Gold Star Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars 

by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Wow.

I have to be honest here and admit that I was afraid to read this book. Though it's gotten rave reviews from just about anyone who has ever read it, I was terrified of how "sad" this book would be... I tend to shy away from books dealing with death, cancer, war, etc.

Am I glad I read this book finally? YES. It was amazing. This book is going to be known as John Green's masterpiece someday. This book deals with teens with cancer in the perfect way. They are not children, they are not adults, they are real teenagers. They play video games, they question life, they fall in love. They egg cars, they meet their favorite author...they die.

While this book deals with the gritty realism of terminal illness, not shying away from the horrific realization that everyone's time comes eventually, it also deals with the subject with the perfect balance of love and hope. Even as I cried through parts of the book, when I turned the last page I was left smiling. 

I am so glad that I finally read this and feel that just about anyone would love this book. It is a novel that really everyone should read. Teens, adults, everyone would get something out of it. I am going to be upfront, though, and say that I probably will not go see the movie.  I have a REALLY hard time with this type of movie... I usually end up crying so hard I make myself sick (I mean, come on people, I cry at Christmas commercials - can you imagine me watching this?!) plus this book is perfect as is and I really don't want to ruin that experience. 

Just in time for Christmas, we're going to top off this review with a pretty little gold star! 

Full disclosure: Audio book borrowed from Library, book purchased for my Kindle app

Graveyard Shift

Graveyard Shift

by Chris Westwood

 

When Ben Harvester meets the mysterious Mr. October in London's Highgate Cemetery, he has no idea what a strange and dramatic turn his life is about to take. But Ben soon discovers that Mr. October works for the Ministry of Pandemonium, a secret organization responsible for tracking down lost souls and guiding them to the afterlife. And Mr. October wants him to be his new recruit.

As Ben's apprenticeship begins, his eyes are opened to a new world of wonder -- a world where magic is real and ghosts haunt every crime scene, accident site, and hospital corridor.

But with the wonder comes horror. Because the Ministry is not the only organization hunting spirits of the dead. The ghoulish Lords of Sundown want those spirits for their own sinister reasons. And as far as they're concerned, Ben's just chosen the wrong side in a very dangerous war. (description from Amazon.com) 

This was a cool ghost story perfect for a middle school audience.  Ben is a great character trying to balance his new position as an assistant at the Ministry of Pandemonium, helping the dead to find their afterlives, and being the best son he can possibly be to his mom, newly diagnosed with cancer.  He revels in the satisfaction that his work brings him and he feels that it is an important and necessary job, but it takes him away when his mom might need him the most. 

It's not until his mom's name appears on one of the lists for "pickup" that Ben realizes he may have to break ALL the rules...and lose not only his job, but the war against the Lords of Sundown, in order to save her.  Ben's relationship with his mother is one of the best parts of this book. It's inspiring and touching.  There were several heartfelt moments that had me threatening to tear up...

Though the first in a series, this book could also be read as a standalone.

Full disclosure: ARC received to review for SLJ

Mini Reviews: The Haunted Edition

Texas Gothic

by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Show More

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Amy Goodnight's family is far from normal. She comes from a line of witches, but tries her best to stay far outside the family business. Her summer gig? Ranch-sitting for her aunt with her wacky but beautiful sister. Only the Goodnight Ranch is even less normal than it normally is. Bodies are being discovered, a ghost is on the prowl, and everywhere she turns, the hot neighbor cowboy is in her face. (description from Amazon.com)

A fun read. Amy is snarky-type hilarious. I loved the romance in this one, too!

*2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge title*

Arise

by Tara Hudson

sequel to Hereafter

A stranded spirit, and a love story that crosses the divide between the living and the dead…In this hauntingly lovely sequel to HEREAFTER, Amelia – still trapped somewhere between life and death – continues to fight for her relationship with her mortal love, Joshua.Looking for answers, they visit some of Joshua’s relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia just ends up with more questions… and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.Then Amelia meets other spirits in-between and begins to seriously consider joining them. Caught between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the nether world can choose for her. (description from Amazon.com)

I loved this sequel. Dark, romantic, haunting...and set in the ultimate haunted location, New Orleans! This one will make you go, "Say, what?!" I *need* book three, ASAP!!

Publication date: June 5, 2012

Full disclosure: ARC received to review for VOYA

Ghostopolis

by Doug TenNapel

Imagine Garth Hale's surprise when he's accidentally zapped to the spirit world by Frank Gallows, a washed-out ghost wrangler. Suddenly Garth finds he has powers the ghosts don't have, and he's stuck in a world run by the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who would use Garth's newfound abilities to rule the ghostly kingdom. When Garth meets Cecil, his grandfather's ghost, the two search for a way to get Garth back home, and nearly lose hope until Frank Gallows shows up to fix his mistake. (description from Amazon.com)

I was surprised how much I actually liked this graphic novel. It's easy to read, the drawings are creepy, but very clear, and the storyline was cool. 

In My Mailbox - October 16, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Dark Hunters: Vol. 3 by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Between by Jessica Warman
Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? by Sloane Tanen


For Review:
(not pictured) DJ Rising by Love Maia
*Thanks to Little Brown!*

In My Mailbox - October 9, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

On My Nook:

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Purchased:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
*You could not imagine how excited I was when this one finally came in the mail...my belated birthday gift!!!*

From the Library:

Working Stiff by Rachel Caine
Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way by Lisi Harrison


Enthralled ed. by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong


Won:

City of Lies by Lian Tanner
*Won from Publisher on Twitter!*

For Review:

Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Dreamland - Book Trailer and Giveaway

I am huge fan of Alyson Noel's Riley Bloom series! Here's the book trailer for the newest book, Dreamland:



Doesn't it look great? In Dreamland, Riley's finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer's dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it's her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who's been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

I can't wait to see what Riley will decide to do...

If you want a chance to find out what happens next in Riley's afterlife, you could win a copy of Dreamland right here!

Just leave me a comment with your name and email address before Saturday, September 17th and on Sunday, September 18th, I'll randomly choose and contact a winner! (US and Canada only per publisher) Good Luck!!!

Shimmer

Shimmer
by Alyson Noel
Riley Bloom series, book two

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories? (description from Amazon.com)

Riley's story once again just struck a total chord with me and I found myself tearing up in two really excellent scenes. Though I did really enjoy the books in the Immortals series, I don't think I ever really connected like I do with Riley's books. There is just something so emotionally pulling for me in her afterlife quest to grow more mature, both physically and emotionally.

I LOVED the connection in this book to the real life story of the slave revolts in St. John in 1733. To see the actions from both sides and how the emotional fallout stuck with everyone...that was powerful. When Riley is able to bring the souls to a state of forgiveness...WOW. I cried. I'll admit it. Alyson Noel did a great job not only dreaming up a really cool way to have souls relive horrors of their lives, but also a way to find redemption.

Noel's imagination never fails me. I love how there are layers of complexity in the Here&Now. Every scene adds something to the world. Such a good series! I can't wait for book number three, Dreamland (out in fall 2011).

Full disclosure: Received from publisher for review

Can I Have a Poster of This Book Cover??

Between
by Jessica Warman

I just love this imagery!! It would look great on my office wall....
*hint, hint Publishers!*

Everfound

Everfound
by Neal Shusterman
Skinjacker Trilogy, book three

While Mary lies in a glass coffin aboard a ghost train heading west, her minions are awaiting her re-awakening by bringing lots of new souls into Everlost to serve her. Meanwhile Jackin’ Jill has met Jix, a fur-jacker—a skin jacker who can take over the bodies of animals, most notably jaguars. Jix serves a Mayan god who collects Everlost coins, and has his own agenda. In the concluding volume of The Skinjacker Trilogy, Neal Shusterman reveals new sides of the characters of Everlost, who are pitted against each other in a battle that may destroy all life on Earth. (description from Amazon.com)

Without getting all spoilery...

What an epic conclusion to this trilogy. If you haven't already picked up the first book, Everlost, GO NOW and get it! These books take place in the purgatory-like in between afterlife that children go to when they aren't quite ready to make it to "where they are heading."

Neal Shusterman's conceptualization of this afterlife and the whole process that children go through to get to their "ultimate destination" is phenominally well done. Through their landing in Everlost, he is able to explore issues of self-identity (it's a place where you become what you remember the most about your self), inner strength (again mind over matter), life and death, morality (skinjacking allows some kids to inhabit living bodies and what they do with those bodies can have major consequences...), love, and tyranny.

Full of adventure, amazing feats, moments that made me cry, others that made me laugh...these three books are beautifully done. This was another series that ended PERFECTLY. There was nothing I would change. Neal Shusterman wrapped things up in just the right way... *sigh*

Definitely worth a GOLD STAR!

I repeat, if you haven't tried this series yet, go now and at least try the first book. You will not be sorry!

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for SLJ.

The Black

The Black
by D. J. MacHale
Morpheus Road, book two

Cooper Foley always had a knack for finding trouble, but nothing he’s ever experienced could have prepared him for his latest adventure: He has landed square in the middle of a border war between the worlds of the living and the dead.

At the end of The Light, Book One of the Morpheus Road trilogy, Marshall Seaver learned the truth about what happened to his missing best friend, Cooper. Now, the mystery continues to unfold, only this time through Cooper’s eyes.

What did Marshall’s terrifying encounters with Gravedigger have to do with spirits from another existence? Who is Damon, and what role did he play in Cooper’s dilemma? Most importantly, what is the mysterious Morpheus Road? (description taken from the author's website)

When I got The Light to review for SLJ, I was not that excited. Horror isn't normally my thing. I was pleasantly surprised, though, and even though there were some gruesome moments, I ended up really liking it. So, when I got The Black to review, I was happy to be able to continue the story.

I was really excited when I realized that this second book was from Marsh's friend, Cooper's point of view. While the first book took place in our reality, the Light, and Marsh was haunted, the second book takes place in the second stage of the Morpheus Road, the Black.

MacHale has created an interesting new world with different stages of life and the afterlife. The Black is sort of like purgatory and is different for each person. I loved seeing how different spirits' visions of the Black touched and interacted. It was really cool to see how Cooper's relatives and neighbors were able to coexist without generational differences in the Black.

While the first book was super creepy, partially since Marsh made such a great victim, this second book delved more deeply into the actual world and even though it had creepy moments, it was more thoughtprovoking and definitely sets things up for a grand finale in the third book.

The thing that really cemented for me how much I loved this book was Cooper's voice. He's a really snarky, anti-authority kind of guy, but he's also loyal and caring to a fault. As things heat up for Cooper, he buckles down and does exactly what he thinks is right, even if no one else agrees. I think that the final book goes back to Marsh's voice and I will miss Cooper. (Plus Nick Podehl narrated and though I think it's funny that every D. J. MacHale book I've ever listened to has been narrated by him, he does a great job. He was REALLY good as Cooper)

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for SLJ

Luminous

Luminous
by Dawn Metcalf

As reality slips and time stands still, Consuela finds herself thrust into the world of the Flow. Removed from all she loves into this shifting world overlapping our own, Consuela quickly discovers she has the power to step out of her earthly skin and cloak herself in new ones-skins made from the world around her, crafted from water, fire, air. She is joined by other teens with extraordinary abilities, bound together to safeguard a world they can affect, but where they no longer belong.

When murder threatens to undo the Flow, the Watcher charges Consuela and elusive, attractive V to stop the killer. But the psychopath who threatens her new world may also hold the only key to Consuela's way home. (description from Amazon.com)

This book has a super intriguing premise. Consuela, never really happy in her own skin, finds that she is able to slip out of her own skin and create others from organic materials, like fire, air, or even butterflies. The moments she feels most powerful, though, are when she is skinless...just bone, hence she becomes known as "Bones" in the Flow.

Metcalf has constructed a really cool and interesting place known as the Flow. It is between this life and the next. It is malleable. It is different for everyone. Following Bones through her journeys in this place (places?) were some of the best scenes in the book. Not only was it somewhat like the movie What Dreams May Come with really different dreamscapes to imagine, but it was really conceptual in that each place really meant something specific to the person that it was created for...and therefore in their relationship to Bones.

Each character was very interesting and different in this book. They were all teens brought to the Flow to help save others that might die before their time, but the ones that they connected to and the method that they used to save their lives all varied greatly. Each was really a character study and they played well off of each other.

When I finished this book, I found myself really happy with the story and where Bones/Consuela leaves off in her journey. I also realized that I had thought quite a lot while I was reading. It was sort of a subconscious philosophical journey...and I really like books like that. So, kudos to Dawn Metcalf for an excellent debut!

Full disclosure: ARC received to review for SLJ
2011 Debut Author Challenge title
2011 Shifter Challenge title

In My Mailbox - April 17, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

Borrowed:

Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb
*borrowed from my awesome friend, Sharon, at I Mainline Fiction*

Bought:

What's a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie
The Reckless Bride by Stephanie Laurens
*From the final weekend sale at my local Borders location*

From the Library:

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

For Review:

Hotel No Tell by Daphne Uviller
The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Hereafter by Tara Hudson

On My Nook:

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking
Heat Wave by Richard Castle

In My Mailbox - March 27, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

This is two week's worth because I was at a baby shower in NY last week and didn't get a chance to post!

From the Library:

Library Wars: Love and War vol. 4
Gossip from the Girls' Room by Rose Cooper
Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

For Review:

Shimmer by Alyson Noel
Spies of Mississippi by Rick Bowers

*Thank you to Book it Forward ARC Tours for Wither by Lauren DeStefano!!*

*Thank you to Harlequin Teen for The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross to read before I meet the author at our state's library association conference in May!!*

I also got five manuscripts to judge for Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award's young adult division, but I can't post any info about them. They'll be keeping me busy for the next few weeks. :)

Shimmer - Book Trailer

Check out the book trailer for Alyson Noel's Shimmer. This is the sequel to Radiance book one in the Riley series, the spin-off from the super popular Immortals series. Honestly, I actually like Riley's series better. Here's my review of the first book, Radiance.

Radiance

Radiance
by Alyson Noel

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

Can I just say that I loved reading Riley's scenes in the Immortals series and I was super excited to find out that Ever's "bratty" ghost sister would be getting her own series?! Riley is a little spit-fire and I love her. Her stubbornness no longer gets her into to trouble, but in fact helps her in her new job as "Soul Catcher" in the Here and Now. :)

Speaking of the Here and Now...Noel has created a really interesting and multi-layered version of Heaven that I can't wait to explore further. As Riley learns more about what she'll be doing in the afterlife, so do readers. It is absolutely captivating. I had such fun imagining the scenes in Radiance!

Though this new spin off series is geared to a middle grade audience instead of YA, I actually think that I like this new series better than the Immortals...sorry Ever!! It drew me right in from the opening lines:

Most people think that death is the end.
The end of life - of good times - the end of, well, pretty much everything.
But those people are wrong.
Dead wrong.
And I should know. I died almost a year ago.


How much better can a series opener be??

Definitely a must read for those who enjoy the Immortals series or books like Everlost by Neal Shusterman and Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin.


Full disclosure: Copy received from publisher for review

Book Trailer - Night Star

Check out this great new trailer for Alyson Noel's Night Star, book five in the Immortals series.



"Night Star continues the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. In this installment, Ever and Damen face down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Night Star is guaranteed to mesmerize fans and leave them breathlessly awaiting the sixth and final book!"

Personally, I can't wait to read Night Star. I really like this series and I'm stoked now knowing that it's close to the end! I can't wait to see what finally happens...

Cover Craving (Perfectly Pinks)

Two great new covers were released to the world today! They are both perfectly pink and I just had to share them together.


Summer in the City
by Candace Bushnell
The Carrie Diaries, book two

This cover fulfills the greatest desire that ever filled my twelve-year-old heart. A perfectly pink, tooled leather diary cover with an awesome gold lock. Swoon. Now that I'm grown up (at least sometimes! :P) it still makes me smile!


Shimmer
by Alyson Noel
The Riley Books, book two

I love the softness of the covers in this series. I'm sure in person the peachy pinks and purples must glow.

Lots of great covers are coming out now!

Before I Fall

Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver

What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High - from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

It turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death - and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.
(description from Amazon.com)


Okay, I don't usually give an extra rating on my reviews here, but this is a MUST READ book. Now saying that, I know that I'm actually behind and most of you have already read this, but if not...OMG. Go read it now...right now!

This is earning a gold star from me. It is an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read Oliver's next book, Delirium when it comes out.

Oliver has a true way with words. Her descriptions were lush and evocative. I caught myself getting caught up just in the scenery, the "feeling" of each moment, let alone dealing with the action and emotions of the story. As Sam relived her day over and over and over, it was like watching someone go through the stages of grief. Each day had a different feeling to it, anger, frustration, hopelessness, joy, acceptance. It was beautiful and thought-provoking to experience with Sam.

I actually listened to this as an audiobook and it was expertly done. The narrator was fantastic. All the emotions came across clearly and truthfully. I cried at times. I laughed. I cringed. My only complaint...the only one...was that the epilogue had music layered over it that swelled just a little too much and I had some trouble hearing the end of the narration. Other than that I consider both this book and its audio counterpart to be MUST HAVES for libraries.

Full disclosure: Audiobook received to review for School Library Journal