Top Ten Tuesday 8

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books I'd Give a Theme Song.  Given that music and reading are two of my favorite pastimes, I thought for sure this would be a snap.  Wrong.  So, I have certainly tried my best, but some on this list probably fall short.

Without further ado...



The Top Ten Books I'd Give a Theme Song


1.  Divergent by Veronica Roth = "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse

I can just imagine Tris kicking serious butt to this song.  To be fair, when the guitar solo starts, I'm pretty sure I could dismantle a brick wall with my bare hands.  The chorus "No one's gonna take me alive / The time has come to make things right / You and I must fight for our rights / You and I must fight to survive" could be she and Four's anthem!

2.  The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins = "Uprising" by Muse

Okay, so clearly I have a minor obsession with both dystopian novels and Muse.  Who doesn't love Matthew Bellamy and his power to fire up?  Truthfully, these lyrics fit this entire series perfectly.  A sampling:

Interchanging mind control
Come let the revolution take it's toll
If you could flick a switch and open your third eye
You'd see that we should never be afraid to die

So come on

Rise up and take the power back
It's time the fat cats had a heart attack
You know that their time's coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend


3.  Hate List by Jennifer Brown = "All These Things I've Done" by The Killers

A fantastic novel and even better song (I sang it at my wedding, that's how crazy I am about it!).  The messages of both forgiveness and accepting our shortcomings run through the song and novel.  I can see Valerie reminding herself, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier."

4.  Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers = "Hammerhead" by The Offspring

This novel is a fantastic story about a soldier and what it means for him to serve his country - the ideas of brotherhood, loyalty, and blind compliance all come into question, just like in the song.  For example, "I'll take a life, that others may live / Oh, that's just the way it goes / I shut my eyes, it hammers in my head / where it'll end nobody knows" fits any battle.  Plus, the overall intense nature of the song is perfect for any gripping scene.

5.  Looking for Alaska by John Green = "Bohemian Like You" by The Dandy Warhols

Both the novel and the song share a sense of kinship between two misfits.  Plus, Alaska's car came to mind with the opening lines:  "You've got a great car / Yeah what's wrong with it today / I used to have one too / Maybe I'll come and have a look."

6.  The Immortals series by Alyson Noel = "Yellow" by Coldplay

Devotion comes across in this song, and save perhaps the Twilight series, no other series expresses eternal devotion quite like The Immortals.  Ever and Damen's love has spanned lifetimes - how more devoted can you get?

7.  Fire by Kristin Cashore = "Molly's Chambers" by Kings of Leon

Partly this pairing was inspired by the fact that both the song and novel are borderline inappropriate (certainly the song more so).  After all, the main character, Fire, is someone who is physically desirable and able to control other's minds.  The song describes someone very similar, and speaks to me of female power.

8.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green = "An End Has a Start" by The Editors

This is another pairing where it's too difficult to pick a section of lyrics to share!  The theme of hope even in the face of inevitable loss is what came across strongest in Green's novel, as it does in the song.  If you will:

I won't disappoint you
As you fall apart
Some things should be simple
Even an end has a start

Someone hit the lights
 'Cause there's more here to be seen
When you caught my eye
I saw everywhere I'd been
And wanna go too

You came on your own
That's how you'll leave
With hope in your hands
And air to breathe

You'll lose everything
But in the end
Still my broken limbs
You'll find time to mend


9.  Fracture by Megan Miranda = "Passenger Seat" by Death Cab for Cutie

I'm probably just giving a theme song to this novel because I finished it last night (stay tuned for a review... get it?  Tuned?  Because I'm making theme songs? :), but two ideas stood out to me.  One is the nighttime, wintry mood that both the novel and song project.  The second comes at the end of the song, which speaks to someone's companionship and closeness with someone else, be they friends or something more...

"When you feel embarrassed / Then I'll be your pride / When you need directions / Then I'll be the guide / For all time"

10.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor = "Resistance" by Muse

I just couldn't let the list end without an appearance by my new favorite book and my favorite band!  Love in the face of extreme fear, disapproval, and discrimination drives Taylor's story, as embodied by the following:

Is your secret safe tonight?  And are we out of sight?
Or will our world come tumbling down?
Will they find our hiding place?  Is this our last embrace?
Or will the walls start caving in?

...

Love is our resistance they'll keep us apart and they won't stop
breaking us down and hold me
Our lips must always be sealed

Top Ten Tuesday 7

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save if My House was being Ravaged by Some Natural Disaster. (gah, lots of caps).  Due to the fact that I have three wild and crazy pets, we'll go with my house burning down (as I imagine the puppy chasing my verrrry fluffy kitties onto a lit stove, and their tails catching nearby curtains on fire).  Naturally, I'd save my hubby and pets first, but then definitely these ten books, not only because they're my favorite titles, but because I'm particularly attached to the copies I have. (Note:  not all of these are teen reads, so readers beware!)


Top Ten Books I'd Save if my House was Burning to the Ground

1.  The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien:

This book has been through a lot with me - the ravages of high school, college, and young single life.  And yet, I will always come back to it as one of my all-time favorites.

2.  Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell:

Again, I've had this book forever!  I try and re-read it every year or two, so losing it would be completely devastating.

3.  The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley:

This book will forever remind me of my best friend and our rather eclectic English teacher in high school. Full of girl power and fantasy, set in Camelot - how can you go wrong?

4.  Trading Up by Candace Bushnell:

Guilty pleasure, what can I say?  I'll need something light to read while I wait for the smoke damage to be cleaned up from my house.

5.  The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling:

So, I guess I'll need a bigger bag to put all of these books in...

6.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan:

Yep, all five.  Though if pressed for time, I'd just take the fourth installment, The Battle of the Labyrinth.


7.  Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden:

Finally, my little sister returned this one to me, and I've been missing it.  Again, one of the books I could re-read endlessly, and never get sick of it.

8.  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas:

Heavy to carry down a fire ladder, sure.  But absolutely heart-stopping and wonderful.

9.  Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham:

Most of my high school class HATED this book, but I oddly became obsessed with it.  If you are into classics, this might be a good one to try.  Plus, this one has all of my silly high school annotations, which are worth giggling over.

10.  The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer:

Love to mock them though I do, I actually love to read them too.  They still make me cry, and are the perfect light read.  Plus, I've got plenty of others on the list that will make me look smart.  :)



Oh bah, I'm saving one more.  It's my house.

11.  The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory:

I'll save this one as soon as I get it back from my mother.  Truthfully, the whole series is addicting.





Any good ones I missed?

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.


For whatever reason, this book has been sitting on my mental TBR list, not getting read.  So when I finally decided to check this book out from the library, I was eager to begin.  Unfortunately, after finishing it, all I can say is "meh."


Sadly, the characters in this book struck me as lackluster.  Lena, the protagonist, just seemed like the run-of-the-mill revolutionary anti-government character, wrapped up in a romantic and slightly more timid package.  Now, I imagine that living in a world without love and ruled by fear would render one timid, but still.  Her hesitation lasted too long into the novel for my taste, especially given the massive case of "insta-love" in this book.  Truthfully, Lena's insta-love interest, Alex, was my biggest disappointment of the novel.  I was happy to see Lena fall in love, but other than his slight irreverence, I wasn't really sure what set Alex apart.  His character was left pretty flat, which made it hard to understand Lena's attraction.


Similarly, the plot left a little something to be desired.  There were certainly exciting parts, but the pages in between dragged somewhat.  To be fair, this might be due to my fatigue from grading massive amounts of diagnostic writing prompts (no matter how you slice it, 76 relatively identical essays just aren't exciting), but this book didn't captivate me the way I was hoping.  I found the storyline pretty predictable, and given that I wasn't invested in the love story the way I normally am, I just found myself apathetic.  Even the ending was predictable, and I hate when that happens.


Other than a few language issues, this book is pretty clean, which is a plus in the "teacher-safe" category.  This is the cover of the book I read, but there are several others that are a bit more enticing.  However, the bright blue might attract some curious glances, which could help draw student readers in.


Overall, I would recommend this book for the less discerning dystopian reader.  For ladies (sorry gents, too much mushy stuff in here for most of you) who enjoyed Divergent, Fever, and even The Hunger Games, I would perhaps offer this as something new to try.  However, I will probably be taking Delirium's sequel, Pandemonium, off of my TBR list, which does leave me feeling slightly accomplished.

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.


I was thrilled when this book came into our school library.  After devouring Green's Looking for Alaska, I was eager to see what else he had written.  His newest offering is certain to satisfy!


Given the nature of this story, the characters have to be what drives the plot.  The narrator, Hazel, is a fantastic character.  Despite the fact that she is dying, she is humorous, insightful, and extremely compassionate.  Green did a great job making her intelligent and self-deprecating to lighten the otherwise dark mood of the story.  Augustus, or Gus as his family calls him, is one of my favorite YA love interests.  He is funny, intellectual, and 100% romantic.  Though these characters are in a situation that many teenage readers (thankfully!) have not encountered, I found them relatable and engaging the entire story.


The plot is simple, yet interesting.  Again, this was largely due to the characters and the fact that readers are invested in their story from the outset of the novel.  There were just enough twists to keep me guessing, which I also appreciated.  I feel as though I knew somewhat what was going to happen, as it is a novel about teens with cancer, but there were still surprising elements.  Watching Hazel and Gus's romance bloom was pure magic, and by the end of the book, I was sobbing (ask my husband - I woke him up!).


Content-wise, this book is actually pretty tame for a John Green novel.  There is a bit of language, but nothing that other YA books don't have.  There is also some sexuality, but everything occurred a bit more offstage than is typical in a Green book (so I understand, at least).  Certainly, there was nothing in this book that would alarm most readers.


My only (tiny!) beef with this book would be the cover art, as it is not necessarily something that would catch the eye of picky readers.  I think a lot of that could stem from the loyalty of Green's audience.  Most readers will pick up his books simply because they are written by him - and readers can probably assume they'll enjoy!  For unfamiliar readers, though, this book might need a bit of "talking up" to get them to take it home.


Overall, I would say this book is a magical novel, one that is both joyous and heartbreaking to read.  I would recommend this to both guys and girls, as it contains a little bit of something for everyone.  This is a 2012 novel not to be missed!

Review: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.
 
PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.
 
Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.
 
Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.


This book has been one that's sat on my bookshelves FOREVER, collecting dust.  I bought it to add to my classroom library, but wanted to preview it first before handing it out to students.  Very glad that I took the time to read it!  It's one that might be tough to sell to students, so having some talking points about it will be helpful.


The characters in this book were fantastically created.  Andi, the protagonist, absolutely broke my heart.  Sadly, I think her extreme guilt and depression over what happened to her brother resonate with teen readers, as so many of them carry burdens they shouldn't.  My heart went out to Andi, which helped excuse some of her oblivious moments or bad behavior.  The other important characters, though many in number, were also created deftly.  I found myself taking a personal interest in them, which is a must when trying to hook readers!


For me personally, the plot was exciting and engaging, but a bit convoluted, especially the portions that are narrated through Alexandrine's diary.  She mixes the timeline up a bit in those, and since the reader is already being transported back in time, it can get a bit confusing.  There were also just A LOT of diary entries - perhaps more than were necessary.  Though I was curious to find out about the Revolution and Alex's story, I was much more interested in Andi's journeys in Paris.  The ending, however, was absolutely WONDERFUL and worth pushing through some of the other overly "twisty" parts to reach.


Andi's narration draws readers in, but for this reason I offer a bit of caution.  She's a very messed up girl.  For some of my little tenderhearts, she might even be too messed up.  I can think of some, however, who have admitted to liking dark books, and for them, Andi is a perfect narrator.  Even in the midst of a serious personal crisis, she does have a fantastic sense of humor, which I appreciated.


One other caveat to this book when it comes to recommendations.  It references music throughout the entire narrative.  Personally, I enjoyed the references, as Andi's thesis (and iPod playlist) is based largely off the work of my favorite band - Radiohead (*dreamy sigh*).  While I'm not sure I'd deem a knowledge of their work and other indie bands (as well as some classics, Led Zeppelin most notably) a necessity to reading the book, it did enhance my enjoyment because I knew to what songs she was referring.  For picky readers, this might be a stumbling block.  Or, as I am going to look at it, a fun conversation starter!  I made a list of a few of the songs that are mentioned several times, and I plan to hand that to kiddos who borrow the book.  They can look the songs up on Youtube and enjoy if they want!  I'm all about spreading the Radiohead... errr, not sure you can call it cheer, but you know what I mean.


So, overall, I would say this book is one that I enjoyed reading, but not one I plan to hand out to just anyone.  It will take a mature reader to follow the plot and comprehend Andi's character.  To some of my more capricious readers, though, I think this book is well-researched and could spark some authentic curiosity.






Any other historical fiction recommendations?  I love the genre, but I have a hard time digging up new titles!

Top Ten Tuesday 5

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is to list the top ten books you would hand to someone who says he or she doesn't like to read.  As a teacher, I find myself in this position... A LOT.  Truth be told, I don't think I could list my top ten, as it really depends on who the reader is.  So, these are perhaps the top ten books that I've had the most success with in recent years.






Top Ten Books I'd Hand to Someone who Says He/She Doesn't Like to Read:


1.  Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings:


I've had a lot of success with this book, both with the ladies and the gentlemen.  I think it's largely due to the themes of loyalty and friendship that run throughout.  The main character, Brady, finds himself stuck between choosing to do what's right, and sticking by his friends.  Reluctant teen readers connect with this theme on many levels.  (Plus, as much as I hate to say it, it's short, which matters to some of my busy kids!)


2.  Graceling by Kristin Cashore:

I LOVE this book - it has romance, action, and everything in between.  The characters are deep and believable, despite the fact they live in a fantasy kingdom.  Again, I've had success with both guys and girls on this one, though admittedly, more of my girls.  This book is just beautiful, and anyone who can appreciate beauty would love it.




3.  The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling:


Words cannot express how much I, and everyone I am close to, love these books.  The characters seem so realistic that I will openly admit to wishing Rowling's world was real (I mean, who doesn't want to go to Hogwarts?).  As far as teacherly qualities, I love the fact that even though these books are written for younger readers, everyone can connect to them.

4.  The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins:


Again, reluctant male and female readers have fallen in love with this series.  The action, mystery, and romance have hooked so many of my students.  We are all counting down to the movie release!


5.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan:


Seriously, this series has been on every list I've written - or at least close to.  Enough said.  It's fabulous.




6.  Looking for Alaska by John Green:


I myself am a John Green neophyte, but this book was so good I cried.  Green's ability to create a strong male narrator, with the appropriate amount of humorous inappropriateness, makes him gold in my eyes.


7.  Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson:


I originally read this book for a YA literature class I took in college, and have been recommending it to students ever since.  This one is certainly a pick for the girls, but Melinda's painful narration can melt even the hardest of hearts.

8.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie:


Okay, so I'm only being partially facetious when I say that one of the reasons I've had success with this book is because it has pictures.  Seriously - it's like a more mature version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Hilarious and heartbreaking!


9.  The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer:


I've had many a reluctant reader get completely engrossed in this dystopian novel.  The writing style is approachable, and the story premise is messed up enough to intrigue just about anyone.  In particular, I've found my squirrelly gamer boys have liked this one.  :)

10.  Evermore by Alyson Noel:


This series is absolutely adorable, and full of action at the same time.  While perhaps not something that will later find admittance into the literary canon, the idea of two people who find one another, lifetime after lifetime, is enough to tickle any high school girl's fancy.  After all, who isn't hoping to find love as a teenager!?

Review: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Publication Date:  February 28, 2012
Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.




This book is exactly what the summary makes it out to be:  cute, light, and humorous.  While it is not my typical cup of tea (I tend to stay away from the romantic realistic fiction books, as any of my students will tell you after one of my Sarah Dessen diatribes), I did enjoy spending time in Zo Jo's world.


The characters in this book were well-developed enough to put you on their side.  Jo, the protagonist, instantly disarmed me with her humorous voice and passion for the future.  I always admire a female character with goals!  Rushby does an excellent job of creating a dynamic character that evolves throughout the story indirectly - instead of bludgeoning the reader with tidbits about Jo, she shows us Jo's growth.  Ned, the love interest, is also well done.  He had a kindness and vulnerability that was unexpected, but appreciated.  Though both characters were lightly done, and we don't really get into deep territory with them, it was appropriate in this novel.


The plot, though somewhat predictable, had enough surprises in it to keep readers engaged.  Examining celebrity through the eyes of the paparazzi was a fun twist - I've certainly never read a book from that point of view.  It exceeded the expectation of the "boy meets girl, they fall in love, girl renounces her erroneous ways to keep the relationship" pattern that I was expecting.  Jo's actions instead lead her to be someone you can cheer for while avoiding the cliche.


Without a doubt, my favorite part of this novel was the humorous voice given to Jo.  Her self-deprecation is light and funny, and her sarcastic inner monologue kept even heavier situations, like group therapy, appropriately light and fun.  My only beef (and this is probably just because I am a word nerd) was the use of the word "papping."  As in, "Saving money for real photography class has forced me to fall into papping and hounding celebrities."  So... do you say it like popping?  Or, papping, as in Mammy and Pappy?  Just a bizarre word.  Not sure that paparazzi has a verb form.  English nerd rant is complete now.  :)
The cover on this book is also cute and sweet, just like the novel itself.  I think that it would be something that would catch the eye of potential readers, and it certainly matches the content of the novel.  It certainly caused me to take a second look, which is why I requested the title!


Overall, I would recommend this book for any of my chickadees who love realistic, romantic fiction.  While perhaps not the next great American novel, it is fun and engaging - a perfect weekend read with a cup of hot chocolate, or poolside with some sweet tea (and adequate SPF ladies!).  What a fun debut novel!