February 17th, 2011  Pink by Lili Wilkinson
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: Feb 2011
Pages: 304
Source: ALA
Buy from (affil. links): Amazon, Powell’s, Indie Bound
Ava is ready for something new. Tired of a wearing black and remaining outside of the social norm, she wants to reinvent who she is. She wants to wear the pink Argyle sweater hidden in her closet. Maybe even date a boy. When she transfers to Billy Hughes School for Academic Excellence she thinks she’s found the perfect opportunity; a place where no one knows her and she can try on a new “Ava”. The only problem? She must hide it from her changes from her parents and her girlfriend, Chloe. They’d never understand her new desires, plus they’re a nice safety net in case her new personality doesn’t work. The thing about secrets is they’re hard to keep and Ava risks everything if her two worlds collide. But as the dust settles Ava will discover who her real friends are…and maybe even a step closer to discovering who she truly is.
The Short of It: Hands down one of my favorite books! I’ve been gushing about this book to so many people since I read it in January (including the publisher and author!) I can’t remember the last time I was THIS excited about a book. In other words, why haven’t you bought it yet?
Plot: The first thing that sold me on this book was that it was about a lesbian. Can I say there are just not enough books featuring teen lesbians out there? Seriously, I wish there were tons more, so when I hear of one I usually jump on it. But…but…this book goes way beyond that. It’s not about being gay, bi, or straight; it’s about discovering who you are. Ava’s parents are so much about sticking it to the man and thinking outside the norm, that they have painted her into a new sort of box. The gothy lesbian look is all good and dandy, but Ava really just wants to wear pink. She wants to know what it’s like to be part of the “in-crowd” and maybe even date a boy. Of course, nothing is as simple as it seems, which is a lesson Ava learns the hard way. There are many bumps–okay potholes–and detours along the way as Ava tries to make things work. Of course, the end of the book was not the end of Ava’s journey. She still wasn’t sure exactly who she was and may not know for a while, but she’ll continue to try to figure it out. Honestly, this is my favorite part; a school year is not enough time to firmly stamp you are and what your sexuality is. Kudos to Wilkinson for keeping it real and not tying it all up in a nice little bow.
Characters: Ava is far from perfect. She makes mistakes. HUGE mistakes. I understand the desire to be someone new/start over fresh though. Been there, done that several times over now. While I don’t condone all the lying that Ava does along the way, I can sympathize and understand how she got to that point. One little secret turns into another and another and pretty soon it’s out of control. However, I love that Ava is brave enough to admit her mistakes and apologize to everyone she wronged. She may have gone about many things wrong, but she tries her hardest to make them right again. And it’s not a quick fix, either; she’ll have to rebuild some of those relations, but Ava is willing to do what she can. I also love that she didn’t buckle under pressure and return to how others saw her. She had the chance to return to how everything was before, but she stick to her instinct, even if it meant losing someone she cared about.
Before I move on, I have to mention the side characters, especially the Screws. Being a theatre stag-crew/props/behind the scenes person myself, the Screws where my people in high school. While none of my friends where anything quite like them, it did bring back happy memories. I will say that Jen was my favorite character overall. The whole geek girl is my world and I kind of wish she were real so I could make her my new BFF (or more). But seriously, if you finish this book and not have an intense love for the Screws, well, something just isn’t right! (I’ll still love you, but I’ll have my serious doubts.)
Romance: Okay, so I’ll be honest. Ava is not single for most of this book. She and Chloe are in a relationship from the get-go, but honestly, Chloe does not have much page time. And when she does, you kind of wish she’d just go away. She’s too stuck in the thought that her opinions are law and is kind of a big bully. Her words are cutting, brutal, and very hurtful, especially when aimed at Jen. Not to mention her ultimatum to Ava is pure bs. So yes, Chloe exists but she is a predominant character.
Now there are other flirtations that are in the book, but nothing that evolves to a full out romance. There is definitely the possibility of more, especially with one character, but Ava still has a lot of figuring out to do before she crosses that line. If nothing else, there is still a great friendship–even if more never comes from it.
Writing: Wilkinson does a superb job at pulling readers into her world and making this world universal for anyone. I know this book took place in Australia, but for most of the book I forgot that detail, except when they mentioned what university they wanted to go with. Seriously, though, I could have seen this story taking place in my own home-town, which is the beauty of it. Wilkinson is quite spot on for the entire book. There was not a single time where I thought the pacing was off or a character would do this or that. And just how realistic everything thing is. . . Ah, really, I’m going to quit now before I get too gushy!
Librarian-Mode: Okay, pairing time. So there are a lot of books I think this one would do well next to. I truly believe it should be a GLBTQ staple and is a nice read-a-like for Keeping You a Secret, Ash, and Geography Club. However, this is a very good coming-of-age story and would work with realistic romances as well.
So, now it’s your turn…have you read Pink? If so, be sure to let me know what you thought.
August 9th, 2010  Rating/Conclusion: Borrow it
Things I Know about Love by Kate Le Vann
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Release Date: June 2010
Pages: 160 pgs.
Source: ALA
Buy from (affil. links): Amazon, Powell’s, Indie Bound
Livia Stowe hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to boys. She’s come across those who have lied and those who have left her broken hearted when she needed them the most. But this is the summer where she hopes everything will change. After finally beating her battle with cancer, she has convinced her mom to let her spend the summer with her brother in the States. This was to be the summer about inner reflection and figuring out the things she has known about love through her private blog. And while she is endlessly talking about love, she never thought that a holiday love would happen to her. Not until Adam that is. If she can just grab his attention, this may become the best holiday ever. If only Livia can move beyond writing about love and risk the chance to experience it…
The Short of It: I adored this book…until the end. Really, honestly, until the last 20 pages or so. I kind of suspected it was going to end the way it did, but I had high hopes that I was wrong. When I figured out I was right, I literally threw the book across the room and left it there for a while. I did end up finishing it, but the ending really did disappoint me. And although I didn’t cry, I would recommend having some tissues close on hand.
Plot: I liked the plot. Really I did. Or at least I did until the last 20 pages or so. I love the idea of a girl truly reflecting on love and taking it seriously. It’s not about bad boys or quick, unrealistic or unhealthy love. It was still a bit quick, but she had met him before and sometimes first impressions can be very strong. She learned from her past mistakes, no matter how small they were, and took them into account as she moved forward. I will admit, that most seventeen girls do not think this way, but I wish they would! This book has one of the more healthier messages I’ve seen in YA in regards to romance.
Now, I really wish she had been wiser when it came to the rest of her life. She should have ignored the things that she did. As a cancer survivor, I think she would have planned things just a bit more safe. However, I do understand as a young girl tasting her first chance at freedom in years would get carried away. I only wish Le Vann wouldn’t have felt it necessary to end it as she had. I’m sure some of my opinion on this area is that I’m a sap for happily-ever-afters, but the larger part of me felt like it was a ill-fit. She could have done so many other things and the ending just felt too fast, a tad forced, and unrealistic.
Characters: Livia is a very likable character. I was reminded of my own seventeen year old self and could easy relate to her. (Ok, so my twenty-something self can as well.) I was right with her as she tried to figure out something that is completely illogical and irrational…love. Her stories were ones that any normal girl could see herself in. Haven’t we all had a boy twist the truth to make himself look more favorable? Or leave us when we least expected it? Even her lists and final conclusions were honest and raw. Her view on a possible holiday romance was refreshing and I truly enjoyed my journey with her.
Romance: The moment Adam entered the picture, I knew he would be perfect for Livia. Normally, I’m not sure I would approve of the age gap for someone that young, but it really didn’t bother me in this case. Perhaps it was because I was excited to see a truly realistic boy for once. One that was incredibly sweet and kind, but that wasn’t sure of his footing. It was refreshing to see a boy’s doubts as he worries about missed chances, perfect dates, and falling in love. It was cute how their thoughts echoed each other almost perfectly. And even if the romance didn’t last forever, it was a nice reminder that love can hit without any warning when you least expect it.
Writing: I really enjoyed the blog style that Le Vann chose to use. It gave it a more personal, story-telling effect without feeling overwhelming. Yes, there wasn’t necessarily a lot of dialogue, but it worked well in this case. After all, the story was more about Livia and what she has learned about love than an actual love story. It’s her personal thoughts and reflections on the things she has already experienced in order to help with what she will someday experience. This book was her facts and no one else’s, so a blog seemed the perfect way to go. I am glad, though, that Le Vann decided to have Adam do a blog as well. It was nice to see his perspective and his voice added quite a bit to the story, in more ways than one. His thoughts truly made the story richer and may just be the reason that the blog style really worked in this book. I never felt like I needed more or that I was missing pieces of the story/inner thoughts of someone else. And while I may have hated the ending of this book, I would love to read something else by her.
Librarian-Mode: Hands down I think this book will fit the best with those who love Lurlene McDaniel. You may also try recommending it to those who enjoyed Sing Me To Sleep as well. Simply put, those who love those sappy, tear-jerker endings will adore this one.
So, now it’s your turn…have you read Things I Know About Love? If so, be sure to let me know what you thought.
April 14th, 2010  Identical by Ellen Hopkins
[Rating: 4.5]
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: Aug 2008
Pages: 565 pgs.
Source: Library
Buy from (affil. links): Amazon, Powell’s, Indie Bound
Meet Kaeliegh. She’s your average, all-American girl who loves to act and work part-time at a retirement home. She’s rather soft spoken and tries to help people when she can. But underneath the surface, she’s harboring a dark secret. When she was eight, her father crossed a line that no father should ever cross…one that ended with him molesting and raping her. She longs to break free and have a normal life & love, but could she ever have enough strength to do it alone?
Now, meet Raeanne, her twin sister. She suspects her sister’s secret, but doesn’t understand her pain. In fact, she’s a little jealous of the attention her sister is getting. She sometimes even wishes it was her. A crazy need that pushes her to seek out attention through older guys, drugs, and sex. Raeanne believes that she is in control, but the truth is that her self-destructive attitude is about to send her over the edge. Will she seek out help before it’s too late?
Watch as this seemingly normal family falls apart in plain sight. Their lies and secrets chip away at them a little more each day until there is nothing left of the life they once knew. Can they pull it together before everything crumbles or will this be the end for Kaeliegh, Raeanne and their all-American family?
So, this was my first Hopkins book and all I have to say is, wow. I have heard time and time again how she has a way with verse and bringing it to life and I fully agree. I was reading this one in the 20-24 hour range of the read-a-thon and boy did it hold my attention. I remembering struggling to make it to that mark last year, but Identical truly helped keep the tiredness at bay. And this coming from a girl who normally doesn’t like verse novels! But Hopkins does such a great job at bringing her characters to life. I felt like I knew Kaeleigh and Raeanne so well, almost as if the 565 pages had been full of prose with lots of descriptions rather than carefully constructed verse. And, without ruining it, the ending totally surprised me. In no way shape or form did I see that one coming. I mean, yes, I have heard of that concept before and even have seen it in another book, but I was so drawn into the characters that I totally missed the truth of it all. Looking back at it now, I can totally see it, but I so missed the big clues as I was reading. I almost want to go back and read it again and see what other clues I missed along the way.
Before I end this mini-review, I want to talk about the writing itself. I’ve already established that I think Hopkins is pretty amazing, but she takes it to a whole new level with the stylization of her poems. I loved how she did different shapes from time to time and how they corresponded to the poem (hearts, glasses, etc). I also really liked the mini-sentence at the end/start of each Kaeleigh/Raeanne section and how they mirrored each other. And to be honest, I was halfway through the book before I really noticed it. I thought Hopkins was just sticking a work out to the side and never really even noticed that those isolated words formed a phrase. (Of course, my delay in noticing should be totally forgivable; after all I was reading this one from 1:00 – 6:00 am. Normally, I’m not so dense and would have caught it right away.) And how for each sister that phrase took on a new meaning. It really did help put extra meaning to what the sisters were talking about.
Being a slight poet myself, I tip my hat to Hopkins and her powerful skill to bring a story to life via verse. I certainly look forward to picking up Hopkins’ other works.
April 10th, 2010 Ah, another book down! Got a few breaks in for a walk and lunch, but staying pretty focused overall! Let’s hope I can keep it up!!
 Party by Tom Leveen
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: April 2010
Pages: 228 pgs.
Source: ALA
Buy from (affil. links): Amazon, Powell’s, Indie Bound
[Rating: 3.5]
It’s officially summertime in Santa Barbara and what better way to kick it off by having the party of the year. A party full of drugs, alcohol, girls, and much more. But just because it is the party of the year doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a good one. For some it will mean reconnecting with lost friends, but for others it will be crossing an unthinkable line. After all, alcohol, anger, and hormones don’t mix well. Yet, among all the chaos and heartbreak, forgiveness and redemption may just be found. Told through eleven different teens, watch as the story interweaves and unfolds through the different perspectives. This is sure to be one party that no one will forget.
I was debating on to rate this one. Really, I think that 3.5 is a little low, but 4 would have been too high. If my start system would let me do 3.75 I probably would have placed it there. The books is good, but I think I was hoping for something more. Everything seemed to work out a little too nicely for me. The jock who beats up a kid gets off, the best friends make-up, and the guy gets his girl back. When does that ever happen? I mean, I like happy endings as much as the next, but this felt too convenient. I mean, even the cops show up and they don’t even do anything about all the underage kids who are smashed out of there minds! Really?! And I think Leveen took on too many characters. I liked being able to see the story from different views, but eleven just felt like too much. So much so I don’t think I really connected to any of the characters. Some of the guys that he added in just felt liked added space. Yes, we learned more about the story, but they really weren’t needed. They were extras who got to “over hear” what was going on, but didn’t add anything pivotal to the story themselves. Leveen could have easy shown the same thing, but done it through characters who truly mattered.
Beyond that, I did like how well Leveen weaved the story together. There was only one part where I felt like the time-line may have been a little off, but I’m really not sure how fast Morrigan’s parents were able to get a hold of her. They could have been calling for hours for all I know before she finally picked up. I do also like the message of forgiveness and looking beyond stupid mistakes, but I don’t know how I feel about no one truly paying the consequences. The fight and the alcohol should have been enough to get several of the kids into deep trouble. I mean, even the one girl who did get in trouble only got grounded for a month. Perhaps they’ll think about that night the rest of their lives and never forget the lessons they learned, but I highly doubt it.
If anyone else has read this book, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
Read-a-thon Stats
Total Read time: 5 hrs 30 mins
Books Read: Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams (78 pgs), Ask Me No Questions (162 pgs), Party (228 pgs)
April 10th, 2010 Well, I just finished book number 2! I got a little distracted and lost some time due to a work issue, but it wasn’t horrible,
Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos
Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: Sept 2007
Pages: 162pgs.
Source: Library
Buy from (affil. links): Amazon, Powell’s, Indie Bound
[Rating: 4.5]
Ask Me No Question by Marina Budhos is about a Bangladesh family who are illegal aliens in the United States. They came over to America via a tourist passport and stayed to make a life even after it expired. They tried to become legal, but thanks to a corrupt lawyer and a messy system, their papers never went through. But it really didn’t matter, the laws were kind of loose and they stayed invisible for many years. That is until 9/11 and the nation became worried about terrorist living among them. Trying to gain asylum, they run for Canada only to be turned away, which lands Nadira’s father in jail. Their mother stays behind to stay close, but sent Nadira and her sister back to New York to continue on with school while it gets straightened out. Of course, that’s easier said than done. And while Aisha, Nadira’s sister, falls apart, Nadira starts to shine and comes up with ways to help their family out. The only question is will it be enough or will they find themselves deported and without a home?
I really enjoyed this book and thought it gave in insight into what many illegal immigrants have to deal with. Everyone hopes for the American dream, but for many it is so hard to obtain, especially with so much legal tape to get through. Budhos does a wonderful job at showing the emotions of fear, hope, and courage that these families deal with. And while it ended well for Nadira’s family, there are so many others that it does not. Such a complicated situation with no easy answers. This book was one I picked up on a whim and so glad I did! One that I can easily recommend to others!
Read-a-thon Stats
Total Read time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Books Read: Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams (78 pgs), Ask Me No Questions (162 pgs)
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