Waiting on Wednesday - 126

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Breaking the Spine for bloggers and readers to see what new books are going to be released.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The first in a sweeping science fiction trilogy, These Broken Stars is a timeless love story about hope and survival in the face of unthinkable odds. (from GoodReads)

Straight science fiction seems to be really popular these days, and I'm enjoying the new additions to the genre. I think this sounds very mysterious and I want to know the secrets! These Broken Stars will be released December 10, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday - 71

Top Ten Tuesday was started by The Broke and the Bookish for bloggers who like making lists about books.

Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors

1. Cassandra Clare
After loving both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, I know I will read anything she writes!

2. J.K. Rowling
This probably shouldn't count because I have yet to read The Casual Vacancy, but I am planning on reading it!

3. Deb Caletti
Deb Caletti writes the most amazing YA contemporary novels and each one just gets better and better.

4. Sarah Dessen
I've been reading Sarah Dessen's books since I was in middle school so I couldn't imagine ever stopping!

5. Jodi Picoult
She is one of the most amazing authors and I've read almost all of her novels (she has about 20 now I think). It's so great that my library has many of the copies.

6. John Green
I still have to read The Fault in Our Stars but I really do love John Green and his books.

7. Stephanie Perkins
Her romances are so good and I hope her next book will be released soon.

8. Leila Sales
I think Leila is hilarious and I always find myself laughing out loud while reading her novels. So I will definitely be picking up anything she writes.

9. Courtney Allison Moulton
Her Angelfire trilogy is amazing! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

10. Morgan Matson
I've read and loved both of Morgan's novels so far so I'm sure there's more good writing coming our way.

Book vs. Movie: Beautiful Creatures

So I read Beautiful Creatures about three years ago, and since I didn't love it, I didn't remember much about what happened. Honestly, all I recalled was the basic plot line but I couldn't remember the ending at all. I'm glad that my memory was spotty on this one because there were a lot of changes from the book.

Is it sad to say that I actually had to look up how the book version ends? Usually I'm really good at knowing the storylines of books I've read. But once I reread about the original ending I realized that it is completely different. Actual fans will probably be really upset over the changes, but I didn't mind because I didn't care for Beautiful Creatures that much the first time around.

That being said, I did enjoy the movie. Since it wasn't able to put all 600 pages of the novel into the film, there was a lot of editing and cleaning up of the story. That made it a lot easier to digest. I thought the actors were good, though they didn't look like high school students. The girl who plays Lena (Alice Englert) didn't exactly look 15. There were some funny lines making the film a little humorous. The movie ended in a way that it could be a standalone, so I'm curious if they are going to make more movies (since there are two more books). It probably depends on how well it does at the box office.

I'm probably a bad reviewer to read if you want an analysis on the book to movie transition, because I can't really remember all the changes. But overall I thought the movie was good. I probably won't want to see it again but if you're a fan of the book or just like magic, this might be a fun film for you to check out!

Waiting on Wednesday - 125

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine for bloggers and readers to see what new books are going to be released soon.

Tandem by Anna Jarzab

Everything repeats.
You. Your best friend. Every person you know.
Many worlds. Many lives--infinite possibilities.
Welcome to the multiverse.

Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real--until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.

To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love--one who knows her secret, and one who thinks she's someone she's not.

The first book in the Many-Worlds Trilogy, Tandem is a riveting saga of love and betrayal set in parallel universes in which nothing--and no one--is what it seems. (from GoodReads)

This sounds really interesting - I like the idea of parallel worlds. And Anna Jarzab is a wonderful author so I'm sure this book will be amazing. Tandem will be released October 8, 2013.

Top Ten Tuesday - 70

Top Ten Tuesday was started by The Broke and the Bookish for bloggers who like to make lists about books.

Top Ten Favorite Characters in the Classics Genre

1. Nick - The Great Gatsby
I think most people would pick Gatsby but I really liked Nick! I thought he was a pretty nice guy, and I enjoyed how the story of Gatsby was narrated through him.

2. Mr. Rochester - Jane Eyre
He's mysterious, handsome, passionate, I could go on. Mr. Rochester is definitely flawed but his background /story is so creepy (in a good way!). Him and Jane together are perfect!

3. Scarlett O'Hara - Gone With the Wind
I can definitely see why people don't like Scarlett as she is pretty spoiled and whiny. But she is such a strong woman and I love how sassy she is!

4. Ophelia - Hamlet
Ophelia isn't in the play that much but she's so interesting! I want to know more about her and I love reading retelling from her point-of-view.

5. Mr. Darcy - Pride and Prejudice
He reminds me of Mr. Rochester because he can be a little rough around the edges, but he's definitely a different character.

6. Sydney Carton - A Tale of Two Cities
He loved Lucie so much and everything he did was for her! I couldn't believe his sacrifice at the end. It makes me nervous for A Clockwork Princess.

7. Emma - Emma
Emma isn't the nicest person all the time, but I loved watching her character develop throughout the story.

8. Owen Meany - A Prayer for Owen Meany
So this probably isn't a classic yet, but I know it will be in the future! This is such a great novel if you're looking for a really in-depth read. Owen Meany encapsulates some great themes like faith vs. doubt and free will vs. fate.

9. Rhett Butler - Gone With the Wind
I got such a kick out of Rhett, especially since he's such a rogue. Also the fact that he's so different from who Scarlett would have ended up with if the Civil War hadn't occurred but he really is perfect for her.

10. Janie - Their Eyes Were Watching God
I actually had to read this book twice for school, once in high school and once in college so I know it pretty well. I wrote a paper on Janie's character development which I think is the highlight of the novel.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Summary:
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of others he treated later in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.

At the time of Frankl's death in 1997, Man's Search for Meaning had sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages. A 1991 reader survey for the Library of Congress that asked readers to name a "book that made a difference in your life" found Man's Search for Meaning among the ten most influential books in America. (from GoodReads)

Review:
I am required to read Man's Search for Meaning for my Counseling Psych class and I'm really glad I was forced to. A few months ago I read an NPR article on this book and the psychiatrist who wrote it, but never thought I would actually read this book. For those interested in the Holocaust and/or the meaning of life, then this is the book for you!

What's really nice about Man's Search for Meaning that it's very short and to the point. Most the book is Frankl's Holocaust memoirs and I thought that was the most interesting part. It just reinforced the horror I already feel when I think about that terrible time in human history. I was so impressed and frankly shocked at  how Frankl survived the concentration camps - and by how he kept his spirits up. He didn't get into it much in this book, but apparently he would counsel the other inmates and try to give them hope. What a hero.

Frankl's counseling theory, logotherapy, is very interesting and easy to understand, even for laypeople. Basically it's a form of therapy that encourages the client to find meaning in their life and in their suffering. It emphasizes the importance of attitude and the way in which you view a situation can change everything. In addition, he discusses the technique of "paradoxical intention" in which a client faces his or her fears in order to get rid of anxiety. A simple example would be if you have insomnia, you should try to stay awake, then you will fall asleep. If you try to sleep, then it will never happen. I'm sure everyone can relate to this!

Overall, I'm very pleased my professor assigned this book! As a psychology major, I find this to be extremely enlightening. I can relate a lot to Frankl's theory and it would definitely be something I could see myself using in my own life. For those interested in psych or the Holocaust or the human condition, I whole-heartedly recommend Man's Search for Meaning.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
FTC: bought.

1946/Washington Square Press/214 pages.

Waiting on Wednesday - 124

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at   Breaking the Spine for readers and bloggers to see what new books are going to be published.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about. (from GoodReads)

It's kind of interesting that the main character dislikes rich people, but her name is Caymen (like the Cayman Islands where the wealthy keep their money). Irony! But I think this sounds really good, especially with the forbidden love aspect. The Distance Between Us will be released July 2, 2013.

Top Ten Tuesday - 69

Top Ten Tuesday was started by The Broke and the Bookish for bloggers who like to make lists about books.

Top Ten Favorite Romances

1. Clary/Jace - The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
This is a very popular one but they've been through so much and their relationship remains strong (for the most part).

2. Tessa/Will - The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
This relationship hasn't exactly been established in canon yet, but I really want Tessa to end up with Will. We'll find out in about a month!!!

3. Ellie/Will - Angelfire Trilogy by Courtney Allison Moulton
This is probably my all-time favorite YA romance because it's actually believable. These two characters love each other so much! I can't wait to see what happens in the last book.

4. Scarlett/Rhett - Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I know these two characters can be pretty insufferable, but they are great together.

5. Anna/St. Clair - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This was such a fun contemporary romance. It takes place in Paris too!

6. Kat/Hale - Heist Society by Ally Carter
Their romance in the books is pretty understated but I love the subtlety of it!

7. Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Eyre
I know this will be on everyone's lists but they are such a wonderful pair after their miscommunication is sorted out.

8. Katniss/Peeta - The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Yes, I was a Katniss/Peeta fan. I really enjoyed how they had to pretend to be a couple and how that blossomed into a relationship.

9. Violet/Jay - The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting
I've always really enjoyed their romance. Even though this is a fantasy series, they are pretty grounded and not caught up in petty jealousy like a lot of couples.

10. Gabry/Elias - The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
I don't think I've ever included this couple a Top Ten Tuesday but it's my favorite out of the three in this trilogy.

Broken by A.E. Rought

Summary:
Imagine a modern spin on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein where a young couple’s undying love and the grief of a father pushed beyond sanity could spell the destruction of them all.

A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell mechanically moving through her days. She and Daniel had been made for each other, complete only when they were together. Now she restlessly wanders the town in the late Fall gloom, haunting the cemetery and its white-marbled tombs, feeling Daniel everywhere, his specter in the moonlight and the fog.

When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He's an enigma, melting into shadows, preferring to keep to himself. But he is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely... familiar. From the way he knows how to open her locker when it sticks, to the nickname she shared only with Daniel, even his hazel eyes with brown flecks are just like Daniel's.

The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong with Alex Franks. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque and terrifying menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, creatures she surely knows must have died from their injuries, she knows. (from GoodReads)

Review:
When I first started reading Broken I had no idea that it was a retelling of Frankenstein. I was wondering how Daniel and Alex would be connected, but that becomes obvious when you know the inspiration behind this novel. Overall I liked Broken but I had some problems with the pacing.

Knowing why Alex is eerily like Daniel ruins the suspense of Broken, as there is no longer any mystery. Which makes a lot of this novel pretty boring because the reader is just waiting for Emma to figure it out. She literally doesn't find out until the last 50 pages, so there is about 300 pages of their romance and Emma wondering what's going on with Alex. It was still pretty enjoyable to read, but it would have been nice for something plot-wise to occur. Also, the way Emma discovers Alex's secret is the laziest writing I've ever encountered.

There are two villains in this story, Alex's father and Emma's classmate Josh. Both were pretty cartoon-like in their evilness and did not have much depth. I didn't mind so much with Alex's father because it's obvious he is based off of Dr. Frankenstein, who is one of the least sympathetic characters in literature (I even wrote an essay on this). But Josh really had it out for Emma after he got over his love of her! Seriously, almost every male character was in love with Emma: Alex, Josh, a coffee shop employee, her dead boyfriend Daniel.

Ok, it probably sounds like I hated Broken. I actually didn't. Even though nothing really happens, it was still enjoyable to read. I liked that it was a retelling of Frankenstein and the last part of the book was pretty exciting. I tend to go on rants when I see wasted potential, because Broken has a great premise. With some more plot points thrown in and maybe Emma discovering Alex's secret earlier, this could have been a great book.

Rating: 6 out of 10.
FTC: sent from the publisher.

2013/Strange Chemistry/384 pages.

Waiting on Wednesday - 123

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine for bloggers and readers who like to see what new books are going to be released.

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen


Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer. (from GoodReads)

It's another Sarah Dessen book! I think that's all I need to say about it. The Moon and More will be released June 4, 2013.

Top Ten Tuesday - 68

Top Ten Tuesday was started by The Broke and the Bookish for bloggers who like to make lists about books.

Top Ten Best Bookish Memories 

1. Midnight Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
This definitely counts as a bookish moment and it was awesome! I'm not a big midnight release person (for books or movies) but I am so glad I went to this. The last movie was pretty much the end of my childhood and I'm so happy I got to experience it with my friends and a bunch of other costumed Harry Potter fans.

2. Meeting Stephenie Meyer.
Now I look back and can't believe I went to a Stephenie Meyer signing but it was so much fun. This was right after Eclipse was released (so it was before the movie hype) and none of my friends knew what the Twilight series was (yes, there was a period of time before Bella and Edward!). There were so many people and it was so exciting to meet an author, especially since it was my first signing!

3. Midnight Release of Breaking Dawn.
I know, I know, more Twilight. But, what can I say: we were obsessed for a little. My only defense was that I was 16 and now I'm so much older and wiser (ha!). If you haven't figured it out, I'm talking about the book, not the movie. This was fun because I was with my friends hanging out at Barnes & Noble waiting for 12 am.

4. Meeting Cinda Williams Chima.
This was the most recent book signing I've been to, which is sad because this was in 2009. My friend and I went and we were probably the oldest people there besides the parents. Nevertheless, it was still fun and it was cool to hear Chima discuss her novels and plans for new books.

5. Meeting Cassandra Clare.
Meeting Cassandra Clare was probably my favorite book signing! I went with the same friend from above and we had such a good time hearing Cassie do a reading and answer questions. I told Cassie that I was glad she wrote a character with red hair because I'm a redhead.

6. Meeting several authors at one signing.
There's a children's bookstore about 45 minutes away from me that is always having authors come in. Once they had about 10 different ones which was pretty awesome. I met Sarah Dessen, Laurie Halse Anderson, Scott Westerfeld and Lauren Myracle. Now I'm super nostalgic for book signings.

7. Reading Breaking Dawn.
You guys are going to think I'm so weird. Reading the novel itself wasn't that fun of an experience (even back then I was getting a little tired of Bella and Edward). But my friend and I read the novel together. Meaning, we would read on our own and then tell the other "hey, I read to page 122." So then we would catch up to the other and then discuss. It was super fun to do that, even if it is a little strange.

8. Reading The Other Boleyn Girl and seeing the movie.
My one friend and I are obsessed with The Tudors: we've read a ton of books on them and watched the entire Showtime show together. We both read this novel by Philippa Gregory and then went to see the movie adaptation. Later, two of my other friends read it and then we watched it on DVD. So there are a lot of memories associated with this book.

9. Adapting Hamlet into a new play.
When I was in 10th grade our end of the year assignment for English class was to adapt one of the books we read into a play and then perform it for the class. Obviously Hamlet is already a play but we made it modern and funny. And it was actually funny! At least I thought so. I still look back at my old script and laugh.

10. Reading (and watching) Romeo and Juliet.
Most high school freshmen have to read Romeo and Juliet. However in my English class this ended up being our easiest unit because we read the play and then watched no less than THREE movies to go along with it. I kid you not. We watched Shakespeare in Love (to set the mood) and then both the 1968 and 1996 versions of Romeo and Juliet. It was beautiful.

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

Summary:
Three levels. Two loves. One choice. Debut novelist Lenore Appelhans has written a thrilling otherworldly young adult novel about a place that exists between our world (Level 1) and what comes after life (Level 2).

"I pause to look around the hive - all the pod-like chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this."

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves. (from GoodReads)

Review:
I was so excited to read Level 2 because it's the 2013 debut of fellow blogger Presenting Lenore! How awesome it must be to be a published author - it's quite the accomplishment. Luckily for Lenore, she has a great book on her hands. There were some things I didn't like, but overall I thought the story of Level 2 was extremely interesting.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up Level 2, especially because some of the synopses I had read were vague. I didn't know it was going to be a story of the afterlife, but I really liked that concept. Especially the idea that we can replay our favorite memories over and over again; it's similar to the "life flashing before your eyes" idea. The world of Level 2 was very mechanical and sterile - everything is white and futuristic - but that setting worked well.

My favorite parts of Level 2 were when Felicia accessed her memories. Sometimes she revisited her experiences as a diplomat's daughter living abroad (that was the coolest part) or her life in the States with her boyfriend Neil. I thought these moments were the most compelling and gave Felicia some depth. Her character is a little flat when she's in Level 2 (she is dead, after all) and her singular focus on finding Neil bordered on obnoxious.

The plot moves at a steady pace throughout a majority of the novel. The reader is introduced to potential love interest Julian, who's background is very mysterious, both in Level 2 and in Felicia's memories. However, the last twenty pages are pretty rushed, with a lot of information dumped on the reader. I almost had book whiplash from the way the plot quickly jumps from point to point. That was my biggest problem with Level 2 - the ending should have been developed better.

Level 2 ended in a way that it could be a standalone book, but there are plans for a sequel. There are still some unanswered questions so I'd definitely be interested in continuing on with this series. Overall, I liked Level 2 and thought it had a very original concept.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
FTC: read on Pulse It

2013/Simon & Schuster/288 pages.

Sacred by Elana K. Arnold

Summary:
Ever since her older brother died a few months ago, Scarlett's life has been falling apart. Her mom sleeps all day, her dad is distant and she has stopped eating. The only thing that brings Scarlett joy is riding her horse around the secluded island on which she lives. That is, until she meets Will. Will and his father moved to Catalina Island from Connecticut, which is exciting news for the residents of their small town. For some reason, Will and Scarlett are drawn to each other and it may be because of a secret Will is hiding.

Review:
My opinion on Sacred is split: there are some things I liked and some things I didn't. Overall I enjoyed the story, but it definitely has flaws.

First off, I loved the island setting - it was secluded and solitary and seemed very peaceful. It wasn't a tropical island, so the location was more natural and not like a resort. I thought it was awesome how the residents don't have cars but instead use golf carts to get around since it's so small.

 Scarlett starts out as a very troubled character - she has stopped eating and isolated herself from her family and friends. But throughout Sacred, Scarlett begins to open up and sees how she is hurting herself. It was rewarding to see Scarlett heal after the loss of her brother.

Speaking of Scarlett's brother, he was an important part of the story since his death is the catalyst for a lot of Scarlett's actions. However, I wished his character was developed further. We don't know much about him so it's hard to relate to Scarlett's grief because he was such a non-entity.

Much of the plot of Sacred revolves around Scarlett and Will's relationship and Will's secret. But besides that, I was just waiting for something to happen. The book lost direction at some points and turned into a romance drama as Scarlett and Will dance around each other. With some more focus and few more plot points, this book could have been better.

I was not expecting religion to play such a big part in Sacred, but I shouldn't be surprised because the title definitely has religious connotations. The religion in play was Judaism, which was very interesting because I don't know much about it. I liked how Judaism tied into Will's secret.

Overall I enjoyed Sacred, especially the setting and Scarlett's character development. But the novel lacked focus and direction, making the plot flounder around. I think if the author has some exciting plot points in store for the sequel, it will be a great improvement.

Rating: 7 out of 10

FTC: review copy from LitPick

2012/Delacorte/368 pages.