They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! Again, sorry for the big gap between updates! Summer has officially started and with it, I can read again.

My first choice book for the summer was The Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. I had been putting off this book for ages because I thought it would be depressing, and I didn't really want to be sad. Though once I started reading it, I was so glad I did.

In fact, if I had to pick an adjective for this book, I would choose sweet long before depressing!

The Cover:

The cover shows Mateo and Rufus walking down the river on their End Day together, with their shadows depicting the Grim Reaper. It's a pretty accurate still of this book. It's sweet, with the threat of death looming right behind you. A+ cover.

Official Description:

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.
Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

My Review:

This book surprised me. Instead of making me sad, this book made me want to seize life. It was actually super uplifting. The overall tone of this book was less cancer-patient (Fault in Our Stars) in terms of seizing the day and more coming-of-age novel. This book was set in an alternative universe where on the day that you are going to die, you get a phone call that informs you of your passing. You don't know what time or how it will happen and you can't avoid it, but you have to make it the best day you can with what you have left. 

They Both Die at the End really centered on two boys from drastically different backgrounds and lives who meet because of their imminent deaths and help shape the other into the person they wanted to be. Rufus helps Mateo get out of his comfort zone, and Mateo helps Rufus calm down and take a step back from his inner baggage. 

The actual writing of this book was straightforward but engaging. Each chapter alternated first person point of view from Mateo and Rufus's perspectives. It was really easy to tell the characters apart as each had a very distinctive voice. 

The characters were really what made this book incredible and such a joy to read. They both start off the book with strong characteristics but also wanting to change themselves into the person that they want to be/be remembered as. They morph throughout the book closer and closer to their ideal selves, taking sidetracks on the way to become their best selves. The character development was what made this novel so special. It was written perfectly, and it was great to see a person choosing to alter who they wanted to be and being able to accomplish that. 

The plot was fairly loose, though there were certain themes that ran through. Themes like the current status of Mateo and Rufus's friends/family and the fact that the police were chasing after Rufus. These themes gave it a sense of continuity and plot, linking the overall story together into one big arch even when the actual story seemed to jump around based on the characters' moods. 

Overall, I loved this book. It made me think and was deep without being hard to digest. Mostly, the story was sweet and hopeful, even in the face of catastrophe. And, just so you all know, the title is accurate. There are no last minute miracles. You think there will be something different when you read this book, but it's true. They both die at the end. And, that's okay. 

I'd recommend this book to you if you like contemporary novels (or even light dystopians). It read a lot like a Neal Shusterman or a Patrick Ness book in the way that it was set up, in formatting and the mix between alternative universes and contemporary fiction. I'd definitely recommend this book if you want to read something cute, something deep, or something creative. 

Phrase:
_____ wasn't called by Death Cast today because he/she is not dying today.

If You Liked This Book, You Might Also Like:
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
More Than This

If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!

Happy Reading!

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Monster (Gone #7... kind of) by Michael Grant 3/5 stars

Hey, guys! Sorry, I haven't posted much recently. There's much less time to read at college!

As long-time readers will know, I loved Michael Grant books. The Gone and BZRK series are some of my favorite series of all time. They felt so real to me, and I loved the action and ideas behind them. When I heard that Michael Grant was writing a sequeling series to Gone (so Monster is technically book 7 but has different characters), I was skeptical. I've read some great sequel-series and some awful ones. I wondered what the story would even be since everything was resolved. I'm honestly still wondering that after reading it. 

I decided to give it a shot because I had faith in one of my favorite authors. Now, I'm not sure if that faith was justified.

The Cover:

The Cover:

It shows the main character, Shade, running with her insect persona shadow behind her. It's a kind of cheesy cover, but the image itself fits the book surprisingly well. A- cover

Official Description:

When the dome came down, they thought it was the end of the troubles. Truth is, it was just the beginning.
Shade Darby witnessed events that day, with devastating consequences, and vowed never to feel that powerless again. Now, four years later, she gets her hands on a part of the meteor that began it all – and that’s when she changes.
Trouble is, Shade’s not the only one mutating, and the authorities cannot allow these superpowers to go unchecked...

My Review:

This book was basically an alternate version of the Gone series but with adults and teens getting powers and where there isn't a dome (and, therefore, isn't like Lord of the Flies). More meteors like the one at Perdido Beach are falling across the earth and more people are getting powers. Also, instead of getting fun superpowers like telekinesis, they get weird superpowers like being half-insect. 

Honestly, my first impression of this book was wondering who would actually want the power. You can shapeshift into an ugly monster. Why do you want that? I read the book, and I have no clue. Yet, people knew what they were getting into and still snorted the alien, power-giving rock like it was cocaine. 

The actual book was exciting. It was fast-paced and obviously setting up what will be an epic series. It was fast-paced, and I ended up reading it mainly in an afternoon (in an airport without WiFi but who's counting). 

However, the characters and the writing were lacking the Michael Grant charm I've learned to expect. 

The characters were too flat. They all had a defining characteristic that they stuck to the whole time. There was Shade: the mysterious girl; Malik: devoted ex-boyfriend; Dekka: honorable but depressed. Everyone stuck to their roles for the entirety of the book. Any character development that occurred was obvious from the beginning. 

Michael Grant also decided that he was going to appeal to the current hot topic in YA books in order to sell more books. He tried to be inclusive and prove a point by being progressive. For example, the protagonist's best friend is a trans girl. I have no problem with making efforts to be more inclusive and have representation for all groups, but it can be well done, and it can be poorly done. It feels as though someone told Grant to be more inclusive to sell more books, and he took their advice without it really being a part of the story. It can feel natural and inspiring (the books we need for these groups) or artificial and just sleezy feeling (this book). In order for some of these themes to fit in, they have to be authentic. It's not just books. For example, in TV you can see this. The gay relationship in How to Get Away With Murder is much more woven in and authentic than the one in Gotham. It's just a matter of execution. Some sentences were forced into Monster to prove a point of inclusivity, and these sentences felt so out of place that I'd often have to reread them to make sure I didn't miss a change of subject. 

One big example was when Grant called one of the characters a "big white boy" many, many times (roughly 15 times in 30 pages). I understand that our current society has a problem with having a "default race" of being white. I agree that this isn't fair, that you should have to declare each characters race if you do one. Sure. I'm all for that. But, each time you mention him? It's excessive. They didn't mention Dekka being black more than like twice in the whole book, and she was a much bigger character. Each time "big white boy" was mentioned, I paused. While it isn't a good system, I am used to the "default race," so I would question each time if he was just "big" or is he "big for a white boy"? There's a different meaning, and it just caused me some confusion that ruined my immersion.

For fans of the Gone series, there are cameos from other characters. Dekka is a main character and Drake and Sam are mentioned a few times. I get the impression that the earlier characters will make more appearances as the series goes on, so there'll be plenty of chances to read of your favorite characters again!

Overall, the book was fine. On the surface level, it did everything the description promises. I just wasn't hooked by the characters and found the superpowers to just be gross and unappealing. (Everyone wants to manipulate gravity, but does anyone want a lobster-claw hand?) I don't think that I'm going to read the next one, but I did finish this one. It was a solid 3-star book, definitely not up to the 5-star rating I expect from Michael Grant, but it was still decent. 

Phrase:

Just swallow the rock down with some peanut butter

*Note: Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review*

Release by Patrick Ness 4/5 stars

Hey, guys! As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Patrick Ness (links to my reviews of his books at the bottom of this post). When I heard about Release, I was super excited. A new Patrick Ness book? Count me in! 

The only problem was that it's been released for a month or so in the UK but wasn't supposed to be released in the US until September. I've been jealous to say the least. Thankfully, Edelweiss and the publishers provided me an ARC of the US version to read and give you guys an honest review.

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows Adam desperately holding on while the world turns upside down. It's simple and still communicates a lot of the feeling behind this book. A+ cover

Official Description:
Adam Thorn doesn’t know it yet, but today will change his life.
Between his religious family, a deeply unpleasant ultimatum from his boss, and his own unrequited love for his sort-of ex, Enzo, it seems as though Adam’s life is falling apart.  At least he has two people to keep him sane: his new boyfriend (he does love Linus, doesn’t he?) and his best friend, Angela.
But all day long, old memories and new heartaches come crashing together, throwing Adam’s life into chaos. The bindings of his world are coming untied one by one; yet in spite of everything he has to let go, he may also find freedom in the release. 

My Review:
Release tells the story of the day that Adam Thorn's life seems to fall apart. It is a deeply captivating, character-driven story that blew me away, mostly. I read this book in a day and loved it. 

If I was just reviewing the main storyline, I would give it 5 stars, no questions asked. However, in every chapter, there was a page or two revolving around a different, supernatural storyline. In a gist, it was about a dead girl in the town who got to roam the earth for one night. She is accompanied by a faun who is making sure she doesn't cause too much trouble. This storyline is almost entirely unrelated to the rest of the book (barely any tie-in to Adam's story) and is just distracting. You can just skim over it pretty easily and ignore it, so it doesn't ruin the book. However, it seemed completely unnecessary. (I suspect it's only added as a nod to Septimus in Mrs. Dalloway, which Ness claimed to model Release after.)

Ignoring the supernatural subplot, Release was spectacular. The characters were complex and realistic. Adam was easy to root for and likable, in part, because of his flaws. He was a character that you could get behind and relate to. The supporting characters had depth to them as well, and their relationships felt natural. 

The writing skill in this book is what really brings it to life. While the story is simply a day in a teenager's life where he gets in an avalanche of bad news and tough situations, it feels riveting. I was on the edge of my seat, heart aching on behalf of Adam. Release sucks you into its world. 

Overall, I would recommend reading Release. It was an amazing book with memorable characters and writing. You'll love it. Just don't get your hopes up for a tie-in with the supernatural plot.

Phrase:
Sexual Harassment Claim

Other Books by Patrick Ness:
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Knife of Never Letting Go (book 1) / The Ask and the Answer (2) / Monsters of Men (3)
More Than This
A Monster Calls

If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!

Happy Reading!

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Dotwav by Mike A. Lancaster 4/5 stars

Hey, guys!  I managed to get my hands on an advanced copy of Dotwav by Mike A. Lancaster.  I really enjoyed his earlier books (the Human.4 series) and wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but enjoyed it nonetheless.

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows a pair of headphones pumping sound waves into a head.  It's simple and fits the book's theme of mind control by music.  I like it.  A+ cover

Official Description:
“There’s something in that sound. Something bad. Something dangerous.”
Fifteen-year-old Ani Lee is a skilled hacker researching a strange .wav file that she’s downloaded when it behaves as no file ever should.
Joe Dyson is a seventeen-year-old American transplant recruited into a secret teen division of the British intelligence service who’s looking into the disappearance of a friend caught up in an underground music scene that might be more than it appears.
When Ani and Joe’s investigations intertwine, they discover that the .wav file and the music are linked—someone’s embedding the file into tracks to create a mind-controlled teen army.
But who’s behind it? And why? And how do you stop a sound?An exhilarating sci-fi techno-thriller that blends music, mind control, and conspiracy perfect for fans of Little Brother, Brain Jack, and Proxy. 

My Review:
I loved reading Dotwav.  It was quick, fast-paced, and a truly inventive science-fiction book.   I flew through the story, it wasn't perfect but it was still very enjoyable.

The writing style itself was compelling.  It kept me hooked and entranced in the plot.  It was super descriptive (perhaps too much so during some gross/violent scenes).  It really put you into the scene.

The characters were likable.  Joe & Ani were both complicated characters with their own baggage. However, at times they acted more like adults than the teenagers they were supposed to be.  It may have been a result of their backstories but they seemed a little too grown-up.

The plot was exciting and full of action and adventure.  There were lots of fun fight scenes.  The technology was creative and easy to imagine, some a bit too out-there for me, but still original.

Honestly, the only part of the book I completely disliked was the assumption that the quadratic formula was some kind of complex math.  As a bit of a math nerd, I couldn't get past this.  I doubt that a simple use of factoring could select for intelligence, especially since you only have had to passed Algebra I.  That little assumption distracted me terribly whenever it was mentioned.  Small but inaccurate, in my opinion anyway.

Overall, I liked Dotwav.  I believe that it is the first book in a series and I plan on reading the next book.  Dotwav was inventive and exciting.  The good outweighed the bad, and I would recommend it to science fiction fans.

Dotwav comes out on September 6, 2016.

Phrase:
Worms

If You Liked This Book, You May Also Like:
Human.4
Ender's Game
The Dark Side of Nowhere
Speeding Bullet

If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!

Happy Reading!

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(Note: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Savior Pirotta (Compilation), Franco Rivoli (Illustrator) 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So a few weeks ago, I was given a copy of a new edition of Frankenstein from Edelweiss in exchange for a review.  It was actually pretty good.  In order to avoid confusion, here's the ISBN of the book if it makes finding it easier:  9781609927356 

The Cover:
There isn't one for this edition as it is only online, so let's just skip this section!

Official Description:
Victor Frankenstein, an aspiring scientist born into a wealthy family, discovers a secret technique to reanimate dead tissue. What will Victor create? Will the result be the beautiful creation that he dreams of? Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with stunning illustrations, these favourite horror classics will capture the hearts and imagination of young readers

My Review:
I found this retelling of Frankenstein wonderfully clear, while still feeling like it could have been written in the 18th century.  It was a small book, maybe 50 pages.  To me, it seemed like they simply put Frankenstein in a press and condensed it to just the important plot and themes, cutting out the unimportant fluff.  
The actual story was wonderful, and it deserves its popularity for the lasts two hundred years or so.  It was deep, less of a horror and more of a tragedy.  I just wanted to give Frankenstein's monster a hug.
Frankenstein is definitely worth a go, no matter if you want to read this version or another.  For what I wanted from it, which was to know the story of Frankenstein with limited hair-pulling-out, this edition was perfect.  I imagine that some people will still want to read the full, classic Frankenstein, but if you just want to read it to understand references/ learn what it's about, then I would say go for this edition.  

This edition official comes out October 1, 2015

Happy Reading!

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Boo by Neil Smith 5/5 stars

Oh. My. God.  I would write something witty or nice here but my brain can only form three words in a loop: Oh my god. Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!  This book!  Suffice to say, this book blew my mind.  It was fantastic in the way that I hope all books could be, but rarely manage to even reach the threshold.  This book was greatness that I could hold in my hands, and I am not even exaggerating. I beg each and every one of you to read it.
The Cover:

The Cover:
This cover shows Oliver (AKA Boo) shut inside of his school locker.  The number of his locker is 106, which happens to be exact number of elements in the Periodic Table, which Boo has, of course, memorized.  This is super symbolic and everything, but since I don't want to give out spoilers... You'll understand though, and if not, comment and I'll explain!

Official Description:

“Do you ever wonder, dear Mother and Father, what kind of toothpaste angels use in heaven? I will tell you.... This book I am writing to you about my afterlife will be your nitty-gritty. One day I hope to discover a way to deliver my story to you.”
It's the first week of school in 1979, and Oliver “Boo” Dalrymple—ghostly pale eighth-grader, aspiring scientist, social pariah—is standing next to his locker, reciting the periodic table. The next thing he knows, he finds himself lying in a strange bed in a strange land. He’s a new resident of a place called Town—an afterlife exclusively for thirteen year olds. Soon Boo is joined by Johnny Henzel, a fellow classmate, who brings with him a piece of surprising news about the circumstances of the boys’ deaths.
In Town, there are no trees or animals, just endless rows of red-brick three-story dormitories surrounded by unscalable walls. No one grows or ages, but everyone arrives just slightly altered from who they were before. To Boo’s great surprise, the qualities that made him an outcast at home win him friends; and he finds himself capable of a joy he’s never experienced. But there is a darker side to life after death—and, as they attempt to learn what happened that fateful day, Boo and Johnny discover a disturbing truth that will have profound repercussions for both of them.
Hilarious and heartwarming, poignant and profound, BOO is the story of a truly unforgettable character. Here Neil Smith gives us a unique look at the bonds of friendship in what is, ultimately, a book about finding your place in the world—be it this one, or the next.

My Review:
This book was just so fantastic!  It was exciting and funny and beautiful.  Picture combining some of the best characters you've ever read about with the writing style of a muse and then mixing in a plot with the surprises and greatness of your favorite book.  I think that describes Boo. I have little doubt that this book will be a huge hit.  If it doesn't, something is seriously wrong.
Anyway, the characters of this book were really complex and complicated with a human level of messed-up-ness.  They messed everything up with the purest of intentions.  They were kind and mean for their own reasons.  They were the people you've met and will meet.  You see only the one side of them until the truth is revealed.  They were beautifully crafted people who gave this story its wings (pun intended).  It usually takes multiple books for me to feel as connected with characters as deeply as I managed to do in this book's 310 pages. 
Boo has three stages of reading.  (1) This is really neat and cool.  A quirky spin on heaven.  I think I'll like this book, (2) Wait... WHAT?!?!, (3) Stab me in the heart, it'll hurt less. 
Each of these stages was amazing; I loved each of these even more than the last.  It was simply perfect.  The plot had so many twists and turns that I did not expect at all.  I was constantly floored.  At certain points, the story got so intense that I had to set down my book just so that I didn't accidentally have a heart attack and end up in an afterlife especially for fifteen year olds.  
The formatting was also really neat.  Instead of chapter numbers, each chapter opened with an element from the periodic table, the atomic number serving as the number of each chapter.  It was really neat and added to the book.
Also, I thought that it was really funny that Boo would replace the word 'God' with 'Zig' throughout the entire book because their heaven's god reminded him of a hippie.  It was just really random and funny.  I'm glad Neil Smith added these little moments of comic relief.

Quotes (NOTE: my copy was an ARC so these quotes may not be completely accurate with the published version):

"'Look, if he acts like a freak here, kids will sh*t on him just like they did back in America.' Rest assured, Mother and Father, that Johnny is speaking figuratively. Nobody ever defecated on me (though, as I said earlier, I was urinated on)."

"I feel prouder than the time I increased the pH of my urine by consuming citrus fruits"

"A geek was originally a circus artist who performed morbid acts like biting heads off live chickens and swallowing frogs. I am obviously, given my vegetarian diet, no geek"

"I try not to let the outer world wreak havoc with my inner one"

This book comes out May 12, 2015

Phrase:
Thank Zig!

(Note: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review)

Happy Reading!

Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah and Skye Chatham 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So, I just finished reading Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah and Skye Chatham.  It was amazing!  However, I must warn you, it is a "letter-book" (more on that later) and it is not aimed at kids/teens like many books on my blog, so there is a bit of mild adult content.  If you are in high school, like me, you are definitely fine, but if you are like ten, maybe not?

Anyway, the cover:

The Cover:

The cover shows our couple, Madeline and Elliot talking at some restaurant.  Its not a particular scene in the book, but it kinda works for this book.  The title is very creative, too.  "Read bottom up" is something that Madeline wrote when she forwarded her best friend one of Eliot's emails.  She was supposed to start at the bottom of the conversation and read it up.  It also seems very metaphoric, but I'm not going to get into that right now.

Official Description:
A charming novel about falling in love, or like, in the digital age, told in an inventive, creative style.
Madeline and Elliot meet at a New York City food event. Flirtation, online, ensues. A romance, potentially eternal, possibly doomed, begins.
And, like most things in life today, their early exchanges are very public, available to be scrutinized and interpreted by well-intentioned friends (aka amateur love doctors) who are a mere click away. Of course like all good email trails, this one reads from the bottom up.
Madeline and Elliot's relationship unfolds through a series of thrilling, confounding, and funny exchanges with each other and with their best friends. The result is a brand new kind of modern romantic comedy, both in format and in content. Read Bottom Up is a brilliant, fresh portrait that captures how enchanting, exciting, and downright confusing falling in love twenty-first-century style can be.

My Condensed Description:

Elliot and Madeline meet at the restaurant that Elliot works at and they start spending a lot of time together.  They share all of their romantic hopes/dreams/conversations in emails (and a few text messages) between themselves and their two friends, David and Emily.  The relationship is cute at times and doomed at others.

My Review:
This book was great! If I had to pick one word, I would call it "realistic" because it has none of the dramatic fanfare that fictional relationships sometimes have.  Madeline over analyzed everything that Elliot said, they were noncommittal, it was awkward at times, and most importantly, it wasn't perfect. There were constant snags and irritations in their relationship.  This made it really interesting to me.
The characters were also really three dimensional.  Even David and Emily, the best friend characters, were developed and unique.  They were not many characters because of the way that this novel was written, but each character that did exist was treated, if not equally, than well.
So. The writing style.  It was different. It took me a few pages to understand the way it was written and easily read the book, but it worked.  After I understood how to read it, I had no trouble at all getting into the story.  Don't let its difference push you away.  Basically, there were just a lot of emails back and forth to the four main characters of this cast (Elliot, Madeline, Emily, and David).  It was actually a great way to write this particular story, and it made it much more enjoyable to me.  One reason was that we had multiple character's points of view.  For example, Madeline would describe a situation as awful and terribly awkward, while Elliot would think it went well.  There were just so many little inconsistencies between their stories (he was 3 minutes vs 2 hours late) that it made each situation full of doubt and humor.  I normally don't like "letter-books" but this book made these modern-day "letters" work!
It was also surprisingly deep, as well as sort of romantic-comedy-esque. The messages sent were what actual people would send in these situations.
My only real complaints were that the formatting for the text messages (which happened only a few times throughout the book) was off.  This was almost certainly because I was reading an uncorrected ARC, but it was a little irritating.  I am 99% sure it will be fixed by the time you guys read it.  Also, the fact that the characters were expected to respond instantly to emails irked me.  Now, keep in mind that I am a teenager, and I find that we rarely email/check our emails.  I know that the characters in this novel were NOT teenagers, so it might be different for them, but I was a little skeptical about that.
All in all, it was a great book.  It was cute, deep, interesting, and just a quick read in general.  I'd strongly recommend reading it!

Quotes (NOTE: These may change in the official published edition!) :

"did not go home with her. I mean I did walk her back to her apartment, tell her I'm still madly in love with her, and offer to stay over (just spoon) and do her laundry in the morning... but she said no to everything, so all good. Except the laundry part. She did let me come in and do that."

"Well, there's also that adage about not buying the cow if you can get the milk for free but WHAT IF YOU'RE LACTOSE INTOLERANT"

"Conclusion: he is the dead cat of my dreams"

"Do you want me to start with the part where she called me 'an emotional vegetable'" ....
"the part where she said that I was more interested in being 'in a school play about a relationship than in real intimacy'"  ....
"Or when she accused me of using her to get a cookbook deal?"

This book comes out April 7, 2015.

Happy Reading!

Conspiracy Girl by Karen Chacek and Abraham Balcazar 1/5 stars

I requested this book from its publisher, a while ago.  However, I made a mistake.  Conspiracy Girl is a picture book.  I suggest that you stop reading this review if you aren't interested, but I said I would review it so here goes.

Official Description:
See that flock of birds over there? Looks pretty normal, right? But Nina sees right through their mangy feathers and divines their plot to end the world in a nuclear ball of white noise. What to do? Save the world armed only with a box of cereal? Perhaps.

I wasn't expecting a picture book from the description. It wasn't what I expected, but I kept an open mind. However, upon reading it, I just didn't get it. I was confused, and I believe that my mind is more sophisticated than the target audience's.
The illustrations were very interesting and artistic, though.
If the plot was smoother, I might recommend it, but as it is, I would not.  The book just needs some fine tuning.

In other news, if you haven't already, I suggest you check out my twitter page @BookshelfSecret so that you can be notified when I post a new review!

Happy Reading!

Solitaire by Alice Oseman 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! A while ago, I received Solitaire in exchange for my honest review from Edelweiss.  It was amazing! I think that a good way to describe it would be Catcher in the Rye meets Perks of Being a Wallflower meets Winger.  It was fantastic, but I feel obligated to give a warning: "This Book Contains Some Extreme Teen Angst, Proceed With Caution".  That being said, it wasn't too much, but the angst definitely existed, and I know that some of you hate those kinds of books... so beware.
Anyway, the cover:

Official Description:

In case you're wondering, this is not a love story.
My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now.
Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden.
I don't know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden.
I really don't.
This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

My Description:

While the above description is accurate, and I feel like I need to add... the premise of the book.  

At Tori Spring's high school, an anonymous group starts pulling pranks and posting about it on their blog, Solitaire.  The pranks start out simple enough, playing Sexy Back when the principle walks onto the stage, but start to escalate... and escalate.  Meanwhile, Tori (the chronic pessimist) has a few personal problems.  Her brother has a mental illness, her best friend Becky is behaving differently, her best friend from grammer school (Lucas) transfers to her school and wants to be friends with Tori (ugh. Socializing), and a new boy Michael Holden always seems to be around.  

And, also to clarify, in the official description is says that "this is not a love story" in a way that implies that it actually is a love story, but I disagree.  This is NOT a love story. If anything, there's more hate than love contained in Solitaire's pages, so don't let that turn you off of it!

My Review:

I loved this book! I was deep, it was funny, it was ridiculous, it was philosophical, and it was real.  

Alice Oseman took care too develop all of the characters to the extent where they felt like real, complex people who had lives outside of the events of this book.  They were incredibly realistic, and there was so much character development! It wasn't just for the main character, but for almost all recurring characters. At certain points, I had some disagreements with Tori (You hate the Beatles? You don't like reading?!?!) but I managed to get past them remarkably easily and could still relate with Tori.  Even if you are nothing like her, I think that you will still completely understand her character!

The plot was very exciting. I couldn't wait to read of Solitaire's latest escapade or really any of the other plot lines. I was spellbound.  However, I must admit that some aspects were predictable. I  was thrown off by certain moments, but I knew the "surprise" orchestrator of Solitaire fairly early on as well as a few other things that Tori was seemingly oblivious to. That didn't affect my reading experience, but you should know.

The writing style was very similar to a modern-day Catcher in the Rye. You might disagree, but the narration style, if not the rest of the book, was definitely reminiscent of it.  I really loved the way Oseman told this story. It was the perfect way to write it, and I deeply respected it. 

Also, my inner fangirl loved everything about this book.  For example, the characters argued over whether Drarry (Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter) was a thing. There were just countless references to books, movies, and TV shows that I love. It made the entire book kinda cool.

Overall, Solitaire was amazing.  I highly recommend reading it.  It is aimed at teenagers, so keep that in mind, but I don't think your age will affect your reading experience. 

Quote Bonus Round:

I don't normally do this, but I don't think that you can truly appreciate the majesty that is Solitaire without reading at least some of it. 

(Note: Since I read an 'uncorrected proof' of Solitaire, these quotes might be altered in the physical books.)

"Rebecca Allen is probably my only real friend at the moment. She is also probably my best friend. I am yet unsure whether these two facts are related."

On Bruno Mar's Grenade: "it's unlikely anyone would want to catch a grenade for anyone else. Or jump in front of a train for someone else. That's very counterproductive."

"'you're Sherlock Holmes. I'll be John Watson. But we've got to be the Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman Sherlock and Watson, because the BBC Sherlock is infinitely greater than all other adaptations' I stare at him. 'It's the only adaptation that gets the bromance right.'

'You're a fangirl,' I whisper"

I hope that was enough for you to get the feel of this book!

Phrase:

It's funny because it's true

Solitaire by Alice Oseman comes out March 30, 2015.

Happy Reading!

The Path by Peter Riva 3.5/5 stars

Hey guys! A few days ago, I decided I would put Food: A Love Story and Darkest Before Dawn on hold for a little while.  I needed a break from them and decided to dive into The Path by Peter Riva.  I enjoyed reading it, but it did have a few drawbacks.  I received it a while ago from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

The Cover:

The Cover:

The cover shows rather Simon or Agent Cramer doing... something to the System, I imagine.  While I was looking at the cover, trying to think of something else to say about it, I noticed that its the first in the Tag SERIES? I thought that this was a standalone book.  I can easily say that I have no idea where the rest of the series will go.  This book did not have the feel of an opening book of a series...

My Description:

Simon Bank's job is to go into the System (the computer system that controls all of American life from national security to food production) and give it human interaction.  He basically tries to mess it up, and theoretically it will learn from him to better itself.  Except this plan works too well.  The System becomes sentient, and the task of fixing the derailing System falls to Simon.  Simon has help though from an agent of Control, Cramer, who while loving chocolate is rude and loves to be in charge.  Things go from bad to worse as Simon, Cramer, and a few others attempt to save everyone in America and maybe even the entire world.

My Review:

The good parts? 

Everything had a greater significance than it first appears.  The plot built on itself in complex yet understandable levels.  There were frequent plot twists, and you could never tell where anyone's loyalties truly lay. In fact, there was a huge mystery element to the entire book. I was definitely intrigued and zipped through this book. 

It also had a very unique universe in which it took place.

The bad? 

At times, it was a bit confusing for a number of reasons. (1) Abbreviations.  There were probably thirty or forty different things that were all identified by their initials, and I had a little trouble keeping them straight. (2) The Fictional Universe. I never felt that I fully understood the rules of the world the story took place in.  They would introduce a new story element and I would have no idea that that was even possible before it became a critical part of the plot.  There was no gradual integration into Simon's world, the reader is mainly just shoved into the deep end. While I figured it out, I wish I didn't have to. (3) Transitions and the Like.  I found myself having to reread entire pages because I couldn't figure out who was talking or what the characters were talking about to begin with. (4) Technology. There were many long complex computer programming moments in this book. While I found that I could follow them mostly, I am afraid that some people would be completely lost during them.  In general, they didn't effect your understanding of the book but be warned.  

I also had trouble comprehending the plans that were created by the characters, and there were a lot of plans.  Some of them just didn't make any sense. (SPOILER: What was the benefit of giving Cramer invincibility? I don't think that it helped anyone! SPOILER OFF.)  Some of the plans were so complex and dependent on others ignorant reactions that I just didn't buy them.  That being said, the plans weren't horrible.  I am always a little skeptical of the plans that books propose.  

All in all, I enjoyed reading The Path.  I was interested.  There were a few issues that I had with it, but they were minor.  I suggest reading it if you were interested in the description, but if not, I recommend holding off.

Phrase:

Mary's a Genius

Happy Reading!

This is How it Ends by Jen Nadol 4/5 stars

*Note: This books was given to me in exchange for an honest review*

This is How it Ends was a very interesting book.  The entire book was filled to the brim with mystery. As soon as one thing was answered, two more would come to take its place.  It was a good book.
The Cover:

The Cover:

The cover shows Riley, the main character, with Sarah.  This scene was one of the visions that Riley saw in the binoculars, but I don't agree with it being on the cover.  It makes this book seem like a romance, which it wasn't.  Romance was an element, yes, but it was very subdued.  (It's just as much of a romance as Harry Potter is.)

Official Description:

If you could see the future, would you want to? After the disturbing visions Riley and his friends see turn out to be more than hallucinations, fate takes a dangerous twist in this dark and suspenseful page-turner.

Riley and his friends are gearing up for their senior year by spending one last night hanging out in the woods, drinking a few beers, and playing Truth or Dare. But what starts as a good time turns sinister when they find a mysterious pair of binoculars. Those who dare to look through them see stragne visions, which they brush off as hallucinations. Why else would Riley see himself in bed with his best friend's girlfriend-a girl he's had a secret crush on for years?

In the weeks that follow, the visions begin to come true...including a gruesome murder. One of Riley's closet friends is now the prime suspect. But who is the murderer? Have Riley and his friends really seen the future through those mysterious binoculars? And what if they are powerless to change the course of events?

My Review:

This is How it Ends is one part murder-mystery and one part time travel book (though it was more like time watching than time travel).  There were a lot of seemingly unrelated mysteries that overlapped in spectacular ways.  What do the binoculars show? Who killed Natalie's dad? etc.

The characters were all unique and complex.  There wasn't a lot in the way of character development, but I was still satisfied with how the characters were portrayed.

I was completely sucked into this book's plot.  It was fast-paced and interesting throughout.  

That being said, this book was missing the piece of the story that grabs you by the guts and forces you to be part of the book (with some books its the narrator's voice, others relationships between characters, other plot).  In other words, it was missing the ummph. I still really enjoyed This is How it Ends and read it in a single day, but it needed something to make it stand out. 

I loved reading this book, but I imagine I will not remember it in the long run.  

I would recommend reading This is How it Ends by Jen Nadol if you were originally thinking about reading it or if you think the concept is interesting.  If not, I'd recommend another book.

Phrase:

My inner fourteen-year-old

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun Hutchinson 5/5 stars

*Note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley was a truly fantastic book! I loved every minute of reading it, which, sadly, wasn't very long because I was so interested!  It was a whirlwind of love and hate, joy and despair, and life and death.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and hope you will give yourself the opportunity that is this book (i.e. you should read it).

The cover:

The Cover:

Andrew (Drew) is on the cover.  I like this cover, for some reason, but there really isn't much to say about it, though it works.  I'm not even annoyed by the "A Novel".  (That's a pet peeve of mine.  I don't get the need for clarification.)

My Description:

Drew is a teenager who lives at the hospital, though he's not a patient.  He works in the cafeteria and never leaves, sleeping in an abandoned wing of the hospital.  He entertains himself by writing a comic book, Patient F, and through the friends he's made at the hospital, such as a few kids with cancer and the ER nurses.  Drew won't let anyone know him too well, otherwise they might notice that he's not who he says he is.  

However, when a boy, Rusty, is brought into the emergency room after being burned alive, Drew finds himself wanting to help the other boy in any way that he can, and he slowly realizes that he can't stay in the hospital forever.

(I thought that the official description had a few too many minor spoilers in it, but if you want to read it... Link to Official Description )

My Review:

I really like The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley, but I have to warn you that it is depressing.  It isn't a book that entirely focuses on tragedy.  There are points of pure happiness, but the sad moments, while less in number than you would anticipate, can be pretty sad.  (I imagine you picked that up from the title, but one can never be too careful.)  Aside from the tragedies, this book was actually really sweet.  There were multiple romances occurring in the hospital that were insanely cute at certain points.

I loved all of the characters.  There weren't just unique, but they were like-able!  I felt every character's pain and joy like it was my own.  They were complex and very, very complicated.  They also had this amazing thing, character development! Drew ended the book as a completely different person than he was at the beginning.  Even smaller characters, like Drew's boss, Arnold, had extreme character growth over the course of the novel.

The plot was amazing.  It kept me in complete suspense.  Shaun Hutchinson kept just the right amount of details from the reader to make the characters' backstories a mystery that was worth solving.  

At the end of every couple of chapters was a one or two page excerpt from Drew's Patient F comic book.  I really enjoyed this small aspect, as the life of Patient F mirrored Drew's life perfectly and added to the experience of reading this book. Still, there was not too many comic book panels, so it did not detract from the story.  (It was done in a way that kind of reminds me of Winger by Andrew Smith, it supplemented the story.) 

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley was both sweet and heartbreaking, but it was mainly wonderful.  I would highly recommend it! To be warned, it does contain some adult themes such as death, so don't give it to your seven year old niece, but for the rest of you, I strongly recommend that you try to read The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley.  It was a really great read.

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun Hutchinson comes out January 20, 2015

Phrases (I can't decide):

Andrew. Andy or Drew. Whatever.

AND

Death likes scrambled eggs

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld 3/5 stars

I received Afterworlds from edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't really enjoy reading Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield.  In fact, I was a bit disappointed by it. I read another book by the same author earlier this year, Uglies, and actually enjoyed it, so I had higher hopes for this book than were met.  All of this isn't to say that Afterworlds wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.
The Cover:

The Cover:
I have no idea what the cover shows.  It looks like a tear drop falling on a forest that went through a forest fire to me.  I don't get it.  (If you do, please tell me in comments).  However, the phrase below the image, "you thought your way here" makes sense.  You hear it in the first chapter or two and you will recognize it, but I don't want to spoil anything by explaining it.

My Description:
Every other chapter is about Darcy, a young writer, is in the process of publishing her debut novel, Afterworlds.  However, the process is not going as smoothly as she thought.  Darcy meets other authors and travels through the writing process with them.
The remaining chapters are Darcy's book about a girl, Lizzy, whose near-death experience allows her to see ghosts and travel from the land of the living to the land of the dead.

My Review:
I didn't enjoy reading Afterworlds. The Darcy storyline was uneventful and a bit boring.  Nothing exciting ever happened on that side of the story, and I greatly considered skipping every other chapter of Afterworlds as a result.  On the other hand, Darcy's book was exciting and well-paced.  I was definitely interested in its plot and enjoyed reading it.
Another issue I had with this book was the self-praise.  In every single one of Darcy's chapters, someone would come up to her and praise her outstanding book, which Scott Westerfeld just happens to have wrote.  He wrote characters whose entire purpose was to glorify his own writing.  Everytime anyone would compliment Darcy's writing, I would just think to myself, "Hmmm. That's pretty nice praise, coming from yourself." As a result, I ended up frustrated with the author as well as being unable to take the story seriously.
The characters were nicely developed, though there were only a few characters that we saw more than once.
Overall, I would not recommend Afterworlds unless you are looking for a book mainly about the publishing industry.

Phrase: Cold spot inside me