Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

#freestylefriday #booktour

Today Worth Reading It? is excited to join the WinterHaven Sleigh Tour hosted by WinterHaven Books. This week, we are posting our choice of a Winter Book Review. To see who else is on the sleigh, go to WinterHaven Sleigh Tour for a list of participating blogs.

As part of the festivities, WinterHaven Books is hosting a give-away that will include a copy of Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and Let it Snow. Good luck and happy holidays!

Please note that the Rafflecopter is from WinterHaven blog not mine.

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Wintergirls
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Hardcover, 278 pages
Published March 19th 2009 by Viking Juvenile
ISBN 067001110X (ISBN13: 9780670011100)
Rating 3stars (2.6)

This was chosen for its title. It is not a Christmas book. You will not get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside after reading it. Wintergirls is actually at very dark book about eating disorders. Even though the subject matter is dark, I found the book to be an interesting read. In the beginning of the book Cassie is found dead in a motel room and Lia is left wondering what really happened to her friend.
I didn't too much care for the writing style. I like straightforward writing. If something is to lyrical it seems forced to me. Anyway, it is an interesting look into the head of a young woman who is battle anorexia. Though this is not a book you would typically read for Christmas it still kind of fits. Think about it. During the holidays many of us over indulge in food. For a person with any type of eating disorder, this got to be one of the most frustrating time of the year. Wintergirls is a good read place it in the middle of you TBR list

Challenges:
2012 Support Your Local Library
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

Hardcover, 304 pages

Published September 4th 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN 0316207782 (ISBN13: 9780316207782)

Series: Fairytale Retellings #3

Rating: 3 (3.4)

My Review:

Fathomless is a retelling of The Little Mermaid. It is not at all how I thought it would be because I was thinking of the Disney version. However, it is based on the Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. All the basic elements of the original story is there with Pearce's added twists.

Celia is the youngest of a set of triplets. She is able to see a person’s past with just a touch. Her sister Anne can see the present and the other sister Jane can see the present. She don’t see the value in her gift until she meets Lo.

Lo is an ocean girl. She don't remember how she became an ocean girl and she don’t remember much of her life as a human. Each day they grow older and more beautiful until the day they drift away and become angels…or so they believe. When a new girl joins them they tell her that the only way to become human again is to have a boy fall in love with her and then take his soul as her own. All the ocean girls have fallen for this story but Lo can not bear to see it happen. She saves the boy. Taking him to the shore where Celia is.

Throughout the story Celia is learning how to be her own person while balancing the triplet bond. Jude the boy they saved coming to terms with his near death experience and falling in love with Celia. At the center of this story is the ocean girl with multiple personalities. Lo is the ocean girl. She loves the water. She loves the other ocean girls. She wants to grow old and eventually become an angel. Lo is also Naida. Naida is who Lo used to be…the human girl. Naida longs to be human again. She wants to go back to her family, back to the life she once had.

In the end, Lo finds out that the ocean girls don’t become angels but monsters. They become the same monsters made them into ocean girls, in the first place. Celia finds out that it was Lo but Naida’s desperation that may end her life. All involved learn that to find peace you have to first be okay with yourself.

Challenges:

2012 Fairy Tale Challenge

2012 Support Your Local Library

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

#seriessunday


Hardcover, 374 pages
Published October 31st 2008 by Scholastic Press (first published 2008)
ISBN 0439023483 (ISBN13: 9780439023481)


From Kobobooks:
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives alone with her mother and younger sister regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival for her is second nature. Without really meaning to she becomes a contender. But if she is to win she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins author of the New York Times bestselling The Underland Chronicles delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy adventure and romance in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

My Review:
Okay, so I saw the movie before I read the book. I must say that it did make a difference in the experience of this book. I applaud Katniss for having enough love to take her sisters place. The world in which Katniss lived in isn't as relate able as other books I have read but the way it is describe and the characters made it believable. The Hunger Games is cruel and sadden. It's a fight to the death while everyone in the districts are required to watch. The people behind the games can manipulate situations to make things more interesting which usually means more dangerous.
So the part that got to me the most (because of the movie) was anything that had to do with little Rue. The girl in the movie resemblance my nieces so much that I cried when she died (both when I saw the movie and again when I read the book). I was not surprised that she died for two reasons. One, she was the youngest. I mean what chance does a twelve year old have against eighteen year old, especially eighteen year old males. Sorry to the feminist out there but you have to admit a twelve year old female against and sixteen to eighteen year old male will lose every time (in a physical fight). Second reason I knew she was going to die, she's black. We usually don't make it to the end of the movie. (Not a racist comment, not a race card [though I could give some examples of a couple things in the book that rubbed me the wrong way]...just many years of observation. Check out any thriller or horror movie if you want proof.)
The love story in the book didn't interest me at all. I honestly didn't care who she ended up with. I will read the second book as I am interested in what the Capitol has planned since I am sure that they will try to make her pay for the stunt she pulled at the end of the games.

Challenges:
2012 Support Your Local Library
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge
Dystopia

Forever Maggie Stiefvater

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Paperback, 496 pages

Published 2011 by Scholastic

ISBN 1407121111 (ISBN13: 9781407121116)

Rating: 3 stars (3.2)

From Goodreads:

Sam has always loved Grace. As a wolf, he watched her from afar. As a boy, he held her in his arms.

Now facing the possibility of a life without her, he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means facing his demons. Even if it risks everything he has.

Anything, as long as their love can survive...

My Review:

Many people did not like this book as much as the other two. I must admit that I didn’t like the series at all. I found all three books to be too slow of a pace for me. This book puts up where Linger left off. Grace is now a wolf and Sam is the one waiting for her to shift back. Unfortunately, Isabelle father is still of the rampage about the wolves and has successfully lobbied to kill the wolves left at Mercy Falls. Cole the reluctant smart guy that he is has been experimenting with ways to change forms at will. With Grace in danger Sam is forced to enlist Cole’s help (along with the Sheriff) to get Grace and the other wolves to safety. The ending was lacking.

The way it left some things unexplained made it seems as if a fourth book may come along at some point. This point has not changed my mind about the series. I hope there isn’t a fourth book because I really don’t want to read it. TBR list 4

Plot: 3  Writing: 4  Character: 3  Other 3  Overall Feel 3*

*pace was slow for me but I like Cole’s character. He saved this series for me.

Challenges:

2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenges 

2012 Support Your Local Library

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Unenchanted: An Unfortunate Fairytale by Chanda Hahn

Unenchanted: An Unfortunate Fairytale

By Chanda Hahn

Ebook: pgs. 233

Series: An Unfortunate Fairytale Book 1

Rating: 2 stars (2.4)

From KoboBooks:

Mina Grime is unlucky, unpopular and uncoordinated, but it all changes when she learns she is descended from the Brothers Grimm and has inherited all of their fairytale unfinished business. To break the storybook curse on her family, Mina must relive all of the fairytales…until the very Grimm end.

My Review:

I was going through the Kobo website looking to see what YA books they had. Basically I had some time to kill. I came across Unechanted. It was free so I said what the heck. I liked the concept of the story. As the title and cover (clue #1) suggest this is a fairytale retelling. I am not going to say what of because what would be the point of reading the book.

I didn’t even feel annoyed by Mina insecurities like I usually do because of her mother. Mina never understood why when anything the least bit weird. During a field trip to Babushka (clue #2) Bakery Mina saves one of her classmates from falling to his death which starts her family curse. The Grimm curse: (she also learns for the first time that her name is Grimm not Grime) a family member must complete all 200 fairytales. If the person doesn’t succeed they die and the curse starts over from story one with a new family member.

I just had to finish this book. The concept had me hooked. I’m actually looking forward to the second book, Fairest. With all this said, time should have been spent editing and then editing some more. If you are a stickler for a well edited book, you will indeed be unenchanted. However, if you can over look Mina’s winey, annoying, insecure personality as well as the typos it’s an entertaining story.

Plot: 2*  Writing: 2  Character: 2  Other 3**  Overall Feel 3***

*There were some things left unexplained. Like the guy who helps Mina. It is never explained who he is and why he is there. The ending of the relationship between her and Brody (the classmate she saved) was unsatisfying.

**The retelling concept is good.

**I couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:

2012 Fairy Tale Reading Challenge

2012 YA Reading Challenge

Mixing It Up Challenge 2012

Virals by Kathy Reichs

narrator: Cristin Milioti

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publisher: Razorbill; First Edition edition (November 2, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1595143424

ISBN-13: 978-1595143426

 Rating: 3stars (3.6)

From Goodreads:
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.

My Review:
Tory Brennan is the niece of Temperence Brennan of the Bones books and the TV show of the same name. Tory is a smart and headstrong 14 year old teenage girl. A different tone than many of the YA books out right now, Virals is not about a teenage romance (though she does have a crush). This book is about 4 smart kids who live on an secluded island near Charleston, SC. Together they try to solve the mystery of a dog tag. Finding the dog tag leads to a 40 plus year old cold case that someone will kill to keep the truth buried. Finding the dog tag also leads to find a sick puppy (Copper) who has been illegally experimented on. While resucing and caring for the ill puppy the group contracts a new hybrid parvovirus. Between trying to solve the cold case and their new DNA mutalition their lives will never be the same.

Can you tell I really liked this book. It is written in the first person, very conversational. I liked that this was not a teen romance. Romance is great but it's nice to take a break from it. My favorite character is Tory's friend, Hiram. His character actually had me laughing out loud several times. Read this if you love a good mystery. If you like YA minus the romance. If you love Scooby-doo. LOL I mean "jinkies... they would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for those meddling kids."

Plot: 4  Characters: 4  Writing: 3 Other: 3*  Overall Feel: 4**

*setting was average. narrator was average as far as differences in characters voices (definitely a good choice though).
** fast paced and interesting. I wanted to know what happened next. I will take a break but looking forward to getting to book 2.

Fun and Games 2012:
Bunnita Reading Travel Buggie

Reading Challenges 2012:
2012 Support Your Local Library
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge
2012 50 State Reading Challenge

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book 1 in series

Paperback: 391pgs

Rating: 4 stars

From back of book:

When Nora and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to her questions, his teasing, and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth just to drive her crazy.

But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract and repulse here? And what is up with thos V-shaped scars on his chiseled back?

As their connection grows stronger. Nora's own life becomes increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: Is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one-of-the-fallen?

My Review:

A love story that includes teenagers, angels, and nephilim. Nora has always been a good student. The type of daughter any parent would dream to have. She is reliable and does pretty much as she is told. That is until Patch. Patch a bad boy. Just how bad Nora has no idea but she does know that it would be a good idea to avoid him. There’s only one problem. Patch seems to be everywhere she is. And to make matters worse, someone is following her intent on doing her harm.

Hush, Hush is an interesting love story. The suspense kept the story moving forward though I never for a minute thought that Patch would hurt Nora. What I didn’t like about the story was the way Nora rationalize her fear of Patch. You should never be with someone you don’t feel safe with. Bad boys are bad to others not to you…those would be jerks and who wants to be with a jerk. Also I wasn’t so crazed about the character Vee. There were many times I just wanted to slap her. Ignoring a news article is one thing but trying to convince a friend to go out with a guy who slammed her up against her house well, that’s selfish. I am looking forward to reading book 2 Silence. TBR#2

Challenges:

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenges

2012 50 State Reading Challenge

Fun and Games 2012

Bunnita Reading Travel Buggie

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver The Wolves of Mercy Falls

by Maggie Stiefvater

9 CDs, Unabridged
Narrators: Jenna Lamia & David Ledoux

Scholastic Paperbacks

Rating 2.5 stars

book 2: Linger   book3: Forever

From cover:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My review:

Poetic and lyrical this book left me feeling that the author tried too hard. As an adult I am starting to forget some of what it was like back when I was a teenager. The one thing I do remember is that none of us spoke like the teens in this book. We, of course, thought we knew everything. I can’t speak for others. But my life has not been easy. I have been through things as a child and teenager that most adults are lucky to read about or watch on the news so Grace isn’t that foreign to me though my mom was nothing like Grace’s. I just know what it’s like to have to take care of yourself at an early age.

I can not tell you why I didn’t too much care for this book. It just did not pull me in. I didn’t get lost in the story. Getting lost in a story is how I know that it is good. The dialoug could be horrid. The plot could be thin. The character could be unlikable. But if it can pull me in to the point where I feel like I’m watching a movie not reading the book then more often than not I’m going to like the point. Shiver did not have that effect on me. On to the story…

Grace was bitten by wolves as a child and ever since has been fascinated with them. The golden eyed wolf holds a special place for her. Her wolf. What she doesn’t know is that the wolves that bite her and the golden eyed wolf are werewolves. Sam is the golden eyed wolf. He works in a book some during the summer months when he can remain human. In Shiver, the relationship between Grace and Sam is formed. She learns about what the wolves really are. In the end the impending cold threatens to take Sam away until next summer…unless they can think of a cure.

I thought the cure in the book was clever. I also like this take on werewolves. They are not the horror movie werewolves. Instead they are humans who become wolves. Losing their human thought capabilities and becoming mostly wolf for the exception of their human eyes. The end of the book couple when the fact that I generally like to finish a series I’ve started convinced me to move on to Linger the second book. If you like YA books, werewolves, and a teenage love story than you will probably enjoy this book. TBR list 4

#Series Sunday
Challenges:
2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge
2012 50 State Reading Challenge
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (noun) – a person who acts in opposition to the established authority, who is not necessarily regarded as a belligerent pg.458

Oops she did it again? Insurgent by Veronica Roth is the second book in the Divergent trilogy.  The series takes place in dystopian Chicago. The city is divided into five factions called Amity, Dauntless, Erudite, Abnegation, and Candor. During the choosing ceremony, 16 years must choose which faction they will become apart of. Then there are the factionless. To become factionless is a fate worse than death the society is told. They are not mention much in the first book but is the main presence in the second.

Insurgent picks up where the first book left off, literally. At first I thought that maybe this book would be just a filler novel. Just when you have that thought, she hits you with a mystery. Marcus (Tobias father and a leader of Abnegation) and Johanna (spokesperson for Amity as that faction has not set leader) are walking in the orchid with Tris overhears a conversation about important information which is the reason why the Abnegation were killed during the stimulation attack. This is the basis for this book. What information is so important it was worth killing and dying for? Of course there are side stories and twist and turns along the way. The love story between Tobias and Tris is in the open. Tobais family story is told. Tris learns more about her family including brother, Caleb which I must say I did not see coming.

The true shocker is the ending cliffhanger. The important information you are teased with throughout the book. I can’t tell you obviously it would ruined to book for some of you. So I will say this. If you like the first book then this is a must read. However, don’t think you will be satisfied with the ending because you won’t. It is a cliffhanger. It set you up for the next book. Those you have not read the first one can read this one and enjoy it but it is really not a stand alone book. There are references to previous events that you would most likely want to know about. All in all it is a good book. So did she do it again? Yeah, she did.

TBR list 3

Rating 4stars

Hardcover 525pgs

Challenges:

Dystopia

Soundtrack Challenge: Dirty Dancing

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Quotes

“It smells green, the way a leaf smell when you tear it in half.” pg 17

‘ “Sleep” he says. “I’ll fight the bad dreams off if they come to get you.” ’ pg 50

Things to think about:

The way Amity keeps peace. Is that really peace? Or is that in itself a betrayl of what Amity is suppose to be about?

Is what Amity does to keep the peace in their society that much different than what Jeannie was doing to keep the truth from the whole society (meaning the mind control)?

So people said they could not get into the story because they could picture a world where those factions exist. Why not? I see it. Though not so clearly defined but we do have people and professions that fit into each faction including the obvious factionless.