Categotry Archives: Realistic
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
Fiction
Thomas Dunne Books
August 9, 2016
352
As the daughter of a meth dealer, Wavy, a strong-willed girl of ethereal beauty, knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. It's safer to keep her mouth shut and stay out of sight. Struggling to raise her little brother, Donal, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible adult around. Obsessed with the constellations, Wavy finds peace in the starry night sky above the fields behind her house, until one night her star gazing causes an accident. After witnessing his motorcycle wreck, she forms an unusual friendship with one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold. Surrounded by addicts and a culture of debauchery, their relationship doesn't set off any alarms until Wavy's parents are murdered and a well-meaning aunt steps in. Facing a charge of statutory rape, Kellen may not be completely innocent, but he's the one stable companion Wavy and Donal have. Instead of playing it safe, Wavy has to learn to fight for Kellen, for her brother, and for herself.
Review:
“All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” was not a book that I actually enjoyed, but I had to give it four stars for the beauty of the writing and the solid plot.
This book is gritty and difficult. Nothing in it is sugar-coated. The character development is well-done and does not waver in continuity as the characters age. There is an extremely uncomfortable age difference in it that deserves a warning. It was a tough read all the way around.
If you’re looking for a light read, “All of the Ugly and Wonderful Things” is not for you. If you’re looking for a book with teeth and can handle the subject matter, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Curious Minds
Knight and Moon, Book 1
Fiction
Bantam
August 16, 2016
256
Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, teams up with Emmy-winning writer Phoef Sutton for a brand-new series of thrillers featuring charmingly eccentric Emerson Knight and professional go-getter Riley Moon.
Review:
“Curious Minds” was a fun, quick read that featured all of the humor and wit for which Janet Evanovich is known. She and Phoef Sutton make a great writing team.
The new characters of Emerson Knight and Riley Moon are quite a bit different from others we have seen in previous series. The quirkiness of Emerson is especially intriguing, and I can’t wait to read more about him. They play well off of one another. The plot moved fast and it can easily be read in a sitting or two. There were a few sputters in character development, with few detailed background characters, but all of those can easily be fixed and filled in with the next installment.
I can easily recommend “Curious Minds” for any Janet Evanovich fan or for someone looking for a new humorous mystery series to enjoy.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
My Name Is Leon
Simon & Schuster
June 2, 2016
Hardcover
272
For fans of The Language of Flowers, a sparkling, big-hearted, page-turning debut set in the 1970s about a young black boy’s quest to reunite with his beloved white half-brother after they are separated in foster care.
Leon loves chocolate bars, Saturday morning cartoons, and his beautiful, golden-haired baby brother. When Jake is born, Leon pokes his head in the crib and says, “I’m your brother. Big brother. My. Name. Is. Leon. I am eight and three quarters. I am a boy.” Jake will play with no one but Leon, and Leon is determined to save him from any pain and earn that sparkling baby laugh every chance he can.
But Leon isn’t in control of this world where adults say one thing and mean another, and try as he might he can’t protect his little family from everything. When their mother falls victim to her inner demons, strangers suddenly take Jake away; after all, a white baby is easy to adopt, while a half-black nine-year-old faces a less certain fate. Vowing to get Jake back by any means necessary, Leon’s own journey—on his brand-new BMX bike—will carry him through the lives of a doting but ailing foster mother, Maureen; Maureen’s cranky and hilarious sister, Sylvia; a social worker Leon knows only as “The Zebra”; and a colorful community of local gardeners and West Indian political activists.
Told through the perspective of nine-year-old Leon, too innocent to entirely understand what has happened to him and baby Jake, but determined to do what he can to make things right, he stubbornly, endearingly struggles his way through a system much larger than he can tackle on his own. My Name Is Leon is a vivid, gorgeous, and uplifting story about the power of love, the unbreakable bond between brothers, and the truth about what, in the end, ultimately makes a family.
Review:
“My Name is Leon” is a difficult book to rate. There are so many important elements but something lacking in the actual telling.
The heart of the story is Leon and his love for his brother, Jake. Taken away from a neglectful mother, Leon is left to navigate the foster care system on his own. One chapter was so heartbreaking that it had me sobbing. The third person limited point-of-view is an interesting choice, and in some ways it worked, but I feel like it actually kept the reader distant from Leon at many pivotal points. Since the main point was to show how he understood and saw his world, it was disappointing to feel so far removed from him.
The social issues facing minorities in the United Kingdom during the late 1970s/ early 1980s also featured prominently in the story. With Leon being mixed race, he was a good character to show the reactions of both “sides.” Since this is still a problem most countries are struggling with, it was very poignant. However, it really muddled the foster care aspect of the plot. I feel like too much was trying to be done in one novel, and that dragged both plotlines down.
I can neither recommend nor not recommend “My Name is Leon.” If it sounds interesting to you, give it a try.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Vague Sexual References, Violence, Alcohol Abuse, Racial Slurs
Gemini
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
July 26, 2016
336
In a small town, as high school graduation approaches, two conjoined sisters must weigh the importance of their dreams as individuals against the risk inherent in the surgery that has the potential to separate them forever.
Review:
Actual rating: 3 1/5 stars
“Gemini” is a groundbreaking ya novel about conjoined twins. It was an interesting read that took me beyond my preconceived notions.
Clara and Hailey are conjoined but as different as two people can be. One is an artist and one is an astronomy genius. Told in alternating viewpoints, it highlights how differently they think and see their situation. Topics such as relationships and bullying are tackled, as well as the more mundane tasks in life that are more difficult for them, such as the act of sitting down. One of my favorite aspects of the characters was that they were unapologetically presented as capable of being assholes at times. Too many people think disabled people can’t be like that. The angel phenomenon was nice to see broken.
I will say that the story seemed more suited to upper middle graders than older teens. There is very little objectionable material and some of the situations can be ridiculous. The ending is a good example of that. That being said, it is still a fun read.
I can recommend “Gemini” to those looking for books about uncommon disabilities, somewhat light reads, and older middle graders.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Brief Mention of Underage Drinking
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
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
