Review: A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond

272 pages

Published October 13th 2015 

Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers 

Source: Publisher

Rating: 3/5

Claire and Ella and their friends are bound by ties so strong they seem unbreakable. Then the strange and handsome Orpheus strolls onto the beach, and he sings them all into an astonishing new understanding of themselves. Ella is caught the hardest, fastest, deepest—and Claire feels the pain of looking on.

Raw, emotional, lyrical, and funny, A Song for Ella Grey is a tale the joys, troubles, and desires of modern teens. It takes place in the ordinary streets of Tyneside and on the beautiful beaches of Northumberland. It’s a story of first love, a love song that draws on ancient mythical forces. A love that leads Ella, Orpheus, and Claire to the gates of Death and beyond.

A Song for Ella Grey is...trippy. I'm not sure there's a better way to put it. To be honest, I don't know how I A) finished it and B) understood more than half of it. I was confused more often than not, many paragraphs felt heavy and out of place, and I only stuck to it because I figured things will wrap up at the end. No luck. 

This book is inspired by the (very) tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. When Eurydice dies, Orpheus follows her to hell. He is told that he can take Eurydice with him, as long as he doesn't look at her until they are out underworld. Yes, you guessed it, Orpheus turns around when they are about to exit and his love is sent back. I'm telling you this because it isn't a spoiler. The author shares this story at the beginning of the book, as an author's note. Keeping this in mind, I was able to follow his story a little bit better but I still didn't get most of this retelling.  The narrator is Ella's friend, Claire. She's in love with Ella (our Eurydice) so everything that happens with Orpheus is extra tragic. Claire is an unreliable narrator so this adds a little something special to the story. 

I think I had a difficult time with this book because I wasn't familiar with David Almond's style. I'm not sure if I'll ever read another one of his books but definitely pick up this book if you're looking for a strange/unique reading experience. 

Blog Tour: We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

256 pages

Published May 12th 2015 

Published by Wendy Lamb Books

Source: Publisher

Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially clueless. 

Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the undisputed “It” girl in her class, but her grades stink.

Their worlds are about to collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. Stewart is trying to be 89.9 percent happy about it, but Ashley is 110 percent horrified. She already has to hide the real reason her dad moved out; “Spewart” could further threaten her position at the top of the social ladder.

They are complete opposites. And yet, they have one thing in common: they—like everyone else—are made of molecules.

This is the story of two complete opposites: Steward is your typical nerd while Ashley is the mean girl we all love to hate. What happens when Steward's father moves in with Ashley's mother? Beautiful chaos,  that's what. 

We Are All Made of Molecules is the perfect book for anyone in their teens. It handles tough subjects with a hint of humor that keeps everything heartwarming and relatively light. The writing is clever and witty. I loved the use of the two points of view and how the story progressed for both of the main characters.  Steward and Ashley shine in their own way and are rich characters that have the potential to help younger readers in a moment of need. I do have to admit that Ashley made me a little bit upset because she can be slightly annoying but enough character development is there to get you through her obnoxious stage. Now, to balance that out, Steward's story is very touching. He lost his mother and he has to put up with bullying at school. His positive nature is so well done and I couldn't help but love him. 

Even though this novel didn't blow me away, I enjoyed the journey. I loved that it features diverse characters and that it could introduce teens to important issues.  Keep in mind that this reads more like MG than YA. This didn't bother me but it might be an issue for some of you. 

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

307 pages

Expected publication: September 1st 2015 

Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

This innovative, heartfelt debut novel tells the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

You know when you pick up a book at random and then it turns into the best book you've ever read so you stay up all night to finish it but then you don't want it to end? Everything, Everything is that kind of book. 

Eighteen-year-old Madeline is allergic to the world. She has been locked in her house since she was a baby. So what happens when the boy next door makes her want more? Beautiful heartbreak, that's what. 

Honestly, I've never felt so happy that a publisher accepted my request. I knew I wanted to send them flowers and my firstborn child pretty early on, probably 20% in (yes, this book is THAT good). Usually, I make a list of the ARCs that I really enjoyed so I can buy a finished copy at some point. This book didn't make the list...because I can't wait to buy a copy. I've never wanted a finished copy so much in my life. I want to cherish this book forever. I want to reread it every year. I want to pass it on to friends and force strangers to read it. I want to write poetry about it. I want to embrace it and never let it go.  I'm so in love with it that I can hardly contain myself. 

Just in case you're on the fence (come on, people!) the MC is half Japanese and half African American. Diversity! How awesome is that? Besides, this book is so unique. It even has gorgeous illustrations done by the author's husband. And the way the story develops....

Unexpected doesn't even cover it. 

I'm sure Everything, Everything will be the best book of the year for a lot of people. It definitely deserves all the love. Now, Nicola Yoon, is it too soon to ask for your next novel? 

Blog Tour: Stone Rider by David Hofmeyr {Review}

336 pages

Published: July 14th 2015 

Published by: Delacorte

Source: Publisher

"Intense, original, compelling . . . bristles with attitude. So cool. Just read it."--Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Gone and BZRK

In the vein of The Outsiders and the early Western novels of Elmore Leonard, this inventive debut novel, a cross between the cult classic Mad Max movie series and Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, blends adrenaline-fueled action with an improbable yet tender romance to offer a rich and vivid portrayal of misfits and loners forced together in their struggle for a better life.

Adam Stone wants freedom and peace. He wants a chance to escape Blackwater, the dust-bowl desert town he grew up in. Most of all, he wants the beautiful Sadie Blood. Alongside Sadie and the dangerous outsider Kane, Adam will ride the Blackwater Trail in a brutal race that will test them all, body and soul. Only the strongest will survive.

The prize? A one-way ticket to Sky-Base and unimaginable luxury.

And for a chance at this new life, Adam will risk everything. 

Stone Rider has a little of a Red Rising meets The Hunger Games vibe to it. Even though I found the beginning to be a tiny bit slow, it picks up rather quickly and It. Does. Not. Stop. Every twist and turn is packed with action and intensity. Basically, I had a ton of fun reading this book. 

The concept is so cool! I love that the author made the "bykes" that the characters used to ride in the Blackwater Trail feel like an additional character. It made the race that much more special and unique. Speaking of characters, I really liked them all. Even though the "villains" were a little too out there for my liking,  I didn't have a major issue with any of the characters. Sadie, the love interest, is an amazing/strong/independent young woman and I can't tell you how much I loved that aspect of the story. 

There's a twist at the end and I think it surprised me because I wasn't paying attention but I love that the book was able to shock me. Upon finishing the book, I felt like I wasn't entirely satisfied but I enjoyed the ride enough that I would love to read anything David Hofmeyr comes up with next. 

Action-packed, fun, and thrilling, Stone Rider is a wild ride. I finished the book thinking that it was part of a series. I can't find anything to support this and I'm freaking out a little bit. I need to know more! So should I start a petition for a sequel now or is it too soon? 

 
Praise for Stone Rider:

“The gritty, nonstop action and violence will appeal especially to reluctant readers.”—School Library Journal

“Filled with action and suspense and cool character reveals…an exciting, action-packed romp.”—Kirkus Reviews

The author: 

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Review: Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

 391 pages

Published: July 23rd, 2013 

Published by: Delacorte Press

Source: Purchased

Rating: 5/5

In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret... 

In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.

Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe. 

As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.

As far as I'm concerned, retelling are awesome so I'm always looking for new ones. This one caught my eye for two reasons: I love the concept of Beauty & the Beast and the cover is gorgeous. I looked it up on Goodreads before I bought it and the ratings were pretty good, too.  I'm so glad I bought it. Here's why:

Princess Isra is our beast. Sheltered and blind, Isra is seen as weak and unimportant by her people. Their existence relies on the power of the roses and the dome keeping them isolated from the dangers of the outside world. Isra's destiny is to sacrifice herself to the enchanted roses to keep the balance in her city. When Gem is captured during a mission to steal the roses, Isra begins to question her past, present, and future.

As far as retellings go, this one is great. The characters are truly fantastic. Isra's blindness makes for an interesting perspective. There's a lot more detail about what she hears and how she manages to travel throughout her city. Gem's hatred is evident and on point with the original. Together, they're a great foundation to this story. Of Beast and Beauty keeps the same dark tone of the original while adding elements that took me by surprise. The pace is just right and the development of the relationship between Gem and Isra happens gradually. The story is told through multiple points of views--mainly those of Gem and Isra--and the struggle happening inside both of them is fascinating to read. The world building was surprisingly good. I wasn't expecting such intricate details about the story between the Smooth Skins and the Monstrous. As a whole, Of Beast and Beauty creates a great atmosphere and does not take away from the original. 

If I'm not mistaken, Stacey Jay wrote a Romeo & Juliet retelling called Juliet Immortal. Based on my experience with this book, I'm looking forward to reading more of her work! 

ARC Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

240 pages

Expected publication: May 13th 2014 

Published by: Delacorte Press

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

How do I even review something like We Were Liars? That's the question I asked myself every night for weeks. How do I talk about it without really taking about it? You know? But I came up with a strategy. This is me being as vague as possible while at the same time urging you to read a book you know nothing about. Enjoy.

This is my first experience with E. Lockhart's writing and it couldn't have been any better. It is lyrical and captivating. It touches your every nerve and stays in your head long after you read the last page. For that fact alone, We Were Liars deserves a million stars.

Since We Were Liars is such a intense novel, I came up with a formula for a pleasant reading experience:

Stop. Rewind. Reread. Repeat a couple of pages later.

You can thank me later. 

As you can gather from the synopsis, an accident takes place at some point in the book (it happens early on but Lockhart keeps you in the dark until the last few pages) and the rest of the novel is based on how it impacts the characters. Our narrator, seventeen year old Cadence Sinclair Eastman, doesn't remember the accident so her accounts are very unreliable. Lies upon lies. The little she recalls from that night is introduced slowly, making it nearly impossible to piece the puzzle together.

Cadence spends her summers with her friends, two of which are relatives. Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat. Always together during the summer, always in the same place. They are referred to as "the four liars," which immediate raises red flags. Not knowing if you can trust anything being said makes for such an interesting reading experience. These teenagers--excluding Gat since he's not part of the family--are rich, entitled, selfish, and as far from likable as you can get. Somehow, these characters work so well with the story that you are left feeling conflicted and devastated by the turn of events. I didn't want to become invested in their lives and I definitely didn't want to care about them. I ended up getting emotionally attached to their stories without even realizing it.

Now, let's discuss the way this story ends. Just kidding. Whatever you think might be going on is probably far from the truth. Was the ending a little bit pretentious? Maybe. It doesn't make it any less shocking, though. I think I have a very good poker face while I'm reading but I honestly couldn't keep the emotions in check while reading the conclusion. Once that bomb hits you---and Lockhart is pretty merciless in the way she delivers it to you---you WILL look like this:

Guaranteed.

I've never felt the urge to discuss the ending of a book as I do with this one. I had my theories but I didn't see it coming. At all. Never in a million years. Nope. Okay, I'm done.  In all seriousness, I can't wait until this book comes out so I can A) read other people's reaction and B) I can finally talk about the "accident" with everyone.

At the end of the day, We Were Liars is a brilliantly written novel that manages to capture you emotionally before you even finish the first chapter. It might not be for everyone but I couldn't find anything I didn't like. As a blogger, I'm instantly in love with an ARC that compels me to place a pre-order. That's when I know for certain that the novel is something special. That's exactly happened with We Were Liars. I couldn't place the order fast enough. If you're looking for a book that has the perfect blend between unique and beautiful, please do yourself a favor and get a copy May 13th!

ARC Review: And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

240 pages

Expected publication: January 28th, 2014 

Published by: Delacorte Press

When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self.

This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one but I jumped at the chance to review it because I've never read anything like it before. And We Stay deals with a complicated and delicate subject matter, one that could've been glorified or handled inappropriately. Fortunately, this novel is so well written that you get lost in Emily Beam's life and become part of her tragic story. The fact that her boyfriend chose to end his own life in front of her, at their school, is dissected and presented in a very realistic way. What I loved most about this novel is that Emily doesn't blame Paul for what he did. Most of what we learn about Paul and his life before that fateful day at the Grenfell County High School Library is rather positive, making his decision to take his own life heartbreaking for the reader. 

The story starts at the end, when Emily Beam arrives at the Amherst School for Girls, and works its way through Emily's past. Both the past and the present are told in a really interesting and unique way. The poems portray everything that is left unspoken while events from the past are intertwined with moments from her present. Little reminders sneak into Emily's daily life, which make her relive those moments in time with Paul that she wants to forget.

Emily's character is very interesting. She's a complicated protagonist; isolated and sometimes rather rude. She lives in her head, which makes her poetry so telling and important to her journey. I couldn't help but be moved by her story and infuriated by her decisions when Paul was alive. Emily's roommate, K.T., is a bizarre character. I'm still not sure whether I liked her or not. As for Emily's boyfriend, I am still fascinated by the complexity of a character who made such an awful decision but inspirited Emily to write so many beautiful and heartbreaking poems.

One aspect of the novel that I overlooked---or completely forgot about---is the presence of Emily Dickinson. To say that it was a pleasant surprise is the understatement of the century. I've been obsessed reading her poetry since middle school so having her be such a dominant part of this novel is amazing.  Which brings me to my next point: the poetry. Jenny Hubbard has a gift and I appreciate her existence very much. The poems in this novel were windows to Emily's soul and her personal struggles. They take Hubbard's story to the next level. They reach into your soul and make you reread them. They make you cherish them for what they are: works of art. Every single poem is exquisite and deserves to be read and admired by as many people as possible. 

The only issue I had with this one is that sometimes the writing overshadowed the story itself (which is a compliment to Jenny Hubbard and her stunning poetry skills). Sometimes I was so caught up and emotionally damaged from a poem that I couldn't react to the story as it was unfolding. I also wish that the dialogue was stronger but it isn't a deal-breaker. The novel stands at 240 pages long, which usually means that the story is powerful enough to be so short. This is exactly the case for And We Stay. Hubbard used every single one of those pages to tell a very poignant story that will haunt me for a very long time.

Can we just talk about the cover for just a second? It is gripping and beautiful. I would gravitate to it even if I didn't know anything about the story itself. However, what you might not know at first sight is that the story is as stunning as the cover. Actually, to call it stunning doesn't do it justice. The writing is so spectacular that there wasn't a simple moment where I wasn't rejoicing at the beauty of it all. 

If you want to read a very emotional and expertly written novel about lost and the effect of suicide on those left behind, definitely pick this one up. I would not only recommend this novel to just about anyone but I also cannot wait for January 28th so I can buy myself a copy.

Note: I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

ARC Review: BEING SLOANE JACOBS by Lauren Morrill [Book Blitz]

352 pages

Expected publication: January 7th, 2014 

Published by: Delacorte

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

Where do I even start? Should I fangirl over the fact that I am officially in love with Lauren Morrill's novels? Should I tell you that Being Sloane Jacobs is the sweetest novel to hit my shelves since Meant to Be? Or should I just quit the yapping and get to the review?

Alright, let me just tell you that Being Sloane Jacobs is ADORABLE. Yes, it deserves all caps. Do you remember the Disney Channel Original Movies you watched in your early teens? This is the best way to describe Lauren Morrill's latest novel. It reminded me of my childhood in such a way that I couldn't help but reminisce about the movies I enjoyed back in the day. The novel has the same likability factor and entertaining value. I had so much fun reading it from beginning to end. I'm not saying it had a ton of depth or that there aren't any loopholes in the "switching places" concept. However, at the end of the day, what you see is what you get. You can't tell me that the cover doesn't scream "FUN, CUTE, AND ENJOYABLE YA CONTEMPORARY NOVEL" because look at it! It tells you all you need to know. What I didn't expect was the complexity of the backstory of both of the Sloanes.  Morrill doesn't rely on the switch to carry the story. She peels back layer upon layer of their complicated lives, which makes the story a lot more unique and interesting. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to anticipate the climax and conclusion of the story but I enjoyed the journey nevertheless. I particularly loved the Epilogue but I'm not going to spoil it for you.

While I couldn't necessarily relate to the characters,  I really liked their stories and cared enough about them to keep reading.  Even though the novel is romance-heavy, I don't feel like I learned enough about the love interests to connect with them. This is a real shame because they were kind of dreamy.  I am a sports fanatic so the hockey/figure skating aspect of the novel was awesome. The skating scenes were written beautifully.  I believe Lauren Morrill plays roller derby and I can tell she knows her stuff.  She wrote the skating scenes carefully, paying close attention to the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I also love the fact that both girls are athletes in their own right. I haven't read a lot (if any) YA novels where the main female characters play a competitive sport.  I don't know if I haven't been looking hard enough or if strong/sporty female characters are lacking in the YA world.

I love that she incorporated traveling into both of her novels. I am mildly obsessed with stories that take place anywhere outside of the USA so I love her for exploring Montreal and London (especially London).  Lauren Morrill reminds me so much of Stephanie Perkins and Meg Cabot.  Her writing is witty and fun. I just want to be her best friend, you know? She is too cool. Meant to Be (review can be found here) is one of my favorite YA contemporary novels and I am confident to say that I can add Being Sloane Jacobs to the list.


About the author:

Lauren Elizabeth Morrill is many things, including, but not limited to, a writer, an educator, a badass roller derby skater, a former band nerd, an aggressive driver, and a die-hard Mac person. She also watches a lot of TV, eats a lot of junk food, and drinks a lot of Coke. It's a wonder her brain and teeth haven't rotted out of her head.

Note: If you can't get enough of Lauren Morrill, she has two novels coming out in 2015 (The Trouble With Destiny) & 2016 (My Unscripted Life)! So we can consider ourselves lucky. :)

I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

304 pages

Published: November 13th, 2012 

Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Julia Lichtenstein is your typical rule-abiding, straight A student. In a class trip to London, she is partnered with her polar opposite, Jason Lippincott. The roller-coaster that transpires (including but not limited to: parties, texting a mysterious stranger, and (gasp) lots of rule breaking) is more than enough to turn Julia's world upside down and catapult her to the adventure of a lifetime.


1) Do you like London?
2) Do you want to smile like an idiot and/or laugh like a fool?
3) Do you have a couple of hours to spare?

If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, READ THIS BOOK.

I devoured this novel. "Just one more chapter" at two in the morning is usually a sign that the book I'm reading is good. I might be a little biased since A) I've been to London, B) I love it more than life itself, and C) I miss it terribly. This is the reason I picked it up in the first place. A book set in London and one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen? I had to get my hands on it.

As far a the book itself, the story is not out of this world but I enjoyed it just the same. Lauren Morrill's writing is hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. The story is light and fast-paced while the characters are entertaining and surprisingly likable.  The cover itself gives you a glimpse of what you're in for and this novel is undeniably as adorable as it looks.

This book is a fun, quick read and you should definitely pick it up if you're looking for a book to read this summer.