3/28/16

Book Review: You Can't Catch Me - Becca Ann


Title: You Can't Catch Me
Author: Cassie Mae writing as Becca Ann
Genre: YA - Romance, Coming of Age, Self Image, Bullying

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/B01C0SEWDA

Blurb (From Goodreads):
My body suuuucks. After lounging around on my butt all summer (okay, so maybe that was my bad), this body decided to become something completely foreign. So now I’m trying to make the track team and I feel like I’m a baby learning to walk again.

A couple pounds wouldn’t have been so bad. Work those off, run like a mad woman, no problem, yeah? But no. I’ve also developed a couple of things that I definitely didn’t have before. And now my guy friends are all sitting in a pool of drool as they not-so-subtly stare at my chest.

Combine all that drama with the fact that the new track coach is getting major flack for being a little chunky, and all I’m trying to do is convince the team that I’m not running slower because of her coaching style.

Oh, and did I mention that I’m totally falling face-first in “like” with some guy I met in a cemetery? And no one understands it just because he’s also a little chunky. But he’s also adorable and wonderfully weird and I don’t care what they say, his look sure does it for me.

But… I don’t know… how can I be in “like” with someone, when I have no clue how to like myself anymore?


My Review:
Cassie Mae (Becca Ann) is on my exceptions list for 2016, so naturally I couldn't wait for You Can't Catch me to be released.  I even pre-bought the book, but then was also given a ARC copy for review!  Part of the excitement I felt for this book was Cassie's own excitement for it's release.  Obviously, she's excited about all of her releases, but the purpose behind this book, I think, made it just a bit more exciting, or at least that was my perception.

What I Loved:  A theme that seems to be reoccurring in the books that I'm reading this year is that they seem to have a bit to do with self image and bullying.  It's not purposeful, but it just seems to be happening, and honestly I love it, because it means authors are starting to write about these things a bit more. I am one of those people who can be 'spoken to' via books, they become so real to me and there are times when the message shatters me as much as my own life experiences do.  That is why I love this growing trend, and hope that it continues and we see more and more books dealing with the hard things in life and that empower our youth and even adults to take action, or make a change.



I always love Cassie's writing.  She is a pro at writing characters that I want to know in real life.  I especially loved both Ginger and Oliver because of their awkwardness.  The rambling while nervous, and goofiness of these characters is so perfect.  Ginger is so positive, even though this book deals with her own self-image issues, even in all of that she is positive.  She sees good in people that others can't see.  She is an inspiration to be a better person.  She's also real; there is nothing more real than someone who has trouble accepting things about themselves - even if they can easily accept those same traits in someone else without a second thought.  Ginger did what I did as a teenager, and probably most teenagers still do; she looked at others and wondered if they are going through the same things, if they are having the same self conscious thoughts.  (To any teenager who happens by this review - yes.  They are.  Yes.  They do.  If there's anything I've learned as an adult, it's that no matter how alone you feel in your skin - it's so very likely that someone close to you is struggling with the same things.  Maybe not in the same exact way since we are all different, but they are.  I promise!)

Oliver, I could picture Oliver immediately from his dark hair to his freckles and tall robust build.  He was a bit self-deprecating and a Momma's boy - and I loved him.  He was sweet and, yes, awkward.  But I loved his role in this book, and that was to provide Ginger with a place where she felt like herself, and not judged by her body or her abilities, or the expectations she felt she had to live up to.  

Not So Much:  Ginger had some friends, specifically boy friends, who took notice of the physical changes in her and reacted like...boys.  In the end, I kind of would have liked to have seen them realize how their behavior might have hurt Ginger.  I think it was eluded to, but maybe it just wasn't as fleshed out as much as I would have liked.

The Verdict:         
Yet another book I implore you to get into the hands of all the teenagers around you.  I feel like this message on self image, and learning to love yourself for who you are is beautifully done.  The story is not bogged down with too much sadness, but there are parts that make you really hurt for the characters in this book, not just Ginger.  Mostly though you'll be smiling and giggling at the antics and rooting for Ginger to win this race.  You Can't Catch Me is a clean book - and appropriate for younger teens as well as older.

3/17/16

Kidz Korner: The Cats of Roxville Station - Jean Craighead George

Title: The Cats of Roxville Station
Author: Jean Craighead George
Genre: Middle School

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/0142415669

Blurb (from Goodreads.com):
Rachet was thrown into a river to drown. But she claws up the riverbank and finds a home with the feral cats living by the Roxville train station. Amid foxes, raccoons, owls, and hostile humans, the cats fight for territory, hunt, and are hunted. Mike, a foster child, lives near the station. He spots Rachet and sets his heart on befriending her. But Mike must learn to ?speak? the language of cats to gain wily Rachet?s trust. This gorgeous novel from two-time Newbery medalist Jean Craighead George offers insight into feline behavior as it explores the wonder of friendship and the natural world hiding among us.

Azalyah's Review: 
The cats of Roxville station was a very interesting book about a nice tabby named Ratchet. I enjoyed Ratchet and the other cats, they are not the nicest cats, but they are good characters. Mike, a boy, is loving to cats, I enjoy hearing a boy loving cats, usually boys are dog people. Cats are one of my favorite animals, this book explains how cats work, like their pupils. In conclusion this is a good book and if you like cats you should definitely read the cats of Roxville station. 

3/16/16

Book Review: Firstlife - Gena Showalter

Title: Firstlife
Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Young Adult - Fantasy, Romance

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/0373211570

Blurb (from Goodreads): 
Tenley “Ten” Lockwood is an average seventeen-year-old girl…who has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. The reason? Not her obsession with numbers, but her refusal to let her parents choose where she’ll live—after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enemies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herself on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the two realms who will do anything to win the right to her soul. Who can she trust? And what if the realm she’s drawn to isn’t home to the boy she’s falling for? She just has to stay alive long enough to make a decision…

My Review: 
I had just recently started hearing a little bit of buzz about Firstlife recently when I saw that the audio book was available for download from my library, so I decided I’d give it a shot. A long while ago I was a fan of Gena Showalter, so I figured giving her YA novels a try would be worth the time.

What I Loved: This was a unique world that Showalter has created. I enjoyed learning about the two (three) sides of the afterlife, and their differences. More so, I enjoyed getting to know Archer and Killian along with Ten(ley). When the book started, I wasn’t sure which direction we were going to take on the whole romance angle, and I actually guessed wrong – which was a pleasant surprise for me actually. I wanted to be wrong, though I was interested in how what I thought was going to happen would…(clear as mud?! ;) )

I enjoyed the banter between all three main characters, they were witty and silly at times, and serious others. The boys were even a bit overwhelmingly over protective at times, a trait that I love in book-form only. I loved Ten’s loyalty to her friends. Despite the two afterlives fighting for her allegiance, and the decisions her friends were making along the way, she remained rather impartial and even respected their decisions. She was genuinely trying to figure out what was best for her life.

There was no lack of action in Firstlife. There was always constant motion – even if I wasn’t sure exactly where that motion was suppose to be leading.

I cannot leave this section without mentioning the narrator, Emma Galvin.  Even in the times when I felt like the book was running long, Emma was the saving grace - because she did such an excellent job, especially with the accents.  It was beautifully done!

Not So Much: There were many parts of this book that I felt were sort of loose ends, or scenes that kind of seemed unnecessary to the story line (unless they play a role in the next parts of the series, though that doesn’t really seem that likely). I also felt the first half of the book dragged on a bit long as well – it truly was the two boys fighting for her allegiance the best they could, just a constant ‘sign with…’ every time something happened.

I spent a good portion of this book kind of understanding why there was such a huge fight to sign Tenley, but mostly was left wondering what really was the big deal with this girl.

The Verdict:    
I think this series is going to have to come together a bit more before I’m able to know if I’m going to really like it or just kind of like it. Right now I’m on the “eh, it was okay,” end of the spectrum, but intrigued enough to give the 2nd book a chance when it is released. If the 2nd book doesn’t really capture me completely though, I wouldn’t give the 3rd book much of a chance (I’m just assuming this is a three book series). This book had mild cussing and some sex talk suitable for high school teenagers.

3/15/16

Weekly Deja Revu

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Déjà Revu is a weekly review round-up that is open to all book review blogs.

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Contemporary

Dystopian

General

Paranormal

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Dystopian

Paranormal

Romance

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Horror

Paranormal

Religious

Romance

Suspense/Thriller

Woman's Fiction

3/9/16

Book Review: Sell Out - Tammy L. Gray

Title: Sell Out
Author: Tammy L. Gray
Genre: Young Adult - Romance, Coming of Age

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/B015UZVJPE

Blurb (From Goodreads):
Like many elite private schools, Madison High has a legacy steeped in traditions, none of which revolve around learning. Survival is simple: keep your head down, don’t say a word, and never question school royalty.

Cody James, a former victim of Madison’s vicious brand of hazing, wants nothing more than to graduate without breaking the unspoken rules that could land him back in social exile. Cody has breached the elusive inner circle, and he has no intention of losing his hard-earned security. But a beautiful new student shakes up his plan to coast by and causes him question his role as sidekick to the king of the school.

As the only daughter of rock legend Donnie Wyld, Skylar has been homeschooled her entire life. Now she wants normal, and she hopes that Madison High will offer her an escape from her father’s deteriorating health. She never intended on catching the eye of the school’s self-elected king or falling for his confusing best friend. But one look at Cody James, and she is drawn in by his guarded vulnerability.

When an average Friday night party turns into a nightmare, Cody is forced to make a decision—fight or follow. But standing up for the bullied and broken means facing a past he’s long buried and risking the future he’s worked so hard to achieve.

My Review:
So I’ve had Sell Out for a while, but unfortunately Tammy L Gray books are ones I sort of avoid…not because they are bad, not even a tiny, little bit. Because they are so heart wrenching, and compelling. They inspire me, and make me want to take action, or they convict and call me to repentance. These aren’t bad things. These are very, very good things. I feel they are also kind of her purpose. But it doesn’t mean that they are always easy books to read.

What I Loved: I want to take this book and put it into the hands of every single teenager and force them to read it. If not this one, then one like it. Sell Out tackles the growing issue present in schools – bullying. As a parent of three pre-teens who attend public school, it’s a topic I discuss semi-frequently and it's one very, very close to my heart.

I feel like Mrs. Gray really took this story and wove it to make it so real and believable, and still spoke a message to the readers. The message being – take action. Do not let it continue. I cannot get behind this stance enough. If we allow people to be bullies, if we allow people to be bullied, it will do nothing but grow out of control. But the issue aside, the story itself was beautiful. I so enjoyed watching Cody grow as an individual, I felt his struggles and understood his reactions. I loved Skylar, and, gosh, she was written to be such a wonderful, down to earth individual, especially for being a rock-star’s daughter.

Not So Much: I cried in my soup at lunch. I’m not kidding.

So yes, the book was heart wrenching. And sad in all the appropriate places. But it was necessary for the story.

The Verdict:        
I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book. Give it to your teenagers. I would only hope it would instill some hope, and empower people to talk. It might not work – but who knows…it just might.

3/7/16

Weekly Deja Revu

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Déjà Revu is a weekly review round-up that is open to all book review blogs.

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Contemporary

Dystopian

Fantasy

General

Mystery

Paranormal


Romance

Science Fiction
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Dystopian

Fantasy

Paranormal

Romance

Suspense/Thriller
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Anthology

General

Historical

Paranormal

Romance

Science Fiction

Suspense/Thriller

Woman's Fiction

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Romance

Book Review: Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugh
Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal, Romance, Action

Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/1627792120

Blurb (From Goodreads): Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.


Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

My Review:
For the last couple of months I’ve been doing Instagram photo challenges (this month, search #marchbbpchallenge to find our posts!) and last month one of my friends who was doing the challenge was posting a lot about Six of Crows, and really talking up this book. I had looked at the summary more than once, but based on her recommendation I decided to get the audio book to listen to it at work. In the beginning they always list out the narrators, and when I heard that there were four of them I knew I was in for an involved book.

I was so not ready, and that the first time I tried to listen to this book I got lost in everything that was going on and all the characters. I think it may have also been a particularly busy week at work so my concentration was broken at best. Sometimes I can listen to a book in these times, sometimes not. This is why I do a lot of frequent re-reads,  it’s much easier to listen to a book I’ve already read during work. Anyhow, I stopped listening to this book in February. Last week I decided to start over and give it another go. (Side note: while it’s possible, Audible isn’t exactly thrilled when you listen part way and then start over again later. Until I finally got past my previous stopping point, any time I had to pause the book it would hiccup and I had to go re-find my place). My second time through was MUCH more successful, I mean clearly since I’m writing a review, right?

What I Loved: This book reminded me of the TV show Gotham in the first few chapters, with the discussions of who controls what part of the city, and things like that. Then as it took off, it reminded me of Oceans 11 with the gathering of a team of some-what misfits who may or may not have liked each other. So Gotham + Oceans 11 + paranormal = Six of Crows. There are so many different elements to the story, it was so involved that at first I wasn’t 100% sure that I liked it. However, the further I got into the book, the more I liked it and the more invested in the characters I was.

Once I got into the book, I really loved nearly everything about it. All of the unique personalities, the background of the characters and their relationships. I loved the teasing and banter between everyone. This book had twists and turns and surprises all the time, so it kept me on my toes. I really enjoy that. All of it made for an amusing three days of work! Or at least 2 days, once I got past the “eh, I’m not sure” ’s.

Not So Much: This book was so very involved, with overlapping back stories, and twists and turns that listening via audio while at work was pretty difficult. Add in the fact that there were 4 separate narrators, it just wasn’t an ideal reading situation for a book like this. It is for this reason I purchased an actual copy of the book. I did love the story, but I feel like there were so many details I missed because my attention wasn’t 100% - and it never is going to be when listening to an audio book – at least not for me.

This is my fault, but I think I might have gotten a lot more had I actually read the first series as well. I’m pretty sure this isn’t a continuation, but I do get the idea that the world may be close to the same.


The Verdict:  
        

So good. When I was describing Six of Crows to my husband, I told him that one of the things I really liked was I didn’t think this book was ‘geared toward a female audience’ but is much more broad than that. I believe that any guys out there who like to read would enjoy this book as much as any girl. That isn’t to say that they don’t enjoy the other series (Hunger Games, Divergent…etc) but I feel like there is just something about some of these fantasy/sci-fi/Dystopian type books that just has a shift toward more of a female audience….granted, that is probably accurately done since I think that is the biggest audience.

I recommend this to anyone who DOES like those previously mentioned books, but also to anyone who likes action – if you like the TV show/movie I mentioned as well I think that you’d enjoy Six of Crows. It is a YA novel – and does have some mild cussing.

3/2/16

Weekly Deja Revu

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Déjà Revu is a weekly review round-up that is open to all book review blogs.

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Historical
Mystery
Non-Fiction
Paranormal
Religious

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