the narrator who has been fascinated by the boldness of Maddie for most of his life.  She examines her life, questioning and challenging sources of authority unlike Joshua.  He's a preacher's son whose girlfriend dumped him when he wouldn't sleep with her, who doesn't really have any friends because they all feel like they have to be perfect around him, and who feels severely constrained by the expectations of his parents and their congregation.  But the reappearance of Maddie pushes him outside of his little bubble to a big new world.

I really enjoyed the debates between Joshua and Maddie but also between characters over what the appropriate behavior is and over how Christians ought to behave.  I don't agree with every conclusion (premarital albeit protected sex among teenagers is unduly championed, in my opinion) but the fact that they're discussed is promising.  Joshua starts to question his beliefs and tries to prove to Maddie that she is worth saving.

The conclusion of the book is open-ended with Maddie leaving to find answers but Joshua unsure if she's safe/content/happy. I felt it was abrupt and I didn't really like it but then I generally prefer more closure in my books.

Warning: Language, drugs, and sexual content for those who may be wary.  I think they are all important for the story though.

Overall: Interesting questions explored in this book with a good plot and characters.

Cover: Very accurate! Maddie's purple lipstick is especially important.

Song of the Sparrow

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
Scholastic Press, 2007
383 pages
YA; Historical; Camelot
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for the YA Overlooked Book Battle.

I was very skeptical about this book at first.  It's a story about Arthur and Camelot, told in verse from the perspective of Elaine, better known as the Lady of Shalott.  I'm not a big fan of poetry nor am I the biggest reader of the Camelot myths.

Elaine lives in a military camp surrounded only by men.  She misses her mother, slayed by brutal Saxons long ago.  She respects Arthur, second in command to his uncle Ambrosius Aurelius.  She approaches romance in her assessment of Lancelot, who had saved her from a drunkard when she was younger.

But everything is changing.  Ambrosius is dead and Arthur is in command, supported by his mysterious sister Morgan and the Merlin; Arthur plans an offensive campaign instead of the defensive he had always pursued.  Another woman arrives at camp; the beautiful and snotty Gwynivere, who has Lancelot completely under her thumb.  And her friend, Tristan, heartbroken by Isolde (!), is starting to treat Elaine differently, which confuses her.

As I said earlier, I was skeptical about the verse style.  I've read a few novels in verse (Sonya Sones) but it's not my favorite method in telling a story.  I ended up thinking that it really worked with the story; the descriptions of nature are especially beautiful-the colors, the textures, the overall look. It's also very personal, fitting as Elaine attempts to understand her growing womanhood and the vagaries of life.

Elaine is very stubborn and headstrong, which leads to the final conflict.  As Arthur and his men embark on a final showdown, she follows and ends up captured by enemies.  I couldn't believe her nerve!  Gwynivere is also really mean at the start but more insight into her feelings (no one asked her if she wanted to marry Arthur) and redeeming actions won me over.

This story definitely gave me more sympathy to Gwynivere, who I had always judged harshly for her adultery.  Lancelot, however, was an unredeemed jerk, in my opinion; his behavior was inappropriate in regards to his friend and leader Arthur and he was also quite rude to Elaine.  Arthur is a good man, who appears little in the narrative, alas! I've always liked Arthur.  The Merlin also does not play a big role because this is more Elaine's story.  She is rescued from the tragedy of Tennyson and given her own voice and feelings by Sandell.

Overall: Beautiful language move the story along; recommended for fans of Camelot.

Cover: I feel like it's really stark with the plain white background and Elaine's hair grabbing most of the attention.  The green is really striking too.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Amulet Books, 2010
141 pages
Middle-Grade; Humor
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Best Overlooked YA Book Battle.

This story is the investigation of Tommy, Harvey, and Kellen to see if the origami Yoda designed and voiced by Dwight is actually Yoda who can give help for the future.  In order to discover the truth, Tommy gathers stories from his classmates in grade 6 before he decides to make a big decision based on Yoda's advice.

I was super excited about this book because it references Star Wars and I'm definitely a fan.  Bonus: at the end of the book, there are instructions on how to fold your own Yoda!  I didn't give them a try but they looked simple enough to follow.  I loved the format of the book which is told in journal entries (plus illustrations by Kellen) from the various classmates to explain when Yoda gave good, bad, or cryptic advice.

I enjoyed meeting the classmates, who all had their unique voice and experience with Yoda.  Dwight was probably the most compelling character for me.  Despite being the creator of Origami Yoda, he didn't always follow his own advice, frequently ending up the butt of jokes and teased by the other students.  Regardless, he marched to his own beat and ended up okay.  Harvey is the skeptic who attempts to rain on Origami Yoda's parade but the ending is very cute and satisfying.

Overall: A very fast read looking at lives and motivations of a group of great kids; recommended for younger readers and those who like Star Wars.

Cover: I'm pretty sure Origami Yoda didn't have a light saber (although how cool would that have been?) but it signals who he is more effectively.

John Belushi Is Dead

John Belushi Is Dead by Kathy Charles
Gallery Books/MTV Books, 2009
309 pages
YA; Contemporary
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

Hilda and her best friend Benji share a unique fascination with the death of celebrities; whether it's memorabilia once owned by Janye Mansfield or the site of John Belushi's death, they want to see it.  As they live in LA and it's finally summer, they're at their leisure to explore everywhere.  But after barging into Hank's apartment to look at the bathroom where a silent film star killed himself, Hilda begins to rethink their life.  Benji, however, seems intent on moving even farther into the darkest places.

As you can probably tell, this is a pretty dark book filled with tidbits about the deaths of celebrities, apocryphal or not.  I was pretty disgusted with their behavior which is positively ghoulish much of the time.  Hilda is a good narrator, describing how she and Benji were drawn together by their shared fascination when younger.  Hilda has her own dark past due to the death of her parents while she survived.

I was more interested in Hank, the old man she befriends, who has dark secrets in his past and his neighbor Jake, a young screenwriter.  Meeting them and seeing Benji's journey into darkness is what helps Hilda learn more about herself and to begin to rethink her life path.  She doesn't have all of the answers by the end of the book but she's a little bit stronger.

I also enjoyed the references to old Hollywood such as when they view Sunset Boulevard (highly recommended) and Rear Window (not my fave but still good).  Due to my interest in classic movies, I recognized the actors and films mentioned although I realize many in my peer group probably wouldn't.  But most of the references are to 70s-90s singers and actors who died of drug overdoses; their tragedies attract Hilda and Benji's interest.

Overall: Although pretty well-written, the subject matter was too dark for me.

Content: Language; some drugs and sexual content.

Cover: I don't know about the outfit represented by Hilda has pink hair for most of the book so that's appropriate.

The Sky Is Everywhere

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Dial Books, 2010
272 pages
YA; Contemporary; Grief
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

First things first: I could appreciate the writing as very lyrical and beautiful but it was not to my taste. Alas I am unable to describe how.  The writing was fitting for the setting of a hippie town in northern California and the lyricism helped explore the grief of everyone.

Then there's the plot.  Lennie's beloved older sister Bailey died suddenly of arrhythmia living her struggling with grief.  She seeks comfort in the arms of Bailey's boyfriend Toby as well as in new guy Joe in a complicated love triangle (although that's not really the focus).

Anyway who cares about Lennie because I have a new YA boy crush: Joe! He's amazing with long eyelashes and a smile that lights up the room. And he has two older brothers who look similar-there are three of them!  Of course, Joe is not perfect; he's very pigheaded and basically gave Lennie the silent treatment for way too long with no chance for her to apologize for her improper behavior.  However all ends right.

While I loved Joe, I didn't feel much for Lennie.  I mean, while I was reading I was caught up in the story (and I sped through it) but once I finished, she hadn't left much of an impression.  I feel for mourning the death of a beloved sister (I haven't had to do that but it would suck; I probably won't ever have to do that either as my younger sister will most likely outlive me).  I liked that she was a band geek, even though orchestra is SO much better.  But I don't feel like I understand her nor do I really care to try and understand her after the conclusion.

Overall: Really a 3.5 based on my enjoyment but bumped up to a 4 because of Joe *contentedsigh*

Keeping Corner

Keeping Corner by Kashmira Sheth
Hyperion, 2007
272 pages
YA; Historical
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Book Battle; I was really excited to see that this was about India and it had some cool intersections with the discussions of my class about Indian literature.

Leela is a very spoiled twelve-year old who is about to have her anu, the ceremony that will have her go live with her husband and his family.  Before that can happen though, he dies, making her a child-widow who must remain inside for a year, keeping corner.  During that time, her schoolteacher comes to privately tutor her and open her eyes to what is happening in 1918 India.

I liked Leela a lot; she is incredibly spoiled but after her widowing, her life drastically changed.  She has to shave her head, wear a plain chidri instead of a colorful sari, take off her beautiful jewelry, and remain inside the house.  One part that especially irks her is that a widower can remarry while she will forever remain in her parents' house and will be viewed as bad luck.  Happily she has a loving family who help her through her solitude.  Really everyone in her family loves her and wants what is best for her.  The subtle

Besides the familial aspect, Gandhi has already achieved respect in his quest for Indian independence and his philosophy of satyagrah or peaceful resistance is beginning to take shape.  His view of an equal India, between genders and among castes, is highly appealing to Leela.  She also learns about Narmad, who lived earlier and had many of the same thoughts.  This story is inspired by the author's great-aunt who was also a child widow but was able to continue her education.  Gandhi and Narmad were also inspirational for the author.

Overall: A cute story with some fascinating historical and cultural tidbits for me to learn!

Recommended for people looking for a good historical novel and for younger readers to learn a bit about India.

Cover:

Winter's End

Winter's End by Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Translated by Anthea Bell
Candlewick Press, 2006
415 pages
YA; Dystopian
3/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Overlooked YA Book Battle.

This is a French dystopian novel.  Helen, Milena, Milos, and Bartolomeo live in sex-segregated boarding schools but a chance meeting sends Milena and Bartolomeo fleeing from their horrid life and Helen and Milos searching for them.  Milos ends up caught by the government and trained to fight in an arena for the pleasure of governmental officials while the other three work for the resistance movement.

I feel bad that I couldn't identify more with any of the characters.  I mean, I wanted the government to fall, I think, but I wasn't invested as I was, for example in The Hunger Games.  I'm not sure if that is part of the original style or an effect of the translation but I didn't love this book.

I mostly wanted more background on how the repressive government came into power, what they were originally rebelling about, and about why people are forced to fight in the arena. But I also wanted to know more about the parents of the four main characters who all fought for the resistance.  Milena and Bartolomeo's parents are discussed but not Helen's or Milos's in any detail.  Also both of those couples basically fell instantly in love and while much was said about them being in love, I didn't see it.

The ending was also lackluster-another lame epilogue. I feel like I usually hate epilogues (HP7 and Mockingjay being the two other examples that spring immediately to mind as not pleasing to me).

There were some good parts.  I was intrigued by the boarding schools at the beginning but they leave them fairly early.  Two main groups assisted in the escape: first the consolers, women who welcome the students during very short leaves from the boarding school; second horse-men, combinations of horses and men who are very strong and loyal to the Resistance.  Although the writing wasn't top-notch, I didn't have to force myself to finish it and I wanted to know how everything ended even if I was disappointed with the conclusion.

Overall: A bleak atmospheric read but lacking.

Cover: Very bleak but I would prefer two people instead of just the one in isolation.

The Hollow Kingdom

The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle
Henry Holt and Company, 2003
230 pages
YA; Fantasy; Fairy Tale
3.5/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.

This book was divided into three parts (plus a prologue) that each left me feeling very different ways. SOME SPOILERS

The first part details Kate and Emily's arrival at Hallow Hill, newly orphaned and destined to live with their great-aunts.  After their arrival, Kate begins to fret, sensing something around her. The threat emerges as the evil Goblin King Marak dogs Kate's steps and destroys her peace of mind.  This is compounded by her guardian Hugh's callous disregard for her nerves and his plan to put her in an insane asylum.  Overall the emotion I felt most was terror at Kate's attempts to achieve safety and Marak and Hugh's actions to prevent that.

The second part features Kate willingly enter Marak's kingdom in exchange for the safety of her sister.  I mostly felt anger here as Kate is magically charmed and will never leave the underground goblin kingdom again.  Marak repeatedly reminds her that she came willingly but what other options did she have?

The third part is a year and a half later where Marak and Kate have settled into marriage but outside magical forces threaten them.  Kate must fight to save her family.  This part made me more sad that a. Kate has Stockholm Syndrome and b. that she no longer really cares about the sky with its stars and moon etc.  It seems to be that Kate thinks she is better off and that she is truly in love with Marak (and has been ever since she met him, even when he was terrifying her).  I was a mix of angry, disgusted, and feeling compassion for poor misguided Kate.

Also of note are the characters Seylin and Emily who will take center-stage in the second book. Seylin is part goblin but he looks more elfish and is thus unpopular within the goblin community.  Instead he spends most of his time as a cat.  Emily becomes his friend as a fellow outsider and enthusiastic connoisseur of goblin life.  They don't play a very big role in this book other than to be introduced.

I was somewhat reminded of "Beauty and the Beast" while I was reading this, especially because Kate is reported as very beautiful and Marak is disgusting.  However the feelings inspired by BatB are overall much more positive than those inspired by this book; probably because it's shorter and isolated while the goblin stealing bride tradition has been happening for generations and its ramifications are left unexplored in this book.

Overall: An interesting fantasy with some great elements but I found the heart of the story problematic; I am interested in the sequel in order to read more about Seylin.

Cover: I think it's kind of ugly.  I mostly read this because it was short and I wanted to finish some more books for the book battle.