The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater 

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book is the epitome of a great YA fiction book. Extremely well written with complex characters and a nicely structured storyline. The romance was slow and sweet versus hot and heavy - it was so lovely. And so sweet. I really enjoyed the slight tenor of fantasy in the book - without the water horses (vicious horses that live in the sea) this could have been contemporary fiction. I liked the sense of regional character evoked in the book (Ireland probably?) but it added to the book rather than distracted from it. Sometimes dialects and accents and word choices confuse more than they add, but not in this case. I can tell the author spent time writing this book - it is amazingly well crafted.

This book is written with two point of views, which can also be distracting sometimes, but worked well in this book. Hearing the story from both Puck and Sean gave us a fuller picture than we would have received from just one POV, especially during the race scenes. I really liked seeing the race from two different angles and two different focuses. As a reader, you connect with both main characters better when you see into their heads. It also made me conflicted - I wasn't sure how I wanted the race to end up, because I cared about two contenders. 

I think this is a great book for teens and adults who love both fantasy and contemporary fiction - the fantasy is so light that it is a great introduction to the world of fantasy, but the story is adventurous enough to delight hard core fantasy fans as well. This story is gripping and heart rending and I loved it.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: some vicious horses fighting both men and animals. Profanity: none that I noticed.. Sex: very mild kisses, an occasional mild innuendo that would probably go over most heads, a few comments about lovers from secondary characters.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent

by Veronica Roth 

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Hooray! Insurgent is here! And it was fabulous. Fabulous, fabulous. The story progressed! Which doesn't seem like a huge deal, but for the 2nd book in a series of 3 it is big news! This wasn't a placeholder! It was a real book with a real story! Hooray!

This book was heartbreaking and as intense a story as the first one. Ack! Betrayal and suspense and intrigue and sacrifices for love and all sorts of everything going on. And yes, it did have a bit of the"this is the second book in a series of three so the romantic couple who finally found a bit of peace will now go through some misunderstanding that threatens to pull them apart" thing, which is a wee bit formulaic and such. But I will forgive Tris and Four their misunderstandings because they both progressed and grew and made me remember why I loved them in the first place. And as another blogger mentioned, who knew a forehead lean could be so romantic?

I appreciate books that remember their characters are real people, if that makes any sense. Okay, I know they aren't REAL people. But they are supposed to be. I like how Tris struggles with events that happened to her in the first book - it was real to me that she reacted traumatically. This is one reason I loved Mockingjay, though I know many lovers of Hunger Games didn't - Katniss was allowed to be kind of a mess, because honestly, wouldn't we all be? I think it shows a character's strength when they react strongly but still carry on and endure - much better than not reacting at all.

Read this book! And can I officially give my vote for "Emergent" being the name of the next one? 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: a war is going on, so yes. Profanity: hmmm, can't remember. Should probably take this section out unless I actually notice any ... when I'm caught up in a story it has to be pretty blatant. Sex: intense kissing but not beyond

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

 

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Just simply a fabulous, fabulous book. A great one to pick up if you loved the Hunger Games or Uglies or Legend. I reread this to prepare for Insurgent, the second one in the series, and loved it even more the second time around. I loved Tris's strength and determination to make it in a brutal environment, despite her small size. I loved her realization that selflessness and bravery were often two sides of the same coin - she was a perfect mix of Dauntless and Abnegation. I loved her romance with Four (because of course every good dystopian novel needs a good romance). I loved the theme of sacrifice that weaved through the whole book. It makes me want to be a bit more Dauntless myself, despite my sneaking suspicion that in actuality I'm a Erudite. Alas.

I just love dystopian novels! I'm in a book group with my siblings and it is now a joke that I keep having them read some dystopian novel about a girl who meets a guy and saves the world, which sounds terribly formulaic but in actuality never is, at least to me. (But seriously, boys, you know you've loved every single one I've made you read.) I think it's time to add this one to the list ...

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: some pretty brutal fights. Profanity: none that I can remember. Sex: making out but nothing further.

 

The Knife of Never Letting Go

by Patrick Ness

 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?

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I could never really get into this book. It shows up a lot on my "if you've loved (previous book I read and yes, did love) than you'll love this one!" lists. So I tried it. And put it down. And read several other ones. And picked it up again. And put it down. And read a few more. And finally picked it up again determined to get through it. Which isn't really a sign that you love a book, hmm?

I thought the plot was extremely creative but didn't ever connect with the characters. This book has made me realize that I don't usually like books that are narrated by males, and I don't think it's because males are foreign to me - rather, I think I know them too well. I have three brothers (no sisters) and four sons. I know boys. (I still distinctly remember witnessing all of the drama and girliness of my freshman dorm and wondering "Who ARE these people?") And I think that's one of the problems - either the male narration is too off base or hits way too close to home. (I'm the same way with on-screen labors - they are either ridiculously "hollywood" or so close to home that I experience a bit of PTSD. But I digress.) I ended up skimming the second half of the book so I could finish it quickly - which means it was interesting enough to make me want to know what happened, but annoying enough to want to get it done quickly. I'm not sure if I will read the next two installments - I haven't decided yet. I'll probably do the unthinkable and wikipedia them instead ...

(Okay, I have to admit that hearing the dog's thoughts was generally amusing. And the sheep's thoughts gave me a chuckle. And of COURSE you couldn't hear women's thoughts, we are way too smart to spill our secrets to the world.)

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: yes! Profanity: yes! Sex: no.

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg

Take a Bow

by Elizabeth Eulberg

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book reminded me that I am NOT the target audience for young adult fiction. It was sweet and cute, I loved Emme and her relationship with her band, the romance was sweet, Sophie was annoying, but it was also more "teen" than I am interested in reading about. A great story for the teens in your life, but not necessarily the adults. Especially excellent for teens who love drama and/or music.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: none. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: mild innuendos but nothing else.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power

by Maria V. Snyder 

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Maria V. Snyder, how do I love thee! Let me count the ways ... seriously, this lady weaves a great story. I loved and devoured her Study series - Valek and Yelena, I love you and miss you! I didn't connect as much with her Glass series, but still enjoyed it, and now she's starting another series. I kept hoping for a Valek cameo, but it was not to be. But still! Excellent book - reminded me a lot of Poison Study, which is a good thing. She is so creative with her creatures and fauna and characters and worlds. 

I liked Avry - she had a compassion in the midst of betrayal and a determination to always be true to herself. I always love a girl who is not a pushover! I connected with her and cared about her and loved her as much as I loved Yelena. I'm not sure why I didn't connect in the same way with Opal (heroine of the Glass series), but I never did. I loved Belen and "the monkeys" and Flea. I love stories where friendships seem real - teasing and supportive and unbreakable. This book was full of great heroes (even if it took awhile for them to get there!) and great evildoers. 

I have one small critique of this book, and it is similar to one I had about Poison Study - both ended with the romances consummated. Now, this isn't terribly surprising in a teen book, and was done in a very subtle and tasteful way (I can't even claim it was PG-13, a movie could probably still get away with a PG rating), but in both books it seemed forced and a little unnecessary to the plot - like the author wanted to sneak it in when possible, ran out of time, and then ended up doing it at the most inopportune time. I'm sorry, when a character is sick and at death's door maybe it's not the most natural time for passions to abound, which shows I'm a boring adult and no longer an impulsive teenager. I'm not even arguing it's presence in the book as much as it's timing. But ... just a small discontent. This is still a great book and one I will probably own someday, if the series continues as fabulously as it has started.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: sword fights. Profanity: yes, a bit. Sex: yes, see above mentioned.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time

by Ally Carter
 

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This is the 5th book in the Gallagher Girl's series by Ally Carter. And they are still not getting old! I've loved the whole series and had fun with the latest book. Mysteries and puzzles to solve, great friendships, and extremely (extremely!) capable girls. They are very quick, very light, very entertaining reads. A lot of "girl power" but in a good way, not an obnoxious one.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: mention of torture, some fighting and gunshots Profanity: none  Sex: light and innocent romance

The Eternal Kiss

The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire

by Trisha Telep (Editor) 

There’s an allure to vampire tales that have seduced readers for generations. From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!

This collection of original tales comes from some of the hottest, most popular, and best-selling YA writers, including: Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe), Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Blood), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires), Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (Wicked), Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof, Queen of Cool), Kelley Armstrong (Women of Otherworld), Maria V. Snyder, Sarah Rees Brennan, Lili St. Crow, Karen Mahoney, Dina James. They will make everyone a sucker for eternal kisses.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This is not a book I would normally pick up to read, but look at the authors! This is quite the collection, so I had to give it a try. I'm not a huge vampire lover - in paranormal YA books, vampires can range from evil to good, from idiots to geniuses, from sexy to repulsive, and I'm fine with it all. I don't need vampires in a paranormal book and I certainly don't need them romanticized, which turned out to be a very good thing. This book does NOT romanticize vampires. Each story is different - some are funny, some are gruesome, some are heartbreaking. But in general they are pretty realistic as far as vampires go - no sparkly pretty boys in this book, and these are not happy stories.

My brother once commented that only a special kind of author can successfully pull off a short story. I think it would be hard to write a story that is full and interesting and not leave you completely hanging on for more. Some of these authors did it well, some not so well. Some of the short stories read more like chapters in a book, with too many questions left unanswered. So frustrating! But others were excellent - vignettes in well written world. It was fun to read some of my favorite authors writing about vampires, knowing that wasn't their normal fare, and some authors were engaging enough to make me want to read one of their full length novels. Not a book I would reread, but I don't regret reading it once.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: yes. Profanity: yes, of a PG-13 variety. Sex: depending on the story - some nothing, some teetering on the very edge of what is appropriate for YA. 

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

Dragonswood

by Janet Lee Carey 

Wilde Island is not at peace. The kingdom mourns the dead Pendragon king and awaits the return of his heir; the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is strained; and the regent is funding a bloodthirsty witch hunt, hoping to rid the island of half-fey maidens.

Tess, daughter of a blacksmith, has visions of the future, but she still doesn't expect to be accused of witchcraft, forced to flee with her two best friends, or offered shelter by the handsome and enigmatic Garth Huntsman, a warden for Dragonswood. But Garth is the younger prince in disguise and Tess soon learns that her true father was fey, making them the center of an exciting, romantic adventure, and an ancient prophecy that will bring about peace between all three races - dragon, human, and fairy.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Dragons! This book has dragons, what else does it need? I liked this book. I'm not a huge fan of fairies but I still enjoyed this book. I loved Tess, even though her friends weren't as lovable. I appreciated the guilt she put herself through and admired her determination and perseverance to fix things and protect her friends. The epilogue was perfect - I love epilogues! If happy endings were bows, epilogues would be the double knot. A sweet yet at times heartbreaking story.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: witch burnings. Profanity: none. Sex: mention of illegitimate children but that is all.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath 

by Brodi Ashton 

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I randomly picked up this book from the library because I liked the cover. I know! I judged a book by its cover! But really, don't we all? We at least first-impression a book by its cover, right? Just me? Oh well. And even though, after reading, I found no incidences of girls dressed in gorgeous red dresses sashaying through smoke, I still liked the book. 

This book is a take on the Persephone myth, which is über popular among YA fiction these days. Persephone! Who knew? I have read several Persephone/Hades myths in the last few months and this one is one of my favorites. 

The book starts with Nikki released from Cole, who is a Hades-ish vampirish creature. But a good looking one, of course. Rather than stay in the underworld (Everneath), she chooses to return to her life. But returning to life and family and friends after missing for six month proves to be a bit difficult. I really liked the flashbacks in this book - I think there is a fine line between flashbacks being either disorienting or enlightening, and Ms. Ashton hit enlightening every time. It turned the book into a puzzle, and each flashback gave us another piece. 

And the best part of this book? Instead of choosing the gorgeous god-like Cole who was offering her eternal love and eternal life, she chose her best friend turned boyfriend Jack, even though she thought she had lost him after disappearing for 6 months. So refreshing! The romance was sweet, the pain of Nikki dealing with her decisions was very real, and all in all this was a very enjoyable book to read. I look forward to the next one.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: very minimal, can't really remember any. Profanity: again, can't remember any, but I read this book before I decided to write this blog so I wasn't really paying attention to it. Sex: teenage innuendos, but only kissing and cuddling from the main romance.

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

The Last Echo

by Kimberly Derting 

 In the end, all that's left is an echo...

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series. The Last Echo is the third so far, beginning with The Body Finder and then followed with Desires of the Dead. You would think that a book (or books) about a girl who can sense dead bodies (both human and animal) would be morbid, and you would be right. But it's an enjoyable morbidity, if that makes any sense! Violet takes her "power" in stride and is likable and stable enough to lessen the morbidity significantly. I have enjoyed where this series has taken me - I love the romance between Jay and Violet, it is very natural and normal and supportive and sweet. So sweet. I love the first person vignettes by the murderer - so fascinating to be behind the scenes and not know who the killer is. Frustrating and creepy and suspenseful and fabulous! All of these books are very well written who-done-its, with a main character I simply adore. 

At the same time, this isn't the same story told each time in slightly different ways. I like how Violet's storyline progresses - I love seeing her struggle with yet mostly accept her abilities and figure out how to use them in an official capacity. She is a real girl who yearns to be normal but still manages to stay strong in icky situations. I love how, despite the obvious paranormality of this book, it still takes place in real life and our world and our universe. There is more murder mystery plot than paranormal plot, Violet's ability is simply a tool to figure everything out. And Violet! Stay away from Rafe! We like him, but don't you dare hurt Jay. We will never forgive you. The ending, slight cliff hanger that it is, is both frustrating and perfect. Frustrating because it is SO UNFAIR, and perfect because it lets us know that Violet's story is far from over. 

In summary, read these books. They are great.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: this is a murder mystery, with off-scene murders and terrifying situations. Profanity: none that I can recall - I need to pay better attention. Sex: a normal long term teen relationship, some making out but no sex, at least none overtly implied.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief 

by Megan Whalen Turner

"I can steal anything."
After Gen's bragging lands him in the king's prison, the chances of escape look slim. Then the king's scholar, the magus, needs the thief's skill for a seemingly impossible task - to steal a hidden treasure from another land.
To the magus, Gen is just a tool. But Gen is a trickster and a survivor with a plan of his own.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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How have I not read this book before? It was a great find! Usually found in the juvenile section rather than the young adult section, it is still a fun read for adults. The writing was fabulous - I adore Gen and his humor and determination and general likeability. I also loved how many facets of the Magus we were able to see - we go from seeing him as a jailer to seeing him in a much more compassionate light. Even though several of the plot twists were predictable, at least generally if not specifically, there were still enough surprises to keep it interesting. This is what every juvenile/children's book should be - I hate it when they are dumbed down for their audience. True readers, even as children, don't want to be condescended to. And this book didn't! I am so excited to find out that there are more of them to read. I guess that's the advantage of discovering a book 16 years after it's been published ... no wait for the sequel!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: some sword fights and beatings. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: none. I would let any of my kids read this.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Incarnate

by Jodi Meadows 

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

No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

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

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

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This was a fun read - I like books with unique never-before-seen premises. I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Why did I like it? It was a creative plot with a hopefully-to-be-later-satisfied mystery (we got enough answers to not be frustrated), there was a romance with two characters that I liked reading about, there were dragons (always a plus), and I cared about what Ana experienced with her mother and her bewilderment at being a new soul. It was a fun world to be a part of - souls get reborn over and over again, for thousands of years you meet the same million people over and over again. Kind of fun, in a way - death becomes more of an intermission than an ending, and you can spend lifetimes perfecting and learning. 

Why didn't I love it? I cared about Ana, but I never felt as emotionally invested as I tend to get with really good books. Great books linger - I can't stop thinking about characters and scenes and imagining what-happens-afters. That didn't happen with this book - I was interested to read Ana's story, but it didn't go deeper. As someone who thinks gender is a vital part of each soul, having the souls change gender with each subsequent birth was unsettling. So much of who I am is because I am a woman! I can't imagine I would be the same person in a next life if I was a man. I also felt there was too much disparity between Ana and Sam. Bella and Edward had to deal with a hundred years or so, while Ana and Sam are dealing with thousands. Quite a difference. I wanted Ana to be less of a baby and more of an "old soul", despite her age. Not surprising I guess, since she grew up in seclusion with someone who hated her, but still - I wanted to see her more equal with Sam. BUT - we're talking about the difference between liking a book and loving it - I still enjoyed the story. I liked seeing her grow from someone who believes she is no one to someone with self worth - she grew up by quite a bit in the end, so I look forward to what the next book will give us. 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. Violence: fairly standard fantasy fare, some thrown knives and one fight, and the chaos of a dragon invasion. Profanity: none that I can recall. Sex: One or two make out scenes but no sex.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me 

by Tahereh Mafi 

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Dystopian books! I love dystopian books, and this one did not disappoint. I loved this book! So gripping! I was teetering on the edge of sobbing for the whole first half of this book. Sometimes I find the "stream of consciousness" way of writing to be distracting and too narrowly focused, but in this book it worked. I loved the crossed out sentences (and the review on the back! Well played, Lauren Kate, well played!) and seeing right into Juliette's sometimes messed up head. I was sucked into her pain and confusion and cared about her through the whole journey. (A little belief had to be suspended - could we honestly believe she was writing in her notebook the whole time? Even during action scenes? Of course not. But I'm willing to suspend belief for a good cause.)

I loved the relationship history between Juliette and Adam. All too often in YA books two characters meet and within a few days they are all "I will die for you even though I barely know you". I know, jaded adult mentality showing through. But Shatter Me avoided this by giving them a common history - they knew each other! As kids! And that makes it all the more believable. 

I was surprised by the plot switch at the end of the book - obviously I didn't read the goodreads summary before I read the book, because the X-Men motif threw me a little. I look forward to seeing where Taherah Mafi goes with it! Yay for a brand new series! (But seriously, please oh please, don't pull the whole "this is the second book in a series of three so the romantic couple who finally found a bit of peace will now go through some misunderstanding that threatens to pull them apart" thing, okay Taherah? Please?)

Mom Note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. What is appropriate for the older reader is sometimes not so appropriate for the younger reader - yes, I'm a mean mom, I have complete double standards when books are concerned. So even though I loved this book, I won't let my kids read it yet. Violence: pretty standard warring dystopian fare - fights and shooting but nothing terribly disturbing or graphic. Profanity: none that I could recall. Sex: Fairly heavy make out scenes but no sex. I would say that this is for the older reader.

I. Love. To. Read.

Welcome to my book blog! I love books. I love talking about books. Why not blog about books? So here we are.

The following is a familiar conversation:

new acquaintance: What do you like to do for fun?
me: I like to read.
(awkward silence, generally followed by a "I never have time to read" or some such comment.)

Occasionally I will find a kindred spirit, we will embark on a discussion of favorite books, and a new friend will be found. But more often I'm made to feel a little ... well ... lame. Boring. But honestly? Who cares? I love to read. I LOVE TO READ. I. Love. To. Read. And there it is.

I have always loved to read - as a child I kept stacks of books in my room and devoured them frequently. I brought books to summer camp and even found time to read them. I got books for Christmas or my birthday and I LIKE IT. Once a good friend watched my small children while I ran to the library quickly - I was gone for 20 minutes and came back with a dozen books. One of my libraries had a 100 item limit, which I reached. Twice. And yes, I had help from my kids, because it turns out my love of books is genetic. I always have a book in my purse or in my car on the off chance I have a moment to read. I can read while I clean the kitchen, fold laundry, straighten up a room. (I haven't quite managed sweeping yet, though - very hard to do one handed.)

I love to read most fiction books - classics, mysteries, romances. I also love young adult books; they are often emotionally rich and gripping. I generally keep my books to a PG-13 or less rating, and young adult books are "safer" than the random adult book picked off the bookshelf. I have kept track of most of my books on goodreads.com, but find the rating system limiting, so on my blog I won't be using a number system.

So welcome to my book blog. Have I mentioned I love to read?