Cover of the Week (22)

Cover of the Week is a weekly feature at The Hiding Spot, in which I share a cover that gives me that swoony feeling.

You Against Me by Jenny Downham
David Fickling Books/12.2.2010
Description (from Amazon):
If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

I'm really liking the image on the cover of YOU AGAINST ME, but my favorite aspect is the lines of text across the bottom. I haven't seen that done many times before and there is something beautiful about it... that small snapshot into the novel. The one aspect that I don't like is the little bubble mentioning BEFORE I DIE. I understand why it's there, but I feel like it takes from overall effect of the cover.


And can I just say that I am unable to express how much I'm longing for this novel. BEFORE I DIE caused me to sob uncontrollably and I feel like I've been waiting forever for Downham's next novel. Now that I have a description and cover, I feel like I can finally allow myself to imagine walking into the bookstore and taking it home with me where it will live happily on my bookshelf. There is "unbearable tension" in this book. UNBEARABLE. I think you all know how I feel about tension. Especially when it's unbearable.

Review: Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart

Title: Dangerous Neighbors
Author: Beth Kephart
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pub. Date: 8.24.2010
Genre: Historical YA
Keywords: Sisters, Twins, Grief, Regret, Love
Pages: 192
Description (from GoodReads):
Could any two sisters be more tightly bound together than the twins, Katherine and Anna? Yet love and fate intervene to tear them apart. Katherine's guilt and sense of betrayal leaves her longing for death, until a surprise encounter and another near catastrophe rescue her from a tragic end. Set against the magical kaleidoscope of the Philadelphia Centennial fair of 1876, National Book Award nominee Beth Kephart's book conjures the sweep and scope of a moment in history in which the glowing future of a nation is on display to the disillusioned gaze of a girl who has determined that she no longer has a future. The tale is a pulse by pulse portrait of a young heroine's crisis of faith and salvation in the face of unbearable loss.

At times, when I'm reading one of Beth Kephart's novels, I find myself distracted by the gorgeous phrasing and richly described settings and characters. It's easy to find oneself swept away by the beautiful writing, but I always remind myself to go beyond that aspect Kephart's novels because the writing isn't meant to distract readers from a mediocre tale: Kephart is a thought-provoking storyteller as well.

DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS is a slim volume, but the I felt Katherine and Anna's story fit well within its covers. This novel is not for readers who favor action and a quickly paced story. At all. The story begins slowly and continues at a leisurely pace, meandering between past and present.

I found Katherine's relationship with her sister, Anna, and her father interesting. There isn't very much dialogue in the novel, but each interaction holds weight and meaning and I found myself analyzing the words exchanged and considering how Katherine would have reacted and felt. The flashbacks, to me, held the most meaning, as they were the only time readers are able to observe Katherine and Anna's interaction. I couldn't help imagining Katherine collecting these memories like a crow collects shiny baubles, though many of the memories lacked the luster of happiness.

Kephart tells her characters' stories with a delicate hand and deposits them carefully into the reader's heart. DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS, with it's beautiful language and acute heartache, is no exception.

Grade: B+

Cover Comments:
This cover is perfect for DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS. The colors and image both convey the delicate subject matter and writing.

Review copy provided by EgmontUSA.

Review: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Title: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
Author: Natalie Standiford
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub. Date: 9.1.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Sisters, Inheritance, Secrets, Rebellion, Family, Love, Grief
Pages: 320
Description (from GoodReads):
The Sullivan sisters have a big problem. On Christmas Day their rich and imperious grandmother gathers the family and announces that she will soon die . . .and has cut the entire family out of her will. Since she is the source of almost all their income, this means they will soon be penniless.

Someone in the family has offended her deeply. If that person comes forward with a confession of her (or his) crime, submitted in writing to her lawyer by New Year's Day, she will reinstate the family in her will. Or at least consider it.

And so the confessions begin....

I find it difficult to verbalize just why I adore Natalie Standiford and her novels so much. There's something almost cinematic about them. Her characters are always unique and they seem to sparkle. They catapult themselves off the page and into my imagination so naturally that it's like they belong there. I find that oddly comforting.

I tend to be drawn to love stories and romantic characters, so it's understandable that I particularly liked Norrie's confession. Not only does she fall in love, she blatantly disregards the wishes of her grandmother, the one and only Almighty, to be with her beau. But, even without her role as a star-crossed lover, I'd still identify with Norrie. She's a smart, sensible girl and often makes observations and comments I find myself agreeing with, like: "I had to admit he looked nice. He has very regular features and straight teeth. I'd just read that even, regular features are universally recognized as beautiful. So no matter what I think of Brooks as a person, I'm genetically programmed to find him attractive. I resent that."

I was won over by the straight-talking Jane right from the start of her confession. Jane blogs about her family, primarily Almighty, on the blog myevilfamily.com and her version of family's history is both amusing and relateable. My family is nothing like the Sullivans, yet exactly the same. Despite having a vastly different backgrounds, I can identify with the cynical feelings Jane feels toward her family and her overbearing grandmother, even if the feelings only last during a particularly trying period of time. Every family has a skeleton or two in the closet and issues swept under rug, but sometimes they just won't stay hidden away.


The last confession is Sassy's and it's... interesting. I wasn't quite as taken with this character as I was with Norrie and Jane, so I was happy to find that her section of the novel isn't nearly as substantial as her sisters'. Still, I felt for Sassy. Despite the ridiculousness of her fearful belief that she had committed a horrible crime against her grandmother, especially in light of what she thought she had done, her guilt and fear could not be disputed. I just didn't connect with her character as strongly as the other two sisters.


I loved the entire novel, but I was most taken with Almighty's confession on the last pages. I can't think of a better way Standiford could have finished this novel and I can honestly say I found Almighty's confession the most shocking of all... not only because of it's content, but that Almighty would confess anything, no matter the circumstances.


After reading Standiford's debut, HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT, I had high expectations for her sophmore novel, and I was in no way disappointed. Standiford makes the shortlist of novelists I feel comfortable preordering... and that's saying a lot.

Back to school!

I'm back at school... which means multiple things for The Hiding Spot.

First off, I have a lot less time for anything I actually want to do. Like sleep. And blog. And *sob* read. It's the last that hurts the most. In fact, lately, every time I try to read a few chapters, I find my eyes are unable to stay open and I'm quickly asleep. I feel like my parents. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.

Also, due to time constraints, nothing in my room is organized or set up. Just the other day, a friend came over to raid my bookshelves, and informed me that it looks like I'm "living in a jail cell." Sadly, this is an accurate description. Which is why I was thrilled to find an email from CSNstores.com in my inbox. It's almost like the kind people over as CSNstores could hear my room crying after it heard its unkind description.

I'm now on a mission to find CSN products that transform my jail cell, ahem, room, into a comfy, cozy, library-like habitat.

I've browsed everything from office items to bookshelves to patio and garden. I spent a few mintues flipping through end tables... I've discovered end tables and bedside tables are pieces you take for granted until they aren't there. My books end up on the ground as I drift to sleep... and then I trip on them in the morning!

I don't know what I'll end up with, but I'll have fun choosing!

I really like this one! Part table, part bookshelf. Perfect!

Win a copy of SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready!

The fabulous Jeri Smith-Ready is offering one signed copy of SHADE to a lucky winner at The Hiding Spot. To top it off, the prize is the UK version of the novel, whose cover rivals the US version. I have a hard time deciding which I like more!


Be sure to check out my review of SHADE here.


Prizes:

(1) UK version of SHADE

How to Enter:
You MUST fill out this FORM. If you neglect to fill out the form, you will not be entered to win.


Extra Entries:
Not required. Extra entries are detailed on the entry form as well.
+1 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link and include @thehidingspot.)
+1 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)
+2 Comment on my review of SHADE here.


Details:
There will be 1 winners. Contest will close October 21, 2010. Open Internationally!

Good luck!

Stolen {Book} Meme

This meme keeps popping up in my dashboard and each time I can't help but think about which books I'd choose for each category, so I might as well steal it. You should steal it to. All the cool kids are doing it: Anna Jarzab, Courtney Summers, Mindi Scott.

5 Books I’ve Read Recently

1. Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford
2. The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
4. Small-Town Sinners by Melissa Walker
5. Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart

 5 Books I’m Planning to Read (in the near future)

1. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
2. Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
3. Dark Song by Gail Giles
4. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
5. Hunger by Jackie Kessler

5 of My Favorite Books

1. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
2. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
3. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
4. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

 5 of My Least Favorite Books

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I know, I know! I read it in 9th gr and should probably reread it!)
2. Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner (I just couldn't get into this one.)
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Ugh.)
4. The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones (I tried to like it!)
5. Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis (Ditto!)

 5 of My Favorite Book-to-Film Adaptations

1. Pride and Prejudice (Both! I love Colin Firth and Keira Knightly, so I can't choose!)
2. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
3. Whip It! (Originally titled DERBY GIRL.)
4. Atonement
5. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Review: Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick

Title: Her and Me and You
Author: Lauren Strasnick
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: 10.5.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Twins, Love, Friendship, Manipulation, Lies, Eating Disorders
Pages: 224
Description (from GoodReads):
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father’s affair splits her family in two.

Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred—and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred’s twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there’s just something about Fred—and something about Adina—that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world…no matter the consequences.

An intense, fast-paced read, Lauren Strasnick pulled me into the twisted, passionate world of Alex, Fred, and Adina. I finished the novel in just over an hour, but the story continued to ricochet through my mind even after the last page was turned.

Alex is the main character, but it's Adina and Fred, and their interesting relationship, that steal the spotlight. Fred is immediately likeable and it wasn't difficult to imagine why Alex would fall him, even as she's being warned against him... and his sister.

It's Adina, however, that gave the novel an almost sinister feel. Right from the beginning, the reader can tell there's something not right with Adina. She's possessive of Fred, manipulative of everyone, and her fragility makes her easy to underestimate. As I read, I couldn't help but be a bit impressed by her deft manipulation of Alex and Fred. The lengths she was willing to go to achieve her goal was terrifying, but I found it hard to look away.

The novel is comprised of more than just Adina and her games. Alex and Fred's relationship unfolds slowly, tenderly. The two are comfortable, yet hesitant and I found myself hoping they'd break free of Adina's control, despite how interesting I found her intrusions and designs.

Strasnick has succeeded in writing a gripping novel populated with compelling characters that will leave you wondering where the last two hours have gone.

Grade: A

 Review copy provided by Good Golly Miss Holly Tours.

Character Interview: River from Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Cate Tiernan is the author of the SWEEP series and the newly released IMMORTAL BELOVED. Today one of the novel's central characters, River, is at The Hiding Spot to answer a few questions about Nastasya, the main character, and her unique name.

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The Interview

You first met Nastasya in 1929. What was your first impression? What 5 words best describe the girl you encountered.

Wet, bloody, clueless, remorseless, and belligerent. I first met Nastasya (she was using the name Christiane at the time) minutes after she and Incy wrecked their car, killing one human girl and gravely injuring another. But there was no concern, no understanding of how badly they had messed up. Mostly she was upset about her clothes, and just wanted a ride to the nearest town. It was so disheartening and unattractive. I offered her help, larger help on a personal-karma scale, but she was not at a place where she would hear me. Not yet. People can only hear what they can hear.


Without getting into spoilery specifics, how is today's Nastasya different from the person you met so briefly in 1929?
In some ways she’s the same--the innate nature of people usually doesn’t change. But she has a few chinks in her armor now, and is trying to be willing to see herself differently, see the world differently. She has a bit more self-awareness, and seems more able to put her behavior into a larger context, which is showing her how pointless and soulless it can be. She can do it--I know she can. But I know it’s really hard, and I know she has to swallow her pride over and over again, which is never easy. Actually she seems younger now, partly because she seems less sure of herself, less world-weary. It’s interesting, watching her change. It’s always interesting, doing what I do.


When you first met, Nastasya went by another name, but, like now, you called yourself River. Have you held different aliases? Is there a story behind your name?
I’ve called myself River, on and off, for almost three hundred years. It seems like me. The name I was born under was Aulina. Some of us enjoy changing names frequently, but I find it’s harder for me, and gets harder as I get older. I feel settled into myself, and my name reflects that. I know that probably in the next ten years or so, I’ll have to pretend to die, then come back as my own daughter or niece to inherit this property, so I can continue the work I’m doing. But I’m not looking forward to changing my name. I’m taking suggestions, though.

____________________________________

More About IMMORTAL BELOVED

New name, new town, new life. Nastasya has done it too often to count. And there’s no end in sight. Nothing ever really ends... when you’re immortal. But this time is different: Nastasya knows that this new town must hold her salvation—or her death.

Nastasya was born into darkness, and has embraced it her whole life. Four hundred years ago, a tragedy robbed her of her birthright, and she’s been living a lie ever since. Now, four centuries of exploring the depths and limits of dark power has left Nastasya feeling sickened unto death. If she continues down this road, she will end up as a very dark, twisted, evil thing—with unthinkable power. Or she can begin the long, painful road toward light, and reclaim the destiny that others tried to destroy.


They’re rare. You may have never met one, never sat next to one on a plane, never eaten in the same restaurant at the same time. But the Immortals are there. Have always been there. Will always be there. Moving among humans, playing out their own cursed fate. Sometimes subtly, sometimes with huge, sweeping implications for mankind. But no one will ever know. Except you.

_______________________________________

Thank you for the insight, River!

Be sure to check out IMMORTAL BELOVED for a new take on immortality... and a rather studly Viking.

Waiting on Wednesday (39)

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Divergent by Veronica Roth
HarperTeen (Katherine Tegen Books)/5.2011
Description (from GoodReads):
In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen.

But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

I think Roth's debut has the potential to be fantastically epic. It's set in Chicago!  I wasn't sure if I liked the cover at first, but, the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. I'm really loving the skyline and I'm hoping the symbol and flames will be embossed...

Blogfest 2010 & Contest

While I'm ridiculously late with my Blogfest 2010 post and contest, I thought it was still worth doing. So enter away!

Please be sure that you read through the information and rules below.

Prize:

(1) SIGNED arc of CLOCKWORK ANGEL - or -
(1) SIGNED pb copy of CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare

How to Enter:
You MUST be a follower of The Hiding Spot and comment on this post to be considered eligible. This counts as one entry. Be sure to leave your email address as well.


Extra Entries:
Not required.
+1 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link and include @thehidingspot.)
+1 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)


Details:
Contest will close September 13th, 2010. Tomorrow night! Open internationally!


Good luck!

Be sure to check out Late Bloomer Online and enter to win Lisa McMann's amazing trilogy! Find more great blogs and contests here.

Guest Post: Erica Perl (Author of

I adored Erica Perl's YA debut, VINTAGE VERONICA, so when I was excited to discover she had an upcoming childrens' release: DOTTY. Erica is a phenomenal writer whose writing tackles important topics and I'm thrilled to have her back at The Hiding Spot! Even if DOTTY doesn't appeal to you, I urge you to read Erica's post - she imparts an important message that, I think, applies to everyone, no matter what your age!

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The Importance of Holding on to Childhood Things

I hold onto a lot from my childhood - books, photos, toys, and especially books - but something happened over the weekend that made me realize that the thing I hold onto most is my ability to play. I think adults should play a lot more, and should bring a sense of playfulness into their everyday lives. I feel very lucky to get to hang out with my kids, who keep me playing and who force me to play even when I am tired and acting too much like a grown up. What happened this weekend was: we were taking a hike, and the kids started to complain that it was taking too long, so I picked up a stick and announced that it would be the story stick and we would make up a story. Immediately, the longness and uphillness and are-we-there-yet-ness was forgotten. I kicked it off with "Once upon a time there was a toad who wanted to be a frog..." and then I handed off the stick and my younger daughter started spinning the most excellent yarn. Before we were through, there was a unicorn (of course), a blue Yeti, two giants, an enchantress and a very bad cat. We also created elaborate rules as we went, which was fun, too. The point is, so often I am tempted to say to my kids "go play!" but the fact is, I need play as much as they do. Which is one of the things I was trying to say with Dotty: adults should hold onto their essential childishness as long as possible AND not keep it a secret. One of the greatest gifts you can give to a child is to show that, inside, you're a kid, too. Not all the time, of course, because kids get comfort from reliability and rules and firmness and all that adult stuff. But every so often, just like Ms. Raymond, you have to take them aside and show them that you still have a string. And if that last line makes no sense, please read my new book, Dotty. Because then it will.

All the best,
Your friend Erica
and her friend, Dotty

_________________________

Be sure to check out all the blogs Erica has visited on the Connect with Dotty tour!

8/30 The Happy Nappy Bookseller
http://thehappynappybookseller.blogspot.com/
9/1 Alison’s Book Marks
http://www.alisonsbookmarks.com/
9/2 A Patchwork of Books
http://www.apatchworkofbooks.blogspot.com/
9/3 Jean Little Library
http://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com/
9/4 Pragmatic Mom
http://www.pragmaticmom.com/
9/7 Links to Literacy
www.literacytoolbox.wordpress.com
9/8 The Book Bag Blog
http://www.theeducationcenter.com/tec/afc/bookbagdotcom/go.do
9/9 The Hiding Spot
http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/
9/10 Bookmark, The First Book Blog
http://blog.firstbook.org/

{Book Trailer} Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

I know I've been mentioning FALL FOR ANYTHING, Courtney Summers' upcoming December release, way too much lately, but oh.em.gee. guys. Have you seen the book trailer? What? You haven't? Watch it now. Seriously.





 

Ahhhhhh! I have no words to express just how excited I am about this novel. Courtney, you are beyond awesome.

Guest Post: Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson (Authors of The Familiars!)

Please welcome Adam and Andrew, authors of THE FAMILIARS, to The Hiding Spot! Their novel, a MG novel featuring young wizards and their familiars, magical animal companions, releases today, September 7th!

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A Brief Bio

ADAM JAY EPSTEIN spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while ANDREW JACOBSON grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in a parking garage out in Los Angeles. They have been writing for film and television together ever since. The Familiars is their first book. 

One day, Adam asked Andrew, “Are you familiar with what a familiar is?” And from that simple question, Vastia was born, a fantastical world filled with the authors’ shared love of animals and magic. They wrote every word, sentence, and page together, sitting opposite each other.

Adam Jay Epstein lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jane, their daughters, Penny and Olive, and a black-and-white alley cat who hangs out in their backyard. Andrew Jacobson lives with his wife, Ashley, and their dog, Elvis, four traffic lights away.

THE FAMILIARS will be produced for film by Sam Raimi and Sony Animation.

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“Working With a Literary Agent: An Appreciation”

 

We wanted to introduce you to our third writing partner. His name doesn’t appear on the cover of “The Familiars” or anywhere inside for that matter. But his imprint can be felt in the words on every page. He is Markus Hoffmann, our book agent at Regal Literary. Every step along the way of our journey to getting published, Markus has done more than simply sell our material. He has helped make sure it is propulsive, engaging, and richly detailed. Before our manuscript ever landed on the desk of a publisher, it was thoroughly developed and vetted by Markus. No “i” was dotted or “t” crossed without first passing Markus’s sharp eye or keen literary intuitiveness. We’re not sure if every agent goes through this process with their author client, but from what we’ve heard, most do not. He is our secret weapon (not so secret any more). He pushed us just the right amount, always challenged us to do our best, and we are confident that with him at our side, each book we write will get better and better. In a lot of ways he is the mentor who taught us how to be authors. His patience, knowledge of the market, and creative insight are all invaluable. His German accent mysterious and alluring. To Andrew, who still has not been to New York to meet him, he is but an enigmatic voice on the phone, wise and all-knowing. Adam, who has met him in person, has had some of the wizard-behind-the-curtain mystique revealed. But he is no less impressed by his impeccable taste and talent. We thank you, Markus, for embodying all that an agent should. Now if you’ll please review and add your magic touch to this guest blog post, it would be much appreciated.

____________

 

You can learn more about “The Familiars” at www.thefamiliars.com.

{Book Trailer} Radiance by Alyson Noel and Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

I'm really looking forward to two of Macmillan's newest titles: RADIANCE by Alyson Noel and HALO by Alexandra Adornetto. Both novels feature gorgeous cover art and promising descriptions. Be sure to check out those covers and descriptions below, then take a couple minutes to watch the book trailers!

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RADIANCE by Alyson Noel
Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .



 ____________________________  

HALO by Alexandra Adornetto

Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone—especially herself—from the Dark Forces.

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 8.31.2010
Genre: Paranormal YA
Keywords: Orphans, Powers, Paranormal Creatures, Love, Friendship
Pages: 352
Description (from GoodReads):
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

You can't deny that Kiersten White's debut has a fantastic cover That alone will cause readers to flock, but it's Evie's charm and the unique plot that will entice them to stay... and ask for seconds.

The word I most closely associate with PARANORMALCY is fun. There's mystery, there's romance, but, mostly, this book is an engaging, quick read. At just over 350 pages, PARANORMLCY is one of the thicker YA volumes I've read of late, but, for the most part, the action moved at a quick pace and the chapters whizzed by.

I was impressed with the variety of fantastical and interesting characters White packed into Evie's world. She included the standard vampires, mermaids, etc, etc, but also cast a shapeshifter (without fur!) and many more, often creepy, creatures!

The one aspect of PARANORMALCY that I found lacking was the romance. It was cute, but it was missing the tension I'd hoped for. I liked the boy, I liked the girl, but I wanted more fire. Hopefully my tension-filled wishes will be fulfilled in the next installment!

Grade: B

Ban This! and Banned Books Reading Challenge!

Donna of Bites is hosting Ban This! 2010 which extends Banned Books Week into Month and encourages readers and bloggers everywhere to read, review, and spread the word about banned and controversial books. You can read more about Ban This! here.

Between September 1 and October 15 Steph Su (of Steph Su Reads) will be hosting a Banned Books Reading Challenge. The goal of the challenge is for participants to pledge to read a self-determined number of banned or challenged books for the months of September and October. If you feel like this is an issue worthy of your support, sign up for the challenge on the sign-up post and/or blog about this challenge or just generally spread the word about it.

In addition, be sure to check out Blogger Confidential over at Emily's Reading Room. Each week, a question is posed to a group of bloggers (including myself!) on a variety of topics. Last week's question was regarding "edgy fiction," which is often questioned and sometimes censored. Check out the varying opinions here! Keep in mind, the question was about "edgy" fiction, which may mean different subjects and content depending on who you ask.

My Banned Books Reading List:

1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Alexie Sherman
2. Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
3. Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block
4. Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles
5. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
6. Looking for Alaska by John Green
7. Burned by Ellen Hopkins
8. Shade's Children by Garth Nix
9. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Cover of the Week (21)

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
St. Martin's Press/12.21.2010
Description (from GoodReads):
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. He seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on… but some questions should be left unanswered.

Ohmygoodness! I've loved each and every one of Courtney's covers, but this one... WOW. Just 3 more months!

Review: Stalker Girl by Rosemary Graham

Title: Stalker Girl
Author: Rosemary Graham
Publisher: Viking
Pub. Date: 8.5.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Stalking, Breakups, Relationships, Secrets
Pages: 208
Description (from GoodReads):
How do you know when you’ve crossed the line between curiosity and obsession?

Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian’s new girlfriend — all of the sadness she feels about her mom’s recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife’s new baby. When Carly’s stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it.

I almost passed on Rosemary Graham’s STALKER GIRL. I couldn’t help but think it might be just a bit too creepy.. a bit too weird... for my tastes. When I browse contemporary YA titles, I generally look for topics and characters I can identify with, and, when I think of words to describe myself, stalker typically doesn’t come to mind. Then I stumbled upon the book trailer and it somehow lodged itself in my mind; I decided to give STALKER GIRL a try. It took only a handful of pages to completely draw me in and I was shocked at what I found.


It turned out that I identified with Carly more than I ever could have imagined. In an interview with the author, I read that STALKER GIRL was originally titled SHE WASN’T ALWAYS LIKE THIS. While I love the straightforward final title and its ability to lure potential readers into browsing the description, I prefer this first incarnation. Like STALKER GIRL, it draws me in, but it also transforms Carly into a more relatable character right from the start. Yes, the main character is a stalker, but she wasn’t always like this. Of course, the reader discovers this as the novel progresses, but, at least in my case, I think I would have been more apt to pick it up right from the start with this title… I would have wanted to know why she had changed.


Understandably, there’s a stigma surrounding the word “stalker.” For me, stalkers just are. There is no before or reason to their creepy, unacceptable behavior. In some cases, like Carly’s, there is a before. And it’s a before that I feel many can relate to. It begins as innocent curiosity. Your serious relationship has ended, perhaps abruptly, and that person you’ve shared so much with has moved on. What does she have that’s so appealing? Why her and not you? Maybe you’ll just look at her Facebook page and glance through her pictures… it’s harmless. Right? But you can’t stop thinking about him. About her. Maybe if you just saw her, you’d understand. So you snoop a bit more and find out that she’s made plans to be here at this time. You’re just going to go for a glimpse… But you still can’t stop.


Of course, most of us wouldn’t take it this far. We’d have friends who would tell us he’s not worth it, that she isn’t even very cute, and that there are plenty of fish in the sea. But if you’re alone, if those thoughts keep bouncing around in your head… multiplying… intensifying - would you be able to hold yourself back? Or would you find that things have twisted in your mind and you now somehow think it might be alright to watch just a little more…?


If Graham had only shown Carly after the breakup, I might not have identified so strongly with this story. But Graham handled this intense material with skill. The novel is divided into three sections: after the breakup, leading up to and during the relationship, and the consequences of Carly's obsession. It was the middle section, which comprises the bulk of the volume, that made Carly three-dimensional and a character with traits I could identify with. I drew parallels between Carly’s personality and mine, but was cognizant of our differences as well. I appeared to share a number of personality traits with Carly: jealousy, a tendency towards almost obsessive attention to certain subjects or objects (like books). I found myself analyzing why I’d never wound up in Carly’s position… After all, she’s not crazy, at least, not in the traditional sense. She’s been through a lot, her mind is completely overwhelmed, and things just … start to go a bit haywire.


What I mean to say, is that I understand Carly. I found myself wanting to reach out and help her, guide her, let her know she wasn’t alone. I thought I’d feel protective of the new girlfriend, the stalked, but, in the end, I didn’t. Yes, I understood her feelings as well, but it was still Carly that I felt the connection to. Perhaps it was simply Graham’s phenomenal writing that cast a spell and pulled me into Carly madness… or perhaps it was the fact that we all have that small, dark part of ourselves that threatens this crazed behavior... and Carly’s fate.


Grade: A+


Be sure to check out the book trailer... it won me over!

Contest: Win a copy of The Education of Bet!

I have an arc of THE EDUCATION OF BET for one lucky winner at The Hiding Spot!

Please be sure that you read through the information and rules below.

Prize:

(1) arc of THE EDUCATION OF BET

How to Enter:
You MUST comment on my review of THE EDUCATION OF BET. (Comment is required.) Then you MUST fill out this FORM. If you neglect to comment on the post or fill out the form, you will not be entered to win.


Extra Entries:
Not required. Extra entries are detailed on the entry form as well.
+1 Tweet this contest. (Leave a link.)
+1 Link this contest on your sidebar, in a post, or on FB. (Leave a link.)


Details:
Contest will close September 30, 2010. Open to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. Sorry International readers!

Good luck!

Waiting on Wednesday (38)

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

**The above image is a placeholder... no cover yet!**

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers
St. Martin's Griffin/12.21.10
Description (from GoodReads):
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. He seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on… but some questions should be left unanswered.

I like WoW picks that have cover images (hey, they're shiny and eyecatching!), but I just couldn't wait until FALL FOR ANYTHING to be cover-ized. After weeks of checking the GoodReads page (and Courtney's website) with no luck, I decided to give in and feature it for WoW... because I am so waiting on Summers' upcoming release. Even before the description was released I was daydreaming about it... I have no doubts that I'll love this book. None.
Summers' books have all been released in December/January, which is great because they make fabulous holiday (and birthday *cough*December 16th*cough*) gifts.

Review: Winter Longing by Tricia Mills

Title: Winter Longing
Author: Tricia Mills
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: 8.19.2010
Genre: Contemporary YA
Keywords: Loss, First Love, Grief, Death, Moving On
Pages: 256
Description (from GoodReads):
A plane crash in Alaska takes Winter’s first love away forever . . .
When Winter's boyfriend is killed in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, she's robbed of the future she'd only just allowed herself to believe might be hers. Winter and Spencer had been destined for one another. And after his death, Spencer's presence continues to haunt her.
But when her next-door neighbor becomes an unlikely friend, Winter begins to accept all that she can't change. Can she open herself to a new future . . . and a possible new love?

I had high expectations as I cracked open WINTER LONGING. Based on the description, I expected an intense, emotional novel in which a girl finds the strength to move on and, in the process, finds love... again.

I suppose that is what happens in WINTER LONGING, but... it just didn't wow me. I was most disappointed by Winter. For me, she was one-dimensional and vaguely annoying. I felt bad that she'd lost Spencer - he was not only her first love, but also her best friend. She must have felt like she was losing him twice... and it couldn't have been easy to deal with that grief alone.

I thought my opinion of the novel would change as Winter grew closer to her neighbor, Jesse, but this, unfortunately, didn't prove true. Instead, I found Jesse to be rather cliche and too perfect. It was sweet that he is so patient with Winter, but I just didn't buy the devotion. I couldn't figure out why he liked Winter so much.

I think WINTER LONGING will find fans, but it simply wasn't for me. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. Those who can find a connection with Winter, or even Jesse, will be more apt to experience the emotional aspects of the novel, which, I think, will result in a more favorable opinion.

Grade: C

Cover of the Week (20)

Cover of the Week is a weekly feature at The Hiding Spot, in which I share a cover that gives me that swoony feeling.

Wildcat Fireflies (Fenestra Bk 2)by Amber Kizer
Random House/2011

I prefer the cover of MERIDIAN more than WILDCAT FIREFLIES, but I still think this one's gorgeous! The only part of this cover that I don't love is the girl's mouth... there's something awkward about it... But I'm loving the green and black. Plus, I could say the title all day!

MERIDIAN Cover: