Review - No Alligators in Sight by Kirsten B. Feldman

Title: No Alligators in Sight

Author: Kirsten B. Feldman

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 232

Published: November 25th 2013 by KBFeldman Books 

ISBN: 9781492792192

Source: Author for honest review

Description: In this coming of age novel, Lettie and Bert squeak by in a tiny town on Cape Cod, one parent an alcoholic and the other absent. After a string of bad decisions on Lettie’s part, their father ships them to their barely remembered mother for the summer, where they will learn hard lessons about themselves, their family, and their future by way of the Florida swamp. Throughout Lettie keeps her biting humor flowing, her razor-sharp pen at the ready, and her eye on her quest for a “normal” life. 

I Give This ...

I'm always a little wary of self published books, which in the growing age of self publishing maybe I should be open.  I had nothing to fear with this one.  I loved this coming of age book.

Lettie has a lot of pent up anger directed at everybody.  She was forced to grow up to quickly in order to take care of herself and her little brother Ben.  She never got to be a child herself, a fact that is really easy to place the blame on her father.  He's there and he's not the best of parents.  It's easy to idolize and fantasize about their mother who left them.  If if she knows the truth is far from this fantasy.  But, when Lettie gets caught shoplifting, her father decides maybe a little hard truth is what she needs.  

What floored me at first was that I had no idea that the absent mother might actually be worse than the father.  Within a couple chapters, I realized that maybe Lettie's dad was trying to protect them the only way he knew how.  He may have been an alcoholic, but he did love them.  I kept waiting for some moment to happen for Lettie's mother to wake up a realize what they were doing.  I hated that it was so obvious how much she favored Bert (not in a way the deterred from the story if you know what I mean).  I hated the way her husband didn't care about them.  But, most of all I was disgusted when they dumped her at the airport expecting her to find her own way home with out so much as a backwards glance.

Despite the events that lead to Lettie being send home, I was happy to see that maybe it opened up her dad's eyes a little.  She needed a father and he was right there.  I think he was making the right choices to better their lives, although I wish it would have happened sooner.  I'm not sure on the ending though.  Part of me is hoping for the bridge to be built while the other part thinks there's no freakin way. 

 

Review - Deep Blue (Waterfire Saga #1) by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Deep Blue

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Series: 1st

Pages: 340

Published: May 6th 2014 by Disney Press 

ISBN: 9781423133162

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.  When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin's arrow poisons Sera's mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence. 

I Give This ...

Mermaid books tend to be hit of miss with me.  I think it's just one of those topics that can get cheesy really quickly.  It has to be believable without being over the top.  I think this book does that just fine.

I was a little unsure at first because it seemed like Serafina wasn't going to be that strong of a character.  She's use to being told what to do and feeling like she's never going to live up to her mother's expectations or her crown.  But when all hell breaks loose, Serafina must step up to the plate quickly.  She has a hard time with this at first.  It's more of denial in admitting that her mother and the rest of her nation might be wiped out.  She hesitates in her decisions thinking that they have little importance.

I actually really enjoyed the world building behind this one.  I would have liked more information on the different nations, but what I got was enough to picture this world.  I loved how there was a little mystery surrounding Prince Mahdi.  I wasn't quite sure if he was going to warp into a bad guy or just seriously misunderstood.   I also loved the idea of the 6 mermaids being descendants of the original ruling mermaids.  I think they each represent the characteristics that originals were known for.  

I think I especially enjoyed watching Serafina grown and learn throughout this book.  She's really begins to lead in the end and accept her new position.  I really look forward to book 2!

 

 

Review - Nantucket Red (Nantucket #2) by Leila Howland

Title: Nantucket Red

Author: Leila Howland

Series: 2nd (Nantucket Blue)

Pages: 288

Published: May 13th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 
ISBN: 9781423160953
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.  But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart.

I Give This ...

I'm a sucked for the word red in a title for some reason.  Chances are that if it's in the title, I will pick it up and read the description.  That's what happened here and realizing I needed to read Nantucket Blue first.  Well worth the mistake.

This one picks up right were the first one ended.  But, then we are rushed right through Cricket's senior year.  It kind of through me off a little at first, but I adjusted when I realized the important time frames were there.  Zack went off to an exclusive boarding and school and Cricket decided absolutely no contact (they even deleted each other off Facebook).  They saw each briefly at Thanksgiving and Zack tried to rekindle their romance.  Cricket basically blew him off, so I didn't blame him for moving on.  For Cricket to expect him to wait was putting a lot of pressure on him.  

I liked how Cricket was handed this opportunity.  She's worked really hard to earn a scholarship, but we all know Ivy League are pricey.  She's willing to live at home just to make sure she can do it.  But, she's given the chance to live the whole experience, if she can make the money to pay half the balance.   And this is were she ends up at Nantucket, because were else can she make that much money in a short summer.

I felt that Cricket really grew in this book.  She realizes what she wants in love and that maybe she was wrong to push away Zack.  I don't think she every really cared for Ben either.  I think it was the older guy thing and hoping to make Zack jealous.  And think she also learned that  you have to have a little fun in your life or you might let loose too much at the wrong time.  Every choice you make has consequences even if at the time it seems like no big deal.

A great second book in the series and a great summer beach read.  I'll have to put this author on my watch for list!

 

 

Stacking the Shelves!

For Review: 

• Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth
• Exquisite Captive by  Heather Demetrios 
• Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

Library: 

• Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!  It's hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

Review - The Shadow Queen by Sandra Gulland

Title: The Shadow Queen

Author:  Sandra Gulland

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 336

Published:  April 8th 2014 by Doubleday

ISBN: 9780385537520

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother's astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she's socially scorned.  A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning "Shadow Queen." Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant. Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king's bed.  Indeed, Claudette's "reputable" new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King's favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk. 

I Give This ...

It's a personal of mine to read a little bit more historical fiction that is not set in England.    I was intrigued by this one because of Versailles mainly and the idea of a mistress rising to such power.

I always wondered about how Claudette managed to catch the eye of Athenais.  It often seemed more like an attraction on both of their parts more than anything.  And being part of the world that Claudettee is, it would seem like their paths would very rarely cross.  I think Claudette intrigued Athenais and used her own powers of persuasion (and money) to bind Claudette to her.

I loved the inclusion of the theater world in this.  I've always loved the theater, playrights and the different world they lived in.  I think they gave up a lot to do what they loved.  The people came to see them and favor of the royalty created intense rivalries.  Yet, they had many of their basic privileges taken from them.  They lived on little despite their packed playhouses.  I admired their devotion.

Now I've obviously never been someone's mistress, but Athenais really put a lot of time and effort to catering to the King.  If I've learned anything in the many books I've read is that King's fancies can change on a whim.  Perhaps that is why she turned to spells and potions.  She knew her hold on him would never last but she was determined to be his named Queen.

I actually learned quite a bit from this book about the time period in France.  I loved being able to piece together pieces of history that I knew nothing about.  I actually went and looked up more information concerning Athenais and Louis XIV.  The book was a bit slow at times, but at only 300+ pages, it was easy to get through.

 

Review - Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson

Title: Catch A Falling Star

Author: Kim Culbertson

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published: April 29th 2014 by Point 

ISBN: 9780545627047

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Nothing ever happens in Little, CA. Which is just the way Carter Moon likes it. But when Hollywood arrives to film a movie starring former child star turned PR mess Adam Jakes, everything changes. Carter's town becomes a giant glittery set and, much to her annoyance, everyone is starry-eyed for Adam. Carter seems to be the only girl not falling all over herself to get a glimpse of him. Which apparently makes her perfect for the secret offer of a lifetime: playing the role of Adam's girlfriend while he's in town, to improve his public image, in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Her family really needs the money and so Carters agrees. But it turns out Adam isn't at all who she thought he was. As they grow closer, their relationship walks a blurry line between what's real and what's fake, and Carter must open her eyes to the scariest of unexplored worlds - her future. Can Carter figure out what she wants out of life AND get the guy? Or are there no Hollywood endings in real life? 

 I Give This ...

After a book like this, I'm always reminded that I should read more contemporary.  Or maybe it's just Kim Culbertson.  She has a knack for making me feel like a teenager again, one that's just discovered the "it" person.  It kind of makes me feel giddy.

I think Carter fully believes nothing good can ever happen to her.  Probably because she's thinks it's her personal job to save the world.  Hence her agreement with Adam Jakes to be his girlfriend while he's filming his new movie.  Adam has had a little bit of a PR problem and a little bit of the small town/girl next door might be just what he needs.  What neither of them counted on was how they might really feel about each other by the end of the summer.

I liked how this satisfied every teenage girls dream of meeting the hot superstar guy.  I liked how it made it seem real because it's not your typical boy meet girl, boy falls for girl story.  Adam has many faces and its extremely hard for Carter to see which one is real.  Plus, I completely understood that Carter feels that she can never be enough for Adam.  I also liked that Adam doesn't completely trust Carter either.  It must be hard for him to believe that she's not out for something else.

I really liked how each character how depth beyond their relationship.  Adam has to realize that his actions have consequences.  Being in the limelight means every move is analyzed beyond its original context.  Carter needs to realize that she has dreams beyond her family and her small town and it's ok to go out and fulfill them.   Fear shouldn't be what hold them back.

I'll continue to read Kim Culberston.  She has just the right blend of things I love in contemporary young adult.  

 

Review - The Taking (The Taking #1) by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Taking

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: 1st

Pages: 357

Published: April 29th 2014 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062293602

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.  When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day. Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men. Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own? 

I Give This ...

  I'm not super found of alien books.  They usually just aren't my thing.  But, I wanted to give this a shot because I love Kimberly Derting.  Plus, one never knows...I might have loved it.

I really loved the premise of this story.  Kyra disappears in a flash of light and turns up 5 years later.  Her whole life is different, except in the case of her physical self.  This was a part of the story I found greatly intriguing.  She hasn't aged a day in those 5 years.  So, she stuck in a life were her family and friends have gone without her.  Nothing feels the same and she must learn to deal with it.

I was intrigued by Kyra's interactions with everyone.  She must learn to deal with the fact that her parents are divorced, her mother is remarried, she has a half brother, and her father might be considered a little crazy.  The hardest thing of all is realizing that the boy she made so plans with, had to make them without her.  I understood her anger at Austin, but I'm glad she got over it.  It was really his fault.  I absolutely adored her interactions with Tyler.  It was a little strange at first, but I just had to take in the account that Kyra was 16 despite the tie that had passed.  

What got me in the end was really the alien aspect.  Turns out Krya's dad might be entirely crazy.  Kyra did go "somewhere" for those 5 years.  There are those in secret branch of the government that are trying to contain all those who have disappeared only to return "different."   But, there are those who have experienced exactly what Krya has the are willing to help her.  It might be at Tyler's expense though, and this is were the story lost me.  

I'm not entirely positive I will read the next one.  I would like to see what happens to Tyler and I'm interested in what actually happens to those who have disappeared.  But, I'm still not sold on the alien aspect.

 

Review - Great by Sara Benincasa

Title: Great

Author: Sara Benincasa

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 263

Published: April 8th 2014 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062222695

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Naomi Rye usually dreads spending the summer with her socialite mother in East Hampton. This year is no different. She sticks out like a sore thumb among the teenagers who have been summering (a verb only the very rich use) together for years. But Naomi finds herself captivated by her mysterious next-door neighbor, Jacinta. Jacinta has her own reason for drawing close to Naomi-to meet the beautiful and untouchable Delilah Fairweather. But Jacinta's carefully constructed world is hiding something huge, a secret that could undo everything. And Naomi must decide how far she is willing to be pulled into this web of lies and deception before she is unable to escape.

I Give This ...

 

 I was a little hesitant after noticing a couple reviews.  But, I decided to give it a go anyway.  I'm ended up really enjoying the story.  Perhaps the fact that I've never read The Great Gatsby helps in that regard.  

I found Naomi to be interesting.  I wondered if she picked the opposite of what a socialite would wear, act, etc. just to see how far she could push her mother.  It seemed like she didn't want to give this world a chance at all.  It wasn't until an outsider latched on and pulled her into this world was she able to see that it might have something to offer her.  She changes the way she dresses, donning the outfits her mother has filled her closets with.  She starts to ignore her friends at home, instead complaining when Jacinta and Delilah begin to exclude her from their plans.  It made her seem shallow at times, but I think she was just confused in how to meld these two sides of her self.

Jacinta was the character I never quite understood throughout this.  She was expecting a lot in return for throwing a few wild parties.  But, I think it goes to show that sometimes old grudges and impressions run dip and that it takes more than a few years and money to look past that.  It was also a sad reminder that even the best of us are going to look out for ourselves when put under the light.  It was sad to see how this destroyed Jacinta in the process.  I wish she would have been stronger than that though.

I seem to be one of the few that thought this was pretty good.  I sometimes think that putting in the category of a contemporary retelling of a classic can put a lot of pressure on a book.   

 

Review - Dark Metropolis (Dark Metropolis #1) by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Dark Metropolis

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

Series: 1st

Pages: 304

Published:  June 17th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423163329

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description:  Sixteen-year-old Thea Holder's mother is cursed with a spell that's driving her mad, and whenever they touch, Thea is chilled by the magic, too. With no one else to contribute, Thea must make a living for both of them in a sinister city, where danger lurks and greed rules.  Thea spends her nights waitressing at the decadent Telephone Club attending to the glitzy clientele. But when her best friend, Nan, vanishes, Thea is compelled to find her. She meets Freddy, a young, magnetic patron at the club, and he agrees to help her uncover the city's secrets-even while he hides secrets of his own. Together, they find a whole new side of the city. Unrest is brewing behind closed doors as whispers of a gruesome magic spread. And if they're not careful, the heartless masterminds behind the growing disappearances will be after them, too. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, this is a chilling thriller with a touch of magic where the dead don't always seem to stay that way.

I Give This ...

I've quite enjoyed Jaclyn Dolamore's work so far.  She managed to turn her stories into something unique.  This one is no exception.  

One can't help feel sorry for Thea soon after meeting her.  Her father is dead, or so they have been told.  Without a body and her mother's decent into madness, Thea is often left wondering if he's possibly still alive.  Her mother and father were bonded through magic with their marriage, a process now considered illegal.  Without his presence,  Thea's mother is going losing touch with reality a little more everyday.  If the people in authority knew this, they would take her away.  So, Thea does what she must and works hard to keep them feed and a roof over their head.

And then she meets Freddy, whose got a lot of problems of his own.  Taken from his parents to be raised by his uncle, his life has been focused on his talent.  You see, Freddy can raise people from the dead.  He sees it as giving them a second chance of life, but his uncle has been keeping something from him.  These people aren't returned to their families, and life might be stretch at what these people are living.  They are being used to run the city and kept in their place because they need something extra from becoming zombish creatures.

I really enjoyed how this story played out.  Thea faces some crazy things throughout, but she never back down from doing what is right.  Freddy final takes the blindfold off and realizes what he has helped to create.  I know he did it unknowingly, but I can't help but wonder what the true purpose of his powers are.   There has to be something useful about it.  Especially knowing how he can control it as well.

I will be looking forward to the next one!  I'm eager to get to know these characters more! 

 

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Read Last Week:

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

 

Read Last Week:

 

• The Fire Wish by Amber Lough  
• Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Currently Reading:

• The Girl with the Wind Up Heart by Kady Cross 

Up This Week:    

Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

The Queen's Exiles by Barbara Kyle

 

Review - The Fire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1) by Amber Lough

Title: The Fire Wish

Author: Amber Lough
Series: 1st

Pages: 320

Published: July 22nd 2014 by Random House Children's 

ISBN: 9780385369763

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: A jinni. A princess. And the wish that changes everything. . . .  Najwa is a jinni, training to be a spy in the war against the humans. Zayele is a human on her way to marry a prince of Baghdad—which she’ll do anything to avoid. So she captures Najwa and makes a wish. With a rush of smoke and fire, they fall apart and re-form—as each other. A jinni and a human, trading lives. Both girls must play their parts among enemies who would kill them if the deception were ever discovered—enemies including the young men Najwa and Zayele are just discovering they might love. 

I Give This ...

When I first read the description for this, I though "Jinni? That's brilliant!"  Apparently, this might be the new hot topic in YA, but I don't care.  I'll read it until I'm bored of it I'm sure.

  I was really intrigued by the set up of this one.  Jinni' and humans are at war with one another.  I think this is serious, but it's hard to tell because it's so far removed from this book.  I found that a little strange in the thought that this part of the story felt like an afterthought, added to give some sort of meaning to the conflict between the two.  But, maybe our main characters are so far removed from the actual fighting, that it didn't feel real to even them.  I liked the idea that at one time the two lived in harmony, even going so far as to helping each other.  There's always that one person that screws it all up for stupid reasons.

I liked Najwa the most of our two young women.  But at times she feels frightfully naive.   How can she be training to be a spy but makes the stupid mistakes that she does?  She's been trusted with such a big task that I think the forget how young she is.  All the other jinni saw was a way to maybe gain the upper hand in the war because she could enter in the palace walls when no other jinni could.  Zayele was interesting because she seems to care very little about trying to play Najwa.  Granted she has no one to guide her in the task like Najwa does, but the thought never seems to cross her mind.

Reading back on all that, one might think that I didn't particularly enjoy the book.  But, that's not the case.  I enjoyed the story a lot and breezed right though it.  I liked the lore behind the jinni and was completely fascinated by how they stored their memories.  Even the instant romance between the characters didn't bother me to much (probably because I'm no use to it outside of contemporary YA).  I really look forward to the next in the series!

 

   

Review- The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Forever Song

Author: Julie Kagawa

Series: 3rd (The Immortal Rules, The Eternity Cure)

Pages: 393

Published: April 15th 2014 by Harlequin Teen 

ISBN: 9780373211128

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Vengeance will be hers.  Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.  Monster. Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.  In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone. THE FINAL HUNT IS ON. 

I Give This ...

The end of another great series by Julie Kagawa.  It's always bittersweet.  This series has been a great addition to the vampire genre.  

I was a little afraid that Allison was losing herself for awhile.  I knew the thought of Zeke's death would be hard for Allisoon.  But, her humanity has been way to big a part of her.  I never thought that losing him would cause her to loose faith in it.  Thankfully she's not that way for long because she needs that spark to defeat Sarren.   Her humanity is what makes her special and one of the reasons Kanin admires her so much.   

Sarren manages to surprise me again with his sadistic nature.  He knows just how to lure in Allison and Kanin.   I felt like Sarren was just testing them most of the time.  If it turned out he managed to kill one of them along that way, that would be just an added bonus.  He wants them to know what he is doing and to be there to see him unleash his no virus and know that they can do nothing to stop it.

I felt the end was fitting for the whole story.   It was one of the books that left me doubting until the very end.  It wasn't a feel good happy ending though.  just enough hope that the world can start anew. 

Anxiously awaiting Julie Kagawa's next book! 

 

 

 

Review - Tease by Amanda Maciel

Author: Tease

Author: Amanda Maciel

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 328

Published: April 29th 2014 by Balzer + Bray 

Published: 9780062305305

ISBN:9780062305305

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault. At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media. In the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her own role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.  

I Give This ...

  This book was really hard for me to rate.  It just goes to show you that its possible to enjoy a story and dislike the main character.  

I thought this was an excellent book about bullying.  In this day and age its a very real thing that is occurring everyday.  It was emotional to read from cover to cover.  I was floored over and over again at the tactics Sara, Brielle, and their friends display towards Emma.  It's disturbing to think that teens exhibit this kind of behavior and think there is nothing wrong with it.  In fact, even after Emma's death, they still continue to blame her for what has happened.

It's hard to like Sara at any point in time in this book.  But at the same time, I think Sara might have been just as manipulated as Emma was.  Brielle knew she was in command and how to get just what she wanted.  She could warp the situation to make those around her believe that Emma really was the problem. Sara makes excuse after excuse for her behavior, never looking at her own actions.  

I think this might become a must read for teens.   It can lead to great discussion and show how the actions may make others feel.  They may think they are doing no harm, but that is obviously far from the truth.  I think this book can be paired well with Thirteen Reasons Why. 

 

 

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

Read Last Week: 

• The Agincourt Bride by Joanna Hickson
• Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne 
• The Boleyn Reckoning by Laura Andersen  

Up This Week:  

•  Unhinged by A.G. Howard

Up This Week:   

• Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke
• The Girl with the Wind Up Heart by Kady Cross