The Ask and the Answer

Published: September 8th 2009 by Candlewick Press
Pages: 519
Audio Performance: I don't think I would have read this book. The written dialogue is not one I
could imagine well, and that would have been a shame because it is a wonderful story. I am very glad for this performance.
Part of a Series: Chaos Walking #2 ***Read this review at own risk. If you have not read the first in the series moments could be spoiled***
Read For a Challenge: No
Recommended By: The gut-wrenching cliff-hanger of the The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1)
Teaser: "Better the devil you know... I wonder why the only choice is between two devils."
In a sentence or so:
*Rating: 9/10
GoodReads Description:
Reaching the end of their tense and desperate flight in THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO, Todd and Viola did not find healing and hope in Haven. They found instead their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss, waiting to welcome them to New Prentisstown. There they are forced into separate lives: Todd to prison, and Viola to a house of healing where her wounds are treated. Soon Viola is swept into the ruthless activities of the Answer, aimed at overthrowing the tyrannical government. Todd, meanwhile, faces impossible choices when forced to join the mayor’s oppressive new regime. In alternating narratives — Todd’s gritty and volatile; Viola’s calmer but equally stubborn — the two struggle to reconcile their own dubious actions with their deepest beliefs. Torn by confusion and compromise, suspicion and betrayal, can their trust in each other possibly survive?

1. Type of story: YA Dystopia/Fantasy (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: No fail. (1 Point)
3. Flesh: The love the main characters feel for each other, the insanity of a tyrant, and everyone in between doing what they can just not to be murdered. (1 Point)
4. Flow: Dragging survival. It moves at a day to day pace, just making it. (1/2 Point)
5. Character Growth: From young adults to hearts of leaders. From running towards hope somebody's got to do it. (1 Point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Love, see number 8. (1 Point)
7. Witty Dialogue: Adding Viola voice does add a little. The way I'd describe the voices here, though, is pure. (1 Point)
8. Love: Todd and Viola sharing so much love they would sacrifice anything to save the other. Many levels of love and the strength derived from it. (1 Point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: The first book was about the world, this is more about the people. The descriptions of Mayor Printess, Davey, Spackle, The townsfolk of Haven. I can picture them all so clearly just thinking about the book, it's like I've met them. Actually more like I've observed them, I can see them in detail. (1 Point)
10. Writing/Story telling: This one has a grungy drag to it. It starts out with Todd, beaten and without Viola and just goes through violence, violence, so mach violence it stops touching you. The last quarter is when I remembered why I was so obsessed with this story. (1/2 Point)


Reread Worthy: Only as a whole series reread.
Recommendation: Can you handle the violence without getting jaded and then bored? There is a meaning here in this part, but it is the middle of a bigger picture, it's more dull than the first story, this one could not stand alone, also can't be left behind.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Published: January 10th 2012 by Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 318
Part of a Series: No
Read For a Challenge: The TBR Double Dare
Recommended By: Hank Green
Teaser: "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."
In a sentence or so: Don't let death take you before it takes you for good. Live, love, laugh with everyday you're given.
*Rating: 10/10
GoodReads Description:
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

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

1. Type of story: YA Contemporary/Romance (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: This is like a joke to discuss with loved, established authors such as John Green. John and his loved publishing team have proven time and again their worth in this area; TFIOS is no exception. (1 point)
3. Flesh: Pulsing bleeding, human flesh and bones. These characters are so real, and often they are in real pain. (1 point)
4. Flow: Runs as I imagine a short life must run. Or how my life runs with a goal and a deadline. This story isn't rushed and it isn't action!action!intrigue! but it most definitely is not slow. It travels at a pace that includes what is necessary to feel all the things but doesn't waste time with anything unnecessary.
5. Character Growth: These characters are pretty great people to begin with, but they do learn a bit about human relationships.
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Living your best life, today.
7. Witty Dialogue: A whole new level! Witty, literary, and dry humor laughing in the face of a disease that destroys many. These characters refuse to let cancer kill them before they're really dead.
8. Love: This book is all love, in all types.
9. Evoke Realistic Images: This TFIOS universe wants you to acknowledge it and it has been created worthy of your attention. So much does TFIOS make you notice in the story that when ripped to reality you notice our universe anew.
10. Writing/Story telling: John Green, I have loved your work for a while and thought your style was pretty well established, but then BLAM! You hit another level. This story is a lifetime favorite kind of story - a change your life outlook book, a yearly reread.

Reread Worthy: Hell yeah, I wanted to reread right away. Unfortunately my TBR is glaring at me.
Recommendation: Everyone who wants to truly live their lives to the fullest.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Published: March 22nd 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 358
Part of a Series: The Chemical Garden #1
Read For a Challenge: The TBR Double Dare
Recommended By: The Story Siren
Teaser: "They keep us in the dark for so long that we lose sense of our eyelids. .....We've gone too long without speaking, and all we do is  bury ourselves more into the dark."
In a sentence or so: What would you choose: Freedom and the dangers of a poverty stricken and dying world or life as one of many wives to a rich man (a pretty dream placed atop an ugly imprisonment).
*Rating: 8/10
Description:
In the future the diseases plaguing 2012 are abolished . The new generations have healthy but brief lives in poverty and fear leaching whatever joy they can get in their 20 (females) to 25 (males) years. Rhine's life changes when she's kidnapped and forced to marry a rich man. This is her journey through being a prisoner in a lush mansion but missing her old life because the old hardships come with freedom, truth, and her twin brother.
1. Type of story: YA Sci-Fi (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: The writing in this book was surprising. Only three years older then me and Lauren DeStefano has given me gold in her first book. Very consistent. (1 point)
3. Flesh: The characters include a collection of people in different levels of complacency in their mansion/prison. The husband, House Governor Lindon is surprisingly ignorant and gullible, the other wives carrying different pasts to make them OK with what life has handed them, the servants frustrated with how unimportant and replaceable they feel in a place that has become their whole world, and Rhine who is struggling with her identity, need for her freedom and her brother and growing connection to the people she now shares her life with. Rhine serves as a very worthy narrator. (1 point)
4. Flow: This story is mysterious and intense but in a soft way. It's slow but not in a bad way. The story is introspective. (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Rhine learns a lot about the complicated nature of humans and the shades of grey in life. But she has a ways to go. If there is anything I could get from the sequels it's seeing how Rhine grows and who she ends up becoming. (1/2 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: There is the journey towards escape and hope. But more importantly (in MHO) is the journey towards self discovery. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: Jenna the oldest wife is quiet experienced and observant. She gives most of the wit. Rhine has her moments but most of the story is spent in her over taxed head. Not much time for wit when you spend your time worrying about the death of everyone you care about and escaping before those deaths happen. She is often too worn to be witty. (1/2 point)
8. Love: There are many strong feelings and inklings of love, but the lives these live are so over run by lies and the weight of quickly pending death, at a time when most are barely becoming their full selves. (1/2 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: I could see the dirt and horror washed over by glitz and glamour in every scene. I could see the eyes of the teenage girls, used until death then thrown carelessly into the cold, I could see the  big lighted marquees and holograms so real you have to touch them that were projected to keep the eyes of the rich off the gruesome realities. Garish imagery very well done. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: It was interesting. The changes in the world seem well thought out. The only thing is the end, I don't know what's coming next, but I'm not sure if I need to. This ending could have been the end of the story letting readers imagine what they would like. (1/2 point)

Reread Worthy: Yes, I am definitely seeing this as a story I can enjoy years down the line.
Recommendation: Fans of Sarah Dessen (especially Dreamland or The Truth About Forever), The Name of The Star, White Oleander, or Divergent
*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Published: Published May 2008 by Walker
Pages: 479 (11 hours 55 minutes)
Audio Performance: I don't think I would have read this book. The written dialogue is not one I
 could imagine well, and that would have been a shame because it is a wonderful story. I am very glad for this performance.
Part of a Series: Chaos Walking #1
Read For a Challenge: No
Recommended By: Forever Young Adult
Teaser: "Early one morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard a maiden call from the valley below. "Oh, don't deceive me. Oh, never leave me. How could you use a poor maiden so?""
In a sentence or so: In a world where Todd can hear everyone's thoughts, even his dog's, a sudden silence surprises him. A month before an integral birthday Todd's discovery turns his world upside down and he is now out running an army made of men he thought he knew.
*Rating: 9/10 (9.5 for the Audio version)
GoodReads Description:
Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?
1. Type of story YA Dystopia/Fantasy (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: Flawless. I am starting to fall in love with Mr. Ness (or at least his writing) because I don't even think about it when I'm reading. (1 point)
3. Flesh: Heart strings get plucked. Oh my, the passion I felt for the dog  is enough to tell you how powerfully these characters were written. Manchee! I love you, you are the best dog ever. Who doesn't wish they could talk to their dog? And Manchee thinks like a real dog: loyal, protective, easily distracted and a little simple ("Poo, Todd?"). Characters to hate, to fear, and to adore. (1 point)
4. Flow: Fast! There are very few slow scenes in this story. All action here, and when there isn't action you'll be anticipating the running because, you know, THEY ARE BEING CHASED BY AN ARMY! (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Todd is waiting for his thirteenth birthday to become a man, a tradition in his town, we all know though that age is just a number. On his journey Todd learns what being a man is, the tough choices of being a good man and many other lessons. This book is intense, and it is only the first part of a trilogy. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Todd is running away from an Army and towards truth and hope, hope against horrible odds. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: The dialogue is indicative of Todd's up bringing. He didn't get to finish school because the schools were all abolished. I had the audiobook and was glad for it because I got to live in the emotions of characters instead of their dialogue. Of course there was a little wit, these characters are fully formed people, you'll care about them like they're your real friends. (1/2 point)
8. Love: Family love, inklings of love, learning about how people fall in love, grief of love lost, love in the caring of strangers, and the love you will feel these people. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: The imagery was minimalist in the description but in a good way. It was just enough to spark the interest and let your own imagination run. I could see New World very clearly. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: You know how I said I falling in love? This guy knows how to capture an audience. He will torture you in this story but you will never turn away. Very character driven (phonetically written to truly express the voice of Todd). (1/2 point)

Reread Worthy: Eff yeah!
Recommendation: Can you handle the pain? Well then this is don't miss. And if you have a hard time getting in the groove with grammatically loose books may I suggest the audio which will blow your mind, make you swoon and bring you to tears.
*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey**

Published: April 5th 2011
Pages: 277 (5 hours 31 minutes)
Part of a Series: No
Read For a Challenge: No
Rating: 4 Goodreads stars
GoodReads Description:
Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.

She has seen both these dreams come true.

Genre: Comedy/Memoir
Writing Style: I was drawn in by Tina Fey's writing. Her stories were amusing and interesting portraying her messages smoothly.
Her Point: This was a memoir of sorts but the recurring theme that tied a story together was women being themselves and abandoning the image of what society says we are supposed to be, and not "giving a fuck if they like it". ("they" being those who perpetuate this stereotypical girly barbie-like image of woman and try to stand in the way of our differences being celebrated.)
Voice:  Witty, Snarky, Funny, Genuine, and Caring.
Flow: Like a nice gift: a strong message snuck in without disturbing the quick easy fun.

Audio Performance: Well fitted. I am so glad Tina read this herself, it doesn't seem like any other would have been as good, especially as extra content was added that pertained only to the audio book format.
Complaints: The message isn't a new one, that's for sure, but Tina approached this from her own experience making the message feel genuine. This is worth reading (or listening to) even though you learn nothing new about the message.
Bonus: Pictures! (included as a PDF with audible audiobook.)

**After trying to do my review for this book by the criteria I set up I realize it doesn't apply to non-fiction books well. I will set up a criteria for non-fiction soon.**

Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Published: September 27th 2011, Candlewick Press
Pages: 215 pages
Part of a Series: No (inspired work from final story idea of Siobhan Dowd)
Read For a Challenge: The TBR Double Dare
Recommended By: Forever Young Adult
Teaser: "Stories are the wildest things of all, the monster rumbled. Stories chase and bite and hunt."
In a sentence or so: Life is hard and humans are complicated creatures. This is a story of Charlie facing the whole truth of life.
*Rating: 10/10
GoodReads Description:
This is an extraordinarily moving novel about coming to terms with loss. The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. . . .


This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild.



1. Type of story: Children's Horror/Grief (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: It's such a powerful moment in this character's life any deviation would have ruined everything, so I'm glad to say Mr. Ness maintained very well. (1 point)
3. Flesh: The best monster ever! The Yew Tree, The Green Man, whatever you chose to call him. He can be frightening, could crush you if you should be punished or he could have come walking to teach you in a slightly more gentle, life-changing way. And Charlie - so strong on the outside, but needing desperately the attention and stories the monster comes to bring. And the few characters that jump from the mist Charlies life has become are impactful in hurtful or dismissive, or caring blips, and they're all wonderful. (1 point)
4. Flow: Up and down like the life the main character is living -- daytime is grey, soft,  passive; nights are action and horror...nightmares... monsters. (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Strength, truth, acceptance, these are all hard lessons and even more difficult virtues to maintain through life's most difficult times. (1 point)

6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: The power of truth, the lessons in stories, and the complication of real life and real people.(1 point)

7. Witty Dialogue: Not exactly-- it wasn't the wry humor I normally crave but it was wise and touching dialogue.(1 point)
8. Love: The human condition - love being necessary is present and possessing; but the love expressed here is only of the familial kind. (1 point)

9. Evoke Realistic Images: Illustrated! Beautiful Illustrations, but the writing is also so imaginative. The words will knock your breathe out and they would make any lesser artist useless. The illustrations go wonderfully with the words. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: The writing seemed to personify The Green Man character. It was like story time with an ancient. Observant, teaching, enthralling, and entertaining. (1 point)



Reread Worthy: Often - within these pages are lessons I need to regularly be reminded of.
Recommendation: Everyone! (If they're old enough to understand serious illness and guilt, love and the complications of a real human life.)

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book

Review: Ditched by Robin Mellom

Published: January 10th 2012, Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 288
Part of a Series: Stand Alone
Setting: Small town America
Read For a Challenge: 2012 Debut Author's Challenge
Recommended By: Allison at Reading Everywhere
Teaser: "You must be a scumbag too, Ian. You took me to prom and I ended up in a ditch!"
In a sentence or so: Justina is retracing a prom night gone awry by following the map on her dress: it's literally stained with bad memories.
*Rating: 9.5/10
GoodReads Description:
High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.
Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.
Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.
Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.
And then ditched her.
Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag's moving car...


1. Type of story: YA Contemporary/Romance (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: Flawless, so much so I didn't even think about it until writing this review. No chinks in the story, nothing that pulled me out. (1 point)
3. Flesh:This book wasn't trying to break any stereotypes. These are all characters we've loved before, friendly stoners, full of themselves popular people, great boy-next-door best-friend, etc. Then there is Justina, who narrates her way through the night sprinkling in bits of her reputation as "The girl at that party" a former make-out queen. All imaginable together and fun. (1 point)
4. Flow: Perfect for making me want more. I had to keep reading to find out how the story would all end. This story ebbs and flows, rushing to tell you some juicy bit then pausing as the main character analyzes and hesitates with the next truth of her prom night.  (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Justina starts off with a very assumptive nature and grows by connecting the truth of the night's events. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: An oldie but goody: when you assume what do you make? (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: The dialogue was more straightforward. Each character's speech matching their archetype. There were a couple moments, though. (1/2 point)
8. Love: Oh Yeah.... Chicka, chick-aahhhh.Prom night could turn Justina's Boy-next-door BFF into her own professional boyfriend. But everything goes awry and she has to figure out how her plans failed so badly. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: This book has a few black and white photos to assist, but they really just back the narrator as she recalls her night by recalling how she got each stain on her dress. This tie to her dress made the recounting very visual and easily imaginable. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: Sometimes corny and totally predictable, but oh so sweet and irresistible. This story is like a Cinnabon, only better (healthier) for you. The writing is simple, minimalist, conversational, and un-distracting. (1 point)

Reread Worthy: Definitely, anytime I'm in need of losing myself in something sweet. This book isn't life changing, but it is perfect at being what it is: dessert. And who doesn't need something  nice, easy, and fun to bring us out of the dark every once in a while.
Recommendation: For fans of the movie She's All That, Never Been Kissed, or Grease; or the book You Are So Undead To Me, Princess Diaries, or Something, Maybe.
*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

 

Published: September 29th 2011, Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 372 pages
Part of a Series: Shades of London #1
Read For a Challenge: The TBR Double Dare
Teaser: "Babbling and babbling like a babbling thing.. Madness. Wouldn't shut up. She's fine really, probably some period thing. I go completely mental too. Period fever. It's the worst.
In a sentence or so: A monster seems to come from the past to kill and Rory is the only one who sees him. She is only a school student she can't save anyone, right?
*Rating: 9.5/10
GoodReads Description:
The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

1. Type of story: YA Horror/Paranormal Fantasy *set in England* (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: Teacherly - sprinkling, hinting, foreshadowing, and occasionally repeating the important bits. This distracted from the flow  a little bu was barely noticeable. (1/2 point)
3. Flesh: I love every character in this book. "The Ripper" is a curious character. Rory has a wonderfully quirky family and background, she is brave and just all around quality friend material. Jo is the most admirable character I have met in a long time. I could go on and on, even characters that only existed for a couple pages were fascinating such as the ripperologist and the girl who sets up security camera systems. (1 point)
4. Flow: Like water in a stream I glided through this story; it was only slow enough to be memorable. (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Rory embraces this new life, a new side of herself, and becomes so brave. Very coming-of-age - she's making herself. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: This story is Rory growing into what she's going to be and the mystery with "The Ripper" providing the platform. She went looking for a path in England, so even though it wasn't how she expected, she got what she wanted. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: This is natural to Ms. Johnson's writing. So much that it need not be discussed. (1 point)
8. Love: First love shows its potential here for Rory, but the true passion in this story is bonding with friends that are the never-ending type. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: I know Maureen spends a lot of time in England from her blog and that she is a dedicated researcher. This book shows the fruit of those labors in the best light. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: Maureen you are the history teacher I always wanted. She give me a story with well rounded characters and intrigue me with truth so I must know more. Also her books slip in admirable traits in characters so I want to emulate them. (1 point)

Reread Worthy: Every chance I guess.
Recommendation: History buffs, serial killer story enthusiasts, those who want (just a little) vicarious horror in their lives, and fans of: Maureen Johnson's previous work (This is still in the same style though the genre has changed.), Scott Westerfield, Libba Bray, or John Green.
*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Mini-Review: Wildefire by Karsten Knight

***Full disclosure I am quite tipsy so.. if anything doesn't make sense... Happy New Year's Eve!***

I was so excited by this book, which may be why I was so offended by how bad it was. I love mythology but I mostly know about Greek and Roman so I was looking forward to learning about different lores. The problem? This books sucks! There is hardly anything about the mythology, actually there's hardly anything about anything!

This book gets a 1/2 point grade on my scale. There was romance, though intriguing, as utterly unrealistic as the rest of the story. No other points.

There is a lot of gratuitous violence, no build up to it, and all the characters brush it off every time. The Gods in the story could care less about their mythical destinies because the masquerade ball is soon. Also the story indicates Ash is a size six but also extremely insecure about being over-weight and hippy..she even gets teased about it .... WHAT?!?!? And lastly the dialogue was trying so hard to be witty it was annoying in it's over-snark.

The only part of this book I liked was the comic relief of Serena, a blind girl, distracting everyone by saying "Look, a moose." (Nothing was there.) But after that the quirkiness of this character was not well utilized. This entire book was a pile of wasted potential.

OK... scathing rant over....  Anybody else read this? Did I somehow miss the hidden treasures? OR maybe you have something more enjoyable to suggest? please? (As always BIG Luvs to commenters. You make my day!)

Review: Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to NOT Reading by Tommy Greenwald

Published: July 5th 2011, Roaring Brook Press
Pages: 224 pages
Part of a Series: Recurring main character
Read For a Challenge: 2011 Debut Author's Challenge**
Teaser: "Reading can ruin friendships. The thing I noticed about reading is it can become a habit, a bad habit, like smoking or forgetting to put on deodorant...
In a sentence or so: The good, the bad, and the ugly of avoiding reading -- The result of getting caught, the impossibility of keeping it up, and the hilarity of the results.
*Rating: 9.5/10
GoodReads Description:

1. Type of story: MG, Humor -- with a male narrator! (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: Very well executed. No slips in the timeline or erroneous details. I felt I was really listening to a pre-teen boy describe a year in his life. (1 point)
3. Flesh: Real Characters: great,caring family and mature best friend who is just what Charlie Joe needs (if only he would take her advice) (1 point)
4. Flow: A typical middle school environment and a believable middle grade narrator. It feels like a boy telling the story of his past year with the right amount of enthusiasm and detail for him. (1 point)
5. Character Growth: A little, reluctantly.. (1/2 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: The inescapable necessity, effect and power of the written word. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: Opinionated, crafty, great friend, grateful of his friends and family, hilarious, supporting. (1 point)
8. Love: This is at the beginning age for romance so there isn't any serious couple time. BUT there is friendship and family and even school faculty that is full of genuine caring for and from this boy. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: The setting is very much this modern day. There wasn't time spent on world building, instead this world was used and words were well spent on the characters. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: Hilarious and age appropriate. The main character seemed real. AND, as I ironically listened to, instead of read, this story I must mention the performance was amazing. The narrator gave just the right inflection to Charlie Joe Jackson. He was believable as this kid, wonderfully unexpected. (1 point)

Reread Worthy: most definitely! I already started re-listening while writing this review.
Recommendation: EVERYONE. This is so funny and sweet. Great for anyone who loves books, anyone who has a child who doesn't, and any of those children who are mature enough to get the message about the power of words no matter how much you try to avoid them.
*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.
***Full disclosure I am tipsy so.. if anything doesn't make sense... Happy New Year's Eve!***

Mini Review: Envy by Gregg Olsen

Both wondered how it was that with the inevitability of death, no one really had anything to say about it. It was as if one of life's pivotal moments---- the final moment--- was devoid of potential small talk. pg. 51
The writer is inriguing but something about his dialouge and text speak turns me off. I can't tell if he is too out of touch with popular 15 year olds, or if I am. And I abhor text speak. I mean it took me 30 minutes to figure out what 4COL and when I did it was my exact sentiment*. And they're using it while talking about a dead friend - to me that feels cold and inappropiate and a lot of other words that make me feel old and motherly to say.

The twins who end up being the center of the story are supposed to have distinct personalities and gifts but those lines blur until the two are indistinguisable as the story goes on. Also the beloved family dog goes missing and the twins kind of brush over it. They mourn for a couple minutes then it's back to the mystery. That's just weird, what was the point of that plot twist?

The reveals are fairly obvious, I saw 70 percent of them coming far too early.
The author is repeatitive like a highschool teacher trying to portray an important subject. As the story goes on the author starts offering information without using the characters. In my opinion the last thing a thriller/mystery writer should do is leading, which is what the final quarter is full of.

* For Crying Out Loud!!!


Anyone else read this? Anyone have an opinion about text speak or my out-dated abilites to understand it?

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Can we say Cover Love?

This is my favorite cover of the year!

Published: April 2011, Egmont USA 
Pages: 390
Part of a Series: Hourglass #1
Read For a Challenge: 2011 Debut Author's Challenge**
Teaser: "Sighing , I stuck my hand through her stomach to turn the knob, meeting no resistance. I rolled my eyes as she gasped, fluttered her eyelashes, and disappeared in a puff of air."
In a sentence or so: Crazy or a time-traveling hero?
*Rating: 9/10
GoodReads Description:
One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?


1. Type of story: YA Paranormal/ Sci-fi (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: Mostly. Though the reason Michael is introduced seems to be solved by his very presence, which is a little too convenient. (1/2 point)
3. Flesh: Connected through their gifts and destined to be close, Emerson is being driven crazy by Michael's insistence to be professional and her suspension of another woman vying for his attention. (1/2 point)
4. Flow: Hourglass was actually written to be a series! I could get excited about reading the series as opposed to feeling an obligation to finish what I've started. Anyhow, in the first half of Hourglass we learn all about Emerson and, to a lesser degree, Michael. The second half is superhero stuff and building an enemy who is charming an manipulative -- he has the power to gain minions and be a Nemesis that last. (1 point)
5. Character Growth: Emerson must go from thinking she is crazy, to accepting her visions as part of an amazing gift, and then build that gift into a power she can use to help others. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Getting through the grief of losing her parents, Emerson must decide to live again and accept her gift.  (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue: In a defensive way. Emerson thinks he's crazy because of the things she sees and it makes her guarded. So to keep herself going she makes sharp quips and enjoys her surprising "ninja" skills by expressing small out bursts of  violence that are more amusing than hurtful. But when she opens up she knocks more people off their feet than martial arts ever could. (1 point)
8. Love: Two gorgeous young adults that literally make sparks when they come into contact (OK, that's kind of corny) star in this story. It is no wonder they can't keep apart. Em and Michael are as inseparable as time -- they flow together, it is the way they were made. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images: The story-telling is amazing. I feel like a by-stander to the journey. It's like being close enough to give a first hand account but enough in the background not to effect the outcome. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: The writing was simplistic, leaving the focus, appropriately, on the characters. (1 point)

Reread Worthy: Yes. Not soon, but maybe when the series is finished and I want to read something I know is easily enjoyable.

Recommendation: Anyone who wants to believe in time travel.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker

Published: 2011, Sourcebooks,Inc.
Pages: 358
Part of a Series: #1
Read For a Challenge: 2011 Debut Author's Challenge**
Teaser: "I unbuttoned the top buttons on the shirt of my uniform, adjusted the "girls" to achieve maximum attention, and licked my lips. ... 'I'm going in.'"
In a sentence or so:  After Grace dies in a fire her best friend, Kate, sends emails to remember their connection and keep getting through each new day alone; then one day, about a year later, Kate receives a response.
*Rating: 7.5/10
GoodReads Description:

Kate Lowry didn’t think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, who died mysteriously a year before, she’s not so sure. When the emails continue, Kate is forced to confront her school’s resident druggie, a sketchy administrator, and even her own demons.

As Kate moves closer and closer to the truth, she teams up with a couple...moreKate Lowry didn’t think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, who died mysteriously a year before, she’s not so sure. When the emails continue, Kate is forced to confront her school’s resident druggie, a sketchy administrator, and even her own demons.

As Kate moves closer and closer to the truth, she teams up with a couple of knights-in-(not so)shining armor–the dangerously attractive, bad boy, Liam and her love-struck neighbor, Seth. The three uncover an ancient secret lurking in the halls of their elite private school with the power to destroy them all.

But the truth doesn’t always set you free. Sometimes it’s only the beginning.

1. Type of story: YA mystery (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency: the authors time table's are distracting. They do that past-present switch thing and then lose track of their days in the present... it's distracting. First Kate tells nerd boy I'll see you on the bus tomorrow but then tomorrow turns out to be a Saturday and then the next day in the present is a school day. (0 Points)
3. Flesh: Kate is moving through a grief that keeps kicking her the ribs with the unknown and she just wants someone who can understand and help her through her journey but she no longer knows how to trust. And she's a decent detective, following the clues and staying on her toes, a little ahead of others; at least until the end when the entire character profile falls apart leaving loose ends for a viable sequel. (1/2 point)
4. Flow: The story reads pretty quickly. This is good and bad. Good because the pace kept things light and entertaining, but bad because the relationships could have benefited from more development. (1/2 point)
5. Character Growth: Kate's story is about living with grief and survivor's guilt, and she makes strides to reclaim her life in this story. The growth is believable and well expressed. I felt for her in the beginning and was proud of her as the story went on. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey: Working through grief by investigating the truth.In my opinion the truth always helps, so this is  very worthy journey for Kate to take. (1point)
7. Witty Dialogue: Did you read that teaser? Kate's inner monologue is sardonic, dark, intelligent, and all of this is tied together inside a sincere and sweet personality. (1 point)
8. Love: Since her best friend, Grace's, death Kate has been weary to let anyone in. All of a sudden there is a rush of contenders for her attention and she has to work through who is sincere and worth her time (1 point).
9. Evoke Realistic Images: The ladies have done very well with spatial awareness. They describe the details of a scene just enough, most authors who try this go to far and become tedious but the Roecker sisters have got it right. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling: Thought it would be more exciting and less predictable. But I have no idea what's coming in the next installment, and I'm still intrigued enough to find out. I guess that's what mystery writer's aim for. I have to say though, I'm not hungry for the next book, only curious so other books may push it down in the TBR. (1/2 point)

Reread Worthy: No, this is only OK. I don't wish I never read this but once was enough.  
Recommendation: Mystery junkies.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Mini-Review: Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard*

This is a mini-review: I did not write full review but I still want to warn tell everyone about this book.

The narrators voice often sounds much younger than 17, then there is talk about sex to make him seem older. Sometimes his thoughts remind me of an 8 year old. Also the timeline began to degrade with his flashbacks. That could be the author trying to show the discontinuous thoughts of someone feeling grief and guilt.

 As far as the "journaling/noveling" goes this writer apologizes for her bad writing far too often through the narrator and tries to use her extensive knowledge of the "great books" to brush over it. Over and over it's like, "Hey, I kind of suck, but these guys don't, if you don't like me just read them." I'm paraphrasing, but I want to say to the author if you think you suck that badly, and point it out repeatedly, your story will suck, and all of us will agree with you.

pg.79 "You could write about that, a poem about writer's block." I love the idea of turning your problem into your solution. This is said by the English teacher in the story, Haley Avis Dovecott. She is also the focus of the main characters affection. She is fresh out of college and has intense interaction with the lead character, she is much better written than Is Male.

Also what is this hidden identity thing. While journaling he says just call me Is Male, but he paste in papers from his English class and repeats comments from peers with his actual name. What is the point of making up an identity if you constantly reveal yourself?

The only other line worth remembering in the book: "You have to stop and freeze the moment..." You have to make yourself remember by repeating it in your head over and over. You have to write to preserve your sanity." There you go, now you don't have to read it. Skip this because all that's left is  baseless guilt, a self-effacing and ingenuine narrator, and better secondary characters.

*This is a 2011 Debut Author Challenge book, click here for more information about The Debut Authors in 2011

Review: Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake

Published: September 2011, Tor Teen
Pages: 316
Part of a Series: #1
Read For a Challenge: 2011 Debut Author's Challenge**
Teaser: "Smashing. You'll be just like those four chaps in the movie. You know the one, with the over sized marshmallow."
In a sentence or so: Cas kills dangerous ghosts, and Anna is a very dangerous ghost who has been killing anyone who enters her former abode for the past sixty years, but when they meet something is different. Cas's world turns upside down the night he doesn't kill Anna Dressed in Blood.
*Rating: 9.5/10 (-.5 point for potentially pointless sequel)
GoodReads Description:
Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.
But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

1. YA -- Fantasy/Paranormal, Horror (Free 1 point)
2.Consistency -- The mythology that built this world was encompassing, Anna was one bad B until she met Cas and is able to explore her new level of control growing and discovering along the same timeline as Cas's growth. (1 point)
3. Flesh -- The narration by Cas is amazing in this story, with his dark humor and inquisitive nature I can't think there could be a better character to lead the way through this story. Anna's snark collides with Cas's wit in a way that makes this story unforgettable. (1 point)
4. Flow --This was my most anticipated read this year and it definitely delivered. From beginning to end it was thrilling, enthralling, captivating. I was never bored with the pacing and I was satisfied at the end. (Even though this is growing into a series this volume was good enough to stand on its own.) (1 point)
5. Character Growth -- Cas grows to remember his father as a man; not an infallible being, and be truly grateful of the people that are in his present life. He has a great journey. (1 point)
6. A Point/ Purpose/ Journey -- This has all the elements of a great YA paranormal: supernatural beings and a strong set of mythologies; shocking appearances, dangers, and reveals; and all capped off with the classic coming of age -- finding self and first love. (1 point)
7. Witty Dialogue*** I was trapped by the first paragraph. Cas is witty, digging, in-your-face, and just everything I love in a narrator. (1 point)
8. Love -- The synopsis hints at the love story, and at first I was weary of a budding ghost-ghost killer star-crossed lover thing. I had no reason to worry. It turns out Anna and Cas are perfectly matched in maturity and personal development. Ms. Blake unfolds the relationship hesitantly and it paints a beautiful couple that fits the world she built. (1 point)
9. Evoke Realistic Images -- I got completely lost in this story. I wouldn't say the story is actually scary but it is creepy enough that when your in the middle of a scene you jump at any movement your peripheral vision catches. (1 point)
10. Writing/Story telling -- Right off the bat funny, witty, and strait-forward and darkness and gruesome murder -- no, for the killers. AND there are some great story drops, references to novels, myths, and movies.The kind of things that let you know the author is a bookish type and proud when you recognise the tales. (1 point)


Reread Worthy: Definitely, I loved it, but it was over so fast. It would be interesting to see if it stands the test of time.
Recommendation: Anyone who enjoys coming of age novels and isn't easily scared.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: I heart you, You haunt me by Lisa Schroeder

Published: January 2008, Simon Pulse
Pages: 226
Stand Alone Novel
Read for a (Personal) Challenge: Closet Cloggers
In a sentence or so: Ava's boyfriend Jackson dies and she blames herself for the loss; only he's not really lost, he is coming to visit her as a ghost.
*Rating: 5/10


Goodreads description:

Girl meets boy.

Girl loses boy.

Girl gets boy back...

...sort of.
Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.

Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds

1. YA/Paranormal Romance/Grief -- Novel in Verse (Free 1 point)
2. There was a wonderful consistency in the timeline, and the character was mostly invariable. Despite her consistency Lisa Schroeder's writing was forgetable in her inability to be unique. (1/2 point)
3. As convincing as the world was there was nothing grabbing in this story. It was quick, unobtrusive, predictable and inconsequential. Ava as a character was believable but typical, nothing extraordinary. (1/2 point)
4. The story was based on how Ava dealt with the death, and return as a ghost, of her boyfriend Jackson. It was very short and concise. Ms. Schroeder held together the flow of time pretty well, even with a few flash backs. (1point)
5. This story is about growing through grief and letting go or not letting go. You see partial charater growth in the story. The character makes some efforts to rejoin the living but the journey is cut short by the time line. (0 point)
6. I don't see a unique point made by the author here. Anyone can write a book about death, greif and lettign go. There was no reason to read this book over any other book on grief. (0 point)
7. No witty, no funny in sad times, in fact there wasn't much in the way of dialogue at all. (0 point)
8. There is definitely love in this story. First love, never ending with a little paranormal help.  You know how about a month after a relationship ends all you can do is think about the best parts and wish it wasn't over? Now add the obsession of first love, survivor's guilt because the relationship was ended by your boyfriend's death and now he's haunting you. (1 point)
9. Lisa created a pretty convincing world, I could see through the narrators eyes very clearly. (1 point)

10. There are a couple powerful touching moments, but I attribute that to the nature of the subject. The writing is pretty bland. (0 points)

Reread worthy? No

Recommendation? That being said, if I were a little younger and hadn't learned how to deal with loss, of love or life, this story would have probably affected me more. I would recommend this as a stop gap for teenage girls that are grieving either boyfriends or first brush with a loved one dying. ALTHOUGH there are lots of books that deal with grief, there are most likely better options than I Heart You, You Haunt Me.

*Click Rating to see post about my 10 aspects of a great book.

Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What if you had only 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.

Instead, 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.

(Synopsis from GoodReads.com)

1. This is a coming of age story with wonderful character growth. There is the twist that all the growth occurs after death.

2. The writing starts off very dry and straightforward. There are very concise, well formed sentences. Very school-like writing; it lacks much style. The writing grows with the character.

3. The character starts off very typical. Sam is popular and fits in very comfortable to her suburban life. She’s aware of it, she likes the predictable nature of her days, hell, she worked hard for them. The character, the world she lives in, and the writing all start off pretty plain. The premise of a last day being relived over and over is what keeps one reading. The author, through Samantha’s internal monologue, even makes reference to the very “Groundhog Day” plot when the repeating begins. But it’s good that one keeps reading, because the story becomes its own. Little Samantha Kingston, who went along with the way things just go, learns a lot of worthy lessons and they are definitely worth going through with her.

4. I recommend this to anyone trying to making it though the world. This book contains some great revelations, and, if you’ve learned the lessons before, some great reminders. It isn’t one of the best books in the world, like is being said in some YA circles right now, but it’s pretty great.

Review: Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

This is the tale of Anna's senior year of high school. One in which she is ripped away from her friends, mother, and little brother, by her pompous, nouveau riche father.

Anna's father has become a famous writer (of sappy love stories with tragic twists*) who decides that his new position gives him the right to up-root his daughter and send her to boarding school in France.

Anna is completely against this until she meets Etienne, a boy that will show her Paris has everything she ever wanted waiting right outside her door.



1. This is a first true love story. And of course the characters all discover things about themselves during the journey, which is an aspect all the best stories have.

2. The Author’s sentencing is short and direct and expresses a eighteen-year-old’s journey very well.

I loved this story AND I Loved the ending. There are very few novels that I love but also agree the story ended well. This is one of those novels that didn’t leave me wanting. Even though this is a great story with characters that will stay with me, I didn’t wish for a sequel, Ms. Perkins’ story is complete in itself.

The only thing I did not like about the story was the barrage of internal thoughts. Anna spent more time in her head than any journal novel I’ve ever read. Sometimes she narrated like a journalist, but mostly she said things to herself that should have been stated out loud. Often the things she said to herself fit so much better into the conversation than the things she actually ends up saying, but even worse there are times when she thinks something to herself then writes, and so I said so…. What is that? Anyway, one annoyance doesn’t ruin the story, because this story is too fantastic.

3. We’ve all seen Paris**, we know the architecture is something to be wowed at, the history is worth waiting in lengthy lines to see, and the scenery will leave you breathless. But The Food is what places this story. I didn’t think someone could make French cuisine sound so good. I am definitely a foodie, and I am not ashamed to say I have been mesmerized by pictures, stories and imitations of French food before. But Stephanie takes this to a whole new level, from Anna’s first grape bath to the drippy cheesy Panini and on and on, with all Paris has to offer after reading this novel I believe I would spend an entire trip to Paris eating and ignoring the beautiful scenery. The scenery in the book was indescribably awesome, but the food was described the way all great food should be. This food made the world Anna moved into.

4. I recommend this story to EVERYONE. O.K. it might be a little mushy for some, but anyone who loves love, Paris, food and/or life lessons.

* For those of you who have read the book already… I don’t want to point fingers or name names… but, does the description of Anna’s father remind anyone of a certain Real Life author. Or is it just me…

** At least in Pictures

Review: Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer*

What if your worst enemy turned out to be the best friend you ever had?
Meet Brooke: Popular, powerful and hating every minute of it, she’s the “It” girl at Douglas High in Lake Champion, Minnesota. Her real ambition? Using her operatic mezzo as a ticket back to NYC, where her family lived before her dad ran off with an up and coming male movie star.
Now meet Kathryn: An overachieving soprano with an underachieving savings account, she’s been a leper ever since Brooke punched her at a party junior year. For Kath, music is the key to a much-needed college scholarship.
The stage is set for a high-stakes duet between the two seniors as they prepare for the prestigious Blackmore competition. Brooke and Kathryn work toward the Blackmore with eyes not just on first prize but on one another, each still stinging from a past that started with friendship and ended in betrayal. With competition day nearing, Brooke dreams of escaping the in-crowd for life as a professional singer, but her scheming BFF Chloe has other plans. And when Kathryn gets an unlikely invitation to Homecoming, she suspects Brooke of trying to sabotage her with one last public humiliation.
As pressures mount, Brooke starts to sense that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had. But Kathryn has a decision to make. Can she forgive? Or are some rivalries for life?
The Good Reads Summery is better than any I could come up with.

1. This is a simple story about friendship; how they begin, why they get messed up, and if they can be repaired. There is no big revelation, just the gentle passing of time beautifully told.

2. Amazingly, this first time author accomplished four fully formed voices in this debut. Her characters were unique from one another and their pasts selves had no seeping knowledge from the present. The story telling, with the exception of the ending chapters, was fluid and engaging. The characters embedded themselves in me, girls I feel I could know, could connect with, and could miss.

What happened to the end of this story?! All the build-up, the beautiful character growth, and flash-backs for developing history. All this slow reveal. Then it just ends flat… everything is over.

Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After all the build up and getting to know these girls and their feud and their past the book draws to a quick end. “I’m so sorry.” “No, you deserve your success. I’m not mad anymore.” “Awesome! See you at the diner after this?” “Yeah? sure.” The End.

What kind of ending is that?

Spoiler over!!!!!!! Spoiler over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. This book had such wonderful set-up, beautiful blending of past and present even with two voices switching every other chapter. The writing was precise and intriguing. The story made opera** so enticing I found myself looking up performances of mentioned pieces on YOUTUBE.

4. I don’t know who to recommend this to. The Book was so great I wanted to recommend it to everyone… then I hit that last section. Those five short chapters were such a let down. So I guess, I recommend it to people with excess time. Anyone with sparse time, that can only pick a few books a year maybe skip this one. Unfortunately, no matter how beautiful a writer without a conclusion this is not a story.

* This is a 2011 Debut Author Challenge book, go to http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/03/2011-debut-author-challenge-march.html for more information about Debut Authors in 2011.

** Not a previous passion of mine.

Review: The Latte Rebellion By Sarah Jamila Stevenson*

Asha is a mixed-race high school senior with creative ambitions. When she is insulted at an Asian- American pool party she remembers all the times people have blindly mistaken her for anything but her mutt mix of Irish, Mexican, and Indian. She realizes she doesn’t feel comfortable identifying with any one part of her heritage, and more than that her heritage is just a small part of her.


Asha sparks on an idea. She, and many of her friends, are all mixed up. They are just like Asha’s favorite drink; they are lattes. Asha enlists the help of her best friend to start a business selling a t-shirt to the lattes of the world that unites people in a new way. The money is to be used for a well deserved break between high school and college.

Asha never could have predicted it but her t-shirts open the door for something so much bigger than sharing a little awareness with the world while making a few bucks. It turns out many mixed race Americans needed an outlet to let their voices be heard. Lattes are the present, Lattes are strong, and Lattes are mixed up to be more than the sum of their parts, and they come in endless blends. The Lattes are tired of being dismissed as less, or addressed as diluted, when they offer so much more. A mix of cultural backgrounds, and a heightened social awareness, put Lattes in the position to be huge contributors to society and they want to make themselves known with The Latte Rebellion.

1. This is a coming of age story with a feminine point of view. It has all the elements, growing up, giving up some things from childhood, self-realization, and a little love-interest. With the added bonus of it being wrapped in social awareness, involvement, and making a positive difference.

2. The writing seems young like the author’s style is still evolving. But the story is engaging. It builds and grows along with the main character, Asha.

3. The author makes her character realistic. She shows a girl getting ready for college. She doesn’t concentrate much on the setting, which is California, but rather the things that come up in Asha’s world. As this story is about a college bound young woman, with a lot on her plate (and, as humans we can become quite self centered.), the true setting is Asha’s mind. This is very realistic and executed beautifully; I didn’t miss not connecting with a world because I felt very connected to Asha.

4. This story is wonderful. It starts off a little silly, then journeys through some hardships, and ends up giving great example of how to handle the unexpected. I recommend it to anyone who is going through a big life change; such as starting college or leaving college for their “first real job”. Also to anyone who likes stories about young women growing into themselves and realizing their strength and potential.


*This is a 2011 Debut Author Challenge book, go to http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/03/2011-debut-author-challenge-march.html for more information about Debut Authors in 2011.