Top Ten Tuesday 4

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books That Would Make Great Book Club Picks.  I happen to be in a unique position to address this particular topic.  I am lucky enough to run a book club at my high school with the ever fabulous Lively Reader.  We actually posed a similar question to our students in our club, and they, along with the two of us, compiled this list.  In no particular order...

Top Ten (or at least Ten Really Good) Book Club Book Picks:

1.  Unwind by Neal Shusterman:

There is plenty to discuss with this book, it appeals to boys and girls, and it is extremely exciting and well-written.  It lends itself to a great discussion on bioethics, which can be tied into lots of current news.  Lots of fun to be had by a book club!


2.  Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King:

We've been mulling this book over as it deals with a timely topic for high schoolers:  bullying.  Again, the appeal for both male and female readers, as well as the multiple discussion opportunities, makes this a good choice for our kids.

3.  After by Amy Efaw:

Dealing with a very controversial issue is exactly what books are for, and having a supportive group in which to discuss these topics makes that experience even more valuable.  This novel deals with a teenager who is put into juvenile detention for abandoning her newborn baby in a Dumpster.  Though it is gruesome, the ending leaves a LOT to be discussed - we had many students who enjoyed reading this over the summer as part of the Virginia Reader's Choice list.

4.  Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

This one was a student pick.  Though sometimes series can be tough to do with a club, the high level of action and suspense would make it a fun group read.  I haven't read this book yet, but a high school vampire slayer sounds right up my alley!

5.  The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson:

Ok, haven't read this one either... pretty sure it was our girlies' answer to Infinity. Again, though, the summary on Goodreads and on the book jacket have put it in my TBR pile.  Romance, revolution, and a mysterious prophecy - sign me up!

6.  Not as Crazy as I Seem by George Harrar:

Another student pick, one that deals with Devon Brown and his struggle to fit into high school with OCD.  Again, I haven't read the book, but I admire the students' sensitivity in selecting this one.  Tolerance and compassion are excellent lessons, and two our school is focusing on this school year.  Discussing both the plot as well as learning about something new would be a great way to meet as a club.

7.  Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

This book, which won the 2010 Printz Award, is absolutely fantastic.  While Lively Reader has a little bit of a hard time selling this book to kids, no one who has read it dislikes it.  She really enjoyed the writing in this dystopian thriller.  The fact that there is a strong male protagonist in this novel is a real strength as well.  I personally have it sitting next to my bed, TBR at some point in the near future...

8.  The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin:

This is a great psychological thriller that we know kids will have fun discussing.  The ending of this book is unreal too- it really lends itself to a great book club discussion of what we think may come next.  Knowing that book two is coming in the fall sets the club up to read and discuss the sequel too!

9.  Divergent by Veronica Roth:

Our book club actually read and discussed this novel as a group.  We enjoyed talking about how this society came to be, what faction we would be in if we had to choose, and what we think will happen in the next book, Insurgent.

10.  The Bitter End and/or The Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Both of the fabulous realistic fiction novels by Jennifer Brown are prime for discussion!  The Hate List deals with the aftermath of a high school shooting and The Bitter End is about a teenage girl who finds herself in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend.

What tips and tricks do people have for running a YA book club?  We are in our first year, and any help would be welcome!

Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:


NEWSOUL 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why. 

NOSOUL 
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame? 

HEART 
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.




This is a book that has been hyped all over the blogging and Goodreads community.  When I scored it on NetGalley, I was absolutely thrilled!  Though the book took me a bit to get engrossed, I ended up reading about 75% of it in one day - it was that good.


The characters in this book were extremely well-developed and conceived.  Though they live in a completely fantastical world, I found myself reacting to and empathizing with them as if they were real.  Ana, the protagonist, was very well done.  Though she experiences many insecurities - namely, that she isn't worth anyone's love and compassion - she confronts her problems with bravery and a measure of impulsivity that made the story move.  Rather than pulling a Bella Swan (sorry, Twilight, I still love you!) and letting her feelings of inadequacy hold her back for 20 pages, Ana takes action.  Well, that, or gets mad that someone else won't.  It was refreshing to see a misfit female character move through the story with confidence or at least a compulsion to act.  Sam, the romantic lead, has moved up my list of YA crushes.  He is creative, intelligent, and compassionate.  The way he stood up for Ana in the face of so much adversity made him particularly endearing.  Also, their shared love of music and using that as a place to showcase their growing romance was a detail that I loved.  For once, the two were hesitant to trust their emotions and fall in love - something rarely seen in YA anymore!  To me, that was the best part of the story.  Even though I knew where their relationship was headed, watching them grow together made the novel even more meaningful.


I've seen some places where this story was criticized as slow-moving.  While the beginning might have seemed that way, I think it helps to remember that this book was conceived as part of a trilogy.  Knowing that, I tried to keep in mind that I wasn't going to have all of my questions answered throughout the book.  Instead, I just let myself get immersed in this alternate reality - one that was created brilliantly.  There was just enough conflict, without following the typical "We're happy... oh no!  Lives are threatened!" pattern to which so many books succumb.  Rather than having lots of little plot peaks, this one slowly built to a few monumental moments.  As these moments build, the growing relationship between Ana and Sam, as well as the mysteries surrounding Heart and Ana's existence, slowly get played out to keep the reader engaged.  


Ana's narration was also well done.  As I said above, she is someone who (for good reason!) feels very insecure.  However, these insecurities aren't running constantly through her mind.  Her varying emotions seemed believable, and as they were narrated, I felt like I could feel them with her.  I imagine any teen reader would feel the same.


Though this seems shallow to say, I think one of the real strengths of this book is the cover art.  It is absolutely amazing.  Put that cover in front of any teen girl, and I know she would look twice!  Additionally, it matches the whole butterfly motif that runs through the novel - namely, that butterflies, like Ana, are short-lived and can't be contained.  Just beautiful.


Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone (though namely girls) who enjoys a romantic and intriguing story.  It was beautifully done, and easy to believe.  Romantic, exciting, and mysterious - this book has it all.  Definitely my favorite debut of 2012 so far!


Has anyone else read this book and enjoyed it as much as I have?

A Random Musing...

You know those days when you have a million things to do, but a fantastic book has sucked you in and you're still in your pajamas reading at 11:37 am?

Today is one of those days. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows is truly worth the hype. Review will probably be coming tomorrow, at the rate I'm going!

Has anyone else experienced this? What books have drawn you in recently?

Top Ten Tuesday 3

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is any list of our choosing. As it is a Tuesday, and I am missing my darling middle school ski clubbers, I thought I'd do a list about middle grade books. So many of the books we see out in the blogosphere are more mature young adult books that the younger books go un-noticed. Without further ado...

Top Ten Middle Grade Books (that I've read in recent years... :)

1. A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass:

Actually, any Wendy Mass book could go in this spot. Her writing is pure magic. This particular tale is all about a girl named Mia, and her struggles to accept her family, and her unique condition called synthesia (she associates colors with everything - sounds, letters, numbers etc). For example, her cat is named Mango not because he has orange eyes, but rather because when he purrs, she sees mango-colored puffs. A great book for any pet lover!

2. Elephant Run by Roland Smith:

Set during WWII in Burma, Nick Freestone is sent to live with his father on his elephant plantation after the bombs are dropped on London. But when invading Japanese soldiers take his father prisoner, Nick is forced to escape the plantation and rescue his father, or risk both their lives. This book has been complete magic for many a reluctant reader!

3. The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman:

Technically, this one could transcend age groups. Antsy Bonano is the only one who takes a second to notice Calvin Schwa, a student who considers himself "functionally invisible." Using the Schwa's unique talent starts out as a way to make money, but soon gets the two in trouble - trouble that might ruin their friendship. Sweet, hilarious, and totally creative!

4. Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick:

Steven is a thirteen-year old who seems to have it all: a great gig drumming for the Jazz Band, a tutoring job with the cutest girl in school... and a twerpy little brother named Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven is forced to try and accept the truth about how much he really loves the bane of his existence, and keep his family together. If you want to find out what Dangerous Pie is, you have to read this book. Rare is a book that is so entertaining and heartbreaking at the same time!

5. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz:

The entire Alex Rider series (a series about a teenage spy) is completely wonderful. I've seen many readers, especially my squirrelly boys who couldn't sit still, become enthralled with the novels. Books that can do that are worth their weight in gold to a teacher!

6. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan:

Ok, I think the whole Percy Jackson series has appeared on my Top Ten lists every week. But, the narration is adorable, the characters are believable and good role models, and it awakens students' curiosity about Greek mythology. These are fast paced reads that can't go wrong. I owe Rick Riordan SO MANY thanks!

7. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech:

This book quite possibly belongs on my all-time favorite list. This is a touching story about Salamanca Hiddle, her cross-country quest to find her mother, and the entertaining tale of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom and the lunatic. I used it in my classroom as a lesson on foreshadowing and literary theme, but I suggest it just as a pleasure read too.

8. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

The Shadow Children series is a great introduction for young readers into the world of dystopian fiction. It explores a world where only two children are allowed per family - and what happens to the children who are born third. The books are quick and easy - perfect for students who are nervous about trying a new genre.

9. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead:

I am absolutely in love with this book. The story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she navigates the streets of New York, the trials of friendship, and the mysterious notes being left on her doorstep. I recommend this Newbery winner for anyone who loved A Wrinkle in Time as kids, as this book explores that story as well.

10. Rules by Cynthia Lord:

Rules follows the story of Catherine, a 12 year old whose family (and life) revolve around her autistic brother David. She's spent years trying to make her life normal by teaching David "the rules," but when she meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. This is a great story about love, acceptance, and understanding - plus, it's good for a few laughs.

Honestly, I could continue for so much longer with this list, but I will stop and let others add. Any other middle grade books that should be on there?

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:

Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings.

This book came with mixed reviews to me. I had heard from some of my students that they really liked it, while others said that it was only "alright." That's sort of how I feel about it too - it had a lot of great qualities, but then some that were only "alright."

For one, while the characters (especially those of the sister wives) were interesting, I felt that they were a little flat. Rhine, the protagonist, is certainly someone who has been put into a very depressing situation; so, I feel a little wrong calling her "excessively morose," but that was how she felt to me. Her constant self-reminders to hate her situation, loathe her father-in-law, and distrust her husband became a bit monotonous. Then again, perhaps this was intended to be a glimpse into what would truly be going on in someone's head who has been kidnapped and forced into a marriage - I suppose I couldn't speak to it from personal experience. (Thankfully!) The other character that left me wanting more was Gabriel, the servant-turned-forbidden love. While we see Rhine's attraction to him, I felt that his character could have been developed more. What are his motivations? Why is he living in this house? There were a lot of questions left unanswered about him that had they been answered, I probably would have been "rooting" for him more.

The plot was exciting and mysterious - I tore through this book! However, again, I was left wanting more. There were a lot of things that almost happened, or questions that were almost answered, but not quite. Perhaps it is because this book was conceived as a trilogy from the start? At the risk of giving away too much, and ruining the book for others, I will leave it at that. I know I am looking forward to reading the sequel, just to see where the story continues.

My only big problem with this book was the world building. My personal preference in dystopian fiction is to get some details and backstory as to WHY the world is the way it is. In this novel, though, that explanation is somewhat missing. People die at extremely young ages from a "virus" that somehow came about because of genetic engineering. (Problem here - and perhaps this is just because I am married to a doctor - but a latent virus that hangs out for differing amounts of time depending on gender seemed a bit strange. Genetic mutation maybe?). The other idea that struck me as strange was the marriages that are formed for breeding purposes. If having as many children as possible is the aim, which it seemed to be, why are they killing off or abandoning the girls who aren't selected for these marriages? Is there some sort of genetic screening to which we were not privy? It just seemed to be at cross purposes. On one hand, you have the wealthy men selecting only the most beautiful and unique girls for marriage - I can accept this. On the other, you have demands that as many children as possible are born to save the human race - while sort of disgusting, I can buy that too. But the two ideas just didn't work together the way I thought they would.

Like I said previously, the narration is this book can seem excessively morose. It is absolutely a pretty bleak world to live in, so I didn't exactly expect a perky narrator either. However, there seemed to be a few details on which the narrator harped, and nothing more. At the same time, I bought into her conflicting emotions about her husband and sister wives. Rhine's voice is compelling in that sense for sure.

One BIG plus of this book is the cover, without a doubt. A few of my girls even said that they chose to read this book for that specific reason! I was drawn in by the art too. The whole wedding ring connected to the bird cage really did speak to the themes of the novel, which I appreciated.

So, overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who, like me, enjoys a good dystopian novel and series and is willing to overlook some flaws in order to appreciate the mystery. There were no real content concerns, as long as readers are comfortable with the fact that these women are married solely for the purpose of breeding - obviously, they will be having sex. The sex occurs 100% off-stage, though, and isn't mentioned more than the necessary allusion to it. This book is a great quick read - just don't think too hard about it.

Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Image and summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.


First of all, a big thanks goes to The Page Sage for turning me on to this fabulous author. This was a book that I bought on a whim (the book aisle in Wal-Mart, especially when you're supposed to be buying a vacuum cleaner, is a very dangerous place), but I am so glad that I did. It truly touched my heart.

Without a doubt, the characters in this book are the best part of it. Green does a wonderful job of giving his characters little eccentricities that make them seem all the more real - and loveable. Miles "Pudge" Halter's is his love of memorizing famous last words; his roomate, Chip aka "The Colonel" loves milk and vodka cocktails and mooched cigarettes; their friend Takumi is a budding rapper. And of course, Alaska Young has so many, many quirks she manages to become as fascinating to the reader as she is to Miles. What I liked best about Alaska is even though she is the love interest, she is not idealized by Green - or even by Miles, most of the time. The other characters are up front about the fact that she can be selfish, moody, and purposefully cryptic. Making the "love interest" seem like a fresh idea, by having her be so flawed and yet sweet and caring at the same time, gave this "boy meets girl" story a welcome slant.

The plot takes a backseat to the characters in this novel, but was also completely enjoyable. Though options are limited with a boarding school as a setting, Green made the ins and outs of high school life humorous and exciting without being cliche. Although never a prankster myself (I am one of the worst liars in history), the practical jokes pulled in this book cracked me up. Perhaps my only concern as a teacher would be the amount of underage drinking (and smoking, which is nearly constant) in the novel. Though Miles himself rarely partakes, the other characters do quite often - and this frequently becomes an excuse for other mischief. Furthermore, the book is narrated by a teenage boy, and one with a very big crush. Sexuality becomes a part of the story as well.

That being said, Miles' voice makes this story compelling. He is funny, quirky, and introspective. I think that he is someone that both male and female readers can relate to, which is always welcome to teachers looking for books! Though the cover art makes more sense after reading the book, this is probably not one that would sell itself because of it. Once readers are hooked, however, they will definitely fall in love.

Overall, I would say that this book is one that can come with a cautious recommendation. The sex and partying make it questionable for all audiences. Though the sex isn't graphic, it leaves very little to the imagination. The drinking is much more in the forefront, which could also be a concern. For a more mature reader or audience though, this book comes highly recommended. I can't wait to read another of his novels!

Review: Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould

Publication Date: March 13, 2012

Image and summary courtesy of Goodreads.com:

Venice, 1585.

When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.

I was extremely excited when this book arrived in my inbox. I absolutely adore historical fiction, and anything with a mysterious and romantic twist is sure to pique my interest. Though this book wasn't terrible, I just felt underwhelmed. A fun read for sure, but not one that I will feel compelled to re-read.

I will say that I absolutely adored the protagonist, Laura. Her voice was sweet and inexperienced, but she didn't seem irritatingly naive (despite having spent the majority of her teen years in a convent). When she was agonizing over her impending marriage to Vincenzo, I felt her pain and repulsion. However, I felt that her character, and perhaps those of her father and nurse Faustina, were really the only ones who were truly developed. So, when we are supposed to believe she has fallen in with the Segreta and trusts them with her life, it was a little tough to swallow. Or when she falls in love with the mysterious Venetian painter - very bad case of the Titanics (throwing it all away on a very brief romance) there. These characters didn't feel very real to me, so I guess I wasn't as invested in Laura's interactions with them.

The plot, rather than the characterization, was what drove the novel. Again, though, I felt that it was a little underdeveloped. It was a great story arc, with lots of exciting moments, but those moments were far too short and over too quickly. The mysteries of the painter's identity, her sister's murder, and the true motives of the Segreta are such intriguing topics, yet didn't seem to get the proper time. I would have loved to see the story go on longer, just to develop it more. Plus, the setting had such potential to be breathtaking; the narration lacked a lot of description, though, so the potential wasn't reached.

A strong positive of this narrative was the writing style. I liked that even though it was historical fiction, and the setting is something with which many of us aren't necessarily familiar, the easy voice made it very approachable. Moreover, the covers on these books (all of them - I couldn't figure out which will be the final...) are gorgeous! It was certainly the reason I selected it to read, and I feel that it could intrigue potential readers in the same way. That and the high-interest synopsis could be enough to excite readers.

So, overall, I would recommend this to some of my fans of historical fiction. I don't think the story was strong enough to sell the genre to those who claim to not enjoy it, but for those who want a fast read in a familiar genre, this might just be the thing.

Top Ten Tuesday 2

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 Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read X.

So, since dystopian novels are my current obsession, I thought I'd go with that!

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read Science Fiction

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and totally surprising at the end. This book was the unit I would look forward to every spring with my seventh graders!

2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This book has tickled many a reluctant reader. It has an engaging plot for just about anyone, even folks who swear they don't care for sci-fi.

3. Matched by Ally Condie

I'd recommend this one to girls who are hesitant to delve into the sci-fi waters. It seems to appeal to those who like to stay in the contemporary or romance genres, as well as science fiction fans.

4. Feed by M.T. Anderson

I remember reading this book in college as one of my first-ever YA reads, and it blew my mind. Even though it is a few years old now, the social critique is still relevant, and the humorous voice of the narrator is interesting to all.

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It isn't all hype - this book is actually that good. Violence for the boys, romance for the girls, and reality TV for us Survivor fans (though I realize I am one of about five of those left in the USA :), this book has a little bit of everything.

6. Unwind by Neal Shusterman

A very interesting social critique that is played out through teenage runaways, this book was so action-packed, I sometimes forgot that I was in an alternate reality. The world building was convincing without being tedious or over-the-top. Basically, I just love anything Neal Shusterman writes.

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Though some have criticized this book as too "Hunger Games-esque," I thought that it had plenty of interesting differences. Tris' self-doubt and ultimate self-discovery certainly have universal appeal.

8. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This book is just hilarious. Anyone who appreciates random humor would enjoy this book, spaceships and aliens aside.

9. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

I have used this one as a cross-over for many of my little "Twi-hards." It is just as romantic as the Twilight series, but falls into that lovely crossover fantasy-science fiction-romance category that makes it more widely appealing.

10. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Technically, you could classify this one as horror, but since it also involves the collapse of our current society and the hope to create a better one, I am impudently putting it on my list. For those who love scary stories, or even some doomed romance, this entire trilogy is well worth the read.

Review: First Date by Krista McGee

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Image and summary from goodreads.com:

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight.

The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this."

Generally speaking, I am not one to be drawn by Christian fiction. However, I have found at both schools at which I've taught that this is not necessarily the case for my students. There seems to be a growing interest in Christian fiction, especially books that are written about high-interest topics. In the interest of broadening my horizons, I decided to give First Date a try. Though probably not a book I would have otherwise selected, I am glad that I did.

The protagonist, Addy, is someone to whom many teen girls can relate. Amidst the large crowd of sparkling, vivacious girls, Addy feels like a typical "Plain Jane." What I liked about her, though, was that she doesn't let this ruin her experience on the TV show. Instead, we get to see Addy grow and become more comfortable with who she is, instead of wishing she was someone else. Also, and perhaps this is just me, but when I read that this book was Christian fiction, I was afraid that Addy would seem "untouchable." However, I was pleased to see that instead of her being someone who always knows right from wrong, the reader gets to watch her grapple with serious and timely issues - confidence, love, and the omnipresent "mean girls." When she is continually insulted, Addy is tempted to fire back, rather than always just taking the moral high road. This made her seem particularly realistic. Moreover, it was nice to see a character have a source of strength to help her through the various conflicts she encounters.

In researching the book before I read it, I learned that this novel is a re-imagining of the story of Esther from the Old Testament. For those unfamiliar (as I was), Esther is a Jewish orphan who is one of many women presented to a king who is searching for a new wife. Chosen for her beauty, Esther hides the fact that she is Jewish. When her cousin Mordechai, with whom Esther was living after the death of her parents, saves the king's life, he is also appointed into the king's favor. However, Mordechai becomes a target for the new prime minister Haman, who plans to not only kill him but the entire Jewish race. Esther finally chooses to reveal her faith to the king, thus allowing the Jewish people to fight and save themselves. (source here. Yes, as an English teacher I used Wikipedia. One of my students wrote a fabulous essay about the reliability of the website. But I digress...).

So, anyhow, taking what seems to be an archaic plot into the twenty-first century seemed to be a daunting task. However, McGee managed to deliver a book that was funny, exciting, and very relevant to our current day. Who hasn't seem some sort of elimination reality show, after all? Though it seemed a bit obvious what was going to happen throughout most of the plot, Addy's voice managed to keep me interested. My favorite parts were probably the "behind the scenes" glimpses McGee gives the reader into the world of reality television. It was amusing to see how characters were influenced by the presence of cameras - after all, I am always curious about how "realistic" reality TV is. The translation of an evil prime minister to an overly ambitious producer was creative too. Addy's interactions with Hank, said producer, ended up leading the story to a satisfying conclusion.

As I said before, Addy's voice is truly what makes this story captivating. Her continued prayers for strength, confidence, and the ability to do what's right are something that so many of us could probably use daily. Her faith is a driving force behind many of her actions, but rather than feeling "catechized," I empathized with her. After all, the debate over revealing who we really are is something we all grapple with daily.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any girl who is looking for Christian fiction, or even just a light-hearted romance. If a student is open to the idea of Christian fiction, but not necessarily seeking it out, this might even be a good foray into the genre. It was charming, refreshing, and a quick read - perfect for a few nights of relaxation.

Any other good suggestions for Christian fiction? I am open to all ideas!

Review: Timeless by Alexandra Monir

Image and summary from Goodreads.com:

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

This book was recommended to me by my fabulous school librarian (visit her blog here) and one of my students. I love romance, and I love time-travel (especially to the era of The Great Gatsby), so I was all too excited to read this book. Thank you to both ladies - I was not lead astray!

The protagonist, Michele, is someone with whom I instantly sided. For whatever reason, her earnestness and sadness really captured my heart. Monir did an excellent job of showing a grieving teenager, but without making her someone consumed by it. Though I personally have been blessed enough not to have experienced the sort of personal tragedy that Michele does, I feel that she is someone with whom others can identify. She really seemed authentic, which I appreciated. Even better, I have a HUGE crush on this novel's love interest, Phillip. He was charming, sweet, handsome, and well mannered - a genuine nice guy! We see so many tortured souls as the love interests in YA lit, and I didn't feel Phillip was that way at all. Though many obstacles are thrown in his path, he seemed to face them all with a grace that felt tangible.

The plot of the book is also very well-written. The story moves through various characters in Michele's family history as a device to create new conflicts. This was especially appreciated, because the introduction of "side plots" kept the main conflict, the almost impossible love affair, from becoming too tedious. Instead, the reader gets glimpses of life during various American historical periods in a way that didn't seem choppy or disjointed. Perhaps my only complaint would be that the reader doesn't get to see Michele and Phillip initially fall in love. Instead, they both "instantly" recognize their connection, and move on from there. I would have loved to see more of their beginnings, simply because both characters are so wonderful.

One of the aspects of this novel that really stood out was the music motif that ran throughout. Various characters are singers or songwriters, as is Monir herself. Rare is the student whose iPod isn't permanently connected to his or her ears, so I feel that this thread is something that would particularly interest current readers. Michele and Phillip's love story grows through song, and I think that we can all identify with having a special "song" that reminds you of someone else.

Plus, have you seen the cover? So gorgeous! I think the cover alone is enough to interest some readers, which is a plus for the hassled teacher on library day. :) Furthermore, this is a book that I could recommend to other students with ease. There were zero content issues (gotta love those old-fashioned boys :), and an exciting story line. Definitely a girl book, though.

All in all, Timeless was a book that left me riveted (much to my husband's chagrin on our long drive home from Cleveland). I cannot wait for the second installment of the series, Timekeeper. In the meantime, I will continue to happily share this book with my students.

Top Ten Tuesday 1

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic:

The Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book:

1. JK Rowling: As someone 100% obsessed with the entire Harry Potter series, I would love to see what sort of creative story world would be next! I wouldn't mind if all of the favorites from HP were in it either... I oddly miss them, which is weird for fictional characters.

2. J.R.R. Tolkien: The books that began my fantasy obsession were without a doubt The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I've devoured every book he's ever written, and would LOVE to see more!

3. Tracy Chevalier: After being assigned Girl with a Pearl Earring in one of my sophomore year literature classes at Ohio State, I embarked on a journey through all of her books. Her poignant tales have a way of creating characters that make her stand out in my mind. Last publication was 2009... it's been too long!

4. Steig Larsson: I will admit, I am quite comfortable on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo bandwagon. Too bad that trilogy was published posthumously - hubby and I are both obsessed!

5. Douglas Adams: I was absolutely the creepy girl laughing to herself while reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I am generally not a fan of traditional science fiction, but his humorous and satirical slant kept me hooked on the whole series.

6. Thomas Harris: I LOVE the whole Hannibal series. I had to hide my copy of The Silence of the Lambs the first time I read it (a la Joey Tribbiani and his copy of The Shining on Friends. A show I wish would have another episode, incidentally).

7. Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights will always be one of my favorite novels. I would love to see what the creator of Heathcliff (the inspiration behind Twilight's Edward Cullen) would have to say in our modern time about love. If nothing else, I would love to hear what she thinks about Edward!

8. Alexandre Dumas: In this era of popular adventure series, I would love to see what the one of the most renowned serial authors would have to offer. The Count of Monte Cristo was one of the first classic novels I read independently. Who knew that The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask were both parts of series!?

9. Rick Riordan: This one is kind of a cheat, as he is probably one of the most prolific authors out there at the present time. What can I say? I am impatient for The Mark of Athena! Riordan's magic to captivate even the most reluctant of reader has made me eternally grateful to him. Without his books, I don't think I would have survived my first year of teaching.

10. Daphne DuMaurier: As I said in my New Girl review, Rebecca remains one of my favorite novels. I read My Cousin Rachel over the summer, and couldn't put it down either. Mysteries are always enjoyable, and I would love to see what she would come up with in modern day. In the meantime, I will just have to continue working my way through what she has written.

What about you guys? Is there anyone you would love to see write a new novel? Or an author that is making you wait just a bit too long for his or her latest offering?

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison

Publication date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Image and Summary courtesy of Amazon.com:

Welcome to Manderley Academy

I hadn't wanted to go, but my parents were so excited…. So here I am, the new girl at Manderley, a true fish out of water. But mine's not the name on everyone's lips. Oh, no.

It's Becca Normandy they can't stop talking about. Perfect, beautiful Becca. She went missing at the end of last year, leaving a spot open at Manderley—the spot that I got. And everyone acts like it's my fault that infallible, beloved Becca is gone and has been replaced bynot perfect, completely fallible, unknown Me.

Then, there's the name on my lips—Max Holloway. Becca's ex. The one boy I should avoid, but can't. Thing is, it seems like he wants me, too. But the memory of Becca is always between us. And as much as I'm starting to like it at Manderley, I can't help but think she's out there, somewhere, watching me take her place.
Waiting to take it back.

When I first saw that this book was going to be a modern twist on Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, I got extremely excited. Without a doubt, it's one of my favorite novels. So, I think I went into this particular book with extremely high expectations - perhaps too high. Sadly, this novel was not what I expected it to be.
One of my biggest issues with this book was the antagonist, Becca Normandy. Though I understand the author's aim to make her seem an extreme version of the insecure teen, one driven to desperation by her own desire to be envied, Becca was just a few steps too far to the left. I felt that her promiscuity was a bit gratuitous; her need to be "wanted" by the hottest guys in school surely could have been conveyed without having her sleep with multiple partners - within the same night! Likewise, very few meaningful conversations took place between characters, at least while they were sober. Similar to the sex, I felt that the underage drinking was unnecessary. A bit of teen partying while away at boarding school? Sure. All major plot points taking place only after several shots have been consumed? A bit too far.
Furthermore, the plot itself lacked the subtlety of DuMaurier's work (though admittedly, that is an extremely high mark to meet!). Rather than much of the conflict being the narrator's internal issues, the stereotypical "mean girls" and rumor mill drove much of the action. Certainly a boarding school is a hotbed for these sorts of problems (at least, I'd imagine - I've never been to one), but I felt that the narrator (whose name isn't revealed until the end) suffered a bit from a lack of depth. This lack, I felt, came largely from the fact that her insecurities were externally motivated, not internally like the original. Also, I felt that the conflicts that arose, largely out of the narrator's romantic interest in Becca's "off limits" ex, were repetitive. Some variety in the routine "He likes me! We hooked up! Wait... why is he ignoring me?!" formula would have been appreciated.
All of that being said, there were certainly some positives about this novel as well. I really enjoyed the translation of Manderley the estate into a boarding school. It was a great way to make a classic setting into something more modern and high-interest to current audiences. Also, the narrator had one really redeeming trait, and that was her desire (though tempered with hesitation) to break free of everyone's expectations and push herself to experience new adventures. She debates whether it would be better to stay with her high school friends at the hometown college, or "spread her wings" by going far out of state. I think this particular struggle is one that resonates with many teen readers - and adults! Her journey of self-discovery, albeit perhaps too driven by others' opinions, was something with which I could identify. The ending of the book was also satisfying. I won't spoil it, but there was an excellent allusion to the end ofRebecca that made me smile. The cover art of this book is an additional strength. It certainly caught my eye, and I know it would do so for teenagers too!Overall, this is a book that I wouldn't personally recommend for a classroom library, or even a conservative school library. The partying and sex, though not graphically described, just played too big a role in the plot, and I wouldn't feel right recommending that as a role model. They became the focus, instead of the intriguing mystery that had so much potential. However, for a light and enjoyable independent read, perhaps this book would have been more appreciated.


Has anyone else had a similar disappointing experience with a modernized old favorite? I had to admit - I was seriously bummed!

Busting the Newbie Blues

Thank you to Small Review for coming up with the great idea! I am very new to the blogging world, but love hearing what others say about the books we all are enjoying. I am also learning how important it is to help foster the conversations I want to see happen - I guess just like my classroom! So, in an effort for others to get to know me...

1. When did you start your blog?

I started this blog over my Winter Break from school on December 27. Well... I suppose that's not entirely accurate. I had the blog sort of up in October, but didn't get a chance to post until December!

2. Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog mostly because I wanted a place to show other readers like myself all of the great titles I was enjoying - and see what other YA books are out there! I hope that this blog can be a resource to any teacher, student, or reader!

3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?

I am not sure that I feel like I've faced a "big challenge," other than my impatience to generate discussion between myself and other bloggers. I want that to happen immediately, but I know it takes time and effort to build a successful blog.

4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?

I am still working on finding a way to join the conversation. It is so tempting to "lurk" on the sidelines - that is, reading without commenting. I have to remember that if I want comments, I suppose I should make them too... So, even though in my daily life I am anything but shy, as a blogger, I guess I need to overcome some nerves!

5. What do you find most encouraging?

It is so encouraging to see other newbie bloggers out there, struggling with some of the same issues I am. Also, I love seeing the wide variety of established blogs - there is so much creativity and joy, I can't help but feel inspired.

6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I have definitely already borrowed the idea of using a summary from an established website before I begin my own review of a book. I liked this technique because this way, someone can see if they would be interested in the book before reading my review - if the subject matter isn't interesting to him or her, after all, it's doubtful my review would be.

7. What do you dislike about blogs you've read? Do you try to avoid this?

Honestly, my biggest frustration with any blogs I read are posts that look hastily written. I prefer to take my time and thoughtfully write; if I want people to think about what I'm writing, then I should probably do so too! Then again, perhaps I am just a stickler because I can't turn my "English teacher" off...

8. Any advice for other new bloggers?

Don't be like me and hesitate to join in the action! We should all help one another to create meaningful conversations!

9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?

Oh goodness, too many! I would love to know what other types of media and posts (besides just reviews) generate conversation. What other sorts of posts do people enjoy reading?

10. Is there anything you'd like to tell us about your blog?

I would LOVE to hear from other teachers out there who are also book blogging. I definitely am always reviewing through that "lens," and would love to hear from others who are doing the same.

Oh, and anytime people stumble on a great series, I'd love to hear about it. I am a book series junkie.

Thank you to everyone for your support and enthusiasm! If you have any comments, suggestions... whatever... please don't hesitate to holler!

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Image courtesy of fatgirlreading.com

Goodreads.com Summary:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged srangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages - not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she is about to find out.

When one of the strangers - beautiful,, haunted Akiva - fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

When I read the description of this book, and even throughout the first 150 pages, I thought that while this book sounded interesting, it also sounded a little trite. Perhaps a bit too Twilight-esque for my taste, especially in the midst of what can only be called a tsunami of paranormal romance. Holy guacamole, I was wrong. This book is so much more!

First of all, the protagonist, Karou, is absolutely endearing. She has a sarcastic tone to her narration, which I particularly appreciated. Furthermore, her struggle between her attraction to Akiva and her devotion to her "family" seemed realistic and understandable. Too often, I see characters chuck their family ties out the window in favor of some fateful love that they've only known for 30 pages. (I call this the Titanic effect. While Leonardo DiCaprio certainly is cute, three days would NOT be enough for me to float on some freezing door for any guy. Call me too practical). Not so with Karou. We get to see her fall in love, but we also see her loyalty to the family that has been all she has known for 17 years. As someone who is devoted to her family, I could really appreciate this.

As I said, this book was SO much more than just a run-of-the-mill paranormal romance. Without becoming preachy or obvious, the underlying theme of this book became an exploration of hatred, war, and discrimination. These weighty considerations took place within a plot that seamlessly transitioned between a realistic setting (Prague), and a fantastic "otherworld." The mystery of Karou's past kept me turning the pages and trying desperately to unravel the clues Taylor left. By the end of the book, I was left surprised, satisfied, and eagerly anticipating the second installment of the series!

One of the particular strengths of this book was the engaging writing style. The imagery that Taylor creates with some heartbreakingly beautiful writing is captivating, but approachable at the same time. To many of my students, this becomes incredibly important - if they feel they can't get through a book without a translator, they will quickly abandon it in favor of something a bit simpler. The cover art is also eye-catching without being over the top.

So, why have I not gone out and bought 50 copies of this book to mandate ALL of my kiddos read? Well... this book walked the very fine line between young adult literature and adult. The characters in the book are NOT Twilight chaste (which I always found a bit far-fetched for most teenagers anyhow), to which some parents might object. I personally don't have a problem with sex being mentioned in a book - like I said, completely abstinent teenagers just don't seem realistic - as long as it is PG-13 style. (You know, kiss kiss ... fade to black ... morning after!). This book was awfully close to taking the next step. However, I think that with the right student, this wouldn't be a problem.

In my world, I think this book will live a comfortable life on the particular classroom library shelf that is behind my teacher's desk. I know that there are some of my sweet, dreamy, romantic girls who will absolutely LOVE this book (sorry boys, it might be too sappy for you), but I wouldn't want it falling into just anyone's hands. For the rest of you YA lit fans I say - ENJOY! Books that are this heartbreaking are rare, and one that earns the hype that is has generated is even rarer.