Categotry Archives: Realistic
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
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
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
Awake
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
August 4, 2015
336
"A car accident causes Scarlett to start remembering pieces of an unfamiliar past. When a new guy moves into town, Scarlett feels an instant spark. But Noah knows the truth of Scarlett's past, and he's determined to shield her from it...because Scarlett grew up in a cult called Eternal Light, controlled by her biological parents. And they want her back"--
Review:
“Awake” has a very promising, creepy plot revolving around a girl with four years of missing memories and a cult. Unfortunately, I found it somewhat lacking in certain areas.
Scarlett and Noah are the main characters, and the story is told using both points of view. Neither character came across as particularly well-developed, but I actually enjoyed Noah quite a bit anyway and wish more time was devoted to developing him. Scarlett, on the other hand, was not likable at all. She is presented as well-loved and desired in some way by all of those around her, and I can’t help but wonder if there is something wrong with the water causing them to hallucinate these qualities. Add to it an instalove situation and my irritation with her became unbearable.
The thing that redeems the book and fulfills the creepy promise made in the summary is the cult itself. I would have loved to learn more about it from other perspectives. The author does an excellent job of presenting why people may be lured into it initially, which is not easy to do considering the reader already knows they are not completely (or even remotely) sane. If there were more stories written about them, I would be happy to read them.
Overall, “Awake” was not a book for me, but it is a quick and easy read. I won’t discourage anyone who likes books about fringe beliefs or who doesn’t mind instalove from giving it a try, because many readers will enjoy 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, Child Abuse, Underage Drinking
Drowning Is Inevitable
Juvenile Fiction
Knopf Books for Young Readers
September 8, 2015
288
After seventeen-year-old Olivia and her friend Jamie accidentally kill Jamie's abusive father, two other friends, Max and Maggie, join them in running away from St. Francisville, Louisiana, to hide out in New Orleans while they try to figure out what to do next.
Review:
“Drowning is Inevitable” is a book that is written in the Southern Gothic tradition. Do not expect to be at all happy when you finish, as that is not the book’s intent.
The story of Olivia and Jamie begins with the troubles in their respective home lives. Olivia’s mother committed suicide when she was only three days old, and Jamie has an alcoholic and violent father. I don’t want to give away any of the plot, but things go horribly wrong and keep getting worse by the page. The plot has a lot of potential, and I’m sure many will appreciate its melancholy nature.
The problem I had with it is that it was extremely melodramatic. This probably would not have bothered me so much if I felt for the characters. They are sad and suffered, but they are not well-developed enough for me to shed tears or be too emotionally invested in their plight. In fact, the one character that evoked the most feelings was the place itself. The feeling of being stifled, and yet loved, by a small southern town was captured perfectly.
“Drowning is Inevitable” is a book that just wasn’t for me. It was a promising plot that fell flat. If you do think it is something you may enjoy, give it a try. This may very well be a case of “it’s not you book, it’s me.”
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 Drug and Alcohol Use, Domestic Violence
The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
September 8, 2015
240
Caroline Jacobs has lost herself. She's a wife, mother (to a tattooed teenage daughter she avoids), Sears Portrait Studio photographer, and wimp. Asserting herself, taking the reins, or facing life head-on are not in her repertoire. So when Caroline suddenly cracks and screams "Fuck you!" at the PTA president, she is shocked. So is her husband. So is the PTA president. So is everyone. But Caroline soon realizes the true cause of her outburst can be traced back to something that happened to her as a teenager, a scarring betrayal by her best friend Emily. This act changed Caroline's life forever. So, with a little bit of bravery flowing through her veins, Caroline decides to go back to her home town and confront Emily. She busts her daughter Polly out of school, and the two set off to deliver the perfect comeback, which is twenty-five years in the making. But nothing goes as planned. Long buried secrets begin to rise to the surface, and Caroline will have to face much more than one old, bad best friend. A heartwarming story told with Matthew Dicks' signature wit, The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs is a deceptively simple novel about the ways in which our childhood experiences reverberate through our lives, and the bravery of one woman trying to change her life and finds true understanding of her daughter, and herself, along the way.
Review:
“The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs” is story about a rather shy and reserved woman who unexpectedly breaks out of her shell at a PTA meeting. This triggers a set of events that lead her back to her hometown to face her past.
The beginning of the book was pure gold, and I’m fairly certain anyone who has ever dealt with the leaders of various youth and charity organizations has at one point wanted to tell them what Caroline did. Her search to change the way she handled things in the past is also very relatable. Who hasn’t wanted to confront a former bully as an adult? I absolutely loved that part as well as all of the main characters. We’ve all either been one of them or know them.
Unfortunately, I found that it seemed the novel would have been better suited as a novella or a short story. Many of the characters and details seemed like filler and were not well-developed. It dragged down the flow of what would otherwise have been a very well-written work.
Overall, “The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs” is a book that I can neither recommend nor not recommend. If it sounds like you may enjoy it, by all means give it a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no trigger warnings.
Are You Still There
Juvenile Fiction
AW Teen
September 1, 2015
288
Gabriella Mallory, AP student and perfect-daughter-in-training, stands barefoot on a public toilet for three hours while her school is on lockdown. Someone has planted a bomb and she is hiding. The bomb is defused but the would-be-bomber is still at large. And everyone at Central High School is a suspect. The school starts a top-secret crisis help line and Gabi is invited to join. When she does, she is drawn into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with the bomber, who has unfinished business. He leaves threatening notes on campus. He makes threatening calls to the help line. And then he begins targeting Gabi directly. Is it because her father is the lead police detective on the case? Is the bomber one of her new friends. Could it be her new boyfriend with his complicated past? As the story unfolds, Gabi knows she is somehow connected to the bomber. Even worse she is part of his plan. Can Gabi reach out and stop him? Or will she be too late?
Review:
“Are You Still There” is not what I would call enjoyable, but it is definitely important and timely. It deals with bullying and school violence, so at its core is unsettling, but also a book that should be read.
The story centers are Gabi and her family, all of whom have their strengths and weaknesses. At first, Gabi borders on the unlikable due to her judgmental nature and somewhat “holier-than-thou” attitude in regard to grades and volunteer work. It becomes clear rather quickly that she is simply clueless. She is eventually paired with a diverse group of students who expand each other’s self-awareness. All of the new friends she makes are interesting, go beyond their stereotypes, and add to the plot. I really liked the way Gabi grew, and helped others to grow, throughout the story.
As mentioned in the introduction, the story centers around bullying and violence. It also raises awareness on how we perceive ourselves and others. The most important message to take away is “If you can do or say something to help, do it. Don’t ever just sit back and watch.” Gabi makes some mistakes, and the author does not shy away from pointing out the consequences of those mistakes. There are also things beyond her control, and those are also presented unflinchingly. Nothing in “Are You Still There” is sugar-coated, nor should it be.
I highly recommend “Are You Still There” as a book that presents real issues to young adults without patronizing them. It would be a good book for parents to read and discuss with their child. Communication is so important, and I believe this book will present many opportunities for it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Minor Sexual Situations, Language, Underage Drinking, Violence
Coming of Age at the End of Days
Fiction
Atlantic Monthly Press
2015-08-04
240
Alice LaPlante's acclaimed psychological thrillers are distinguished by their stunning synthesis of family drama and engrossing suspense. Her new novel is an affecting foray deeper into the creases of family life—and the light-and-dark battle of faith—as LaPlante delves into the barbed psyche of a teenager whose misguided convictions bear irrevocable consequences. Never one to conform, Anna always had trouble fitting in. Earnest and willful, as a young girl she quickly learned how to hide her quirks from her parents and friends. But when, at sixteen, a sudden melancholia takes hold of her life, she loses her sense of self and purpose. Then the Goldschmidts move in next door. They're active members of a religious cult, and Anna is awestruck by both their son, Lars, and their fervent violent prophecies for the Tribulation at the End of Days. Within months, Anna's life—her family, her home, her very identity—will undergo profound changes. But when her newfound beliefs threaten to push her over the edge, she must find her way back to center with the help of unlikely friends. An intimate story of destruction and renewal, New York Times bestselling author LaPlante delivers a haunting exploration of family legacies, devotion, and tangled relationships.
Review:
“Coming of Age at the End of Days” is a book about depression, other unspecified illnesses, loss, cults, religion as a whole, and what it means to be growing up in the midst of all of these things. It’s an interesting concept, but the execution left something to be desired.
The character development was actually very extensive. However, the main character, Anne, was an extremely unsympathetic character. Depression is involved, along with some other unspecified medical issues that may or may not also be physical. None of that is ever clarified, but there are definitely clues that something else is going on. The problem is that these things are presented, along with her home life, as reasons for why she acts the way she does. While it is true in some of the instances, even if she were completely healthy with a perfect life she would still be the sort of person who is the walking equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. It’s difficult to become lost in a story when you don’t care much about the main character.
The premise of mental illness and how cults exploit it to gain followers was promising, but the first two-thirds of the book dragged so much that the interesting parts were lost in a sea of banality. I would have liked to see more details of the cult itself. The last third of the book moved well and was enjoyable, but it required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief to go with it. The ultimate conclusion felt as though it were an afterthought.
I gave “Coming of Age at the End of Days” three stars because technically the characters and plot are sound. It’s the end product that needed some trimming. Alice LaPlante is a very talented author, but this is definitely not her best work. I’d give it a pass unless you’re a diehard fan.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Graphic Imagery, Violence, Self-Harm, Brief Mention of Underage Drinking
The Kiss
The Kiss
Hatchette Children's
July 2, 2015
352
'Aphrodite kissed a mortal once by the light of this moon, many thousands of years ago. It drove him crazy. The next person that he kissed - boum. The craziness travelled like this from person to person. It travelled through time. Everywhere - boum! Tu comprends?'
'Where did it end up?' I whisper. His lips are on my cheek now.
'It ended with me. And now I am going to pass it to you. You will like that, mermaid?'
Imagine the perfect kiss. A legendary kiss that makes people crazy with love. Imagine a summer's night, on a moonlit beach in the South of France, as French boy Laurent kisses 16-year-old Delilah after the best chat-up line she's ever heard.
BOOM!
Delilah is pretty sure the Kiss is fiction, despite her head-spinning holiday fling. But with all the sudden crushes, break-ups and melt-downs happening back at home, the Kiss starts looking a little too real for comfort. If only Delilah could keep track of where it's gone ...
Who knew one kiss could cause this much trouble?
A hilarious rom-com that will delight Geek Girls everywhere!
Review:
I’ll get this out of the way at the beginning: “The Kiss” is filled with many of the bad boy romance tropes and instalove. However, it is still a fun and cute read.
When I first started it, I was absolutely positive that I would find a way to jump through the pages and strangle Delilah, the main character. At the beginning she is judgy and full of herself; not at all concerned with others unless it is in regards to how it affects her. Also, she is a mega control freak. That being said, stick with it. The problems provide an excellent opportunity for growth, and the author sees that opportunity through. The other characters are endearing in their own way, and I particularly liked Jem. He is given an interesting backstory that isn’t completely predictable.
I recommend “The Kiss” for those looking for a quick and light read. The plot can be predictable, but as I said above, it is fun. It’s the sort of thing you can get lost in for a few hours. In fact, it’s the perfect beach read or palette cleanser.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Drug and Alcohol Use
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
