A Link To A New World

Fantasy novels always take longer to finish and completely understand. Most of the time the authors take you to these worlds that are elaborate, some having their own languages and codes, and as a result the reader needs to take their time.  
Myst by Rand and Robin Miller and David Wingrove begins with Atrus, a young boy who was abandoned by his father, and resides in the desert with his grandmother. Anna teaches Atrus about the ways of the D'ni society that once existed years before. They survive: Atrus learns to write in the old language, and all seems right with the world. As he grows, his curiosity blossoms and soon Atrus finds himself performing experiments to help with the life style the two are encased in.

The day Gehn, Atrus's father, returns the world begins to change. Atrus is forced to accompany his father on a new journey, and as a result he must leave his familiar world forever. On the journey, the young boy discovers his father creates worlds, almost like a God. Using blank books, Gehn weaves a story into each and in turn they become Ages that can be visited and inhabited. All of the Ages have distinct differences, and the more the young boy sees, the more amazed he is. Gehn's plan is to teach Atrus the powers of writing and creating Ages so the two can become and remain powerful beings.
However, the more time Atrus spends with his father, the more he begins to realize things are not as they seem. Gehn's need to remain in "power" shows Atrus there is evil, but with his kind heart, he will try to find a way to make things right.
The concept to the novel was very well done. The author created a world...where the character creates worlds! It's mind blowing. But you can see the good vs. evil tendencies that always ring through in a fantasy themed novel.
Gehn's character, from when we first see him in the prologue, is a jerk. He's selfish, and the more you read the more you absolutely hate him. Sure, he's no Sauron (haha nerd reference), but Gehn proves to be the perfect antagonist. So perfect, in fact, that each scene he was in- I couldn't help but say "jerk" under my breath. Yes yes, I do sometimes talk out loud while I am reading. :p
You have to love Atrus's character because he embodies good. He has a kind soul, a curious demeanor, and all throughout the story you see his desire to do "good" and see the good in everything. And the minute he realizes his father is being unreasonable and a horrible human being, the "protagonist" instinct takes over.
The book was well written, and the more you read, the more you realize this is such an original concept for a novel. I mean where do we ever see a character creating anything let alone whole worlds? It's a good read, but it is one you do need to spend time with. Much like most fantasy novels, the concepts are complex, so it is important to be patient and let the story unravel. It's worth it! Stick with it, and check out the rest in the trilogy.

You can’t go back to how things were. How you thought they were. All you really have . . . is now

I read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher years ago, but I had an urge to revisit it. Honestly, it still held the same impact.

Hannah Baker commits suicide, and only a few weeks later Clay Jensen receives a package in the mail. This shoe box full of tapes will soon reveal the full story Hannah has left behind, and these tapes will change his life.

Before Hannah dies, she records herself reflecting on the thirteen reasons that lead to her inevitable downfall. Each tape has two stories, each story targets a different person and their actions, and each story is just a small piece that leads to her ultimate death.
Clay continues to listen to Hannah's stories, and he continues to wonder where he fits into this puzzle. He had a crush on her, he wanted to be with her, so how can he possibly be a reason leading to her demise? But the more he listens, the more he realizes that each person mentioned on the tape had something to hide, and each one of them should be utterly ashamed for their actions. However, not one of them realized their misstep would be piling up into the dark depths of Hannah's life.
Hannah's story goes through awful rumors, horrible jokes, and ghastly experiences that built up to such a boiling point, Hannah saw no way out. The more Clay listens, the more he realizes the signs were there, but everyone failed her. The tapes are reminders to him and every person who was sent this box of cassettes, that even the smallest actions have consequences; some that you are unable to see.

This novel truly sticks with you. Hannah's voice is so prominent throughout, and you almost feel like you want to try to help her too. But when everyone lets her down, her depression seems to worsen. It goes to show that even a tiny action, positive or negative, has an affect on people. Sometimes, it has a deeper affect than we would like to know.At the end of the novel, we as readers are hopeful that things will change. Clay reaches out to a fellow classmate, and we can assume this is how the tapes will leave their positive influence.

Hannah's story is not much different than a lot of students in the world today; and I think that was what left the biggest impact on me. We don't realize the impact of words, and we don't realize that everyone's "bad day" is different. I recommend this one to all my students because it is important, especially in today's society, that they be aware that every thing they do has an impact of some kind. It could be small, but even a tiny good deed always means something to someone. If Hannah's tragedy teaches readers anything, it is to always find the good because sometimes that good really can bring change and acceptance.

The End of Innocence

I should be ashamed because I had never fully read Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I also don't teacher British Literature, so I never had to return to this classic novel. Recently, a few co workers and I took a field trip with a handful of kids to see Lord of the Flies being performed by high school students. After that, I had to read it.

The story starts with a group of boys ending up on a deserted island after experiencing a plane crash. All the boys find each other, and soon, because they're English, which implies apparently they are best at everything according to Jack Merridew, they decide to set up rules and elect a chief in charge of the rules and affairs; at least until they are rescued.

Ralph is elected, and although all seemed well, it isn't as easy as it seems. The littluns, or small kids, find it hard to follow the rules because their attention spans are small, but also they are too weak to build shelter and hunt for food. Meanwhile Jack and his group of hunters are obsessed with finding the pigs on the island to hunt, stab, and kill so they can claim their prize and prove their strength. Boys start to wander away, others lose interest in Ralph and Piggy's wise words, but the two try desperately to keep everyone together and civilized.

Slowly, Jack and his hunters become more and more obsessed with revenge and power, which leads into their savage ways. Ralph attempts to pull them back, but then the struggle begins. Jack and Ralph are at odds on who the proper chief should be, Piggy and the rest of the boys choose their sides and are then separated, on top of this- the boys claim they have seen a beast on the island, which could lead to their demise. 

The novel shows human nature at its finest. We are prone to become savage especially when it comes to control, power, and survival. We panic when there are no "rules", but even when there are not everyone follows and agrees. And it seems someone will always be jealous of the power some hold. It is truly the loss of innocence. The best intentions often lead to a disaster, and it is no different here. It goes to show how much faith Golding had in the human race, but also how quickly we can go from being civilized to becoming savage and full of raw emotion.

Great classic novel, and it is probably the ONLY reason I would want to teach British Lit. in the future. Definitely worth a read if you "missed" this one in high school. Worth it to see the journey of these young boys, how they do fair at surviving, but it's truly interesting to witness how they become too far gone that it is hard to come back.

I Realize Now that Dying is Easy. Living is Hard...

It has been a while, but crappy freshmen essays seemed to be holding me back from reading. *Gasp* I know, an English teacher who has too many essays to grade. Crazy.

This was one of those independent reading books that all the girls read and loved, so of course, it was my turn. And luckily, I didn't get swept up in the movie craze so I was able to read the book first. I have to admit If I Stay by Gayle Forman took me a while simply because of how sad it was. I was going through an emotional period of time, and I knew that if I read this book at a steady pace, I would be bawling.  

Mia Hall is a senior in high school with a loving family, a wonderful and supportive boyfriend, and a promising future. She applied to the Julliard music program for the cello, and all signs point to acceptance. Her boyfriend, Adam, has a band that is just beginning to take off, and her family is picture perfect. Then tragedy strikes. Mia and her family are in a car accident; She finds herself watching the events to follow from the sidelines, literally, and realizes she is at the in-between stage. She isn't dead yet; this is the choice she must make.

This novel is full of flash backs of Mia's past, her worries about the future with Adam and her choice to attend the music school in New York, and her family. Mia has lost her family, this much she knows, but her decision to stay on earth with whatever she has left is a struggle. Everything tells her to give in and let go, but there are still things she is desperately trying to hold onto.

The novel gives a new meaning to the idea of strength. Mia is a teenager who has lost everything she knew, yet she has to make the decision to hang on in hopes of being strong, or to let go in hopes that she and the rest of her friends and family can move on.

Every turn of the page was full of emotion. Forman made so many references to music- classical, rock, punk- so it made it even more interesting. I mean who doesn't like a Nirvana "Something in the Way" reference?
This was a great read; sad and very emotional, but worth it. Mia's strength, her character, and everything that surrounds her makes her choice harder, but she shows us that choice is exactly what everyone has.

We Can Be Mended. We Mend Each Other

I just finished the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. I am processing the ending, the events, and the trilogy as a whole.

As I expected...Roth did not disappoint. In this novel the reader sees outside of the fence, the new "government" that controls all the cities and their living situation. They watch them, they created the factions and their forms of living, and if they think the city is doomed- they can erase and begin again. This whole concept drove me nuts throughout the novel. It completely makes sense- yet it's completely messed up. They choose not to protect the cities, just replace their memories and move on. The fact that you can also see such parallels to the government we trust is uncanny. I think that is what drew me into this trilogy- the corruption of the government. People explained "damaged genes" were the reason for the destruction, yet there is always going to be a group who want to overthrow what is clearly unjust. The idea behind people with the "pure genes' and how they were somehow superior to the rest of the population was interesting, yet disgusting. It's easy to explain away the reason for war when you have a convenient scape goat.

Roth gives Tobias, Four, a voice, and the story comes to a close with a lot of sorrow, death, and destruction, but it shows the fight, the struggle, and the bravery. Love is a common theme, not just the love between Tobias and Tris. Love between friends, family, and companions is.

I have come to the conclusion that I like this series a little better than The Hunger Games. Roth pushes the boundaries, and she creates a whole conspiracy behind what the main characters see as their world. She was not afraid to go against what readers would expect, or like, and it seemed that she took more of a risk with the complete ending. I think it is also always great to add a new character's point of view to the story. Collins kind of stifled herself by only using Katniss, and using her as the anchor for two male characters because it provides readers with a convenient love triangle that can be a sub plot. However, Roth managed to bring in the emotion of two characters- both broken, dealing with their own grief, but their different intentions and views to drive them both together. And the love and passion between them was not the center point- Tris and Tobias have problems within themselves, but they belong together because they each are the missing piece.

The last fifty pages were packed with so much emotion and energy- I was literally between crying and being unable to breath. This series will stick with me, and I am really interested to see what they do with the movies. Hopefully they won't disappoint. Although I was late to the party, Divergent will forever be a favorite journey I would like to revisit.

GET ON BOARD WITH THIS TRILOGY!!!

It Is Impossible To Erase My Choices. Especially These

I read the second in the Divergent series, Insurgent by Veronica Roth, in three days. I am not some crazy reading machine, I promise. This series is just breathtaking. I am in middle of the third as we speak and sometimes it is impossible to put down.

The second novel relays a lot of moving around. Tris and Tobias discover the truth about the government and the reason for Erudite's hostile attempt to kill all the Divergents. The stakes get higher when Tris needs to trust the one person she hates most in order to uncover the truth. There is betrayal from unexpected sources, forgiveness, recovery, and as always survival.

Allegiant is the last in the series. After the truth is uncovered, some will go to great lengths to keep it the same, but there are a few who seek answers- not just the answers provided. The journey takes readers to familiar ground, but for Tris and the Allegiant group, it is hard to swallow the lies they were once fed, and it's even harder to adapt in a world where everything has changed.

The idea behind this novel gives more insight into the "corrupt" government, and I have to be honest the ending to the second book blew my mind. I didn't see it coming, but it makes complete sense. It breaks the mold of the typical dystopian society books because it gives the readers a sense of realism.
Tris is a great heroine- she gains strength, bravery, and most of all she starts to come into her own. And as a nice little *uncontrollable girl giggle* surprise, Tobias becomes a narrator in the 3rd book. Readers see past his stoic front and are introduced to an emotion filled character with more than just sexy tattoos. Tobias is a broken character who, like Tris, needs to begin to realize who they are without a label.
The factions have separated and defined people for so long, but losing that sense of comfort creates new feelings and strengthened senses of loss, betrayal, and fear.

I am obsessed. Great reads, and, although I have not finished the ending, I can guarantee this ending will not disappoint. I mean- you can't have a huge build up and then just let us down, right....RIGHT!?

I Suppose Now, I Must Become More Than Either

I admit, I was late to the party on this one. Divergent by Veronica Roth was the next craze after The Hunger Games, and I did read a chapter before leaving it. Seriously- why does that always happen? I ended up seeing the movie first, too...MAJOR faux pas! It's like I fell asleep at the wheel for a second. But not to worry, I am back on track. I gave myself a stern talking to because this book should not have taken me this long to figure out.

Tris is an a futuristic society that is divided into five factions. These factions were created to maintain balance and give everyone a place and a set job in order to keep the peace and harmony. Once sixteen, all teenagers are given a test to determine what faction best suits them, then they can choose. Tris, born Abnegation (the selfless faction), is unsure of her future. But once her tests are inconclusive- her confusion is even more profound. These results, however prove that she is more than "normal"; she is divergent. Her and her brother, Caleb, both choose out of Abnegation, which stirs up the pot for the government officials in this faction.

Dauntless, the protector faction, sends Tris through training in fighting, facing fears, and bravery. However, the more Tris improves her rank, the more she begins to feel in danger because of her inconclusive tests results. She is warned by those who know about her this label is a curse and can prove to be her end. As the months go by, Tris begins to discover hidden plots by one of the factions to overthrow the government. She also begins to feel more at ease in her new home- especially once her trainer, Four, begins to enter her thoughts. Whatever happiness she finds, she is still drawn to her former faction, considering they are in such trouble now. But once the rebellion begins to break out, Tris realizes that her "divergent" status may be the only thing that can save them all.
I went to the book store last weekend because I was sad. Yes, book stores make me happy, judge me. So I bought Divergent and began reading. I finished the book in four days. I cannot express how incredible this book is. The book focuses on one faction's leader beginning a spark of rebellion. Tris, and the others labeled "Divergent" don't realize how much power they truly have in this war. You can see Tris becoming a strong woman throughout the training process, and she makes a lot of decisions readers are on board with.

The idea of the factions is much like the districts in The Hunger Games. But each one has their own goal to protect the balance. The romance, the training, and the power are all connected so well in this world, that it's impossible to read this book and not want to immediately finish the rest of the story.
I think readers can also relate to this dystopic society more than Katniss Everdeen's story, which is so not a popular statement. Both stories are so similar, but you can see the differences between each society, and you can see each of the heroines with difficult decisions in the end. Katniss is more emotionless; Tris has so much emotion, so it's easier to relate.
AND the movie wasn't so bad! I thought it worked really well along side the novel- plus holy crap can we just talk about Four for a second? The good looking bad boy? I mean DEFINITELY an upgrade from Peeta. And I am completely Team Peeta!

Worth it. Read it. End of story. 

I Had Every Intention Of Surviving. I Wasn't Going Out Of The World Like This

Tess's journey has come to a close in the last in the Lost Souls trilogy: Creators by Tiffany Truitt.  Throughout the three novels, the reader is introduced to a broken heroine named Tess.
She lives in a futuristic world where the Naturals are forced into ghettos, manual labor, and disregarded as human beings. Not only does growing up in these communities make it hard to exist, women are also unable to give birth. Women are feared- therefore their ability to live after giving birth was taken away. The Creators, or the government, punish the Naturals and force them to serve the Chosen Ones, the creation of the ideal "race".
Tess falls in love with the Chosen One, James, but each day for them is a struggle. Between being forced to separate, almost being killed, being neglected, and then suddenly finding herself thrown into a rebellion, Tess wants nothing more than to see James and start a life. Especially because she discovered she is one of a rare breed that can give birth without dying.

The rebellion has begun, and Tess is finally reunited with her father; however things don't result in such a happy reunion. Her father strives to kill, destroy, and take over the Creators, but he isn't concerned who he may lose along the way. Meanwhile, Tess finds herself struggling to stay strong for her pregnant sister, Louisa.
As the days turn into weeks, and James begin to fade away, Tess finds herself hoping and wanting this new world the rebellion promises. But is the fire for rebellion more strong than her deep love for James and freedom?
This was a really great series. It's a little unknown, which is why I am the only one who edited it on shelfari. However, it is one that truly needs more attention. You can see commonalities to The Hunger Games and other series where the government has complete control. But, Truitt shows a deeper parallel to our world's past history. Forcing people to live in poverty, trying to control how they live, and when they get out of order- enforcing punishment that forces them to serve the higher class. It was almost shocking how similar our two worlds were.
I fell in love with Tess's character because as a reader, you can see her pain. She is broken, with nothing left than to hope for a better future. James is her hope and the only piece that keeps her going.All around her Tess is surronded by people who would choose to fight, who have so much hate that it's hard to her to see the light.  The entire series showed her strength, her power, and her true desire; even if it wasn't the same among her companions.
This series was a set of great books that show although there is so much hate in the world, there are those who choose peace, love, and isolation. Tess discovers her own strength, at the same time, she fights for her freedom. Even if her freedom isn't the same as the rebellion, it's a choice she is willing to make for her.
In case you need more convincing- I cried during the last chapter of this one. Yea, I know! It was an ending no one could have predicted, but one that brings hope, and it shows strength. Each character found the path that best represented them- and overall, it was a journey worth taking.

My Death Would Not Be Another Beginning

JUST finished Infinite by Jodi Meadows, the final book in the Newsoul trilogy. I am speechless, sad that it's over, and just so overwhelmed with the amount this book delievered.

I am, as we speak, eating my words regarding book two. The thing about this series is there is so much to digest that just picking up the novel and "rolling with it" will not be enough. You have to devote some time and thought to the whole aspect these novels are expressing. And, as with most cases in a trilogy, the 2nd one had a lot of dull points that lead up to the end of the action. So, ignore the whole "it takes a while" thing. Book Three is pure gold.

Ana is one in world where everyone is reincarnated- she discovers the truth about the God-Like figure, Janan- and now she leads the brigade to try to prevent Janan from rising. This journey involves a lot of emotion for Ana; new, real, and changes within herself. Her strength and courage really do cause the reader to rally around her, and even when all seems lost, you know she won't go down without a fight.

The love between Sam and Ana is so real- you can feel the surge of passion. I did cry, I felt pain for Ana and the decisions she was forced to make, but I never once tired of this journey. It was truly a story of surviving the unknown, courage to overcome the evil, and discovering in yourself that perhaps being the only one can be the best opportunity to succeed.

Ana is presenting these ideas of rebellion to a world of people who are insulted, intrigued, and afraid. Fear is the driving force for a lot of action, but overcoming that fear and breaking the cycle of the "cult" created is where the beauty truly comes in. Being the one to stand up for something takes on a whole new meaning- and Ana's end goal comes with knowing there is never a chance for her to be reincarnated like the rest. However, she knows that even if she dies- her journey should and will not be in vain.

 I fell in love with this series, this book....Sam. ;) The idea is new and fresh, plus there are lots of fantasy elements: dragons, centaurs, slyph (which end up being the lost souls who disobeyed Janan). I would relive this journey, and I know I would still feel the same emotions. This book showed the bravery of one person who chose to step up and fight the unknown, and that is such a powerful message. Read it, end of story. It is not a quick read by any means, but the theme and the overall emotion that you can walk away with is so worth the time.

Neither of Us Were Alone. Asunder

Ana is a new soul- one who is not reincarnated after death. She is the only new soul in the community and is not fully welcomed, even after saving many from the tragedy that was Temple Dark: many were killed never to be reincarnated all thanks to their once beloved God-like figure- Janan.
After some time away- Ana has pieced together the few notes, diary entries, and theories she has taken from the tragedy. Many of the pieces are still unclear, but Ana has discovered things, including how to deal with the Sylph- ghostlike creatures that burn. Ana chooses to hide these elements between her and Sam; no one else would understand, and she wants to make sure she has evidence on how to make sure this tragedy will never occur again.
Upon returning to the city of Heart, Ana faces a new challenge- more new souls are being born. She is not alone in this fight, although that's exactly what it turns out to be. Most of the city is outraged by this new "take over"; and some are even resorting to violence.
Ana realizes that she must try to make the city understand and protect the new-souls- but even with her friends and Sam's help, it appears as if this battle is far from over. In reality, you can't make people understand, and those who are against her "kind" seem to disregard the want and need for a change.

Asunder by Jodi Meadows is the sequel to Incarnate. Normally the second books in the series are always somewhat boring because they have to keep the story going. However, once the novel got started, I was able to stay active in this story without feeling as though this was just a bridge to a greater end. Similar to the first one, it was difficult for me to get into this novel because the first few chapters are almost tedious. But, I promised myself I would finish this series because the idea is truly too interesting and creative to throw away. After chapter 4, it gets quicker paced, so despite the unwritten rule to ditch the book after a chapter- WAIT until chapter 5.
Meadows creates complicated characters in an intricate world. Sam has been reincarnated for centuries- yet he has fallen in love with Ana, which is a conflict of interest. He is over 500 years old, yet she is just an 18 year old child; any kind of relationship or feelings seem "inappropriate", but Sam's heart and his good nature seem to overshadow this idea. Ana is a tragic hero in a lot of senses- she is not the whiny teenage brat with these typical ideas because she has suffered greatly throughout her childhood. You do see some emotions that are very natural of an eighteen year old, but Ana is strong. Her emotional stability gathers other individuals and gives strength to those people who seem lost and alone.

The city once worshiped Janan-who is their God like figure. Some still believe, others have left that behind years ago. But the more you find out about this city and this whole community- you see it began as almost a cult following. Ana begins to unravel the secrets everyone else seems to forget- and you as a reader realize that this community isn't just about being afraid of the new souls- it's about power, control, and making sure change does not occur. I can see a huge parallel to a lot of discrimination in our world, and the cult-like community really does bring a whole new aspect to this world Ana lives in.
 Meadows has a beautiful way of writing so that everything weaves together, and she creates a new twist on the regular dystopian societies. I am on my way to get the third book because this series is too good to not finish; and I figure with the story fresh in my mind- it'll be easier to follow. This novel was a step up from the first one- AND it really shows the differences between love and fear.

It Is So Hard To Leave-Until You Leave. And Then It Is The Easiest Goddammed Thing In The World

Quentin Jacobsen is 3 weeks away from graduating high school. He has dealt with the harassment from the popular crew, video gamed with his two best friends, and loved Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. On the night Margo climbs through his window with an all night adventure of revenge and thrills planned, Q begins to feel hopeful that maybe things can change. 
However, the next day he discovers Margo has run away, but she leaves a string of clues behind.  When no one goes looking, Q makes it his mission to read the clues carefully so he can be the one to bring her home. The clues include old records, graffiti walls, and Walt Whitman's poem Song of Myself. Throughout the last weeks of school, Q accomplishes much more for himself, and others, than just figuring out the clues Margo has left. But does she want to be found, and can he accept what he might discover if he does find her again?

 While I was reading John Green's Paper Towns, I noted how familiar it was to his other coming of age story, Looking for Alaska. And although I have not jumped on the teen bandwagon yet,  I am going to go out on a limb and say that it has a similar feel to A Fault in Our Stars. It seems all of these stories have a similar theme, characters, and overall ending with a very familiar moral.
However similar it may be, I was able to connect to the characters in a way that made me want to keep the adventure going.
In Q's journey you want to smack him upside the head while screaming, "Just leave her be, you idiot!" However, after finishing and having a chance to digest the novel, it wasn't about getting the girl; it was about the journey. Q and his friends are at a golden age where there is a door closing, yet so many opportunities laid out for them. Margo rejects these opportunities and chooses her own path on her own terms. Q is almost unable to deal with this idea. He has this complete picture of "saving her", "being with her", and "fixing things", but as a reader you start to wonder if he will be disappointed by the end result. Q has to come to terms with his high school door closing, and he needs to accept the change going forward; perhaps Margo is not willing to accept the change in herself.

Green creates these male characters who have to come to life realizations on their own, but not until they deal with this strong female figure. I love this idea, and the story is more relate-able because the pull you feel to the characters is more genuine and real. Some aspects to the story are a little outlandish: Can readers really believe that two high school kids have the ability to break into SeaWorld at night, no. But Margo is an interesting character who shows strength in a different way, which leads to this obsession Q has for her, and later on, shows him the strength he has inside.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because when it comes down to it, I liked Looking for Alaska a little better. I liked the idea of finding your way out of your own labyrinth, and even though there is more adventure in this novel, there was just something about Alaska that I liked better than Margo. Don't get me wrong, this is definitely a feel good read as well; I read it quickly, and I was completely entertained with the high school antics going on throughout the pages. And yes, there are laugh out loud funny pieces of dialogue, so that is always a fun ride.
Green's writing also amazes me because there are so many thought provoking quotations that you can take away. His novels, at least the two I have read, are about real problems, real change, and dealing with real loss. His characters grow, and that is the most heart warming part, no matter what your view is of teen fiction.

~What a treacherous thing it is to believe that a person is more than a person~

There Is Nothing Perfect, There Is Only Life

Lily Owens grew up motherless. Her father resents her because it was Lily who was accidentally responsible for his wife's death. At least that's what she has been told. Lily finds herself drawn to her black housekeeper and mother figure, Rosaleen. After an incident in town, Rosaleen and Lily are arrested. It was later that night when Lily made the decision to break Rosaleen out of jail and search for answers about her mother. With $35, a week's worth of clothes, and the only pieces of her mother she has, Lily and Rosaleen are on the run as a young white girl and black housekeeper. Lily follows the only clue about her mother she has- a picture of a negro virgin Mary with the words "Tiburon" on the back. 
Following this picture leads her and Rosaleen to the doorstep of the "calendar sisters": August, June, and May. Desperately seeking answers but afraid of the outcome, Lily puts off asking the three sisters about knowing her mother or telling them the truth about where she and Rosaleen came from. August takes her in as one of their own and begins to teach her the ways of beekeeping and selling honey. Throughout the weeks Lily stays with the sisters, she begins to discover pieces of her past, her present, and herself that help to guide her. She discovers love, faith, finding herself in a world where she shouldn't belong, and how to forgive her mother, but more importantly herself.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a coming of age story that takes place right as the Civil Rights Movement was beginning. Lily is fourteen and makes a brave decision that kick starts the beginning of her life. This story is similar to The Help in the sense that it shows strong female presence in a world where black and white are supposed to be separate. Lily is young when she leaves home, and although the book only takes place within a few months, it appears she has grown a few years by the end.
One of the quotations from the book : "People, in general, would rather die than forgive. It's that hard. If God said in plain language, "I'm giving you a choice, forgive or die," a lot of people would go ahead and order their coffin". This stuck with me because throughout the entire novel Lily struggles with forgiving her mother, father, and herself. Forgiveness is a hard concept, but it's something everyone struggles with. I have been struggling with forgiveness for a few months now, so I think that is why I fell in love with this book so much. It is important to take in the world that August and her sisters provide for Lily because each of us has had a similar situation where it seemed we would rather be angry than let go.
Lily's coming of age journey is definitely uplifting, spiritual, and puts into perspective the time period. Lily discovers who she is in a place where she shouldn't belong, she finds out the answers she has been craving, and she begins to let go and realize she is enough in this world.

I had to read this book because I am teaching it as a summer reading option come September, but I am so glad I did. It really was a quick read, but such a feel good one for the summer. I did purchase the movie through Amazon so I can show it in class, but if it's anything like The Help, I look forward to it. This book really does give perspective and shows you that you are worth it, and even in a world where you might not fully belong, it is possible to find yourself and move forward. Truly amazing.

Stay Gold

In this town there are The Greasers and the Socs. If you're a Greaser, you are lower income and the bottom of the barrel, however Socs have all the money, the expensive cars, and the higher class girls. Ponyboy and his older brothers, Sodapop and Darry, are Greasers. Their world is surrounded with heartache, money problems, and absentee parents. But, the boys are a family. Ponyboy lives with his brothers, but the rest of the gang runs deeper than blood. They look out for their own, and if that means rumbling with the Socs, then that's what they have to do.
The night Darry and Ponyboy get into a heated altercation is the night life begins to change. Now Johnny and Ponyboy are on the run, and what they discover together changes their visions on their gangs backgrounds, but also sends them spiraling into a fatal tragedy.

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton is a classic. It's one of those books you have to read, at least once. It had been a long time since I read this book, but upon rereading, I discovered new things that made me fall in love with it; so much so that I did favorite the book on shelfari.
This book has so many themes; friendship, family, and the war between socioeconomic groups. Ponyboy's journey has a deeper meaning than simply hiding from the cops, or growing up in the slums. It's his coming of age story when he truly discovers himself. At the end of the novel you realize this whole story was Pony's composition for English class. He wanted his story heard because he wanted others to learn from it. His dysfunctional family, which consists of his brothers and his gang brothers, prove to be important pieces in this world, and it's something that Pony keeps close. He discovers the anger behind Dallas, but also the reason he chose his path. He shows that a young teenager can overcome fears, death, anger, and the obstacles of being poor in a rich world.

It's also a chance for readers to discover the true meaning to "stay gold". Sure Frost's interpretation of the poem leaves readers with the metaphor of fall and how leaves change colors. When you go deeper, you realize "gold" is getting older, losing your sense of freedom and happiness. But this was not The Outsiders' message. "Stay Gold" implies being true to yourself; no matter what if you keep that in mind, no one can take that from you. And this is even more echoed in Johnny's parting words, "You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want. There's still lots of good in the

world".  
After rereading this book I have discovered a lot more as well. My "gold" is to stay true to myself and make sure I don't lose that part of me. Crazy that a simple young adult book could affect someone's view, but this one really makes you think. We all have a little bit of Ponyboy inside; we all have that love for a good sunset, or a new dawn. This fictional interpretation of gang life sheds new light and shows that everyone has problems, it just depends on where and what.
Read this book, or reread it. After revisiting it years later, it has become a new favorite in my collection. And...who wouldn't want to date Dallas or Soda? I mean cute guys that are rough around the edges? Hell yea!

What Is Your Cause For Hope?

Miles, "Pudge, has a thing for famous last words. In fact, he's memorized hundreds of people's last words. He is searching for his "Great Perhaps", which he knows cannot be found at his lifeless high school. Pudge dives into Culver Creek Boarding School in search of change, adventure, and the chance of his great perhaps. In walks Alaska Young; strong female presence and mood swings for days. But there is something about Alaska that drives Pudge into a head first journey that is his Junior Year. With the help of his friends, The Colonel, Takumi, Lara, and of course the beautiful Alaska, Pudge may be closer to finding his adventure. Through pranks, over night camp outs, smoke breaks, and irresponsible drinking, Pudge's feelings for Alaska strengthen, but he seems at home in this new world. Suddenly, their world turns upside down when tragedy strikes. With this missing piece, is it possible for the great perhaps to happen? Or will Pudge and his roommate, The Colonel, crumble under their own guilt and emptiness?

Looking for Alaska by John Green was a novel most of my freshmen girls were reading and loved. So, of course, I needed to check this out. Alaska Young is a strong female who won't let any male tell her her place. She is out of control, a compulsive drinker and smoker, and her mood swings are hard to handle. Yet, she takes a hold on Pudge the minute he sees her. Her individuality sucks him into a whirlwind. Each adventure the crew takes, each idea Alaska suggests, and each moment they are together, Pudge can't seem to loosen his grip on her. But, Alaska is a complicated character. She's got baggage, and her ambiguous one liners are enough to show her buried pain beneath her hard exterior. Alaska is the nucleus that holds the group together, and once she is gone there is so much hurt, guilt, and loneliness.
Pudge and The Colonel are also complicated characters in themselves. Both are very bright, both share great qualities, but they both have different reasons for being drawn to Alaska. The Colonel has his poor background, and he feels he needs to prove he's worth a damn in a world where the rich rule. Meanwhile, Pudge is just searching for change, and of course, his great perhaps. It's difficult for the reader to really know if both of these characters seek answers for their own selfishness, or for Alaska. But you can tell both of these characters needed her; each for a different purpose.
Green's use of last words and "the labyrinth" were purposeful. Alaska mentions the labyrinth and how we can escape it, meanwhile the great perhaps is something that Pudge looks forward to. Could this labyrinth be the end? Or the beginning? Or could it be the great perhaps? Once tragedy strikes, each member of the posse find themselves lost in their own worlds, yet they have a common goal: Alaska.

This book is truly worth the hype. It's not a hard read where you have to pay attention to every single detail, but it does have a lot of themes circulating:  strength of characters, the idea that one person can truly be the driving force, and discovering how pain can be overcome when you have allies. I loved the characters, as they all had their own strong personality. You can see each one of them develop and change from the beginning, and it is all in part thanks to Alaska.
Although the mystery of Alaska's downfall was never officially uncovered, all they needed was a push to show them that the world may be a labyrinth, but each person has their own way out.

Great book, amazing writing, and every other page I have marked with great quotations. Definitely worth it. It goes quick, but it does hit hard.

~Thomas Edison's last words were: "It's beautiful over there." I don't know where there is, but I believe it's somewhere, and I hope it's beautiful. ~

Some Family Drama Is Too Much

Jeannette Walls has two loving parents and three lovable siblings. She enjoys adventure, is accustomed to change, and is very independent. Sounds normal. However, this family drama is not to hard to see. Rex and Rose Mary Walls are very loving, however very impulsive. Rex is an alcoholic, Rose Mary a starving artist, and both seem to get "bored" with the common things in life; such as living in one place for more than a month's time. Because of their decision making, Jeannette and her siblings are used to traveling. They are used to not having food in the house and not being able to eat for days. They are used to being on their own and having to rely on each other.
Throughout this autobiography, Jeannette goes through her family turmoil. One cannot help but be heartbroken as Walls goes through her broken and impoverished childhood, however, at the end of the novel there is a warm feeling because however horrible her experiences were, they truly shaped her into the woman she soon became.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls was one of the few non-fiction books I actually enjoyed. There were sections of this book that made me want to cry because of the blatant neglect of her parents. Growing up in a warm family environment where my parents would rather die than let my siblings and I go without food or shelter, it was often very disturbing to know that these experiences Walls discusses are real. Her father often disappeared for days, only to return drunk and unrealistic. He stole money from strangers, but also from his two daughters who were hoping to save up for a better life. There was even one section where Jeannette was in danger of being sexually assaulted while accompanying her father to a bar, but he disregarded her screams for his drink and gambling. Her mother's dreams of becoming an artist are completely far fetched, but often get in the way of her parenting. Painting overshadows putting food on the table  for her four kids, bathing and getting new clean clothes is secondary, and with every horrible experience, she always has a positive outlook, even if it is hopeless.
As ghastly as the stories were, the reader never gets a sense that Jeannette hated her parents. In fact, it seems she is thanking them with this novel. Without their inability to parent in a warm and responsible manner, Walls would never have had the courage to embark on her own journey after high school. There were many times when I was more angry for her, but after finishing the novel, I realized that her experiences truly did transform her. Although her siblings and her did not come out sparkly clean and completely changed, each had their own separate journey, their own mountain to climb, and it was thanks to their parents they had that opportunity.
I would recommend this story; as angry as you may get, the overall feeling this piece gives is great. There are some slower parts as the story continues, but the end result is always the same. At one point, your anger turns to heartbreak, then you just root for the kids to make it through. Everyone needs a story about overcoming obstacles, and this is it.

Maybe Hope isn't the Most Dangerous Thing...Maybe Love is Worse

After being married off to Linden with two sister wives and experiencing the loss of her family, Rhine finally escapes her father in law's grasp, only to be pulled back in. It seems all of Rhine's journey has been for naught, until she realizes her twin brother, Rowan, is alive and getting much unwanted publicity. Her strength and determination return and, though against her father in law's will, she sets out to find her brother, and the boy she left behind.
Although heartbroken once before because of her absence, Linden agrees to send Rhine to stay with his uncle to get her strength up, then she will be off to search for Rowan and Gabriel alone. However, the trip doesn't leave Rhine so alone. Cecily, her once sister wife, Linden, and baby Bowen accompany her to Uncle Reed's, unsure of what they'll experience.
Reed seems odd, but the more Rhine stays, the more she discovers about this man. He has the ability to make things grow, whereas his brother, Vaughn does anything to prod, poke, and ultimately destroy. Throughout their journey, each of the character's are faced with despair, hardships, and courage. Trying to outrun Vaughn, while holding onto the only hope they all have, which is each other, and the determination to survive.
Is it possible, after all Rhine's been through, to completely leave the mansion, the ex husband, and the life she knew for a year behind in order to search after a brother and boy who could all be but forgotten and lost?

Sever by Lauren DeStefano is absolutely the best end to this trilogy. Since I first picked up Wither when she first began the series, these books have held onto my heart and have not let go. The writing, you can tell, is so carefully done. Each idea, each sentence, each word is so well done. That was part of the fun of reading this.
Even better: the covers of all these books include so many different objects, but all of them relate to this story. All of these items contribute somehow to the journey, and they affect the story's theme. It is just attention to detail that really makes this a thoughtful piece as well as an entertaining one.
The other amazing part is the story itself. It is truly amazing how the idea of a disease taking the young 21 and 25 year olds can create such a dystopic society that is so enchanting and hauntingly real. Life is a race against time; a race to succeed and maybe have a shot to find this cure. What Rhine discovers about Vaughn, her parents, and her brother is truly remarkable, and it completely changes the reader's opinion of all these characters.
The really amazing thing about DeStefano is that she manages to incorporate all the character's into Rhine's world AND make them relevant. Cecily's character develops in a way where readers actually enjoy her wild emotions. Linden is determining whether he should disobey his father for the first time, or stay with what he has always considered safe. Even Vaughn becomes more than a monster, and maybe appears to be the only one who can really change the world.
I fell in love with all the characters, and towards the end it was really hard to to determine who I should "root" for. Rhine grew tremendously throughout the trilogy, and it was a journey that all readers will be happy to take with her.
Although there was a great deal of tragedy and sadness, I feel like the end was appropriate and not at all expected. All characters were able to find their place, even those who have been dead and buried. Because even the dead play a role...

Such an amazing trilogy, and it is DEFINITELY a must read!

They Were Just Science Experiments...Gone Wrong

It's been a while since the last post, but I have started revisiting old favorites. The reason...well my public library won't let me hold onto a best seller for more than 3 weeks, and with finals (because we all know high school students are extremely needy) I haven't had a chance to try something new. I need my brain to focus on new books, but past loves, I can easily get through quickly. Here's what I'm on:

Chloe Saunders is an average 15 year old, until she gets shipped off to the looney bin because she

was "seeing ghosts". Once there, she is thrust into the world of the Edison Group; lots of therapists 24/7, and a group of kids around her age who all seem to have something a little off. Chloe is slapped with a schizophrenic label and medicated, just like the others, so all seems natural. Until, Chloe begins to see things, hear things, and suspect that maybe the diagnosis at this hospital isn't truthful. Her roommate, Liz, is said to throw things across the room and make things move without anyone seeing her actually touch them. Now, after one outburst, she's gone; left to be rehabilitated, the nurses say. But why can Chloe see her days later, as a ghost? Derek and Simon, two step brothers with enough issues between the two, take notice of Chloe and her "abilities". She realizes she's a young necromancer, so she was seeing something; it wasn't a mental illness. 
Chloe begins to see that maybe these illnesses the group presents are just a front; so what's the hospital hiding? All they know is they are apart of some kind of experiment, so they need to get out, find Simon's father, and get some answers. But, can they all escape the Edison Group's clutches? Are the answers they seek even able to be found?

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong is the first in the Darkest Powers Trilogy. I absolutely fell in love with this series once I first read them. The writing is good, not the best I have ever read, but it flows nicely. Armstrong really does a nice job of capturing a fifteen year old's point of view. Plus, it's a new take on super powers. The kids all have something that is hidden, and it's not until they all recognize the lies that they realize they need to break out of this supposed hospital. The more things Chloe sees, the more the story unwinds and they realize this is no hospital, and they are not mental patients. Chloe's character changes dramatically throughout the novels, which is really amazing, so the reader knows she's actually growing up. All the characters, slowly but surely, do become more aware of their powers, stronger, and more attached to each other.
I will not say a bad thing about this series. This series centers around Chloe being a necromancer, which is an interesting power to take the spot light. I think that's why I was so drawn to the series, and I will always be. This is my second time around, and I am still enjoying the story, even though I already know the end. Definitely a must read! :)

The Pilot, The Poet, The Physic

Throughout their journey, Cassia and Ky have been lost, found, and lost again. Now, Ky is a pilot who brings in cargo for The Pilot in charge of the Rising. Each day he desperately tries to get closer to Cassia, but it seems, for now, they are lost. Cassia is part of the Rising, but hidden within the Society's hold. She continues to trade artifacts (old poems, pills) for information regarding this new wave of change, while still staying in her sorting role. But she also longs to be reunited with her family, and with Ky. Xander is a medic for the Officials in the Society. Each day he gives newborns the cure for the plague and the red tablets, without the other medics knowing this is his plan. He vows to save those who are sick, although a part of him always thinks of Cassia. Would she have picked him if she had stayed?

The three are introduced to The Pilot leading the Rising, and a new wave of government can begin. However, people are getting sick. There is a new plague that no one knows how to cure. Hundreds are going still each day, and a number of those are dying. Just when hope seems lost, The Pilot recruits the three to help establish a cure in a village outside the Society's walls. The Pilot vows to return when they have a cure, so they may administer it to other villages. Is it possible that a cure can come from here? If it does, how many is The Rising willing to lose to prove they are the government to be trusted?

Reached by Ally Condie is the final in the Matched trilogy. Although Crossed was a little let down, Reached pulled the series back up and made me want to stand up and cheer. Condie's writing is so increidble that I found myself book marking multiple pages. The writing stuck with me, and it seemed so effortless. Truly remarkable how Condie has written three books, all of which have the same writing affect.
I liked Reached much more than Crossed(the second in the trilogy) because I felt there was more to it. We did a lot of traveling, lots of things were changing, but it just felt so long. I think it helped that Condie added Xander's point of view to this book. Giving Ky a voice was great, but I always loved Xander because you knew from the beginning there was something different about him. There is something he is hiding. In my opinion, Xander is the strongest of the three. He knows he has pretty much lost the fight for Cassia's heart, but there is a part of him that holds out hope. But, he is driven to other things. Watching him cure people, and seeing his effort makes readers realize he is more than a love sick puppy. He cares for Cassia, but he also cares for Ky. He doesn't hold jealousy, but rather sadness and longing for something more. And honestly, I would have chosen him. :)

Reached shows how one form of corrupt government can be taken over, but perhaps this new wave may not be the answer either. The emphasis on the disease and how much information The Pilot is withholding begins to confuse readers as well. Who can we trust? What are the secrets being kept, and which way should we go?
I labeled the book as "mature audience" simply because younger students may not grasp the concept of the government control; which is the same case with books like, The Hunger Games. The purpose that drives the book is not knowing who can be trusted. The three characters trust each other, and now must reach their own discovery on who is their "Pilot" and who should be followed. I feel this is a real complicated issue, and at times it does make you reconsider how much trust you hold in your government. What are they really keeping from you?
Although it took me a while to get through, lack of time on my part, it was well worth it and a definite great ending to the trilogy. Although we have not "reached" an outcome for the continuing government at the end of the novel, we can assume things will be better. Because they have to.

There is something extraordinary about the first time falling. But it feels even better to find myself standing on solid ground, with someone holding on to me, pulling me back, and know that I'm doing the same for her. ~Condie

Cupcakes and Hockey...I'm game

Hudson is the cupcake queen of her small town. Her dreams of becoming a figure skater were short lived after her parents divorced, and since that day she hasn't made any mention of it. Hudson bakes cupcakes for the diner, and she hopes that one day she could get out of this small town in Buffalo.

One day she receives a letter about a figure skating invitational that could win her scholarship money for college. A college away from Watonka. Around the same time, the Watonka hockey team asks for her help with technique in exchange for ice time. How can she resist the hockey boys? Now she's determined to not let anything come between her and her dream again.

But between baking and waitressing at the diner, a possible love triangle, and training, Hudson discovers she may be stretching herself too thin. And maybe her future isn't so certain after all...

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler was a very cutesy, girly, read. Each chapter begins with cupcake recipes, which was yummy and great because I love baking and am constantly looking for new ideas. Did it have anymore depth than a simple teen drama, no. The main character was a typical girl with a dilemma and a desperate desire to leave her small town for better things. It was really simple, had nothing to it, but was very cute and sweet at the same time.
It was predictable, but a nice fluff read. I mean who doesn't like cupcakes and hockey boys?
Don't expect too much out of it, but it's worth a chance if you're looking for a quick read.

Her Return From The Underworld Marks the Beginning of Spring...

Nikki Beckett's life took a rough turn. Then she vanished; sucked into the world of Everneath; a place filled with immortals who feed on human despair and pain. But now she's returned to her old life, only to be reminded her time on earth is a short one.

She has six month before the Everneath claims her once again, this time forever. She uses this time to reconnect and say her formal goodbyes to her family, friends, and old boyfriend. Her love for Jack was what brought her back, and now she must come to terms with the fact that this time she will lose him, forever. Cole, the immortal who brought her to the Everneath, is desperately trying to convince Nikki to return with him to rule the underworld. Nikki's strong will continues to fend him off, but once time gets closer for her return, will it be her only option?

Everneath by Brodi Ashton is a bittersweet retelling of the Persephone myth. I really enjoyed how Ashton managed to weave mythology into the novel. It is, of course, modern, so it is a little flaky and lame at times, but the fact that Ashton incorporated a really neat myth into a teen read is awesome.
Nikki really does come of age because of her return. Her reasoning for entering Everneath was very impulsive, and there were points in the novel where I didn't feel sorry for her because of it. However, Jack still cares for her. His feeling, his emotions, and his genuine love for her is so apparent. I felt sorry for Nikki simply because of him. Don't get me wrong, Nikki is a good main character and readers do feel her pain and her longing, but there are times when you will question your feelings simply because she is a seventeen year old girl who acts impulsively.
Cole is a great character. I liked how conniving he was, yet, you could tell his "heart"  belongs to Nikki. He and her had great banter, and he always tended to show up unexpectedly and unannounced. He feeds on despair and pain, but he also can make people feel his emotions. Anger, sadness, love. It was really incredible. Plus, who doesn't love a good bad guy; especially one who is a rock star?

The novel is definitely worth a read. I wouldn't go in expecting a classic, but a modern take on an old myth is quite refreshing. It will be the first of a trilogy, so this forces readers to wonder what else Ashton has in store for this Everneath world.