A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman

Pages: 256

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Perspective: First Person

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: N/A

Release Date: December 20, 2005

Once upon a time there was a Brooklyn hipster named Norah. Unlucky in love, and short on extracurriculars for her college apps, Norah decided to start a book group. She knew the perfect locale -- a local indie bookstore with a crush-worthy cutie manning the soy latte counter.

When the first meeting arrives, Norah gets a page-turning surprise. The attendees may be bookish, but there are also a few hotties! Most noteworthy: sweet, literary James. He's like a modern Jane Austen hero.... Only, how to snag him?

Ever the romantic heroine, Norah devises a secret plan. And if it works, Norah may just find her "Happily Ever After" love story. The End.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: B+

Plot:

I didn't particularly favor this book. It wasn't horrible by any means, but it didn't really capture my attention too well, and it was not realistic (at least in my opinion of realistic-ness; everyone's is different). 

I thought the book was a little bit too cliche with the love story. It had a unique plot in the way that it was through a book club, which was pretty cool, but the way Norah (the main character) and James' (the love interest) relationship played out has been done thousands of times before, it feels like.

A Novel Idea was a quick read, though, and I finished it in one sitting.

Characters:

I don't really know how I stand with Norah. It's not that I don't like her, but I definitely did not agree with the way that she went around trying to get James to like her. She seems like one of those girls that you just shake your head at. 

She went to great lengths, hurting people along her way, to get James, and she was extremely selfish with her endeavors. 

I did like her at the other times when she wasn't on her missions to get James to like her. She was extremely dedicated to her book club, and didn't want to let them down. I liked that part of her.

James was cute, though I didn't really feel too connected to him because not much of his personality was revealed. I mean, sure, I knew he liked to read, and was shy, but there has got to be more to a person that that, right? I can definitely see though, if he had been more developed, how he could have been swoon-worthy.

Writing:

I wasn't completely enthralled with Aimee Friedman's writing. It definitely kept the story going, but there was nothing especially special about it. For example, there wasn't an amazing vocabulary used or exceptional cliff-hangers. But again, it wasn't bad by any means, either.

Ending:

This book is definitely one of those feel-good fluff-reads, and the ending completely solidifies that. It was cute, and tied up the loose ends in the book nicely.

Cover:

For whatever reason, I always think these types of covers for the little romance books are super cute. I especially like this one because of all of the books on it. ;)

The Final Verdict:

I think this book is cute, and it not a challenging read. I recommend this book for people that are fans of cheesy little romances, and like books about books.

FTC: Zoe.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Pages: 358

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: Debut Author Challenge; 350 Page Challenge

Release Date: March 22, 2o11

What if you knew exactly when you would die? 

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Plot:

I must admit, I really wanted to like this book. Sadly, though, it just wasn't all there for me. It took me a really long time to get into the book, and actually want to read it, that when I did start to be entranced by the story (near the end of the book) I couldn't fully enjoy it.

The plot was drawn out for most of the book, and there wasn't any mystery or anything really propelling me to read on.

That's not to say that I didn't absolutely love the premise of the story. I mean, come on, the human race dying off at ages 20 and 25? That's pretty cool. Unfortunately, I felt like Wither didn't live up to how cool I thought it would be.

Characters:

There was nothing entirely memorable about the characters. They didn't stand out to me, and I didn't really feel a connection to them at all, making it very difficult to emphasize with them.

Writing:

I wish, I wish, I WISH I had liked this book more. I think the writing could have made a big difference in this book, especially since it was in first person, and have made me feel more connected to the characters. It didn't, though, and I think that's where it was really lacking.

I will admit the way Lauren DeStefano presented the imagery was beautiful, and it painted a picture in my mind, which I love.

Ending:

The ending was very satisfying, and made me want to find out what happened next with Rhine, and even though I don't think I'll be reading on in the Chemical Garden trilogy, the author was successful in creating a nice cliff hanger.

Cover:

The entire set-up of this book is breath-taking. The model on the front of the book is gorgeous, and I love the colors used. The birdcage is a good metaphor for Rhine when she is taken, and I like the circles and lines connecting everything.

If you haven't seen the back cover to this book, look it up ASAP. The colors of it are some of the most beautiful shades of blues I have ever seen.

Lovely Line:

I smile. For a moment I think this is the way my father felt about my mother, and I could almost swear this marriage was real. A stranger passing by would think we had been together for years, that we planned to live the rest of our lives together. I always knew I was an excellent liar; I just didn't know I had it in me to fool myself.

The Final Verdict:

I didn't really like Wither, but many, many people I know do, so I'm not going to suggest for you to not read it. This is one of the books that you need to pick up yourself, and establish your own opinion on!

FTC: Borrowed from Zoe.

Cut by Patricia McCormick

Pages: 160

Publisher: Push

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenge: N/A

Release Date: February 1, 2oo2

Fifteen-year old Callie is so withdrawn that she's not speaking to anyone including her therapist at the residential treatment facility where her parents and doctor send her after discovering that she cuts herself. Her story unfolds primarily through dramatic monologues, gradually revealing the family turmoil that led to her self-destructive behavior. Her little brother, Sam, is ill he nearly died in her care. Since Sam's illness, Callie's mother has become so worried and fragile that she rarely leaves the house. Her father has responded to the psychological and financial stress of Sam's illness by disappearing into his work, and when that doesn't work, into his drinking. 

Callie's efforts to understand herself and her family illuminate her process of recovery honestly and with hope. Cut provides an insightful look at the psychology of cutting a form of self-abuse an estimated 2 million teenage girls inflict on themselves.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: B

Plot:

I wasn't completely hooked on this book, and it took me a while to get into it. It was a really short read, and the premise was good, but I felt the storyline fell a little flat.

Nothing super exciting happened until the very end of the book, and I felt some scenes dragged on too long to be appreciated.

I will admit that even though I didn't necessarily like the book, it did have the potential to really impact someone that gets into the novel.

Characters:

I didn't feel connected the characters, and I found them kind of irritating. Also, a lot of characters were introduced all at once, and I got confused as to who was who.

Writing:

I thought the writing was kind of bland, though it was unique in the way that it was sometimes told in second person when referring to the therapist.

Ending:

The ending was my favorite part of Cut. That was the time when Callie had really captured my attention, and I started to like her as a protagonist. The ending tied up the book nicely.

Cover:

I like the simplicity of the cover, and how it really represents what the book is about.

Lovely Line:

Twice a day we have Group. Group therapy, according to the brochure they give you at the admissions office, is the "keystone of the treatment philosophy here at Sick Minds. The real name of the place is Sea pines, even though there is no sea and there are no pines. My roommate, Sydney, who has a nickname for everything, calls it Sick Minds. Her nickname for me is S.T., for Silent Treatment.

(Page 4)

The Final Verdict:

I wouldn't recommend Cut to everyone, but if you want a really quick read, then this may just be the book for you.

FTC: Library.

Entice by Carrie Jones

Pages: 264

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenges: N/A

Release Date: December 7, 2010

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. 
But that's not quite how things have worked out. 

For starters, well, Nick is dead. 

Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? 

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: A-

Plot:

Wow. I had such high hopes for this book, and I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. I just couldn't get into it, and it was a really slow read (it took me a week to finish). I wish I would have liked it more, because I wanted to like it. 

Characters:

I didn't feel a connection to the characters, and I didn't really feel any empathy to way they were feeling or the actions that they made.

Writing:

Carrie Jones wasn't able to put me under a trance with this installment in the Need series, but that's not to say that I didn't enjoy her writing. 

Entice was action-packed with barely any slow moments in the plot, and she describes action scenes very well, without sounding like a robot.

Ending:

The ending makes me want to read the next book in the series (hasn't been titled yet, released 2012) so freaking badly! It was an excellent cliffhanger that drives you CRAZY wondering what will happen next.

Cover:

I love how all the covers relate towards each other. Entice is probably my favorite cover in the series so far because of how enchanting and magical it looks.

Lovely Line:

She raises an eyebrow and keeps hold of my wrist. "You are truly innocent, Miss Zara White. You even smell innocent. No . . . " her words trail off as she thinks. "You smell of innocence and power, unused power."

"And you smell of roses and mean." I rip my wrist away from her, desperate to find Astley and even more desperate to learn about Nick.

(Page 158)

The Final Verdict:

Though I didn't enjoy Entice as much as I was expecting/hoping to, I still recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first two books in the series, and to anyone who wants to continue on with the series.

Read my review of Need, the first book in the series, here.

Read my review of Captivate, the second book in the series, here.

FTC: Won.

Forever . . . by Judy Blume

Pages: 192

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Age Group: Young Adult (Mature Readers)

Challenges: N/A

Release Date: July 29, 1976

There's a first for everything.

When you build up something in your mind — really imagine it, wish for it — sometimes, when it actually happens, it doesn't live up to your expectations.

True love is nothing like that.

Especially not for Katherine and Michael, who can't get enough of each other. Their relationship is unique: sincere, intense, and fun all at the same time. Although they haven't been together all that long, they know it's serious. A whole world opens up as young passion and sexuality bloom.

But it's senior year of high school, and there are big changes ahead. Michael and Katherine are destined for another big "first": a decision. Is this the love of a lifetime, or the very beginning of a lifetime of love?

Stars: 3/5

Cover: B

Plot:

Katherine and Michael meet through their friends at a New Year's party. They're instantly attracted to each other, and get along great. Soon enough, they're going out, and falling fast in love.

Forever . . . is the story about your first love, and how not everything, as good as it may seem at the beginning, will have a perfect ending.

To tell you the truth, at first, I didn't really like this book. It started out slow, and I didn't feel any connection the book whatsoever.

It did pick up, though not a ton to where I just couldn't put it down.

Luckily enough, it was a pretty fast read.

Characters:

I didn't really like the characters too much. They weren't really anything exciting, and didn't have any distinguishing qualities about them.

I actually found Katherine's best friend, Erica, to be irritating. She kind of came across as a know-it-all and a little bit arrogant.

Writing:

Judy Blume's writing is pretty simple. It felt a lot of times like she was just telling me the story, instead of showing it to me.

There weren't really any descriptions, so when I tried to imagine the characters in my head all I could really see were blurred silhouettes. I feel like the only character she actually described was Michael.

One thing that bugged me about her writing is how many ellipses she uses, when a period would be just fine. It got to be excessive, and made the story appear to drag on.

Ending:

I actually really liked the ending. It wasn't the perfect happy fairytale ending, like a lot of romance books these days.

Cover:

There are a lot of different covers for this book, since it's been out for over thirty years, but I'm only going to talk about the most recent cover (the one pictured above).

I like how simple it is, but it's still eye-catching. The pastel covers make it look really soft, and overall, it's a really pretty cover.

Lovely Line:

"I'll show you around the place," he said.

Since I'd already seen the living room and the kitchen, we started with the bathroom. "Notice the indoor plumbing." Michael demonstrated how to flush the toilet.

"Very interesting," I told him.

"And hot and cold running water." He turned on both faucets.

"Luxurious."

(Page 90)

I thought that part was funny. :)

The Final Verdict:

This book, though not the best book I've ever read (and certainly not the worst), is a good, fast read.

I think Forever . . . is a book that all teen girls should read. Judy Blume is great at writing books that capture what growing up is all about. I remember reading her book for pre-teens, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret, when I was in fifth grade or something.

Her books are kind of like a tradition, because her mom read them when she was my age, and now I'm reading them.

Anyways, if your library has this book, check it out and spend the couple hours that it takes to read it.

FTC: I bought this book.

The Unidentified by Rae Mariz

Pages: 296
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Age Group: Young Adult
Challenges: N/A

Kid knows her school’s corporate sponsors not-so-secretly monitor her friendships and activities for market research. It’s all a part of the Game; the alternative education system designed to use the addictive kick from video games to encourage academic learning. Everyday, a captive audience of students ages 13-17 enter the nationwide chain store-like Game locations to play. 

When a group calling themselves The Unidentified simulates a suicide to protest the power structure of their school, Kid’s investigation into their pranks attracts unwanted attention from the sponsors. As Kid finds out she doesn't have rights to her ideas, her privacy, or identity, she and her friends look for a way to revolt in a place where all acts of rebellion are just spun into the next new ad campaign.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: A-

Plot:

Katey (Kid) participates in something called "the Game," where her and her friends test out high-tech products inside a refurbished mall. 

All is great, until a prank is pulled by people who call themselves the "Unidentified" (Hence, the title of the book). Then, Kid starts questioning everything about the way the Game works. 

As she starts to figure out who the Unidentified are, she begins to befriend them and see what she was too ignorant to see before.

The idea behind The Unidentified was pretty unique. I loved the whole dystopian, tech-y thing going on in this book.

But, I felt like the story got kind of dull in the middle and towards the end, so it was a little tough to get through it.

But, I pushed through the tough spots, and I'm really glad, too. 

Characters:

I loved the characters in this book. They were all so original and likable (well, most of them). They were pretty easy to relate to, and I loved the connections they all had with each other.

Also, the characters said some pretty funny things.

Writing:

The writing in this book was pretty good. Rae Mariz knows how to create an awesome dystopian world, down to the futuristic hairstyles. 

She made me want to be in Kid's world and experience The Game.

Ending:

The ending to the book was so-so. I think it tied up the book nicely (especially the last chapter) but it wasn't as climatic as I was expecting/hoping it to be.

Cover:

I love the cover for this book! It's really high-tech and modern-looking, and it completely goes with what the story's about.

I also love that the numbers along the side are the ISBN number.

Lovely Line:

Elijah didn't seem to notice the elaborate ritual taking place on Sophia's plate. He was probably used to it. But I had to ask, "Why are you skinning your pizza?"

"I like to deconstruct my food into as its composite parts when possible. There's an elemental purity to the act, and the essences of the ingredients are better appreciated separately."

"Oh." I watched her cut a small piece off her cheese heap and nibble it carefully.

"How do you eat soup?" Mikey asked.

"She hates soup." Elijah seemed amused.

"I don't hate it," Sophia said defensively. "I just don't trust it. I mean, what's it trying to hide?"

(Pages 137-138)

I love this quote because it shows the quirkiness of some of the characters.

The Final Verdict:

I would recommend you read this book. It was amusing, and the characters practically made the book. Though I gave it three stars, I still liked it, and I think dystopian fans will, too.

FTC: I received this book from Zoe.

You by Charles Benoit

This wasn't the way it was supposed to go.

You're just a typical fifteen-year-old sophomore, an average guy named Kyle Chase. This can't be happening to you. But then, how do you explain all the blood? How do you explain how you got here in the first place?

There had to have been signs, had to have been some clues it was coming. Did you miss them, or ignore them? Maybe if you can figure out where it all went wrong, you can still make it right. Or is it already too late? Think fast, Kyle. Time's running out. How did this happen?

You is the riveting story of fifteen-year-old Kyle and the small choices he does and doesn't make that lead to his own destruction.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: B

You follows Kyle, a guy with everything in his life falling apart, and the events leading up to when he basically snaps. 

This book was really unique. First of all, this book is told in second person, which is pretty rare with books, I think. Also, I liked the fact that the end and the beginning had the same words, and it was almost like you could have ended the book, gone back and restarted it, and it would've been like a circle (sort of like The Outsiders). Yes, I do realize that last sentence made absolutely no sense. Please forgive my tired brain.

This book made me feel a couple of things: anger and sadness.

I thought that Kyle's home situation with his dad was depressing. I also felt bad for him that everyone basically assumed he was just a no-good loser who wasn't worth anything just because he was a "hoodie." I mostly felt anger at the end of the book, when Kyle gets screwed over by (I'm not going to say his name so that I don't give away the story). Anyways, the person just made me so mad! I could really understand where Kyle was getting all of his anger from.

This book was an extremely fast read, being just over two hundred pages, and the font big and the words pretty spaced apart, but it still took me three days to finish. For whatever reason, I didn't really get into the book until the very end.

I didn't think this book was fantastic, but I didn't think it was horrible, either. It was just kind of . . . there. I don't know. I don't feel like I wasted my time in reading it, though, which is good.

Another comment: I thought the ending was kind of weird. Not bad, but it just left me a little bit curious. Just sayin'.

I would recommend this book to people, just so that they can make their own opinions about it. 

FTC: I got this book from Zoe.