The Compulsive Reader

HarperTeen Spring 2010 Sneak Peek

2009-12-27T00:01:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week, I shared with you all some books I am looking forward to getting to from Simon and Schuster. It was quite a list, but I'm prepared to do it all again with HarperTeen. Get comfy, and get a pen and paper, you may want to write some of these down!

First up is a book that I actually have an ARC to at the moment, biding its time on my special 2010 shelf (yes, I have a whole 2010 shelf, remind me to post a picture one of these days). It's pretty, pink, feminine and floral, appropriately titled Forget-Her-Nots. I think that it is definitely unique enough (a combination of matchmakers, magic, and Victorian flower power) that I can ignore that it's set at a boarding school, which kinda turns me off of a book. Can't wait!

Okay, forgive my fangirl moment, but oh my word, a fantasy, a fantasy! Mistwood by Leah Cypress will also be making its way into the world, which is fantastic because all of these supernatural books are taking up too much room and pushing away good fantasy books. I've been dying for a great new YA fantasy read since I finished Fire this past summer, and a girl ca only reread Tamora Pierce's books so many times. So, Leah Cypress: welcome. And THANK YOU. It's about time!

Tera Lyn Childs is the author of the cute and funny Oh. My. Gods. which I quite enjoyed, so I am very excited to see her latest book will be coming out soon, and even more excited and pleased to see it will be about MERMAIDS! Kathryn Lasky's first book in the Daughter of the Sea series, Hannah, got me into a very mermaid-y mood, and seeing as there really isn't much out there in mermaid besides Debbie Viguie's Midnight Pearl, I've been pining for some marine adventures. And knowing Tera's work, Forgive My Fins will not only satisfy my yearning, but it will also be very funny too!

(On a side note, how cool would it be for a YA book to come out with mermaids and a human girl involved in marine research, a la Ice by Sarah Beth Durst? You catching my drift there authors?) (Also, no pun intended.)

Okay, is it bad of me that all I could think of was, "So, she's crazy?" when I saw the title of Carie Vaughn's Voices of Dragons? Okay, sorry. But this does sound good, a nice little blend of modern day and myth. I am always curious to see how books like that play out and how realistic they are, so this should be a good one.

This next one wins the Coolest Title Award: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. It's a historical fiction. About children raised by wolves. And the nanny who tries to tame them. (The nanny graduated from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females!) I can just feel the greatness. I love it. Want. Now. (Plus, it's written by Maryrose Wood, who is pretty awesome to begin with!)

Also, Maryrose has been quite busy lately because a few months after Incorrigible Children comes out, Balzer + Bray will be releasing The Poison Diaries as well. I've not been able to learn much of anything about the book, other than it is based off of a real Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle, which you Harry Potter enthusiasts will recognize is the castle used as Hogwarts in the movies. Suffice to say this has to be one of the most appealing books to me, and I can't wait to learn more. I shall be keeping an eye out for this book!

The Thirteenth Princess looks to be another fantasy, a re-told fairy tale (um, YAY!) with a little twist. This one looks to be a little younger, more middle grade than YA, but I'll take it! I do love fairy tale retellings!

Okay, so this next book I've actually already read, and oh my word, it is AMAZING! It's been described as a "Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls", which is a good way of describing it. What it you had to re-live the day you died, over and over, until you got it right? That's what Sam has to do in Before I Fall, and believe me, this hefty book (about 450 pages), will have you tearing through it.

The sequel to Wondrous Strange (which came out in paperback and you should pick up because not only is it amazing and cheap, but I'm quoted on the inside flap!), Darklight, comes out next month, and I am loving how they used another photo with the same model! Gorgeous! I have this one on my 2010 shelf as well, so I am hoping to get to it ASAP. I loved the fairies of Central Park premise!

New from Carolyn Mackler in January is Tangled (another one on my shelf!), in which she explores how tangled four teens' lives can become when on vacation. Very fun cover, and I am eager to get to this one as well. (Confession time: I haven't read a Carolyn Mackler book yet. I am really excited!)

My mother has already read my ARC of this book, but I am excited to get to it. A Golden Web by Barbara Quick is a historical fiction about Alessandra Giliani, the first female anatomist. I love books about kick-butt, convention-defying females (who doesn't?), and I am always hungry for historical fiction, so this should be another great read. Also, the girl on the cover looks a bit miserable to me (don't blame her, life wasn't nice to women back then), so it just seems like one of those books where the girl will actually fight back and take charge.

The Life of Glass is Jillian Cantor's second novel, and it looks pretty good as well. I enjoyed her debut. The September Sisters (and I did a trailer for it).

Also, if you enjoyed Aprilynne Pike's debut, Wings, be sure to look for the second book, Spells! You won't be able to miss it what with the huge flowers on the cover!

Speaking of flowers, The Body Finder will also be coming out this spring and it has a huge flower on its cover. It's release was pushed backed from last fall, so I'm sure many will be glad to finally have it out, and I know a lot of bloggers have read it already. I have an ARC (I'm telling you, a 2010 SHELF) that I am eager to read!

All right, that's all I have, folks. Thanks for sticking with me! Stay tuned for a few more lists!

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

2009-12-26T16:58:00.002-05:00

Seventeen-year-old Marcelo Sandoval suffers from a unique and undiagnosed form of autism, similar to Asperger's. Though he functions very well in his small, orderly world, his father determines that Marcelo needs to learn how to live in the "real world", and arranges a summer job for him in the mail room at his law firm. In the mail room, Marcelo meets Jasmine, the first person outside of his family who seems to truly understand him and the way that he thinks. But there are also many other people who wish to take advantage of Marcelo at the law firm, and it is while he is there that he learns that there is more to people than meets the eye, even people you know well.

Marcelo in the Real World is superbly written! Stork illuminates Marcelo's differences in the way he thinks and acts cleverly and clearly, like in the ways he doesn't understand the meaning of certain facial expressions (but in a way that the reader does), or how he has a habit of speaking in the third person, even when referring to himself. These details do not detract from the story, but make it all the more fascinating and will inspire you to think differently. Marcelo himself is a charming and engaging character, and his honest and straightforward ways make him an easy person to root for, even as he makes perplexing discoveries and must learn about the cruelties of injustice and not everyone does the right thing. There are many fascinating insights and observations in the novel, ones that will make you stop and think and fall head over heels in love with the story. This is an unconventional coming-of-age story, full of humor, heart, learning, and choices. Do not miss this book.

Cover Comments: I will admit, when I first saw a picture of this book online, it was small and a little fuzzy, and I immediately got the impression that the cover wasn't very good. But then when I received a hard copy of the book, I discovered that it isn't so. It's actually quite a beautiful and unique cover, which fits since the story is just as unique and beautiful. I love the stars, the silhouettes, the font, everything! Perfect!

Review copy received from Scholastic.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

I just want to wish you all a very happy Christmas! Here is to good books, great friends and family, and the birth of Jesus! Merry Christmas!

How It Ends by Laura Wiess

2009-12-23T00:47:00.002-05:00

Fifteen-year-old Hanna's only major concern in life is why hot Seth won't go out with her. She's liked him for a long time, but he still dates other girls and continues to ignore her. Helen is Hanna's elderly neighbor, and has been like a grandmother to Hanna ever since she was small. Helen was always full of stories of love and happiness, but they are false, made up for a little girl to shield her from her beloved gram's dark past.

Around the same time that Helen is struck with a debilitating terminal illness, Hanna and Seth finally start going out...but it's nothing like Hanna dreamed. When forced to fulfill a community service requirement, Hanna begins caring for Helen. Together they listen to an audio book, Helen's true story, and through the pain, suffering, and enduring love of the events, Hanna learns the nature of true love and begins to understand how it must end for Helen.

How It Ends is a truly heartbreaking touching novel. It alternates between two different points of view, Hanna's and Helen's. While Hanna is concerned with mundane, every day things and getting Seth to notice her, Helen is far more worried about death and leaving Hanna with lies, and then as Helen declines, the story of her youth begins. Though many teens may feel that they can relate better to Hanna, How It Ends is truly Helen's story, and how it affects Hanna and forces her to grow from a childish, flighty girl who acts on stupid whims into a thoughtful young woman.

Though it is frustrating to read about Hanna’s infatuation with Seth, who is clearly the wrong guy for her, the relationship is actually quite realistic and reinforces the idea that How It Ends is a coming of age story. Helen's story, which starts in the late 1940's, is realistic and stark, and one that makes you sit up and pay attention. It is a surprising tale of faith, strength, and resilience, and as it forces Hanna to grow, it will make the reader do the same. The ending is a startling one; a potent mixture of love and anguish that won't leave any eye dry. How It Ends is an amazing novel about love, loss, growing up, and redemption.

Cover Comments: This is a nice, simple cover. I like the colors and the font used. The book is also a really great size, a little shorter and a little wider than a regular paperback. Very nice.

The Lonely Hearts Club and Elizabeth Eulberg Video

2009-12-22T00:29:00.000-05:00

I've been really in love with an amazing book that comes out next week, The Lonely Hearts Club, recently and if you haven't already checked it out, I urge you to do so! Here is a fun little video with the fabulous author Elizabeth Eulberg, in which she talks about her inspiration for the novel and takes readers on a little tour of Beatles landmarks in NYC.

Enjoy!

Simon and Schuster Spring 2010 Sneak Peek

2009-12-21T09:07:00.003-05:00

As 2009 is winding down, it's always nice to look back at favorites from the past year, but it's also very exciting to look towards new 2010 releases. By scouring the web and keeping my eyes peeled, I've compiled a massive list of books I'll be looking forward to that come out in 2010, sorted by publisher.

First up, Simon and Schuster. Here's what they have to tantalize us with for the first half of the coming year:

Mercury by Hope Larson first intrigued me by its unusual and bold cover, and then by its promise of a combination of "romance, history, and magical realism". Plus, I am a total sucker for historical fiction, and I like the idea that this book takes place in both the past and present.

Next up is Nothing by Janne Teller. I don't know much about this one, except for it's described as "Lord of the Flies for the 21st century" and that it is already published somewhere in Europe. I know I'm intrigued, how about you? Also, this cover is beautiful and a bit mystic, which makes me shiver a little bit when I recall the whole bit about it being like Lord of the Flies...

This next one I've known about for a little while thanks to Kay Cassidy, who knows the author. The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson: A Most Improper Magick is written by Stephanie Burgis, and takes place in Regency England. Looks cute, huh? I am also very excited to read it as Kay has informed me she and Stephanie will be swinging by Michigan this Spring on tour for both of their books! Hurray!

Teen pregnancy seems to be cropping up in a lot of books lately, and Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont is one of those books, but with a twist. Sydney Briggs finds out she's pregnant, but before she can make up her mind about what to do, she's sent to wilderness camp in Canada. Come on, you KNOW you want to find out how that plays out. This is definitely one I have my eye on!

I read my first Deb Caletti book not too long ago, and lucky for me I have two more of her books on my shelf (MUST get to the over Christmas break!), but that doesn't stop me from pining for her next release, The Six Rules of Maybe. This one has one of those titles that makes you go, "Huh?" and want to know more about the book. Hopefully this title will bear a little relevance to the story than The Secret Life of Prince Charming, because I really am digging it. Also, isn't the cover neat?

And speaking of covers, it looks like all of Deb Caletti's books are getting a face lift. Cool, huh? I liked the old ones as well, but these are nice and fun too. I remember seeing the image on The Queen of Everything on the original cover at my library back when the book first came out, and that was more than a couple of years ago.

I am loving the cover of Jason Myers' novel The Mission--very cool. Also, the whole concept of revealing long hidden family secrets never ceases to catch my attention (I'm predictable like that). I also like that this is one with a male protagonist--I don't read enough books with those. This looks to be a good one.

The Year I Turned Sixteen is said to be a reprint edition of three or four books in one, much like L.J. Smith's Night World books, with each book focusing on a different sister. I've not found a synopsis, but by my masterful powers of deduction, I'm guessing it has to be about sixteenth birthdays. I don't have a sister, though despite the warnings of some of my friends I have always wanted one, so I'll definitely want to pick this one up. And at a massive 720 pages and a cost of only $10, I'm sure it'll be money well spent.

So, I enjoyed the somewhat unique outlook of Eileen Cook's first protagonist in her debut What Would Emma Do?, and the part of me with a twisted sense of humor can't help but adore the cover of her latest book, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood. Priceless. Want. Now. "This time the mean girl is going down." Yes, yes, and yes.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know what a spaz I am when it comes to fairy tale retellings--I simply flip out over them. They're lovely and wonderful, and Simon Pulse is lovely and wonderful for their Once Upon a Time Series, a series of 17 some fairy tale retellings. I have been talking FOREVER about how cool it would be for an author to write a retelling of The Princess and the Pea, and finally it has happened! Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguie! Happy dance!

Also, another addition to the series is The World Above by Cameron Dokey (the most prolific writer in this series). This appears to be a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, and I am most intrigued to see how this one will play out. I've only read a retelling of this once, and it was a short story by Louise Hawes told from the point of view of the stolen harp.

This next book reminds me of The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams just from its description alone. Keep Sweet by Michele Green is the story of Alva, who lives within a polygamist community, and what happens when she's forced to marry a man over thirty years to her senior. I don't really seem how the title Keep Sweet fits in with this, but seeing as I've not read the book, I'll keep my mouth shut.

Raven Speak by Diane Lee Wilson is a cover lookalike (someone tell Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!) to Keep Sweet! It's got Vikings and a strong heroine and Vikings, so I really don't see a reason NOT to get this book. Want.

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves resembles the cover of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain! It's about a crazy girl in a crazy town, and I can't wait! Also, Dia is a cool person to follow on Twitter.

The Unwritten Rule by the super prolific rockstar of a writer Elizabeth Scott has one pretty cover as well. This is the third book of hers involving a shot of feet. Elizabeth, however, doesn't write much about feet, so don't worry. This one comes out in April and involves a girl liking her best friend's boyfriend, which you know is going to cause drama. Can't wait. Thankfully, I have an ARC of this one patiently waiting on my shelf, biding its time until the Cybils shortlist has been decided and I can go back to my normal reading schedule.

And of course, we're all dying to know how LJ Smith's epically long Night World series ends! Strange Fate, the tenth and final book in the series, is one that many readers have been waiting over ten years for. I'm guessing it's going to be good. This one hits stores in April, and I cannot wait!

I was quite a fan of Pure by Tera Elan McVoy, so I am very excited to see that her second book, After the Kiss, will be out in May! And isn't that cover just the cutest? I liked the way that McVoy handled some serious issues but still managed to keep her book romantic and light where appropriate, so this will be a fun read!

That pretty much wraps up my list of new books, though Pure got a cover makeover (Thank. Goodness.) that I adore. Much better than the cherry, no?

Thanks a lot, S&S. Let the yearning commence!

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

2009-12-20T00:24:00.001-05:00

This is the sequel to the bestselling adult novel, The Nanny Diaries. I read The Nanny Diaries a few years ago because I always like reading books before seeing the movies (The Nanny Diaries was made into a movie with Scarlett Johanson), and I was surprised at how much I liked it. The sequel was just as good!

Twelve years ago, Nan left her charge Grayer X in the questionable care of his rich and selfish parents, and has been feeling guilty about it ever since. Now Nan has returned from living abroad with her husband Ryan and they have bought a fixer-upper in New York City and Nan is ready to start her career when she encounters Grayer, now sixteen. Driven by her guilt, she finds herself involved with the ridiculously rich X family once more as she tries to help Grayer's little brother, Stilton and once again finds herself colliding with the absurd and weird customs of the Upper East Side's wealthiest residents.

Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin's sequel to The Nanny Diaries is smart and laugh-out-loud hilarious as Nan attempts to do right by Grayer and Stilton X, despite the bizarre customs of their parents and peers that fight against her every step of the way. The glittering and powerful world that the X's live in is rather disturbing at times, but quite believable, and tNan is a grounded, sensible narrator, routinely providing comic relief with her wry and witty comments and observations. Thankfully, Nanny Returns isn't a conventional rich people novel only highlighting the glamour of a wealthy lifestyle, but also revealing the darker motivations and the insane notion that rules don't affect you if you have money that many of the characters possess.

Nanny Returns may be a little lengthy, but it moves at a brisk pace with enough problems and drama to keep the book moving, but not so much as to overwhelm the reader. The only complaint might be that the ending wraps up rather quickly, not really devoting much time to falling action, but other than that, Nanny Returns is a wonderfully entertaining and realistic novel that probes into the privileged world of New York City's wealthiest without losing sight of what's really important in life.

Cover Comments: I love that the same black, white, and red color scheme was carried on from the prequel to this cover, and the umbrella was used again. This is definitely a cover that pops!

Review copy received from Engelman and Co.

Let It Snow!

2009-12-17T22:00:00.004-05:00

Since Christmas is fast approaching, I thought I'd remind you all of one of my favorite Christmas-y YA read, Let It Snow, which is three intertwined stories by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle. It is also the latest addition to the Christmas Cheer Giveaway! If we reach 200 entries before the final day (December 21st), I'll throw in another prize, so enter now!

Let It Snow

It's Christmas Eve, and one of the biggest storms in memory has hit, isolating tiny Gracetown, Virginia. For Jubilee, Tobin, and Addie the storm will bring them together in the most unconventional of ways. Jubilee, on her way to Florida, is stranded outside of Gracetown when her train gets stuck in the snow. Rather than endure Christmas Eve night on the train with a mass of perky cheerleaders, she ventures out and heads to the nearby Waffle House, where she encounters Stuart, who is still nursing a broken heart.

Tobin and his friends JP and the Duke are enjoying their Christmas Eve holed up at Tobin's house and watching a James Bond movie marathon when they are enticed out into the night to the local Waffle House. What should be a twenty minute drive on a clear night turns into a crazy race to get there before the intimidating Reston twins...but when they get there things don’t go quite how they planned.

For Addie, the holidays have been filled with misery since she and her boyfriend Jeb broke up. But this year she'll gain some perspective (and possibly more) during one very long and very snowy shift at Starbucks the day after Christmas.

All three stories are cleverly woven together, along with each author's inimitable style and brand of humor. The wholly unique, ironic, witty, intelligent, and heartfelt plots that Myracle, Johnson, and Green have become well known for is strongly present in Let It Snow. The varying and colorful characters are authentic and highly realistic, allowing for the book to appeal to a wide range of reader interests, and even though each author's writing style varies, the book feels quite cohesive. The dialogue, the jokes, the slang, and actions are all pitch perfect to this generation, and wildly appealing, even as they push the limits of reality. But even so, most readers will be more than willing to hold on tight and enjoy the ride as this sweet and sarcastically funny holiday read unravels.

Merry Christmas!

Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde

2009-12-16T21:05:00.004-05:00

Ernie and his friend Will are outcasts at their school, teased mercilessly every day for being different and for Ernie, overweight. They have each other, so they manage to endure it, but Will especially hates those that torment them. Then, when Will's younger brother dies tragically, he is plagued with guilt and anger. Suddenly, it's not as easy to shrug off the teasing, and Ernie is left to observe as Will cracks and desperately tries to fight back the only way he knows how.

This strikingly realistic book is told in journal-format from Ernie's perspective. It's descriptive in all of the appropriate areas, but otherwise is blunt, concise, and to the point. Ernie's conversational tone makes the story easy to read and become invested into the story, even for reluctant readers. The male point of view is done well, and it makes you quite sympathetic towards Ernie. His struggles with bullying and losing weight, despite the opposition he faces at home, and his confusion at how to help Will, and his happy moments are all very authentic and heart-wrenching, especially as Will gets into more and more trouble despite Ernie's attempts at helping him. This book has been compared to Jennifer Brown's Hate List, but it is different in the fact that Hyde focuses more on what exactly would drive a teen to the breaking point and how what others might consider teasing and simple joking could have such an intense and damaging effect on someone. Diary of a Witness is yet another excellent, attention-grabbing read from Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Cover Comments: I do like this cover! It's very suggestive and conveys the idea of time running out, a build-up to some major blow-up. Very inventive and attention-catching!

Review copy received from Knopf.

Interview With Shannon Hale!

2009-12-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

TCR: Today, I have Shannon Hale on the blog to answer a few questions! Thanks so much for dropping by, Shannon!

SH: Hi Tirzah! Thanks for having me on the blog.

Your fantasy books are so varied in that you infuse all sorts of culture and knowledge of different sorts of trades and ways of life into your stories. What sort of research did you have to do to in order to write them?

I love to do research, but not enough to write historical fiction! I like to choose what juicy bits work for my story and get rid of the rest. I do research cultures and regions when I’m working on a new land. I’ve pulled from Germany, Scandinavia, Rome, Mongolia, Ireland, and turn-of-the-century American West. I read books, websites, look at photos, cookbooks, museums, etc. There’s nothing methodical about my research. I dabble till I find stuff that makes me say, “Wow!”

You've written a lot of books, from Middle Grade to Young Adult to Adult titles, and from fantasy to contemporary fiction; does your writing process vary between the genres?

It doesn’t really. I don’t feel like I’m switching gears. With each book, I feel like I’m just trying to tell the story and using whichever genre or style would work best.

What was one of your favorite books when you were a teen?

The first one that popped into my head was the Riddle-Master trilogy by Patricia McKillip. Do people read that anymore? I loved it. Re-read it probably four times (a lot for me, as I’m a slow reader).

You happily surprised many readers by continuing the Books of Bayern series with Forest Born; do you think you might write even more books set in Bayern?

Thank you! I don’t have any immediate plans, but the characters continue to live on in my head. I know them so well by now. The truth is, I didn’t even have to go back to the first three books and re-read before writing Forest Born. The characters were so real and easy to draw on. So if the right story bites me in the heiney, I won’t refuse. Until then, I’m happy to move on to other stories.

What are you writing now that we can look forward to?

I’ve got 150,000 words of a rough draft for a possible two-book series called Daisy Danger Brown. It’s a monster right now, a monster of many parts and much terror that will take a couple of years at least to tame. And yesterday I started a new book because I couldn’t help it.

If you could have a conversation with any author, alive or dead, who would it be?

Oh, Jane Austen for sure, though I’m not sure what she’d think of me. She was so snarky, and I’m such a wimp, I’m afraid she’d find fault with me. But I could never pass that up. And what if...what if we became friends? That would rock.

Is there anything I didn't ask that you wish I had?

Just the thing about my favorite kind of brownies (mint chocolate) and an address to mail them, but don’t beat yourself up, no one can think of everything.

Thanks again, Shannon!

If the Witness Lied by Caroline B. Cooney

2009-12-13T21:33:00.001-05:00

The Fountain family has been the focus of major media attention three times: when mother Laura Fountain made a decision that changed her family's life, when she died, and when her husband died. Now the four remaining Fountain children live scattered, fifteen-year-old Jack living and two-year-old Tris with their aunt Cheryl, and Smithy and Madison living at boarding school and with godparents. Jack has reformatted his life so his only job is to protect Tris, but when attention-seeking Cheryl invites the media back into their lives once more, it becomes impossible. Now the three older siblings will have to face their pain and grief and come together to not only protect Tris, but discover the truth.

Caroline B. Cooney's latest suspense novel has contains her trademark fast-paced, blunt style that makes her books so easy to absorbed in. Her third person, present tense narrative allows Cooney to character hop, which always keeps things interesting. Though the mystery is a bit simplistic, its tight time line is wrought with tension and never lags, making If the Witness Lied an excellent novel for reluctant readers.

The characters in the novel are also well done; Cheryl is truly intimidating, and her power makes her a character you love to hate. Though the Fountain parents are deceased, Cooney has a talent for weaving in small and surprising details that make them seem three-dimensional and real, also making their children's loss more meaningful. The older siblings are also very interesting as Cooney explores their memories and how their loss affects them all in different ways. Despite their pain and issues, you can't help but admire the way Madison, Jack, and Smithy come together to protect Tris.

The conclusion comes together rather quickly and easily, but it is a very satisfying one. Cooney's latest book is inventive and excellent, with a mystery that is unconventional and fascinating.

Cover Comments: I like this cover a lot! The color scheme is good, and this design won't seem dated after a while, which is always a plus. Though the candle doesn't really pertain to the story, it's a very attractive cover, and it conveys the appropriate feelings. Very nice.

Review copy received from Random House.

Ten Great Books to Give Teens

2009-12-12T21:51:00.033-05:00

I've seen a lot of lists this Christmas season, mostly generated by Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon, with book recommendations for teens. I think it's great to see these lists, though as a blogger who reads a TON of different genres, it bugs me that these lists stick mainly to paranormal and vampire books and bestsellers. So here is my attempt at coming up with a more diverse list that will hopefully appeal to EVERY teen on your list.

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

This is one of my favorite lighthearted reads. The premise is pretty simple: Audrey breaks up with her boyfriend, a musician, who then proceeds to write a song about her titled Audrey, Wait that launches his unknown band into rockstar fame. Now, the press won't leave Audrey alone and every teen girl in the country thinks she's a horrid person. It's hysterically funny and unique, and cont

ains many, many musical references. You really can't go wrong with this book. And the bonus--this one's in paperback, so you can get it for under $10!

Willow by Julia Hoban

For the more thoughtful and mature reader on your list, Willow is a great read. Willow is a sixteen-year-old girl who is grappling with a load of guilt after her parents' death seven months earlier, and deals with it the only way she knows how: by cutting. This is an excellent and very well written book and a great conversation starter. Willow is also one of my favorite 2009 releases!

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Headley's latest book will appeal to Sarah Dessen fans. The protagonist, Terra, has a large birthmark on her face that cannot be removed despite numerous surgeries. She and her mother live under the constant critcism and verbal abuse of her father, and Terra can't wait to escape. But then with one eye-opening trip to China, Terra and her mother will each discover the strength and confidence they need to see their own beauty and self-worth. This is a beautiful and moving book!

Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde

This is an excellent, intense book from the author of Pay It Forward. Ernie and Will are outcasts at their high school, and are constantly bullied. They usually manage to ignore it, but when Will's little brother dies tragically, something cracks in him, making him want to fight back. Told from Ernie's perspective, this is a quick, engrossing read that any guy or girl will enjoy.

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Set in the early twentieth century, Donnelly's eye-opening book follows Mattie Gokey, a bright sixteen-year-old girl living in upstate New York who struggles against the conventions of her time, wanting to attend college when most girls barely make it through eighth grade. It is impeccably researched and heartbreakingly realistic, and set against the back drop of a true story, the death of Grace Brown. It's truly a stunning novel, one every girl should read. It also was a Printz Award finalist. Plus, it's in paperback! Yet another under $10 gift!

Fire by Kristin Cashore

For the fantasy fan, get Fire, the standalone prequel to Graceling. Fire is a wonderfully complex and smart fantasy read full of political intrigue, magic, strange lands, and a truly amazing protagonist. This is one of the best YA fantasy books out there, trust me.

Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor, Illustrated by Jim Di-Bartolo

This delightful book contains three unique and fascinating paranormal short stories, accompanied by beautiful drawings. Taylor's style is exquisite and mesmerizing, and not only do the stories have all of the popular supernatural appeal, but they cause you to really think as well. This one was nominated for a National Book Award as well!

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

From the same guy that wrote the Uglies series, Leviathan is a very exciting and wholly unique steampunk read that wins the award for broadest appeal with its smart alternate world re-imagining of World War I. Nearly anyone will love this book; guys, girls, preteens, teens, adults... It's a very engaging blend of history, technology, adventure, and politics, and extremely witty to boot.

Candor by Pam Bachorz

Bachorz tells the chilling story of a town completely brain-washed into compliance and peace by subliminal messages in the music piped throughout the town, and the son of the founder, Oscar, secretly rebelling by listening to his own messages. This is a great read for teen guys and girls; very modern and intriguing.

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Academy 7 is an adventurous sci-fi read that actually reminded me a little of Star Wars. At the best school in the galaxy, two young students, Aerin and Dane, meet. Both come from very different backgrounds, but both have secrets that inexplicably tie them together. This is a great, imaginative, and romantic read!

I really hope that this list has been helpful, and if you have any specific questions or want any further recommendations, just give me a shout in the comments or email me at thecompulsivereader@gmail.com! Happy shopping and merry Christmas!

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

2009-12-09T13:47:00.005-05:00

This is the first Deb Caletti book I've ever read! I really liked it, and I can't wait to pick up The Fortunes of Indigo Sky and Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, which I am so fortunate to have in my reading pile at the moment!

No one has been warned against guys more than Quinn. Her mother, aunt, and grandmother all have stories of woe and love gone wrong when it comes to men. It doesn't help that Quinn’s father, Barry, is the worst when it comes to relationships—both with women and with his daughters. Quinn doesn't want to hate her father, but her little sister Sprout is always siding with their mother. Then, Quinn finds objects in Barry's living room stolen from his past wives and girlfriends. She contacts Frances Lee, the older half-sister she doesn't really know, and the three sisters, one really good looking guy, and a Big Boy statue commence a karmic quest to give back every item their father stole.

Though it is a little slow to start, The Secret Life of Prince Charming is a smart, funny, and straightforward book about the complexities of relationship and love, familial and romantic. In the beginning of the novel, Quinn is a little confused as to why she is so hurt when cheated on by a guy she only sort of likes, but throughout her journey with her sisters and through interspersed bits of stories and advice about relationships from the many women in the book, she learns a lot about love and what it's supposed to be, not just what it shouldn't be, and what relationships mean to her.

The characters are also quirky and entertaining. Frances Lee is especially outrageous and fun, and despite her tendency to drop a few expletives here and there, you can always count on her to say something amusing. Sprout sometimes seems to be older than eleven years, which at times is irksome and seems to be done for the sake of just moving the story along, but she's amusing and cute nonetheless.

The only other complaint is that at times the timeline of events and girlfriends seems a little hard to follow, but despite that, The Secret Life of Prince Charming is an entertaining, bittersweet, and lovable book about attempting to make sense of the nonsensical emotions when it comes to love, and full of surprising little insights along the way. Readers will love Quinn as she attempts to reconcile between who she wants to be with the things in her life that she can’t change. All in all, not a bad Caletti book to start out with.

Cover Comments: I really like this cover, I think it's really cute (although it is a little, ahem, risque), though to be honest, it doesn't exactly fit the content of the book. This novel is more about sisterhood and making sense of relationships than any actual guy, but it's still a cute one, and one that'll get your attention. My only fear is that it will turn off certain readers and certain readers' parents. (On a side note, did anyone notice that the same stock image is used on Hailey Abbot's Flirting With Boys? Hm...)

Review copy received from Simon and Schuster.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

2009-12-08T00:05:00.001-05:00

Luce Price is still reeling from a terrifying night in which her boyfriend died. She can't explain what happened, and as a result, she's sent to a reform school where among her many odd classmates, she meets Daniel. She has a connection with him that she can't explain, but he seems to hate her. But the reason for his disdain is something she never could have guessed.

For many teens that yearn for more mysterious beings and the thrill of forbidden love in their stories, Fallen will be a good read. However, Luce's character seems to be just ordinary, and I never felt a true connection to her. The chemistry between Daniel and Luce is a little dull and forced; it would have been more fascinating to expand upon their past together, as it is only hinted at in a few places throughout the book. The other lead character, Cam, came off as a bit too assuming and his true role in the plot was easy to guess, along with a few other supporting characters. The whole book was quite predictable to me, and a bit too tedious for my liking. Die-hard YA supernatural fans and those who enjoyed Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick may enjoy Fallen, but rent it from the library.

Cover Comments: This cover is spooky and dark looking, which fits the content well. Very nice.

ARC received from Amazon Vine Program.

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

2009-12-07T00:40:00.005-05:00

Carly was impulsive, smart, and hurting. Both her boyfriend Neily and her cousin Audrey adored her, but neither of them knew how to get her the help she needed when her mother died, and neither of them did anything when Carly dumped Neily and began hanging out with the dangerous popular crowd. But both Audrey and Neily are shocked when Carly is found dead one night, murdered in cold blood, and a year later they are still struggling to deal with their guilt and confusion, despite the accused murderer, Audrey's father, being behind bars.

But then Audrey approaches Neily, asking for help. The pieces of Carly's murder aren't adding up, and she doesn't believe her father is the killer. She suspects the murderer is someone at their school, who would go at any length to keep certain dark secrets covered. But in order for them to find the truth, Audrey and Neily will have to be honest with not only each other, but themselves as well, and risk ripping open old wounds and getting involved with dangerous people.

Anna Jarzab's debut novel is a superbly written and immaculate mystery that is completely gripping and unsettling. Her writing style is smart and sophisticated, peppered with observations that will make you really stop and think. Her main characters, Neily and Audrey, are both very different but very authentic. Neily is smart and capable, but struggles to deal with an immense load of guilt. Audrey is a little more reckless and assertive, but deep down, she's searching for love and acceptance. The story flows perfectly as Jarzab carefully pulls back layer after layer of the events of over four years as the viewpoints switch back and forth between Neily and Audrey, and the past and present.

The bulk of the story takes place in prosperous Empire Valley, and a lot of action plays out at Brighton Day School, where many of the students are privileged and unbelievably wealthy, but All Unquiet Things has so much more depth than your average rich teen novel. Instead, Jarzab exposes the dark side of rich living with unsupervised teens that have access to as much money, drugs, and alcohol as they want, and what happens when things quickly spiral out of control. The plot is twisting and complex, but it all comes together in a surprising, breathless end in such a flawless way, never once lacking in suspense.

All Unquiet Things, simply put, had me under a spell. This is a complex, smart, and disquieting debut.

Cover Comments: Unsettling. That's what comes to mind when I see this cover. It actually reminds me more of an adult novel than a YA in its simplicity and sophistication, but I think it will do very well among a teen audience as well. I love this cover (well, as much as you can love a cover with a dead body on it, anyway).

All Unquiet Things will be released from Random House on January 11th, 2010.

ARC received from Amazon Vine.

And When I Was Young...

2009-12-05T11:45:00.001-05:00

I grew up attending a tiny private school, and in so many ways it was a wonderful school. What wasn't always so wonderful about it was its library. It was in a tiny basement room about the size of my living room and stocked with mainly picture books and a wall of dated encyclopedias. On one wall were shelves of chapter books mainly for the 3rd-5th graders. I don't remember in all my ten years at the school ever finding a new library book on those shelves.

But nonetheless, there was an occasional gem among all of the dated Animorphs, Hardy Boys, and the crumbling Nancy Drew novels. It was after coming off of my Wrinkle in Time Madeliene L'Engle high that I looked in the L's and found another book written by her, And Both Were Young.

Now, what fifth grade girl can resist a title like that, especially when the cover looks like this (despite being a little, um, dated)?

Yeah, not many. So, I checked it out, along with another one called Camilla. Now, I don't remember details of this book very well, as it was quite a few years ago when I read this, but what I do remember (Swiss boarding school, snow, mountains, mysterious love interest, romance, and oh yeah, the fact that it was written by Madeleine L'Engle), was all positive. So, I was beyond pleased to discover that this book is being re-released in April, with a brand new, much more modern and appealing cover:

Niiice. Now, I can't promise you that it'll live up to how I remember it (which was very good), because I will acknowledge that I was not the best judge of books as an eleven-year-old, but once again, look at who the author is.

Anyways, according to Amazon, this reprint edition will hit stores on April 27th, 2010. And since I don't trust my memory well enough to sum it up for you, here's the synopsis:

Flip doesn't think shell ever fit in at the Swiss boarding school. Besides being homesick for her father and Connecticut, she isn't sophisticated like the other girls, and discussions about boys leave her tongue-tied. Her happiest times are spent apart from the others, sketching or wandering in the mountains.

But the day she's out walking alone and meets a French boy, Paul, things change for Flip. As their relationship grows, so does her self-confidence. Despite her newfound happiness, there are times when Paul seems a stranger to her. And since dating is forbidden except to seniors, their romance must remain a secret. With so many new feelings and obstacles to overcome in her present, can Flip help Paul to confront his troubled past and find a future? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Eeek, I am so excited, you guys do not even know! I vaguely, vaguely remember the BIG SURPRISE at the end, and now not knowing is driving me insane. I am also really pleased that these books are being released again, since Madeleine L'Engle was such an excellent children's author.

Until April...

Hunger Games Book Three News!

2009-12-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hey all you Suzanne Collins fans,

The release date for the third Hunger Games book is August 24th, 2010! Woo-hoo, start those countdown clocks!

Also, the paperback edition of The Hunger Games will come out on July 6th, 2010!

No news on what the title will be yet, but it looks like we'll learn sometime early next year. I did hear a rumor on Twitter that it is going to be The Victors, but that's just a rumor. I can't wait to hear what it will be!

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

2009-12-01T00:06:00.001-05:00

Penny Lane (yes, as in The Beatles song) is just sick of guys. After one particularly nasty break-up with her childhood friend Nate, she forms The Lonely Hearts Club and resolves never to date another high school guy. After all, all they do is jerk you around, treat you like dirt, make you change who you are, and cause you to abandon your true friends. What Penny doesn't expect is most of the girls at her school happily flocking to her new club...and people (namely, the principal and the guys) getting angry at her. And then of course, there is the tiny matter of a certain very nice, very cute boy that Penny can't seem to get off of her mind…

The Lonely Hearts Club is a kick-butt, fun, and powerful read that isn't just about the romantic ups and downs of teen dating and swearing off guys, but about friendship and loyalty and never allowing a boyfriend to compromise who you are or make you give up your girlfriends. The many dating dynamics in the book are so, so true, which makes it an easy and enjoyable novel to get into, and Penny's witty voice will make you laugh and cringe with her at the same time, especially as the many girls share their dating woes (who knew guys could be so mean?). Penny’s club is unconventional, but it is so fantastic to see how she turns her pain at rejection by guys into something positive and fun for the girls in her school, and it won't fail to entertain at the same time as despite her best intentions, Penny just can't stop liking guys. The Lonely Hearts Club is not about moping around; it's about boys, The Beatles, picking yourself back up again and coming out stronger, and being the better person (most of the time). It'll leave you downloading The Beatles' music and wanting to form your own Lonely Hearts Club. Thank you, Elizabeth Eulberg.

Cover Comments: I love, love, love this cover! The Abbey Road spin-off is cute, and it's very fitting considering all of the many, many Beatles references. I also like how the tastes of each girl are as varied as the characters. The only thing I don't really care for is the font of the title. It's just too swirly for me, and since the rest of the cover has such a presence and attitude, it just doesn't fit. Other than that, this book really stands out!

Also, check out my post about The Lonely Hearts Club's cover change!

The Lonely Hearts Club will be available from Point on December 29th, 2009, so keep your Christmas giftcards handy!

ARC supplied by Scholastic.

Classics Corner: Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

2009-11-30T14:48:00.001-05:00

The Classics Corner feature is just a little friendly commentary on my own experiences with the classics in the hopes that I can convince you to pick one or two up and not send you running away screaming. We all know how awesome and wonderful YA novels are, but really, these books are very important to read as well, so make an English teacher happy and read them. They're really not as boring as your teacher would make them out to be, promise.

So, Uncle Tom's Cabin. I thought this would be more about the cabin in the title, but it's really not. It's is a little lengthy (my edition was just shy of 500 pages), but as far as readability, I was able to get into this one much easier than The Scarlet Letter. The narration is direct and very full of detail, but it wasn't over the top.

A summary: The Shelbys live in Kentucky sometime before the the Civil War, and they own a fair amount of slaves. Mr. Shelby somehow is indebted to a nasty slave trader, and in order to settle his debt, he agrees to sell him Tom, one of his most dependable and capable slaves, and a little boy named Harry. Harry's mother Eliza hears of the plan and with gumption I was surprised to see, runs away with Harry and warns Tom.

Tom, however, doesn't run away. He is that honest that he refuses to let down his master, and allows himself to be sold away from him family and home to go down the river, where it is common knowledge that the slaves are treated worse than they are in Kentucky.

And so the story follows Tom as he changes masters and goes down the Mississippi River, and Eliza and and her family's perilous journey to Canada.

I really liked how the novel focused on two different storylines, allowing you to see the only two options that the slaves had: be sold away from family, or risk it all to try and reach freedom. Both paths took an amazing amount of courage. As you got deeper into the story, Tom's story took the lead and left Eliza and her family dangling in danger in the back of your mind for a couple hundred pages before returning to them once more, which was a little awkward, but Tom's journey was intriguing enough that the book didn't necessarily drag.

As this is a novel about slavery, it was full of the many different sorts of brutality that the slaves faced, all of the physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse is present, but since the book was written in the 19th century, the author does refrain from going into too much detail in some areas. However, the most startling and heartbreaking events weren't always happening to the main characters: they came in the small stories and backgrounds of the supporting characters. Those were what oftentimes brougth me to tears.

Another thing I really enjoyed about Uncle Tom's Cabin was how religious it was. A great deal of people were Christians in that time period, and it was so heartening to see Tom cling to God and the promise of eternal life after death with an unshakable belief and trust. It was what got him through every single one of his hardships, and it reminded me of Job and how God tested him. It was heartbreaking to see Tom struggle, but to know that God was with him every step made it more bearable to read.

Obviously in a book such as this, it's unrealistic to expect a happy, peaceful ending where everything turns out all right--we know better than that; extreme racism still exists in our country even if slavery doesn't. However, the ending did surprise me in some sad and some happy ways, certainly making it worth reading. Uncle Tom's Cabin caused quite an uproar in our country when it first came out, and I can see why. Though fiction, everything in Stowe's book is based in truth, and the truth is oftentimes more startling than anything we can ever dream up. If you were to ever pick up a classic, read Uncle Tom's Cabin. It's important that we remember what those slaves went through, and too many people don't realize just how horribly and deeply wrong the practice of slavery is. Uncle Tom's Cabin won't let you forget.

Now, go pick it up!

Christmas Cheer Giveaway!

2009-11-27T13:10:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving is the day my family and I decorate the house and bust out the Christmas carols. My family is BIG on Christmas. By the time we finish decorating (it usually takes all weekend, and then some), our house could rival Bronner's Christmas store. We have three Christmas trees in our living room alone!

So, the madness has really gotten me into the Christnas mood as well, and I've pulled together a Christmas prize-pack of books to give away to a lucky reader this season, sort of like Teenreads.com holiday basket of cheer. I've got eight books together, half of them favorites of mine from the past year, and half ARCs set to come out next year, and I'll be giving it away along with some yet to be determined holiday goodies. The books are:

A signed copy of my favorite Ellen Hopkins book, Burned
A signed copy of Amy Huntley's fantastic and thoughtful debut, The Everafter
A copy of one of my favorite releases this year, Willow by Julia Hoban
A copy of the fantastic sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
An ARC of Jillian Cantor's second novel, The Life of Glass
An ARC of Angela Morrison's second novel, Sing Me to Sleep, which I have on good authority is a tear-jerker
An ARC of the thriller Numbers by Rachel Ward
An ARC of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Sounds like fun, right?

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me what your favorite thing about the holiday season is. And if you don't celebrate any holiday, tell me what your favorite thing about the winter is. The contest is open to US residents from today until December 21st! Good luck!

Cheers,

TCR

ETA: I am loving the great response to this contest! I've decided to add another book the giveaway--a copy of LET IT SNOW by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle! Keep those entries coming, maybe if we reach 200 entries, I'll throw something else into the prize pack!

One Lonely Degree by CK Kelly Martin

2009-11-25T13:08:00.003-05:00

I remember when CK Kelly Martin's first book, I Know It's Over, came out, tons of people were absolutely adoring it, so i was really eager to read One Lonely Degree when it was nominated for a Cybil award (I'm a panelist for the YA contemporary books, remember?). Now I am bemoaning the fact that I don't have time to pick I Know It's Over up--I can't wait! CK Kelly Martin is an awesome author!

Ever since the disastrous party in September, Finn feels like she's been drifting away from everyone else, alone in the world as her parents' marriage breaks apart and she tries to get over that horrible night. The only person who knows about what happened is her best friend Audrey, and it is Audrey that helps her get through it all. Then, things change when Jersy, Finn's friend from childhood, moves back into town. Finn likes Jersy, but can't bring herself to admit it. Audrey also likes Jersy, so with Finn's approval, they start dating. Then comes summer...and Audrey is away. Left alone with Jersy as her only friend, Finn finds herself growing closer and closer to him. Finn doesn't want to betray Audrey...but when she's with Jersy, for the first time in months, everything just seems right.

CK Kelly Martin's second novel is fascinating as it follows Finn, who is still reeling from her traumatic experience and is completely dependent on her friend Audrey to get her through every day life. When Audrey leaves for the summer, Finn is forced to learn to stand on her own and find the strength to not only get over the party, but also deal with her parents' break-up, and that transformation is what makes this book so enjoyable. Finn learns that there is a chance at happiness after horrible experiences, and that the same bad things can happen to other people as well, not just her. Martin reveals the details of what happened at the party in September somewhat early on in the book instead of drawing it out for the suspense element, which is interesting and helpful as it lets readers understand why Finn is so timid and lonely. The characters in the novel are also refreshing in that none of them do the right thing every time, and they realistically do the selfish thing sometimes. The end is somewhat optimistic, but also realistic and will leave you wondering and dreaming about Jersy and Finn and Audrey beyond the final page.

Cover Comments: I like the bright colors in this cover. The pool blue really stands out, and the yellow bikini is really fun. I also am loving the font for the title and how it is being used in every one of Martin's books. Great cover!

Win The Real Real by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin

2009-11-24T13:56:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,

Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus are probably best known for their book The Nanny Diaries (which was made into a movie and has a sequel coming up, The Nanny Returns), but they've also published a YA novel, The Real Real, which comes out in paperback on the 15th of December.

About The Real Real:

The bestselling authors of The Nanny Diaries introduce a new heroine to root for: Jesse O'Rourke, coffee barista, high school senior, and unwitting reality TV star.

Imagine there was never a Laguna Beach, a Newport Harbor, the shimmering Hills. Imagine that your hometown—your school—is the first place XTV descends to set up cameras.

Now imagine they've trained them on you.

When Jesse O'Rourke gets picked for a "documentary" being filmed at her school in the Hamptons she's tempted to turn down the offer. But there's a tuition check attached to being on the show, and Jesse needs the cash so she can be the first in her family to attend college. All she has to do is trade her best friend for the glam clique she's studiously avoided, her privacy for a 24/7 mike, and her sense of right and wrong for "what sells on camera." . . . At least there's one bright spot in the train wreck that is her suddenly public senior year: Jesse's crush has also made the cast.

As the producers manipulate the lives of their "characters" to heighten the drama, and Us Weekly covers become a regular occurrence for Jesse, she must struggle to remember one thing: the difference between real and the real real.

Sound good? Well, I'm giving away three copies! All you have to do is comment below for a chance to win! The contest is for US residents only, and ends December 8th, 2009. Good luck!

Girl on the Other Side Trailer!

2009-11-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

Remember Canadian author Deborah Kerbel's first book, Mackenzie, Lost and Found? It was a great story that took place in Israel, and I made the book trailer for it. Well, Deborah's newest book, Girl on the Other Side, comes out this month, and here's the trailer that Deborah made:

Look cool, huh? I have the book in my never-ending pile to read, and I really must get to it ASAP! Has anyone else read it yet? What did you think?

A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper

2009-11-22T14:03:00.003-05:00

Sophia FitzOsborne lives with her cousin Veronica, and her younger sister and tomboy Henry on the small island of Montmaray, located in the Bay of Biscay. They, along with Sophia's older brother Toby, are the last descendants of the royal family of Montmaray, and despite their titles, live in near poverty in their crumbling castle. Sophia begins writing about her life and dreams in her journal as war brews in Europe and crises strike the small island. Then, when a small group of Nazis arrive at Montmaray, wanting to see the castle's library, everything changes irrevocably for the FitzOsbornes and their tiny country.

A Brief History of Montmaray is simply divine. It is the best imaginable combination of wit, hardship, love, adventure, and history. Sophia is such a genuine and truly likable character, and her clever descriptions of her home and the quirky and unique individuals that inhabit Montmaray are unforgettable. The wry and self-deprecating humor that comes with being poor is endearing, and as much as they struggle, the characters are dignified and strong and completely engrossing. Sophia is a dreamer, and while she loves her home and her family, she can't help but want to see London and experience the balls and parties and dinners her aunt frequently takes part in. She is torn between wanting to leave and loyalty to her home and Veronica, who refuses to abandon Montmaray. The life these orphans live and the history of their island is fascinating and impeccably detailed and researched, making it hard to believe that Montmaray and the FitzOsbornes don't actually exist. The action scenes towards the end are quite harrowing and filled with surprising revelations, making for a suspenseful conclusion. A Brief History of Montmaray is a lovely, unique, and entertaining book in the spirit of Daphne du Maurier, Eva Ibbotson, and Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, and one that will make the rest of the books in your reading pile seem lackluster and boring in comparison.

Cover Comments: The cover to this one is not the most striking one, but I really do like it. The drawing is simple and well-done, very appropriate for this historical fiction, and also effective at conveying just how small Montmaray really is. I also love the font that that title is in. I like it much better than the Australian cover.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2009-11-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

Gatlin County, South Carolina is perhaps the dullest place on Earth, and Ethan Wate cannot wait to get out it. To him, it's as familiar and ordinary as a shoe. But then Lena Duchanes arrives to stay with her uncle Macon Ravenwood, the town's shut-in, and her uniqueness is met with opposition. But Ethan feels as if he knows her, and knows they have an inexplicable connection. It's as he and Lena grow closer that Ethan discovers that Gatlin is harboring a lot of secrets, and that by getting involved with Lena, he's putting himself directly in harm's way. But it's too late to pull back...

Together, Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia have pulled off an amazing, epically long and engaging novel that will engross readers from the very first chapter. Their writing style is packed with details, and straightforward, which works well with Ethan as the narrator. His voice is authentic and the change of view is a refreshing variation from the multitudes of female voices clamoring for attention in YA books today. The complex details of Casters and the power they possess is revealed slowly, along with the finer points of the curse that plagues the two main characters, but the book never drags. Stohl and Garcia are constantly revealing little tidbits of information as the book progresses, making for quite a build-up of suspense. Their plot is solid and intricate, but not confusing, and just when you think there couldn't possibly be any more revelations, the dramatic climax confronts Lena and Ethan with a whole new slew of problems. This wonderfully unique book with a rich, historic setting is perfectly conveyed to give readers shivers and hypnotize them completely. Garcia and Stohl will have readers eating out of their hands and hanging in suspense for a sequel.

Cover Comments: This cover is very, very striking! I just adore the smoky look to it, and the title treatment is gorgeous! It does an excellent job at appearing creepy and mysterious, but also modern and appealing. Excellent, excellent cover!