Annette's Book Spot

Sunday, February 19, 2012

IMM - Making Progress

Another week with not too much to report, except that I'm making steady progress through my TBR, so that's a good thing! Thanks again to Kristi, The Story Siren for hosting this fun activity!

For Review:

Dancing at the Chance, by DeAnna Cameron, eBook from the author

From the Library:

A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness

Fall for Anything, by Courtney Summers

That's my short list this week. Hope you had a great one, and I'll be checking it out and adding to my wish list! Thanks for stopping by; come back soon.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Book Review: A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls reads like a fairy tale about a young boy who has visits from a monster in the middle of the night.

Conor's mother is very sick with cancer, and he's been able to "keep it together" on the surface. The only problem he is having is with some school bullies, and the recurring nightmare that Conor is unwilling to talk about.

One night, Conor is visited by the Yew tree that grows in the churchyard next door. The tree appears as a giant monster, but compared to other things Conor is going through, the tree isn't very scary.

The story is poignant, and simple. It is beautifully told, and accompanied by dark, mysterious illustrations. It explores the themes of grief, survivor guilt, adolescent rebellion, family relationships, bullying, and fear itself, as Conor is forced to confront his true feelings and accept the inevitable.

I'm not sure what to say about this one. It was OK. I'm trying to see how reading this might help some younger teens who were going through similar situations, and maybe it would. I can't see recommending this one for its entertainment value. It's a book with a purpose, and I think it fulfills that, but otherwise, I don't see much appeal to the general middle schooler.

Published by Candlewick, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
205 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 3/5

Friday, February 17, 2012

TGIF! Blogger Pride

Happy Friday everyone! Ginger always comes up with interesting questions and here's this week's:

Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?

1. I take pride in the fact that I post almost every day, usually 6 times per week, and most of my posts are book reviews.

2. I take pride in the fact that I follow about 250 book blogs, and I at least look at every post in my reader every day. I don't read every word, but I know what you've posted about.

3. I take pride in the fact that I review books as I read them while they are still fresh in my mind. I read bloggers who say they have seven reviews to write, or something like that. I could never do that! I know you take notes, but it's still hard for me to get "the feeling" of the book so long after I've read it. I need to write as I read.

This is an interesting question, because I've been contemplating things like a new blog design, or moving to Wordpress, as I've seen a lot of bloggers do lately. But, you know, I'm just a "simple" blogger. This isn't a business for me. It's not a competition either. I'm having a blast....16 months and counting, and no blogging slump here. I love that I have more and more followers all the time, but I'd do the same thing if I only had ten. If I spend too much time on blog posts, and designs, and memes, then I have less time to read. Which truly is my passion. I do hope that shows in my blog.

So, yeah, some day when I'm in the mood I'm going to do something about my design. I may even put forth some money to pay for something. But I have too many books to read to worry about that right now.....

Thanks for stopping by; please come back often! I hope you have a great weekend, and Happy Reading!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Book Review: Partials, By Dan Wells

Partials describes an "end of life as we know it" scenario that will keep you on the edge of your seat rooting the heroine.

Kira is determined to make the world a better place. Eleven years ago, they experienced The Break, and the only surviving humans have survived on Long Island, New York, eking out whatever semblance of their previous existence they can. Almost the entire civilization succumbed to RM, a disease spread by the enemy, the Partials. Since The Break, every baby that has been born has contracted RM and died within a few days. Kira works as a medic and wants to find a cure.

No one has seen the Partials since The Break, but it is suspected that they are still a threat, so security is very high. There is also a rebel group called The Voice that is terrorizing the city, because they oppose the government and specifically the Hope Act, which requires everyone over the age of 18 to give birth to as many babies as possible, in the hope that eventually one will be born with immunity.

Kira thinks that the answer to the cure lies with the Partials, and she wants to hunt one down and gather specimens from him. Partials are basically humanoids that have been genetically engineered. They then turned on their creators, starting the chaos that ensued eleven years ago.

Kira is an unlikely kick-ass female heroine. She doesn't know what she is capable of, but as the adventure unfolds, she becomes very brave and also is very intelligent. I thought it was a little far-fetched that she came up with all these ideas about the cure that no other scientists has pursued, but this is a small complaint. Her friends are all individual, have their own opinions, but end up supporting Kira in their own way. Kira has a long-time boyfriend, Marcus, who wants to marry her. Kira isn't ready for this, and romance doesn't play much of a role in this story.

The most enjoyable aspect of this novel is the pacing. I was swept up in this world and in each adventure these characters experienced. And there were several. Just as one part of the story came to a close, another aspect took over, keeping the pages flipping unnoticed. I'm not familiar with Long Island, Manhattan, and all the Burroughs, but a New Yorker might really enjoy the descriptions of this setting. Even without that knowledge, the city was vividly described.

Wells' plot is exciting and keeps you on your toes. There are a few unexpected twists and several tense moments. It has a satisfying ending that ties up the main plot lines, but leaves plenty of room for the story to continue. This one is a definite addition to my "dystopain must reads." It's a great book for teens - both boys and girls. There isn't anything to keep younger teens from this one either, except the length.

Published by Balzer & Bray, February 28, 2012
eBook obtained from NetGalley
480 pages

Rating:n 4.5/5

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Book Review: The Agency: A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee

The Agency: A Spy in the House introduces a unique Victorian character, Mary Quinn, whose intelligence and spunk are atypical for the times.

Mary was destitute, a thief, and destined for the gallows when AnneTreleaven rescues her and gives her a spot at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. After several years of school, Mary is invited to join The Agency, a network of female spies who are also managed by Anne and her partner, Felicity.

Mary's first assignment is to be a companion to Angelica Thorold, the spoiled, rich child of Henry Thorold. Henry is suspected of illegal smuggling. Mary is only to listen and find out what she can.

Of course, Mary does more than listen, and in the process becomes acquainted with James Easton. These two have a lovely chemistry, but the romance doesn't sizzle quite yet.

Lee hasn't written realistic historical fiction. There was no organization of female detectives, at least as far as we know. But, the setting is authentic Victorian London. The characters, costumes, customs, and even the filth, put the reader in the story. Mary is perceptive, but makes some stupid decisions. The mystery isn't earth shattering, but the main characters are put in some danger, and there is tension at the end.

The information about Mary's past is the part that most intrigued me, and I'm assuming we'll find out more about this in future adventures. I'm looking forward to those. There's much to keep a reader interested, and I won't hesitate to recommend this one to teens and adults who like some mystery and adventure with their history.

The second book, The Body at the Tower, is available now. The third, The Traitor in the Tunnel, releases February 28, 2012.

Published by Candlewick, 2011
eBook purchased by me
352 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

Monday, February 13, 2012

Book Review: Mr. Popper's Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a classic children's story that is silly and entertaining, as children's stories should be.

Mr. Popper loves to read about the South Pole and Admiral Drake sends him a penguin to keep as a pet. Well, you can imagine there are many obstacles to keeping a penguin, and eventually twelve penguins, in your house. Each obstacle is conquered with very sensible silliness.

I can imagine the children's belly laughs as you read this one aloud. The text is simple; the sentences are short and choppy, but rhythmic.

I haven't seen the movie, but I'm sure Jim Carrey is a wonderful Mr. Popper. The book was originally written by Richard, but after suffering a stroke, it was finished (and parts were re-written) by his wife Florence. It was originally published in 1938, but there is nothing to keep today's kids from thoroughly enjoying this wacky tale.

Published by Open Road (ebook)
eBook obtained from NetGalley
139 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: no rating

Sunday, February 12, 2012

IMM - More Kindle Treasures...

Another week of eBooks, and I'm not complaining! I got some that I'm really excited about.

For Review:

Ripper, by Amy Carol Reeves, ebook from NetGalley

Purchased:

Arson, by Estevan Vega

Cloaked, by Alex Flinn

Jane, by April Linder

Nothing too big, but still, I'm looking forward to these. Thanks to Kristi, The Story Siren for hosting all of us. Thanks for visiting, and I"m looking forward to seeing what I can add to my TBR this week! Hope you all have a wonderful week, and a great Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Book Review: The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder

The Probability of Miracles is not about a teen girl with cancer, it's about a teen girl who learns to live, as she knows she is dying.

First of all, I don't know how anyone can write a book like this. I don't know what it's like to have cancer, of course I have loved ones who have succumbed to this disease, but it isn't the same. I felt that Wunder's story was spot-on.

Cam is sixteen, she's been fighting cancer for years, and she's got a snarky wit to go along with her disease. The news isn't good, but her mother and sister, Perry, haven't given up. They've decided to pack up and move to Promise, Maine, for the summer,, since there are rumors of miracles in this town.

They pack up their belongings in a U-Haul, and take off for the 1,500 mile trip -- stopping at Cam's friend Lily's house along the way. Lily is Cam's best friend, and they met while they were going through cancer treatments. They also stop at Nana's house, Cam's grandmother. All of these characters are so genuine, I think I've met them in my own life.

Once they arrive in Promise, miracles do begin to happen, even though Cam doesn't see it that way. The romance is simply cute. It develops slowly, and Asher and Cam's banter will have you chuckling out loud. Yes it's sad, but it's inspiring too. All of the loved ones around Cam behave realistically. They don't always say or do the right thing, but neither does Cam. Cam's evolution from quitter to believer leaves a warmth in your heart. It's a slow, difficult journey, but satisfying.

I'm sitting here trying to think of something negative to say, and I can't...

Excellent pace, believable plot, characters to connect with...I would recommend this to teen contemporary and romance readers, with the caveat that if they are dealing with cancer in their lives, they may want to wait on this one. I think it would be too difficult for someone if this situation is too close.

Published by Razorbill, December 8, 2011
Personal copy purchased
357 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Note: I really didn't intend to read this in a day, but I couldn't put it down, and did it!)

Rating: 5/5

Friday, February 10, 2012

TGIF: Love Stories

Just in time for Valentine's day, Ginger's question of the week:

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

I'm sure I'm missing some, but here are a few:

Lena & Kostos, in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Hadley & Oliver in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (recently read this one, so these two are still on my mind.)

Jane and Mr. Rochester, in Jane Eyre

Scarlett & Rhett, in Gone With the Wind

Anna & St. Clair, in Anna and the French Kiss

I'm really looking forward to the answers to this one. I know you all will remind me of a bunch I've missed (as well as a bunch I still need to read.) Can't beat a good romance... Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Reading!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Book Review: Graffiti Moon, by Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon is a beautifully written book that teens will easily relate to.

Lucy has just finished year 12, and is planning on celebrating all night with her friends. They hook up with some boys, and Lucy wants to find the elusive Shadow, a graffiti artist that she has been trying to find for a long time. As the night goes on, she realizes maybe Ed, the guy who is helping her find Shadow, is an interesting guy himself. They are both interested in art - Lucy in glass blowing, and Ed in painting and drawing.

But, things go bad. Ed lies, he puts Lucy in danger, and things quickly spiral out of control. Besides, he has a girlfriend-or at least he told Lucy he does. And, it's difficult for him to hear Lucy rave about Shadow, when Ed knows he IS Shadow--but he's vowed not to tell anyone about his alter ego.

I loved the characters. Ed and Lucy have such entertaining dialog, that I laughed out loud several times. I really loved their mentors, Bert and Al, too. I'm so happy there were strong adult figures in their lives. And their friends behaved like friends. The conversations and reactions seemed very authentic.

Crowley's writing is lyrical. Leo's poetry, Lucy's glass, the graffiti and all the artistic references are magically described. At times, it was like I was listening to music, the prose flows so beautifully.

I do have a couple of minor negative comments, which had little effect on my enjoyment. I got confused, at times, about who was narrating. This may have to do with the ebook format, and flipping back a page usually got me back on track. Also, I really hate when the romantic tension is created by characters just not telling each other the truth. I got past this, though, since I could relate to Ed's difficult situation.

It's a feel-good book, with a little tension, but a satisfying ending that teens who are fans of contemporaries must read. I look forward to getting this one in their hands.

Published by Knopf, February 14, 2012
eBook obtained from NetGalley
272 pages

Rating: 4.5/5