Tag Archives: contemporary
The Museum of Heartbreak
Simon and Schuster
June 7, 2016
288
In this ode to all the things we gain and lose and gain again, seventeen-year-old Penelope Marx curates her own mini-museum to deal with all the heartbreaks of love, friendship, and growing up. Welcome to the Museum of Heartbreak. Well, actually, to Penelope Marx s personal museum. The one she creates after coming face to face with the devastating, lonely-making butt-kicking phenomenon known as heartbreak. Heartbreak comes in all forms: There s Keats, the charmingly handsome new guy who couldn t be more perfect for her. There s possibly the worst person in the world, Cherisse, whose mission in life is to make Penelope miserable. There s Penelope s increasingly distant best friend Audrey. And then there s Penelope s other best friend, the equal-parts-infuriating-and-yet-somehow-amazing Eph, who has been all kinds of confusing lately. But sometimes the biggest heartbreak of all is learning to let go of that wondrous time before you ever knew things could be broken "
Review:
“The Museum of Heartbreak” is the sort of YA book that takes me right back to my high school years. I was literally going through all of the emotions Penelope was feeling while reflecting on my own memories.
The format is a fun way to get to know the life of Penelope and her friends. Each chapter contains a different item from the “museum catalogue” and revolves around the story behind it that helped shape where she is at the moment. Some of them are flashbacks to elementary school and others are recent events. It was a clever plot device and made me think about the small mementos I’ve accumulated over the years. (To the young adults: This habit doesn’t stop when you get old and is perfectly fine. Just don’t become a hoarder.)
There are all sorts of heartbreaks covered, but the one that resonated most for me was that of growing up. Everyone matures in different ways at different paces, and it really hurts to be the one who feels left behind during it all. It was a good lesson to be able to see from the outside that maturing at a different speed isn’t a bad thing and there is no need to rush.
“The Museum of Heartbreak” is a book I can recommend for any young adult or adult who enjoys contemporary YA. The pacing was fast and the dialogue realistic. It will make for a perfect summer read or provide an escape from the real world.
This unbiased honest review is based upon a complimentary copy.
Cure for the Common Universe
Cure for the Common Universe
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
June 14, 2016
Hardcover
320
Prepare to be cured by this quirky and hilarious debut novel about a sixteen-year-old loner who is sent to rehab for video game addiction—perfect for fans of Ned Vizzini and Jesse Andrews.
Sixteen-year-old Jaxon is being committed to video game rehab…ten minutes after meeting a girl. A living, breathing girl named Serena, who not only laughed at his jokes but actually kinda sorta seemed excited when she agreed to go out with him.
Jaxon’s first date. Ever.
In rehab, Jaxon can’t blast his way through galaxies to reach her. He can’t slash through armies to kiss her sweet lips. Instead, he has four days to earn one million points by learning real-life skills. And he’ll do whatever it takes—lie, cheat, steal, even learn how to cross-stitch—in order to make it to his date.
If all else fails, Jaxon will have to bare his soul to the other teens in treatment, confront his mother’s absence, and maybe admit that it’s more than video games that stand in the way of a real connection.
From a bright new voice in young adult literature comes the story of a young man with a serious case of arrested development—and carpal tunnel syndrome—who is about to discover what real life is all about.
Review:
Rounded Up From 3 1/2 Stars
“Cure for the Common Universe” is a fun and fast-paced read with a premise and setting any gamer is bound to love.
Set in a video game rehab facility which uses a game system of points to allow the patients to be released, it almost seems like a fun place to be. That is unless you will miss your video games too much. I’m not going to lie, if I had to give up the gigantic time suck of Animal Crossing it would not be pretty. Someone has to weed my town, and it won’t be those lazy villagers.
Jaxon is the main character, and he is the perfect example of an unreliable narrator. It takes a couple of chapters to figure him out, but once you do it’s fun to revel in his delusions. The side characters are all quirky and interesting, while also having some depth that partially explains why they are addicts in the first place. And yes, they really are addicted to gaming. The nature of addiction is explored in an accessible way without feeling preachy, and I think that will resonate with a lot of young adult readers.
The plot is fast-paced and quite an easy read. The only reason I knocked off stars was the ending. It sort of jumped off of the track. However, it wasn’t so far off that it made the rest of the book unenjoyable.
“Cure for the Common Universe” is a particularly good book for reluctant readers who enjoy gaming. It’s also great for someone looking for a funny and light read that still packs a bit of a punch.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drug and Alcohol Use
The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You
Juvenile Fiction
Macmillan
May 17, 2016
352
After years of competing against each other, Trixie and Ben form a fandom-based tentative friendship when their best friends start dating each other, but after Trixie's friend gets expelled for cheating they have to choose which side they are on.
Review:
I am apparently in the minority in not being blown away by the sly and snarky retelling of “Much Ado About Nothing” that is “The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You.” Before you throw the infamous rotting fruit of The Globe at me, please allow me to explain.
The characters of Trixie, Ben, and their friends were likable enough and well-developed. They all had a good backstory and fit well within the Shakespearean framework. The school was interesting and the mystery aspect of the plot was intriguing and well-done.
Here comes the issue. It was great to see a female comic book geek who was into all things awesome. The problem was, it was overdone. So much of it felt like there was a neon sign with an arrow on it pointing at her and saying “geek here.” What is really sad is that none of the pop culture references needed to be removed, just perhaps reworded or missing a sentence or two. It was like being hit with an anvil when all you needed was a foam finger. It really took me out of the story by about five chapters in.
As I said before, my opinion about “The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You” is not the popular one, so don’t let my review persuade you. In fact, when I reflected on my thoughts I decided to give it one higher star than my initial reaction called for. It is very clever, so give it a try if it appeals to you.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations
Did I Mention I Need You (DIMILY, Book 2)
DIMILY, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
March 1, 2016
448
Stepsiblings Eden Munro and Tyler Bruce have desperately tried to ignore their love for each other for the sake of their family. The Tyler invites her to spend the summer with him in New York...Alone together, away from their parents and friends, and caught up in the excitement of life in the Big Apple, they can't deny their feelings any longer. As their summer fling turns into something much more serious, Tyler and Eden must face up to reality and make some life-changing decisions. But how will their family react when they confess their secret romance -- and is their relationship strong enough to survive the devastating fallout?
Review:
I had such great hopes for “Did I Mention I Need You.” Unfortunately, they fell far short.
Anyone who read my review of “Did I Mention I Love You” will know that I thought there were many flaws with the book, but I did think that they were fixable and was going to read the second because the premise was so good. Let me tell you, the problems not only remained but managed to become worse.
Eden is infuriatingly naive and grating. Tyler was actually pretty good until the out-of-nowhere ending. There were A LOT of plot points that seemingly had no context. It could also have used a hundred or so fewer pages. I’m going to leave the review here, as the waste of a good premise is making me need blood pressure medication.
I can’t recommend this to anyone. The two stars is for the obvious ability of the author to come up with a good story idea. I’m hoping to see her fulfill it one day. There is a lot of potential left.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Adult Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
The Way to Game the Walk of Shame
Juvenile Fiction
Swoon Reads
June 7, 2016
336
Taylor Simmons is screwed. Things were hard enough when her single-minded dedication to her studies earned her the reputation of being an Ice Queen, but after getting drunk at a party and waking up next to bad boy surfer Evan McKinley, the entire school seems intent on tearing Taylor down with mockery and gossip. Desperate to salvage her reputation, Taylor persuades Evan to pretend they're in a serious romantic relationship. After all, it's better to be the girl who tames the wild surfer than just another notch on his surfboard. Readers will be ready to sign their own love contract after reading this fun and addicting contemporary YA romance.
Review:
“The Way to Game the Walk of Shame” is a good summer beach read. I will say that the first couple of chapters had me thinking I would not enjoy the book, but once the pace picked up I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have the temptation to put it down keep going a little bit longer, because odds are you will have the same reaction.
The main characters of Taylor and Evan were definitely romantic tropes, but in a fun way, and I enjoyed the way their interactions were written. The dialogue is snappy and funny. There isn’t much in the way of background character development aside from the parents. It doesn’t detract from the book, though, as this is very much only their story. I will say that the character of Evan’s mom made me grit my teeth. She may have been written too sympathetically, but I’ll leave that for you to decide.
The plot revolves around one of my favorite tropes: a fake relationship that turns real. This was very well done with quite a bit of originality. Think of them as Katniss and Peeta without the threat of death or familial dismemberment. It moved quickly and kept me entertained after those dreaded first chapters. The ending sequence was the best part.
I recommend “The Way to Game the Walk of Shame” to upper-middle graders to adults who enjoy a fun and light romance.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Brief Violence, Underage Drinking
Summer of Supernovas
Crown Books for Young Readers
May 10, 2016
352
As the daughter of an astrologer, Wilamena Carlisle knows the truth lies within the stars, so when she discovers a rare planetary alignment she is forced to tackle her worst astrological fear--The Fifth House of Relationships and Love--but Wil must decide whether a cosmically doomed love is worth rejecting her mother's legacy when she falls for a sensitive guitar player.
Book Review:
Reading “Summer of Supernovas” was like reading the literary equivalent of the actual character of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Willamena is the main character, a young woman obsessed with astrology and who has lost her mother. The character is written as edgy and artistic, but this character is trying WAY too hard. She’s irritating and immature. The astrology stuff has loose connections but never seems to come together, completely pushing to the side the interesting fact that she is a genius with actual astronomy. As is always the case with an annoying female character, there is a love triangle, leaving us to wonder what is going on in this world.
The frustrating part is one of the love interests has so much potential to be a great character and salvage the book on his shoulders alone. Instead, the author leaves us with facts about him that make the reader want more only to never get it. The relationship Willamena has with her grandmother is another goldmine waiting to be explored. It had some page-time but not nearly enough.
The author of “Summer of Supernovas” has talent, but it was focused, in my opinion, on the wrong areas of the story. I wish there could be a do over, because there really is a story in there I would like to read. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this one.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
Lily and the Octopus
Fiction
Simon and Schuster
June 7, 2016
320
Combining the emotional depth of "The Art of Racing in the Rain" with the magical spirit of "The Life of Pi," "Lily and the Octopus "is an epic adventure of the heart. When you sit down with "Lily and the Octopus," you will be taken on an unforgettable ride. The magic of this novel is in the read, and we don t want to spoil it by giving away too many details. We can tell you that this is a story about that special someone: the one you trust, the one you can t live without. For Ted Flask, that someone special is his aging companion Lily, who happens to be a dog. "Lily and the Octopus "reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all. Remember the last book you told someone they "had "to read? "Lily and the Octopus" is the next one."
Review:
Friends, let me tell you right now, if you are a dog or an animal lover you are going to flat-out ugly cry over “Lily and the Octopus.”
I mean snot running down your face, inconsolable, nothing-will-ever-be-ok-again sobbing.
The other thing I will tell you is that you will be so, so glad you read it. It’s a beautiful work of literary fiction about the nature of life and love told with a lot of humor and sadness. As the description says, the joy of this particular book is in the reading of it. A summary will not actually convey what it’s all really about, and aside from the crying, I think everyone will take something different away from it. This is definitely one of those novels that is colored by what the reader brings to the table.
What “Lily and the Octopus” gave me was the memory of the pain of loss, but most importantly, the memory of love and it all being worth it. Animals and humans alike, they’re worth it in the end.
I can’t recommend it enough.
This unbiased review is based upon a copy of the book won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
Summer of Sloane
Summer of Sloane
Disney-Hyperion
May 3, 2016
Hardcover
304
Warm Hawaiian sun. Lazy beach days. Flirty texts with her boyfriend back in Seattle.
These are the things seventeen-year-old Sloane McIntyre pictured when she imagined the summer she'd be spending at her mom's home in Hawaii with her twin brother, Penn. Instead, after learning an unthinkable secret about her boyfriend, Tyler, and best friend, Mick, all she has is a fractured hand and a completely shattered heart.
Once she arrives in Honolulu, though, Sloane hopes that Hawaii might just be the escape she needs. With beach bonfires, old friends, exotic food, and the wonders of a waterproof cast, there's no reason Sloane shouldn't enjoy her summer. And when she meets Finn McAllister, the handsome son of a hotel magnate who doesn't always play by the rules, she knows he's the perfect distraction from everything that's so wrong back home.
But it turns out a measly ocean isn't nearly enough to stop all the emails, texts, and voicemails from her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, desperate to explain away their betrayal. And as her casual connection with Finn grows deeper, Sloane's carefree summer might not be as easy to come by as she'd hoped. Weighing years of history with Mick and Tyler against their deception, and the delicate possibility of new love, Sloane must decide when to forgive, and when to live for herself.
Review:
“Summer of Sloane” is the perfect choice for those looking for a beach read that is fun with a side of seriousness.
Sloane is a character put into a very difficult situation through no fault of her own, and the way she works through it feels very natural and realistic. She’s someone who is easy to like, something that is not always easily found in young adult romances. All of the supporting characters added to the story and were well-developed. Most are the sorts of friends anyone would want to have. You’ll know the ones you definitely do not want when you read it.
I loved the pacing and the writing. It flowed steadily and the narration really sucked me into Sloane’s world. Not an easy feat since I have never been to Hawaii and probably never will get to go. I felt like I was sitting around a bonfire with my friends a good amount of the time. None of the conversation felt stilted or forced, and the writer gave each character a unique voice. There are also some very important life lessons thrown in that don’t seem at all preachy. It strikes a nice balance.
“Summer of Sloane” is a good book for anyone looking for a teen romance with a little bite. It’s also a cheap summer getaway to paradise.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
The Square Root of Summer
The Square Root of Summer
Roaring Brook Press
May 3, 2016
Hardcover
304
This is what it means to love someone. This is what it means to grieve someone. It's a little bit like a black hole. It's a little bit like infinity.
Gottie H. Oppenheimer is losing time. Literally. When the fabric of the universe around her seaside town begins to fray, she's hurtled through wormholes to her past:
To last summer, when her grandfather Grey died. To the afternoon she fell in love with Jason, who wouldn't even hold her hand at the funeral. To the day her best friend Thomas moved away and left her behind with a scar on her hand and a black hole in her memory.
Although Grey is still gone, Jason and Thomas are back, and Gottie's past, present, and future are about to collide―and someone's heart is about to be broken.
With time travel, quantum physics, and sweeping romance, The Square Root of Summer is an exponentially enthralling story about love, loss, and trying to figure it all out, from stunning debut YA voice, Harriet Reuter Hapgood.
Review:
Actual Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
“The Square Root of Summer” is the perfect example of why there needs to be a half star option for rating books. It is definitely better than a three, but the one major flaw keeps it from being a four.
Gottie and her family are wonderful and quirky characters, especially her grandfather Grey. I would love a book just focusing on him in all of his glory. They provide the perfect cast of characters for the theme of heartbreak coming in all kinds of forms, and the only way to deal is to tackle them head-on. Gottie is not the only one having problems with this, and it’s interesting to see how everyone handles their losses. I do have to say I think her friends and brother were more than a little hard on her, but that isn’t unrealistic for teenagers experiencing all kinds of losses and changes. This part of the story is five stars.
The problem is the physics aspect of the time travel thread. I loved the time travel itself, but physics was never my strong suit, and even though the author did her best to make it make sense it ended up leaving my brain in a puddle. Some parts were easy, and I did learn quite a few new things, but I believe the science was over-explained. Being so lost made that part turn into an indecipherable mess by the end.
I still would recommend “The Square Root of Summer” to older young adults and adults. It is worth it for the story of loss and the wonderful Grey. I do think if you’re inclined to math and science you will get more out of it than I did.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
Anything You Want
Anything You Want
Sourcebooks Fire
May 3, 2016
320
Taco's mom always said, "Today is the best day of your life, and tomorrow will be even better." That was hard to believe the day she died of cancer and when Taco's dad had to move up north for work, but he sure did believe it when Maggie Corrigan agreed to go with him to junior prom. Taco loves Maggie-even more than the tacos that earned him his nickname. And she loves him right back.
Except, all that love? It gets Maggie pregnant. Everyone else may be freaking out, but Taco can't wait to have a real family again. He just has to figure out what it means to be dad and how to pass calculus. And then there's getting Maggie's parents to like him. Because it's would be so much easier for them to be together if he didn't have to climb the side of the Corrigan's house to see her...
Review:
I’m going to put it right out there. I really disliked “Anything You Want.” Had it not been for the ending this would be a one star review.
Taco, our main character, is dealing with the loss of his mom, an absent dad, an alcoholic brother, and now an unexpected pregnancy with his girlfriend. Now, I actually read the author defending Taco as an incurable optimist. My dislike for Taco is not due to that, or the fact that he’s not the smartest item on the menu, but because the way he is written is absolutely annoying. There can’t be someone that clueless and still function in life. I was legitimately concerned he was unable to even consent to sex. He’s naive to the point that you wonder if he was raised away from society, including magazines and television. The slang he used grated on my last nerve.
I’m going to stop myself there. Suffice it to say, I can’t recommend “Anything You Want” to anyone.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
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