I'll Give You the Sun

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Published September 16, 2014

About the Book:

A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell 

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.

My Thoughts:

Normally I kinda cringe when I see "for fans of" type recommendations that mention phenomenal authors such as John Green (and David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell are certainly amazing too).  That's a lot of pressure for a book to live up to, and often I am let down at least little.  That is so not the case with this one.  What an incredible book!  It's beautifully written, and Jude and Noah are written with such rich voices.  They both come across so clearly on the page that you feel as if you know them and you care about them so much when reading their story.  So many times I felt my heart breaking right along with them.  The writing here is a work of art really and so fitting seeing as both of the main characters are artists.  Also, being the mother of twins who don't get along so well made so much of the book hit close to home for me as well (and my girls are both artists too).  Though a YA novel, this easily stands up alongside many of the best works of literary fiction.  This is definitely one of those books I want to wave in the face of anyone who knocks YA to show them the high quality of what the YA genre has been producing in recent years.  I HIGHLY recommend this one!

Also, I will get to meet the author in a few weeks!!  Jandy Nelson is one of the authors who will be at the Texas Teen Book Festival, and I can't wait!  Yay for author events!!!

In the Woods

In the Woods by Tana French
Published May 17, 2007

About the Book:

As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled sneakers, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.

Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox—his partner and closest friend—find themselves investigating a case chillingly similar to the previous unsolved mystery. Now, with only snippets of long-buried memories to guide him, Ryan has the chance to uncover both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.

Richly atmospheric, stunning in its complexity, and utterly convincing and surprising to the end, In the Woods is sure to enthrall fans of Mystic River and The Lovely Bones. And look for French's new mystery, Broken Harbor, for more of the Dublin Murder Squad.

My Thoughts:

What an incredible ride this book was!  It's psychological thriller/murder mystery written more like a work of literary fiction.  It has incredibly complex and fascinating characters; I would happily read a dozen more books about Rob and Cassie, back to back.  Rob may be one of the most interesting characters I've read ever read about really.  The book is incredibly well-written, almost poetic at times, which I know you either love or hate usually; I personally like it.  It is dark, disturbing at times, complex, heartbreaking (not something expected really from the genre), and just so utterly fascinating and readable.  You find yourself caring far more about the characters than usual for this genre too.  This book will be enjoyed by those who love Gillian Flynn's books, which I am huge fan of.  If you don't like dark and disturbing and complex, this isn't a book for you.  If you, rush to find it and read it!  I just checked two other Tana French books out from my library and can't wait to read them too.

Independent Study and Graduation Day

*I'm combining two books in one post, as these are the second and third books from The Testing trilogy. 

 Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
Published January 7, 2014

About the Book:

In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization. In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.

Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau
Published June 17, 2014

About the Book:

In a scarred and brutal future, The United Commonwealth teeters on the brink of all-out civil war. The rebel resistance plots against a government that rules with cruelty and cunning. Gifted student and Testing survivor Cia Vale vows to fight. But she can't do it alone. This is the chance to lead that Cia has trained for - but who will follow? Plunging through layers of danger and deception, Cia must risk the lives of those she loves - and gamble on the loyalty of her lethal classmates.






My Thoughts:

I really loved this series and highly recommend it.  I think Charbonneau writes exceptionally well, done fabulous world building, and has written such complex and interesting characters.  I especially love Cia and what an intelligent and compassionate girl she is.  There are a lot of decent to very good dystopian YA series out there, and I honestly feel this is one of the best, if not the best.  The third book, Graduation Day, also had some great supporting characters that brought so much to the story, such as Raffe and Stacia, and also what happens with Will in this book.  For those who have been bitterly disappointed in the final books of some other YA series (like Divergent, for example, which I was actually fine with), I believe that this one will leave you much happier.

Also, only one month until I get to meet this author at the Texas Teen Book Festival along with many others!  Yay!!  I booked the hotel today, so I am getting even more excited.

I am so behind on posting!

I'm not really behind on reading so much, but I am behind on posting what I have been reading.  I've got two reviews coming to you right now, and hopefully I can get on track to posting them more timely.  I've just been really busy with grad school and helping my daughter who is in a virtual school program.  I'm still plugging along reading for pleasure when I can, though.

Reboot

Reboot by Amy Tintera
Published May 7, 2013

About the Book:

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

My Thoughts:

This is one that my friend Sarah wrote about on her blog a while back, and I came across it at my library and recognized it.  Sarah and I have similar taste in books, so I knew I should check it out.  I really liked this one and now need to get the sequel to it.  Tintera has created a really interesting and unique dystopian world that I loved losing myself in while reading the book.  Her characters are well-developed, complex, and likable.  The book is very action-packed and keeps you engrossed and entertained page after page.  I'm really impressed that it's the author's debut novel, as it reads like a seasoned writer penned it.  If you like dystopian literature, be sure and check this one out. 

The Husband's Secret

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Published July 30, 2013

About the Book:

At the heart of The Husband’s Secret is a letter that’s not meant to be read

My darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died...

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. . . .

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.

Acclaimed author Liane Moriarty has written a gripping, thought-provoking novel about how well it is really possible to know our spouses—and, ultimately, ourselves.
My Thoughts:

Another great one by Australian author Liane Moriarty.  I enjoyed this one just as much as Big Little Lies, which I read recently as well.  I really love her writing style, complex characters, realistic dialogue, and the way that her books just suck you in.  While everything about the book wasn't perfect, it kept me interested and wanting to read to see how everything unfolded in the end.  The biggest issue was probably the Epilogue at the end.  While I do love when there is a real ending and a story being wrapped up (weak endings that leave too much hanging drive me batty), I think this one was too fluffy/lighthearted for this book.  Some of it just rubbed me the wrong way.  Also, I don't know that the book jives with my view on justice.  I won't say more than that as I don't want to give too much away.  Despite the few issues with it, it's a worthwhile read for sure.  Between Moriarty's books and the wonderful Graeme Simsion, I am wanting to find more Australian authors to check out.  Know of any? 

The Testing

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Published June 4, 2013

About the Book:

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same? 

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career. 

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one. 

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.

My Thoughts:

Wow!  I really loved this book and can't wait to read the other two in the trilogy.  I ordered them as soon as I finished this one and have them waiting.  Dystopian literature is definitely one of my favorite genres of literature, and this will take its place at the top of my list of favorite series I feel quite sure.  At least one book in, I actually like it as well if not better than The Hunger Games.  As with all dystopian series, there are elements of others that can be found in this one.  They have tendencies to mirror each other in ways, while still taking fresh approaches in their world building and plot points.  One of the major strengths of this series is Cia.  She is a wonderfully written main character.  She's a strong and intelligent female lead who has so many admirable qualities.  She's interested in engineering, science, and math, and she is brilliant in those areas as well.  I think she's a great literary role model for tween and teen girls.  I also really like that the book presents so many questions about humanity and morality in a way that makes you really think about them.  I'll have lots more to say about the series as I finished the 2nd and 3rd books I'm sure.  For now, I'll just say that I HIGHLY recommend this one!

One more thing I almost forgot to mention!  I am going to have the opportunity to meet this author (and many others) next month at the Texas Teen Book Festival.  I can't wait!

A Little Something Different

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
Published August 26, 2014

About the Book:

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

My Thoughts:

This was such a cute book!  It's a love story, but it's told in a unique way.  It's the story of the couple told from fourteen different viewpoints, my favorite being the adorable little squirrel.  I really loved reading the story of Gabe and Lea told by everyone around them.  Even though they are not part of the fourteen viewpoints, there is a lot of dialogue between them and those people, so you still get a great feel for them as characters and for what they are thinking and feeling.  The book is super lighthearted and a quick, easy read.  You will adore Lea and Gabe and be rooting for them.  You will laugh at the squirrel and the bench.  Yes, one of the viewpoints is that of a bench!  Crazy as it sounds, it works really well with the story.

Oh, and check out that super adorable cover art!  Love it!

Also, read up on the publisher Swoon Reads.  This is their first book.

http://www.swoonreads.com/about

http://www.npr.org/2014/02/14/277021693/swoon-reads-the-next-romance-bestseller-selected-by-you

(Note:  I am tagging this as YA and New Adult because it could go either way.  It's not steamy like most New Adult tends to be, but the book is about college students.  The characters are more like YA characters in their amount of life experience and in how their relationship progresses.)

The Fever

The Fever by Megan Abbott
Published June 17, 2014

About the Book:

The panic unleashed by a mysterious contagion threatens the bonds of family and community in a seemingly idyllic suburban community.

The Nash family is close-knit. Tom is a popular teacher, father of two teens: Eli, a hockey star and girl magnet, and his sister Deenie, a diligent student. Their seeming stability, however, is thrown into chaos when Deenie's best friend is struck by a terrifying, unexplained seizure in class. Rumors of a hazardous outbreak spread through the family, school and community.

As hysteria and contagion swell, a series of tightly held secrets emerges, threatening to unravel friendships, families and the town's fragile idea of security.

A chilling story about guilt, family secrets and the lethal power of desire,The Fever affirms Megan Abbot's reputation as "one of the most exciting and original voices of her generation" (Laura Lippman).

My Thoughts:

Meh.  This is the second of Abbott's books I have read, and again, I am left feeling this way.  Her writing is a bit strange I guess, and both I've read have not delivered in the end or something.  Well, let me take some of that back...her writing is strange for the audience she is writing for.  I think her books are YA, but they read like literary fiction written for adults, but not in a good way for this genre at least.  Her characters are not likable, and they aren't interesting enough to get past that either.  With this book, what was causing the strange things happening with the girls was all over the place.  It was like she couldn't decide where she wanted the story to go.  In the end, the cause was boring.  It wasn't the worst book ever, but it just wasn't great for me personally.