Wings

Author: Aprilynne Pike
Pages: 294
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: May 1st 2009
Age Group: Young Adult  (12-18)
Awards:

RT Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Novel (2009)

Books Source:
Challenge(s): To Be Read Challenge (2012)

     Laurel Sewell is off to Big Bad high school for the first time. All her life she has been a strange girl. Beautiful, mesmerizing even. She hasn't been through the abnormalities of puberty- such as zits and normal teenage stuff. She doesn't even remember the last time she went to a real doctor.
     Soon she meets David at her new school.  They are fast to become friends and bond almost instantly.
One morning Laurel wakes up to find a bump on her back. The first "normal" sign of puberty she has ever had.
      But days after it grows abnormally large and out sprouts abnormal feather like wings. Before Laurel knows it she is catapulted into a faerie world she unknowingly knew of all her life. She must discover her own strange secrets before they control her life.


     I picked up this novel thinking it would be your normal faerie/seelie-court/junk that I expect from all of the newer "Faerie" tales. I jumped into this book and found the beginning rather boring and dreary. It was a sorta- insta-lovey theme thing.

     I loved the uniqueness this book offered throughout- the writing truly intrigued me. Although the plot was contradictory and rather odd I just devoured the writing. It was definitely different. I can't even pin-point what kept me reading. The "Plant" thing was great. I would never have thought about that sort of thing. I don't quite understand how that made them magical faeries but still- it was a cool idea.

     I wish this author could have had JUST Faeries. But no- they have to bring it to that whole new level of complexity with trolls and crap. That was rather annoying... a ton of things was left unexplained and easily confusable. I mean why can faeries just be enough?! You don't have to include EVERY MYTHICAL/FANTASTICAL creature for people to enjoy your book. Sometimes just randomly throwing all those creatures in with your plot actually takes away from the plot. Then it just gets ridiculous.

     This book had such an abrupt ending too!! It was short and of course there is a sequel (Spells), And of  COURSE I have to read it. All these freaking cliffhangers are giving me heart attacks. Standalone novels- c'mon people; seriously. Aside from all the bad stuff- I loved the writing. If you are to read this; read it for the writing, not the content/concept.

Falling Hard- 100 Love Poems by Teenagers

Author: Betsy Franco (Editor)

Pages: 144

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Published: December 9th 2010

Age Group: 14-18 (Young Adult)

Book Source: Library (must acquire!)

      From an acclaimed anthologist comes this unforgettable collection
of one hundred poems by teenagers, capturing the vertigo-inducing realm of romantic love.

"But what I'll really mean is
are you ready to dive in?
This is not falling,
this is landing."

— From "Gift" by Portia Carryer, age 16

     The poets are straight, gay, lesbian, bi, or transgender. They live next door or across an ocean; they are innocent or experienced; their lyric explorations range from new love to stale love, obsession to ennui, ecstasy to heartbreak, and every nuance in between. Whether the romantic escapades described are touching, comical, or tragic, whether the feelings expressed are tender and sweet or brutal and biting, readers will find the love these young poets openly share to be exquisitely, excruciatingly, endlessly fascinating. Here is a collection to turn to again and again, because life and love keep on changing.

***

     This anthology has been on my to read list for way to long- and to think I put it off for that long. I usually do not read a lot of poetry- I mainly write. But when a great anthology like this is out there- it makes me want to read more.

     These poems weren't just "love poems". They were poems of lust, hate, horomones, break-ups, make-ups, hook-ups, and just-a-friend-maybe-more's.  I'm sure everyone knows how at least one of those things is. All of these poems are raw and emotional- and at times funny.

     I love and hate reading poetry at times- because you cannot analyze the authors because in anthology's there is so many different authors and it is pretty unfair to pick apart an author and overanalyze a poem/author-craft over just one poem. I hate picking apart poems and asking like "what did the author mean when he said the snow fell to the ground- was he talking about letting his problems go- or blanket him in fears..." yada, yada, yada. I mean seriously- can't an author mean what they want to mean rather than have some underneath meaning. I realize some poems are just big metaphors but poems CAN be about snow literally falling to the ground. Gosh- guys; we all aren't William Shakespeare.

     This anthology is great to flip through on one of those nights where you aren't in the mood to read a book-book (tragic, I know). If you are a poetry reader, definitley worth picking up and reading. Several of the poems I enjoyed enough to pin on my wall so I could read them everyday.

***

I mentioned earlier I like to write poetry so here are some links to read some of my writing. I am considering combining this blog with writing to make it a multipurpose blog- what do you guys think? Leave your comments in the comment box.

Inkpop

Goodreads Writing

It's A Funny Kind of Story

 Author: Ned Vizzini
Pages: 448

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Publication: April 1st 2006 

Age Group: Young Adult (14-18)

Award(s): Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2009)

Book Source: Borrowed (but must acquire)

Challenge(s)-To Be Read Challenge (2012)

Craig. He doesn't think he is depressed. He knows he is.. It is a fact. Not only does he have not much of a reason to be depressed- he just is. It all started at the end of eighth grade year. Not only did he get into the most prestigious school in his area- his tentacles creeped in and the cycling began. Tentacles- they are just problems and nuisances that wrap their suction cups around him and squeeze,  squeeze until the cycling begins. The cycling is just a process that Craig's mind goes through. He starts thinking about all of his problems, and things he has to do- and he begins worrying and stressing about it until it is too late to even try to what he wanted to do in the first place. The only thing that can save him are his anchors- things that are the same, stay the same and are simple. Like peeing for instance.

But when one lonely night Craig finds himself anchorless and ready to jump off of the Brooklyn bridge- in series of rapid events he is checked into his local hospital- just a few blocks away. Checked in as a clinically depressed suicide patient. Not only is he alive but Craig checked himself in- by his own decision. He is required to stay in the adult department of the psychiatric ward in the hospital- his next five days could make or break the rest of his life. He soon realizes the what the real tentacles are- and who. Maybe it is time Craig rediscovers his true anchor.

First let me note that I just devoured this book. Ned Vizzini is a true realistic genius. The fact that he wrote this book in around a month right after being checked into a mental ward for five days- is undeniably incredible. The real rawness of this book just shoved itself into your face and didn't leave- even for days after reading this book.

This book helped me understand the big D word. Depression. When you see people or talk to people who threaten suicide, or being depressed you cannot just blow it off saying "how can you depressed? I mean c'mon your life is perfect"... That is just the thing- no ones life is perfect and there is nothing you can do to try to fix that. We can't all be heroes.  It also aided my understanding that depression can be a mental disease. Not just mental. The thing is- there is a big difference between people who think they are depressed, or suicidal- and depressed people. The first people who will admit they are depressed are the people who aren't.

Many authors who write novels about such touchy intense issues are in a sense posers- you can research all you want about a mental disease/illness or issue- but never understand. The real reason this book was so legit was Ned Vizzini. He went through it all- figuratively side by side with Craig. Ned IS Craig (in a way).  That simple fact is intensely mind blowing.

A big yet critically hidden aspect of this novel is the secrecy. Craig's parents knew- but didn't have any idea the severity of his fragile mental state... But even Craig's bet friend had no idea of what Craig was going through. He just wanted him to do drugs and "chill".  Craig struggled with his self confidence also... What an understatement that is!!! He thought he was never good enough- he worked his butt off and I the end he was never good enough- worthless. Not only worthless but hopeless too... He thought he had no future and was worthless- with no hope of ever improving.  Sure, every human has been in that state- once or twice in their lives- but all day,  everyday? Could you imagine how miserable that would be?

After reading this book I did a little research on mental illnesses, and people with them. They even have a vast Wikipedia list full of recognizable names with people who would be diagnosed today with ADHD, bipolar depression, manic depression, intense anxiety attacks, ADD, schizophrenia, OCD, intense fits of rage, and many others. People such as Florence Nightingale and Albert Einstein. I mean really? Many of the greats, and geniuses had a 'mental illness'. I wonder if they had been put on medication back then if they would have achieved  what they did- if they would have changed the world and thought differently if they were on medication. Everyone says the medication helps and solves all of our problems- right? Maybe medication is just suppressing us- not allowing us to reach our maximum potential, by encasing our brains in medication and changing the way we think. How many people do you know that are on medication for any minor or major mental illnesses? Did anyone ever think maybe we are meant to be like this- rather than changed and altered?

 “People are screwed up in this world. I'd rather be with someone screwed up 

and open about it than somebody perfect and ready to explode.”

― Ned Vizzini, It's Kind of a Funny Story

Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author: Stephanie Perkins
Pages:338

Publisher: Dutton

Publication: September 29th 2011

Age Group: Young Adult (14-18)

Book Source: Library 

Challenge(s)- To Be Read (2012)

Lola- intensely awesome, unique, blooming designer- she vowed never to wear the same outfit twice. Max- Lola's Boyfriend. Your average jerk rocker- ready to go on tour. Cricket Belle- Twin of the dreaded Calliope (Perfect) Belle. He's tall, sweet, hilarious and has been neighbors on and off throughout Lola's life. It's been two years since Cricket and Calliope Belle have lived next door to Lola. Neighbors have been in and out and every time Lola is on high alert- wary of new moves in. That is until her worst nightmare comes true. The Belle Twins are back. And Right Next Door. Now all sorts of roller coaster (ish) feelings are being resurrected for Lola. Her hatred for Calliope. Her Love for Cricket. Her Hatred for Cricket. It's all too much- and Lola's about to crack- but she can't do anything considering she has hyperactive, jealous, bulldog-of-a-boyfriend Max on a leash. Soon Lola must dive chin-deep in the past and finally get some closure; or have her only dream come true- with the boy next door.

Lola- ah Lola. So describable, unpredictable and unprepared. She is altogether wonderful. If I ever have a fictional wedding/prom/formal event- Lola is SO TOTALLY designing my dress. Oh yeah- she is THAT FREAKIN' GOOD!! Now onto the book....

I just devoured this book- it was fantastic, I read it in one night. ONE. NIGHT. I devoured it just like I devoured Anna and The French Kiss. It was so realistic, believable and Oh Mah God- romantic. I know it most likely any book Perkins writes- I am guaranteed to love, rave and psychotically shove and tell people to read it. She is THAT good. 

A theme I thought was hinted throughout this book was regrets... Not necessarily not doing anything, but not doing what you wanted to do most. Because if you don't go after it when you have the chance- its almost 100% likely you will NEVER get that chance again ever... then you spend the rest of your life-
WALLOWING, in regrets, wishing and daydreaming. So always take opportunity's when they arise.  Perkins always writes with great realistic situations- but GOSH- she gives her girly main characters LOTS of chances.

So to wrap up this review- I loved this book and you have got to read this book- and did I mention Anna and Etienne make an appearance. Yeah- it is fantastic. And Cricket- is so mine. No matter what you guys say he is perfect for me- ME. (!!!) Yeah- suck-it. And  that last line for this book- is the best- the moon and stars thing- adorableness~ all in all- better than ever. 

Cannot wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After (!!!!!!) 

“There are some people in life that you can't get over.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door

 

“Sometimes a mistake isn't a what. It's a who.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door

“What do you say to someone who is not the same and yet completely the same?”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door 

 

“It's easy to talk about things we hate, but sometimes it's hard to explain exactly why we like something.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door

 

“Nathan nods. "Have a good time. Don't do anything I wouldn't do." I hear Andy as I'm walking out the front door. "Honey, that threat doesn't work when you're gay.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door

 

The Future of Us

Author: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
  Pages: 356

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication: November 21st 2011

Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)

Book Source: Purchased

Challenge(s)- TBR Challenge(2012)

 It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

 ***

Goodreads Summary 

 To be honest- I thought it was rushed. This entire novel happens in about five days- but it was perfectly balanced with background information- although some times as reading it you would get confused- like- you thought this was this but it is actually that and then it actually wasn't that- by the time you figured it out it had already been changed. 

In certain ways it was alike 13 Reasons Why- for underlying themes. In 13RW-  assuming we can all agree that 13RW is about how everyone effects everyone else- whether it be positive or a negative way.  As for Hannah it was usually a negative way- considering there were "13 Reasons Why" she killed herself. 

Something to add about 13RW - that I think is kinda cool- on halloween at our school we had to dress up as a favorite book character and present them as we think they would be in the real world. I dressed up as Hannah Baker (vintage-y clothing)- and tried to embrace  her character- in our skit was the main characters from CUT by Patricia McCormick,  the dead girl form WINTERGIRLS- Laurie Halse Anderson, and Mara Dyer from the UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER- lets just say this skit was rather depressingly awesome. Wouldn't it be great to see how Katniss and  Bella Swan would get along (or not!). 

ANYWAY,  back to the subject at hand. So 13RW was about how our choices affect other people. In this book it is about how our choices effect the future. So when Josh and Emma start stalking their own Facebook pages- and learning about they're future- when Emma learns she is super unhappy- she keeps making choice on purpose to change her "unfortunate" future.  Of course Josh thinks its dangerous- cause he loves his future- soon everything they do is about their future. The ending was cute- super cute. 

Also the romance was super obvious(ish)- but I really liked it. I applaud you once again Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler- I wonder what you have in store for us next...

“How can you call it love when it hurt you so badly?"
"It was love because it was worth it.”
― Jay Asher, The Future of Us

“And what if in the future we're at war again, or we still haven't elected a non-white or non-male president, or the Rolling Stones are still dragging their tired old butts on stage? That would depress me way too much.”
― Jay Asher, The Future of Us   

 “Why does it say she has three hundred and twenty friends?" Josh asks. "Who has that many friends?”
― Jay Asher, The Future of Us

Twisted

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Pages: 250

Publisher: Viking Junvenile

Publication: March 20th 2007

Age Group: Young Adult (14-18)

Book Source: Borrowed

Challenge(s)- TBR Challenge(2012)

 Awards:

South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult Book Award (2010), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2008), Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Nominee (2008), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2011)

  
    Just another high school senior- Tyler Miller. He isn't special- he is just there. But that's  never been a big deal to him. At least not until last year. He wanted to be remembered- counted for. He wanted to be a legend. Not only a legend- he wanted to be a man. Now he strolls the halls- half of the people are scared of him or hate him, the other half love what he did- and his new body that he acquired from a summer of rough community service.

       This attracts the attention of Bethany.

Bethany Milbury. Queen of their high school. Queen of everything. Also- Tyler's secret obsession for the last couple years. She is his father's bosses daughter. She is the sister of Chip. Also known as biggest dumb jock in the school- whose hatred is out to get Tyler. 

       For Tyler everything is changing. His home life, his mom, his dad, his sister, Yoda- school, Bethany. His entire life is falling apart- its finally time he find his place. Is Tyler Prey- or Predator?

     This book  is definitely a Laurie Halse Anderson Book. Woah. You read this book thinking about Catalyst, Speak, and Prom... they are all set up the same and in everyone of these books by her she tackles new scary issues with great perspective. Anderson harnesses the feeling of guilt justice, and personifies it in all her novels At only 250 pages- I tore through this Stand-Alone novel in one night- and the end left me very satisfied.

     In Twisted, I think one of the main themes is expectations. All of these expectations people set for us now-a-days. Even expectations we set for ourselves. The entire time reading this book all I could think about was not to long ago I had a friend run away for the night. Just to escape and save her sanity. On the outside, you really couldn't tell anything was wrong. You just can't tell. You can't ever know the whole story. So, you really have no right to judge- anybody- anyone but yourself. I think my friend judged herself so harshly she nearly went crazy lusting after perfection and being good enough- but how can we be good enough for anyone else- if we aren't good enough for ourselves.

     There are times when we put so much pressure on ourselves day by day bye day until we just crack. Crack and fall apart. All of these expectations haunt us day and night- because truth be told- we cannot live up to these expectations. We can never be good enough to fulfill our own expectations that we set for ourselves. Because even if we fulfill our initial expectations- we set more and more. That's why I think they recognize perfectionist as almost a mental condition. Because as soon as we fulfill any  expectations- we make more and more.  When you get in that frame of mind- it is so hard to stop. Your mind cycles through thoughts of not being good enough and all these things you need to do- and it won't stop until you make it.

     This book is immensely important- it is about taking control. And taking responsibility. Admitting you are human- you cannot be perfect but you can be yourself- which is a million times better than being anyone else. As soon as you start relying on expectations- and realize it- something is seriously wrong.  Motivation is one thing- expectations is another. We need to expect we cannot be all we want to- but in no way do we need to.

“Everybody told me to be a man. Nobody told me how.”
― Laurie Halse Anderson, Twisted