Ms. Perea surprised me with this story to say the least. Her writing and character development was sensational, even if I had to use a little brain poMs. Perea surprised me with this story to say the least. Her writing and character development was sensational, even if I had to use a little brain power at the beginning to figure out what was going on. I like that - I enjoy being challenged.
I will tell you that I'm not a typical young adult reader. Like my friend, Laura said in her review, high school for me feels like a lifetime ago, although, now that I have a son about to enter 9th grade, I perked up when the storyline became a question in my mind of, "where the heck are the freaking parents?!" Believe me people, I seriously say that a lot now, even before I read this gut-punch, thought provoking story.
I've had the pleasure of reading Ms. Perea's earlier work and even though I was sincerely impressed, once I began this story, I'm pretty sure I finally found and removed my jaw from the floor...because the writing was THAT GOOD. I could tell that she took her time to think about her characters; to make sure their development was right on and relative in a contemporary setting. Her creativity alone with her poignant words and subsequent stab-you-in-the-heart tragedy was enough for me to say to myself, "this author played her keyboard like a concert pianist for the reader."
Congrats, Ms. Perea...well done, very well done. ...more
Sometimes the truth is too hard and silence is easier. There will be no more questions if the answers stay deeply buried; and that's exactly what EmilSometimes the truth is too hard and silence is easier. There will be no more questions if the answers stay deeply buried; and that's exactly what Emilia Ward does. She stays silent from a random beating which devastatingly shatters all her aspirations of being a professional pianist. That one terrible night when the Emilia Ward everyone knows and loves, dies and is decidedly reborn, "Nastya Kashnikov."
The memories are also too difficult to bare in her hometown, so Nastya is given the gift of freedom and a place to live with her Anut, Margot. She resides two hours away; just far enough for no one to know or recognize her from the media coverage, but close enough to family when maybe, she might need them. Nastya needs many things, and the word, "family" is a strong unattainable word. She is lost and no one knows how to unbreak the broken.
Josh Bennett keeps to himself at school. Everyone knows it and no one questions it. He's a kind, good looking senior but has aged beyond his years since everyone he has ever loved has left him - they have all died; each and every one. Enter Drew Leighton, Josh's best friend. Drew is more like a brother to Josh, and Drew's parents and sister are just about the closest thing to "family" Josh Bennett will ever have. Until the day he meets Nastya at school. She dosen't speak, but she does catch his eye and for some reason, Josh wants to know more, but not before Drew takes a stab at her himself. Nastya is a beauty, but her "look" at school is premeditaively unapproachable, with her black eye-liner, stilettos and prostitute like appearance. Eventually, Drew gets the picture that Nastya only has eyes for Josh especially when he finds out that they've been hanging out together in Josh's garage at night; usually after one of her late night runs to nowhere.
From this point on, the twists and turn of events will thrust you into giddiness at one moment, to sadness the next - and, quite possibly, throwing your Kindle clear across the room. (All signs of a great book in my opinion.)
This story is absolutely wonderful, but let me tell you folks, the writing was even better. Katja Millay has a way of enslaving the reader from the first page, and trust me, once you start you will be shackled to this book to the very end. There was dysfunction yet salvation, self-loathing yet admiration, but the best part was the undeniable love from "family" whomever that family might be. I savored this book because of it's exceptional writing and I can confidently assure you that when Ms. Millay publishes another book, I will be one of the first in line to buy my own copy. ...more
Who knew Snow White's step-mother is actually her birth mother? Not what I remember as a child. She is the "Queen of Sorrow" and she tells her story Who knew Snow White's step-mother is actually her birth mother? Not what I remember as a child. She is the "Queen of Sorrow" and she tells her story while sitting on the deathbed of Jacob Grimm. Snow White is also not the sweet, innocent character we've all come to know and love, but is described as a "beautiful monster" and also one whom is even more powerful than the Queen herself. Though not without her flaws, the Queen admits her evil tendencies, but paints a much darker picture of her daughter and the horrific reality of her existence. While most of us remember Rumplestiltskin's consequence in knowing his real name, even the Queen follows suit and takes heed, understanding she can never reveal her true identity.
This is an interesting prologue/novella to Mr. Jace's story about the happily-ever-after tale of Snow White and our misconception of what she really is. The writing flows and even though I read this story after all the corrections were made, I understood it's darkness, depth and his profound unique style of writing. I can see this author's premise appealing to the YA reader and I was intrigued, wishing at the end that there was more. ...more
If you know me on GR, you know I usually don't read YA books. Not because they're necessarily unenjoyable or not well written, simply because I can't If you know me on GR, you know I usually don't read YA books. Not because they're necessarily unenjoyable or not well written, simply because I can't always relate to the high school drama and immaturity. That being said, this story received great reviews and ratings so I decided, (in my constant search for something "different"), to take the plunge. I am very grateful I did.
Jake Hayes and his large family live on a small island off the coast of Washington state. The community is tight-knit and no one does anything without EVERYONE knowing. Samantha, "Sam" is the new girl at school and catches Jake's eye right off the bat. She's smart, she's beautiful and Jake doesn't know how and is too scared to tell her about the deep feelings he's beginning to develop for her. One night, after a party involving alcohol, Jake makes a horribile decision and gets into a truck driven by an equally drunk driver. That choice changes his life forever as the accident drives a t-post into his neck, ripping out his vocal chords. Weeks later and lucky to be alive, Jake reluctantly returns to school; without his voice and with the horrific scars on his neck, as a constant reminder. Jake thinks his life is over. His love for flying, playing sports and even going into the Airforce has been permanently ripped away. However, his love for Samantha remains, and to his surprise, he finds she can offer a talent he didn't know she possessed to help his disability.
Sam's living situation, however, is a different story. Her life has been going steadily downhill since her mother's illness. The weight on her shoulders and her commitment to keep her grades up, leaves devastating affects on her physical appearance. Soon everyone notices and unfortunately for Sam, things are going to get a whole lot worse. Suddenly, for Jake, his life changing accident dosen't seem so tragic.
This book seriously surprised me. I wasn't expecting so much poignancy and depth. My GR friend, Karla, said it perfectly when she responded to one of my status updates while reading this story by saying, "It kind of punches you in the gut, dosen't it?" Wow, does it ever. I'm actually thinking this book should be required reading for all high school students. It's witty, it's tragic, it's heart wrenching, and it's a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. lovely!...more
I haven't read any reviews, but, am I the only person who thought this book was another reinvention of Twilight? Don't get me wrong, I loved Twilight I haven't read any reviews, but, am I the only person who thought this book was another reinvention of Twilight? Don't get me wrong, I loved Twilight (yeah, yeah, don't roll your eyes)...but reading similar books to ones I've already read, well...aren't my fave. Don't even get me started on "Bared To You."
Anyway, the writing was generally good, but the dialogue seemed stiff. I don't know anyone who continuously pronounces the word, "going" without converting it to, "gonna" most of the time. I have a pet-peeve how authors write protagonists' conversations where they use complete annunciated sentence structure. It unfortunately keeps distance in the development of the relationship, at least it does for me.
Now, lets get to the storyline. Like I said, it totally reminded me of Twilight even down to Daeman (the hero) stopping a vehicle from hitting Katy (the heroine) head on. The plethora of other more interesting scenarios are endless but alas, there it was, "deja vu" staring me in the face.
Now, let me tell you what I did like. Yes, I DID like it, believe it or not. Mostly because it flowed well and I'm a sucker when two main characters really can't stand one another. Nothing "insta" in this book, and frankly, I loved that! Armentrout took her time telling this story and in my opinion, pacing is crucial in character development. There were also a couple of surprises along the way, which never hurts when you think you already have a book figured out.
So, if you like young adult paranormal romances (yes, your thirteen year old can read this too...which is also refreshing) then pick it up. It's a fun escape and well, Daeman is a hottie, so......more
This hilarious story begins through the perspective of Jadyn, a 4th grade tomboy, who is best friends with Phillip, the boy next door. Which is nice This hilarious story begins through the perspective of Jadyn, a 4th grade tomboy, who is best friends with Phillip, the boy next door. Which is nice because he likes throwing a ball around and doing fun non-girly stuff. Although, not long after, a new boy named, Danny, who's mean and thinks football should only be played by boys...hummph!, moves in down the street. So not cool! It takes a couple of days, but Jadyn finally convinces Danny, GIRLS CAN PLAY FOOTBALL TOO and soon, she, Phillip and Danny become the best of friends with an equally rich bond. Through the years that bond carries each of them through wonderfully great times and also some equally tragic ones as well.
It was incredibly fun moving through the years with these three, "I-seriously-got your-back" friends, starting with their elementary school into middle, high school, college, and beyond. Oh, and did I mention both boys are REALLY cute? Yeah, well, as they grow older, Jadyn sure notices and yep, both Phillip and Danny also begin realizing just how "hot" Jadyn has become, too! This'll be interesting when the hormones kick in and "boy-howdy", do they ever and ultimately, one will be Jadyn's first kiss, one will take her to her first prom and one will finally be her first real love.
Jillian Dodd can sure tell a story, and a funny, emotional and surprisingly gut wrenching one, at that! Honestly, I usually don't cry in books...I cried in this one. The power that grips you through Dodd's wonderfully entertaining storytelling makes you sincerely feel like you've lived right along with these three BFF's. So much that you're completely unprepared for the emotion that slices right through you when anything happens; good or bad. I wasn't expecting that with this book. I normally don't expect that with most books, frankly. But, WOW, it grabs a hold and doesn't let you go until the very end when you can actually take a deep breath and whisper to yourself, "Ahhh...finally!"
I actually read this book because my 11 year old daughter bought it at her school's book fair. To my delight, I realized the author, Alyson Noel, who I actually read this book because my 11 year old daughter bought it at her school's book fair. To my delight, I realized the author, Alyson Noel, who wrote the YA series, The Immortals, (which I had already read), branched off and wrote this story about The Immortals heroine's deceased sister, "Riley."
I enjoyed Riley's adventures as a ghost who's been assigned a job, as a "Soul Catcher." Her teacher, Bodhi, a cute, seemingly nerdy boy who also seems to be hiding something, explains Riley's new job duties...well sort of. Once they return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a "Radiant Boy" (someone who needs help crossing over) who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries, is a difficult case. Many Soul Catchers have tried to help him cross over and failed but hopefully, Riley can change his "here and now."
This was a very sweet story (and welcomely safe for pre-teens) that left some unanswered questions, but, knowing it will be a series, I wasn't too bothered by that fact. Riley's dog, "Buttercup" was also an endearing character and since I'm a dog lover, made me enjoy the story even more! ...more