Tag Archives: fiction
Rachel’s Secret (The Rachel Trilogy)
The Rachel Trilogy, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
2012
256
Rachel, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl, debates whether to reveal the truth about the murder of her Christian friend, for which the Jewish community is blamed, and finds refuge in her friendship with another Christian boy.
Review:
I don’t even know where to start in describing the importance and emotional impact of “Rachel’s Secret.”
The most important aspect, to me, is that it fills a crucial gap in the historical fiction genre available to middle readers. Set in pre-revolutionary Russia, it explores the divide between Christians and Jews. Many unfamiliar words and sayings are introduced and explained in a way which feels natural to the flow of the story. The history is not limited to the Jews and life for all people in Russia at the time is portrayed in an accurate, yet easily understood, manner. Details of the horrors of pogroms are not sugar-coated, which shows a respect for the reader that I am sure they will recognize as well as appreciate.
The plot itself revolves around a murder which the protagonist, Rachel, witnesses and is forced to keep a secret due to all of the discrimination and corruption found in Russia at the time. It’s a catalyst that adds some suspense and keeps the reader engaged, while also presenting an opening into the complex world in which they live. I can’t applaud the author enough for making the book so educational without being dry.
I highly recommend “Rachel’s Secret” to all of those who are responsible for acquiring books for middle and high school library collections or classrooms. Those who home school will find it a good opening to Eastern European history. It’s a wonderful resource that will appeal to reluctant readers and advanced readers alike.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Violence
This Is Where It Ends
Juvenile Fiction
January 5, 2016
288
10:00 a.m. The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve. 10:02 a.m. The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class. 10:03 The auditorium doors won't open. 10:05 Someone starts shooting. Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student's calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.
Review:
“This Is Where It Ends” is not the type of book I can say I liked, loved, or enjoyed. I’m not sure how it would be possible to say that about a book about a school shooting. What I can say is that it’s a very important book to read and had me turning the pages all night.
I have already seen some criticisms of the book, and since there are sure to be more I want to address them before the rest of my review. It would be a shame to have someone skip it just because of something they heard that was negative. One of the biggest criticisms is that it is in some way disrespectful to those who have survived shootings to write about this subject. I believe it is more disrespectful to pretend these things do not exist. Additionally, many of the best realistic fiction books are based upon something that has happened in our society. Murder, rape, abuse, etc. have all been taken on in fiction. As long as it is handled well it is not a bad thing.
The other criticism I want to address is that it is not appropriate for young people to read; that it would be too frightening. I admit, that thought came across my mind. Then I thought about it and realized that this is the world today’s kids live in. We can’t pretend the threat is not there or that they do not know these things have happened. They are all too well aware, and to try to protect them from their own reality is doing nothing but being insulting to them and their intelligence.
Ok, now on to my actual review. The story reads very quickly, while seeming like it goes on forever. This is not a bad thing. The reason for it is that each chapter consists of 1-3 minutes that make up the shooting. There are four points of view covered. All are in different places and have different relationships to the shooter. Essentially, you are in their heads for that small period of time, and that makes you feel the time drag like it would for someone in any sort of life-threatening situation. It adds a realistic quality that is terrifying.
The characters, including the shooter, are all surprisingly well-developed considering they all have brief pieces of the story in small chunks of time. The things you think about at the end are very revealing. The shooter is not one-dimensional. There is a clear-cut understanding that at that moment, and for some time before it, he was someone to steer clear of, and yet he was not always that way. The multiple relationships the narrators have to him helps give a rounded view of all sides of him. Pity and loathing battle one another on each page.
There are so many important themes in this book that I cannot begin to address them all. How does the media and the public’s appetite for up-to-the-minute coverage affect those who are actually in the situation? How could it happen here? Could someone have done anything to stop it? Does anyone truly know anyone else? Why do we focus solely on the life of the shooter and not the hopes and dreams of all that are lost? It’s some very heavy stuff and a perfect starting point for discussions in homes and classrooms. I would especially encourage those with younger middle readers to read along with them and discuss these things.
Finally, I cannot finish this review without saying this is the most diverse book I have ever read. There are multiple races, religions, sexualities, and economic classes. The prejudice of some is explored, but so is the distinct lack of prejudice among others. It is very well done.
I highly recommend “This Is Where It Ends” to everyone middle grade and up. It’s a book I find especially important to read in this day and time.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Graphic Violence, Mentions of Rape
Firsts
Juvenile Fiction
Macmillan
January 5, 2016
336
Seventeen-year-old Mercedes has been secretly sleeping with virgins, letting the boys get their awkward first times over with and only asking they give their girlfriends the perfect first time--the kind Mercedes never had--but when her system falls apart she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart belongs.
Review:
When I began reading “Firsts” I was expecting a good, but fluffy, read. What I got was complex characters and social commentary. It was a pleasant surprise.
Mercedes, the main character, is someone whose character traits would seem to make her irritating. The reality is that at no point did I find her that way at all. She seems like a real person with real issues that go far beyond the surface. This is a character who has had a hard life, and that manifests itself in the choices she makes. I could see the results of her actions coming like a train wreck, and I wanted to warn her and help her as though she were a real friend. Unfortunately, as with real people, sometimes the only way to learn the real problems are to hit rock bottom and examine yourself there.
There were quite a few social issues brought up in “Firsts”. The dangers of technology being used to cyberbully is one of them, and it places no blame on the one who is being bullied. It also explores the ways parents can shape their kids by not being attentive and aware of their needs. Sometimes parents are neglectful without even realizing it, and that is the case here. Finally, the issue of rape and why victims are afraid to report it is examined. It’s brought up in a way that flows with the book and does not exploit the subject. I found this the heaviest hitting part of the entire book.
“Firsts” is a quick, entertaining read that packs a heavy punch. I highly recommend it for older young adult readers and adults. However, please be aware that “Firsts” is very open (refreshingly so, in my opinion) about sex and all that comes with it. It isn’t meant for the young or those who do not like those sorts of things.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Discussions of Rape
Nexis (Tricksters, #1)
Tricksters, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
December 1, 2015
304
In the domed city of Evanescence, appearance is everything. A Natural Born amongst genetically-altered Aristocrats, all Ella ever wanted was to be like everyone else. Augmented, sparkling, and perfect. Then...the crash. Devastated by her father's death and struggling with her new physical limitations, Ella is terrified to learn she is not just alone, but little more than a prisoner. Her only escape is to lose herself in Nexis, the hugely popular virtual reality game her father created. In Nexis she meets Guster, a senior player who guides Ella through the strange and compelling new world she now inhabits. He offers Ella guidance, friendship...and something more. Something that allows her to forget about the "real" world, and makes her feel whole again.
Review:
How much I enjoyed “Nexis” took me by surprise. Of course it sounded like something I would be interested in, otherwise I would not have read it in the first place. What I wasn’t expecting was to read the last page and five minutes later already be jonesing for the sequel.
There were a few issues at the beginning. It took a little while to get into it, and the prose could be a bit flowery at times. Be patient. By the time you get into the virtual reality game called “Nexis” things pick up quickly. I really wish we had a game like that to play. It really sounded like a lot of fun. You know, aside from it tying into the dystopian outside world. That is most certainly not a place in which I want to live. There was a plot twist I picked up fairly early, but it in no way affected my enjoyment of the book.
The world-building is excellent, both inside and outside of the game. A lot of time was taken to make the reader understand the society. In fact, that was a lot of the reason the beginning was somewhat slow. All of the information actually turns out to be important throughout the rest of the book.
Of course there is a love story. Let me warn you now there is some instalove, but once you read on a bit you realize the game actually encourages heightened feelings. It’s a valid reason, so it didn’t bother me like that normally does.
I can’t tell you how hard I shipped the two main characters. It would actually be embarrassing. What I will say is I am captain, first mate, and all of the crew of the ship, and the ship is the size of the titanic.
I recommend “Nexis” for anyone in high school and up who likes dystopian books mixed with some steampunk and a large helping of romance.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Abusive Situations
Unbound
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
December 15, 2015
320
Find out what happens to Connor, Risa, and Lev now that they’ve finally destroyed the Proactive Citizenry in this collection of short stories set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman. Connor Lassiter’s fight to bring down Proactive Citizenry and find a suitable alternative to unwinding concluded in UnDivided. Now Connor, Risa, and Lev are free to live in a peaceful future—or are they? Neal Shusterman brings back his beloved Unwind characters for his fans to see what’s left for those who were destined to be unwound.
Review:
I’m going to keep my review of “Unbound” short and sweet, as I don’t want to give away who has their own individual stories to those who are fans of the excellent “Unwind” dystology. If you aren’t a fan or haven’t read them, what are you doing here? Shoo. Go read them and then come back. Otherwise you won’t appreciate, much less understand, anything about this book.
Highly recommended for fans of the “Unwind” series. You won’t be disappointed.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Challenger Deep
Juvenile Fiction
HarperTeen
April 21, 2015
320
A captivating novel about mental illness that lingers long beyond the last page, Challenger Deep is a heartfelt tour de force by New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman. Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench. Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior. Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence to document the journey with images. Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head. Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny. Caden Bosch is torn. Challenger Deep is a deeply powerful and personal novel from one of today's most admired writers for teens. Laurie Halse Anderson, award-winning author of Speak, calls Challenger Deep "a brilliant journey across the dark sea of the mind; frightening, sensitive, and powerful. Simply extraordinary."
Review:
I really have no idea of how to review “Challenger Deep”, but I am going to try.
It is an extremely well-written book on mental illness, complete with drawings to accompany the story. The plot is very confusing, as it is meant to be, but all becomes clear in the end. If I try to describe much else it will spoil the experience for you, so I am going to stop there. It’s something that needs to be discovered on your own.
I would like to commend Brendan Shusterman, Mr. Shusterman’s son, for sharing his own story with us on the pages. It is not non-fiction, but his own struggles add a very personal touch. Also, his drawings are amazing.
I recommend “Challenger Deep” for anyone middle grade and up who wants to learn about, or is struggling with, any type of mental illness. While it may be difficult at points to read, please stick with it. It is worth it.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence
The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers
The Devil's Engine, Book 1
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
December 1, 2015
Hardcover
352
When a sixteen-year-old troublemaker named Marlow Green is trapped in a surreal firefight against nightmarish creatures in the middle of his New York City neighborhood, he unwittingly finds himself amid a squad of secret soldiers dedicated to battling the legions of the devil himself. Powering this army of young misfits is an ancient machine from the darkest parts of history. Known as the devil's engine, it can make any wish come true-as long as you are willing to put your life on the line. Promised powers beyond belief, and facing monstrous apparitions straight out of the netherworld, Marlow must decide if he's going to submit to a demonic deal with the infernal machine that will enable him to join the crusade-if it doesn't kill him first.
From the author of the Escape from Furnace series, here is the opening salvo in an explosive new horror trilogy about an ordinary American kid caught up in an invisible war against the very worst enemy imaginable.
Review:
I really wanted to like “The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers”. The plot summary sounded promising. It also sounded very unique. Unfortunately, the promise of a good book fell flat.
That isn’t to say that parts of the book were not enjoyable. The first quarter or so was non-stop action. I wanted to know more about the characters. Of course, this created an even worse disappointment when the rest of the book moved at a snail’s pace. Seriously, it could have been trimmed seventy-five pages and nobody would have missed them.
There was a mystery as to what was driving the entire plot, and had the book dropped more clues it would have left me dying to keep turning the pages. As it was, by the time I got near the end I didn’t care what was going on and as far as I was concerned almost all of the characters could be eaten by demons. I wouldn’t have cared. I wouldn’t have even sent virtual flowers to their funeral.
“The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers” may be a good choice for those who don’t mind an original plot that drags out. It wasn’t for me, though. The audience is definitely more mature young adults, so please be careful if you are choosing a book for a gift.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Underage Drinking, Violence, Gore, Terrifying Imagery
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
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