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!

 

I made it through last week, but barely.  I was definitely fighting off something towards the end but I willed myself to not get sick.  I'm not sure how well it's working.  Still feeling under the weather and did not get enough rest this weekend.  Thankfully this coming week is much calmer (besides tomorrow).   I think I'm finally getting caught up on my review books as well.  I was so behind!

 

Read Last Week: 

• The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
• Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Currently Reading: 

• Lie by Caroline Bock 

Up This Week: 

• The Dark and Hallow Places by Carrie Ryan
• Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

Swapped: 

• Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Library:

• The Dark and Hallow Places by Carrie Ryan
• Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Blog

 

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-For-Books.

  

“What is your favorite Halloween costume?
Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?”

 

I don't really have a favorite of my own as a kid.  But, I remember a girl I went to school was Rainbow Brite one year and I was insanely jealous.  Her mother had made it and it was awesome!  It looked exactly like it did on the show.  

 

I've wanted to try my hand and making my kids' costumes, but haven't it done it yet.  I'm fond of their costumes this year.  My oldest is Alice and my youngest is the Cheshire Cat. 

 

 

Hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read

 

Q:  If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

Either Valek from The Poison Study Series or Ash from The Iron King series.   If it was Valek, I would have to poison it somehow to see if he caught it.  With Ash I have no idea what we would eat, but I would want to be in the unseelie court.

 

Review - The Maid by Kimberly Cutter

Title: The Maid

Author: Kimberly Cutter

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published: October 18, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ISBN: 9780547427522

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: It is the fifteenth century and the tumultuous Hundred Years War rages on. France is under siege, English soldiers tear through the countryside destroying all who cross their path, and Charles VII, the uncrowned king, has neither the strength nor the will to rally his army. And in the quiet of her parents’ garden in Lorraine, a peasant girl sees a spangle of light and hears a powerful voice speak her name. Jehanne. 

I Give This ...

 

I confess, I know very little about Joan of Arc.  Which is odd since I consider myself Catholic and the church was very prominent in her life.  But, this book immediately caught my attentions and I was curious to know more about her.

I'm not really sure what to think of this book.  It was not what I was expecting at all.  I was never really captured by Joan's character.   The way she was written didn't seem like a person who could convince thousands to follow her to save France.  In fact, a lot of the time it felt like the men around her were just appeasing her.  I'm not sure how many actually believed in her visions of her quest. I'm wondering if I might be slightly biased considering my psychology background.  Her name is often mentioned in conjunction with schizophrenia in text books, so I'm wondering if I had a hard time convincing myself her visions were divine.

I also disliked the focus on sex.  I get that she was a virgin and by remaining that way she fulfilled the prophecy.   But, I don't think it need to be repeated so often in the story.  And it seemed like the men in the story were so often focusing on that.  I'm sure it wasn't easy for many of them being in such close proximity to her, but I really doubt it was as much of a focus and the book makes it seem.

In the end, I'm left on the fence on this one.  I still feel I don't have a grasp on Joan of Arc's character.  I think I would like to read something else about her. 

Review - Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton

Series: 1st in planned series

Pages: 370

Published: January 3rd, 2012 by Balzer + Bray

ISBN: 9780062071132

Source: Around The World Tours

 

Description: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.  She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.  As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's... 

I Give This ...

 

This one sounded interesting from the beginning.  Girl vanishes only to reappear 6 months later with no real explanation as to were she has been.  To make matters worse, she knows she will disappear again 6 months later.  How do you make appends to the people you've hurt, only to have to adequately say goodbye and leave them forever?

I had a hard time with the story at first.  I totally did not understand the Everneath and how Nikki got there.  I understood a little bit about why she was back.  It frustrated me.  But, then I realized I was going to have to deal with it because that part of the story would come slowly in flashbacks.  I hope too many people don't give up on this book because it gets significantly better after the first slow 100 pages.

I liked the courage that Nikki had to walk back into her life.  She could have taken the easy way out from the beginning and stayed in the Everneath.  But, her memory wasn't completely wiped clean of her human past like it should have been.  She could always see Jack's face even if she couldn't remember his name.  This is what drives her to return.  While back on Earth, she slowly regains all the little memories she lost while in the Everneath.  She has to deal with the rumors of were she's been, not to mention a father who has completely lost faith in her.  And she has no real answers to give anybody.  I loved watching her reconnect with everyone around her.  It's slow and painful at first.  

Jack was a real interesting part of this story.  You can tell that he is really in love with Nikki, which was why I never understood what had happened to make Nikki choose Cole and the Everneath.  When she comes back, he never pushes her.  I loved how he knew from the beginning that it would have to be on Nikki's terms, he just had to make her see what she meant to him.  I hated how everybody judged Nikki because of what her leaving did to Jack.  Granted, I know the circumstances look bad and no one could begin to understand the truth, But, hardly anyone gave her half a chance.

 I'm really intrigued by Cole.  I'm not sure if he is just fascinated with Nikki because she did the unexpected or if there is something else to it.  I get the feeling there's a bigger picture here that we aren't getting yet.  He really did make me mad a lot though.  He really manipulated Nikki from the beginning.  I think he's use to getting what he wants and Nikki is so determined to walk away from him. It frustrates him.

I wish the ending hadn't have been so cliche, but I can't think of another way for it to end.  It's not a huge cliffhanger either  I'm looking forward to the next installment.  There's more to this story!

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!

Looks like a busy week ahead of us!  Who knew that the week prior to Halloween would be so crazy.  3 classroom parties (2 of my class and also my older daughters), 2 parties this weekend.  And somewhere in there we have to complete our huge classroom projects that we auction off at our big school fundraiser that's coming up!  Hopefully I get some reading in there too.

Read Last Week: 

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• The Maid by Kimberly Cutter
• The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa 

Currently Reading: 

• The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Up This Week: 

• Lie by Caroline Bock
• Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

 

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
• Fury's Fire by Lisa Papademetriou
• Everneath by Brodi Ashton (Around The World Tours)

*Thanks to Netgaller and Random House Publishers, and Around The World Tours!

Purchased:

• Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Review - Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Title: Virtuosity

Author: Jessica Martinez

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published: October 18, 2011 by Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781442420526

Source: Galley Grab Program

Description: Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?  Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall...

I Give This ...

 

I really wasn't sure were my interest in this book might fall.  I'm not a musically inclined person.  I can't sing and I don't play an instrument.  However I did dance competitively for many years, so I was hoping I could identify with the main character, even  if it was just a little bit.  

I was amazed at how fast I got sucked into Carmen's world.  I felt her indifference to her music, but her understanding that she had a gift.  She didn't know how to be anything beside a violin prodigy.  But, she was unhappy and I think that's why she initially started having performance anxiety.  I think she gave in to the medication to easily.  It was an easy out and they made her feel better.  I am curious about the addiction she was experiencing to it.  She really shouldn't have been experiencing the level she was but it was fascinating to watch her struggle with her basic activities.  She was needing them just for practicing and an ungodly amount for performances.

I loved her interactions with Jeremy.   I was glad to see it wasn't instant attraction, but more subtle (or maybe stalkerish) curiosity at first.  But, they have some in common even if there reasons driving their music forward is different.  I wasn't ever really sure if I liked Jeremy because I thought there was always an alternative reason for him wanting to befriend Carmen.  But, I was pleased to see them build a true friendship.  I think Jeremy was the perfect person for Carmen to befriend at that moment.  He had a true love for his music that Carmen was lacking.

I think I was able to understand Carmen the way that I did because I knew someone like her growing up.  She had a gift for dance and was excellent at it.  But, she had no joy in what she did.  Her mother pushed her forward constantly.  I always wondered if she would fight back.  I'm not sure if she ever did at the level Carmen did.  But, I do believe she began to enjoy dance again. 

Review - Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles

Title: The Fury

Author: Elizabeth Miles

Series: 1st in Triology

Pages: 352

Published: August 30, 2011 by Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781442422247

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Sometimes sorry isn't enough....It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems... Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend. On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed. In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.  Em and Chase have been chosen.

I Give This ...

 

It really was all about the cover for this one.  But, I'm fan of mythology and the description and the cover lead me to believe it might be about the Furies.  Thankfully I was right, but I wasn't overly into this story.  

I always have a hard time when the story starts out slow.  I kept waiting for the story to actually start.  It seems like we spend a lot of the story building the basis for the furies to come in, and I really just wasn't that interested.  While they really are a part of the story from the beginning, it felt like the didn't really try to manipulate people until about half way through.   While we had to wait for Emily's situation to fully play itself off, Chase's "crime" had already been done.  I expected them to be messing with him more.

 I also didn't really like either of the characters.  But, I think that's the point.  They both have to grow up and learn from their mistakes.  Chase was easier for me to read.  I don't think he meant to take his prank as far as he did.  And he was truly sorry for it before the Furies every came in to make him pay for it.  I was sorry he was the one who had to suffer the way he did.   Emily seems to be more the focus of the story.  I hated that she liked her best friend's boyfriend.  And she was so good at justifying it in her mind.  I really couldn't believe that she thought that her friends would forgive her.  I actually though that the boyfriend "Zack" was worse than these two.

I don't feel like we got a good glimpse of the Furies.  They seemed to be punishing trivial crimes when they are much worse things happening in the world.  It seemed almost petty.  But, then what did I expect from a teen novel.  I'm not really sure if I will read the next one. 

B & K's Reading Daze

I have two girls who love to read as much as I do.  Granted they are 5 and 3, so reading isn't exactly what they do.  I'm so excited that this love of mine seems to be passing on to them.  So B & K's Reading Daze highlights some of the books they have enjoyed over the past month.  

 

K's Books: 

Title: The Fairytopia Collection

 

 Discover the magic of Barbie in four simple board books that young girls will love! Read all about the brave fairy Elina and her exciting adventures in Fairytopia, Mermaidia, and Magic of the Rainbow.  Then learn all about your favorite Fairytopia friends in an exclusive 'Meet the Fairies' board book.  Conveniently stored in a beautiful keepsake box, this enchanting collection will be treasured by Fairytopia fans forever!

 

 I completely understand why K first picked these books out.  It's barbie!   She loves Barbie and the Barbie movies.  But, I tried to tell her these were mini board books.  She doesn't care.  I think she likes them because they are small and the writing is bigger.  It's way easier for her to pick out her sight words.  I also think when she progresses to reading, these will be easy for her to read herself.  And better yet, they were a bargain buy at Barnes and Noble.

 

 

 

 

B's Books: 

 

Title: Snow White and the Sever Dwarfs

 

  Leave it to the 3 year old to pick a book a little out of her range.  I actually expected them to pick the book the other one got.  But, B LOVES the princess's, so it's really no surprise she picked this one.  Plus, the illustrations are really vibrant.  It's almost like their from the movie.

Waiting On Wednesday - Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

 Title: Kiss of Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...
I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword …

I really loved the first one in the series.  It was an awesome blend of mythology, romance, and awesome characters!  I can't wait for this one!

 

Review - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author: Michelle Hodkin

Series: 1st in series

Pages: 452

Published: September 27, 2011 by Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 9781442421769

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

I Give This ...

 

I think I'm being a little generous giving this 4 stars.  But, I really don't feel like it was a 3 either.  It has potential, a really interesting paranormal aspect, and a great psychological undertone.  But, it also has it's drawbacks.

 

I felt like Mara's character was really well drawn out at first.  We open with after the event that has killed 3 of her friends and left with no memory of the entire night of the accident.  But you can tell she is traumatized by what has happened.   Her parents have moved her far away in hopes that a fresh start can help her cope and get on with her life.  But, what they don't know is that Mara is on the edge.  I think PTSD is just the beginning of what was wrong with her.  And as she gets little flashbacks of what happened that night, things really start to unravel.  

 Mara starts to have hallucinations, and they aren't very pleasant.  Her deceased friends appear in front of her at random moments along with other odd events.  On top of that, her tidbits of memory are leading her to believe that things weren't so happy between her friends/boyfriend and herself.  The more she thinks about all of this, the more stressed she gets.  And it seems the more stressed she gets, the more she hallucinated.  She's trying to hide this from her family and deal with being at a brand new school were she's attracted some unwanted attention.

Which leads us to Noah.  He's drawn to Mara (of course he is) and he's not use to being told no.  I really didn't like him at first, but in this case he reputation didn't really mix with the person he really was (although, I don't think it was all false either).  I liked him after he really started to show Mara who he really was.  But, I hated how the romance took over the story.  I'm glad they had a connection and in the end I think Noah could really help her move forward.  I wanted the psychological and paranormal to take the focus of the story because they really were fascinating. 

I'm not sure were the story is going at this point.  I'm hoping that the awesome part of the story begins to take a center seat.  I don't mind romance, but this one it really overpowered the better part of the story. 

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!

We had a great week again!  We didn't have school on Friday so we spent it as a family.  My husband was leaving that afternoon for hunting, so it was nice to just hang out together.  Then Saturday, I took my daughter on a mini girls vacation.  We drove up to Boise and took in the circus with some friends and some shopping.  They loved swimming in the pool as well.  The next day they got the special treat of Chuck E Cheese.  I'm sure I will be pay for it later because I think they are already tired :)  It was worth it though!

Read Last Week: 

•   Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Fury by Elizabeth Miles

 Currently Reading:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Up This Week:

• The Maid by Kimberly Cutter
• The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Swapped: 

• Don't Breathe A Word by Jennifer McMahon 
• Forgiven by Janet Fox

Tens List with VIRTUOSITY author Jessica Martinez

I'm so pleased to have Jessica Martines stop by One Book At A Time.  She was kind enough to provide me with a top 10 List!

Top Ten Things I Pretend to Understand:

Football

Buyer’s remorse

Pet snakes

Inception

Touch-free faucets and soap dispensers followed by a door handle YOU HAVE TO TOUCH

My mortgage

French

How I can be shy until someone turns on Just Dance, and then I instantly morph into an uninhibited dancing fool

My cell phone

Jersey Shore

 

 

Jessica was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. As a child she played the violin, read books and climbed trees incessantly. She went on to study English and music at Brigham Young University, and since then has been a high school English teacher, symphony violinist, elementary school teacher, violin teacher, and mother. She currently live in Orlando, Florida with her husband and two children. 

Review - Ashfall (Ashfall #1) by Mike Mullen

Title: Ashfall

Author: Mike Mullen

Series: 1st in series

Pages: 466

Published: October 11, 2011 by Tanglewood Press

ISBN: 9781933718552

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.  Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

I Give This ...

 

If your looking for your run of the mill dystopian, this isn't it. Now if your looking for what life might really be like after a catastrophic event, look no further.  But, be prepared.  Ashfall does not gloss things over for it's young adult audience.   Humanity comes to the brink of insanity and chaos in this book.

 I really liked Alex's situation for the start.  He's a teen who is really trying to push for his independence.  He's first real test is being left alone for the weekend while the rest of his family visits relatives 2 hours away.  Which shouldn't be that far.  But, when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, that 2 hours might as well be in another country.  He character goes through an amazing transformation throughout this book.  He's forced to grow up literally before our eyes.  I think his first moment of truth came when he decided to leave the comfort of his town and travel to find his parents.  I wonder if he had known what lay on the road in front of him if he would have made the same choice.

While I enjoyed Alex's character, what I enjoyed even more was the story itself.  I loved the descriptions of what it was like during the eruption.  While the we obviously don't know what it would be like if a supervolcano did explode, I think the author doesn't a fantastic job of of making it seem real.  The deafening noise and the blackout from the ash never really occurred to me.  I also wasn't expecting winter so quickly after.  Once the reality set in, I was expecting the complete human decent into chaos.  But, it was still hard to read about it all.  I was pleased to see that some people still acted human.  You would hope that more people would behave that way, but it seems civilization goes out the window.

I'm pleased to see that this is a series.  I would love to read what happens to Alex next.  I'm also looking forward to see what the people to when the volcanic winter sets in.

Review - Tris and Izzie by Mettie Ivie Harrison

Title: Tris and Izzie

Author: Mettie Ivie Harrison

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 304

Published: October 11, 2011

ISBN: 9781606841730

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

 

Description: A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school.

I Give This ...

  

I confess, I'm not really familiar with the story of  "Tristan and Isolde."  The idea sounded interesting, but what really got me was the cover.  And this book proves that a book I didn't like can be hidden by a beautiful cover just a much as the opposite is true.  

When I finally decided to read this book, I decided to look up it's rating.  I was shocked by this one, and thought to myself it can't really be that bad.  For me, it really is.  I disliked Izzie from the start.  For a young adult book, Izzie is shockingly immature.  She makes rash decisions regarding just about everything.  The whole situation surrounding the love potion just proves how she really only thinks of herself.  She goes over what her mom has told her about them and how they can take away free will and still decides that its perfect for her best friend.  I really don't think she a very good remodel in the female heroine category.

I didn't like Mark anymore.  He's like everything a bad boyfriend is, but yet Izzie still sees him as this perfect guy.  I'm not sure if this is what she thinks a normal relationship should be, or is using him as an excuse to prove she's normal in the first place.  I was indifferent to Brangane.  I didn't like how it seemed like she was plotting against Izzie.  But, I understood her feelings.  I did like Tristan.  The only bright spot in a very dismal story line.  He seemed to genuinely care for Izzie.  Although he professions of love seemed very out of place when compared with Izzie's immaturity.

I also thought the subject matter of magic was really trivialized.   I understood the constant need to hide it from regular people, but the way it was done seemed really bizarre and fake at times.  I also feel like it was thrown in there for a way to bring Izzie and Tristan together.  

Overall, a huge disappointment for me.  I hate writing negative reviews, but sometimes they happen.  I hope this story works for someone more than it worked for me.

Revew - The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

Title: The Beginning of After 

Author: Jennifer Castle

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 432

Published: September 6, 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 9780061985799

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After.  What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.  Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

I Give This ...

 

I always have a hard time rating books that I liked but I just wasn't enthralled with.  While, the story line was great and I think it was well written, I don't think I was in the mood for such a heavy story.

Poor Laurel!  What a devastating way to loose your family.  I think she tries really hard to put on the brave face and just get on with her life.  But, she's not even admitting to herself how much pain she is in.  I think once she admits that, she's afraid she might have a complete breakdown.  While I was still sad to see that breakdown come (and especially at the moment it did), I was expecting it.  I think this kind of loss is hard to go through on your own without working through your feelings.   Especially when so many of your feeling surround the "what if" game and your own mixed up feelings about the other family affected by the tragedy.

I like how Laurel comes to terms with her family's death.  She goes through everything that I expected of her.  I loved when she broke down and admitted she needed help.  I loved watching her build herself back up and continue on with the things she would have done had her family still been alive.  I especially loved watching her struggle with her own feelings for David.  I sometimes wished she would just move on from David, I understood her dran to him.  They have something in common that most people won't ever experience.  And while I thought David was sometimes an ass, I knew he was dealing with the death of his mother and his own father's involvement in the only way he knows how.  I think he's also trying to keep himself from leaning on Laurel too much.  

I admired the story for the emotions it takes you through.  But, at the end I just didn't like it as much as I had hoped.  I think it was just too emotional of a subject matter for me at the time.  I think many will like it though!

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!

 

I feel like a did a little better this week.  I think it helped we had a couple days off from school!  Never thought I would look forward to having days off but it also means days off from work now lol.   Fall weather has finally showed up.  After a September of 80s and even some 90s, October decided to bring us freezing weather and even some snow.  Thankfully, its not sticking around!

Read Last Week: 

• The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
• Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
• Ashfall by Mike Mullin 

Currently Reading: 

• Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Up This Week: 

• Fury by Elizabeth Miles
• The Maid by Kimberly Cutter

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! 

For Review: 

• Tempest by Julie Cross
• Touch of Power by Maria Snyder 
• The Pledge by Kimberly Derting 
• Diabolical by Cynthia  Leitich Smith
• Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore 

Swapped:

• Heartless by Gail Carriger