2011 Year In Review

First book read in 2011: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Last book read in 2011: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Total books read in 2011: 115

Book of the Year:  Undecided
There were so many new books in 2011, a lot of dystopian series that are just getting started, which is one of my new favorite genres. A couple series coming to an end; The Wolves of Mercy Falls, and The Fever Series most specifically. It is really difficult for me to sit and say, ‘Yeah – THIS was my favorite book of the year.’ I’m really at a loss here. I loved Shadowfever! No matter what I had anticipated might happen in that series, I was always surprised. Then, I actually read Anna and the French Kiss so many times this year that you would think that would be it…but there is just something…not impacting enough about that book to be deemed the ultimate favorite of the year.  It’s just one of those gushy, feel good books that I love revisiting. I think Forever and The Clockwork Prince were the two books I most anticipated this year – but neither are really my favorites. Forever was a great end to a series, but it really contained nothing new that made it stand out, and The Clockwork Prince; I love the characters and the scenario, but it just doesn’t fit the bill. So, I think I’m just going to have to remain silent on this one. There were a large number of books I really, really loved this year, but none that stand out more than another.

Favorite End of a Series:  Shadowfever
The Fever Series was so fun, exciting, sexy, thrilling, just edge of your seat GOOD! If you like fantasy/romance, you WILL LOVE this series. Just trust me on that one!

Favorite Dystopian:  Divergent
So this is the year of the dystopian novel, and why not after the success of The Hunger Games, right?! There are were so many this year, and many of the novels fall into other genres as well, but some of the dystopian novels I read this year include Across The Universe, Matched (and Crossed), Delirium, Divergent, Solstice, Wither, Eve – Once again I’m finding it hard to pick a favorite. I love the cover of Wither, but I think my favorite is going to have to be Divergent. I think it’s mostly because of the action and strong female lead.

Favorite Romance:  Pride and Passion
I read an abundance of Romance novels, mostly thanks to review copies, and publisher and author requests. I’ve been really big into Historical Romance this year. This year my favorite was a book I got off of Netgalleys, Pride and Passion. I really just feel in love with the characters of this book, especially Adrian. I just really enjoyed how much in love with Lucy he was, the anguish he was in over her at times…I just remember finishing this book thinking about how I kind of wanted to start over from the beginning and do it all over again.

Favorite Hero: Cricket Bell
I want to do Will Herondale again…but he was 2010’s hero, and I feel it necessary to no repeat myself. SOOoo I’m going to have to go with Cricket Bell of Lola and the Boy Next Door. It was a close run with Etinne St Clair though (let’s face it, Stephany Perkins knows how to write those awesome male leads) but Etinne loses simply because he stayed with a girl he didn’t love for fear of rejection! Cricket is (unsurprisingly, because it’s me) dark haired and blue eyed. His hair is wild, he’s got an awesome if not slightly eccentric sense of style, and he’s a nerd. He loves Lola so much – he doesn’t sway, he is dead set on her no if, ands, or buts. Reading about him made me want to start writing on my hand in sharpie and wearing rubber bracelets. And that kiss at the end of the book – wow!

Movie of the Year: The Three Musketeers
I love going to the movies. I think watching movies is my second favorite pastime, after reading of course. We didn’t go as much this year as we normally go, and I probably didn’t see any of the real big movies this year that weren’t a part of a franchise. I loved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, and Breaking Dawn Part 1. Of course there was Beastly and Little Red Riding Hood. I think, though, that I preferred The Three Musketeers to all of those. Silly, I know, but I love the old fashioned “super heros” (Robin Hood, Musketeers, Zorro, etc.) The movie had its flaws and “yeah right” moments, but I still just really enjoyed it.

What's in store for 2012:
There are obviously a TON of really good books coming out in 2012, parts of series I've already started, etc.  And YES, I will be reading them this year for sure.  I think I'm going to scale back on the number of publisher requests I take on this year - that's not saying I still won't accept any, but my TBR pile is large and getting larger by the day.  It's out of control.  So this year, I want to focus on:
1.  Reading most of the unread books I own
2.  I signed up for the  2012 ebook reading challenge, and have agreed to 25 ebooks, which I have no doubt I can fulfill - perhaps surpass.
3.  I want to read 2 Non-Fiction books
4.  I want to read at least 1 classic book
5.  My total goal:  100 books in 2012.

BOOK REVIEW: Why We Broke Up - Daniel Handler

GENRE: Young Adult – Fiction, Romance
FORM: Audiobook
NARRATOR: Khristine Hvam

SYNOPSIS: A letter written by Min to Ed explaining all of the things that she kept from their relationship that are included in a box she is leaving on his door step, and what they meant to her.

REVIEW: Why We Broke Up is a five and a half hour (via audiobook) monologue of…well exactly that. Sounds boring? Well, it really isn’t. What you get in that monologue, which is actually a letter written to Min’s ex-boyfriend, of their entire relationship from start to finish. She points out areas where she should have seen the break up coming, where she knew things were going wrong but had remained blind.

The relationship between Min and Ed was actually very sweet most of the time, like when it was just the two of them together. Outside of that scenario, Ed was kind of a jerk. I did feel like his feelings were very true and exactly how Min described it, “fragile.” Something so new and big to him that in a way I think he couldn’t handle it’s magnitude. Or perhaps I still just want to think the best of him and he not only acted like super-mega jerk, he actually IS super-mega jerk! Anyway, I enjoyed the book – but on the other hand, the entire thing was very predictable. I loved Min and Ed’s adventure, and the way they came together so sweetly. That was a fun experience, but we all knew what was coming in the end. (Well, DUH, title..)

Al, on the other hand, was a dope. He sat around on his feelings way too long, and Min was equally stupid for not catching on anyway. I am glad that there wasn’t some grand stateMint at the end – a proclamation of undying love that was going to last forever – but that never would have happened. What I enjoyed most about this book was how realistic it was, and in this story Min has put herself out there and proclaimed a love that was shattered, and she isn’t one of those girls who has that kind of reaction on a weekly basis. (Sorry about the spoiler, but as I said, this book was very predictable, if you didn’t figure this out within the first couple of chapters…well, I’m sorry, but you should have!)

Daniel Handler’s writing style was very descriptive and detail oriented. He created a picture where you could see what the characters where seeing, actually hear the slam of the lockers, etc. The book brought me back to High School, and it was so accurate – from the description of going to a sporting event, to a school dance, all the way to standing in the hallway with your peers; it was almost as if Daniel was in high school himself. (Maybe he is or recently was? I haven’t really done any author research or anything.) It was kind of a nice flashback, at least in that way that is nostalgic but not something you actually want to do sort of way. I was completely under impressed with the names of his characters, however. And really, a name IS important in a book – they help shape personalities in my opinion. In the case of this book, I would have though (without reading) that this book was full of very dull characters with barely any personalities at all. Not people I would be jumping at the chance to get to know…

My only regret is, having listened to this on audiobook, I did not get to see the illustrations of the book. I might have to flip through the book in a bookstore or library just so I can find out what I was missing out on.

BOOK REVIEW: The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

GENRE: Young Adult - Fiction (16+)
FORM: eBook

SYNOPSIS (from goodreads.com):

Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is navigating through the strange worlds of love, drugs, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and dealing with the loss of a good friend and his favorite aunt.

REVIEW:  I first heard about The Perks of Being a Wallflower during Banned Books week.  The title alone draws me to the book because, well growing up I was a bit of a wallflower myself, and felt that I could relate to the book.  After reading a few reviews, I sort of backed off though - because I'm not real big into reading sad books, and it sounded like this book had the potential of being sad.  Of course in my mind I come up with all of the worst case scenarios and just know I don't want to read about it.  If you are like me in this - let me put your mind at ease just a bit.  No one in this book that wasn't already dead dies in the end.  It has some tough situations and topics, but it's worth the read.  Trust me.

Charlie is the perfect mix of a normal 9th grader and extremely awkward teenager.  This is just another way that I felt like I could relate to him as read the book.  As a young teenager, I was oblivious about so many things - innocent really. I was not, however, as quick to try unknown things as Charlie was.  And, as emotional as my baggage goes, mine was not near as heavy as Charlies was in the end either.

The book contains exploration of drugs, alcohol, sex, and even homosexuality - none of these are the main topic or point of the book.  I feel that their point in the book was more about being a teenager and trying to find yourself and understand who you were and why.  And though it does include all of the things said above (which is why I included 16+ in my genre) - I'm not so sure that the age distinction is true.  Usually I get a little sensitive with those topics being so prominent in a young adult book, but I almost wonder if this book might help other teenagers realize that yes, other people have the same thoughts and concerns, but would also help those of us who weren't so lucky to be the popular kid, the beauty of the school, or just simply blessed to be able to make friends easily - that yes, there are kids who are "different" but they are people with feelings and thoughts, and the capacity to love and be loved and...I just don't know.  I remember how hard high school was for me, and outside of some of the mental things - I could really, really, really relate to who Charlie was in the High School scheme of things; I was Charlie.

All of that being said - I am curious to see the movie coming out in 2012(?).  I'm curious to see what they do with the characters, and honestly to see what things are changed and what things will be staying the same.  I also love that Logan Lerman was cast as Charlie, and Emma Watson as Sam.  I will have a hard time watching of those actors do any kind of drugs - so there is a large part of me that is hoping it is left out of the movie, but other than that I'm hoping things are left true to the novel.

BOOK REVIEW: Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare

GENRE: Young Adult – Fantasy/Steampunk/Romance
FORM: eBook
SERIES: The Infernal Devices – Book 2

SYNOPSIS: The London Institute is under harsh evaluation after having harbored a spy, and eliminated a vampire clan that had been falsely accused (despite breaking the law regardless). Questions are being raised of whether Charlotte and Henry are really cut out for this kind of responsibility. They are given a chance to prove themselves and ensure their spot at the institute though. They have two weeks to find the one who calls himself The Magister; Axel Mortmain.

REVIEW: After a years’ worth of anticipation – I could hardly wait to get my hand on the next installment of The Infernal Devices. I will admit though, after reading subtle hints or blanket statements from both Cassandra Clare (via Twitter/Facebook – I don’t know her personally obviously) and other blogs/fans/etc., I was also sort of dreading this book – mostly because…and if you read my blog regularly, this will not come as a shock to you…there was a true blue love triangle in this series. ARRrrg! I fell hard and fast for Will Herondale in Clockwork Angel. His wit, love of books, and secrets were intriguing to me. (And I’m a bit like Magnus Bane – I really like black hair/blue eyes, what’s more attractive?) Don’t get me wrong, I like Jem….in a nice, sidekick/bestfriend/guy who will always be there sort of way, just not as a love interest.

That being said; I both absolutely loved and really hated Clockwork Prince. (“Hate” is not indicating how GOOD this book was, it was excellent!) I cannot, will not diverge on all the reasons I hated the book. I will just say that there IS a love triangle, and while Tessa does get hot and heavy…ITS WITH THE WRONG GUY!!!!!! Not that Will didn’t get his fair share of play time as well, but still. Another reason I do not like love triangles: someone will always get hurt. Badly. Usually more than one someone. I love Tessa, she is funny and wonderfully nice. It’s that “nice” that is getting her into trouble though. This all would never would have started if that nice, ‘I don’t want anyone to get hurt/be hurt by me’ attitude didn’t present itself. Granted, she had her fair share of hurt, by Will none-the-less, I just think it was always obvious that he was lying. It was obvious something more was at play with him. Patience is a virtue.

And I will be patient. For another year. Waiting on Clockwork Princess. When I’m almost positive the world will right itself once again. ;)

Okay, so why did I love this book? Well let’s see. First of all, we get to see and learn more about Will. I find this funny because I remember reading someone say that this was “Jem’s book,” and I can see where that might partially be true, but we don’t learn much more about Jem that we didn’t already know. Will and his past was a larger part of this book.

Clockwork Prince was the “inbetween” novel, the middle one in a series that gets you from Point A to Point B. It is also the novel that in most series you get the most insight and historical details on most if not all of the characters and the situation at hand. While sometimes it can make a book seem long depending on the author, I tend to like these middle books because I like knowing why people are the way they are and why they act the way they do. Cassandra Clare does an awesome job of doing this while at the same time keeping the storyline moving forward. Progress is made in finding out the how’s and why’s of the automatons and the Magister, but not much. Just enough to keep the story engaging, the real movement in this book is between characters.

A quick rundown of some of that movement: We learn more about Axel Mortmain, and why he might hate Shadowhunters so much. Charlotte and Henry are also front and forward a lot more, and we learn of the sweet delicate relationship they share. I was a Henry fan from the start. He’s cooky and distracted, but I always knew that his heart is exactly where it is suppose to be, and that is proven in this novel. Jessamine plays a rather large part in this book, and I’m curious to see if she will be able to redeem herself after this book. Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood…just wait and see. We get a bit more of Magnus Bane, and given that he’s a reoccurring character in two of Clare’s series, it’s fun to sort of gather bits and pieces of his life at random intervals and periods of time. There are also a lot of hints and nudges in the direction of where Tessa came from and how she may have come to be – but nothing definite yet. That is obviously going to have to wait for the Grand Finale!

There was a lot of foreshadowing going on in Clockwork Prince - I may have been looking for things that weren’t actually there, but I don’t think so and I’m looking forward to finding out if I’m right. I’m not going to tell you some of the things I picked up on, because I don’t like ruining anything – if you didn’t see it you’ll just be that much more surprised when it comes up. I will say that I’m a tinsy bit suspicious of that cook. What is her DEAL?

BOOK REVIEW: Allegiance - Cayla Kluver

GENRE: Young Adult – Historical Fantasy
FORM: eBook – NetGalley - ARC
SERIES: Legacy Series – Book 2



While I was granted permission to read this book by NetGalley affiliate publisher, Harlequin, I have received no compensation for this review other than the joy of reading!

SYNOPSIS (from Goodreads.com): Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return...

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....

REVIEW: I am in love with this series. It combines all of my many favorite things; fantasy, historical setting, royal court politics, hot heroes, strong heroines, the most evil of villains. Allegiance is a book where the romance does not rule. While there are snippits of gushing here and there, but this book is more about the downfall of Hytanica and about Alera’s rising strength as a Queen. As in the first novel, Legacy, Alera has some questionably immature behavior. There are times when she seems to be completely oblivious to the danger her country is in, or of the responsibility of her new position, however she finds out rather quickly and harshly. In Allegiance she grows up quickly and is becoming a very strong and capable leader.

I addressed love triangles in my previous review, and it seems I’m still unable to get away from them, but in this case it’s a very open ended love triangle, since Alera does not actually love the man she is married to. I actually felt bad for Steldor throughout this book. It seemed as if he loves Alera, even though – if I’m remembering correctly – he never really came close to expressing those feelings in a way Alera could comprehend in the first book. He’s a man who is handsome and knows it. I believe I may have actually compared him to Beauty and the Beast’s Gaston, a comparison I think still fits – but only if Gaston’s character were extended beyond the courtship. You start to see the real man behind the ego in Allegiance. You see he’s a good person, even if he has a temper. He’s protective and possessive over what he sees as his. If played out right, I actually wouldn’t have minded if the book turned to his favor, even if I do love Narian.

Narian, the character who was present throughout the entire book, without actually being present. He was in it – mostly through Alera’s memories. The moments that he was actually there himself, sometimes he was being painted in a very bad scenario, which I think may have encouraged the “Steldor alignment” of the thoughts mentioned earlier. But Narian is a proven character, and he will behave as you expect him to at the right moments. He is a hero who will not let you down!

I loved Allegiance! I love the story, I love the characters. I love the imagery of the world that Cayla Kluver has painted. I will admit that there were points when I felt the book was getting kind of long on the details. I was a bit antsy waiting around in hiding, in fact, but isn’t that what it would actually feel like? I LOVE the covers, absolutely beautiful!!! As I have read these books in a “borrowed’ ARC format from NetGalley, I am so tempted to purchase the book copies of this series – just so I can see them on my shelf.