Loop

Author: Karen Akins
Series: Loop # 1
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 21 October 2014
Summary: At a school where Quantum Paradox 101 is a required course and history field trips are literal, sixteen year-old time traveler Bree Bennis excels…at screwing up.   After Bree botches a solo midterm to the 21st century by accidentally taking a boy hostage (a teensy snafu), she stands to lose her scholarship. But when Bree sneaks back to talk the kid into keeping his yap shut, she doesn’t go back far enough. The boy, Finn, now three years older and hot as a solar flare, is convinced he’s in love with Bree, or rather, a future version of her that doesn’t think he’s a complete pain in the arse. To make matters worse, she inadvertently transports him back to the 23rd century with her.  Once home, Bree discovers that a recent rash of accidents at her school are anything but accidental. Someone is attacking time travelers. As Bree and her temporal tagalong uncover seemingly unconnected clues—a broken bracelet, a missing data file, the art heist of the millennium—that lead to the person responsible, she alone has the knowledge to piece the puzzle together. Knowledge only one other person has. Her future self.  But when those closest to her become the next victims, Bree realizes the attacker is willing to do anything to stop her. In the past, present, or future.
Review: Loop was, interesting.  There were a lot of things I enjoyed about Loop, I liked the world building, I loved how time traveling was explained throughout the book, and I like how Akins plays on it being genetic and not completely scientific, and I really liked the idea, different timelines corresponding.  I just had a hard time with the execution.  I'm a fan of science fiction, and my suspension of disbelief is pretty high, but there were a lot of parts in Loop that left me confused.  I wish that Bree had been two separate characters, and I really wanted to hear more from Finn about how he remembered her from the future/past.  I felt like the romance was rushed, and that Bree was too far away from her future self to really be believable, I didn't like how bad she felt for reacting the way she did to her best friend Mimi, because Mimi is right smack in the middle of "okay" as far as literary best friends go.  It sucks because time travel is one of my favorite branches of science fiction, but this was hard for me to follow. Add to all of this the not-quite-futuristic jargon and my head was spinning, and not in a good way.  There is a good chance that most of the plot holes will be resolved in the next book, I just had an incredibly hard time with hearing about all of these relationships that Bree has with people and not actually seeing them built, although timelines do intersect at some points, overall this story was a hard one for me to work out.  If I'm feeling ambitious I may attempt the second one, but probably not.  I do feel like I should add an addendum: this would really work as a movie because you could see flashback sequences, etc.  but having to make that up just showed poor editing and plotting, unfortunately.
I would check out the Ruby Red series if you're looking for a good time-travel romance, or if your looking for something more science-fiction check out This Shattered World (out December 23rd).

Isla and the Happily Ever After

Author: Stephanie Perkins
Series: Anna and the French Kiss # 3
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: 14 August 2014
Summary: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever. Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Review: **Let me preface this by saying that this has been the hardest review I’ve had to write in a while.  It’s been a week since I read this lovely, lovely story and I’m still trying to put into words just how much I loved it, so bear with me while you read this.**

Isla and Josh.  So similar and so different to Anna and Lola.  I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but I always felt that Anna and Lola were essentially the same story, with the perspectives flipped (Lola reminded me of Etienne and Anna reminded me of Cricket) essentially the characters are going through the same thing, wanting each other and figuring out how to get that.  With Isla and Josh the circumstances are very much different.

Isla opens in New York City, on a dark night with a female character who has a stronger voice than I thought she would.  Portrayed as quiet and shy in Anna and the French Kiss, I wasn’t sure how she was going to live within her own story; and although I had enjoyed Josh in Anna and the French Kiss, I wasn’t sure he could stand on his own as a romantic lead.  Let’s just say my expectations were definitely exceeded.

I won’t lie, even with my trepidation towards our main characters, Isla and the Happily Ever After was by far my most anticipated read of 2015.  I’ve had it on pre-order since you could have it on pre-order.  I follow Stephanie Perkins on twitter and knew about why the release date was pushed back and was in complete support of her, but I’m going to be honest I WANTED THE BOOK IN MY HANDS IMMEDIATELY, as soon as I finished Lola I wanted Isla, so I already had a love for the book before I even read it.

The main difference with Isla was this: where Anna and Lola were about the leading up to and very beginning of a relationship, Isla starts off with the beginning and leads us through a relationship; all of the messy, beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking aspects of it.  I was afraid Isla would fall short as a protagonist, until I realized that Isla was me. 

I’ve always felt like my favorite books were the ones when I identified with the main character on a personal level, and I really identified with Isla.  I was never confident like Anna, or outgoing and crazy like Lola, sure I wanted to be that way, but I wasn’t (still am not) but I was like Isla.  Quiet and terrified of talking to that boy (you know the one.  You still check up on him on social media, but if you saw him in real life it would be: ‘do I know you from somewhere?  High school maybe?’) I need an extra shot of caffeine to get up the nerve to talk to guys that I really think are adorable, and throughout high school, and most of college I felt like a blank slate – something Isla refers to herself as.

Isla was just as heartbreaking if not more so that Anna and Lola, but it was more rewarding too.  Josh was perfect, and Isla was perfect for him.  There were so many moments in the novel where you realize that these two people are just so incredibly perfect for each other – not just their personalities, but how much they value each other, and how much they realize that the other is perfect for them.  Although I got this feeling overall when I read the previous two novels, with Isla you got to see the entire relationship, not just the ‘trying to get to a relationship.’  You get to see the messy bits, and see why it made them stronger.  It was an incredible thing to read. 

The only thing I didn’t like was how much more awareness is brought to the type of people that these characters are.  When I read Anna and again when I read Lola I didn’t realize how upper-class these characters must have been.  They seem so down to earth – so realistic and middle class, and in this novel it was very apparent that Josh and Isla come from an entirely different world, one of glamour and glitz and lots of money.

It wasn’t a negative aspect to the story, but it also played a bigger part in this novel than in the previous two (I don’t know any kids, who can afford to run off to Barcelona, regardless of whether they’re living in Paris or not).  Did their personalities reflect this? No, not really, but there were situations in the book that did and that made it seem less realistic than the first two novels.

Overall I loved Isla and the Happily Ever After, I loved it just as much as Anna and Lola.  I loved that we got cameos from our favorites (OMG YAY!!!  I mean, you’ll know the moment I’m talking about, but AKJDHSKJGHOIH!!!!) and that the truth was in the title, even though it wasn’t always there.  I just think if you loved Anna and Lola you’re going to automatically love Isla for all of its similarities, but most importantly for its differences.

Tsarina

Author: J. Nelle Patrick
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: 27 February 2014
Summary: Natalya knows a secret.
A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace.
It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics.
A power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov.
Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life.
But it's not in the right hands.
Review: Here’s the thing with me and literature set in Russia: I will eat it up.  I am so excited for Gregory Maguire’s Egg and Spoon I could spit. It is with this that one must realize, no matter what Tsarina was going to be a natural fit, the exception? This novel more than did justice to what, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting countries in Eastern Europe.
I loved the effortlessness of Patrick’s writing style, how she put me in Russia without making it feel stupidly Russian (you know – we were all wearing fur hats, and boots with curled toes, it never stops snowing, etc.)  I loved the setting, how beautifully it was described, and I loved, more than anything, her characters.
I’m not one who can really get behind a character like Natalya, and the first few chapters had me groaning at how utterly childish she seemed, how nothing would or could be better than how it was, slowly I was won over, but it wasn’t easy for me to see things from her perspective.  It was much easier to see things from Leo’s perspective, not that I support his beliefs, but that I get where he’s coming from.  I understand why he sees Emilia and Natalya as disgusting, because in some ways they are.  Natalya’s blind faith in Alexi’s family was unnerving, but not unwarranted. 
There were a few moments of, “oh, I saw that coming” but the thing about this novel: after about fifty pages it starts moving at a breakneck speed.  I love novels like that, where something is always happening, there’s always another bend in the road, and you have to keep up to know what’s going to happen next.
Reading other reviews on goodreads, I can understand their annoyance with the ending.  I too was slightly annoyed with the abruptness of it.  I felt like it was the editor’s fault (love the editor until you have to blame them for something.  Editor:  I blame you – why did you not demand a better ending?  I mean seriously, what the WHAT?)  It was kind of a cliffhanger, I mean WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL? BECAUSE I REALLY WANT A SEQUEL!
I want you to fix that cliffhanger into something real, yo!
In the end this book made me feel something, which is really the point of a book if you ask me, and it was good. Really good.  If you’re looking for a historical fiction set in Russia that is heavy on the supernatural and light on the romance, I recommend this.

The Secrets of Lily Graves

Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Mystery, Romance
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Release Date: 13 May 2014
Summary: Growing up in a house of female morticians, Lily Graves knows all about buried secrets. She knows that perfect senior-class president Erin Donohue isn’t what she seems. She knows why Erin’s ex-boyfriend, hot football player Matt Houser, broke up with her. And she also knows that, even though she says she and Matt are just friends, there is something brewing between them—something Erin definitely did not like.  But secrets, even ones that are long buried, have a way of returning to haunt their keeper.  So when Erin is found dead the day after attacking Lily in a jealous rage, Lily's and Matt’s safe little lives, and the lives of everyone in their town of Potsdam, begin to unravel. And their relationship—which grew from innocent after-school tutoring sessions to late-night clandestine rendezvous—makes them both suspects.  As her world crumbles around her, Lily must figure out the difference between truth and deception, genuine love and a web of lies. And she must do it quickly, before the killer claims another victim.
Review:  I fell in love with a cover and got a little bit burned.  I should probably preface that I went into this book cold.  Normally before I buy a book I check goodreads, and ask for second and third opinions, sometimes consulting Kirkus, and even then I usually sit debating for a while, but I saw this cover and thought, "Oh my heck!  I had that haircut for years!  I should buy this book!" (Don't question my logic, it cannot stand up to reason.)  I read the back, it sounded reasonable, like something I might be interested in, and it seemed quick.  I've been dying for a quick read.
Well, I got what I was asking for - The Secrets of Lily Graves was a very quick read.  It was also very "surface" and I kept waiting for something deeper, something more. . .I dunno, gratifying?  I really liked Lily, and although it churned by stomach, I liked the attention to detail and how normal it seemed to grow up in a mortuary.  I liked the process, and how Lily's family seemed normal and lovable, I even liked Lily doing her detective work (though this is NOT Veronica Mars style, like, say, Bethany Fantasky's Buzz Kill - it's definitely closer to Nancy Clancy.) 
I didn't guess the ending until about 1/2 way through the book (but take from that what you will, although I love mysteries, I rarely read them), but Erin's unflinching ability to keep a narrow mindset, especially towards the end read gnawed on my nerves.  The ending was also incredibly rushed.  I wish that is had been drawn out a little bit.
If you're looking for a mystery that also gives you a pretty in depth view on the life of your average mortician, check this out.  If you're looking for a fun, gratifying mystery, I would recommend Buzz Kill (Beth Fantasky), The Prince of Venice Beach ( ), and the new Veronica Mars series (Rob Thomas and Co.)

Disney Princess Cookbook

Author: Cynthia Littlefield
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Cookbook
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: 1 October 2013
Summary: From Rapunzel's Frying Pan Eggs to Ariel's Sea Turtle Cupcakes, this beautiful cookbook is filled with delicious recipes inspired by the Princesses' many adventures. With simple step-by-step instructions, mouth-watering photos of each dish, and helpful tips from the Princesses themselves, this cookbook makes it easy to whip up some kitchen magic.
Review:  When I told junebug I was going to review a cookbook she kind of freaked out, so let me just say: I KNOW this is out of the norm for me, and I take full responsibility if you guys think this is a bad idea, but this is just such a fantastic cookbook and I can't help but promote it.  To start, a history.  I don't cook a lot, or bake a lot for that matter.  I can make chocolate chip cookies and macaroni and cheese from a box, and I considered those my crowning achievements in the kitchen.  The problem?  I am a total sucker for cookbooks, I have, like five, which isn't a lot compared to most people, but for someone who barely braves the microwave on a good day, it's kind of a bad habit.  I've attempted recipes from all of the cookbooks I own (and multiple recipes from The Harry Potter Cookbook) and they were all 1. hard for me to understand, and 2. never turned out the way I think they were meant to.
Low and behold this book comes through cataloging one day and I freak out.  A cookbook!  A Disney Princess cookbook.  What the WHAT?  Yes, yes I will be checking you out and taking you home.  I browsed the recipes, they were fun and catchy, and the illustrations of the princesses were beautiful, and every recipe had a photograph to go with it.  Plus there was a rating system from easy to hard.  Well, the library doesn't let you keep things forever so I ended up asking for this for my birthday.
I've made five recipes since then (my birthday was about 3 weeks ago) and they've all turned out great!  Some of you may think: duh, you're using a cookbook designed for 5-10 year olds of course they're going to work; but let me tell you: rarely does anything I bake turn out so well on the first try, and rarely do I try new things that consistently turn out well: BUT THESE DID.
I've made: Pascal's Pancakes, Frying Pan Eggs, Belle's Baguette, Aurora's Homemade Jam, and Snow White's Apple Dumplings and they've all been delicious, and I can't WAIT to try the rest of the recipes because they ALL sound superb (I'm a picky eater, so rarely does every recipe sound absolutely tantalizing, but all of the recipes in this sound fab.) if you've got picky eaters at home, get your hands on a copy - if you don't want to purchase it, put in a patron request at your local library.
I highly recommend this for anyone who is just getting in to baking, has little girls who are Disney Princess fans, or someone looking for fun, easy recipes to try.  Whether your five or ninety-five, this cookbook is pretty fantastic.

Summer is for Lovers/Views from the Grass

A collection of songs perfect for a summer evening.

.hold you in my arms.ray lamontange.
One of the best love songs ever written.  You tear me apart, sir.  Tear. Me. Apart.
.the lions roar.first aid kit.
I'm new to the First Aid Kit scene, but this is the stuff I listen to when I'm wandering.
.fade into you.mazzy star.
I'll never get sick of Mazzy Star.  Never.
.like a star.corinne bailey rae.
Another newbie, but I'm digging this track like it's nobody's business
.big jet plane.angus and julia stone.
I've loved these two for a long time.  This track just *sigh* makes me believe that there are still good things in the world.
.bonfire hearts.james blunt.
Yep.  The song that I will hear in thirty years and be instantly taken back to this summer.
.afire love.ed sheeran.
I'll never get over my love for Ed Sheeran,  I could listen to him sing a grocery list and be happy.  Luckily his stuff is ten times better than that.
.tee shirt.birdy.
I've felt like this.  Especially recently.
.home (jon hopkins remix).daughter.
I purchased the How I Live Now soundtrack recently (I'm a pretty big Jon Hopkins fan) and this song just took my breath away.  I'd heard the original by Daughter before, and though this isn't majorly different when it's bookended by Jon Hopkins it has such an impact.  Instant love.
.a sky full of stars.coldplay.
Is it wrong to still love Coldplay?  Does it make me too old?
.wild horses.the rolling stones.
I wore a Rolling Stones shirt to the store and had someone tell me it was the devils music (true story). If loving The Rolling Stones is wrong, I don't want to be right.  This is my current favorite of theirs.  I rawness you hear throughout just tears me apart.
.jolene.ewert and the two dragons.
I got sucked in by a band name, and became a massive fan.  This reworking of a classic is my current favorite of theirs.
.all the sand in all the sea.devotchka.
The fastest romp on this mixtape.  I'm just a huge fan.
.wings.birdy.
Another song that gets to me, Birdy has a way of reminding me of the innocence of being young, but how jaded you are too.
.old mythologies.the barr brothers.
This feels like driving to the beach, or floating down a river, or laying on the banks of a stream, or in the sun in a trampoline.
.sacrifice.thenewnow2.
Songs don't always need words to make you understand what they're saying.
.ring of fire.jack savoretti.
I've included this on a lot of playlists.  It's a good song anytime, anywhere.
.pieces.andrew belle.
Another beautiful track that I think I may have used before. . .?
.holding on to good.delta rae.
I run and hike to this song,  it gets me through the hard things.

Summer is for Lovers/Views from the Grass from mixedupfiles on 8tracks Radio.

 Spotify users click here.

How I Live Now

Author: Meg Rosoff
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Action/Adventure, Dystopia/Sci-Fi, Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Random House Children's/Wendy Lamb Books
Release Date: 30 November 2004
Summary:“Every war has turning points and every person too.”
Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.
As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.
A riveting and astonishing story.
Review: I actually heard about this book after seeing a trailer for the film.  The film didn't get a wide release, so I picked up the book from the library and read it.  This book was unlike anything I had ever read before, and I'm still on the fence of whether that is a good or bad thing. 
Okay, upfront things to know:  There is no actual dialogue in this book.  It is written in the same vein as Stolen by Lucy Christopher (with the exception that I really enjoyed that book).  Second: there is cousin lovin, and it's not innocent.
The weird thing; it didn't need to be there.  It would have been so easy to make Edmond a boy from the village or a next door neighbor instead of a cousin - as a matter of fact, doing this would have probably made this story more poignant for me, because although everything is glossed over (this is YA after all) it was still creeping me out throughout the book. 
That aside, I really enjoyed the overall story.  Placing this bohemian family under a microscope on the outbreak of war was fascinating to watch.  Getting to see Daisy grow and change and evolve within this family and throughout the war was also wonderful.  I loved Piper's character, she was probably my favorite part of the novel, who knew I could get so attached to a fictional nine year old.  I loved the world Rosoff created, that she wasn't afraid to show us the truly gritty side of things, because this novel is dark and twisted and scary and real.  If it hadn't been for the incest, I would definitely have given this a four or five, but as it stands I'm throwing it up as something between a three and a four.
The film version is currently available to watch on Netflix (as of 6/25/2014).  I have yet to watch it, but here is the trailer:

Exile

Author: Kevin Emerson
Series: Exiles # 1
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery (sort of)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Release Date: 29 April 2014
Summary: Catherine Summer Carlson knows how to manage bands like a professional—she’s a student at the PopArts Academy at Mount Hope High, where rock legends Allegiance to North got their start. Summer knows that falling for the lead singer of her latest band is the least professional thing a manager can do. But Caleb Daniels isn’t an ordinary band boy—he’s a hot, dreamy, sweet-singing, exiled-from-his-old-band, possibly-with-a-deep-dark-side band boy. And he can do that thing. That thing when someone sings a song and it inhabits you, possesses you, and moves you like a marionette to its will.
Summer also finds herself at the center of a mystery she never saw coming. When Caleb reveals a secret about his long-lost father, one band’s past becomes another’s present, and Summer finds it harder and harder to be both band manager and girlfriend. She knows what the well-mannered Catherine side of her would do, but she also knows what her heart is telling her. Maybe it’s time to accept who she really is, even if it means becoming an exile herself. . . .
Review:  You should know up front, I don't read a lot of novels about music - non-fiction yes.  I just finished Keith Richard's autobiography and it blew my mind - but novels?  Not so much.  The reason I don't tend to read a lot of novels where music is a central theme is because I judge from page one.  As a matter of fact, in recent memory, the only novels about music I remember distinctly enjoying were Gayle Forman's If I Stay and Where She Went, but then those weren't really about music were they? 
It is with that in mind, that bias I automatically have, that I went into this book; and let me tell you: Kevin Emerson knows music.  This guy gets it, he knows what it's like to feel the beat with every part of you.  To stand at the back of a converted-garage covered in sweat and smiling because you haven't felt this great in a while, because the music is flowing around and through you.  It's the beating of your heart, and the rumble in your fingers, its the thumping of the bass line in your heels, digging into the concrete, blowing you apart, and then piecing you back together.  I'll give him that, he knows music.
But, I constantly had one question going through my mind: why is this from a female perspective?  Caleb was the interesting character, Catherine/Summer felt stock.  She went through average high school troubles, and had average parent troubles, and average relationship troubles (hint: instant love is still annoying, even if you're acknowledging it through the entire book).  Whereas Caleb had all of these dimensions, he had a mystery surrounding him that I, personally, felt could have been better explored through turning him into the narrator - instead of turning him into the "broody love interest".  There was also something about Catherine/Summer's voice that felt sadly inauthentic.   Like she was trying to be every other young adult contemporary female out there, and unfortunately failing miserably.   
Don't mistake me: I loved the music, I loved reading about the music.  I just had a hard time standing the voice that told me about it, when I knew there were other characters in the story who were more passionate about not only the music, but what was happening to them.

Breakfast Served Anytime

Author: Sarah Combs
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: 8 April 2014
Summary: When Gloria sets out to spend the summer before her senior year at a camp for gifted and talented students, she doesn’t know quite what to expect. Fresh from the heartache of losing her grandmother and missing her best friend, Gloria resolves to make the best of her new circumstances. But some things are proving to be more challenging than she expected. Like the series of mysterious clues left by a certain Professor X before he even shows up to teach his class, Secrets of the Written Word. Or the very sweet, but very conservative, roommate whose coal-industry family champions mountaintop removal. Not to mention the obnoxious Mason, who dresses like the Mad Hatter and immediately gets on Gloria’s nerves — but somehow won’t escape her thoughts.
Beautifully told by debut author Sarah Combs, this honest and touching story of growing up is imbued with the serene atmosphere of Kentucky’s natural landscape.
Review:  Coming of age books sort of define what the Young Adult genre used to be (before Twilight).  At a recent book talk/conference event thingamajig, there was this term tossed around, "quiet literature"  this, at least to my limited understanding is talking about books that impact you, but you don't remember a lot of.  Like Judy Blume's Are You There God, It's Me Margaret.  It's books that are beautiful, and timely.  Breakfast Served Anytime is a book that falls into the category of quiet literature for me.  There aren't any overwhelming nuances, no magic, no vegetarian vampires, no cancer patients.   It's the story of a girl on the verge of something new, and it's lovely and heartbreaking and beautiful. 
The only downside was I felt like there wasn't enough.  It felt like one of those flash films where you get a ton of images in quick succession without having a pause button.  Although I really loved the overall tone of this book, I don't know that I'll remember most of it without a re-reading.  You'll read it in an afternoon, but I would give it to a 12-15 year old, even though the characters are 17, it's more suited to that age group, and it's very clean, and appropriate for kids in their middle school/junior high years.

The Chaos of Stars

Author: Kiersten White
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Mythology, Romance
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 10 September 2013
Summary: Isadora's family is seriously screwed up—which comes with the territory when you're the human daughter of the ancient Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. Isadora is tired of living with crazy relatives who think she's only worthy of a passing glance—so when she gets the chance to move to California with her brother, she jumps on it. But her new life comes with plenty of its own dramatic—and dangerous—complications . . . and Isadora quickly learns there's no such thing as a clean break from family.
Blending Ally Carter's humor and the romance of Cynthia Hand's Unearthly, The Chaos of Stars takes readers on an unforgettable journey halfway across the world and back, and proves there's no place like home
Review:  I read this book quite a long time ago, then went back and re-read some of it today as a refresher before writing this review.  Overall I really enjoyed this book, I always like it when I find a good young adult stand alone.  Funnily enough this novel made me realize why so many YA authors write series.  It's hard to fit a full, well rounded story with fleshed out characters into a YA novel.  I wouldn't have minded another 100-200 pages in this book.
I loved the character of Isadora. I thought she was funny and self centered and so much the epitome of teenager.  I spend a lot of time in schools, and although Isadora wasn't necessarily somebody I would want to be best friends with, I did think she had a very similar personality to a lot of girls in that age group.
I loved her friends, and her family (especially her family) the integration of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses was very well done, and in such a fun way that it made me want to read up on my Ancient Egyptian literature.  Growing up we always focused on Greek and Roman mythology, and it was refreshing to read about the Egyptians.
The only thing I had a hard time was the overall climax of the book, it was resolved so quickly.  I mean we just left Isadora and Ry hanging out, and all the ends were tied up but I still want something to happen next.  I would recommend checking this out from the library if you're in the mood for a quick fun read, but if you're thinking about buying it: wait for the paperback to come out - as long as the paperback has the same cover as the hardback that it (*swoon*).

We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: 13 May 2014
Summary: A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
Review: This is a really hard book to review.
For a while I couldn't decide whether to give it a four star rating, or two.
The ending was twisted, but didn't come out of nowhere.
This is very sophisticated YA.
It will ensure a lot of discussion.
It is nothing like Lockhart's other work.
It is better.
It is worse.
It is different.
It is now.

Catch A Falling Star

Author: Kim Culbertson
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 29 April 2014
Summary: Nothing ever happens in Little, CA. Which is just the way Carter Moon likes it. But when Hollywood arrives to film a movie starring former child star turned PR mess Adam Jakes, everything changes. Carter's town becomes a giant glittery set and, much to her annoyance, everyone is starry-eyed for Adam. Carter seems to be the only girl not falling all over herself to get a glimpse of him. Which apparently makes her perfect for the secret offer of a lifetime: playing the role of Adam's girlfriend while he's in town, to improve his public image, in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Her family really needs the money and so Carters agrees. But it turns out Adam isn't at all who she thought he was. As they grow closer, their relationship walks a blurry line between what's real and what's fake, and Carter must open her eyes to the scariest of unexplored worlds - her future. Can Carter figure out what she wants out of life AND get the guy? Or are there no Hollywood endings in real life?
Review: I enjoyed this novel immensely.  It was fun, and put a new spin on what I like to call the "fan fic" genre.  No, this isn't a knock off of another YA novel, but it does have a day dream quality to it, like there isn't any realm in known reality where this would ever happen, but I think it happens in a lot of teen and tween girl fantasies,  I mean spending a month with, say, Harry Styles?  Getting to show him around your neighborhood and pretend to date him?  Yeah, day dreams have been built on a lot less.  That being said, Culbertson's debut did have a little more to offer under the surface. 
Her depictions of the town of Little are gorgeous and very believable, and her characters and lovable and fleshed out.  I believed the characters, I believed (and have known) many girls that are just like Carter.  I believed in Adam as well, I liked the spin on his character, and  felt like it rang true with a lot of celebrities today.  I liked the distinct-ness of Culbertson's voice. There are a lot of these dreamy books out there (Angie Stanton has built her entire career writing books like this) but what those didn't have, that this one did was a whole lot of heart and conviction.  Carter is sassy and lovable, and yes she is the typical "I don't like Hollywood" but it's not just for the sake of it.  She has distinct real world reasons for not liking celebrity culture, but she doesn't completely shun it either.
I loved the complexity of Carter's family as well, it brought a different vibe to the story that I felt made the situation Carter is placed in to more believable, willing to work in order to try and help save a family member is very relatable. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief for the actual romance part of the book, which is a big selling point in YA these days.
Fun, yes. Worth reading, definitely.  Would I recommend it?  Yes, especially to young teen girls, or anyone looking for a fluffy read that explores social structures of a small town as well as Hollywood without loosing the day dreamy vibe.  I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  Perfect for wasting a summer afternoon as long as you're willing to suspend your beliefs for a bit.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Author: Jenny Han
Series: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before # 1
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age
Publisher: Simon and Shuster books for Young Readers
Released: 15 April 2014
Summary: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.
Review:  Dear Jenny Han,
Thank you for writing a book that was literally me in high school.  I actually have a box of letters I wrote to the boys who didn’t know I existed, but I loved anyway (though unfortunately not a hat box, just an old Keds shoebox).  I haven’t identified as much with a character like I did with Lara Jean in years.  As a matter of fact, this book made me go and read all of your other books to.  They all made me cry (although this one didn’t) and I loved them.  Really really loved them.  But I have to say, something about Lara Jean, and the Song sisters.  I just adored them the most.
So thanks, Jenny Han.  Don’t stop writing, ever.
E.

ACTUAL REVIEW

The positives: The story, but more than the story: the letters.  The letters are what makes this book amazing, I actually ended up taking a photocopy of the Peter K letter and tucking it into my bag so whenever I’m feeling down I can read it and then laugh my butt of.  Imagine my surprise when that was what Jenny Han chose to read when I went to one of her author events a few weeks ago.  It was amazing to hear her talk about her inspiration for Lara Jean, and the Song girls, and it made the story that much more special.

I also loved the relationship that Lara Jean has with her sisters, where this book could have come off as the stereotypical YA Romance, there was a lot more depth.  Lara Jean has to grow up, and is trying so hard to take her place as the resident oldest kid in the house, the letters are just a way to move her into that.  I loved reading her grow, it was done in such a subtle beautiful way that only Jenny Han can.
And finally the comedy, this is, in my opinion, Jenny Han’s funniest novel yet.  There were so many small jokes and insights that show just how much Jenny Han knows about being a sister.   I loved the dialogue between Lara Jean and Kitty, and Lara Jean and Peter K.  Although Lara did act a little young for her age I felt like it fit perfectly with how she grew up, and how she was treated for most of her life by her sister, and the people around her.
The negatives: There are none.

Rebel Belle

Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Untitled – but first in a planned series
Genre: Paranormal Comedy
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Released: 8 April 2014
Summary: Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.
Review:  Many of you probably already know this, but I was late to the Rachel Hawkins fan club.  I didn’t read Hex Hall until famed Goodreads YA reviewer Wendy Darling recommended it.  I had seen it on the shelf at the library, and just by passed it as ‘probably something like Twilight’ (it wasn’t, by the way.)  However, after reading Hex Hall I was officially a fan of Rachel Hawkins, a pretty big fan as a matter of fact, and when I heard the promo blurb for Rebel Belle I knew, just knew that it was going to lodge itself in my heart, and I would do whatever it took to get my hands on it ASAP (it doesn’t take much, btw.  Just the release day shipping option on Amazon.)
And, let me tell you something, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Like, you have no idea.  I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the overall tone of the story.  It feels like summer, and it’s hilarious.  I’m not one to laugh out loud when I read, but man I was laughing so hard I almost cried when I read this.  
I loved Harper, I loved the incorporation of the Southern elements, I loved her interior monologue about David’s wardrobe, and I liked the love triangle (that was kind of non-existent, in my opinion.)
Now, I know what you’re going to say “another YA love triangle, are we serious here.”  Umm, yes?  I mean: yes.  We are serious.  This one is the same but different.  Overall there is never a doubt as to who Harper is going to end up with, and to be honest David’s mishaps are atypical high school boy.  I feel like I probably would have been like David in high school – heck I was like David in high school (expect for the fact that I was, you know, a girl.)  But my school was divided, and I didn’t like the stuck up kids who seemed to have air where their brains should be.  It was the realization that David comes to – that it’s okay to think seemingly superficial things are actually important, that made this story work for me.  Although nothing is told from David’s perspective, you can tell there is a lot going on with him as a character, as does Harper – but Harper wasn’t what really got me into this.  It was David.  Hand’s down – and don’t get me started on Ryan.  Hmmm, he really pulled through in the end – unexpectedly.
I recommend this to any and all fans of paranormal books, Hawkins’ other series, and comedy.  Or, you know, everyone who loves books in general. 

Second Star

Author: Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Series: Stand alone (for now)
Genre: Retelling, Mystery, Romance
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release: 13 May 2014
Summary: A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary ocean side adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete. A radical reinvention of a classic, Second Star is an irresistible summer romance about two young men who have yet to grow up--and the troubled beauty trapped between them.
Review:  I should say something up front: I was one of those little girls obsessed with two (count them two) things when I was little; Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid.  So far in my life I have yet to read a Little Mermaid retelling that I have enjoyed past experiences were so disheartening that I did dare go near any Peter Pan retellings. (Because seriously – some of those Mermaid retelling are just downright awful).  When I read the premise for Second Star and noticed that it takes place at my favorite place (the BEACH) with some of my favorite kinds of people (SURFERS), well, let’s just say it was going to be a recipe for love, or disaster.
We landed about in the middle (but more love than hate – obviously.)

 

**WARNING HERE BE SPOILERS: CONTINUE READING AT YOUR OWN RISK**

 

Second Star was beautiful, I loved the imagery, the plot like, the way Sheinmel took the original tale and made it her won.  It was, in my opinion, a darn near perfect retelling – except for one small detail: I kept waiting for the true-blue magic to happen.  I kept thinking; “okay, we’ve set this up – let’s head to Neverland y’all.”  And then I realized: we were already there.
Sheinmel blends the real world with Neverland completely effortlessly.  I’ll admit, by the end I was slightly confused at what was happening – was Wendy crazy?  Like seriously crazy?  What did I just read?  Where are Pete and Jas? I mean – WTH?  Then I thought about it more – and more – and more – and got *it* (don’t judge).  If Peter Pan had taken place with a 17 year old Wendy the outcome would have been exactly the same as it was in the book.  Exactly.  I mean, I was seriously questioning her sanity from the audience perspective; and I didn’t start to question her sanity until after almost ¾ of the book (when she’s found on the beach and nothing is like she remembered.)  I mean, a modern day Wendy Darling would have almost certainly been committed, or put into psycho-therapy (which is what happens).
So how did she end up in Neverland?  Was it all in her head?  Did I even care? No. Not really.  I loved the slow burn of the relationship she had with Pete and Jas respectively.  I loved that it was very clearly explained why she chose Jas over Pete (for grown up reasons – like that he will support her decisions!) I loved that she states, specifically why Pete isn’t right for her (he’s a manipulator and a big fat liar.)  I even enjoyed the “fairy dust” aspect (though truthfully calling it fairy dust was also where I had the hang up – I thought Michael and John had somehow gotten to actual Neverland and Jas and Pete wanted to take Wendy to Neverland too, not that they were actually hardcore drug users.)
I liked the slow devolution of Wendy’s psyche and her drive.  It made me question how I would react if I lost either of my brothers – would I fall down the rabbit hole as far as Wendy did?  Would I go even further?
Even writing this review, new perspectives and ideas are coming to mind.  This book is effortless and beautiful and is the first honest “updated” retelling of a fairytale that I have read and loved.  It takes the characters and places and tone you loved about the original and makes is plausible and real in today’s world. 
The ending sets this up for a possible sequel, though I think it works perfectly as a standalone (I wouldn’t mind a sequel – more Jas?  I WILL TAKE IT!)  I would recommend this to readers who like retellings, beautiful language, fun, contemporary tales, books with a lot of heart, and teen book clubs.

Misellany January Loves

I cannot believe it's February!  That is a crazy notion.  I actually just spent a better part of my work time this week decorating the library with Valentine heart strings.  It was all very festive.

I have to say, I really like January.  After the crazy-ness that ensues as a result of the holidays, it's nice to have an entire month to calm down a little bit.  As a matter of fact, I calmed down so much that I read like 9 books, which is probably more than I read in November and December combined.

One of my goals this year is to be a better blogger, so here's the beginning of that attempt.  Even if it's not a full review, hopefully I'll be posting something to tickle your book and music tastebuds each week.  So, without further ado, here's a list of some of my favorite books I read in January.

1. Ketchup Clouds - Annabel Piltcher

This was a great book - so great in fact that a review will be coming your way next week.

 2. The Impossible Knife of Memory - Laurie Halse Anderson

This book was everything I didn't know I needed until I read it.  I'm affected by books, but rarely am I as affected by them as I was by this one.

3. Life is Outer Space - Melissa Keil

On my to-read pile since the dawn of time, I swear.  I finally read this over the weekend and I adored it.  Like a Rosie Project for teens. I LOVED it. (P.S. Ignore the weirdness of the US cover and just look at the Australian version.  It's the best one.)

Books I'm looking forward to reading (out but I haven't read yet):

1. Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge

Seriously.  Beauty and the Beast retellings get to me - set it in a dystopian world and I'm yours.

2. No One Else Can Have You - Kathleen Hale

This sounds like a David Lynch novel.  I love everything about the description.  Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.

3. The Avery Shaw Experiment - Kelly Oram

This book sound hilarious.  Very teen, and hopefully very funny.  Also, a good deal on kindle.

Albums I cannot stop listening to:

1. Pure Heroine - Lorde

I've been sucked in, but this chick's vocals and bass line make me feel like I should be floating in space.  And that's pretty cool. Favorite tracks: Ribs, Team, A World Alone

2. All the Little Lights - Passenger

Passenger is kind of a songwriting god.  I especially love The Wrong Direction and I Hate

Album I cannot wait for:

Pale Sun Rose - Matthew and the Atlas

All I have to say is: this is a lesson in patience.

Until next time,

E

These Broken Stars

Author(s): Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Series: Starbound # 1

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Released: 11 December 2013

Summary: courtesy goodreads.com It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 
Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?
Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.
--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy. 

My: Review: These Broken Stars is, by far, one of my favorite science fiction reads of all time.  And it IS my favorite survivalist story.  There were so many layers to this novel, so much meat on the bones of this story, and so much genuinely great storytelling that I really don’t know where to begin.

Let me begin by saying: all of the love this book already has, all of the anticipation, is totally and completely deserved.  This novel, literally, has something for every reader.

The world building in These Broken Stars is real and believable.  I saw this alien planet, its similarities and its differences of what we view as normal.  There were sections of this book that literally had my heart racing with fear.  The unknown aspect is so perfectly and beautifully and horrifically illustrated and I felt I too had crash landed on an unknown planet with Lilac and Tarver.  It is so effortlessly real.

Lilac and Tarver were both well rounded characters.  Their relationship with one another reminded me of another favorite series (Veronica Rossi’s Under the Never Sky - though Lilac and Tarver’s relationship is one step farther, deeper, darker, and gritter.) This book kept me reading late into the night – and made me want to keep the lights on.  There is so much happening that this will appeal to readers of every genre, both boys and girls.  It is transcendent throughout ages.  I think everyone from a grandmother to a teenager is going to find something in this book that they can relate to, whether it’s Lilac’s initial need to retain a standard set by society, or Tarver’s unwillingness to fail – this is one of the most relatable and best books I have ever read; unexpectedly so.

I don’t generally like to spoil a novel in a review, but I will say this: the ending of this novel is unexpected, heart wrenching, and incredibly great writing.  I am excited to see where Kaufman and Spooner take us next because they have both created a world that I cannot wait to return to. I also cannot wait until this book hits shelves so I can recommend it to every one that I meet.  It will definitely be one that I gift for Christmases or Birthdays or those that just need a heavy dose of awesome, because that's exactly what this book is.  A heavy does of freaking awesome.

Autumnal Mixtape

Some of these are a little old, some of them are a little new, all of them are songs that remind me of Autumn.

George Eliot once said:

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”

I'm glad we're on the same page G.E.

Autumnal Hymns

Sampson - Regina Spektor

I Won't Let You Go - James Morrison

For Birds - James Moss (feat. The Staves)

And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop - James Vincent McMorrow

Kickstarts - Example

Look at Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch

Amsterdam - Coldplay

While We Were Dreaming - The Pink Mountaintops

That Teenage Feeling - Nekocase

Holocene - Bon Iver

The Raucous Call of Morning - Heyward Howkins

Your Song - Ellie Goulding

P.S. You Rock My World - Eels
Like a Friend - Pulp
The Funeral - Band of Horses

And here's a link to the 8track for your listening pleasure

Autumnal Hymn from mixedupfiles on 8tracks Radio.

(P.S. the 8tracks app is FREE and AWESOME.  It is literally the easiest and quickest way I find out about new music.  I love this site so much it hurts.) 

Eleanor and Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Series: Stand Alone (please no!)

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin

Released: 26 February 2013

Summary: courtesy of goodreads.com Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

My Review: I cannot get enough of Rainbow Rowell lately.  I follow her on tumblr and twitter and I wish she had an Instagram.  Basically she has reached the same prophetic levels as John Green in my whole author fandom thing.  I’m pretty sure if I were to meet her in real life I would start crying or something equally embarrassing.  Are you ready to know why? OKAY! HERE’S WHY!

Eleanor and Park literally broke my heart and put it back together again.  Now, I will admit, I was approved for this title almost a year ago on NetGalley, I read it, and I didn’t feel strongly either way on it.  I didn’t love it, but I didn’t really hate it either.  Then I read Fangirl (and Fangirled over Fangirl) and decided to research Eleanor and Park a little bit more.  John Green had endorsed it, that alone was a pretty big get for me.  And then I read this article on Rainbow Rowell’s website about how much she loved the audio version, so I finally signed up for Audible and downloaded my free book (I’ve never read an author endorsing their audio book before unless they themselves have read it) and then went on to Amazon and bought the print version.

Before I go on, there is something you should know.  I’m not usually a fan of audio books.  I like the voices I come up with in my head.  I don’t travel a lot or have a long commute, and I prefer records.  I also read faster than most narrators, and I don’t find them very engaging, they never sound like the characters in my head.  The audio version of Eleanor and Park is one in a million because I absolutely love it.  In turn, I ended up truly and fully falling in love with Eleanor and Park.

Not only are they relatable, both singularly and as a couple, I loved that Eleanor’s life wasn’t perfect, but she still found happiness.  The overall tone of Eleanor and Park, for me, is hope.  Yes, there are definitely depressing parts to this novel, but this novel also accurately depicts a life.  Maybe not your life, maybe not my life, but it depicts a life just as real and true as any of ours, and it’s unapologetic and beautiful.  In a world where contemporary young adult novels aren’t really the norm anymore, Eleanor and Park stands out.  It’s authors like Rainbow Rowell, John Green, and Melina Marchetta that make me remember why I love reading.  Because I love experiencing different lives, and I love getting the opportunity to identify with people.  I grew up in a white upper middle class suburb.  I didn’t have any friends who (to my knowledge) were like Eleanor or Park, and getting the opportunity to see life through their eyes, to see each other the way they see each other, and to live for just a few hours, the same way they did resonated with me.  I feel like I want to stand and shout from the rooftops, “I get it world! I get why you love Eleanor and Park!  I do too!  Let’s live in this beautiful tragic lovely world together.”

Let’s do it.