Book Review: Snapshots by Patricia Lynne

I have long had Snapshots by Patricia Lynne on my to-read list. One look at the cover and then a sneak peek at the book's description, and, of course, I was hooked. However, being that my "to-read" list grows exponentially with every day that passed, it often takes some fire under my butt to come back around and grab up those I have been waiting for. In this case, it was the Birthday Bash Patricia Lynne is throwing for her book. Seizing the opportunity to celebrate a book, I contacted Patricia and told her I'd come along for the ride! A hugely welcomed step one: read Snapshots.

About the Book

My name is Cyclop Blaine and I am a real person.
    “You are mine.”
I am a real person: heedless of a childhood spent under the supervision of an old man I only know as Master.
    “You belong to me.”
I am a real person: regardless of my teenage years bound by violence as the adoptive son of the Victory Street Gang's leader.
    “You will obey me.”
I am a real person: despite the visions I see in others' eyes. Snapshots of their futures.
    “You will cower before me.”
I am a real person: my life will be my own. I belong to no one.
    “You. Are. MINE.”

My Review

This was a fun and fast read. The book is told from Cyclop's (Cyc) perspective in a very realistic first person. Cyc's questions about himself both in his superhuman abilities and in his all too human confusion about his sexuality ring true throughout the book. The relationships Cyc develops throughout the book feel genuine and Cyc's world is fully fleshed out (I half expected to run into some members of the Victory Street gang right in my neighborhood... maybe hanging out on Victory Boulevard!).

In the end this is a great scifi summer read. However, what I'm sold on even more than the scifi is the reality of Cyc's confusion about his sexuality. Patricia Lynne creatively presents a confusion that is surely shared by many LGBT teens that I have not yet seen in any other books I have read. When time marches on and the details of this story fade from my mind I know that this part of it will stay as it has opened me up to a new way of thinking.

I highly recommend this book to those who like scifi and are not uncomfortable with multiple definitions of love and partnerships.

More About the Author

As part of the Snapshots Birthday Bash, I got the opportunity to interview Patricia Lynne. To learn more about her, her taste in Anime and what else she's writing, head over to today's other post: Author Interview Patricia Lynne.


Where To Get Your Copy Of Snapshots

Are you ready to start reading? Patricia has her book selling all over the web in whatever format you'd like to tote around with you:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble

Smashwords
Kobo
iTunes
Sony eBooks

But WAIT... There's more. In order to fully celebrate Snapshots' birthday, Patricia Lynne has been awesome enough to share her book with Rivera Runs Through It readers! AND... she's offering up two versions: eBook and Paperback! If you are interested in winning a copy of Snapshots, use the widget below to enter.

 

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Book Review and Giveaway: Big Nate Flips Out by Lincoln Peirce

Shop Indie BookstoresI was really happy that I got the opportunity to meet Lincoln Pierce and get a copy of Big Nate Flips Out. Having never read any Big Nate or Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, I was curious to see what all the hubbub was about these books that lived somewhere in between a middle grade novel and a graphic novel. I have to admit, my expectations were low. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into.

Big Nate Flips Out is the fifth of the Big Nate books, but I was able to jump right in - learning quickly about Nate, his friends, teachers and enemies. This book is a fun read, filled with jokes, a secret code to crack (you better keep page 13 bookmarked like I did!) and an awesome message about friendship. As I read through the book I was not only struck by how much I was enjoying the book, but also by how deeply I wished this book was out when I was in middle school. This is the exact kind of book and series I would have devoured the moment each was released. 

About The Book (from the back cover)

Everyone knows N-A-T-E does NOT equal N-E-A-T! And when Nate's sloppiness gets out of hand, Francis is in serious trouble. Can Nate clean up his act, or will he flip out first?

My Review

I can only imagine that Big Nate fans are already sold on this latest release, but for those of you who haven't tried him out, this is a great book to start with. This book will appeal to all types of readers. Reluctant readers will be drawn in by the intermittent comics splitting up what might feel like "too many words," while the more advanced readers will love trying to master the special code Nate and Francis write in! I highly recommend this book for middle grade readers - it is a fantastic reminder of how FUN books can be!

WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY!!

Lincoln Pierce was signing copies of Big Nate Flips Out when I was at BookExpo America this month, so I got a copy for YOU. Interested in grabbing up this book?

Now's your chance!

Use the widget below to enter to win your autographed hard-covered copy of Big Nate Flips Out by Lincoln Pierce.

Unfortunately, this giveaway is open to US residents only!

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WRITE EVERY DAY by Cathy Yardley

Note: The book written about in the following blog post was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I happen to love books about the craft of writing, but this is the first book I sat down with that focused on actually getting writing done. The fact is, as much as writers love their craft, too many let life get in the way. Cathy Yardley is a prolific writer, the creator of the Rock Your Writing program and a writing coach. In this latest release, Write Every Day, Yardley presents what the most common issues are that hold writers back from reaching their writing goals, and then she presents a solution to every single one.

The major issues Yardley presents, and tackles, in this book are:

• time management
• inconsistent energy
• fear

Now, I don't want you to think these are simple solutions - you will have to work - but that, at it's core, is the message, isn't it? Writing is a chosen profession, one that we are passionate about, no question, but if you want to be successful there will be some elbow grease required. However, Yardley's solutions are so well thought out and researched that it is clear they will not only improve your writing production, but probably your whole life surrounding it. The fantastic thing about this book is that Yardley has blended together time management advice, health advice and her own writing experience to write the guide every writer needs. The book includes countless resources for each reader to explore on their own depending on their needs and desires.

This book is a quick read, a handy reference, and - in my opinion - a must own for all writers. Whether you are already published and wishing you could produce even more, or if you are just starting out and trying to figure out how to fit writing into your life; this book will take you through the steps to figure out that answer.

What are your writing goals?

What is the major thing in your life holding you back from reaching those goals?

MG Book Review and Giveaway - Tales From Lovecraft Middle School by Charles Gilman

Note: The book(s) written about in the following blog post were given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I must admit, with all of the reading I have done, I still have not gotten around to reading any H.P. Lovecraft (do not throw things at me!). However, if they are as fun and as imaginative as Charles Gilman's series Tales From Lovecraft Middle School, then it is high time I get my act together and read.

Last year, when I first received a copy of Professor Gargoyle to review, I was a bit skeptical. I thought to myself, This might be sute for kids, but I doubt I'll like it. I couldn't have been more wrong. The stories are fun, funny and creepy! As a massive Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I love the whole idea of monsters and demons finding their way into school with only a few "knowing" students understanding why or how to defend against them.

About the Story

The summer before Robert Arthur goes to middle school his neighborhood got redistricted. Now he's headed off to Lovecraft Middle School while the rest of his friends are going to Franklin Middle School. There's nothing he can do about it, but at least his new school is state-of-the-art. The school is brand new, high tech and built with completely recycled materials. But as Robert begins his classes, creepy stuff starts happening, his science teacher is extra weird and, of course, the only kid he knows in Lovecraft is the kid that's been bullying him for years!

Through the two books I have read so far, Robert is balancing the job of being the "new kid" in school with his battle against all the things he discovers about his mysterious school.  He's relate-able and not unlike another children's book character I remember loving so much that went by the name Harry.

My Review

I'm trying not to give any spoilers away, which is why this post turning out to be is so short.  Here's the thing: I love these books. They're the types of books that are fun to read and you just want to talk to other people about. I think kids will love the story and it's accompanying art that brings the monsters vividly to life. In addition, the entire presentation of these books is fantastic - every book in the series comes with a lenticular cover that shows the transformation of the bad guy(s) in that book from human to demon. I challenge any parent to walk into a bookstore where these books are on display to see if their kid can walk by without reaction.

I highly recommend these books to middle aged kids that don't scare too easily. The scare factor isn't too high, but it has its creepy moments and it is full of monsters at school. I think that's fun, and the ending of book two definitely took me by surprise giving me goosebumps. But, let's face it, I'm terrified of E.T. I understand that every reader has their own fear threshold. I think the basic litmus test is the covers - if you can look at these creepy covers without suffering weeks of nightmares, then you are ready to read Professor Gargoyle and The Slither Sisters.

THE GIVEAWAY!!

Are you ready to jump in?  If so, I have an Advanced Reader's Copy of Professor Gargoyle  that I am willing to part with as well as a copy of the lenticular that is typically a part of the cover of the hardcover released books.

To enter this giveaway, log into the rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. There are many ways to enter (and some ways can be done over and over again!). Good Luck!

Unfortunately, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

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Audiobook Review - Escape From Camp 14 by Blaine Harden

Shop Indie BookstoresMy younger brother started reading Escape from Camp 14 about a month ago. My brother is the type of guy who only reads nonfiction or military based stories. He's a former marine, current police officer and he is infused with a quest for global justice. He watches news channels and the History Channel incessantly, always questioning the actions of the past, the present and constantly demanding that we, as Americans, step up to do what is right in every corner of the planet. He was incensed by what he was reading in Camp 14. He called me daily, regaling me with horrific tales from its pages and demanding that I read this book. I told him I couldn't. I told him I wouldn't. I told him that it would just upset me.

And then I thought about that. Was that a good reason for me to turn my back on the realities of the world around me? I decided it wasn't. I found the audiobook in my library (using the AWESOME OverDrive APP to download it directly to my iPhone) and borrowed it. I opted for audio for two reasons: (1) it takes me forever to read nonfiction, and (2) if it took too long to read I was sure I would walk away from it.

When I was in high school we read Night by Elie Wiesel. Before that I had read Anne Frank: The Diary of A Young Girl in middle school. Both terrified me. Both books made me question humanity. However, both of those stories existed in a past so  far removed from my life that I could live knowing it was a mistake we all learned from. I told myself that humanity knew better and that the global community would never allow something like that to happen again.

I don't know if you have picked this up yet from reading my blog, but even at thirty-six years of age, I am still terribly naive.

I am so happy I listened to this book. Although, "happy" doesn't seem to be the right word for a book that is so upsetting. Here's the thing... this book is an important read. This tragedy is going on right now on our planet and it is horrifying to contemplate. It is so easy to think that our world has progressed past such injustices when we live in cities whose major political battles are over soda sizes, but it is not. Right now, this very moment, there are people in political prisons in North Korea. Some of those people, like Shin Dong-hyuk, were born there and know nothing of our world - in fact they know nothing of their own country: they know only the prison. They know only hunger. They know only deceit, punishment and pain.

About the Book 

If you have not heard of Escape From Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, here is a brief description:

North Korea is isolated and hungry, bankrupt and belligerent. It is also armed with nuclear weapons. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are being held in its political prison camps, which have existed twice as long as Stalin's Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. Very few born and raised in these camps have escaped. But Shin Donghyuk did.
In Escape from Camp 14, acclaimed journalist Blaine Harden tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk and through the lens of Shin's life unlocks the secrets of the world's most repressive totalitarian state. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence-he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his own family. Through Harden's harrowing narrative of Shin's life and remarkable escape, he offers an unequaled inside account of one of the world's darkest nations and a riveting tale of endurance, courage, and survival.

My Review

In my opinion, Escape From Camp 14 is a must-read. Blaine Harden, who wrote the book and narrates the audiobook, does an excellent job of steeping Shin's story in facts about North Korea's politics, government and economy enabling readers to have as clear a picture as possible of what goes on behind the mysterious borders of North Korea. I appreciated the fact that Harden admitted his own skepticism about all of what Shin had to tell. His straight-talk reporting style of conveying this story provided a perfect balance to a story that is already full of enough drama and horror in its truth.

Right now, Shin Dong-hyuk's story is one of a kind. There has been no documented case of a person who was born and raised in these camps escaping. There has been no one to tell this story. It has remained a dark and evil secret. Read this book. Tell others to read this book. This is not a secret that should be kept.

Though I know not what to do, this book makes me think of this quote.

Have you read Escape From Camp 14? What did you think?

Have you ever shied away from a book because it was "too real"? If so, which book was it?

YA Book Review and Giveaway - RUSH (The Game: Book 1) by Eve Silver

This book went everywhere this week!

Eve Silver's new YA book, Rush, is perhaps one of the most appropriately named books I have ever read. From page one, the action is high, the suspense is thick and the mystery is unfolding. The story eggs you on to keep turning pages no matter what else you may have planned to do for the day.

In Rush Silver introduces us to a unique multi-ethnic protagonist, Miki Jones, who is thrust into a scifi universe while she is still trying to deal with the loss of her mother. Quickly, her alternate reality becomes more tangible than what she previously considered her "real life." It is difficult for me to write about this book without revealing spoilers along the way, but I will say that Miki, along with a team of teens also "pulled" from their reality, has been tasked with saving humanity from an alien invasion. The reasons why these particular teens have been pulled, the alien race that threatens humanity's destruction and the nature of the battles are all freshly unique to Silver's universe and, I think, will have wide appeal to both boys and girls.

In addition to the thrill of the action throughout the story, Silver is masterful in capturing a budding young romance. The last time I think I felt so much longing for a first kiss to happen was with my own! I love that, in this YA novel, the build up to that moment was so vividly expressed throughout the pages. It was a perfect reflection of teen voice.

My Review

If it isn't already abundantly clear, I highly recommend this book. On Goodreads, I gave it the full five stars without reservation. For readers who enjoyed the Hunger Games, but who are ready to leave dystopian worlds behind, this is your next new read. The story combines scifi, gaming and romance as seamlessly as it lives in the world of most adolescents today.

GET YOUR COPY OF RUSH

Rush will be released on June 11, 2013 (next Tuesday, so there are a couple of options for you to be among the first to read this book:

• Go to a bookstore but, more specifically, if you have an indie bookstore near you, then go there and befriend your bookseller!
• Order it online while still supporting the independent bookstores by using Indiebound to make your order.
• WIN A FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY FROM ME! As much as I love this book, I am willing to part with it to spread the love. If you want to enter to possibly win my autographed copy of Rush by Eve Silver, then enter unsing the RAFFLECOPTER widget below before Friday, June 7, 2013:

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KidLit Review - 10 Plants That Shook The World by Gillian Richardson

10 Plants That Shook The World by Gillian Richardson from Annick Press

Synopsis

Plants might start out as leafy things growing in the earth, but they can come into our lives in unexpected ways. And believe it or not, some have even played an exciting role in our world's history. Discover how: Countries went to war to control trade centers for pepper A grass called papyrus became the first effective tool for sharing knowledge through writing Europeans in the 1600s cut down rainforests to grow sugar, contributing to soil erosion Cotton improved the livelihoods of a few, but caused unthinkable suffering for many more Corn fueled new technologies and turns up in thousands of everyday products The discovery of rubber revolutionized transportation, making bike and car tires possible Tea and chocolate became big business, and the race for profits was on Dependence on the potato caused one of the greatest tragedies in history, while the bark of the cinchona tree saved countless lives from malaria.

The ten plants in this book are the source of profound changes in the world, both good and bad. Through vibrant illustrations and astonishing facts, you'll discover that without them, our lives today would be vastly different.

My Review

While the intended audience of this book is children, I have to say, even at my age,  I learned a ton from reading it. I was captivated by the history behind each of the plants Gillian Richardson profiled in this book, they are:

• Papyrus
• Pepper
• Tea
• Sugarcane
• Cotton 
• Cacao
• Cinchona
• Rubber
• Potato
• Corn

For each plant Richardson begins with a brief overview of where it originated, how old the plant is, and the plants "likes" and "dislikes." Then she gives us the story of the plant, which is, in essence, its history. To be honest you, if this was all that was in this book, my expectations would have been satisfied, but Richardson had grander plans.

For each plant there were additional embedded blurbs concerning individual anecdotes about the plant in our world. How each plant affected economies, environments, world explorations and warfare were all aspects discussed. Each section also featured a narrative describing a pivotal piece of the plant's history from the perspective of a person whose life was directly affected by it. I thought these stories were beautifully creative ways to bring even a small aspect of the history to life for the reader.

The color palette and art by Kim Rosen were seamless throughout the book and kid friendly. (Here's a post about Kim's work on the book!) Flipping through the pages of the book, you get the impression that it is informative and intriguing without being overwhelming. By the end of my read, I was shocked by how much information was packed in this unassuming book!

My Final Word

It is easy for us to forget how amazing something as simple as pepper or tea is. This book is a great reminder for adults and the beginning of that education for kids. The beautiful balance between straight expository (fact based) text, creative nonfiction, lists and artwork found in this book is rarely accomplished so well. Reading this book was a pleasure and I plan to read it again.  I think this book is great read for kids interested in history or the environment, but can also be an excellent resource book for any reports that may be coming up during the school year.

Which of the ten plants written about in this book would be most earth-shattering for you to live without?

What do you look for in a nonfiction read? 

When buying a book for a child, do you prefer to gift fiction or nonfiction? Why?

Thanks for reading!

-------

I was given a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

YALit Review - Guardians Inc.: The Cypher

Guardians Inc.: The Cypher Synopsis

GUARDIANS INC.: THE CYPHER is two stories in one. A glimpse into a multinational company that is in reality the oldest of secret societies, one that spans close to seven thousand years of existence, weaving in and out of history, guiding and protecting humanity from creatures and forces that most of us believe are only mythology and fairy tales.

The other is the story of Thomas Byrne, a young man thrust into secrets he shouldn’t be aware of and dangers he shouldn’t face but, that he ultimately will, for he is a Cypher. The only one who can steer humanity’s future.

The ultimate conspiracy theory is that Magic is real. Kept in check by technology but, every five hundred years the balance can shift and, if it does, technology will fail and those creatures we’ve driven into myth will come back with a vengeance.

To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future.

 My Review

As soon as I picked up Guardians Inc.: The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain I was hooked. The story begins with 15 year old Thomas Byrne getting ready to face Vice Principal Killjoy... ahem... I mean Khanna for a fight he got into in his new school. Immediately I was drawn into Thomas' tale and was curious about the Vice Principal whose school reputation seemed to cloud over some real secrets. Thomas is in a new school because his parents went missing on a vacation while Thomas was staying with his grandfather, Morgan. Since Morgan has to get a new job to help support his grandson he and Thomas look through the newspaper for job listings, which is when the real fun begins.

Both Thomas and Morgan are hired by a mysterious company housed in a mansion that appears two and half blocks away from Morgan's house. Of course, this mansion is not ordinary in any way and as we follow Thomas in his new job, we start to see how unique it is. This mansion was one of the most fascinating parts of the book. Just like the Percy Jackson and Harry Potter stories, Thomas' story is of a world that exists just beyond the reach of our own, but affects us all. I love this kind of story and, in that sense this book delivered. The cast of characters are also likeable (when they are supposed to be) and I can definitely see myself following this adventure through to its sequels.

If I had any criticism of this book it would be that it felt like a "first book." In other words, there was a lot of origin and world building which is, of course, necessary, but for that reason I felt like the book ended just when the action was truly escalating. This is a great hook to get me to read book two, but I wonder if the target audience - YA - will feel cheated while reading.

To Delve Further

For those who are captivated by the Guardians Inc. world, there is a Guardians Inc website and a Guardians Inc. Facebook page to learn more about the author, the characters and the universe they operate in.

My Final Word

I highly recommend this book to fans of Percy Jackson. While this story is completely unique in its conflicts, our teenage male protagonist learning of his secret powers that are needed to save the world is something Percy fans will gobble up!

Thinking only of books in a series, is there any "first book" that you think works well as a standalone?

If you lived in a world where magic was put up against technology, which side would you take? 

May's Reading Challenge

It's Spring. It's time to clean and what am I buried in? Books to read! A huge portion of them are ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) that I wish to read and review. The problem is, typically, life gets in the way of me accomplishing this. Well, not this month!

Thanks to Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, there is a challenge this month that is going to light the fire under my lazy reader's butt to get me to read and review as many of the ARCs I have in one month: it's called the "Clean Sweep ARC Challenge." If you would like to join me, the linky to join will remain open until May 15th, so it is not too late!

 

My reading list for this challenge 

(which includes ancient ARCs from last year's BEA through digital ARCs that were approved as recently as yesterday!) 

The Last Policeman

The Curiosities

After

The Company of Writers

Guardians, Inc. : The Cypher (read and REVIEWED)

Eat Drink Vote

The Facebook Diet (read!)

crush.candy. corpse

The How-To Handbook

Identity Theft

Burning the Page

Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time

Being Henry David

The Revelations of Jude Connor

I still have more. Finishing this list will not be a complete sweep, but writing this list out like this is showing me exactly how many I still have to read. If I can get through this batch, I'll come back and add more.

For now, I think I better stop blogging and jump into that reading list. 

Thanks for reading!

This list includes fiction, YA, graphic novels, books on writing, nonfiction and short stories: which genre are you most interested in hearing (reading) about?

Review: Tao Teh Chung by Lao Tzu (translation by John C. Wu)

This is my first reading of the Tao Teh Ching, so I can not compare John C. Wu's work to other translations, but I can say that I enjoyed the reading thoroughly. Each page reads as a meditation in and of itself. For those who can read Chinese, this edition of the book included the original Chinese written characters of each poem rather than any illustrations or pictures.

If you were raised in Western traditions, as I was, reading the Tao Teh Ching can begin to give you a perspective of the individualistic nature of the Taoist philosophy where following "the way" or "the path" is simply a journey of self requiring no institution or grand gestures of ritual. To sum up this sentiment, I give you Chapter 47:

Without going out of your door,
You can know the ways of the world.
Without peeping out your window, 
You can see the Way of Heaven.
The farther you go,
The less you know.

Thus, the Sage knows without traveling,
Sees without looking,
And achieves without Ado.

I look forward to rereading this book as well as checking out other translations, as I have heard that this is truly the way to get the most out of this writing.

Have you read Tao Teh Ching?

If so, which translation(s)?  

Review: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

Picture books mark a child's first introduction into the wonderful world of reading. What better way to do that than with some simplistic, friendly art and a touch of humor? I loved the book I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen! This is a great read aloud book with a surprising ending that will put your whole audience in stitches.

I'm going to say this: even if you don't have kids, you owe it to yourself to take ten minutes to read this book in your local bookstore or at your library!

 

Book Review - So, You Want To Be A Writer? by Vicki Hambleton and Cathleen Greenwood

Vicki Hambleton and Cathleen Greenwood came together to write a fantastic book for young adult aspiring writers. So, You Want To Be A Writer? How To Get Published, and Maybe Even Make It BIG! is so wonderful that even I, at nearly 36 years of age, found it to be entertaining, informative and useful. In fact, while initially I was planning on giving this book to my husband to put in his classroom after I reviewed it, I have now directed him to purchase a copy for the class, as I plan to keep my copy as my own personal writer's reference!

You may be wondering what's so great about this book that I couldn't find searching around the Internet or many of the writing books I have already read and put up on my reference shelf, well, here are a couple of things that set this book apart:

• The Voice: While this book is intended for a younger audience, it never talks down to its reader. The content is rich and uses the terminology of the publishing world while introducing it clearly and simply. Also, at the end of the book, there is a glossary containing all of the pertinent vocabulary!
• The Design: The book can be read cover to cover for a reader who wishes to learn everything they need to know to get started in their writing career, or the reader can jump into which ever chapter(s) s/he wishes to learn more about. In this way, the book will end up being a handy reference for all who own it.
• The Anecdotes and Author Profiles: Within every chapter, there are anecdotes from established authors about their own experiences as well as profiles of young writers demonstrating how they found success in writing. With these sections the reader is introduced to the diverse potential and career options for those interested in a writing life.
• The Full Scope: At 192 pages, this book is short and sweet, but within that small package the entire scope of the writing life is exposed. The twelve chapters of the book cover everything from the "Tools, Time and Turf" needed for writing, selecting a genre to write, finding a career to match your writing style, the process of getting published, and even has writing exercises and resources that the reader can continue to use over and over again.

There was only one problem I found with this book after I finished reading it: it should have been published 20+ years ago!!

Personally, I think every middle school and high school writing teacher should have this book available as a reference for the aspiring writers in their classes. If you are not a writing teacher, but you happen to know a young aspiring writer (or you are one yourself), this is a great gift idea. Let's let our young writers know that they can begin living their writing lives now!

 

 

YA Book Review and Giveaway - Skinny by Donna Cooner

When I heard about Skinny by Donna Cooner in the YA Editor's Buzz Panel at this year's Book Expo America, I knew it was one book I just had to get my hands on. Not only did this book sound like it was going going to be an enjoyable read, I felt that it might also turn out to be an important one.

Skinny is the debut novel of Donna Cooner and it will be released in October 2012. Aimee Friedman, the book's editor, described the book as one that "could change lives," that was written in an "incredible voice," that is "haunted," but also has "dazzle." She claimed that this "novel is both timely and timeless," with "rich characters" throughout.Does it sound like too much for one book to handle? I promise you, it is not.

Summary 

The novel is told in first person from the perspective of Ever Davies, a 15 year old girl, who is over 300 pounds and is haunted by a voice she has named "Skinny." Skinny tells Ever everything others are thinking about her, constantly calling her fat and unlovable in any number of cruel ways. The whispers of Skinny are enough to silence her beautiful singing voice which she knows is her great talent.

When embarrassment and frustration reaches its peak, Ever goes through gastric bypass surgery in order to live the life of her dreams. Ever's journey towards happiness is not solved magically overnight with this surgery. As readers, we are swept up in the challenges of Ever's day to day: what to eat, how to exercise, how to get her dream boy to notice her, how to behave in the new social scene around her and how to deal with the fact that the surgery did not silence Skinny.

My Review

I loved this book. I believe we all have a "Skinny" inside of us. Maybe our Skinny doesn't whisper to us about our weight or looks; maybe her chant is about our competence at work or school, or how (un)athletic we are. (My voice should probably be called "Sickly" since she's always talking about how my health is holding me back from everything - honestly, she needs to shut up!) With this singular truth, Ever's story hits home from page one - and for those readers who are struggling with their weight that impact will be tenfold.  Donna Cooner's writing in Skinny's lines is so steeped in reality that they deliver the stings only one's inside voice can.

Cooner's skills did not stop with Skinny's script. All of the characters in this novel come vividly to life. Ever is surrounded by a fairly large cast of characters of varying importance to the unfolding story; each and every one of these characters were given a rich description and persona. I never once found myself confusing one character for another. In fact, right now, days later, I can recall character names, personalities, and even styles from characters as important as the two boys in Ever's life - her best friend Rat and her dream guy Jackson - to those background characters like Gigi, a girl in the drama program and Wolfgang, a guy her step-sister had a crush on.

I have to agree with the book's editor when she claimed that this book has the ability to change lives. I believe, presented to the right person at the right time, Skinny can make all the difference in the world. For anyone who is insecure, particularly those young adults in the social high school scene, count Skinny as one of your must reads this Fall. This Fall won't be about fighting against the Capitol, the Dark Arts, or any other outside demons; with our new heroine, Ever Davies, YA readers will be learning to fight the most important battle of all: the one against their internal insecurities.

ARC Giveaway

A book this good has to be shared. Let's get the buzz going before it's big release this Fall! I have an Uncorrected Proof Advanced Reader Copy that I received at the 2012 Book Expo America that I'm looking to GIVE TO YOU! I'm opening this Giveaway up to the world - yep, that's right, International - so, don't let the borders bind you: use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway - Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

One of the first books I received as part of BEA was an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian which is to be released in September 2012 by Simon and Schuster. Armed with a bag load of brand new books on the bus ride home, I decided to take the plunge and start reading. What caught my attention first? Well, the cover, of course!

 

One has to wonder: what are these girls up to? The second thing that got me was the tag line: Big girls don't cry... they get even. I read that and thought, Whoa. Things are going to get REAL in this book!

From page one I was set adrift on Jar Island, the beach town setting of the novel. Han and Vivian do such a good job of bringing this place to life that I actually had to Google "Jar Island" to double check that it wasn't actually a real place I just hadn't heard of (technically it is a surfing spot in Australia, and the subject of this very strange YouTube video, but neither of those are the Jar Island from the book).

There is something about living and existing in small communities like that of Jar Island - with one high school, a ferry boat as the only means to get you on and off the island, where everybody knows pretty much everybody - that makes one feel as if all of life's dramas are viewed in high relief by your community. Therefore, when you were once part of the popular crowd, but now deemed as trash; when the guy you counted on as a friend has betrayed your trust and your family; and when you were ostracized in your youth for your weight by the boy who is now the quarterback and most popular kid in your high school, it can feel as though the world is unfair, unbalanced and simply out to get you. It may feel as though the only way to empower oneself is, instead of rising above it all, you can get even. The three protagonists in this novel: Kat, Lillian and Mary do just that. They decide enough is enough and waiting around for karma to deal out justice for them is not efficient or validating.

I love this book, not only for its presentation of story, but for all of the questions it raises for the reader.  As I read along, rooting for each of the girls to get the justice they deserved, I slowly felt the quagmire of deception, secrecy and vengeance swallowing me and blurring the lines of good and evil.  Who is right in this novel? Who is just? When does revenge go too far?

I highly recommend this book, particularly to anyone who may still feel the sting of the slight of a friend or bully in school. This novel is incredibly timely as media bursts with discussions of bullying, "it gets better," and unbridled support for victims in bullying situations.

Giveaway!!
 
With that said, I am happy to inform you that I happen to have an extra Advanced Reader Copy of Burn for Burn to give away! Unfortunately open to US residents only, you can enter my first Buried in Books Giveaway by using the Rafflecopter widget below:
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If you'd like to share this giveaway on your own blog, here's a link to help you to get the embed code for the Rafflecopter widget above. 

BOOK REVIEW - Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

In preparation for the upcoming film and for the Word of the Nerd Book Club, I spent most of May reading Seth Grahame-Smith's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. I was new to both the author and this mash-up type of tale, so, unfortunately I am ill-equipped to offer a comparison in either of those arenas, however, I have a perspective to share with you nonetheless.

As a first time mash-up reader, I was thoroughly engaged by the very nature of the tale: a what if story about one of the giants in my history books. What if Abraham Lincoln was a vampire hunter? What if vampire control in America was the true motivation behind the Civil War? As a writer and a lifelong daydreamer, how could I not fall helplessly in love with a story that is hinged on such wild imaginings? Grahame-Smith's recreation of Lincoln's youth in order to create a man capable of carrying this secret horror all the way to the White House was just plain fun reading for me. Although, as I admitted in my weekly check-ins for the Word of the Nerd Book Club, History - American or otherwise - was never my strong suit in my studies in school, so in many respects I was along for the Grahame-Smith's literary ride from page one. The only thing I could ever be 100% sure of not being actual fact was any mentions of vampirism.

With all my weaknesses as a reviewer now revealed, let me plunge forth and tell you what I ultimately thought of the book. In a word, I'd describe the book as fun. I happen to enjoy vampire stories of all sorts and enjoy that every author has their own set of vampire "rules." I enjoy the weaving of these horrific beings into our society and unraveling how those with immortality could actually come to pull so many strings. I am also a sucker for the fight for justice and the idea that, in that, there can never truly be a black and white definition of what is right and what is wrong. For all these reasons I enjoyed Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. And yet I stay my typing hand from punching out a word like "great" associated with this book, or that it is a "must-read."

For a little while I was perplexed by what was holding me back, but, as I was going over my weekly book club check-ins I was reminded of my discovery when I went to go see Dark Shadows on Mother's Day. Seth Grahame-Smith was the writer for that film. Big deal, you say. Who cares, Nicole?! I hear you. Here's the thing: I'm not out recommending Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter the novel to all of my reading friends because, to be honest, I can't imagine that this is a case where the book is going to be better than the movie. In fact, looking back on my reading experience, I wonder how early on in the development of the novel Grahame-Smith was already in movie-talk. Of course, I will be at the theater to see the movie as soon as it comes out, so I'll be back to let you know for sure, but right now this is my suspicion.

In short, if you are a fan of historical figures thrown into other-worldly circumstances, vampire lore and their affects on societies, or you just have to read the book before seeing the movie, then hurry up and go get your copy of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. It's a fun, quick read with all the ingredients for a blockbuster film: an emotionally fueled protagonist, epic and bloody battles, a fight to save the world (or at least a society) and an ending that hints at a lifetime of stories still untold. On the other hand, if you are "done" with vampires or would rather see the story reinterpreted for film, then this is one case where I will not barricade theater doors until you have proved you have finished your reading assignment!

To see the latest trailer for the movie Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, check out Natasha Collier's post.

BOOK REVIEW -Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

I have always had an affinity for books about stranded protagonists. When I was in elementary school, my father brought home an abridged copy of Robinson Crusoe for me and I was enthralled. After that, I read The Island of the Blue Dolphins with such a reader's joy that I started to daydream about being whisked away to a quiet island of my own. In high school, when we read The Lord of the Flies my passion for this fend for yourself and live off your wits type of literature seemed to be unparalleled. And then, as an adult, when I read Life of Pi and found my protagonist floating in the sea with a tiger as a companion, I was, once again, at the peak of my reading fulfillment.

It got me thinking... what other books like this have I missed? When I started asking around, one title seemed to resurface again and again. It was Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Many were surprised I hadn't heard of it before given my affinity for this type of book, and even more were surprised I hadn't read it. I had put it on my infinite "to-read" list and had all but forgotten it when I stumbled upon the audiobook in my library.

This is how I finally came to read Hatchet, a book that surely would have fit in with a life long pattern of reading about lonely main characters.

In Hatchet we meet Brian, a teenager who is dealing with the recent divorce of his parents, just as he is taking a single-engine plane ride to stay with his father. The plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness leaving Brian to fend for himself with nothing but the hatchet his mother gave him attached to his belt.

From the beginning of this book I was torn about how I felt about it, but, to be honest with you, I think that had more to do with the audio production than the story itself. The particular edition of audiobook I had was produced in the nineties and it definitely sounded dated to me from the onset. How could this be? you may wonder. Well, for one, there was the music. This drove me absolutely crazy. It seemed that every time something dramatic or emotional happened to Brian, or if he thought of something that made him melancholy, some music would play in the background. I suppose this was to help set the mood. However, in my opinion, that is what the writing is for. The music actually had the complete opposite affect on me: I cracked up laughing every time it would play. I felt as though it was mocking the action of the story rather than complementing it.  After a while, though, I did get used to it. I was never quite comfortable with it, but I didn't burst into hysterics each time it played.

Once I trained myself to listen beyond the music and sound effects, I found Gary Paulsen's story and writing on the other end. And, in that, I found exactly the type of story I was looking for. Brian, only 13 years old, had his own difficulties in his life in dealing with his parents' divorce and his mother's "secret," but throughout his struggle to survive he learned to put all of those things in perspective and, in turn, appreciate that which he did have.

After finishing this book, I found out that Brian's story continues in other adventures. I am tempted to continue the journey with him as he ventures back into the wilderness, but I am unsure whether I will use an audiobook option for the next read.

If you haven't already read Hatchet and you are a fan of novels which throw young protagonists into the wilds of nature to fend for themselves, then Hatchet, a Newbery Honor book, will be a fun read for you. If you are, on the other hand, looking for a fast-paced, dialogue-packed read, then I think you already know that a story about one boy in the woods just isn't going to cut it.

What are your opinions about sound effects and music in an audiobook? When/where does it belong? Does it help you in the reading to capture the mood?

Review: Taft 2012 by Jason Heller

Since the moment I learned about him, I was desperately in love and deep admiration of one Mr. Theodore Roosevelt. It came as a small wonder to me that I knew little to naught about the man who, while large in stature, could do nothing to fill the behemoth space left by him when he left the Oval Office. William Howard Taft did not even rate in my radar as second best, he rated as a possible after thought.

What was I supposed to think of a man who was obese before that was the unspoken accepted shape and size of the nation? What was I supposed to think of a man who got stuck in his bathtub?

I thought he was an amusement, a punchline, a caricature; in the process I forgot he was a man. I forgot that he was a president of my country. I forgot that he must have stood for something for the people of his time to support him.

When I saw the book Taft 2012 in the Quirk Books catalog I wondered, "What could this man offer us now?" and, I will admit this, I also thought, "Why not Teddy 2012?" because I am so sadly predictable. Either way, I was intrigued by the premise, feeling, like so many others that anyone could be a breath of fresh air in the current political race for president.


I decided I needed to read this book.

This has been one of my most enjoyable reads of the year so far. The premise of the book is wildly fantastic - one hundred years after a mysterious disappearance before the inauguration of his successor, Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft wakes up in November 2011 in Washington D.C. If you can suspend disbelief long enough to jump into the the story without worrying about how Taft made it to 2011, then you are in for a treat.

In November 2011, President Taft finds a whole new country before him, and Americans find a man who once carried the weight of political office without being distracted by the glamor of the title. Jason Heller, the author, does an amazing job of balancing Taft's early 20th century sensibilities within the fast paced 21st century world. While written in third person, Taft's voice is fully realized and thoroughly entertaining. He is a man out of his time simply trying to find a nice lunch, a game of golf and a place where he belongs.

As Taft finds his way around our new world we are treated to transcripts of politically charged television shows discussing his return, reports from the secret agent assigned to his protection, Craig's list reports of Taft sightings, excerpts from books written about his return and tweets from Taft fans and followers. The narrative keeps moving you forward as you find yourself unavoidably wondering, When will Taft get back into politics?

I couldn't help but be enamored with William Howard Taft and wish that there was some way this man could be here to run in 2012. A man with such a profound respect for the law and the will of the people sounds so truly American, I couldn't help but wonder what "truly American" means when we elect men who do not fit this description.

On a personal note, I was overjoyed that the state of our food industry played a role in the telling of this tale. While it is a work of fiction, there can be no denying that the inadequacies presented in Heller's book are evident in our reality. Perhaps it takes a larger-than-life food loving political being such as Taft to shine a light on the problems we have become far too accustomed to on our plates everyday, but whatever the case may be, I appreciated that Taft's call to civic duty was finally received from an issue that deserves far more press than it gets.

Whether you are a history buff, a fan of time travelers, alternate realities, fiction or politics, I highly recommend this book. It is thought provoking while still being light hearted and often funny (I did laugh out loud at a couple Taftisms). In the end, for fellow Americas, I can also say this book is hopeful. It is a reminder of who we are, what we stand for and how great movements can come to be.

Have you read Taft 2012? If so, what did you think of it?

What do you know about William Howard Taft?

If you could bring any US President back from the past to run for office in 2012, who would it be and why?

 

The Bad Beginning - A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the First by Lemony Snicket

The following post is taken directly from my hand-printed Reader's Journal. I will be sharing these reflections each week on the Rivera Runs Through It blog. The date at the end of each post is the date of the original writing, which is typically the date I completed the book. The reflections are short, but represent my initial reactions to a book, a brief summary of the book or the questions it raised for me at the time. I hope you enjoy this segment in my blog and feel free to comment on what you read here.

The Bad Beginning - A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the First by Lemony Snicket

I noticed this series of books over a year ago and have been meaning to read it since. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The author is not joking when he writes, "there is no happy ending, no happy beginning and very few happy things in the middle." I'm not sure if that's what I don't like, or if it is the story itself. I may attempt to read the second book, but honestly, I do not feel all that invested in the lives of the Boudelaire siblings and their disasters.

Dated: 05/25/03

I am so happy to have this journal entry. 

I was completely and utterly wrong about this book.

Years later my husband (then boyfriend) and I decided to give this book another shot on a road trip. We picked up the audiobook. He had never read it before and I was curious if he could tell me what it was missing. It was narrated by Tim Curry. And what I was missing was my ability to read this book correctly!! When I heard the book I thought it was hilarious and absolutely loved it.

I also gained a huge amount of respect for the CHILDREN who were able to read the book and understand it.

Has there ever been a book that you believe would be (or experienced as) enhanced by audiobook experience, rather than as a read?

Broetry: Poetry for Dudes

Gentlemen, I have found a new book for you. It's a great conversation starter, good for a couple of laughs and it was written with you in mind. In fact, it was written to make you think about its implications. It is called Broetry and, as the name suggests, it is poetry for bro's, or, as the subtitle declares: Poetry for Dudes.

Brian McGackin, the book's author, explained his own motivations for writing the book this past July in an article for The Huffington Post,

Personally, I love poetry. I've been reading it and writing it my whole life. But as a 25-year-old American male who also likes sports and sex and beer and video games, sometimes it's hard to find poetry that feels like it's speaking directly to me.

You may be wondering what implications such a book could have., Well, through Broetry, McGackin is hoping to send a message to all of his fellow "broets" out there:

"Broetry" is meant to be fun, and it is certainly meant to be funny, but it is also meant to be poetry... See, what I think is more important than the physical text of my "Broetry" is the idea that there is no reason why broetry in general cannot and should not exist. "Broetry" isn't just one book written by one person; it's poetry that's smart, accessible, and relevant, and it can be written by anyone.

So,go check it out, Broetry, the book you've been waiting for published by Quirk Books. Within you will find poems about ex-girlfriends, hangovers, frat parties, video games, nerd-life, looking for work, living on your own, and all sorts of other randomness. But, perhaps, even more importantly you will also find some inspiration to start writing some broetry of your own.

In the Huffington Post article, McGackin shares one of his favorite broems, O Captain! My Captain America! I am happy to say it was one of my favorites, too and I found video of the author, himself reciting it. Here's a little taste of what you'll find in the pages of Broetry - Enjoy (note: there is some profanity):

This review was also shared on The Word of the Nerd blog. 

(You should totally check them out!)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

The following post is taken directly from my hand-printed Reader's Journal. I will be sharing these reflections each week on the Rivera Runs Through It blog. The date at the end of each post is the date of the original writing, which is typically the date I completed the book. The reflections are short, but represent my initial reactions to a book, a brief summary of the book or the questions it raised for me at the time. I hope you enjoy this segment in my blog and feel free to comment on what you read here.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

This book was written by the son of the author of 7 Habits for High Effective People (which I have not read). This is a fantastic book for any teen (or anyone else for that matter) who is a little lost in the game of life. The 7 Habits are:

1. Be Proactive
2. Begin With The End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

I am happy I read this book on my week off, so I can reread it and start practicing these habits! I plan to recommend this book to all of my students!

Dated: 04/20/03

I believe this is the first self-help book I ever read, which is one reason I found it so enlightening.

Do you remember the first self-help book you ever read? Are there lessons from that book that still resonate with you now?