Category Archives: Young Adult

Dance, Gladys, Dance – Cassie Stocks

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27-year-old Frieda Zweig is at an impasse. Behind her is a string of failed relationships and half-forgotten ambitions of being a painter; in front of her lies the dreary task of finding a real job and figuring out what “normal” people do with their lives. Then, a classified ad in the local paper introduces Frieda to Gladys, an elderly woman who long ago gave up on her dreams of being a dancer.

The catch? Gladys is a ghost.

In Dance, Gladys, Dance, Cassie Stocks tells the uplifting story of a woman whose uncanny connection with a kindred spirit causes her to see her life in a new way —as anything but ordinary. – Publishers Website

I have to say, what a quirky, funny, interesting read ! Not so much classic chic-lit in any way; it is certainly a book that makes you think about the instances that Frieda encounters throughout the book.  Is Frieda’s life really such a mess?!?  Is she really alone and untalented as she thinks she is?!?  Does Frieda believe in herself?!? Why do others think of herself much more than she does? It seems to me she is going through some sort of crisis she brings upon herself; those negative messages she starts to believe from what other people have told her.

Don’t we all at one time or another fall into that trap.  Depending on whether we are having a bad day, or just feeling down upon ourselves, Frieda finally through the help of Gladys, who is a ghost who is chasing her own mistakes she has made in life, while attempting to help from beyond the grave.

We, as women, or even men for that matter need to stop the negative back talk and regrets in our own lives or in other for that matter and start to believe in ourselves.  This book is laugh out funny, deeply inspirational, and with characters’ quirkiness which, will have you glued to the pages wondering what will happen next.  We need to stand up for one another as the characters did midway to the end of the book for what we believe in, maybe not as drastic as some of the members did with going with all out nudity, but we can make our presence known in other ways.

As part of this blog tour, please stop by these other blogs that are participating.  Although, I don’t offer book giveaways, these other blogs may be holding one if you want to try your luck and try to win a copy.  If you aren’t lucky, please support the author by going to your indie bookstore or chapters/indigo/kobo and buy your copy !

Tomorrow, I have the Q and A where I had a chance to ask Cassie some questions, stay tuned !

Dance, Gladys, Dance Blog Tour

June 26th and 27th: The Indextrious Reader

July 2nd and 3rd: Lavender Lines

July 13th and 19th: Koala Bear Writer

July 16th and 17th: The Book Chic Blog

July 19th and 20th: Serendipitous Readings - HERE

August 7th and 8th: Peeking Between the Pages

Unknown date – The Book Drunkard

Cassies Blog – Goodreads – Twitter – Download an Excerpt – Listen to a Podcast

Thank You for Flying Air Zoe – Erik Atwell – REVIEW and Q & A

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Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fasten Seat Belt sign has been turned on, but feel free to ignore it, because sometimes life is best lived on its dizzy edges. Your cruising altitude today will be sky-high, and you will be flying at staggering speeds as you travel alongside Zoe Tisdale, former Valley Girl and rock star turned bored butter saleswoman.

On the heels of a brush with mortality, Zoe concludes that she’s been letting time pass her by. Realizing she needs to awaken her life’s tired refrains, Zoe vows to recapture the one chapter of her life that truly mattered to her – her days as drummer for The Flip-Flops, a spirited, sassy all-girl garage band that almost hit the big time back in 1987. But reuniting the band won’t be easy. The girls who were once the whiz kid guitarist, the prom queen bass player, and the hippie lead singer grew up and became women who are now a reclusive dog trainer, a wealthy socialite, and a sociopathic environmentalist. Will Zoe bring the band back together and give The Flip-Flops a second chance at stardom? Is it possible to fully reclaim the urgent energy of youth?

As you follow this wild flight path, please know that your destination could be anywhere at all, complimentary oxygen is provided upon request, and baggage flies free. We hope you enjoy the ride, and Thank You For Flying Air Zoe. – Publishers Website

I wasn’t really into this book until I got about a third through it for some strange reason.  It is one of those books where at least for me, it has to grow a bit and spread its wings before I devour it like I have been lately.  The even more strange thing about it, is it’s a male, yes, a male writing a female chic lit book!

Sadly the last one that I had read, was a disaster.  Didn’t like it one bit.  This one is a complete 180 in comparison.  Light, funny, exactly what you want in one of those type books.  It was a light airy read, that I found myself chuckling to along the way albeit, a few of the classical themes.  Sometimes predictable, but like I stated before, light airy, I have said a lot about that….

Don’t believe me?  Pick it up for yourself and let me know how you liked it.

Below is the Q and A I recently did with Erik, I hope you enjoy the questions I posed and I really liked his answers back! Engaging and well-informed !

How much of yourself is in your novel?

You mean was I ever in an all-girl garage band? ;-)

Kidding, of course. Despite obvious gender differences, I think Zoe and I have a common core in the importance we place on maintaining a sense of youthful spirit. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late to chase after something you’ve always wanted, even if time is seemingly against such a crusade. Dream large, take chances, and never subject yourself to regret.

What is the reason behind you writing chic-lit instead of another genre?

The truth is, I didn’t actively set out to write a chick lit novel. I just wrote what I thought was a fun, heartfelt story, and the chick lit community, much to my delight, completely embraced it. As for why I wrote a novel told from a female P.O.V., that’s the real mystery. Ever since college, I’ve enjoyed the writing process more when I’m focusing on a woman’s story. Not sure why that’s been the case, but so long as it’s yielding positive feedback, I’ll probably run with it! It’s a great challenge to write outside one’s gender, one that I both relish and respect greatly.

What would be your idea of perfect happiness?

Isn’t any sort of happiness perfect in and of itself? As I see it, if I’m in the middle of a happy moment, no matter how long or short its ultimate duration, life right then and there is pure and perfect bliss.

What is the one talent(s) you would like to have besides writing?

Singing, simply because I’ve mangled one too many songs on various Karaoke stages across the country.

To be sure, I am not your next American Idol.

If you died and had the chance to come back as anything you wanted, what would it be and why?

Would it be too narcissistic of me to say that I want to come back as myself? In the past, I might have had a more creative answer, but the thing is, my wife and I welcomed our first child just about a year ago. He is a charming and curious marvel of a little man, and I absolutely don’t want to miss a single second of his growth.

So yeah, I’m coming back as myself. I wanna see what this awesome little guy becomes. :)

Did you or have you borrowed real life things that have happened in your own life to be able to craft the characters in this novel, or other stories?

If I borrow anything for my writing, it’s probably only places and settings. Many say that the best writing comes from experience, but sometimes I feel too close to my experiences to accurately write about them. I wouldn’t be able to bring pure objectivity to the source material. Lately, however, I’ve started toying with a project that would completely toss this notion aside. Maybe I actually can write from a place closer to the source material.

Do you have any new projects that you are doing now? If you are, when can we expect them?

My family and I have recently just completed a cross-country move, so we’re only now starting to make the leap from scattered to settled. I have two projects at the proverbial tip of my pen, but I’m not quite sure which one will get the call. There’s an Air Zoe sequel brewing, but if the sales figures aren’t quite up to justifying such a project when the time comes to write, I will possibly have to shift gears and take on the other project — a super top-secret project I’m too superstitious to discuss.

But I’m pretty sure it’ll be totally fun to write.

Do you have any favorite heroes in fiction? Who are they and why?

Wow, I’m actually surprising myself here, but I actually can’t think of a character who straightaway comes to mind. I’ve certainly been a fan of some literary greats — Mockingbird’s Scout Finch, Jimmy Rabbitte from The Commitments, and now that I’m a new Dad, Seuss’s Cat in the Hat! But these are more characters who’ve entertained me more than characters I see as heroes. I think I tend to be more in awe of the writers who created them — Harper Lee, Roddy Doyle, Dr. Seuss… I’m not sure I can be actively moved by a fictional character as much as by the author who pens their story.

Are there any qualities in other people who you most admire? If so, what are they?

I’m sure I admire far too many virtues to list them all, but one in particular that registers highly in my book — and correlates to the characters in my novel — is loyalty. I come from a town where my childhood friends are still some of my best friends, and in many ways, I believe that an individual is in part defined by the relationships they cultivate.

What phrase(s) do you most overuse?

It’s not actually a phrase, per se, but I think I actually use the word actually too often in my prose, actually.

But I’m actually working hard on that. ;)

Thank you so much for the questions and for giving THANK YOU FOR FLYING AIR ZOE some space on your blog!

Thank you Erik for allowing me to ask you questions and allowing me to read your nice piece of writing !

Other Tour Dates and Blogs

Thursday, June 21st:  Chick Lit is not Dead

Thursday, June 28th:  Girls Just Reading

Monday, July 2nd:  A Musing Reviews

Tuesday, July 3rd:  Luxury Reading

Thursday, July 5th:  Shoe-girl.com

Monday, July 9th:  Chick Lit Central

Tuesday, July 10th:  Seaside Book Nook

Wednesday, July 11th:  Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, July 11th:  Life in Review

Thursday, July 12th:  A Chick Who Reads

Monday, July 16th:  girlichef

Monday, July 16th:  From the Heart of a Bookworm

Tuesday, July 17th:  Mom in Love with Fiction

Wednesday, July 18th:  Serendipitous Readings – That’s me !

Thursday, July 19th:  Sara’s Organized Chaos

Friday, July 20th:  The Book Chick

Monday, July 23rd:  Sweet Southern Home

Tuesday, July 24th:  Acting Balanced

Erik’s Twitter – Facebook – Blog/Website

Much thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours, even with her broken arm/elbow, she’s still got it and what I like in choices of books…or maybe she just guessing because of the pain meds LOL ;-)

#66 – Goliath – Scott Westerfeld

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Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is as it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy. – Publishers Website

Well, this is the third and last book in the Leviathan Trilogy.  As soon as the book arrived, I absolutely could not keep my hands off the book.  Immediately, I tore open the envelope and sat down to start reading.  I was anxious almost to the point of an anxiety attack just to find out what actually happened to Alek and Deryn.  Was Deryn’s ultra super secret found out by Alek?!?  Was he upset?

Did they argue, among other things that were happening on the ship that has traversed the skies all over the world?  Among some very identifiable characters, you also have the talented art work from Keith Thompson that actually accentuates the book perfectly.  If I didn’t love the series so much I would mount some of the artwork and hang it on my walls or at least my son’s walls.  Nick, loves Deryn’s colourful way of expressing herself.  He finished Leviathan back in March when he was in Kentucky at camp.  So when he came home, it was “Bum Rag” this and “Barking Spiders”  that.

So like I had said, I flew through the book at a breakneck pace, with the last few pages remained…Would Alek and Deryn have feelings for one another and live happily after you ask?!?  Well, if I told you..then well I would have to kill you, I don’t give out those secrets, you will just have to read the fabulous ending to end all endings.  Trust me, if you loved the first two books, you will love this one and literally ache for more…My reviews of Leviathan and Behemoth can be accessed by clinking the links.  And so, if you have waited for all three books to be able to read them all at once get reading !

Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) does an absolutely fabulous job of the audio book, so if you are a fan of audiobooks, it doesn’t disappoint !

Fan Scott on GoodReads – Scott’s Website – Facebook – Twitter – Browse Inside

THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS !! BEWARE !!

 

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#65 – Witchlanders – Lena Coakley

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High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must face the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him. – Publishers Website

I liked this book, let me just say that right off the bat.  I was skeptical at first.  The first time I had started to read the book, I put it down (and nearly abandoned it).  I’m usually not a fan of witch/zombie type books, but this one was interesting.

I like the premise of a teenager/adult wanting to leave his home for the sea, or at least that is where he wants to be.  But when his father dies, he is pretty much forced to stay and be the man of the house so to speak.  Then, the unimaginable happens – his mother foresees the future, the town/village they live in is attacked by some sort of fierce magic powers, his family has to  go to safety, he needs to find a way to keep them safe.  He meets a young man not much older than he is, they have different ideals based on their upbringing, but they are twins in a sense.  This is where the adventure begins.

I believe that there are three books in this series by Simon and Schuster’s Imprint Atheneum  Books for Young Readers.  I liked the writing of Lena, I hope to read the other books in this series.  I hope in the next 2 books that there is more of the same if not better in terms of the plot and storyline ( no pressure honest!)  And of course of where the main characters finally carry out in this tale.

Read an Excerpt – Lena’s Website – Twitter – Facebook – GoodReads

#64 – Fury – Elizabeth Miles

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Sometimes sorry isn’t enough….

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems…

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better–the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel…something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.  – Publishers Website

I wanted to like this book, like I want to like all books, I just didn’t have it in me.  This is yet another Teen Fiction book from Simon and Schuster’s Imprint Simon Pulse that I had received.  It is one of those sensationalized books with tawdry details about what the teens are doing in a particular town.  Please don’t get me wrong, I love chic lit like the next female…This one for me wasn’t one I would recommend.

For one thing, I can’t recommend a book that is about one girl stealing another girls boyfriend.  I do have high morals and values in life.  For me issues like this are important to me – not just books, but everywhere – tv, movies, etc.  For me, it gives teens in this age group ideas, that they can use in life.  Then you hear it in the newspaper, on the evening news.  What happens then, other teenagers get ideas to do the same thing.  Sorry this should be a separate blog post all together, but, I feel it has to be addressed.

It isn’t anything against the author, she had an idea and it got published.  I congratulate her on her success, which it is.  That is why I am so picky about young adult titles in general.  I don’t want to promote a book that gives in my mind ideas could be used in life that would hurt others.  The writing is good, the author has 2 other books coming out in the series of three books.  I am just giving you the information, should you choose to buy it, go for it, check it out for yourself, but I will not be asking for the other books in the series.

It could be possible that I am going way overboard on this topic / book.  I feel strongly about it.  Not that the world is full of rainbows and flowers, which it isn’t, I just don’t think that we need to be giving young adults more ideas than what they already have to inflict hurt or pain on someone else.  And I may be totally off the mark about how the book is being marketed, so my apologies if I am wrong.

There 2 other books coming out in the series – 1- Fury, 2 – Envy, 3- Eternity  I am not sure the release dates of the others in the series, check the publisher’s website, or Elizabeth’s site or blog for more information.

Elizabeth on Facebook – GoodReads – Twitter – Elizabeth’s Website – Series Site

#63 – The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer – Michelle Hodkin

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Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. – Publishers Website

I loved this book !! Even from the description on the back page, it is THAT intriguing !! After reading it, I am speechless, it was that darn good.

Since it is a young adult title from Simon and Schuster, it will appeal to an older audience as well.  We have a teenager who is coming to terms with the death of 2 of her good friends, she moves away, and more incidents of odd happenings follow her.  She has no memory of the accident, but, as time goes by, she begins to piece things together…She is shocked, scared and doesn’t know what to do.  Until she meets a boy in her new high school who she falls for, but he has his secrets as well.

As time goes by, they are inseparable.  At the end of this book (I believe there are 2 other books being written in the series) There are more questions than answers.  Some of the answers have been taken care of,  the most serious ones…haven’t.

Michelle is a supremely talented writer, I hope that when book 2 comes out, that talent is still here ready and waiting to thrill me like the first book did.  I do get overly critical of young adult books, because of the content.  However, with this book, I threw that out with abandon and absolutely loved this book !! It has all the facets of a thrill ride you will not soon forget.  So, go and get this book !!Make sure you check out the books trailer below – AMAZING !

Michelle’s Website – Michelle’s Blog – Twitter – GoodReads – Browse Inside

#40 – Eona – Alison Goodman

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Eon is now Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, on the run (with Ryko and Lady Dela) from High Lord Sethon’s army. She is also struggling to bear the anguish of the ten dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered by Lord Ido; as they focus their grief through her, she becomes a dangerous conduit for their power.

The three renegades are on a quest for two things: first, the black folio, stolen by the drug-riddled Dillon. And then they must also find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power and the black folio if he is to wrest back his throne from the self-styled “Emperor” Sethon …- Publishers Website

I could NOT put this book down when I received it.  The first book - Eon Dragoneye Reborn -  (my review) was such a vividly exciting book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to last until the 2nd book was published.  I BARELY made it.  Even though I had another book I was reading, I put it down to immediately get started on Eona, and boy oh boy, I wasn’t disappointed in the least !

I cannot belive that Alison is that talented as a writer.  Especially for young adults, these books encompass just about everything that anyone even adults would want in a thrilling, action packed book such as this.

She is torn between 2 lovers, she is attempting to control her powers, save the country, as well as countless lives all in a short period of time before she is discovered and brought to the dark side.

I cannot believe the imagination that the author has achieved with these two books.  It is so vivid as you are actually there with everything happening the smells, the joyous victories, the ability to heal the earth as well as a few other things you will find out in the book.  I cannot say enough about these books !! GO AND GET THEM !! It won’t matter if you are 12 or older anyone will enjoy these books, I PROMISE !!

I love, love, LOVED these books !!!

Did I mention that there are also fantastic life lessons in these books as well?!?

Destination Elsewhere on Ning (you may be able to enter contests and win yourself a copy)

Eon and Eona Book Site

Become a fan on Facebook of EON: Dragoneye Reborn

Alison’s Website

#25 – Wither – Chemical Garden Trilogy – Lauren DeStefano

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By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape–before her time runs out? – Publishers Website

I was really skeptical about this book, but as I started reading it, I quite enjoyed it.  Imagine your life ending at 20 or 25 for a male.  What would you do knowing that you had a specific date of dying? What would you try to accomplish? Would you wallow in your sorrows or would you do everything you can with the time you had left?  But, in this first book of three Rhine one of the polygamous wives is on a search for her brother.  She needs to find a way out, but then she makes friends with the other wives as well as the staff.  Is she really going to risk it all to search or will she stay and live out the rest of her remaining years?

I am so looking forward to the rest of the 2 books that will be available hopefully soon, what about you?

Wither will be published and available in your favorite book store on March 22, 2011.

Read an Excerpt

Lauren’s Blog – Website – Twitter

Behemoth – Scott Westerfield

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ALL RIGHT !!  Deryn and Alek are back.

From Deryn impersonating a boy to realize her dream to be a mid-shipman, she/he are in for the ride / adventure of their lives.

Alek, as well is keeping a few secrets, mainly who he really is, but you will learn more about Alek, along with a few more characters amongst all of the other ” Bum Rags” that Deryn and Alek encounter on their fast paced adventures.

As with Leviathan, Scott has gone gangbusters with non stop action and adventure into this alternative historical account of a world that could very well resemble different places around the world.  He does explain in more detail at the end of this book.

The fast paced action/ adventure/ thriller of this whole other world will have you laughing out loud at the things that Deryn says or waiting ever so patiently (right) for what will happen next.  The detail, along with the fantastic art work done by Keith Thompson will have you entrenched until the last page is read and you want to know what happens in the third and final book of the series.

For all of the young readers eagerly anticipating this book, they certainly will not be disappointed…the adults won’t be disappointed either.

I cannot wait for the third and final installment.  I wish I could get my hands on it now, instead of sometime NEXT YEAR!

Simon and Schuster

Read an Excerpt

Girls To The Front – The True Story of The Riot Grrrl Revolution – Sara Marcus

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Once, a radical feminist uprising that was started in the 1990′s, being difficult as it was to be a woman, much less voicing your opinion about equal rights was almost unheard of.

Then came the Riot Grrrls.

Girls and young women were upset, not having patience about was happening with their voices weren’t being heard.  A few girls from Seattle started an underground movement, that once it started hit the musical waves, it became to be noticed and listened to.

With the start of grunge bands such as Bikini Kill not to mention many others, helped make the movement mainstream.

Throughout the US, Canada and then Europe and beyond with their music, their homemade zines, the local chapters and most importantly through personal introspection of every one  that joined, it grew.

Even today, as they started the movement, it still goes on, with women’s movements, groups and just a few women sitting down after a long day at work or tending to everyday life, they are learning to stand up for what they believe in, which at one time was easier than it sounded.

These no holes barred women are the ones that brought women’s rights and the right to be heard to the forefront.  So that if a woman needed to be heard, it is easier now then it once was and for future young women.

Sure, there was problems along the way, but they brought feminism back to the main stage so to speak.

Not only is it a story about finding your own place in the world, but being not afraid to show it.

Girls to the Front Website

Harper Collins – Harper Perennial

 


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Crescendo – Becca Fitzpatrick

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Are YOU ready ?!? I know I was, and Crescendo does NOT disappoint in the least!

We left Nora in the gym of her school at the end of Hush, Hush, well I don’t have to tell you how or why or any of it right? You have already gasped, been frightened down to your toes about whether Nora is saved right?

Ok, now that we are all on the same page, this time Nora is having thoughts about why and how her father really died.

Then there is that whole thing about her guardian angel Patch and her in a relationship with him which, really shouldn’t be happening, but it is and Nora is so in love with Patch it makes her sick when she isn’t around him.  Patch is hiding his feelings, as we all probably know by now that all or most guys do that so they aren’t being too girly with all that mushy stuff right?

So, anyways, just a bit off topic here, but really, I’m getting to the point.  She has the same best friend in the world, the same bullies at high school especially one Marcie Millar that has always does one thing or another to totally make Nora thinking of doing mean and nasty things back.  There is really a hidden meaning to all of this hated and angst between the two that Nora wasn’t aware of until now.

So, as the story goes as fast as I am reading and pages are literally flying out of the book (they really did at the end).

Her relationship with Patch reaches a point where something she never imagined happens, she knows what she feels, but what she doesn’t know that Patch is keeping from her may well hurt her in the end as well, even as he really wants to tell her how he really feels about her.

There are a few new characters that are introduced into the mix -  Patch’s best friend who is also one of those hunky, gorgeous angels so to speak, then there is a boy who moved back that Nora used to know who has major problems of his own.  Once Nora is introduced into all of this, all of the pieces fall into place about her father’s murder, her background in all of this, and a few other tidbits that will have you flipping the pages as fast or maybe even faster than you can read to the end where it all comes to a head one way or another.

Breathe…

Will Nora found out the real truth behind how she feels? the things that are being kept from her? As well as all of the other things she doesn’t quite know everything about right now to make her see the full picture?  Trust me, if you thought the end to Hush, Hush was spectacular, wait until you get to the end of this one…you will be craving more.

Did I happen to mention that there will be a THIRD book? Yep, that’s right ! More Nora and Patch !!

Simon and Schuster

Grab the reading group guide

Read an Excerpt

If you missed my review of Hush, Hush it can be found here

 

Dinosaurs Eye To Eye – John Woodward

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Zoom in on the world’s most incredible creatures!

Come face to face with the fiercest, wildest, most incredible creatures that ever graced the earth.

Find out where they lived, explore their habitats, their bone crushing jaws, attacking its prey and soar through the sky wing to wing with a flock of them.

Full on,  zoomed in all eye-popping detail with a fantastic visual treatment that will make you feel as though you are sitting right next to them, as you not only learn about your favorites, but also new to you favorites as well.

Nick didn’t find this book to his liking, he thought it was too young for his age group, but he said it would be great for a younger audience that is into dinosaurs.  So, what are you waiting for!

DK Publishing

EON Dragoneye Reborn – Alison Goodman

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Look at this utterly fantastic cover !   It absolutely drips of what kind of action is inside the pages, I was mesmerized from page 1 !

Eon has been a slave most of his life.  Between the salt mines, and now being focused on sword work and magical study,  he is attempting to become chosen as what is called a Dragon eye in his customs and life, where he will train alongside other Dragon eye’s  for twelve years, when a new one is chosen.

There is a slight problem..Eon is actually Eona.  Males are only permitted to work with the dragons, learn their energies, and secrets.  If Eona is found out to be female instead of male, the penalty is death.

As she is in the performance platform, something happens in the middle of her presentation.  One of the dragons that has been missing for the last 500 years returns.  Of course everyone is excited, but, this poses a problem – Another candidate has been chosen as well, one of her good friends.

As their paths take on this new life, Eona (Eon) and her friends and close acquaintances find out secrets that haven’t been heard of for many, many years.  Old enemies come to light, new alliances are discovered, war starts with the Emperor being killed by one of his own men.  Eon and a few adversaries have come to save the country, the palace, and of course the world of Dragon Eyes.  Will they have enough time and courage to do it all when it is needed ?

Non stop action, excitement, fear of the unknown, as well as courage to do something they haven’t ever done before.  This book blew me away.  Intended for juvenile fiction fans, which from what I have heard was a runaway hit when it was first published last year, is bound to have your child or even yourself glued to the pages until the last one is read wanting more.

You may have to wait a bit for the sequel.  Eona is coming sometime in the beginning of 2011.  I know I want to be first in line for the book when it is released ! If you are a fan of exotic fictional places, that take place a long time ago or even in a place you have never heard about before (fantasy) then this is the book for you.  It has been a long time since when I was swept up into a book packed from the first page the last with absolute non stop action and adventure.

Trust me – go and get the book !

Penguin – Puffin (Juvenile Fiction)

Read an excerpt

Eyewitness Oil – DK Publishing

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Our world is ruled by oil.  People have used oil for thousands of years, but in the last century we have begun to consume it in vast quantities.  From using just a few thousand barrels in the 90′s to millions now per day, it is now our most important energy source.

It is used as fuel to keep transportation going, and heat needed to generate electricity which we rely on.  It is a raw material which is used by many key substances.  Another thing…it is also running out, and the amount we are using is damaging the environment.

From the beginning to when Oil was discovered in the middle east to the present, this eyewitness book shows us the story behind oil, how it was used in the past to how it is used today, how it is one of the most utilized substances in our everyday lives – think about it, how many things we use on a daily basis that uses some sort of oil product.  There are some that you may not even know that are oil based, and it would surprise you.

Nick liked this book.  He liked the way it shows you how many things are used from oil, and how much is being abused in recent years.  Did you know he thought this was interesting that oil can be made into the print in a book, lip stick, and eye liner.  He enjoyed the full colour pictures and diagrams, as well as which countries are rich because of oil being discovered.  He really enjoyed the alternative sources of energy such as nuclear power, solar power, and of course wind power.

This is one of the updated editions where there is also a clip art cd as well as a full size colour poster that accompanies the book.

DK Publishing

Do Not Open – An Encyclopedia of The World’s Best Kept Secrets – DK Publishing

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Does the cover dare you not to open this book?

But, really, you know you want to, don’t you, yes, I am talking to you, I know you do, so why not open and take a quick peek? No one will know…

All of the secret stuff you have ever wanted to know such as -

  • weird history
  • strange science
  • mysterious places
  • strange happenings
  • how to even join a secret society
  • can it really rain frogs ?

Just one page now…

Right…

Yep, I knew it as soon as I got your attention, you would be hooked!

Shhh, don’t tell anyone else now, ok?!? That’s what my son said, it was sitting on the coffee table  literally begging him not to open the book.  He was dying to know what was inside of it, now aren’t you as well??

My job here is done… GOTCHA !!

DK Publishing

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Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer – John Grisham

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You most likely know John Grisham for his adult titles, but, you haven’t seen anything yet.  Get ready for his debut as a young adult author!

Theodore Boone is 13.  His parents are both prominent lawyers where they live.  His dad is a real estate lawyer, his mom is a divorce lawyer.

Theo think he is a lawyer as well…

As he attends school, his classmates frequently come to him for legal advice.  From bankruptcy, to animal control issues, he’s usually spot on and no one has been disappointed.  He even goes to court for his friends as well.

This time he sure has a dilemma on his hands…

There has been a murder in their small town, where usually nothing happens.  A prominent businessman’s wife was murdered in their home and the husband has been charged with her murder.

Everyone is talking about the trial…until…

Theo come across someone who knows who committed the crime.  He is too afraid to come forward.

The defendant knows that someone knows something, by way of one of the defendant’s associates.  But will Theo find a way to tell not only his parents and the authorities the truth without betraying confidences? Or will his secret be kept in the dark?

This is and would be a great summer read doe those young readers who like or rather love mystery / detective series.

You remember the Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew that we all once love and adored?

This does remind me of those older books the author has written, but is tailored perfectly to the young adult genre, but with a new twist.

Penguin / Dutton Children’s

Read an Excerpt

Fun Stuff that accompanies the book

Torn From Normal – Martin Bartloff

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Happiness is a disease happy people suffer, I suffer my own diseases, but happiness isn’t one of them

Andy has the typical adolescent life.  His mom stays at home while his father who is a long-term trucker makes a living to support his family, albeit, from a distance.  Sure, Andy misses his father when he is away, but he cherishes the times when he is home and able to spend time with him.

Then tragedy strikes…

As the unexpected death of his father, he thinks that he isn’t worth anyones love.  Through his grief, Andy takes it out on the people who are closest to him trying to deal with this exhaustible loss, that even he cannot seem to get a handle on.

It is when another tragedy strikes that he believes for a fact that God is against him.  Randomly wandering towns, not willing to face reality, he befriends a group of people that he really shouldn’t.

This helps him meet an angel of sorts…

Danny and his father seem to almost rescue Andy from the group he has been hanging around with after one of the boys robs Danny’s father.  Danny has had many step brothers before, his father being foster parent, mostly to beaten up, emotionally spent youth.  He accepts them for who they are while slowly turns them around to feel like they matter.

Andy is sent to his Aunt’s to live, but even the situation there isn’t as perfect as they all think.  On a trip to Germany, Danny and his father find out Andy has run off.

Will Andy’s dream of living with Danny and his Father finally come true?

I liked this book.  The underlying issues make it an interesting, but, possibly a difficult read for some that are sensitive to the subjects talked about.  This is a young adult for ages 13 and up, it will not be for everyone, but heartfelt, honest, and true to the message.

Martin’s Blog

Facebook Page

Alison Dare Fun Stuff

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Since Alison couldn’t be here with her creators J. Torres and J. Bone, we had to come up with something else.  So, my son and I travelled to his school and this is what we came up with.  See what the authors are missing !

Whew ! Looks like Alison had loads of fun without her creators…. Have fun reading !

White Cat – Holly Black

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From the Publisher’s Website:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

My Thoughts: I read the book up until page 104-105 and decided that this wasn’t going to be a book for me.  It did sound good, but for me the whole premise of having so-called “workers” that had magical powers who in reality were just a bunch of “con artists” didn’t really make sense to me.  I felt the book was tiring, it wasn’t keeping me interested, but decided to give it that best chance I could.  In the end I gave it the good fight, I wanted to like it, but, I didn’t.  Maybe it will be different for you.

Simon and Schuster – McElderry Books

Gone – Lisa McMann

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To tell the truth, I had to borrow the first book in the trilogy to be able to do this review.  So, this will be a refresher of the first 2 books and then my last thoughts.

Janine has been dreaming other peoples dreams since she was 8 years old.  Unknown to her, she is a dream catcher.  At first Janine was so afraid of what was happening to her, she thought she was crazy, but then noticed that when her classmates slept or was near a person who was dreaming she would dream the same dreams they would be having.

As time passes, she gets to know a boy who lives near her Caleb.  He was once the boy who was always in scraggly clothes, never seemed to fit in with anyone, and kept to himself.  One day, where Janine hears rumours about a new boy in the school.  It isn’t who anyone imagined – Caleb.

Once Janine and Caleb become friends there is a connection.  In fact, there was always one that has now frown into something else – quirky, personally, and professionally.  She begins to work with Caleb doing undercover work to bring down criminals in the town they live in.

Now, In Gone, Janine and Caleb are still together as a couple, working cases.  There is one thing different, remember the green notebook that she was uneasy with reading?  Well, she finally reads it she is shocked with what she finds.  Not only unexpected, but quite shocking.

Janine also finds out something else that is even more shocking.  Her mother is found outside of the house yelling, crying, something about someone in the hospital from her past…

Will Janine make the decisions that are right for her, or for all the people involved?

In my honest opinion, I had troubles with the first book Wake.  Since these books are intended for 14 yr old girls, I found a fair amount of sexual references that was quite shocking to me.  I did not feel good about it at all.  The 2nd book Fade was a bit better, with more of the issues at the fore front.  Still a bit on the heavy side for this age group.

In Gone, it was a strong book that stands up better than the first two in the trilogy.  There were some strong, dark situations that she had to make decisions for the rest of her life.

All in all I would have to say that I would pass on all three.

Lisa’s Website

Simon and Schuster / Simon Pulse

Leviathan – Scott Westerfield

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First off, I just have to say this is a gorgeous cover with all of the texture and colour this is one of my favorites.

Just at the beginning of WWI, some nations have taken to steam-powered machines and some have taken to more animatistic made machines that they use for battles.

Aleksander Ferdinand has been kidnapped after his parents were killed by their own people.  There are only a few who are still faithful to Aleksander and his beliefs, and have taken precautions to keep him safe.

Deryn, a girl who is clambering at the bit to be able to become a pilot has disguised herself to try and join the British Air Service.  With her taking chances the way she is one thought came to me – will she be discovered? what will happen if she is?

With war starting, will both sides be able to reclaim or overcome the other side to get what they want?

I have to say, this is a great book for kids who in my case with my son is a reluctant reader, and when this book arrived he was actually interested in what it was all about.  It is also great for those exploring what genre’s of books they will ultimately want to read in adulthood to help them decide.

My son is reading this at school and at home, it is really holding his attention, and he is actually talking about what he thinks may happen in the chapters he hasn’t read.  Will Deryn be discovered, will the war change things that were once quiet and calm? What will really happen when the machines take over Europe, or when the Animals take over? The humour is great as well I find it is quite agreeable for kids.  I did hear my son chuckling at a few passages while he read quietly and then asked what part he was at, and once he told me I chuckled as well.

Like I mentioned before, the texturization of the dust cover as well as the full colour diagrams and illustrations in the novel make it quite unique and would be a keepsake just for that alone.

Scott’s Website

Simon and Schuster

Hush Hush – Becca Fitzpatrick

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hush hushI have to say, I keep getting more and more impressed with some of these vampire based books lately that I have had the privilege of being able to read.  I haven’t fully committed to being on the train yet that is leaving the station anytime soon, but, there is some really great writing out there.

Nora is one of those people who really don’t take chances.  She’s more of the type that plays it safe, responsible and smart to boot.

But things certainly changed when she met Patch…

She is paired with Patch in Biology class after her bff gets nailed for talking in sex Ed class, so after the football teacher changes the seating arrangement Nora has Patch sitting next to her while he’s more the back of the room type, being inconspicuous.

Every time she tries to stay away from him, she is around him – the restaurant, school, about town; she realizes there is something about him that is trouble and knows to stay away, but she can’t exactly stay away from him if he is around the same places she is right?

Weird things start to happen.  She feels as though there is someone in her house when she is all alone watching her, invading her thoughts, feeling of being followed in the mall.  Not only is she feeling uneasy of not only Patch but also of a new transfer from a private school that is interested in her – a bit too much.

Her thoughts are always on Patch.  Are her feelings real, or just a harmless teenage crush? And how far is she ready to go or how far is she ready to fall?

Here in Canada, Simon and Schuster had a sidewalk chalk artist depict the front cover of the book on the streets of Toronto during the launch

Amazing artistry isn’t it ! I was awed when I watched and viewed it come to life.

Becca’s Website

Hush Hush Book Website

Simon and Schuster

If you want to see pictures as well during the transformation of the block of sidewalk, then go to the Simon Says blog and check them out !

Eyewitness Soldier – Simon Adams

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soldierPlease welcome my favorite guest blogger my son Nick, as he gives his review of this book that he really likes and it is quite evident here at home, where he looks at it a lot.

Eyewitness Soldier is one of those books that is great for one that is wanting to learn about soldiers.  Actually, all of the eyewitness books are awesome for this.  They have loads of information, plenty of pictures, and this one has a clip image cd-rom that can be used on your computer, for making different things that you may like.

Here are some other things he liked about the book:

  • Shows different types of soldiers – uniforms, equipment.
  • Shows the different types of soldiers – platoon, battalion, companies and more.
  • Talks about specialized soldiers such as mercenaries and how they participate on conflicts.
  • Also shows the ranking system from Private and up, selections and differences.
  • Again, it comes with a clip art cd-rom, to use with your own personalized projects.
  • The different types of operations – attacks, formations.
  • Has many informative on – Special Forces, SAS, Marines, Green Beret, German Units that were used in the Olympics.
  • There is also a HUGE wall poster that is also included (full size) with a little bit of everything from the book.

Suffice to say, this is one book he will be referring to again and again for a long time.

DK Books

The Soccer Book – The Sport, The Teams, The Tactics, The Cups – David Goldblatt

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the soccer bookWhen this book came to my door, I was excited for my son who received it, but I had absolutely no idea how great and fact filled this books was.  It is absolutely filled with illustrations about every facet of the game of soccer, the rules, the history, the tactics, the skills,  EVERYTHING.

The covers of the book itself is even patterned as a real soccer ball as well to give it even more authenticity.  At a whooping 399 pages, this book will not soon leave your home if you have multiple children that are crazy about the sport of soccer.

My son Nick who has graciously lent his thoughts about the book as well.

  • Even better than any other soccer book I have read
  • Has every single little detail about soccer you would ever want to know and then some

His Favorite features are:

  • The maps of countries, locations, the illustrations of accessories, equipment
  • History of how soccer became such a phenomenon
  • Statistics
  • Championship Cups
  • Rules, different types of soccer
  • REALLY GREAT BOOK ! If you love soccer

Last and final thought from Nick – This book TOTALLY blew my mind !

DK Books Canada

Daniel X: Watch The Skies – James Patterson & Ned Rust

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DanielXHave you ever wanted to go back into time and relive parts of your childhood, or wanted to relive the daydreams that you once had?

Daniel who is known to his imaginary family is one of the good guys, who goes after the bad guys in a universe of good and bad aliens.  He has super powers  he uses along with his imagination, and trust me his imagination is pretty imaginative.

In the town of Hollisworth, everything that is normal isn’t as normal as you would think.  Sure there are TVs, and radios, and cell phones, people hanging out at the local diner getting a bite to eat and just chit chatting, but take a closer look….a real closer look.

There is a certain alien that Daniel has been after for a long time – #5, this time isn’t any different.  #5 is being really sneaky using some simple everyday items to be able to take control over the people of this small sleepy town. He  knows where Daniel is at a moments notice, which is getting Daniel aggravated that he is having a hard time finding him to be able to take him down and save the town.

I loved this story.  I read it within a few hours,  it was really hard to put down at first until I finished it.  The book is full of lessons for the young adult, as well as for us all (and may have forgotten), such as – being a friend, being able to concentrate further to see the finer details,  thinking about decisions, being honest,  just an overall good message book for kids.  It is also comical and funny enough for smaller children to be able to get a few good oohs and ahhhh’s and ewe’s in there.

I noticed on the back cover that there was a kind of warning and it stated – ” In the spirit of the most endearing hit movies and books, James Patterson has written this story for readers from 10 – 110.  Special care has been taken with the language and content of this book”.

I have to admit, this is the first time that I have seen such a warning of this nature, and it is about time.  Parents need to be able to discern what the difference is when it comes to the books that their children are wanting or are reading at the time, so that if it is unacceptable, or inappropriate, then they will be able to take appropriate action.

I have to say, it was the exact opposite of work from his usual adult fiction titles, and it was refreshing to see that an author of James Patterson’s magnitude can switch back and forth like this.

Listen to an audio excerpt

BUY THE BOOK – Amazon / Books A Million / chapters.indigo.ca / Borders