Waiting on Wednesday - 19

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog meme started by Jill at Breaking the Spine for bloggers and readers to get excited about upcoming books.

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

This book looks amazing because it sounds eerily reminiscent of what our society is becoming: a wholly digital world. I can see this book being a warning for future generations, while being an awesome read at the same time. Awaken will be released on May 23, 2011.

For Keeps by Natasha Friend

Summary:

For sixteen years, Josie Gardner and her mom, Kate, have been a team. It's the Gardner girls against the world, and that's how Josie likes it. Until one day, in the pet food aisle of Shop-Co, they run into the parents of Paul Tucci, Kate's high school boyfriend - the father Josie has never met. If Mr. and Mrs. Tucci were back in town, it's only a matter of time until Paul shows up.

Suddenly Josie's mature, capable mother regresses to the heartbroken teenager she was when Paul moved away. Meanwhile, Josie's on the verge of having her first real boyfriend, while her free-loving best friend, Liv, begins yet another no-strings-attached fling.

When Josie learns some surprising truths about Paul Tucci, she finds herself questioning what she's always believed about her parents - and herself.

In For Keeps, Natasha Friend tells a fresh, funny, smart story about what happens when a girl gets the guy she always wanted and the dad she never knew she need. (from book jacket)

Review:

If you've ever seen the TV show Gilmore Girls, then you already know what For Keeps is about. And if you liked that show, then you will also like For Keeps.

Like Gilmore Girls, For Keeps features two funny, smart, quirky and lovable characters in the shape of mother and daughter. The dynamic is pretty much the same: young mother who's fun-loving but has a daughter who is a little more responsible and grounded. I felt like I could relate to Josie because she is the one that makes sure everything is running smoothly and is a little more even-keeled, while Kate is very sentimental and often reminiscing about the past. Besides the two leads, I loved all the other characters, including Josie's best friend Liv and the resident love interest Matt. Both brought something to the table, and I found Liv in her outrageous outfits and bold statements to be hilarious.

There are many subplots in For Keeps, one of which is Kate's new boyfriend that Josie seems to be determined not to like. The only time in the novel that I disliked Josie was when she was whining about her mom's new boyfriend. Even though I understand how hard that might be for a daughter, Josie was acting very selfish and slightly out of character in my opinion. However, this part was the only thing that I didn't like about For Keeps.

I loved that Josie's father makes an appearance, and that you learn a lot about him. You wouldn't expect it, but For Keeps has some twists, in that you learn some truths about Kate and Paul before Josie was born. Everything was very interesting, and I liked that not everything was as it seemed to be on the surface.

Overall, I found For Keeps to be a very sweet and adorable novel, much like the TV show Gilmore Girls. If you like books about the mother-daughter dynamic, then I would definitely check this one out, because Natasha Friend does a great job writing about this particular subject.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

FTC: borrowed from library.

2010/Viking/267 pages.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Summary:
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks, and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, who are members of a secret organization called the Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure that runs the club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to help her find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, who caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length... everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and saving the world... and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. (from inside flap)

Review:
I absolutely adored The Mortal Instruments trilogy, and it's probably one of my top favorite series of all time. When I heard that Cassandra Clare was going to keep writing about the Shadowhunter world, but this time set it in Victorian England, I was ecstatic. I love historical fiction, and the thought of this world brought to life in the past got me so excited.

I was a little worried that Clockwork Angel would be too much like City of Bones - and it was similiar. We have the protagonist who knows nothing of this secret world, a love interest who uses an unhealthy amount of sarcasm, the search for a family member, the list goes on. But I didn't mind too much because even though certain elements of the plot and characterizations were similar, the setting and time make the book a lot different. And even with these similarities, by the end I could see that Tessa was not Clary, Will was not Jace, Jem was definitely not Alec and so on, even if their characters play similar roles.

Regardless, I loved Clockwork Angel so much. I was so glad to be back in the Shadowhunter world, but this time with a new mystery, that of the creepy Magister. There were a lot of twists and turns, and by the end, everything I thought I knew was wrong. Cassandra Clare continues to amaze me with her flawless world-building, witty dialogue, interesting narration, and a healthy dose of action and suspense. The fact that all this was happening in Victorian London gave everything a gothic feel and I imagined all the characters fighting demons in tophats and fancy suits - which was pretty awesome.

As for the characters, Tessa was really interesting because she is not a Shadowhunter, but a Downworlder, even though technically the Clave has yet to discover exactly what she is. Throughout the novel, she struggles with the fact that she might not be human, but remains a strong and bright heroine regardless of her birth. I loved the fact that Tessa enjoyed reading, and would often quote famous literature or poetry. I also found myself drawn to Will, who gets more face time in the novel than Jem. Like Jace, he is the sarcastic and funny character, but he definitely seems to be hiding something very dark. And that cliffhanger! How will I be able to wait until September to find out what happens to everyone?

Clockwork Angel was an excellent debut to a hopeful new trilogy - one that combines fantasy with history in a splendid novel. I cannot wait to read more about Tessa and will be wistfully counting the days until Clockwork Prince is released.

Rating: 10 out of 10!
FTC: Christmas gift.

2010/Margaret K. McElderberry/479 pages.

The TwentyEleven Challenge

Steph Su introduced me to this challenge, and I think it sounds really fun. Hosted by Bart's Bookshelf, this challenge requires participants to read 20 books in 11 different catagories. I'm going to list the catagories below and then put the books I read under them. For more information, visit the challenge post.

1. To YA or Not YA (If you read more YA, read something non-YA, and vice versa)
The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory [adult]
The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley [adult]

2. ...With a Twist (sub-genres)
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare [historical fiction fantasy]
Across the Universe by Beth Revis [science fiction mystery]

3. Hot off the Presses (published in 2011)
Drought by Pam Bachorz
The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

4. It Wasn't Me! (aka Bad Bloggers) (Books you read based on a recommendation from another blogger)
The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee [ Steph Su Reads]
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins [Frenetic Reader]

5. Show It Who is Boss! (books in your TBR pile published before 2011) Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr [2007]
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr [2008]

6. Bablefish (Books translated from another language)
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [Russian to English]
Nothing by Janne Teller [Danish to English]

7. Will Power? What Will Power? (books purchased in 2011)
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

8. Mind The Gap (book read to finish a series/trilogy)
Violet in Private by Melissa Walker

9. Back in the Day (reread a favorite book)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

10. Way Back When (read a book published before you were born)
Summer of Fear by Lois Duncan [1976]
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell [1936]

11. Slim Pickings (read a novella between 90 and 150 pages)
Animal Farm by George Orwell [138 pages]

Status: COMPLETE!

The Top 15 Books of 2010

I read a lot of great books this year and I thought, as the last day of 2010, it was the perfect opportunity to make some suggestions. All the books on the list are books that are published in 2010, and are not necessarily debut authors. Also, all links lead to my reviews. So, in no particular order...

1. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
This dystopian about a girl trying to save her parents, secret codes and a mysterious soldier blew my mind when I read it and reaffirmed everything I loved about dystopian literature. You will not be able to put this down!

2. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
As an avid reader of Nancy Drew, I always make time for some mysteries, and this did not disappoint. Violet has a secret power that enables her to locate dead bodies (yes, it is very morbid) and she uses her skills to track a serial killer. The Body Finder was a very suspenseful read perfect for a stormy night.

3. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
This mix of historical and contemporary fiction was flawlessly executed in a novel that deals with grief, love, families, death, and the healing powers of music. If you want some thought-provoking and insightful literature, look no further than Revolution.

4. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
This thrilling sequel to The Forest of Hands and Teeth follows Mary's daughter Gabry into the forest again as she has to deal with flesh-eating zombies while looking for her mother. This novel is one of the creepier post-apocalyptic series (but it a really good way!).

5. Heist Society by Ally Carter
I was completely blown away by this book because I wasn't expecting it to be totally awesome. The protagonist, Kat, has decided to give up the family business of art heisting, but is pulled back in when her father is accused of a heist he didn't commit. Heist Society has funny characters, a clever and strong heroine, and a jet-setting plot. I can't wait for the sequel!

6. Girl, Stolen by April Henry
One of my favorites of the year, Girl, Stolen, features a blind protagonist who is kidnapped...and she's also suffering from pneumonia. Despite unbeatable odds, she manages to be a strong and capable heroine in this exciting novel.

7. Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
Mostly Good Girls is probably the funniest book I've ever read. Told in vignette style, the narrator Violet will make anyone laugh at her crazy antics at an all-girls' prep school. I read this so fast and even found myself laughing out loud in public. Be careful where you read this!

8. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The epic conclusion to arguably one of the best YA dystopian trilogies, this book didn't quite live up to my (extremely) high expectations. Regardless, this novel and the trilogy still remains on my list of top books. I don't think it really needs an explanation.

9. Grace by Elizabeth Scott
I was amazed that one of my favorite contempory authors who pretty much just writes romantic comedy-esque novels (excluding Living Dead Girl) could also write this astonishing dystopia with eerie similarities to current day theocracies. Keep your eyes on Elizabeth Scott - she is a great author!

10. The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin
Another contemporary romance, this time from a boy's point 0f view, which I don't read quite enough of. There's romance, but there's also familial tension, like the struggles of a new step-family, which are very well-written and realistic. The Lighter Side was my first Martin novel and I can't wait to read more!

11. This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas
This subtlely creepy novel about a priest who begins to stalk his protegee will have you looking over your shoulder every few minutes. You feel the fear and suspense right along with Olivia, and you feel powerless to help her, but you'll still want to keep reading.

12. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
This debut by Lauren Oliver seemed like it might be boring - a girl reliving one day over and over again? But the hype was well-deserved in this beautifully crafted and meaningful novel of second (and third and fourth) chances and the ability we all have to change our lives.

13. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
Another mystery, All Unquiet Things was more realistic in that it moved slowly and focused heavily on the character development between the two leads, Neilly and Audrey, and their dead friend Carly. Not without excitement, All Unquiet Things proved that you don't need to stumble across blood stains or have crazy police connections to have an interesting mystery.

14. The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti
Six Rules features an extremely relatable protagonist, Scarlett, who feels the need to solve everyone's problems, including those of her newly married and pregnant sister. Unrequited love puts Scarlett in the middle of her own drama, but she eventually learns life lessons about herself, her family and her friends. Insightful but accessible, all of Deb Caletti's novels will leave you looking around for her next book.

15. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
Another Scott novel, this time one of her famous contemporary romances. In this novel, Sarah falls for her best friend's boyfriend, with interesting consequences. All of Scott's novels are light and cute, but still manage to be more than just mere rom-coms.

Waiting on Wednesday - 18

Waiting on Wednesday is a blog meme started by Jill at Breaking the Spine so bloggers and readers could get excited about upcoming books.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common. (from goodreads)

Oooh, I am so excited for all the upcoming dystopians that are going to be published in 2011! Infertility in futuristic societies seems to be a popular theme (anyone see the movie Children of Men?) but Bumped just sounds plain awesome. Look for it in stores on April 26, 2011.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Summary:

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman, but her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way... taking them aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever. (from inside flap)

Review:

I have literally been reading Leviathan since the beginning of October. I read most of it, but then suddenly I had all these books for school and review that needed to be read. I put Leviathan aside until now, and just finished the last one hundred pages yesterday. I would not recommend doing this with any book, but luckily I was able to remember most of what was going on.

Leviathan is a really cool novel because it's steampunk and the first steampunk book I've ever read. For those who don't know, steampunk is historical fiction with futuristic elements, with an emphasis on machinery and industrial kinds of things. I also loved that this whole novel was an alternate World War I, with a lot of the historical facts the same, just the technology was totally different. Knowing a bit about WWI helps, but it's not necessary in order to understand Leviathan.

Scott Westerfeld is one of my favorite authors, and his ingenius creations continue to amaze me. In Leviathan, the British took the work of Charles Darwin and "fabricated" animals to help them in war. There are lizards that relay messages like telephones, and a giant airbeast that flies like a zeppelin. I was astounded by the creativity of this and loved the illustrations that helped me to picture these new animals. On the other hand, the Germans and Austro-Hungarians are kind of boring and just have really huge tanks that walk on two legs like a person would do. Still pretty cool, though.

I really enjoyed reading Leviathan because it was just so different from anything I've ever read before. The story, however, wasn't as exciting as I hoped. The novel also read a little like middle grade and think that this may be because the characters are a little younger, like fourteen or fifteen. The third person narration made it hard for me to actually get into the character's heads, too.

I'm not dying to read the sequel, Behemoth, but I am curious as to what happens with Deryn and Alek. I also really want to see what happens when Deryn reveals that she's actually a girl - that should make for some interesting moments. Regardless, fans of steampunk and alternate realities will definitely enjoy Leviathan.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

FTC: bought.

2009/Simon Pulse/440 pages.