Read Love Reviews: The Boy on the Bridge

The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford

Pub. Date: July 30, 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Format: Hardcover

Age Range: Young Adult 

Description from Amazon.com:

Laura Reid goes to Leningrad for a semester abroad as Cold War paranoia is peaking in 1982. She meets a young Russian artist named Alexei and soon, with Alexei as her guide, Laura immerses herself in the real Russia--a crazy world of wild parties, black-market books and music, and smuggled letters to dissidents. She must keep the relationship secret; associating with Americans is dangerous for Alexei, and if caught, Laura could be sent home and Alexei put under surveillance or worse. At the same time, she's been warned that Soviets often latch onto Americans in hopes of marrying them and thus escaping to the United States. But she knows Alexei loves her. Right?

My Review:

I must admit, I immediately worried that this story would be similar to Anna and the French Kiss, which I kind of loathed. The Boy on the Bridge started off fairly well, with Laura describing life as an American studying abroad in Leningrad. Feeling isolated and lonely in her dreary life in Russia, Laura meets Alexei, or Alyosha, as he prefers to be called, when, on the bridge near her dormitory, he rescues her from the torment of aggressive gypsy beggar women. The implied violence of these women made for a scary scene. But alas, the scene with the gypsies and their swaddled "babes" was perhaps the first and final time there was palpable tension in The Boy on the Bridge.

To be fair, this is not a bad book. The plot moves along nicely, while the uncertainty of Alyosha's motives sustains enough mystery to help keep the pages turning. Though not dense with historical detail, young readers will learn a thing or two about life in totalitarian Russia under the Communist regime of the Soviet Union. Apart from mentions of things like the popular diet drink, Tab, and music like Neil Young, the American kids don't seem all that different from modern day characters.

The real weaknesses of the book are these: Laura falls nearly instantly in love with Alyosha, as does he with her; there is never any real tension -- I am never honestly afraid for Laura (it seems the worst that could happen is that she will be sent home) or Alyosha (who faces the larger danger); the narrative description is not adept enough to successfully convey the beauty and allure of the Russian setting or of its historical landmarks. I was intrigued to find out that much of the novel is informed by the author's real-life experiences during a semester abroad. Upon visiting the author's website and seeing pictures of such places as Dom Knigi (House of Books), Nevsky Prospekt, and The Summer Garden, I was struck by what seemed a huge lost opportunity. She never described those places.

Overall, while The Boy on the Bridge is a fast, effortless read, it will not be particularly memorable or moving. For all the professed love that takes place on the page, little emotion is felt by the reader. I feel like we never knew who Laura was. And what little we know of Alyosha makes us pity more than admire him. What could have been a poetic, aching tale just falls flat.

Verdict: 3 stars of 5. Lacking in depth of character. Emotionally deficient. Descriptively wanting. While you'll understand the harsh Russian conditions and the desperate hope and hunger for freedom that many citizens carried, you won't feel more than a vague sadness. And that's a shame.

Not recommended for purchase. If you are inclined to read it, borrow it from the library.

Read Love Reviews: Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Pub. Date: August 24, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Hardcover, 390pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Series: Hunger Games #3
ISBN-13: 9780439023511

Description from Amazon.com:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either.

My Review:

Mockingjay. What a book! Suzanne Collins has crafted one of the most intelligent and and readable series that we've seen in recent years. She utilized each piece in the trilogy to develop and bring the series to completion. Nothing is wasted. While she might have been tempted to stretch the series out for sales, it's clear she stayed true to her vision as she steered the story to an end. Much respect to Ms. Collins!

No bones about it, Mockingjay is a dark novel. You'll be emotionally spent when you finish it. And that's as it should be. Collins has successfully demonstrated the crippling and devastating effects of war. Civilian or soldier alike, no one escapes unscathed. No one remains unchanged. If you read The Hunger Games hoping for more exploration of the ramifications of war and violence, you'll be satisfied to see that Mockingjay is both ambitious enough and honest enough to confront the stark reality head on. Nothing is sugar-coated or glossed over. This unflinchingly realistic portrayal of war and revolution shows that even the victors sacrifice more than anyone should. 

If you are looking for sunshine and happy endings, you'll be disappointed. This is no fairy tale, and Collins would be doing you a disservice to serve up any other ending than the one that she provides. Because it stays realistic, this series feels more adult. It becomes elevated beyond a story. The characters start to live and breathe and rise off the page. Your heart will break for them as they love, fight, struggle, and survive (or die). Survival will not come easily or cleanly; it will not be free from trauma and after-effects. In this sense, the books succeed masterfully by showing the reader vicariously what war is like. Hopefully, most of us will never need to learn first hand the horrors of war. Collins has taken the subject and presented it in a way that effectively shows us the atrocities of war in order that her readers can learn something the easy way rather than through experience.

These books will inspire intelligent conversation about war and violence, truth and lies, and the influence of television and the media in disseminating information to manipulate the masses. Additionally, the series should inspire discussion about love and hope, compassion and kindness. By nature, man is capable of committing the most egregious acts of violence and hatred. But at the same time, we are capable of much beauty and love. And these novels show the complexity and fullness of humanity and how extreme circumstances can bring out both the worst and the best in us.

Read Love Reviews: Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Pub. Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Nook book, 275pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Series: Hunger Games #2
ISBN-13: 9780545227247

Description from BN.com:

Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

My Review:

Suzanne Collins did it! She wrote a sequel that is every bit as good as The Hunger Games. Possibly better. It's everything I can do not to dive into number 3 right away. I would if I could, but my dear husband has ordered the hardcover series box set after reading my paperback copy of book 1. So rather than order the Nook version, I will wait a few days for the books to arrive.

Don't worry, no spoilers here. I wouldn't do that to you! Read on....

I enjoyed seeing more of Panem and getting to know the other districts better in this installment. The overall setting really came to life.

Some have commented that the first part of Catching Fire is slow, but I didn't find it to be so. I enjoyed catching up with what life after the Games had been like for Katniss. We get to see more of her family and friends in District 12. Overall, Suzanne Collins continues to develop her characters. Katniss is more self-aware. It's nice to watch her grow and learn from her experience. She's still the same feisty girl, but she becomes more savvy about how her actions affect others. In addition to our heroine, you'll get to know all the principles better and meet some new folks, too.

Once again, there are scenes that will touch you, scenes where you will laugh and scenes where you will cry. And the whole time, you'll be totally immersed in the story. Like book 1, the text is tight and doesn't bog down the plot or slow the pace. Collins' economy of words is amazing. She manages to keep the plot moving while at the same time maximizing scenes. For instance, though sometimes a character may not have many scenes or extended dialogue, Collins always makes the most of the words she does use. Additionally, I marvelled at just how much takes place in such a slim volume. The plot, as it unfolds, gets increasingly complex. By the midway point, the novel takes off. And once you've read that far, you won't put it down. And don't worry, the author will keep you guessing. Trust me, when I finished the book, my jaw just plain dropped!

I look forward to finding out how life will continue to evolve for Katniss and the rest of Panem. I know Mockingjay will be just as incredible as the other two books have been. Can't wait!

If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for??!

Read Love Reviews: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Pub. Date: July 1, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Format: Paperback, 374pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Series: Hunger Games #1
ISBN-13: 9780439023528

Description from Amazon.com:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

My Review:

My first reaction after finishing The Hunger Games was this: Why did I wait so long?!

I knew this series was all-the-rage, but sometimes that keeps me away. Hype can lead to expectations which can end in disappointment. I waited for the paperback release. And even then, it sat on my shelf. So if you are reading this review to decide whether or not to read the book...you can stop right now. Stop. Drop what you are doing. Get thee to a bookstore or library. Get a copy in your hands. Let the reading commence!

Although she certainly didn't create the genre, Suzanne Collins may be responsible for the Dystopian trend the YA publishing world is currently enjoying. Just as Stephanie Meyer ushered in a plethora of vampire/paranormal romance books, Collins paved the way for more post-apocolyptic page-turners. And it's no wonder, because with The Hunger Games, Collins crafted a nearly flawless book.

Panem is an interesting place. There are, or rather were, 13 districts in this post-apocolyptic world. The unlucky 13th was destroyed during a rebellion against the totalitarian government. Interesting choice, as I can't help but think of the 13 original colonies that were America's beginning. Could this world then be our future? Could we be controlled by a government that cares more for power than for its citizens?

Collins has made a society that feels realistic and plausible, which makes her fictional horrors perils worth consideration. The writing is not flashy or self-conscious. Collins avoid common YA cliches and pitfalls and serves her novel best by staying out of its way. As John Green (yes, THE John Green) wrote in the NY Times: "...by not calling attention to itself, the text disappears in the way a good font does: nothing stands between Katniss and the reader, between Panem and America."

Perhaps the biggest strength of the novel is its cast of characters. Many are vividly drawn and memorable. This is especially important in a series. Several of the secondary characters are compelling enough for you to care about them - whether it's to fall in love with them, laugh at them, cheer for them, or want to know more about them. One will even break your heart. 

Katniss, our heroine, is a singular girl. She's strong, tough, and a little cold. But it's not surprising that a girl whose life has been a struggle for survival is sometimes lacking skills in the finer feelings. While detached and calculating she may be, heartless she is not. That's why it isn't difficult to love this smart, strong female lead. Her emotional inepitude makes her imperfect and that makes her more loveable. I won't go into the cast of characters beyond Katniss because you should really meet them on your own terms.

Lastly, The Hunger Games is well-plotted and perfectly paced. You'll find yourself turning the pages, devouring the tale, and then reaching for the next. Did I tell you to grab it? Let me revise that. If you are late getting the book like me, you're in a lucky spot. All the books in the trilogy have been published. Grab all three at once! You'll probably not come up for air until you've read the whole shebang!

----

A word to those leery about the subject matter. (I know you're out there -- Hi, Mom!) Yes, the premise is brutal. Kids fighting to the death for survival is grim. But let's be clear about something: The Hunger Games does not glorify violence. If you want to worry about your kids being influenced negatively by popular entertainment, worry about some of the stuff on television, worry about those crazy video games they play like Grand Theft Auto. Worry about those CDs with warning stickers. But please, don't let your fear keep your children from picking up this book. It's entertainment, yes. But it's not disposable or gratuitous. It is literature. They will learn something about themselves. Thematically, the book is about sacrifice, love, freedom, and humanity. In this fictional reality, just like in real life, adversity and struggle can bring out either the best or the worst in people. When tested, it is up to each of us to decide how we will respond. My mother, who disliked the premise of this book, happened to love Lord of the Flies. Newsflash, Mom: These two books really aren't that far apart.  

Read Love Reviews: Delirium

Delirium (Special Edition) by Lauren Oliver

Pub. Date: August 22, 2011
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Format: ebook, 480pp
Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13: 9780062114037
Source: Barnes & Noble

Teaser from BN.com: 

Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe.

I wonder whether the procedure will hurt.

I want to get it over with.

It's hard to be patient.

It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet.

Still, I worry.

They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness.

The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

My Review: 

Wow! I bought a digital copy of Delirium when it was offered at the bargain price of $2.99. And I'm glad I did! 

Delerium is YA Dystopian Fiction at its best. Who doesn't love Dystopia? There is nothing more appealing in fiction than an exploration, on some level, of what it means to be human. Dystopia puts our humanity -- our freedom of choice, freedom of thought, and in this case, our freedom to love, on the line. So we cling to our seats and hold tightly to the page as we hope to see the characters beat what feels like insurmountable odds. All in the name of human freedom. What's not to love, right?

As I mentioned, this time it's love that's on the line. In Oliver's world, love is seen as a disease, and once adulthood is reached, each citizen goes through a procedure to be cured. Lives -- schooling, careers, marriages -- are arranged and selected for you through testing and an interview. And finally, the most important part of the process, the cure, takes place. All to ensure individual and collective happiness. Ah, but does it?

Lauren Oliver creates a compelling world. I especially liked her use of epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter to give more detail and context to this world. There is nothing to specifically date the world of Delerium. I think we are to consider this our possible future or even an alternate present. Small details were mentioned that add to the worldbuilding: the internet has become the intranet, the U.S. borders were closed, and cell phone static is the result of government surveillance.

Oliver succeeds in her characters. From the beginning, you care about Lena.  Her relationship with Hana is one of the best portrayals of best friends in my recent memory. Though much of this story, when not plot driven, is internal-dialogue driven, there were little tidbits thrown in to give Lena and Hana a history. Another secondary character that I like is Grace, who, although I can't tell you why, is perhaps the ultimate rebel.

Finally, the romantic element of the book feels natural and right. Oliver captures what it is like to fall in love; how love both disturbs and repairs our personal world. Above all, she illustrates why love is worth the accompanying risks and the potential pain.

Don't let the four-star rating fool you. I absolutely loved this book! But I give only whole star ratings, and it's because the writing and the prose are, as a whole, so strong and emotionally compelling that a couple of editing mistakes, one in continuity, and the other an impactful oversight in word use, keep this book from getting top marks.

Still, after finishing Delirium, I immediately pre-ordered the next installment, Pandemonium (February 28, 2012). I also pre-ordered Hana, a short story that releases the same day. I can't wait to read more about what happens to Lena (and Hana)!

Author Interview: Q & A with Nicole O'Dell

I'm so thrilled to be presenting the first Read Love Author Interview!

Joining us is Nicole O'Dell, author of The Wishing Pearl. If you missed my recent review it's here.  
I'm grateful that Nicole was willing to take time out of her busy schedule as an author, mother of six, and radio host to answer some questions. The Wishing Pearl is part of a new series called The Diamond Estates novels.  Each book will introduce readers to a different girl whose life circumstances drive her to Diamond Estates, a residential home for troubled teens.  Book Two, The Embittered Ruby, is scheduled for release in April 2012.

Q: Let's start with your newest release, The Wishing Pearl.  I really enjoyed reading about Olivia and watching her journey unfold.  In what ways is Olivia's story based on or inspired by your own experiences as a teen?

A: When I was a young teen, I started making some really bad choices in response to some things that happened to me. My life spiraled out of control, and I got to the point where I didn’t think I’d get it together unless I got out of my circumstances. I went to live at a residential home for girls called Teen Challenge. I lived there for about eight months, and so much of what you read about Diamond Estates is how it was at Teen Challenge.

Olivia’s story is not completely my own, but her life and the lives of the girls she meets at Diamond Estates (and the ones in books two (The Embittered Ruby) and three (The Shadowed Onyx) are sort of a conglomeration of all I saw and experienced. 

Q: I particularly enjoyed Olivia's relationship with her brother Jake, and later with Tammy.  How the deaf are perceived and treated is very important to Olivia, and her interactions are respectful, kind, and compassionate.  It's interesting that Olivia may be best heard by these deaf characters.  Is there a real-life inspiration for Jake or Tammy?

A: No, there's no specific real-life inspiration from my own life. But everyone who steps beyond physical limitations and other things that people might see as setbacks inspires me. The inner strength and resolve to overcome is a beautiful picture of human strength. Also, in Olivia's case, you're completely right in identifying the connection between Olivia only feeling truly heard by the two deaf characters. Being heard is a real struggle for Olivia, and we find out toward the end of the book that much of the pain from her past is rooted in misinterpretation of the facts.

Q:  Tell me about Teen Talk Radio and the work you do with and for teens.

A: Teen Talk Radio is a weekly talk show that airs live at www.choicesradio.com on Thursdays at 10PM EST. Listeners can also subscribe for free on iTunes and receive each show in their iTunes folder. You can do that right here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/teen-talk-radio/id372833535?ign-mpt=uo%3D4. 

On the show I deal with topics like peer pressure, sex, relationships, dating, friendships, loyalty, self image, etc. Anything that pops up of interest to teens. I also have guests on each week whom I believe will be an inspiration to my teenage listeners.

Rockome Gardens, photo copyright Outdoor.com

Q:  On your Facebook Page, you mentioned going to Rockome Gardens in Arcola, Illinois.  You said you planned to "hang out among the Amish...and do some research for a book."  Are you planning to write an Amish novel? Please share!

A: Ah! Very observant. lol Yes. I can't share the details just yet, but I will say that this won't be your typical Amish series. Definitely not what you'd expect from an Amish story.. :)

Q:  Okay, for our last question let's talk a bit about reading.  What was your favorite book as a teen? And what do you enjoy reading now?

A: The Hiding Place, anything by Bodie and Brock Thoene, Randy Alcorn's The Deadline.... Funny enough, I'd still pick any of those up for a re-read. Most of my reading now is to review books for the radio show, my blog, or for my friends. I love having access to so many books!! 

Nicole O'Dell on the Web: 

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Read Love Reviews: The Wishing Pearl

The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell

Pub. Date: October 1, 2011
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. 
Format: Paperback, 367pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Diamond Estates #1

ISBN-13: 9781616264543

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield can’t wait to escape the confines of her home, which promises nothing but perpetual torment and abuse from her stepfather. When poor choices lead her to the brink of a complete breakdown, Olivia comes to a crossroads. Will she find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for?

From the Author:

This is the book of my heart. All of my books mean something special to me and are borne out of many of my own choices or experiences. But this one, in many ways (not all) is the story of finding my own faith and hope at a residential Teen Challenge center when I was a young teen. The reasons Olivia landed at Diamond Estates and the path she walked to get there are very different than my own, but Olivia and I shared the same need: Jesus.

My Review:

I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.  And one day, not long after receiving the email notification from Goodreads, I received a package from Amazon.  The author, Nicole O'Dell, had bought me a copy of her book! How cool is that? I've never received a giveaway book so quickly before! I was really impressed and grateful.

The Wishing Pearl is the first in a planned series of Diamond Estates novels.  Diamond Estates is a Christian outreach center, a residential treatment facility for troubled teens.  In book one, we meet Olivia Mansfield, whom O'Dell manages to introduce to us in a way in which we can immediately sympathize with her.  The opening scene has her playing her oboe:  "The oboe understood her.  It sang her somber song.  Melancholy and forlorn...Perfect words to describe its cry and Olivia."  Right away, you want to learn about Olivia and her sadness.  And you find she is a nice girl.  She's not a bad girl, but she is losing her way -- she starts to make poor choices.  As Olivia navigates these choices, the author expertly shows her thought process, which is legitimately and believably one of a sixteen-year-old girl.  Eventually, Olivia's life becomes unmanageable, and she reaches a breaking point which ultimately takes her to Diamond Estates.  Her flight begins more as running away from danger in fear than running toward God or rescue, but Olivia is able to learn to trust in God and regain the faith that she had lost as a child.  This book chronicles her journey.

 

Rather than go into the plot in-depth, I'm going to touch on some aspects I particularly enjoyed.  First, Olivia's relationship with her brother Jake who is deaf. He and Olivia have a very special relationship.  The novel uses their relationship, as well as another deaf character, to show compassion and empathy toward people who are different.  Second, there are humorous moments that help keep the book and its serious topics from feeling too heavy.  Third, I enjoyed getting to know Olivia's three roommates.  The girls' group dynamic is very well done.  And although there is an occasional weighty one-on-one discussion, the lighthearted moments show the girls as friends and family.  This character-centered aspect helps keep the novel from feeling like an Afterschool Special.  Finally, I liked that the mean girl -- yes, every book has one -- is served a portion of grace rather than revenge.  This is definitely an idea worth exploring in teen literature!

Where the novel shines is in its portrayal of thoughts and feelings that seem like they are coming from a real teen.  Nicole O'Dell does an exceptional job giving voice to all the feelings of doubt, shame, inadequacy, fear, etc., that a teen -- especially a girl -- can feel.  For teens who are faced with tough situations that give rise to hard questions, fear, and discouragement, the novel provides guidance and hope.  At one point, Olivia is encouraged to "fight the lies".  The explanation that follows this advice, touching on what those lies are, is a terrific lesson that people of all ages can benefit from.  Curious? Read the book!

I really enjoyed The Wishing Pearl and would highly recommend it! I look forward to reading the next installment, The Embittered Ruby, when it comes out next April. 

Read Love Reviews: There You'll Find Me

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Pub. Date: Oct 4, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Format: eBook, 303pp
Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13: 9781595545404
Source: NetGalley, Thomas Nelson

Synopsis from BN.com:

In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley is forced to face a past she can't outrun. When she books her trip to the “Emerald Isle” as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from God. After all, since her brother’s recent death, God seems to have forgotten she even exists. Now all she wants to do is let her heart heal, see the sights in her brother’s favorite country, and work on her college audition piece for a prestigious music conservatory. She plans to use her brother’s journal from his time as Ireland as her guide, yet from the moment she boards the plane and sits next to Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to her well-ordered plan.

My Review:

This was my first experience with both NetGalley and Jenny B. Jones (thank you, Thomas Nelson!).  I'm happy to report it was a positive one.  I don't have a lot of experience reading Christian fiction, so I was a little surprised that There You'll Find Me felt very contemporary.  In fact, in the early pages, I was looking for differences to set it apart from similar mainstream releases like Anna and the French Kiss.  On the surface, these two titles seemed similar:  an American teenaged-girl goes abroad for school and drama and relationships ensue.  A hotel heiress whose rebellious ways made her a tabloid star meets a Hollywood big ticket vampire boy. A young Paris Hilton and Rob Pattinson in a Christian book? And Finley is a cynic? The differences were not obvious, but who says Christian books can't be hip and funny?

Luckily, I enjoyed There You'll Find Me a lot more than I did Anna and the French Kiss.  This novel succeeds in many areas.  It has humor without ever being rude or vulgar.  You won't find any underage drinking in this book -- Finley's rebellious time immediately following the death of her brother is mentioned, but we are not given details.  Finley's family comes across as loving and supportive.  This is a rare treat to see in a teen book! Emotions feel genuine.  When Finley is upset, she never sounds whiny.  Given that she's still grieving the loss of her brother, her occasionally standoffish attitude makes sense.  Her grief gives a context and a meaning to her actions, and Finley is very self aware.  Her character is one that many girls will be able to relate to.  She's very hard on herself.  In fact, one aspect of Finley's personality quickly became bothersome:  her compulsive counting of calories! This annoyed me for some time, as I felt like the book was looking the other way.  In actuality, though, the novel turns this behavior into a discussion point and successfully deals very plainly and honestly with a difficult subject.

The relationships in the novel were realistic and solid.  Love was real.  Finley and Beckett develop a legitimate friendship and have good conversation.  They forge bonds based on trust and caring.  This is no heated, lusty teen angst style romance.  Finley's friendship with Mrs. Sweeney also develops in a believable manner.  Nothing comes too easily or quickly.  The two learn slowly how to trust each other and communicate in a productive way.  There is a lot of humor and a lot of heart in the dynamic between Finley and Mrs. Sweeney.  I laughed and cried while reading this book, and it's rare for me to find myself laughing out loud or with tears trickling down my face while reading.  Have no fear, this is not melodrama; it's more subtle and measured.  And you'll cry because events unfold in a way that is neither forced nor manipulated.  Additionally, when Finley starts dealing with her emotions, you'll find that Jones does not sugarcoat things or bring resolution too quickly.  Isn't this how life works? We struggle and we fight, and we may or may not succeed.  But we don't learn to fly overnight.  I loved that Jones doesn't oversimplify things.

There You'll Find Me is indeed a Christian book.  I think you'll notice some of the differences I've outlined above.  The novel succeeds in presenting the story of a girl struggling to find God and hear God's voice during a time of personal upheaval in a manner that is current, subtle, and even-handed.  Readers will never feel they are being preached to.  Finley's questioning is shown as healthy and normal.  It's encouraged.  And when Finley prays, it feels like it's coming from her heart and her mouth, not the voice of an authoress on a soapbox.  We see characters care for and love one another.  I believe they all hear God's voice through their heartfelt efforts to help each other and their desire to know one another.  Again, this is life.  And as such, any reader should be able to read this book without feeling discomfort or exclusion. 

The only quibble I have is a minor one:  the author may have taken on too many plot elements.  In doing so, some areas or characters are left unexplored or underrepresented.  For instance, I would have enjoyed seeing more daily life interaction between Finley and her host family.  And though at times, the various narrative pieces felt hard to manage, I feel this was an intentional effort to highlight Finley's struggle:  She is trying to juggle grief, expectations and pressure surrounding her music school audition, issues surrounding life and death in her burgeoning friendship with Mrs. Sweeney, her relationship with Beckett, issues with control and self-image, as well as her quest to find God again.  That's an awful lot to deal with! But this is a reality many are faced with every day. I highly recommend There You'll Find Me.

The Time Will Come (7)

 

"The Time Will Come"  is a weekly feature hosted by Jodie from Books for Company.

Each Thursday, we share a book that might be sitting unread on our shelves for now, but we do intend to get to! 

(Thanks go to Jennifer @ It's Fay, Not Fey! for the graphic!) 

I was so excited when I saw Gifts by the legendary Lady Le Guin on the shelves at the store! And just as excited that it was part of a series with really cool cover art!

You can't go wrong with Ursula Le Guin, so I can't explain or understand why I haven't yet read this! I guess every time I pick it up and glance at the first few pages, it feels more dense in terms of world-building than I had anticipated and I'm just not feeling in the mood.  One thing is certain:  If you pick up a book and force yourself to read it when your mood and desire is not there, the experience will be less than satisfying.  So, knowing that a good series like this is waiting to be read, I patiently bide my time.

Any sci-fi/fantasy folks out there who've read the Annals of the Western Shore series? I'd love to hear about it!

Read Love Reviews: Nightshade

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer


Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Format: Hardcover, 454pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Nightshade #1

ISBN-13:  9780399254826

Synopsis from BN.com:

Calla is the alpha female of a shape-shifting wolf pack. She is destined to marry Ren Laroche, the pack's alpha male. Together, they would rule their pack together, guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But then, Calla saves a beautiful human boy, who captures her heart. Calla begins to question everything - her fate, her existence, and her world and the orders the Keepers have asked her to follow. She will have to make a choice. But will she follow her heart if it means losing everything, including her own life? 

My Review:

Okay, I'm starting to see an unfortunate trend:  Dawn finally reads a book or series that it seems everyone loves.  Dawn is underwhelmed.  Sorry folks.  I wanted to love it -- I really did.    

Let's look at what Andrea Cremer accomplishes with Nightshade.   Cremer sets up her own unique wolf mythology.  If you started the book thinking you were going to be reading about familiar werewolves, you'll find you were mistaken.  Although things like pack pecking order and other wolfish mannerisms are not new to anyone who knows a little about wolves and their behavior, the society and world that Cremer creates for her characters is believable and compelling.  Rather than spending a lot of time on exposition in order to explain the world her characters inhabit, the author begins by immediately advancing the plot, giving the reader pieces of information bit by bit throughout the opening chapters.  While initially a little disorienting, this technique successfully gains and sustains reader interest and curiosity.  And with each chapter, you'll find yourself shaking your head as the plot thickens as your understanding of the world deepens and the conflict broadens.

Unfortunately, for me, the growing complexity of the society of Keepers, Guardians, and Searchers was not the only thing that had me shaking my head.  While it served the author's interest to reveal her world piecemeal in order to advance the plot, she did herself a disservice by not spending more time establishing her characters, particularly Calla.  We never learn the reason why Calla felt compelled to risk her own life to save Shay, the human boy she knows nothing about.  As an alpha female, you'd expect Calla to have more self-awareness.  Sure, we see her struggle with issues like power, control, tradition, purity, and obedience.  We can appreciate the difficulties she faces as she navigates her changing role and ponders the emerging questions surrounding her place in a world which she thought she understood.  But without understanding why she is drawn to Shay, or how she really feels about Ren, the romantic elements of the book are nothing more than distractions from the larger storyline.  The dynamic between Calla, Shay, and Ren was not a satisfying love triangle.  The reader never fully understands her feelings for either boy.  And I'm not convinced Calla understands her feelings either.  Nighshade's romantic elements are built mainly on lust and physical attraction.  I found this hard to swallow, and my enjoyment of the novel slackened when the romance started to overshadow the plot.  When the mystery was explored and the characters were searching for answers, I was rapt.  But when the steamy moments interrupted, I checked out.  Especially when the characters pause while in mortal danger for a steamy interlude! Who gets romantic when their life is in peril? Only in the pages of Hollywood scripts, or apparently, torrid YA fiction!

As far as the writing goes, for the most part it was strong enough to support the story.  But, at times, the overuse of certain phrases or conventions became an annoyance.  I can't tell you the number of times a male character raises his eyebrows, or crooks his finger at someone.  And for heaven's sake, people don't blush as often in real life as they do in the pages of a story trying to create romantic tension!

While I enjoyed reading Nightshade and never struggled to turn the pages, I was never able to fully connect with Calla, the protagonist.  So while I kept reading to find out what happened, I found that I was more intellectually curious than emotionally invested in the outcome.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (9)

 

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly chance for bloggers to share books we can't wait to get our hands on.  

It's hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine. 

Available in Hardcover March 20, 2012:

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
• Format: Hardcover , 400pp
• Age Range: Young Adult
• ISBN-13: 9780803737266

Synopsis From Goodreads.com:

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

Although I haven't yet read the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy, I want to.  And when I browsed the most recent catalog for Penguin Books, this beautiful cover caught my eye.  Very interesting premise! I look forward to finding out more about this upcoming release.

That's what I'm waiting on! Now how 'bout you?

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday (8)

 

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly chance for bloggers to share books we can't wait to get our hands on.  

It's hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine. 

Available in Hardcover September 29, 2011:

• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
• Format: Hardcover , 384 pp
• Age Range: Young Adult
• ISBN-13:9780399256608

Synopsis From BN.com:

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it’s the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city — gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific work of Jack the Ripper in the autumn of 1888. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was with her at the time, didn’t notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, what is he planning to do about her? 

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. 

Another Ripper book for me.  What can I say? I love the period.  But wait--it's modern? Curious to know how past and present will merge.  And I love creepy!   This is the start of a new series.  If it's good, it could be dangerous.  Seems nearly everything I buy lately is part of a series....

That's what I'm waiting on! Now how 'bout you?

 

Read Love Reviews: Underdogs

Underdogs by Markus Zusak

Pub. Date: August 1, 2011

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

Format: Hardcover, 499 pp

Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13:  9780545354424

Synopsis from BN.com:

From the bestselling author of THE BOOK THIEF. Before THE BOOK THIEF, Markus Zusak wrote a trilogy of novels about the Wolfe Brothers: THE UNDERDOG, FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE, and GETTING THE GIRL. Cameron and Ruben Wolfe are champions at getting into fights, coming up with half-baked schemes, and generally disappointing girls, their parents, and their much more motivated older siblings. They're intensely loyal to each other, brothers at their best and at their very worst....

We're proud to present these novels together for the first time, and to be introducing American readers to THE UNDERDOG, never before published in the United States. Fans of THE BOOK THIEF won't want to miss reading the novels that launched Markus Zusak's stellar career.

My Review:

The Book Thief was no fluke.  It was the culmination of years of work and growth from a gifted writer.  When I began reading the first book in Underdogs, fearful that it would prove to be vastly inferior to The Book Thief (one of my all-time favorite books), I found real and rapid assurance that the hand that authored that masterpiece also wrote these words.  In The Underdog, originally published in 1999 (and his first work), Markus Zusak's talent and unique style, and the poetic beauty that shapes The Book Thief, are already present.

It's nice to see all three titles about the Wolfe brothers -- The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, and Getting the Girl -- bound in one volume.  This makes for a great reading experience as the novellas seamlessly connect to form one unified work.  And you'll find that the writing is so good you'll gobble up each piece whole.  So it's a relief not to have to hunt down another book or wait for another release to read more about Cameron and Ruben.  It's also worth noting that this publication is the first time American readers can get their hands on Zusak's first book, The Underdog.  (An observant reader might notice that the Australian version of Getting the Girl is titled When Dogs Cry.  This is not just repackaging or marketing by the publisher. They bear different titles for good reason:  Getting the Girl is actually a rewrite of When Dogs Cry.  But I'll talk more about this later.)

Let me tell you what I love about Markus Zusak's writing:  His characterization.  He writes about real people.  These aren't heroic renderings of polished, perfect humans like you'll find on TV. Cameron and Ruben, their family, and the other folks who inhabit their world, are dirty, flawed, messy, and raw.  And it's their sloppiness, their imperfections and vulnerabilities, these very human qualities, that give them life.  Any time you read a Zusak book, you come away feeling like you know the characters, as if they are real people.  And you feel you should be able to look out your window and find them walking in the streets.  You know and understand them, and most importantly, you care about them.

I won't tell you too much about the plot.  A plot synopsis or book jacket will never entice you to read a Zusak book anyway.  His books generally don't have out-of-this-world-I-wonder-what-this-could-be-about premises.  Instead, they are about ordinary people living ordinary lives.  But there is extraordinary beauty in every day life, and that's what Zusak is so gifted at revealing.  When you read about Cameron and Ruben Wolfe, you'll read about Loyalty. Family. Honor. Fear. Pain. Forgiveness. Longing. Hunger. Love. Pride. Fighting. Winning.  And by watching Cameron learn to live his life, you'll learn about Living.

I love this book, or rather, these books, more than I could express.  In fact, when I read The Underdog, I was busy and got away from it.  Not wanting to cheat the book or lose the emotion, I started again at the beginning and became so engrossed that I read the entire thing without pause.  The next night, I did the same with Fighting Ruben Wolfe.  With each tale, my emotional connection to the characters grew.  By the end, I loved Cameron.  I had laughed with and at him, ached and cried for him.  And I was happy for and proud of him, too.  It was difficult to say goodbye when the final story ended.

I didn't need to say an abrupt farewell, though.  After reading a note on Markus' Facebook page, I discovered that there was a significant difference in the third book.  Markus explains in this note (I wouldn't recommend reading it until after you've read the book) that the American publisher requested a change in When Dogs Cry (which would be renamed Getting the Girl).  I was curious as to how the book was altered and wanted to know what Zusak's original vision was.  I had to get my hands on a copy of the Aussie version.  Luckily, Markus pointed readers to a couple of booksellers, and I was able to download an epub from an online store.  (Now, this is the beauty of e-books! No need to wait for (and pay for) international shipping!)  Once I had put the ebook on my Nook, I read it in one sitting.  Then I re-read the last 100 pages of Getting the Girl.  I was surprised at how the same story can be told so differently.  As Zusak says, "It was a change that would take it on a different course to arrive at almost an identical ending."  However, while both titles end at the same place, with essentially the same final chapter, they are very different.  I'm still trying to digest those differences.  The emotional experience has changed.  I don't want to ruin it, but if you read Underdogs, I would encourage you to read When Dogs Cry.  And if you've already read When Dogs Cry, you might want to get a copy of Underdogs or Getting the Girl to compare.

By all means, though, you MUST read Underdogs.  You need to find out for yourself why I love Cameron Wolfe.  Boy do I!  Forget Team Edward or Team Jacob or Team Fill-in-the-blank-boy-heartthrob.  I'm Team Cameron.  And more than that, I'm Team Wolfe.  Pick up this book, meet this family, and experience the beauty of Cameron's heart, soul, and words.

Read Love Reviews: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Pub. Date: August 2011
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Format: Paperback, 372 pp
Age Range: Young Adult

ISBN-13:  9780142419403

Synopsis from BN.com:

Anna can't wait for her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's not too thrilled when her father unexpectedly ships her off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home. Will a year of romantic near-misses end in the French kiss Anna awaits?

My Review:

This summer, everywhere I turned, people were raving about Anna and the French Kiss.  Publishers had begun to make reference to the novel to sell other books.  So when the paperback printing appeared in stores this month, I decided to see what all the fuss was about.  Having finally experienced the novel myself, I'm not sure I found a satisfying answer to the question.  I didn't hate the book -- the reading was okay.  I just never seemed to connect to the characters.  The book never took flight.

From the start, Anna and I had a rocky relationship.  She seemed a little whiny and occasionally flighty, but I was willing to cut her a break.  She was dealing with a major change, after all. Eventually, though, I couldn't ignore the fact that Anna just has too many moments where she acts really stupidly.  Also, I found it hard to accept that she's a movie buff, an aspiring critic, and has her own movie review website, yet doesn't know that Paris is "the film appreciation capital of the world."  Finally, I was skeptical that she wouldn't have known her family motto was in French.  How can this fact never have been mentioned during her lifetime, considering that she has an embroidered pillow with the Oliphant clan crest and motto? But I tried to ignore these annoyances and read on with optimism.

*** Warning:  Spoilers ahead, proceed with caution ***

(I don't like spoilers, but I can't explain why I didn't love the book without mentioning specifics.)

Despite my continued attempts to give her the benefit of the doubt, Anna's behavior and decisions made it difficult for me to fully embrace her.  I thought her reaction to the Bridgette/Toph situation was a little over the top.  First, I thought her feelings for St. Clair should have overshadowed her crush on Toph.  Second, I thought the manner in which she found out about Toph and Bridgette would make her realize that Toph isn't exactly a prize catch.  He seems like a real slimeball.  And he wasn't even a very talented musician according to Anna.  So, seeing him in a different light, I felt she should react differently.  Not only is Anna's reaction a touch overdramatic, it is hypocritical.  It takes her nearly six months to see the parallel between Bridgette and herself -- each pursues and dates a guy knowing that a friend has feelings for him, and each hides the relationship from said friend.  Once again, Anna doesn't seem very bright:  she doesn't see signs that seem obvious to the reader, constantly makes incorrect assumptions, and her insecurities are bothersome.  For instance, because she assumes everyone hates her, she stops talking to her friends.  Seemingly motivated by spite and the desire to make St. Clair jealous, Anna starts dating Dave, a total jerk.  And when Dave comes to her room drunk and invites her upstairs to his room, she agrees to go? I think this moment was the beginning of the end for Anna and me.  I could never care enough about her to have any emotional investment in the outcome of her relationship with Etienne St. Clair.

Just as I struggled to relate to Anna, I had a tumultuous relationship with the narrative.  There were simply not enough compelling story elements outside of the romantic plot line to sustain my interest. Unlike Twilight, for example, here there is no overprotective father, no Volturi, no convincing love triangle (the Toph thing never felt genuine).  Anna and St. Clair's only real obstacle to romantic happiness is themselves.  They sabotage their relationship with their hesitancy, insecurity, dishonesty, and most of all, with their inability to communicate.  And this is where another of my gripes with the novel lies:  The author's hands are visibly pulling the strings.  Both Anna and St. Clair have a drunken revelation.  Stephanie Perkins gets each of her protagonists drunk so they can say the difficult words or ask the hard questions.  I don't know if this is the author's attempt to add narrative tension, but I don't like it.  I thought there was too much drinking in the novel.  You would think that after the first drunken episode with St. Clair, Anna would have been wise enough to refuse to go out drinking when her friends suggested it.  Too often, though, Anna is unable to stand up for herself.  Frequently, against her own better judgment, she goes along with the wishes and whims of others -- especially when a boy is involved.  Furthermore, if the double-drunken episode wasn't enough, the author has both Anna and St. Clair throw punches and land in detention one after the other.  This is just another contrived way to get the two characters alone together so that they'll be forced to actually communicate.

Sometimes when reading a novel, I'll mark pages that I think are important or interesting, or I'll flag a quote that I want to read again.  When I read Markus Zusak's Underdogs, I ended up with countless little flags in various colors.  It was really pretty.  With Anna and the French Kiss, however, I marked only a couple things.  And they were not positive ones.  They were phrases that stood out to me in a bad way.  The most glaring was this:  "My eyes look like I've mistaken cranberry juice for Visine, and my lips are swollen like wasp stings."  Cranberry juice? Really? This sentence feels like a forced attempt to say something ordinary in an original way.  It strikes me as something that would come from an inexperienced writer during a creative writing workshop.  And it feels overwrought (though I guess that's Anna, who tends to be melodramatic).

In all fairness, I did like the novel in places.  I enjoyed reading Bridgette's emails to Anna with her extravagant use of big words from the OED.  I missed this when Anna stopped communicating with Bridgette.  Parts of the book were very well done.  I particularly liked the Thanksgiving section and the Christmas break section.  It was during these moments that Anna and St. Clair began to talk and develop a legitimate and realistic relationship.  They were connecting and forging bonds of trust and a relationship based on real conversation and shared feelings; they were becoming best friends.  Too often with YA fiction, the romance seems to magically appear.  That's not the case with Anna and the French Kiss.  Perkins handled the romantic build-up very well.  That's why it was so frustrating and disappointing to see Anna and St. Clair take steps backward and sabotage themselves upon returning to school after Christmas break.  But there's the rub.  We return once more to the problem of insufficient narrative tension or interest outside of the romantic storyline.  If our young lovers had communicated their feelings honestly, and if they had gotten out of their own way sooner, the novel would have ended pretty quickly:  Boy dumps girl he doesn't really like for girl he does like.  The end.