Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Shannon from Flight Into Fancy was just finishing up this book and I hadn't reviewed it yet (big surprise), so we decided to review it together! Below are my answers to her questions, but you can head over to her blog to read her answers to mine.

Clay Jensen’s first love records her last words.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah’s voice explains that there are thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah’s pain, and learns the truth about himself–a truth he never wanted to face.

What was your reaction to the book? I'm assuming you read the print copy, while I listened to the audio. Which would you have preferred?

I think I actually should have listened to the audio. The print version was effective, and I think got the point across, but because of the format of the events that played out I think the audio would have been a better experience. I might reread the book down the road and get the audio version that time. I just never think about getting the audio to books, so it never even occurred to me this time around. If the option is there, though, I would get the audio version. That being said, I still thought that she wrote a very good book version that still left you thinking in the end. It's a book that sticks with you, I think.

What did you think of the list itself? Was there anyone you don't think should have been on there?

It's hard for me to judge who should and should not have been on the list. It's not my list. I might look at one of the events that lead to the person being on the tape as minor, but to her it was a major thing. Unless you are experiencing the events for yourself, it is not really for you to judge how they should effect a person. Obviously, junior high and high school is difficult for most people, but not always for the same reasons. A lot of what is talked about on the tape, I can almost relate to from my high school days, but then other things are entirely out of my realm of real understanding because it didn't happen to me. In many cases Hannah Baker felt powerless and voiceless, but she has found a way to get that last word in. She might have made it so the same things don't happen to other young adults. It is really hard to say. It goes to show you that what may seem minor to you, though, can be a very major thing to someone else. People need to keep that in mind. Frankly, I am sure I need to keep that in mind.

Do you think the story would have worked as well if it had been told through someone else's POV, or do you think the narrator had to be Clay?

I think the narrator had to be Clay. He was such an effective narrator for the events of the book. He actually felt something for Hannah, while the other people on the list could really careless. Through him we got to know more than what the tape was showing, so that developed her character even more. Plus, I really felt for Clay. If anyone else was narrating I might have felt bad that they had to be dealt with in such an extreme way, but I also would have thought they deserved something for treating people so horribly. It wouldn't have been as effective. I mean, Clay was really agonizing over what he possibly could have done to Hannah. Then, when he finds out, you find out with him, and you really feel bad for the guy. Do I think it was fair he was on the tape? Maybe not, but I think he was the best choice for the narrator.

Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon

Lil is an old woman who spends her days shelving rare books in a tiny Manhattan bookstore and lonely nights at home in her apartment. But Lil has an intriguing secret. Tucked and bound behind her back are white feathery wings–the only key to who she once was: the fairy godmother responsible for getting Cinderella to the ball to unite with her Prince Charming.

But on that fateful night, something went terribly and beautifully wrong. Lil allowed herself the unthinkable: to feel the emotions of human beings and fall in love with the prince herself, going to the ball in place of Cinderella in her exquisitely gorgeous human guise. For her unforgivable mistake, she was banished to live among humans, far from her fairy sisters and their magical underwater world. But then one day she meets Veronica–a young, fair-skinned, flame-haired East Village beauty with a love of all things vintage and a penchant for falling in love with the wrong men–and suddenly it becomes clear to Lil that she’s been given a chance at redemption. If she can find a soul mate for Veronica, she may right her wrong and return to the fairy world she so deeply longs for. . . .

Talk about taking forever to review a book! I started this book, paused in reading, and then finished it a bit later, so it feels like it was a long time ago that I read it. Instead, it was only a matter of months ago... (Oh, is that all? I am sure you are thinking that!)

Title and author of book: Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story by Carolyn Turgeon

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Fantasy. Fairy-tale retelling.

What led you to pick up this book? The title. I think I might have seen a couple reviews, too, but it was the title that first drew me to reading it.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? Let me show you. This is the first paragraph in the book:

I loved arriving at the bookstore first thing in the morning, when the streets were still quiet, the sun half risen, and the whole place felt like a secret meeting room. I liked walking through the still-dark city, as if I were wading through air--the buildings like shadows looming on either side of me, the streets rushing forward in black rivers. There was something about the empty store, too, the books piled all around, that made you want to whisper and walk as slowly as you could. The city was always on top of you, pressing in, but the moment you stepped inside Daedalus Books, it felt like you'd closed your eyes and gone to sleep.

The minute I read those words, I was in love! That is how I feel, but I don't work at a bookstore. As a book lover, I am going to be drawn to another book lover. It is just how it works, and I think Turgeon caught my attention very successfully! I also enjoyed the story. It was a different take on the on fairies, even if it was a retelling of the very famous 'Cinderella' story. Haven't you ever wanted to hear the Godmother side of the story? It is about time, really. The characters in this book were great, too.

What did you like least? You know, this book really should be on my top reads of the year. I loved the original story! I think she sold me on the book theme, really. It wasn't hard to keep my attention after that.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? This is my first. I plan to read more, though.

What did you think of the main character? When you are young, even now really, you must've had moments where you wished for your very own fairy godmother to come and help you with all of your problems, right? Well, now we are learning that life was not so simple for this fairy godmother. We are learning what it was like to be a fairy and be assigned the job to make the prince fall in love with a girl that has lead a very rough life. I felt for the main character. Life had not been kind to her because the 'popular' version of the story is not the real story (according to her). This was the secret revealed and I really fell in love with the main character.

What about the ending? By now you are probably wondering why if I had so many good things to say about this book, I didn't include it in my top reads of the year. Very simply... I can't make up my mind about the ending! To be very truthful, I hated the way the book ended. The problem is, I am not sure it is because it was a bad ending, or if it was more that I was very invested in the story and the character and felt like her at the end. It could have been a horrible ending, but at the same time, it could have been a very brilliant ending. Even months later I can't make up my mind. Sometimes I wish I had stopped before the ending and still was reveling in the magic of the story, but at the same time, reading the ending was necessary. I think the ending was a let-down for me. It's the only reason I didn't love this book. Everything else, for me, was perfect!

I still think you should read the book. It is such a magical tale and I can think of so many regular readers of my blog that would probably quite enjoy the story. If you do read it, though, be sure and email me about the ending. I would love to hear what other people thought!

My thanks to Random House for this book! Cross-posted at Twisted Kingdom.

Robot Dreams by Sara Varon

This moving, charming graphic novel about a dog and a robot shows us in poignant detail how powerful and fragile relationships are. After a Labor Day jaunt to the beach leaves the robot rusted, immobilized in the sand, the dog must return alone to the life they shared. But the memory of their friendship lingers, and as the seasons pass, the dog tries to fill the emotional void left by the loss of his closest friend, making and losing a series of friends, from a melting snowman to epicurean anteaters. But for the robot, lying rusting on the beach, the only relief from loneliness is in dreams.

Title and author of book: Robot Dreams by Sara Varon

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Graphic Novel. Fantasy?

What led you to pick up this book? I have seen a couple of reviews that made it look promising, so I figured I would give it a try.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? I liked this book because it was different. It is not like anything I had read before, to be truthful. You had to make your own impressions about the book based on the pictures. There were no words telling you exactly what was going on. This meant that the artist had to be able to draw pictures that were clear. It also meant that each person that 'reads' this book might not get the same impression from it. That made it fresh, which really interested me.

What did you like least? On the other hand, I am finding that I am not very good at 'reading' books by use of pictures. I think at heart I am a novel girl. I like words and I find that I have a hard time remembering to pay attention the pictures. I expect the words to tell me everything that is going on. At least with this book there were no words, so you had to pay attention to the pictures. While I did like this book, though, it is not something that I need to read a lot of. Plus, I am glad I got it from the library because it wouldn't be worth it to me to own it.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? No. This was my first.

What did you think of the main character? I think there were two main characters: the dog and the robot. I felt bad for both of them. The dog lost his best friend and spends the book trying to replace that experience, but it doesn't really work out for him. He cannot get over the loss of his friend. The robot, on the other hand, is trapped on a closed beach. He does not have any options other than to dream, so that is what he does. Varon does a good job making you feel for the characters. I was pretty impressed by this!

What about the ending? I had no major problems with the ending. Saying any more than that, though, would be a spoiler!

While this is not my favourite method of reading a book, I do have to say that I enjoyed this at the same time. While I won't be rushing out to buy it, I do recommend it.

Marked: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Book 1)

Enter the dark, magical world of The House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed. Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just been Marked as a fledgling vampyre and joins the House of Night, a school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change--and not all of those who are Marked do. It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint her human ex-boyfriend. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Title and author of book: Marked: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Book 1)

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young Adult Fiction. Fantasy. Paranormal.

What led you to pick up this book? I know a lot of people that love them, and since it is a genre that I enjoy, I thought I would give them a try.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? I liked that the authors came up with an original idea. With all the paranormal books on the market right now they are getting a bit monotonous. This series has the promise of being different. I did like the characters, too. They were interesting and interacted well together, but they were a bit predictable.

What did you like least? Don't kill me! I am just weird, but I don't like this series. I didn't like the writing and found everything a bit predictable. I also found it all a bit juvenile, but I suppose that is the marketing age. They do have a great idea here, but I don't think they pulled it off very well for me. It was a bit cliched, too. All the characters fulfilled a different role that was expected. It was like a stereotypical school. I couldn't find myself loving it, so I don't imagine I will be carrying on with the series. There are just better ones out there that I would much rather spend my time on. Even though I thought the story seemed different, in the end I just thought it was ridiculous! I just didn't find it very plausible, I guess. I am not sure what it was. It just didn't work for me.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? Nope!

What did you think of the main character? I didn't like her. She just about drove me crazy, actually. I did like a few of the secondary characters, though, but she told the story so I had to put up with her throughout. It was a bit strange how she got to the school in the first place, but then everything got so predictable. There was no spark to her character. The authors tried to make it surprising, but it was really just dull. Like I said about, she was cliched.

What about the ending? Another book that I was happy to see come to an end! I had the second book out from the library, but I decided that there were other books that I wanted to read a lot more and took it back unread.

Sorry, everyone. Just not my thing!

The Winter Prince by Elizabeth E. Wein

Let's be frank. I really didn't care for this book. The only reason I am reviewing it is because it was supposedly one of my reads for the Once Upon a Time III challenge. It also means that I hardly remember it, so not sure how this review will go!

Medraut is the eldest son of Artos, high king of Britain and, but for an accident of birth, would be heir to the throne. Instead, his younger half-brother, Lleu, fragile and inexperienced, is chosen. Medraut cannot bear to be commanded and contradicted by this weakling brother who he feels has usurped both his birthright and his father's favor. Torn and bitter, he joins Morgause, the high king's treacherous sister, in a plot to force Artos to forfeit his power and kingdom in exchange for Lleu's life. But this plot soon proves to be much more-a battlefield on which Medraut is forced to decide, for good or evil, where his own allegiance truly lies.

Title and author of book: The Winter Prince by Elizabeth E. Wein

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young Adult Fiction. Fantasy; Arthurian Retelling.

What led you to pick up this book? I saw it on a blog. I can't remember which blog now, but the fact that it was an Arthurian retelling drew me to it. I think I had too high of an expectation.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The fact that it was an Arthurian retelling that was a bit different than the regular ones. I liked that it was a fresh take on an old story.

What did you like least? Everything. I couldn't get wrapped up in this story. It took me a few days to read it and it is a really short book! I don't like Wein's writing style. I found myself skimming a lot of the time because I just didn't care to read everything that she had written. I also didn't really feel a connection with the characters. When you write such a short book you need to include things that catch the readers attention very quickly, but really I wanted to stop reading every step of the way. I just stuck with it because I thought it was just me and that if I kept at it she might start to grow on me, but that never happened.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? Nope! I had the sequel out from the library, but I brought it back unread. I find there are lots of other books that are calling to me more than trying to figure out what happens next in this series.

What did you think of the main character? The characters were not memorable. If I really like a book, I will remember the characters even if I cannot remember their names. With this book, I only have vague memories about who the characters were and what their purpose to the story was. Wein did not write characters that stuck with me at all.

What about the ending? I was happy to get to the ending and be finished with it! You know there is going to be a sequel, but I do not find myself rushing out to read it. It just ended and I moved on to the next and better book.

Jellicoe Road by Melinda Marchetta

So, this was supposed to be posted on Saturday. It's late... I will leave it at that! Here is my joint review with Heather from A High and Hidden Place.

"What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future.

What did you think of Taylor Markham? Did your opinion change as the novel progressed or stay the same?
In the beginning I was not very fond of Taylor. She was a bit whiny and annoying. I know she had a hard life, but it was no fun to read about her. She annoyed me so much in the beginning that I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to read the book. She grew on me, though. Once you get to know her and see where she is coming from she is really not that bad. It took me a good part of the book to like her, though. She is a troubled youth, but it is her attitude towards other people that bothered me the most. She was justified in being angry with her parents, but she was taking it out on the world. My opinion changed as the book went along, so it was worth all the annoyance in the beginning.

What are your thoughts on the cover? Did it make sense for the book at all? Do you like it?
It's not that I don't like the cover, but we all know that as much as we shouldn't we judge a book by the cover. This cover doesn't really convey to me what the book is about. It doesn't tell me what to expect. I read it based on reviews by bloggers, though, so I can't say whether or not I would have picked it up based on the cover alone. I might have. It's an interesting cover that is different than most of the ones that you see on the shelf. I can't say I hate it, but I don't really love it, either.

What did you think of the juxtaposition of Taylor’s first-person narrative and Hannah’s third-person omniscient “novel” in the book?
This was my favourite part of the book. This is why I kept reading. In the beginning, I think I was a bit confused about what exactly was going on, but as the pieces started to fall into place I was captivated. I love stories in stories. I had some of the mysteries and secrets figured out, but I was still very impressed with how Melinda pulled things off. I liked how everything was connected, even if you didn't always know it at the time, and that by the end of the book all the mysteries are solved. In a world of series and trilogies, it was nice to get to the bottom of things in one book. I was left thinking 'wow' at the end, and not trying to figure on what just went on. I like that in a book.

Who was your favorite secondary character?
I loved the characters in the story that Hannah was telling. They were a great group of people. Hannah is a great character, too, but she is not in the book as much as you would expect. You just get to know her through her writing. Frankly, I can't think of a secondary character that I didn't like. They all brought something to the book in their own way and were wonderfully written. I think that Marchetta has great promise as a writer. I plan to read more from her!

I should point out that this book took me a few pages to get in to. It was not one of those books that grabbed me from the very first page. It was worth it, though. While this didn't make my top reads of the first part of the year, it does not mean that it is not one of my favourite books! Heather rated it a 4.5 out of 5, and if I still did ratings I would agree. It is definitely worth the little bit of extra work to get into it. It isn't that the beginning is bad, it is that there are things going on that you don't really understand in the beginning. By the end, though, you will be wiser and more appreciative of the story.

Also, this is a Printz winner, so I finally reviewed one of the Printz books I read. Yay!

Happy Canada Day!

In honour of Canada Day, I am going to do mini-reviews of the last few books I read for the 2nd Canadian Challenge, Eh? It finishes today, so it would be a good plan to finish things up.

The Golden Phoenix and Other Fairy Tales from Quebec Edited by Marius Barbeau & Michael Hornyansky

Vasilly asks: What were some of your favorite tales in the book, The Golden Phoenix? Should I read it?

I read this book quite a while ago because Nicola reviewed it. I love fairy tales, so what better to read than a collection released by Canadians. It was a really worthwhile read, I must say. The stories were ones that I had heard before, in many cases, but they had been retold probably through the generations orally. These two men took the oral stories and wrote them down for everyone to enjoy. To see the transformation made the book that much more enjoyable. The book follows a lot of the common trends in fairy tales: There is the repetition, the use of the number three, the successful youngest brother winning over his two older ones, etc. It should be read and enjoyed by more. Unfortunately, I didn't write down which stories I enjoyed and I already returned it to the library. I will say that I think I enjoyed all eight of the stories, though, and I do recommend it.

Scott Pilgrim: Precious Little Life - Volume 1 by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim's life is totally sweet. He's 23 years old, he's in a rock band, he's "between jobs," and he's dating a cute high school girl. Nothing could possibly go wrong, unless a seriously mind-blowing, dangerously fashionable, rollerblading delivery girl named Ramona Flowers starts cruising through his dreams and sailing by him at parties. Will Scott's awesome life get turned upside-down? Will he have to face Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends in battle? The short answer is yes. The long answer is Scott Pilgrim, Volume 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life.

This book was just a fun read. Scott Pilgrim is one of those characters that everyone would love. It's funny because in many ways, it is a book about nothing. It is just Scott's life told in comic book form. He is in his twenties, lives with a guy, has no stuff of his own, plays video games, and belongs to a band. Then, there are the girls, of course. You think it is just going to be a typical down on his luck guy, but then O'Malley surprises you. I am looking forward to more in this series. Frankly, I think it is so stupid in premise that it makes it great!

Lost at Sea by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Raleigh doesn't have a soul. A cat stole it - or at least that's what she tells people - or at least that's what she would tell people if she told people anything. But that would mean talking to people, and the mere thought of social interaction is terrifying. How did such a shy teenage girl end up in a car with three of her hooligan classmates on a cross-country road trip? Being forced to interact with kids her own age is a new and alarming proposition for Raleigh, but maybe it's just what she needs - or maybe it can help her find what she needs - or maybe it can help her to realize that what she needs has been with her all along.

This was a good graphic novel. The artwork was well-done, the characters were interesting, and the story kept you wanting to learn more. It's rather interesting, though. O'Malley deals with a serious subject, but he manages to do it with a bit of humour thrown in. I enjoyed that. What teenager doesn't feel like they have lost themselves at some point and time. A very good book, I must say. I look forward to more by him.

The Guests of War Trilogy - Book 3 - The Lights Go On Again by Kit Pearson

For five years Gavin and his sister Norah have lived in Canada as "war guests." But now, as 1945 approaches, the war is finally ending, and Gavin and Norah will soon be going back to England.

Norah, who's fifteen, is eager to see her parents again, but ten-year-old Gavin barely remembers them. He doesn't want to leave his Canadian family, his two best friends and his dog.

Then something happens that forces Gavin to make the most difficult decision of his life.

The Lights Go On Again is the last book in the acclaimed series that began with The Sky Is Falling and Looking At The Moon.

All I can think of to say at the beginning of this review is FINALLY! I read the first two books in this trilogy several years ago, reread them a couple years ago, and then is the first time I have finally read book three. The first two books are told from the perspective of Gavin's sister, Norah, but in this book he takes centrestage. When he came to Canada because of the war, he was really too little to know what was going on. Now that the war is drawing to an end, though, he finds that the time to go home is near and he doesn't remember anything but his life in Canada. This book is a struggle between what is home for Gavin and the changes that the end of the war are bringing with them. A strong end to the trilogy. I am glad that I finally read it!

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

John Perry did two things on his 75th birthday. First he visited his wife's grave. Then he joined the army. The good news is that humanity finally made it into interstellar space. The bad news is that planets fit to live on are scarce-and alien races willing to fight us for them are common. So: we fight. To defend Earth, and to stake our own claim to planetary real estate. Far from Earth, the war has been going on for decades: brutal, bloody, unyielding. Earth itself is a backwater. The bulk of humanity's resources are in the hands of the Colonial Defense Force. Everybody knows that when you reach retirement age, you can join the CDF. They don't want young people; they want people who carry the knowledge and skills of decades of living. You'll be taken off Earth and never allowed to return. You'll serve two years at the front. And if you survive, you'll be given a generous homestead stake of your own, on one of our hard-won colony planets. John Perry is taking that deal. He has only the vaguest idea what to expect. Because the actual fight, light-years from home, is far, far harder than he can imagine-and what he will become is far stranger.

All hail John Scalzi. I have read a lot of fantasy and science-fiction over the years, but somehow this was the first time I stumbled across his brilliancy! Who would think that I would be in love with a novel about 75-year-old men and women having adventures in space. Does that even sound plausible to you? But, I did! I loved this book! It was fresh and original. It surprised me. Books do not really surprise me anymore. It's the books that manage to shock me or inspire me or surprise me that I have to say: Read it! This is one of those books. I have to admit that it has been a while since I actually read this book. It stuck with me, though. This book is inspiring. The fact that the earth is in the middle of a galatic war millions of miles away is not something that I look forward to, but wouldn't it be fantastic if you could live your life here on earth and then join the army when you reach the retirement age and essentially live all over again. I would not mind that at all.

So, essentially this is the story of John Perry. Instead of gathering with his family and friends to celebrate his 75th birthday, which people do nowadays, he visited his wives grave and then joined the army. That is how the story starts. You have no idea what to expect because, really, what army wants recruits with arthritis and other problems of age. Just that alone made me curious. I wanted to know how Scalzi was going to sell this for me because it seemed pretty unbelievable, but he did it. He managed to make a novel that was believable, but at the same time was rather crazy! People that read this blog know that I am not the biggest fan in the world of romance in novels, but the first romance scene in this book actually made me crack up laughing! I know, what's funny about sex later in life. I guess you will have to read the book to find out.

It's hard to write original novels nowadays. Sometimes it feels like everything has been done a million times before. The war and the big battle is nothing new, but the way that Scalzi spins the story is different. The characters are not at all what you expect. This book shows what it truly takes to make a fun, original, page-turning novel. It is the first book in a series that is going to make you want to rush out and read everything else that he has. (Unless you are me, of course, and have issues with reading series in any sort of time frame.) This is what science-fiction is all about. I can not say it enough how much I loved this book. It lived up to its original opening. There will be some surprises along the way, but you will enjoy the ride.

I strongly recommend this novel!

Every time I hear or talk about this book I think of Neil Young and his song 'Old Man'. So, I figure I will post it again!

The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going

Evie reluctantly moves with her widowed father to Beaumont, New York, where he has bought an apple orchard, dismissing rumors that the town is cursed and the trees haven't borne fruit in decades. Evie doesn't believe in things like curses and fairy tales anymore--if fairy tales were real, her mom would still be alive. But odd things happen in Beaumont. Evie meets a boy who claims to be dead and receives a mysterious seed as an eleventh-birthday gift. Once planted, the seed grows into a tree overnight, but only Evie and the dead boy can see it--or go where it leads. The Garden of Eve mixes spine-tingling chills with a deeply resonating story that beautifully explores grief, healing, and growth.

Reason for Reading: Once Upon a Time III Challenge, New Author Challenge.

Title and author of book: The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young adult fantasy.

What led you to pick up this book? Debi bought a copy for the Read-a-thon. I looked it up, thought it looked interesting, so I got it from the library.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The best way to sum up this book was that it was a sweet, little book. In some ways, I felt like I had read it before. It is not ground-breaking in terms of subject matter, but it was still a really good book. It was one of my favourite reads back in the month that I read it. I think everyone wishes that we could escape from the 'real world' from time to time. If we didn't than computers, television, video games, etc. would not be as popular as they are in society. This book is in essence about escape. It could mirror what society is trying to do everyday. It also shows how escaping is not all that it is cut out to be. There are reprecussions for everything that we do. I also loved the symbolism and the relation to fairy tales. I am a big fan of fairy tales to begin with, so that whole idea really interested me!

What did you like least? On the one hand, I enjoyed the predictability, but on the other hand, it was a bit too much at times. The book was also probably a bit too sweet for me. And, you know that everything is going to work out in the end. What that means might not be apparent without reading it, but just looking at the book and reading the description you can basically figure that out. I think I need a surprise from time to time. I found that there was no mystery for me.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? First one, but I would like to read more from her!

What did you think of the main character? The main character in this book is Evie. By the time that she is telling this story, her mother has died and she has moved to the middle of nowhere with her father. He is a bit lost on what to do now that he is without his wife, but he is trying to make the best of things. When Evie flashes back to the scenes with her mother, I love her. She sounds like me when I was a little girl. Now, though, she can be a bit annoying, but it is just in relation to how her world has become broken and she has no idea how to fix it. She was very close to her mother and you can tell that she misses her. She has also lost that spark of childhood. That belief in the magic that leads children to believe in fairy tales. She is just trying to grow up too fast, which is something that I have noticed in a lot of today's 'youth'. I think Going has really touched on something with Evie that anyone can relate to.

What about the ending? I found the ending about predictable, but it worked for the book, so I am not going to complain about it. I hope I didn't seem like I didn't like this book, because I did, but I didn't love it.

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

I asked Heather from A High and Hidden Place if she wanted to read a book together. After some book comparison, we agreed on Wondrous Strange. I have wanted to read the book since I got it, but it just never seemed to work into my plans. I am very glad I finally got around to it and that I got to read it with another wonderful blogger!

Kelley Winslow is living her dream. Seventeen years old, she has moved to New York City and started to work with a theatre company. Sure, she’s only an understudy for the Avalon Players, a third-tier repertory company so far off- Broadway it might as well be in Hoboken, but things are looking up—the lead has broken her ankle and Kelley’s about to step into the role of Titania the Faerie Queen in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Faeries are far more real than Kelley thinks, though, and a chance encounter in Central Park with a handsome young man named Sonny Flannery plunges her into an adventure she could never have imagined.

Sonny is a Janus Guard, charged by Auberon, the King of Winter, with watching over the gate into the land of Faerie, which lies within Central Park. For Sonny, the pretty, young actress is an enigma. Strong and willful, she sparks against his senses like a firecracker, and he can’t get her out of his mind. As Hallowe’en approaches and the Samhain Gate opens, Sonny and Kelley find themselves drawn to each other—and into a terrible plot that could spell disaster for both New York and Faerie alike.

Canadian author Lesley Livingston explodes onto the stage of teen fantasy with a debut novel—the first in a planned trilogy—that puts a fresh new spin on classic faerie lore. Wondrous Strange blends a gripping plot with fully believable characters, fascinating ideas and just the right amount of romance to create a story that is vivid, thrilling and engaging. Readers of Herbie Brennan, Holly Black and Melissa Marr will find a new favourite in Lesley Livingston.

Heather asked me three questions about the book. These are my answers:

What did you think of the inclusion of Shakespeare and A Midsummer Night's Dream?
- The inclusion of the play is really the reason that I wanted to read this book in the first place. I have to admit I am not a huge Shakespeare fan, but I do really like this play. I am a sucker for retellings in the first place, though, so it was no surprise that I was drawn to this one. I really liked how Livingston combined the play, the 'real' world, and the 'fairy-tale' world in this book. It was done really well. While this book had a few 'first book issues', I still thought it was really well written and planned out. It was just believable. I could actually picture things playing out just as Livingston described it, and I didn't have to stretch my imagination too far. I am really excited to see where the trilogy goes next!

Who was your favourite character?
- That's a hard question. I, at first, want to say Kelley, because with a slight spelling difference, we have the same name. But, when it gets right down to it, I am not sure I would consider her my favourite character. I had a feeling that something along this line would be one of my questions, so I found myself thinking about the characters as I read along. I actually was thinking I might say Lucky, because really, a horse in a bathtub blowing soap bubbles out his nose is such a funny image! I really liked how Livingston wrote him into the story. I also really liked the Winter King. I thought he was so well-written! He was full of surprises, but also not at the same time. It is really hard to explain without spoilers. I liked Sonny, too, of course. I think, though, if we were comparing this to Melissa Marr (like the blurb does above), I like Seth better. Really, there was no character in this book that I didn't like. They all really added to the story. Even if they were not supposed to be well-liked, they were still well written.

Most importantly, what did you think of the ending and do you think you will continue on with the series?

- I thought that the ending cleared things up pretty well. If there was not a sequel, I think it could almost be a standalone. There are things to clear up, but it was not a cliffhanger ending. (Thankfully!) I plan to read the rest of the trilogy, though. The second book is actually out in September, so I can't wait! Maybe I will read that one with you, too, Heather? We will see what the months bring.

I don't usually rate my books, but I was just going to link to Heather's review and I saw she gave the book a 3.75 out of 5. I agree with that rating. To read Heather's answers to my questions, head on over to her post.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Heather from A High and Hidden Place told me that I should get back to review writing, so today I am reviewing a book that I think she should read! You're welcome!

Reason for reading: Once Upon a Time Challenge, New Author Challenge

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eightshes a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the kings thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Pos friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Graceor about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

The best way to sum everything up is to simply say that I loved this book! I essentially read it in one day, so you know that it caught my attention!

Title and author of book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young adult fantasy.

What led you to pick up this book? I had been hearing really good things about it and it sounded like a book that I would enjoy!

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? Everything! It was really well-written. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline, the action, the adventure, etc, etc. I opened the book up and started reading, and I was transported to a fantastic world. I really like novels with strong female leads. This book fit the bill. If I had to compare the book to another that I have read, I would say that it sort of reminded me of Poison Study by Maria Snyder. I also liked the romance aspect of the novel. It wasn't forced on you, but it was there naturally. While this novel is a fantasy novel, it is about overcoming obstacles and what it is like to not fit into the world that you were brought up in. I think that Cashore wrote the story very well!

What did you like least? That I read it too fast? I had to bring it back to the library. I think I will probably end up buying it! I also am impatient for more, but my understanding is the next book is a prequel. Still want to read, though! I will probably buy instead of get it from the library, though.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? First one, but I would like to read more from her!

What did you think of the main character? I think I covered this a bit in the section on what I liked about the book, but just to continue. Katsa was a really good character. The story was told from her point-of-view, and it was told well. Was she perfect? Nope! She was neither overly perfect or overly flawed. She might have amazing powers, but she was essentially a believable character. She grew during the course of the novel, though, and you saw it happening. It made for good reading because I enjoyed the character that I was reading about.

What about the ending? Thankfully, the ending was handled well. Especially since the next book is a prequel. If it had a cliff-hanger ending, I would have been very annoyed! As it stands, there is potential for more to happen, but you can wait.

Okay, now, Heather, read this book! (And, everyone else should, too!)

Other Reviews:

Graeme's Fantasy Book Review
Teen Book Review
Dear Author
The Book Nest
Fantasy Book Critic
Young Adult (& Kids) Books Central Blog
nineseveneight book reviews
YAnnabe
Book Nut
Karin's Book Nook
The Magic of Ink
Pat's Fantasy Hotlist
Em's Bookshelf
Becky's Book Reviews
Bookshelves of Doom
Beyond Books
Bookworm 4 Life
E.M. Reads
Here, There, and Everywhere 2nd Edition
YABOOKNERD

And, a lot more...

Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass - Book One by Erica Kirov

Books Completed: 145
Completion Date: June, 2009
Pages: 256
Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Reason for Reading: Sent a review copy by Sourcebooks, New Author Challenge, Pub Challenge 2009

What would you do for an hourglass that stopped time?

Nick Rostov's father is the worst stage magician in Las Vegas. He can barely pull a rabbit out of a hat. So it is a strange morning indeed when Nick wakes up to find himself on the top floor of the Winter Palace Casino with a promise from the greatest magician in the world to teach him magic.

And not just stage magic. Real magic. Nick sets out to learn about his mother's family, the strange Russian clan of magicians that secretly run the Winter Palace. But there is a catch: Nick has the sight, the ability to see into the past. And so it must fall to him, with only his cousin Isabella to help, to pick up the long-buried clues and unravel the mystery of The Eternal Hourglass, the only magic artifact ever created that can actually stop time.

Title and author of book: Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass - Book One by Erica Kirov

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young adult fantasy.

What led you to pick up this book? Sent a review copy by the publisher.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The combination of Russian history and modern fantasy. I thought that the author weaved the two ideas together very well! I really like Russian history. It was a subject that I studied a great deal in school. Fantasy is my pet genre, so it was fun to combine the two. It could've been highly unbelievable, but it really worked together. Who hasn't wished for a bit of magic in their lives? Many people know at least one magic trick. Then, there is the whole adding in the Russian monarchy and having the bad guy be Rasputin. I think she writes a good story.

What did you like least? Anyone that knows me knows that while I read a lot of young adult fantasy (though, mostly this year), I find narrators that are children annoying. Nick has a few moments like that for me. I didn't always enjoy his character very much. It wasn't enough to put the story down, though. It was still a fun book and I think the series has a lot of potential. Adults will find it fun, but I think children in the correct age-range will really enjoy this series.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? First one, but I would like to read the sequel!

What did you think of the main character? As I said above, he annoyed me at times, but I got passed it. When he wasn't having his moments, he was a good character and told his story well. He was just being a kid, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's hard to find out that lots of secrets have been held from you for years, but Nick overcomes it. I look forward to seeing how he progresses as the series continues.

What about the ending? Nice, clean ending. It wraps mostly everything up. There is a chance for a sequel, but no major cliff-hanger. Is it too nice an ending? Maybe, but it is a series for the younger generation...

Overall, a fun book! I will continue on with the series. I also like the cover. If I was in this section of the bookstore, I think it would catch my attention!

Other Reviews:

Dolce Bellezza: "In this magical tale, we find jewel encrusted eggs, the Cyrillic alphabet, caviar and borsch, and even such famous Russian characters as Anastasia and Rasputin. These things give a glorious twist to the fairy tale genre, making a story which is both old in the time honored tradition of pursuing good not evil, and new in the exploration of Russian history and culture. I found it a delightful escape into imagination and intrigue." (Yes, it's long, but editing it kept taking something away from it!)

The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine by April Lurie

Reason for Reading: Chris recommended it to me, New Author Challenge.

A MOTHER WHO split for another man.

A father who works 24/7.

An older brother who excels at everything—and smokes a lot of weed.

A best friend, of the feminine persuasion, who only wants to be a friend, and who’s shooting a film set in cool Greenwich Village, New York.

Dylan Fontaine’s life seems to be full of drama he can’t control. But when he stars in his best friend’s movie, Dylan discovers that, sometimes, life’s big shake-ups force you to take risks—and to step into the spotlight.

Title and author of book: The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine by April Lurie

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Young Adult Fiction.

What led you to pick up this book? As I said above, Chris recommended it to me.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The whole idea behind it. Dylan had been leading a life where he was sort of in the background. Things were not perfect for him, but he has the chance to star in his friends movie and he starts to evolve. He becomes someone who is more in control of his life and his choices. He does things that he never even would have considered before. It makes him a refreshing character! While I wouldn't recommend everything he does to everyone, it was fun to read about!

What did you like least? There is nothing really wrong with this book. It was one of my favourite reads of the month I read it during and I am very glad that Chris brought it to my attention!

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? Nope!

What did you think of the main character? Dylan was a well-written character and he told his story well. He was far from perfect, but he was believable. It made for a refreshing read!

What about the ending? It had a good ending! I didn't have any complaints that I can recall at this time!

A recommended read!

Other Reviews:

Becky's Book Reviews: "I know I can't do it justice. It's one of those books that you'll just have to discover for yourself. But I can try. The writing, the characterization, everything is just so so so good."

Big A little a: "The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine is a quick read, but one with lasting impact. Dylan is a normal kid with interests in music, sports, and art--"an ordinary dude...taking a few chances, finding humor in the world, and discovering who he is." Highly recommended."

Hope's Bookshelf: "I can't even describe to you how much I loved this book. April Lurie has described the life of a teenager excatly how some of us feel."

Stuff As Dreams Are Made On...: "I’m finding that I have very few words to describe how I feel about this book. To put it shortly, it’s amazing!"

Anyone else?

Chobits Vol. 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Clamp

Reason for Reading: New Author Challenge, Rhinoa's Manga Challenge.

In Japan there are robots known as Persocons, walking computers in the shape of humans which preform many mundane tasks. They seem to be incredibly expensive, if a student saved up enough money he might be able to buy a little one. A boy named Motosuwa Hideki who works at a bar and is also a prep student for college decides he's going to buy a one of these expensive robotic companions. Of course, being broke he can't afford one, but he finds a Persocon in the garbage outside of the store. Being an oppurtunistic guy, he takes her! The rest of the manga describes his trials and joys with the little Persocon he names Chii.

Title and author of book: Chobits by Clamp - Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Graphic Novel. Science-fiction.

What led you to pick up this book? I needed some books for the manga challenge. This series was recommended to me by Chris.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The thing I like so far about the series is both the idea and the characters. I find a lot of manga I have encountered is a bit like a superhero-type series. This is just about a regular guy who has a personal computer in the form of a female. Chii doesn't have any memory about what life was like before he found her, so she is learning everything all over again. It's actually pretty funny! Her owner has to keep reminding himself that she is a computer. She's cute, though. I think the series is well-written and I enjoy all the characters.

What did you like least? I don't have many complaints really. The annoyance of getting them from the library, maybe. I still have to get the rest. Apparently Clamp is an all-female team, and it is very apparent in this series. The female characters are not as annoying as they can be!

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? This is the only series that I have read enough in that I feel I can really comment on. Any others I will wait until I have read further in! I find that manga takes a couple books to grow on me. This was the first Clamp series I read, though, the fact that I read more since is just because I am so behind on reviews!

What did you think of the main character? I guess I answered this already. There is Chii and her owner. They are the main characters. Chii is cute and her owner is pretty funny. He is just a regular guy, so it makes him very easy to relate to! Hideki likes porn and there is one scene where Chii buys him a magazine. I found that pretty funny. He is really just struggling to survive, but at the same time take care of Chii. I like it.

What about the ending? I cannot comment on the ending yet. I have to finish the rest of the series, first!

I should also point out that I really like the covers for this series. They are nice and eye-catching, huh? The art overall for these books is really good! Recommended series!

Other Reviews:
In Bed With Books: "Filled with adorable loli-style art and adorable moments of unbearable cuteness between the pervy stuff, I love CHOBITS. It's a well-plotted series that sets up and establishes a relationship in seven volumes even with all kinds of crazy conspiracies going on."

Anyone else? Let me know if I missed your review! (I am on a roll with books that don't seem to get much blogging attention, huh?)

A Distant Soil - Volume 1 - The Gathering by Colleen Doran

Books Completed: 82
Completion Date: March 2009
Pages: 240
Publication Date: January 1, 2001

Reason for Reading: Graphic Novel Challenge, New Author Challenge, Neil Gaiman recommends it...

The story of a young girl who is born the heir to an alien religious dynasty, is one of comics most lavish and romantic sagas, listed as one of the five best books for teen age girls by Sassy Magazine. A never-before-published A Distant Soil short story and the first 11 chapters of the science/fantasy series are collected in this 240 page trade.

Title and author of book: A Distant Soil- Volume 1 - The Gathering by Colleen Doran

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre? Fiction. Fantasy & Science-Fiction

What led you to pick up this book? Neil Gaiman recommends it... And, I mean, by the back of the book it sounds like something that would be right up my alley!

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! See above...

What did you like most about the book? The combination of fantasy and science-fiction. It was a really good mix! It also has a King Arthur connection, so it would count for the Arthurian Reading Challenge if anyone is interested!

What did you like least? Okay, truth be told... Mostly everything! Doran is a fabulous artist, but the story didn't do a lot for me. I like the idea behind the story, but I guess it was carried out a little strangely. I couldn't get into it. I really wanted to like it, too, so I was very disappointed when it didn't work very well for me. I didn't really feel like the characters worked for me. I also think that Doran took like every genre possible and combined them. It made for a jumbled mess and a story that I often found confusing! It jumped around a lot, too, so I found it hard to keep everything straight and I never felt like I had time to connect with anyone. There were a lot of storylines and people to keep straight!

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? This was my first book by her specifically, but she is credited as an artist on Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. I have read a few of them.

What did you think of the main character? That's the thing... Is there really a main character? It seemed like she was trying to make everyone a main character! You had no one to focus on...

What about the ending? I don't even remember how this book ended... I read the sequel, too, so everything is jumbled! It was a couple months ago...

Other reviews:
Poisoned Rationality: "Epic engaging storyline, romance, mythology, humor, violence, betrayal, shapeshifters, magic, powers...I'm starting to sound like Grandpa from The Princess Bride! But no really it has something for everyone. Yes even naked boobs for guys who look for that."

If you reviewed this book, let me know! I figured my reviews need a bit more and decided to link!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I am teaming up with Chris from Stuff As Dreams Are Made On for a review of this book. I am a bit late putting my post up, but that is not really all that surprising! I like formats like this. It adds a bit of variety to blogging and reviewing!

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

1. What was your immediate reaction after you turned the last page of the book? (without giving anything away of course.)
- I was disappointed that the book was over. It was a really good read, and once I got into it I read it in one sitting, so it was sad when it was over with. The book is an emotional roller-coaster and I was still trying to digest everything that happened in the last 50 to 100 pages. I was impressed by how Ryan successfully made this book a page-turner and kept you wanting more until the very end! Then, you were rather sad that it was over with...

2. How did you feel about the main character, Mary? Did she surprise you, were you annoyed by her, did you think she was a strong character, weak, etc?
- I had my moments with Mary. She wasn't a perfect character, but she was still very readable. She could be very strong-willed; and often times that was to a fault. I really liked her, though. If she annoyed me for a bit, she just as quickly redeemed herself and I found myself really liking her. I am not sure I always agreed with all of her decisions, but then, I don't think she always agreed with them either. That made her all the better of a person.

3. The film rights to the book have just been sold. Would you be interested in seeing a movie made out of this novel? Do you think there are things they’d have to change?
- I don't know... I am always so scared when books are made into movies. I have an idea in my head about how things are supposed to be, and the movies often crush that. Even just having movie posters on the front of books is a distraction because then you see the characters as famous actors and actresses instead of ones from your imagination. I am always worried that the movie will ruin the book.

4. What did you think of the secondary characters in this book? Who was your favourite? Anyone that you didn’t like?
- Well, I thought the secondary characters were written really well. I didn't like all of them, but that was sort of the point. I found Harry really annoying, if I must say so myself. He was like a loyal puppy dog. He just annoyed me in his devotion a lot of time because he handled it so strangely. I didn't hate him, though. His character added to the story. Cass also annoyed me. She is the type of person that you just want to slap some sense into once in a while, but she was a person that didn't like change and everything that she was used to was changing.. It's hard to know what to think.

5. What did you think of the title? As you got to know the setting that the book was named after, did you think it was a fitting title?
- I loved the title of the book. It suited everything. I wasn't sure what to expect from the title, so it surprised me and I really loved it. Enough said!

6. What did you think about the zombies? Was this your first zombie novel? Did you find them realistic?
- I loved the zombies. I thought they were really well-done! It wasn't humour, it was just plain scary! I have seen a lot of zombie-type movies, but I think this is one of few books I have read where zombies played such a central role! It surprised me that it was possible to love a book about zombies, but I did!

To sum it all up, I should say that this is probably one of my favourite reads from 2009 and it will likely make my best of lists at the end of the year! You really should read it, it is worth it!

My thanks to Random House for a copy of this book!

Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Haying Your Body by Courtney E. Martin

Reason for Reading: New Author, Dewey's Challenge

"Why does every one of my friends have an eating disorder, or, at the very least, a screwed-up approach to food and fitness?" writes journalist Courtney E. Martin. The new world culture of eating disorders and food and body issues affects virtually all -- not just a rare few -- of today's young women. They are your sisters, friends, and colleagues -- a generation told that they could "be anything," who instead heard that they had to "be everything." Driven by a relentless quest for perfection, they are on the verge of a breakdown, exhausted from overexercising, binging, purging, and depriving themselves to attain an unhealthy ideal.

An emerging new talent, Courtney E. Martin is the voice of a young generation so obsessed with being thin that their consciousness is always focused inward, to the detriment of their careers and relationships. Health and wellness, joy and love have come to seem ancillary compared to the desire for a perfect body. Even though eating disorders first became generally known about twenty-five years ago, they have burgeoned, worsened, become more difficult to treat and more fatal (50 percent of anorexics who do not respond to treatment die within ten years). Consider these statistics:

• Ten million Americans suffer from eating disorders.
• Seventy million people worldwide suffer from eating disorders.
• More than half of American women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five would pre fer to be run over by a truck or die young than be fat.
• More than two-thirds would rather be mean or stupid.
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disease.

In Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, Martin offers original research from the front lines of the eating disorders battlefield. Drawn from more than a hundred interviews with sufferers, psychologists, nutritionists, sociocultural experts, and others, her exposé reveals a new generation of "perfect girls" who are obsessive-compulsive, overachieving, and self-sacrificing in multiple -- and often dangerous -- new ways. Young women are "told over and over again," Martin notes, "that we can be anything. But in those affirmations, assurances, and assertions was a concealed pressure, an unintended message: You are special. You are worth something. But you need to be perfect to live up to that specialness."

With its vivid and often heartbreaking personal stories, Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters has the power both to shock and to educate. It is a true call to action and cannot be missed.

Dear Dewey,

When I started this book, I planned to read it chapter-by-chapter like you did. That lasted a very short time! Why? Because, well, I didn't like it... This book started off really interesting, but then it went quite downhill from there! I actually had to force my way through most of it. Normally I would've just quit entirely, but I had such interesting arguments with the charming comedian about the book, so I felt it was worth finishing! We are both debaters, so it was fun to see both sides of the gender story from our perspectives. The big problem with this review, and why I saved it to the end, is because I finished this book a while ago now. If I had wrote this review like a moment afterwards (like a smart person would have), I would have all sorts of reasons about why this book bothered me. Unfortunately, I have read a lot of great books since and they have entirely erased this book from my memory! I just blocked it out. I can remember some of the arguments I had with the charming comedian, but that's about it. So, because this book is not very fresh in my mind, I am afraid that this is not going to be a great review! I hate that! Just because a book is not for me, doesn't mean it is not for other people. I usually like to make it balanced, but I really don't remember this book very clearly... I do apologize... I am going to leave it at that, I am afraid!

Until next time...

To see what Dewey had to say on this book, click here.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci & Jim Rugg

Reason for Reading: Graphic Novel Challenge, Dewey Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge

Noted young adult novelist Cecil Castellucci and artist Jim Rugg launch MINX with THE PLAIN JANES, a story about four girls named Jane who sit at the reject table at lunch.When transfer student Jane is forced to move from the confines of Metro City to Suburbia, she thinks her life is over.But there in the lunch room at the reject table she finds her tribe: three other girls named Jane. Main Jane encourages them to form a secret art gang and paint the town P.L.A.I.N. -- People Loving Art In Neighborhoods.But can art attacks really save the hell that is high school?

Dear Dewey,

I wish I had taken more notice back when you reviewed this book, because I was really missing out! It surprised me how much I liked this graphic novel. I am very strict about my graphic novel buying, but I think I might actually buy this one! Not just for the fact that I like it, but because the library doesn't have the sequel and I am probably going to want to read that at some point! This book might not look like much, but when you get inside the pages you find a hidden gem! I am not a huge art fanatic, I will clear that up right now, but I know how horrible high school can be! I think most people can attest to that. The authors of this graphic novel have just came up with a way to make life a little bit better for four young women named Jane. You see, they may fly under the radar, so you might think they are plain, but it is actually P.L.A.I.N.: People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. The things that these women do is actually sort of inspiring, even if the town doesn't think so!

This book actually reminded me of you! Especially now as I am reading your review and writing this letter. Main Jane was all about building a community, when those that were in charge (including her parents) would rather live in fear. While the circumstances are not the same exactly, you were all about community-building, too. Your community building lives on, and hypothetically speaking, the events in this book will, too! Jane finds a way to bring her town together; while you find a way to bring book bloggers and readers from all over the world together. I really enjoyed that parallel. Jane changes the way that people look at things, and you changed the way that people read. Book bloggers can be just as unpopular as the members of P.L.A.I.N., you know. It really makes a person think!

I really liked your last paragraph, so I am going to close with quoting it:

In fact, once it’s discovered who P.L.A.I.N. is, Jane’s new friends try to decide how to restructure themselves now that they’re no longer anonymous. Jane ends by saying, “Of course we can still be an art girl gang.” And she thinks, “I feel a fierce pride. This is my tribe.”

Until next time...

To read Dewey's review of this book, click here.

Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce (The Tygers of Wrath Series, Book 1)

Books Completed: 119
Completion Date: April 18, 2009
Pages: 448
Publication Date: January 2007

Reason for Reading: Buddy read with Nymeth from Things Mean A Lot, New Author Challenge, Once Upon a Time Challenge.

Flora knows better than to take shortcuts in her family home, Crackpot Hall--the house has eleven thousand rooms, and ever since her mother banished the magickal butler, those rooms move around at random. But Flora is late for school, so she takes the unpredictable elevator anyway.Huge mistake. Lost in her own house, she stumbles upon the long-banished butler--and into a mind-blowing muddle of intrigue and betrayal that changes her world forever. Full of wildly clever plot twists, this extraordinary first novel establishes Ysabeau Wilce as a compelling new voice in teen fantasy.

1. What did you think of the book's playful language?

- In many ways, the language made the book. I mean, who can resist a book that has the subtitle: 'Being the Magickal Mishaps of a Girl of Spirit, Her Glass-Gazing Sidekick, Two Ominous Butlers (One Blue), a House with Eleven Thousand Rooms, and a Red Dog'. I don't why this book is not better known because it just sounds fun from the title! Then, you read it, and it is a really good book. Wilce is funny, too. You will find yourself laughing at her ideas, which again ties into the playful language. Really, the short answer is that the playful language made the book fun.

2. How did you like Flora, the protaganist? What were, in your opinion, her greatest quality and her biggest flaw?

- For me, the mark of a good young adult book is one where the characters do not drive me crazy. I need a narrator with a bit of maturity, or it is just not going to work for me! Flora could easily be seen as the almost fourteen that she is, but at the same time, she told the story at such a level that it wasn't annoying. It was good that she could be herself, but still manage to tell a readable story. Her greatest quality would probably be that she was a genuinely nice person. If she wasn't nice, most of this book would not have happened. She goes out of her way for everyone, and while we might see her frustruation, she tends to hide it from the people around her. It made her a likeable character. This ties into her biggest flaw, though. She was so busy doing things for other people that she often forgot about herself. She was very lost in the grand scheme of things, and it caused her a lot of trouble. This is pretty common when you think about it, though. People are taught that to think of themselves is to be selfish, so in an attempt to not be selfish they try to help everyone and forget about helping themselves. This book mirrors societies problem with going from one extreme to another!

3. Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not?

- Evil question, Nymeth! I have to try and talk about the ending without talking about the ending, if that makes any sense! So, without giving anything away, I think there is a lot more than needs to be worked out. Hopefully it will be brought to some conclusions in the next book. If this was a standalone, it would have been a very... 'safe' ending, but not really satisfying. Since there is another book, though, it makes sense that the author would want to leave some things up in the air so that people will read the next book and see what happens.

4. Did you find the magick and other fantastic elements believable, or did it come across as far-fetched?

- One of the things that bothers me in fantasy is when they try to be too fantastic and the book doesn't work. There is such thing as too much imagination in books. In this book, though, I think everything worked out pretty well. The fantastic elements were creative and fun, but never really far-fetched. For the world that the author has created, things seem to work like they are supposed to. I have questions, though. There are a few things that happened during the book that were never really explained to my liking, so I am hoping she is just going to wait until the next book.

5. Who was your favourite secondary character? Why? Was there a character that you didn't like? Why not?

- I actually liked all the secondary characters. They were all written really well and in their own way added to the story. If I had to pick a favourite, I think it would actually be Flora's father. It is a bit unusual of an answer, but as I was thinking about this question he was the one that kept coming to mind. I think it was because he was such a flawed character that he sticks with you. He also adds some entertainment to the story with his adventures. I like how Flora gets the chance to see him before he fought in the war that changed him, too. That was a great scene and even though I wasn't entirely sure at the time it was necessary, in the end I thought it served a great purpose. I am not sure what I think about him at the end of the book. I think judgement should be withheld until I get a chance to read the next book in the series.

6. Do you recommend the book? Are you planning on reading the sequel?

- I really liked this book! I thought it was fun and very well-written for a debut novel. Unfortunately, the library doesn't have the sequel, so I will have to either buy it or see if the library will buy it for me. While this book was one of my favourite young adult reads for April. I cannot make up my mind whether I loved it or just really liked it. I guess I can wait and decide that when I write up my favourite reads of the year!

So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

Reason for Reading: Dewey Reading Challenge, New Author Challenge

Sometimes subtle, sometimes striking, the interplay between our lives and our books is the subject of this unique memoir by well-known publishing correspondent and self-described "readaholic" Sara Nelson. From Solzhenitsyn to Laura Zigman, Catherine M. to Captain Underpants, the result is a personal chronicle of insight, wit, and enough infectious enthusiasm to make a passionate reader out of anybody.

Dear Dewey,

I did not even remember that you had read this book! I picked it up for a totally unrelated reason, so when I was browsing your blog earlier I was very happy to see that you read it too! Funny story about this book! I am not an early to bed person, so I was sharing a room with my mother when we went to my great-grandmothers funeral and she went to bed way before I was able to. I ended up reading this book in the hotel bathtub! I am just that cool! I know that the charming comedian called and one of my friends sent me a text and 'cool' was not exactly what they were thinking! It served my purpose, though. It is not exactly the book I would have pictured me reading the night before a funeral, but it was sort of fitting. I am a very moody reader and I got the impression reading this book that Nelson was, too! We both can have the best laid plans, and then just as quickly our minds change.

I really like that you spent a large part of your review talking about the chapter "Eating Crow". You brought up a lot of the points that I found myself thinking while reading this chapter. It is a chapter on friends recommending books. Nelson feels disappointed when a friend recommends a book that she didn't like. You went on to say that all of your closest friends are readers. Most of mine are not, which has always been weird to me! Anyway, if recommendations bothered me at all, I would have a lot less friends. Even my grandmother is always giving me books that do not interest me in the slightest. It doesn't change how I feel about anyone. I am doing this whole 'Bad Blogger' thing right now. I know (when my memory is good) who reviewed or talked about the books that wind up on those posts. Sometimes I love the books, while other times they are just okay. It has never changed how I think about the person that recommended them to me, though! It does happen. I do sometimes get disappointed when I recommend a book or movie to someone thinking they will love it and they don't, but it is a momentary thing and then life goes on! I mean, the charming comedian doesn't like Star Wars, and while that baffles me and confuses me, we are still talking!

Someone told me that reading this book would add lots of books to my TBR pile, too. It didn't really happen! Most of the books that really called to me, I had either already read or already owned! A lot of the books that she talked about did not interest me at all, but it was still fun reading about her year of reading! The charming comedian was looking at the title and telling me how that was my life in a nutshell and that I could easily have written the same book! He knows me all too well, huh? I think most book bloggers and readers could write the exact same book. I read more than a book a week, though.

Okay, this was a ranty letter, huh?

Until next time...

To read Dewey's review of this book, click here.