Book Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

The Dead-Tossed Waves are a natural part of Gabry's life.  Living in the lighthouse at the edge of Vista, Gabry and her mother lead relatively quiet lives, as quiet as anything can be after the Return.  When Gabry makes a fateful decision one night, she little realizes how much a life can change in just one moment.  Will Gabry find the strength to follow her mother into the forest to save those she loves? 

Things I Liked:
When the action picked up, I was sucked into it.  I kept reading into the night, biting my nails as I worried about the characters I came to love.  This is probably the only zombie series I've ever been able to read and enjoy and I think it is because of its compassionate viewpoint on the undead.  I thought it was so interesting that Ryan has her characters think about the zombies' personalities and humanity.  She doesn't just use zombies for their gory, violent scream-factor.  They were humans once and the characters face the anguish involved in seeing people they love turn against them and their personalities seem to disappear.  It was intriguing and also action-packed.  And it left me hungering for another book in the series!  Thought-provoking quotes:

What use are experiences if we're not allowed to remember them?  If we forget in order to avoid the pain of loss?  What is the point of living if we have to always insulate ourselves? p 61

I don't want to hear his argument, don't want to think that there's any way I could be wrong.  If there's anything in this world that's clear - that is black-and-white - it's that the Mudo are dead.  There's nothing left of who they used to be.
Elias stands and walks over to me.  "I just don't know if it can be that easy," he says. p 220-221

Things I Didn't Like:
I really struggled with the beginning of the book.  I could not stand Gabry - she seemed like a melodramatic, uncertain baby.  Every reaction she had to anything was like the end of the world.  She changed over the course of the book, thank heavens, and I like how she stopped thinking so poorly of herself as well.  There were a lot of plots and threads introduced in this book that aren't resolved and I am hoping they are not left up in the air.

Read-alikes:
Read The Forest of Hands and Teeth first
Reminded me of The Giver and Messenger by Lois Lowry

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
some, not a lot

mrg-factor: X
implied, but not described

v-factor: ->->->->
What do you expect?  There are zombies!

Overall rating: ****

Do you like zombie books or do you avoid them?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

I Actually NEED It 5

To find out about that title, go to the inaugural I Actually NEED It post.  Here are some books, all of these unreleased, that I actually NEED.  


You by Charles Benoit 
I don't know much about this one, but Suzie of Confessions of a Wandering Heart and Cindy and Lynn of Bookends positively raved about it.  I love it when literary agents and librarians rave.  It makes me want it.  Plus, the description (goodreads) has me just a little bit nervous - can't say that of many books.  Coming September 2010.


The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima 
Since I happened to love and adore that first book in the Seven Realms series (The Demon King) and I am dying to know what happens next, this was a no-brainer for me.  So excited!  Coming September 2010.


StarCrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce
I positively adored A Curse Dark As Gold, which was Bunce's debut, so I can't wait to get more from her.  Plus, it's fairy-tale-ish.  And you know I love fairy tales, right? Coming October 2010.

(Cover not yet released)
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld 
After the delight that was Leviathan, I am eager to read about Alex and Deryn's adventures in steampunk WWI history.  Coming October 2010.


Matched by Allyson Condie 
First, awesome dystopian-ish premise (read about it on goodreads).   Second, local author!  Third, much praise and it's not even been released yet.  I'm super excited for it!  Coming November 2010.



Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson 
Dare I become addicted to another soap opera historical fiction? Probably. Coming November 2010. 

(Cover not yet released)
The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
After reading and enjoying The Dark Divine, I'm excited to find out what's in store for the Divine family.  Plus, Despain is a local author for me, and I gotta love them.  Coming December 2010.

I'm realizing that all of these books aren't due out until September at the earliest. Got any suggestions for what I should read while I wait?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

North of Beautiful is a place Terra would like to go.  All her life, beauty has been an integral part of her existence - being born with a port-wine birthmark on her face has made it impossible to ignore.  Now, she plans to graduate high school a year early and get out of her small town to a college as far as possible from her father.  Not only is it impossible to ignore his constant negative comments about her appearance, but watching her mother take those same comments makes life almost unbearable.  But, when she meets a goth boy with a unique perspective on life, she finds her directions are beginning to change.

Things I Liked:
Wow.  This book was, in a word, powerful.  I've read books about body image and beauty before, but this one blows them all out of the water.  The things that Terra sees, does, and discovers throughout this book make you think.  They make you evaluate yourself, your self-confidence, your family relationships, and lots of other things.  I'm having a hard time expressing why this book affected me so much, but I feel like it is one that every teenage girl and really every woman should read.  Even if you think you don't have body image issues.  The dynamics of Terra's family relationships just break your heart over and over.  Her father kept making me so angry, and yet I also kept thinking about the kinds of things I say to my family.  Those people we know the best and who know us the best also know the kinds of things that will hurt the most and that we are most sensitive to.  I know sometimes when I get angry I use that knowledge to hurt my family.  This book makes you stop and re-evaluate.  It slaps you in the face and tells you to stop.  I highly recommend you read it.  (Sorry for all the personal feelings and such, but I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished.)  Some favorite parts:

"It used to bother me how effortless Karin's self-assurance was when my confidence was of the hothouse variety, carefully cultivated under highly regulated conditions.  One wrong look, one mean comment, and my facade would wither." p 9

"Inertia is so easy - don't fix what's not broken.  Leave well enough alone.  So we end up accepting what is broken, mistaking complaining for action, procrastinating for deliberation." p 194

"Flawed, we're truly interesting, truly memorable, and yes, truly beautiful." p 355

Things I Didn't Like:
There isn't a lot of action in the book.  It is slow moving, thoughtful, and more about feelings than actions.  Also, occasionally the dialogue was hard to follow and I had to reread conversations more than once.  But really, these are minor things.  Do yourself a favor and read this one.

Read-alikes:
A little like Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
common throughout

mrg-factor: X
implied, but never described

v-factor: none

Overall rating: *****

Do you have an "everyone should read this" book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

I'd like to welcome Alexandre Dumas to my blog as part of the Classics Circuit tour.  For other stops on the tour, visit the Classics Cirtuit blog.

The Man in the Iron Mask is the continuing story of those famous musketeers who were introduced to us in The Three Musketeers - Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan.  While it has been more than twenty years since their great deeds were performed, the four appear to be just as strong and brave as then.  An interesting prisoner is central to this story of intrigue and betrayal - a man whose face is powerful enough to remain hidden behind an iron mask.  The fortunes of all are drawn into a dangerous plot surrounding this mysterious prisoner.  Will they each prevail or is it the end of the four musketeers?

Things I Liked:
One of my favorite books of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo, also by Dumas, because of its fast-paced and action-packed plot.  This conclusion to the musketeers' adventures does not fail in that regard.  From the first pages, I was sucked into this story that is literally bursting with plots and intrigues and sword fighting (though not so much as in The Three Musketeers).  Dumas has a skill in creating complicated and interesting plots - plots that will keep you biting your nails.  He switches from storyline to storyline, leaving you on the edge of your seat the whole time.  He manages to keep track of what seems like forty different plots and then to weave them together.  I love the characters, some of whom I have loved through the whole series of their adventures (or at least those parts I've read, The Three Musketeers and Twenty Years After).  I have to admit to liking Porthos the most - who doesn't like a funny and somewhat dimwitted, but exceedingly good-hearted guy?  It does have a rather sad ending, but that is expected for some seriously aging musketeers.  Here are just a few of the parts I enjoyed:

"You will have the kindness merely to tell M. de Saint-Aignan that he has, in the first place, insulted me by changing his lodgings."
"By changing his lodgings?  Good," said Porthos, who began to count on his fingers - "next?"
"Then in getting a trap-door made in his new apartments."
"I understand," said Porthos; "a trap-door; upon my word this is very serious; you ought to be furious at that.  What the deuce does the fellow mean by getting trap-doors made without first consulting you?  Trap-doors!" p 96

"What is the matter, monsieur?" inquired Saint-Aignan.
"I regret to say that I hve broken your chair."
"Not at all, monsieur," said Saint-Aignan; "not at all."
"It is the fact, though, Monsieur le Comte; I have broken it - so muh so, indeed, that, if I do not move, I shall fall down, which would be an exceedingly disagreeable position for me in the discharge of the very serious mission which has been intrusted to me with regard to yourself." p 99

"I am strong against everything, except the death of those I love.  For that only there is no remedy.  He who dies, gains; he who sees others die, loses." p402

"In the presence of this ingenuous greatness of soul, Aramis felt himself little.  It was the second time he had been compelled to bend before real superiority of heart, much more powerful than splendour of mind." p478

Things I Didn't Like:
I admit to skimming over long passages that didn't seem to add much to the plot.  He has a lot of extraneous material that he appeared to be obliged to include.  I should next time choose an abridged version, if available.  Also, probably because I didn't read the rest of The Vicomte de Bragelonne or Ten Years Later, I was confused by some things referenced about the previous books (apparently, The Man in the Iron Mask is the third part of this extremely epic tale).  I also wondered at some of the motivations of characters that didn't seem clear to me.  I've probably forgotten much about Madame de Chevreuse, but I really had no idea what her purpose was, other than to stir things up.  I would have liked a little more introduction (though, I was surprised that the introduction to the edition I read seemed to indicate that Dumas was always summarizing what happened in previous books - I obviously missed all those summaries).  And Raoul?  Uh, don't get me started.  What a wimpy, moping fellow.  He's kind of like the male version of the broken-hearted girls depicted in many recent books.  Get over it.  

Read-alikes:
The Three Musketeers by Dumas (of course)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:  
s-factor: !
(well, they are in French I think)

mrg-factor: X
mostly just intrigues implied throughout

v-factor: XX
of course, they fight, sometimes to the death

Overall rating: ****
 

And even with all those things that bothered me, I still enjoyed it.  What do you think of Dumas?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

A Conspiracy of Kings tells the story of Sophos, who we first meet in The Thief.  Sophos is the reluctant heir to the kingdom of Sounis, a duty he feels he'll never be able to fulfill, especially since no one else thinks he will either.  But, after some interesting experiences, he returns to his friends seeking help for his kingdom.  Instead, he'll find intrigue and conspiracy every place he turns.

Today's review is a buddy review I did with Melissa of Book Nut. Thanks for the fun, Melissa! Be sure to stop by her blog and enjoy her answers to my questions. And, here is what she asked me about the book:

So, what did you think?
I'll answer this one in the way I normally do reviews:

Things I Liked:
I love the complex plot! At first, things don't seem to be going in a particular direction, but then, near the end, come all of these twists and revelations! I think Turner is a master of the unexpected endings! When I reached the end, I wanted to start all over again and see if I could pick up on some of the nuances and foreshadowing. The characters are so much fun - I love Sophos and how he changes over time. He's not confident in himself through most of the book, but he has this strength of will that requires him not to give up. Another good addition to the Queen's Thief series.

Things I Didn't Like:
It was a very slow beginning for me. I kept finding my mind wandering (which is probably more because of the busyness of my life right now than the book's slowness). However, I knew that Turner would not disappoint and I was right. I admit I didn't enjoy it as much as the others, but it was still an excellent book.

Did you reread the other books in the Queen's Thief series before you started this one? Do you think that affected your reading of the book?
I really wanted to reread the other books first, but I ended up being really crunched for time with books I had checked out from the library.  I think if I'd had the time to reread them first, I might have been more into the story.  I definitely would have remembered the characters better as well.  It would have been extremely beneficial for my remembering how certain characters act and just in general to refresh my memory of the previous stories and places.  I think it's best to read them fairly close together.

What did you think of Sophos as a character (versus, say, Gen)?
Like I mentioned above, I really liked Sophos, mostly because he was so modest and self-deprecating.  I also thought it was funny that he would often think about what Gen would say or do in a certain situation.  It was obvious he wanted to be more like Gen, but he's so different from him.

Speaking of Gen, did you miss him, or did his role here work for you?
I did miss Gen.  I wanted to see more of him, though I thought it was good to see him from Sophos' view.  I liked the part he had to play in the story, though. 

Did the plot work for you? Why/why not?
For the most part, yes.  As I mentioned above, sometimes I had a hard time paying attention to the set up at the first.  But, I liked watching how things unfolded.  I think the reluctant king role is fairly common, but I thought the way she showed him coming to terms with his position and how it worked out was unique. (Trying to be vague not to spoil anything.)

And what did you think of the narrative style, switching between first and third person?
I didn't think much of the style.  I liked the first person when I figured out what the purpose of it was (basically he's telling his story).  But, I think having some twists at the end is easier when you write in third person.  It didn't bother me, but I didn't love it either.  

Be sure to read Melissa's thoughts on A Conspiracy of Kings at Book Nut.

Read-alikes:
Read the first three books in the Queen's Thief series: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia
Reminded me a little of Crown Duel and Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:  
s-factor: none
that I recall

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some violence

Overall rating: ****

Have you read any of Turner's books?  What do you think?

Listless Monday will return next week.
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover is the perfect saying for a Gallagher Girl.  Cammie and her friends go to the world's most secret school for teenage spies.  When her friend Macey's father runs for Vice President, she becomes the center of attention for the whole country - especially after a dangerous incident both she and Cammie barely escape from.  The rest of the year is difficult to deal with, what with Macey's safety uncertain and the memory of that traumatic experience.  Can Cammie and her friends keep Macey safe?

Things I Liked:
So much fun.  I love the spy aspect.  It is a delight to read a book that manages to have teen issues and mix it with spy details and espionage.  I love the sly and sometimes sarcastic humor that Carter manages to include on nearly every page.  Also, the story was really great - I didn't see most of the twists coming.  Plus I enjoyed how the characters I've come to love change throughout this book because of their experiences.  Here's a favorite part:

"Whatever the case, that didn't change the fact that a very cute, very mysterious spy boy was either out to save us, or kidnap us, or date us.  And I wasn't sure which one we were best equipped to handle." p174

Things I Didn't Like:
I actually got a little confused at the ending.  Stuff seemed to happen really fast and also to not be explained very well.  I think some of the details should have been smoother, even if we have to wait for another book to figure out where it is going and what exactly everything means.  It felt a little rushed maybe.

Read-alikes:
Definitely pick up the first two Gallagher Girls books, I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
mild action sequences

Overall rating: ****

What do you like to read for a break from more serious books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox

Dreamhunter is what Laura's father Tziga is and wants her to become.  Tziga Hame was the discoverer of the Place - a location only certain people can enter and catch dreams to bring back for other people to experience.  It seems a beautiful and noble thing to do, and Laura and her cousin Rose are going to Try to see if they can enter the Place.  But, when Tziga goes missing, Laura discovers some things about the Place and her father that aren't as perfect as she thought.

Things I Liked:
It is a complex and unique story, full of twists and strange happenings.  I've really never read anything quite like it.  I enjoyed the characters, though sometimes I had a hard time understanding or relating to them.  The plot picks up a lot about half-way through and becomes very interesting.  I had a difficult time putting it down, because it really grabbed your attention and I keep thinking about its ideas and the very unique story.  Definitely one that will make you think.

Things I Didn't Like:
I admit I had a hard time getting into it for the first half of the book.  The writing seems very dry and sometimes not terribly clear in its explanations.  I never really connected with anyone, though I particularly love Nown.  While my interest is piqued, I admit it was mostly just ok for me.  Not amazingly fantastic, but not too dull.  I'll still be picking up the sequel, Dreamquake, to see how it ends.

Read-alikes:
It kinda felt spooky like The Giver by Lois Lowry
Premise reminded me of Wake, Fade, and Gone by Lisa McMann (though I haven't read them)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
one or two

mrg-factor: X
some slight innuendo

v-factor: ->
some terrifying parts

Overall rating: ***

Anybody else find themselves interested in too many series, even if the books aren't that great?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

This and That and Everything Else

I've got a hodgepodge of stuff in this post.  First, for my library week challenge, I've had 17 comments so far (as of 4-23).  I'll include any I get on this post and probably go back and include my own, too!  I'll update this post with the total number of books I donate later.  So, I'll be donating at least five books (rounded up to about 20 comments, for a nice even number)!  Thanks all for your support! 

It's been two weeks since my last library loot, and I've still got my holds on hold.  But, somehow, I managed to grab four anyway.  I won't complain :)

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
My Most Excellent Year by Steven Kluger
The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester (rereading this for book group)
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford 

I won a copy of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison from Corinne at The Book Nest (still haven't read any of these books, so I'm excited to give them a go).

For review:
The Time Pirate by Ted Bell
Spaceheadz (or SPHDZ) by Jon Scieszka

Finally, I've been meaning to join the Read, Remember, Recommend Fiction Reading Challenge, since I got a free copy of Read, Remember, Recommend from the author! I'm planning to read at least 10 books from the lists before next April 1st. I'd like to get my hands on the Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens so I can do that challenge as well. Anywho, I haven't chosen any books that will fit the lists yet, but keep your eyes peeled for these upcoming reviews! Here's the list so far:
1. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
2. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
3. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
4. March by Geraldine Brooks
5. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant 
6. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 

And that's all for my random everything post!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Candor by Pam Bachorz

*Comments on this post will go toward my Library Week challenge*

Candor is the perfect place to live - teenagers respecting their elders and never talking back to their parents.  Everyone is happy and kind and good, especially the model kid Oscar Banks.  He has to be, since he's the son of the founder of Candor.  But, Oscar hides behind the persona of the perfect son and leads a double life - you see he knows about the messages that brainwash all the teens (and their parents sometimes too).  He's secretly been creating his own messages to fight the brainwashing - he's been in control for a while now.  But, when a new girl comes to town with spunk and personality, he might not be able to control everything anymore.

Things I Liked:
It was definitely an interesting and near the end an exciting read.  I love the concept of someone creating a "perfect" town where everyone conforms to certain ideas and the teenagers are all well-behaved.  Nothing like a bit of mind-control to make you cling to your independence and choices.  I liked the characters, though I think I might have liked Mandi more than I did Nia.  I wasn't always rooting for Oscar, since sometimes he seemed almost as manipulative as his dad, but I liked his choices better than his dad's.  The ending definitely was perfect for the book, if not exactly wonderful.  This is one that will keep you thinking about it for days afterward, imagining what this place would be like and shuddering at Oscar's father.  I thought this quote was really interesting too:

"Sometimes it's nice to do what the Messages say.  It's like sinking into a warm bath, eyes shut, arms floating, and letting the water cover my face.  I don't have to breathe until someone tells me to." p 51

Things I Didn't Like:
The writing and the story near the beginning did not grab me.  I felt a little put off by the style - it was sparse and plain.  Also, it was a bit boring at first.  But, it definitely picked up.  Oscar started to annoy me with how callous he was about girls - perhaps an accurate portrayal of some teenage boys, but still annoying.  

Read-alikes: 
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The Giver and Messenger by Lois Lowry
Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, but not too much

mrg-factor: XX
mild, but ubiquitous (it felt like)

v-factor: ->
some disturbing images, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: ****

What scares you the most about dystopian books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose

*Comments on this post will go toward my Library Week challenge*

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice tells the story of a forgotten Civil Rights figure, the teenage girl who refused to give up her seat on the bus several months before Rosa Parks.  Claudette was beginning to feel that the adults in her life complained too much about Jim Crow laws of the south, but did too little.  When she boarded the bus that day, she wasn't thinking of denying the law right then, but she had put up with it too long.  Her actions then and later spoke of a girl with fight and a desire for justice and equality that should place her prominently with other figures of the Civil Rights Movement.  

Things I Liked:
I was really impressed with Claudette and the revealing look at her life and how forgotten she is among civil rights history.  The way she stood up against police and jail and basically put her life on the line, I felt inspired.  Stories of her courage and really the courage of so many African Americans living during that time are so amazing.  One thing I didn't realize before, the bus boycott lasted 381 days!  Can you imagine trying to get around town on foot or with carpools for over a year?  It is embarrassing and shameful the things our country allowed and embraced for so long.  Books like this make me wonder if I would have accepted injustice and prejudice just because it was the way things were or if I would have fought against the Jim Crow laws.  A fabulous look at the brave people who recognized and weren't afraid to challenge our weaknesses.  I also loved the photographs and clippings and side stories on each page.  Here are a few of the quotes I loved, not directly relating to Claudette, but other civil rights leaders:

Mrs. King said this on the phone to someone who called to threaten her husband, Martin Luther King, Jr: "My husband is asleep...He told me to write the name and number of anyone who called to threaten his life so that he could return the call and receive the threat in the morning when he wakes up and is fresh." p 80 

Judge Rives during the court case to abolish segregated buses asked this: "Can you command one man to surrender his constitutional rights - if they are his constitutional rights - to prevent another man from committing a crime?" p 89

Things I Didn't Like:
I didn't particularly like the style of switching between Claudette's words and the omniscient narrator.  Sometimes I would have to look back and see which point of view the book was using as I read.  It kind of distracted me from the words.  

Read-alikes:
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
(that I recall)

mrg-factor: X
not described, more implied in Claudette's story

v-factor: ->
violence happens, but isn't gory

Overall rating: ****

I find it amazing how many great historical figures are lost or forgotten. Any you think are important, but ignored?

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Listless Monday, Courtly Intrigue Edition

*Comments on this post will go toward my Library Week challenge*

Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

In preparing this list, I found that the longer I thought, the more books I could add. This is a very exciting book idea, with seemingly endless possibilities! But, since I could never possibly list every single book (even the ones I've read), here is a rather incomplete list, including historical fiction, fantasy, and even some faerie courts:

Courtly Intrigue

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund
The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley


Crown Duel and Court Duel by Sherwood Smith
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Eragon by Christopher Paolini (suggested by Amy)
Fire by Kristin Cashore
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (suggested by Amy)
Legacy by Cayla Kluver
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan (suggested by Amy)
The Princess and Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley
Trickster's Choice & Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce (suggested by Amy)
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce (suggested by Amy)
Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr

I'd love suggestions for courtly intrigue titles as well as future Listless Monday lists (hey, I'm in need of some inspiration)!

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

*Comments on this post will go toward my Library Week challenge*

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin begin when he decides to leave the deaf school he attended to enter a mainstream high school.  Things aren't as easy for him as he hoped they would be.  But, when the star football player, Pat Chambers, is killed during a field trip to the local mine, he and another classmate will team up to solve the mystery of his death.  Combining their unique skills (sorta) they hope to find out who murdered Pat.

Things I Liked:
This book was pretty unique to other things I've read.  It has the humor and irony of an overweight (and deaf) kid story told in first person.  It also has a mystery plot with several side mysteries that appear.  Despite being mainly humorous and spoofing Hardy Boys mysteries, it also has some more difficult topics it tackles.  These things surprised me with their serious and still humorous views.  I really liked Will as the main character.  I loved his way of finding things out about people by observation and lip reading and the humorous nicknames.  Here is some of the good:

"Huzzah.  The day of the field trip to Happy Memory Coal Mine has finally arrived.  I am so excited that I put on my best outfit, lovingly sculpt my hair, and skip out the front door.  Who would not be excited to stand in a dark coal mine with the cretins who make up my history class?" p 101 

"Devon's reasoning behind parking the car a few hundred yards from Porkrind's shady chateau is to "secure our cover," a move he probably learned in The Hardy Boys in The Case of the Two Dorks Spying on Their Bus Driver." p152

Things I Didn't Like:
I don't know that I can put my finger on things I didn't like about it (most of it was very likable), but I kinda came away feeling just a little meh about it.  It was fun while I was reading and the mystery kept me guessing, but I was not super thrilled by it.  It's what I call a good read, not fabulous.

Read-alikes:
Reminded me of Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
pretty common, but not very strong

mrg-factor: XXX
the minds of teenage boys, also some incidents

v-factor: ->
nothing on page, but some abuse mentioned

Overall rating: ***

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale

*Comments on this post will go toward my Library Week challenge*

Calamity Jack has a history.  Unknown to Rapunzel, Jack was not always a good guy.  He used to have all kinds of schemes to make money for his mother.  He was running away from just such a scheme involving giants and beanstalks when he met Rapunzel.  When he returns to the city, he finds things have changed and not for the better.  Can Jack save his mother, the city, and his relationship with Rapunzel?

Things I Liked:
I love the humor.  Seriously, I haven't read many graphic novels, but I think I prefer them with humor.  Nathan Hale's illustrations were delightful (as usual) and kept the story going when there weren't many words.  I love a good twisted fairy tale and it doesn't get more twisted than giant ant people. 

Things I Didn't Like:
It didn't have much of a point that I could find.  Fun, but rather light.  

Read-alikes:
Pick up Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale first

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
action, but very mild

Overall rating: ****

Do you have a favorite graphic novel to recommend?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

National Library Week!!!

I cannot believe I wasn't on top of it enough this year to remember about National Library Week! (Possibly because it coincides with finals week at my college library.)  I've been seeing lovely posts around other (more on top of it) librarians' blogs and feeling silly for not saying anything.  (Check out Bookworming in the 21st Century, GreenBeanTeenQueen, Abby (the) Librarian, and The Neverending Bookshelf for some.)

The small library where I work is not terribly thrilling to write about, and isn't really a place of community, since only the students attending the private college use it.  But, as you might have noticed by my library loot posts, I frequent two local public libraries often (I also used to work at both of them).  I was very inspired by Kate of The Neverending Bookshelf's challenge to celebrate libraries!  Here's part of what she has to say:

As part of National Library Week, I wanted to do something to give back. So I am issuing a challenge to everyone! There are two parts to this challenge. You can take on one or both... the choice is yours.

Part 1:
For every comment that this post receives, I will be donating a 1/4 of a book to my local library. This means that for every 4 comments, my library will be getting a book off my shelves. Please limit the comments to something relevant to this post. You can give us tips on how you can support your local library... Tell us what makes your library special... Etc.

Part 2:
Create a post about the challenge. You can telling us about your local library, tips on how you can make your library [better], etc. and then pass this challenge along to your readers. You can keep the stakes the same, make them less, or even up them...the choice is yours.

What a fantastic idea! Since I am starting this challenge a little late, I will donate 1/4 book (or more if I don't get very many) per comment on this and any subsequent posts for a week, ending next Thursday, April 22. I hope that I can help out both of my local public libraries in this small way!

If you do nothing more than visit a library this week, take the time to thank a librarian (or really, anyone who works or volunteers there).  It always makes me smile when a student appreciates what I do!

What do you appreciate about your library or your librarians?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor

Lips Touch: Three Times is a collection of three short stories that each revolve around a kiss.  In each story, a kiss is more than just a meeting of lips.  It could mean giving up your soul to a goblin, allowing a curse to run its course, or the bringing back of memories long forgotten.  Each story is set in a unique fantasy world with memorable characters that long for the wonder and excitement of a first kiss.

Things I Liked:
I really have never been a fan of short stories.  Not entirely sure why that is, but I just don't read them.  However, this book made me love them.  Once again, Taylor has created splendid fantasy worlds.  Seriously, I don't know how she does it, but each story has such a fascinating and dark and intriguing setting that you almost forget about the characters in your enjoyment of it.  Her writing draws you into these places in very few sentences.  I think this is especially vital when writing short stories, since you can't afford to have a lot of description and set up for your story.  She does an excellent job, though, and you get just enough detail to picture the place and to make you long for more stories set in each one.  Oh, and I love Jim Di Bartolo's illustrations - they quite fit the descriptions.  I think my favorite story is "Spicy Little Curses Such as These" with "Hatchling" coming it at second.  If you haven't tasted Taylor's words yet, run and get one of her books.  You will not regret it.

"The goblins want girls who dream so hard about being pretty their yearning leaves a palpable trail, a scent goblins can follow like sharks on a soft bloom of blood.  The girls with hungry eyes who pray each night to wake up as someone else.  Urgent, unkissed, wishful girls." p 13

"They were both small and beautiful with long, long hair as red as persimmons.  They laughed alike and moved alike, and they thought the same thoughts as completely as if a butterfly traveled back and forth between their minds, bearing ideas on its legs like pollen." p 146

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit being a bit surprised by the sensuality that is quite common in the stories.  I suppose it wasn't really too unexpected given the YA label, but coming from her Faeries of Dreamdark books, there is definitely an age shift.  

Read-alikes:
It is similar to her Dreamdark series in style, but obviously more mature
I can't think of anyone else who creates worlds quite like her

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
quite a few used, none too strong

mrg-factor: XX
commonly alluded to in each story, nothing graphic

v-factor: ->
some gruesome images

Overall rating: *****

Have you read Laini Taylor's work?  What do you think?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

Umbrella Summer is what Annie has this year.  When her brother died in February, she learned that anyone can be sick and not know it.  Now, Annie is afraid to do some of the things she used to, because you never know if you will get malaria or ebola or some other thing.  When a new neighbor moves in across the street, Annie finds that they have more in common than she first thought.  And that life might not be about avoiding illness and injury.

Things I Liked:
This is such a sweet story about a girl trying to deal with the death of her older brother.  I loved hearing things from Annie's point of view, because she was so smart in some ways, and totally not in others.  Just how I imagine most children her age are.  I also thought it was perfect that she got help in closing her umbrella (such a great analogy) and then was able to help her mother and father close theirs.  I highly recommend this book to help tweens deal with death.

Things I Didn't Like:
It might be a bit young for some of the nearly teens, but excellent for tweens and older children.

Read-alikes:
Shug by Jenny Han 
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage