Author Archives: adultintheyasection
Rules for 50/50 Chances
Rules for 50/50 Chances
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
November 24, 2015
Hardcover
352
Seventeen-year-old Rose Levenson has a decision to make: Does she want to know how she's going to die? Because when Rose turns eighteen, she can take the test that tells her if she carries the genetic mutation for Huntington's disease, the degenerative condition that is slowly killing her mother.
With a fifty-fifty shot at inheriting her family's genetic curse, Rose is skeptical about pursuing anything that presumes she'll live to be a healthy adult-including her dream career in ballet and the possibility of falling in love. But when she meets a boy from a similarly flawed genetic pool and gets an audition for a dance scholarship across the country, Rose begins to question her carefully laid rules.
Review:
I don’t think I’ve ever been as conflicted about a book as I am about “Rules for 50/50 Chances”. It is a solid 3 1/2 but can’t be rounded up to a 4.
The protagonist, Rose, is a ballerina with a mother who is suffering with Huntington’s disease. While I don’t know anyone with Huntington’s and therefore not speaking from experience, I believe the author did a good job of conveying the challenges and emotions it presents to an average family. One of the strongest points of the book is how well-developed the family dynamics are, with each member of the family seeming so real it’s like you know them. I especially enjoyed the family trait of being train buffs, which ultimately led to the reasons why trains are awesome. (Spoiler alert: Trains really are awesome.)
There is also quite a bit of diversity in the book. Caleb, the main male character, is african-american, while Rose’s best friend, Lena, is asian-american. Rose herself is part Jewish. The differences in culture, as well as the differences in the diseases that run in their families, are explored and not ignored as some books tend to do.
That being said, I had two major issues when reading this book. The first is that Rose and Caleb are both somewhat unlikable and judgmental toward each other. In fact, Rose is generally unlikable in almost all of her interactions. While some of it is pointed out, so obviously done purposefully, her irritation level went off the charts for me. Also, I cannot see those two ever developing an actual healthy relationship. The second problem is that it was just too long. Some of it could have been cut and the plot would have run quite a bit more smoothly. As it was I found myself having to force myself to keep reading some parts.
“Rules for 50/50 Chances” is by no means a bad book, and it brings up many important issues and diseases. It’s a good contemporary read for both young and old adults who have a bit of patience for the slow parts and the character flaws.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
My Secret to Tell
My Secret to Tell
Sourcebooks Fire
October 6, 2015
Paperback
320
His smile is a crime.
Emerson May is "the good girl." She's the perfect daughter, the caring friend, the animal shelter volunteer. But when her best friend's brother breaks into her room, his hands covered in blood, she doesn't scream or call the cops. Because when Deacon smiles at her, Emmie doesn't want to be good...
The whole town believes notorious troublemaker Deacon is guilty of assaulting his father. Only Emmie knows a secret that could set him free. But if she follows her heart, she could be trusting a killer...
You can't always trust the boy next door.
Review:
“My Secret to Tell” is a combination of mystery and “bad boy” romance which is blissfully free of love triangles.
The characters of Emmie and Deacon were a lot of fun to read. Their banter felt natural and not at all forced. They also did not suffer from instalove, and I appreciate that fact quite a bit. Emmie faces many of the problems that most young adults face, including parental expectations versus personal wants. Deacon has quite a few problems, but many of the problems have a good cause. What I particularly liked was that none of the problems, good reason or not, are actually excused as appropriate behavior. That includes from Emmie. How often does unblinded love happen in a young adult romance? Not enough.
The plot was fun, though I did figure out a good bit of the twist before it was revealed at the end. That’s the reason I gave it four stars instead of five. It’s a quick read. While not completely light, it also isn’t too heavy, so it’s a nice book to take on a vacation or read during downtime. I’d also like to mention that the descriptions of the North Carolina coast are beautiful and completely accurate. If you have a love of the area, you will enjoy it for that alone.
I recommend “My Secret to Tell” for young adults and adults alike who are looking for an enjoyable read.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Mentions of Drug Use
Need
Need
HMH Books for Young Readers
November 3, 2015
Hardcover
352
“No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better.”
Teenagers at Wisconsin’s Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature.
Review:
It takes quite a bit to scare me as far as books are concerned, but “Need” had me wishing I had left the lights on when I went to bed. It’s a solid new book from the author of the popular “Testing” series that fans of thrillers or the author will not want to miss.
The story is told through the first person with Kaylee and through the third person using various students who are members of the new social networking site “Need.” Need promises to deliver what those who make requests need (though it’s really wants), but at a price. Mixing the points of view makes for a great mystery that gives the readers enough clues to keep it interesting, but not so many that it’s obvious what is going on.
All of the characters are compelling, even those with only a few pages in total devoted to them. The plot makes for a page-turner and never slows down. It also brings up many serious issues about social networking and human nature, both good and bad. In fact, aside from a few events that seem a bit of a stretch of reality, I can’t find anything that I didn’t like about “Need”. Also, there is one instance of animal abuse and death, though it isn’t gratuitous and is important to the plot, so please beware if that triggers you.
I recommend “Need” to all of those old (and brave) enough to handle a book that is terrifying because it could actually happen. It can be used to spark discussion about dangers, both online and off, as well as how we treat others.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Animal Abuse
Meritorium
Meritorium
Meritroplois, Book 2
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
September 28, 2015
Paperback
262
Under the System everyone is assigned a numerical Score that decides their worth to society and whether they live or die.
Charley has escaped from Meritropolis...
but in his quest to take down the System that has taken his brother from him, he must go through Meritorium, a city where gladiatorial games of life or death combat are waged between High Scores and Low Scores, man and beast.
Charley and Sandy must face man-eating plants, religious zealots, slave traders, and the ever present mutant animal combinations that roam a dystopian Coliseum presided over by Emperor Titus, the one man standing between Charley and the answers he seeks. Man is not an animal, but if they are to make it through Meritorium, will they even be able to tell the difference?
The lines between man and beast, friend and foe, will blur in Meritorium, the riveting sequel to the bestselling Meritropolis.
Review:
“Meritorium” is the second book in the Meritropolis series. The debut book, “Meritropolis”, introduced a unique and well-developed world, along with an interesting cast of characters. Unfortunately, “Meritorium” did not live up to the original.
The characters and plot are still interesting, which is what frustrated me the most about the problems in the book. There was quite a bit of “over-explaining”, which did nothing but slow down the flow of the plot and cause me to grow impatient with it. Additionally, there were some interesting religious themes, but instead of letting the story carry them, they were also explained in too great of detail. It reduced the impact and made it read like a sermon, whereas subtlety would have given much more for the reader to ponder.
“Meritorium” had a lot of potential, but I can’t recommend it because of the reasons above. I’m still looking forward to the next in the series, as I have high hopes it will return to the writing style the made “Meritropolis” so good.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Gore, Animal Abuse, Child Abuse
Tell the Story to Its End
St. Martin's Griffin
October 20, 2015
Hardcover
208
"Tell the story to its end," says Eren with a grin.
His yellow eyes are glowing like embers in the night.
"When I reach the end," I say, "what happens? You'll have the whole story."
"Hmm," he says, looking at me and licking his lips with a dry, grey tongue. "What happens then? Why don't we find out?"
People are keeping secrets from Oli. His mum has brought him to stay with his aunt and uncle in the countryside, but nobody will tell him why his dad isn't there, too. Why hasn't he come with them? Has something happened? Why won't anyone talk about it? Oli has a hundred questions, and only an old, empty house in the middle of an ancient forest for answers. But then he finds a secret of his own: there is a creature that lives in the attic...
Eren is not human.
Eren is hungry for stories.
Eren has been waiting for him.
With Eren to listen, Oli starts to make sense of what's happening. But Eren is powerful, and though he's willing to help Oli, he's not willing to do it for free; he wants something in return. Oli must make a choice: he can learn the truth -- but to do so he must abandon himself to Eren's world, forever.
From striking new voice Simon P. Clark comes Tell the Story to Its End; richly atmospheric, moving, unsettling, and told in gorgeous prose, it is a modern classic in the making.
Review:
“Tell the Story to Its End” is a short fantasy book with the horror elements of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale thrown in. It is definitely something that leaves you with chills, and the tone is perfect for the weeks leading up to Halloween, as Eren is a truly terrifying character.
There are wonderful quotes about the process of storytelling sprinkled in among the story, and the main story itself is composed of the telling of several smaller stories. I will say that it can be frustrating if you try to look into it all too deeply, as it can get jumbled and lead to quite a bit of a headache. This one is better if you just go along with it and enjoy the words. An added bonus is some beautiful artwork the pops up throughout the book.
I recommend “Tell the Story to Its End” for any middle reader or up who enjoys being a bit spooked. It is also a good read-aloud for those with younger children who can still sleep if they hear a good ghost story.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Scary Imagery
Wolf By Wolf
Wolf By Wolf
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
October 20, 2015
Hardcover
400
Her story begins on a train.
The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. To commemorate their Great Victory, they host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The prize? An audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's ball in Tokyo.
Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arm are a constant reminder of the loved ones she lost. The resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele's twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move.
But as Yael grows closer to the other competitors, can she be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and stay true to her mission?
From the author of The Walled City comes a fast-paced and innovative novel that will leave you breathless.
Review:
I don’t typically gravitate toward alternate history novels, but I decided to give “Wolf By Wolf” a chance because of the exceptional writing and research shown by Ryan Graudin in “The Walled City”. I am glad that I did.
The novel tackles two big “what ifs”: What would happen had Germany and Japan won World War II, and what would happen if some of the Nazi doctors’ more gruesome and occult human experiments had been successful? The research into these topics is obviously thorough and shines through in every historical part written. Add into it a long-distance motorcycle race, and you have a fast-paced plot that makes the book almost impossible to put down.
The book could earn five stars based on the heroine, Yael, alone. She is a survivor in the most literal sense, and the way she is written makes us imagine the horrors she has seen in unsettling detail. While she has a mission, she is true to herself and her morals, unwilling to compromise what is right. She is the type of protagonist that can inspire the reader in the own lives, and for that fact alone I hope “Wolf By Wolf” is widely read.
“Wolf By Wolf” is a novel which I cannot recommend highly enough for those ages 8th grade and up. In addition to being a fantastic and inspiring read, it is also a good starting point for teaching about the horrors of the Holocaust.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Illuminae
The Illuminae Files, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Alfred a Knopf Incorporated
October 20, 2015
608
"The planet Kerenza is attacked, and Kady and Ezra find themselves on a space fleet fleeing the enemy, while their ship's artificial intelligence system and a deadly plague may be the end of them all"--
Review:
“Illuminae” is a book like none other I have ever read. It felt like I was watching a documentary while playing a video game, with the occasional break to notice I was actually reading a book.
I don’t even know how to write about it without spoiling it, because even the format in which the story is told seems like it would be better as a surprise. There is romance, a lot of humor, some crazy space stuff, a conspiracy, viruses, etc. If you can think of it, it is probably in the book.
The beginning is a little slow, but once you get used to the unusual format the pace begins to pick up. By the end it feels like you just started reading. I really do wish I could say more, but I hate spoiling something so darn fun. And trust me, if nothing else, this book is fun.
I highly recommend “Illuminae” for upper middle readers and up, especially those with a love of video games (hint: Portal) and science fiction. The quick-read format makes it an excellent choice for reluctant readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Sexual Situations, Violence, Creepy Stuff
The Half-Life of Planets
Juvenile Fiction
Open Road Integrated Media
April 7, 2015
248
“A smart and unusual romance just about right for fans of John Green.” —Booklist Liana’s decided to boycott kissing this summer, hoping to lose her reputation and focus on planetary science. Hank has near-encyclopedic knowledge of music and Asperger’s syndrome. When they meet by chance in a hospital restroom, neither one realizes that their friendship will change everything. If Liana’s experiment goes as planned, she’ll learn to open up, using her mouth for talking instead of kissing. But Hank’s never been kissed and thinks Liana might be the one to show him . . . if he can stop spewing music trivia long enough to let her.
Review:
“The Half-Life of Planets” is a book I have mixed-feelings about. On the one hand, it is a really great portrayal of the thought processes of someone with Asperger’s and their first experiences with the opposite sex. On the other hand, it seemed quite a bit over-simplified in terms of how the neurotypical half of the relationship reacted to their own circumstances.
Hank is a boy with Asperger’s and a very complicated home situation. Lianna has quite a few things going on in her own life and has some self-esteem issues related to her family life. I love the way that Hank is written, along with the authors not excusing some of the mistakes he makes by chalking it up to Asperger’s. I believe quite a few middle-grade aspies will love reading about such a relatable character, and I also believe that it will be quite an eye-opener for those who may know someone on the spectrum but not closely.
Lianna, on the other hand, seemed to handle things unrealistically at the end. I don’t mean her interactions with Hank, though those are understandably awkward. She does quite a few over-the top things that seem to just be swept easily under the rug at the end in favor of a nice, tidy ending.
In spite of my thoughts on Lianna, I still recommend “The Half-Life of Planets” for readers 7th-9th grades. There are a lot of valuable insights to be found in the book. However, I think it will lose the interest of older readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat
Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat
Ballantine Books
October 13, 2015
Hardcover
224
For fans of Laurie Notaro and Jenny Lawson comes an uproarious and oddly endearing essay collection for anyone trying to survive the holidays in one piece.
When it comes to time-honored holiday traditions, Jen Mann pulls no punches
In this hilariously irreverent collection of essays, Jen Mann, nationally bestselling author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat, turns her mordant wit on the holidays. On Mann’s naughty list: mothers who go way overboard with their Elf on the Shelf, overzealous carolers who can’t take a hint, and people who write their Christmas cards in the third person (“Joyce is enjoying Bunko. Yeah, Joyce, we know you wrote this letter.”). And on her nice list . . . well, she’s working on that one. Here, no celebration is off-limits. The essays include:
• You Can Keep Your Cookies, I’m Just Here for the Booze
• Nice Halloween Costume. Was Skank Sold Out?
• Why You Won’t Be Invited to Our Chinese New Year Party
From hosting an ill-fated Chinese New Year party, to receiving horrible gifts from her husband on Mother’s Day, to reluctantly telling her son the truth about the Easter Bunny, Mann knows the challenge of navigating the holidays while keeping her sanity intact. And even if she can’t get out of attending another Christmas cookie exchange, at least she can try again next year.
Review:
“Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat” is a memoir in essays about Christmas and other holidays. It will make you laugh, cry, cringe, feel sorry for the author, and ultimately, make you feel nostalgia.
Most of the stories had me actually laughing out loud. Some of them made me snort. Quite a few of them left me wondering if we may be related. The point is: We have all been in her shoes, and we have also all been in the shoes of one of the other poor souls. No holiday is perfect, but it’s the funny stories of things gone that leave us longing for more. It’s this very fact that makes the book much more than a collection of funny stories. It has heart, and it is bound to touch the hearts of everyone with a fondness for holidays and families, in spite of all of the hassle they bring.
“Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat” is well-written and a quick read. Sitting down with it will be a perfect break from the upcoming holiday rush. Also, it will make a great not-so-subtle gift for all of the “holiday overachievers” in your life. (Watch me get three copies.)
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Heartache and Other Natural Shocks
Juvenile Fiction
October 13, 2015
384
When fifteen-year-old Julia Epstein and her Anglophone family flee Montreal in October 1970, she struggles to adjust to a new life in the suburban wasteland of North York, Toronto. Next door lives Carla Cabrielli, who works her "assets" and knows how to get what she wants. Julia and Carla get on a collision course, not only for the same role in the school production of "Hamlet," but also for the leading man - sword-wielding bad boy and sex magnet, Ian Slater. "Heartache and Other Natural Shocks" explores teen rivalry. When events take a dangerous turn, both Julia and Carla become vulnerable to deception and betrayal. Full of unexpected twist and turns, Glenda Leznoff's unique novel marks the debut of an important new voice in young-adult fiction.
Review:
“Heartache and Other Natural Shocks” is a coming-of-age story that is very deep and original. With a tone of dark realism, it is far from what I was expecting, and most definitely not a typical realistic fiction young adult novel.
The story is told between the alternating points-of-view of Julia Epstein and Carla Cabrielli. Julia has just been forced to relocate from Quebec to Toronto due to the political climate in 1971 Quebec. She’s a deep and flawed character, who is smart for her age but also naive when it comes to the things going on around her. She is also Jewish, and I seldom find Jewish protagonists, so I am always glad when I do. Carla is the stereotypical mean-girl on the surface, but reading between her words there is much more to be found in her character. The secondary characters, including the adults, are also all well-developed and engaging.
The author did an excellent job of establishing a sense of time and place without making it the primary focus of any particular scene. It was interesting to read about the political upheaval present in 1970s Quebec, which is a subject I have only come across briefly before. As for the rest of the plot, it is slow but engaging and does an excellent job of showing that the years may change but problems stay the same. Bullies will always exist, and the shock of parental failures will never lessen.
“Heartaches and Other Natural Shocks” is not going to be for everyone. It’s dark and depressing, so if you want a feel good book, pass it by. For those in high school and above looking for a thought-provoking read, and who don’t mind the darkness, I highly recommend it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Ethnic, Homophobic, and Sexual Slurs
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