Review: Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 431

Publication Date: April, 2006

Rating: 5/5

Summary (From Goodreads):

            “It all started with a dream. Nothing exceptional, just a typical fantasy about a boy, the kind of dream that most teen girls experience. But Pattyn Von Stratten is not like most teen girls. Raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, a simple dream may not be exactly a sin, but it could be the first step toward hell and eternal damnation.

This dream is a first step for Pattyn. But is it to hell or to a better life? For the first time Pattyn starts asking questions. Questions seemingly without answers -- about God, a woman's role, sex, love -- mostly love. What is it? Where is it? Will she ever experience it? Is she deserving of it?

It's with a real boy that Pattyn gets into real trouble. After Pattyn's father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control until Pattyn ends up suspended from school and sent to live with an aunt she doesn't know.

Pattyn is supposed to find salvation and redemption during her exile to the wilds of rural Nevada. Yet what she finds instead is love and acceptance. And for the first time she feels worthy of both -- until she realizes her old demons will not let her go. Pattyn begins down a path that will lead her to a hell -- a hell that may not be the one she learned about in sacrament meetings, but it is hell all the same.”

Pros:

·       The format was really unique! I had seen Ellen Hopkins’ books before and had assumed that it was written in some difficult poem format. That assumption was completely untrue.

·       It was an interesting premise to see a focus on Mormons. It seems to be an uncommon religion in popular books.

·       The plot itself was amazing!

Cons:

·       I was not a fan of the open ending; however, I can fill in the pieces by reading the summary of the next book in the series.

Final Thoughts:

            I wish I had picked up one of Ellen Hopkins’ books earlier! I really loved this book’s plot and format. I will definitely be buying more of them.

           

Review: Dark Webb by Harry Dayle

Dark Webb by Harry Dayle

Publisher: Shelfless

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 352

Publication Date: April, 2016

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

Taken from Goodreads.com:

            “Reclusive website designer Thaddeus Webb thinks he knows the internet, but a brief excursion into its shadier regions throws up more than he bargained for. He stumbles across a harrowing video of a captive girl, her destiny to be decided by paying voters.

When it becomes clear the authorities aren’t taking the plight of the victim seriously, Thad knows he can’t stand by and do nothing. Could this be his chance to redeem himself for the sins of his past?

Before he knows it, he’s become embroiled in a search that traverses both physical space and cyber-space as he works to track down the un-trackable, trace the untraceable, and try to save the blameless teenager before the vote reaches its grisly conclusion.”

Pros:

·       I loved this plot so much! It taught me a lot of new information about the dark web while keeping me entertained.

·       I loved how the story jumped from past to present to show two different stories that eventually are connected at the end.

Cons:

·       There were only a few parts that I felt dragged on a bit.

Final Thoughts:

            I loved this book way more than I expected to. It had mystery and crimes that were not too graphic. Each piece of evidence that was uncovered made me want to read more and more. I also have never found a book dealing with crime on the dark web so that made it stand out to me. It also taught me a lot about the dark web that I didn’t know. I would definitely recommend for fans of crime novels!

Review: The Supernaturalist

Why, oh why, do stores put ugly stickers on covers??

The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult-Fantasy

Pages: 267

Publication Date: April, 2005

Rating: 2/5

Summary:

            This story takes place in the future, in a city called Satellite City. Cosmo Hill, a fourteen-year-old orphan lives at Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys. Here the boys pay their way by assembling things, testing products, really just being a slave. While the boys are being transported back from where they worked that day, Cosmo sees a chance to escape with his friend. After having a near death experience during the escape, Cosmo wakes up with a new ability; he can see supernatural Parasites. The people that saved him from death, are a gang that is dedicated to eliminating these parasites that so few can see. As Cosmo joins them on a seemingly simple quest, he realizes that the leaders of the city have bigger secrets than he thought.

Pros:

·       I thought the premise of hunting parasites that few can see was going to be interesting.

Cons:

·       There seemed to be a lack of world-building. It was hard to actually picture Satellite City.

·       I also thought a lot of the plot points were rushed and the twists and turns were too abrupt.

Final Thoughts:

            This book had such an interesting premise that seemed to fall flat in execution. As soon as I started to become interested in the current scene, something dramatic would happen that would completely change the goals of the characters. It lacked smooth transitions. Also, the topic seemed to be geared towards adults but the writing seemed like it was for young, young adults which was confusing.

Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Publisher: Three Rivers Press

Genre: Humor-Essays

Pages: 222

Publication Date: September, 2012

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

            Mindy Kaling, a writer from The Office, has written a collection of humorous essays about her life. She discusses what it is like to work on The Office, how she got her first job, and her take on romance.

MyThoughts:

            This is a hilarious book with essays that a lot of people can relate to, especially those of us who weren’t that popular growing up. I'm really glad I found this for only a dollar at Goodwill!

Pros:

·       Each essay was hilarious and relatable.

·       The essay length was good, not too long but not too short.

·       This book just makes me want Mindy Kaling as my best friend!

Cons:

·       There were really none. Definitely check it out if you like Mindy Kaling at all.

Review: Escaping the Rainfield

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Escaping the Rainfield by Eliza Rich

Publication Date: February 17, 2017

Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (From Goodreads):  

            ““April 12, 2003. “Beep. Beep. We interrupt your radio station to bring you this important message. The counties of… no. The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and southern portions of Iowa and Nebraska are in a Flood Warning.””

This was no typical flood warning. With eleven states expecting three to ten inches of rain for an unprecedented number of days, the United States was in a frenzy. Families were evacuating their hometowns in hopes of locating refuge on dry land, but Hannah Davis’ family thought that they could out wait the storm. When their panicked Grandmother reaches out to them, requesting help, they find themselves fighting the weather and time to rescue her. As if that wasn’t enough, shortly after joining forces with two of Hannah’s classmates, Adrian and Ophelia, they come face to face with a gang that wants Adrian dead. As the days go by the family grows increasingly wary whether or not they will reach their Grandmother in time. Will the Davis’ be able to come together to outwit the storm and its surrounding catastrophes? Or will Hannah’s affection for Adrian put her family in more danger than it is worth?”

Pros:

·       Really cool plot! I have never read a book focusing on characters using canoes to escape a flood.

·       The theme of God’s grace was tied into the book realistically; there were doubts, anger, pleas for help, just like in real life.

·       Each character brought a unique element to the story.

Cons:

·       There were a couple of scenes I wish were expanded more because I was really enjoying them!

Final Thoughts:

            I really enjoyed this book; I would recommend it to middle grades/ young adults, especially those that are contemplating the idea of God’s responses to disasters.  Definitely pick up a copy of this!

Review: Cryer's Cross

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre: YA-Mystery/Paranormal

Pages: 233

Publication Date: February, 2011

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

            Kendall and her boyfriend, Nico, have lived in Cryer’s Cross, Montana their whole life. It’s a small farming town where everyone knows everyone else. Three months ago, a local girl goes missing. The police and all of the citizens combed the area and never found her. Now, another student goes missing without a trace. Kendall, and her friends, are trying to resume school and farm work as if nothing has happened, but strange things have started happening around town. Kendall finds herself in the middle of the search for two missing classmates and must deal with the town’s frightening history.

Pros:

·       I had to read this book in one sitting; it was so captivating!

·       I absolutely loved the romance that unfolds in the book; it was just the right amount of romance for this type of book.

Cons:

·       It could have been longer; there were a few parts of the plot that I would have liked to read more about.

Final Thoughts:

            I absolutely loved this book! There was the right amount of suspense, romance, and intrigue. I definitely recommend this to anyone that likes young adult books!

Review: Winter Stroll

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Romance

Pages: 263

Publication Date: October, 2015

Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

            Family and friends gather together each year in Nantucket to celebrate the winter stroll weekend. The Winter Street Inn owner, Kelley Quinn, reflects on all of his family’s drama as he writes his annual holiday letter. He is finally single and he repaired his relationship with his first wife, Margaret. Their son, Kevin, just had a baby girl with his girlfriend, who is also the inn’s keeper. Kelley and Margaret’s daughter Ava has a new beau, a colleague from her school.

This year everyone is gathering together to celebrate Kevin’s daughter’s baptism. Kelley’s hopes of a peaceful holiday go out the window when his estranged second wife shows up. She is the mother of Kelley’s youngest child, Bart, who is missing. With jealousy, old and new lovers, and family tragedy abound, the family might not survive the holiday intact.

Pros:

·       Hilderbrand did a wonderful job of crafting a winter wonderland town.

·       The drama keeps you interested but leaves you with a cozy feeling.

·       It focused on a variety of generations which was a nice change from most romance novels.

Cons:

·       The only downside is that the ending was rather abrupt. When I bought the book I didn’t realize it was a series; it does not seem to be marketed that way. I expected more closure.

Final Thoughts:

This was a lovely, quick holiday read. I will definitely be adding the sequel to my TBR pile for next Christmas.

Review: It's Kind of a Funny Story

It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: YA Fiction

Pages: 444

Publication Date: 2006

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

            Craig Gilner is an ambitious student who has just gotten into one of New York City’s top high schools, Manhattan’s Executive Pre-Professional High School. This turns out to be the highest point of his life, after that is all downhill. He stops sleeping, can’t eat, and almost kills himself.  He checks himself into a mental hospital where he meets a cast of unique, quirky characters that include a girl who scarred her face with scissors, a transsexual sex addict, and a reclusive Egyptian. It is here that Craig must figure out how to deal with his depression in a healthy way. 

Pros:

·       This is one of the first Young Adult books that deals with mental illness in a way that does not seem to glorify it.

·       The author, in my experience, accurately nailed the symptoms of anxiety.

·       The main character learns to deal with his depression in a healthy way, but also acknowledges that this is not a cure, it is going to be an on-going process.

Cons:

·       The only downside is that I didn’t find this book years ago!

Final Thoughts:

            This is such an amazing book. I only recently heard of it; I can’t believe it has been out for so long and I never read it before. Definitely pick up a copy of this book!

           

Review: Beautiful Redemption

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA- Paranormal Romance

Pages: 456

Publication Date: October, 2012

Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

            In the fourth, and final, installment of the Caster Chronicles, Ethan Wate wakes up dead, or half-dead? He must communicate with his girlfriend, Lena, and his loved ones who are still alive in order to save the caster universe. Through the help of some friends and foes he meets in this new world, he must embark on a journey to rewrite his, and Lena’s fate.

Pros:

·         This book wraps up the loose ends of the series.

·         The plot is still pretty unique compared to other similar books and even compared to the first three books in the series.

Cons:

·         Halfway through the book I became rather bored with the story. I felt like the series only should have been 3 books. It seemed to be dragged out too much.

·         Part of the ending seemed a bit rushed and therefore a bit unbelievable.

Final Thoughts:

            If you have made it this far in the Caster Chronicles, then definitely finish the series. I would not recommend this as a standalone book.

Review: Beautiful Chaos

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicle #3) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Pages: 516

Publication Date: October, 2011

Rating:  5/5

Summary:

            The third book in this series picks up right after the Order of Things has been messed up by Lena. Bizarre insects, called lubbers, have been taking over the small and southern town, Gatlin and destroying properties. Freak storms are causing chaos. Lena’s powers are wavering and Ethan is forgetting basic things constantly. Despite this, Lena and Ethan have to rush to figure out what, or who, must be sacrificed to save Gatlin, and the caster world.

Pros:

·         Lena is growing out of her emo personality and seems to be a more mature character.

·         Each book in the series is more and more immersed in a wonderful fantasy world. When I picked this book up I felt like I was returning to an old neighborhood.

·         The plot shows the characters dealing with bigger consequences and more interesting problems.

Cons:

·         I felt like this plot didn’t need to be drawn out over 516 pages; I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Final Thoughts:

            This is probably my favorite book in the Caster Chronicles series. It incorporates many more fantasy elements, the main characters are less whiney, and the plot is really interesting!

Review: Recoil by Joanne Macgregor

 

Recoil by Joanne Macgregor

Genre: YA- Dystopian Society

Pages: 256

Publication Date: May, 2016

Rating: 5/5

Summary:

            Recoil takes place three years after a plague has infected society. Jinxy James, a sixteen-year-old gamer, has been chosen to compete in a sniping competition based on her excellent performance in the nation’s favorite virtual reality game. She is then invited to join a top-secret government organization that is dedicated to fighting the plague; her role is to snipe the mutated, infected rats roaming the streets and woods. She eagerly accepts this position to finally feel freedom, something she has not felt since her mom has become overly-protective due to the plague.

            During her training, she finds herself falling for Irish Quinn O’Riley. He works in the intel unit and knows more about what the government is really doing than he is letting on. After Jinx finds out some shocking information, she is thrust into making an impossible decision that will impact her relationship with Quinn and her role within the organization.

Pros:

·         This book sucked me in from the first page and kept me reading late into the night to find out how it all ends.

·         Recoil has a unique plot that was definitely better than some of the more popular YA titles offered in bookstores.

·         I loved the romance between Jinxy and Quinn; it was just the right amount!

Cons:

·         The only con I could find was that it seemed like there were a few one liners meant to poke fun at Trump’s ideas for the country. I found myself wondering if this was supposed to be a post-Trump presidency world.

Final Thoughts:

Definitely go pick up a copy of this book! I usually stick to well-known titles but this book definitely has inspired me to look into lesser-known authors. The writing is just as good, if not better than the popular titles that mainstream book stores offer. The unique plot kept me loving every second of the book! I can’t wait to read the next in the series.