Review: Before We Go by Amy Bright

Before We Go by Amy Bright

Published by Red Deer Press May 2012

Source: ARC provided by the author

Summary:

Visiting her dying grandmother in hospital is not what 17 year old Emily wants to be doing for New Year's Eve, but it's not like she has anything else to do. Leaving the hospital, she meets a teen-aged boy named Alex, who is also leaving. When he invites her to go for a burger with him and his sister, she goes along. What Emily doesn't know is that Alex, too, is dying, their meeting is not a coincidence, and she is in for a New Year's Eve unlike any other.

My Thoughts:

   I was excited to be contacted by Canadian author Amy Bright about reviewing her book Before We Go.  The story was a great surprise as there was much more to the book than I initially expected. They say not to judge a book by its cover but I tend to do that initially and I wish the cover for Before We Go was stronger, and spoke more to the gem of a story inside it. 

As the story opens we meet Emily who is at her grandmother’s bedside in the hospital. Her grandmother is gravely ill with pneumonia and Emily knows that it won’t be long until the the dread of loneliness she feels will be made a reality. She discovers an unexpected friend in Alex when she meets him in the elevator, as well as something completely unexpected. 

I loved how Emily’s and Alex’s lives were so seamlessly intertwined. The author writes both female (Emily) and male (Alex) voices well and I related to Emily’s feelings of loneliness and Alex’s wish to help her as a way to deal with his.   The writing was strong, with well developed characters and parts of the plot fit together perfectly. I enjoyed the subtle surprises and there were many moments that were completely unexpected. Recommended for those who enjoy good contemporary stories, that leave you wanting more. Great for fans of Sarah Dessen. I’m looking forward to more from this Canadian author.

Recommended.

Review: Wonder by R.J Palacio

Wonder by R.J Palacio

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

February 14th 2012 –313 pages

Source: Reviewed from personal copy

Summary:

“I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse” 

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

My Thoughts:

  Firstly, I can not believe this is a debut. Wow. just wow. What a powerful, unforgettable  story.  There is not too much to say other than this is a book for everyone. Within the pages we meet the the beautiful soul of Auggie as he experiences and adjusts to his first year going to a regular school. Told through various perspectives, as readers we learn so much about humanity, cruelty and kindness through the eyes of this young boy. If you share one book with your children, family, or friends –let it be this one.

Small Medium at Large Book Launch and Book Review

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy

Published by Bloomsbury Kids July 3rd 2012

Reviewed from personal copy

Summary

After she’s hit by lightning at a wedding, twelve-year-old Lilah Bloom develops a new talent: she can hear dead people. Among them, there’s her over-opinionated Bubby Dora; a prissy fashion designer; and an approval-seeking clown who livens up a séance. With Bubby Dora leading the way, these and other sweetly imperfect ghosts haunt Lilah through seventh grade, and help her face her one big fear: talking to—and possibly going to the seventh-grade dance with—her crush, Andrew Finkel.

My Thoughts:

    The character of Lilah is a fresh voice on the middle grade book scene and I adored her. She is quirky, and funny not to mention boy-crazy and I loved her fearless nature. A coming of age novel, Lilah is working out what’s important to her. When she gains the new ability to hear the dead after being struck by lightning, she still must work to discover who she is, but now she has the sweet voice of her grandmother (among others) to guide her. There were many great scenes in the book –one in particular brought tears to my eyes, but  I think my favourite moments were between Lilah and her Dad. Their relationship is a special one and without a mom regularly in the picture they really have had to learn to look after each other.  Lots of laugh out loud moments, the writing style is reminiscent of authors like Paula Danzinger, Judy Blume and Susin Nelson, I look forward to reading much more by Joanne Levy.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting the author Joanne at her book launch for Small Medium at Large. It was hosted by Bryan Prince Bookseller (a charming bookstore) and had a fabulous turn out. Joanne also gave out fabulous swag bags to all the invited bloggers.

Her podium, and delish cupcakes!

 

Joanne doing a reading from her book (there is truly something special about hearing an author read from their own book) and my signed copy

A pic of the fabulous Toronto Bloggers and Me

Other recaps of the event:

• Just a Lil’ Lost
• Cupcake and a Latte
• Joanne Levy

Book Review: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Published by Viking Juvenile May 15 2012

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free—
and love comes at the highest price of all.
When Kitty Tylney’s best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII’s heart and brings Kitty to court, she’s thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat’s shadow, Kitty’s now caught between two men—the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat’s meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

My Thoughts:
Historical fiction isn’t my go-to genre but I am so glad that someone placed this in my hands and said “read”. The story centres around the best friend of Catherine Howard; Kitty Tylney and follows them as young girls wishing to be Ladies of the Court and their eventual arrival.  I turned the pages of Gilt quickly, I worried for Kitty and grew frustrated with her attempts at protecting Catherine, through it all she proved to be a loyal friend.
The author, Katherine Longshore takes us back to a time where the drive for power and status was all many cared about. Your family name was more important than what you looked like, or how you behaved. Gossip could land you in the Tower or worse. When I read books like this I am thankful that I am a woman in this time period and not one in the past. Women at this time were nothing,  just toys and decoration, easily picked up and easily tossed. I can’t imagine all the pressure and stress that came with being a member at court, though maybe the dresses and jewellery made it easier to swallow? (not likely)
Readers will enjoy this well written journey to the past. An adventure into King Henry VIII’s court has all the drama, mystery and backstabbing of a Gossip Girls, or Pretty’s Little Liar’s episode, but Gilt has much more heart. In it we learn about love, sacrifice and the true meaning of friendship. Highly Recommended!

Gilt on KOBO
Gilt at Chapters
(anytime you buy from Kobo through a link on my blog, I’m given a small commission which helps fund the book giveaways I host and shipping costs. Thanks for your support.)

Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Published February 7th by Putnam

Reviewed from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other

My Thoughts:

I have always loved reading about magic and witches, and my shelves are full of books that reflect that. Born Wicked is definitely a highlight, one that caught me by surprise though the lovely cover should have been a clue to the story inside. 

I immediately adored Cate, and felt the burden of what she had been left with, her responsibilities and her secrets. Desperate to have a life of her own, yet also protect her sisters the story revolves around the time where she must announce her intention to marry or join the sisterhood,

I remember when I was ten my mom and I went on vacation and toured Massachusetts and Salem was on of our stops. I was fascinated and terrified as we went through the exhibits in Salem and I learned about the Salem witch trials. It was horrifying to think of young women who may be slightly different being accused and tortured. It also amazed me at the power men had. 

I thought about that power as I read Born Wicked and the Brotherhood, their judgements and cruelty. The Brotherhood is truly terrifying and every page I worried that the sisters would be found out.

Born Wicked is well written, full of suspense, magic and just the perfect amount of romance laced throughout, I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly Recommended.

In My Mailbox-March 3rd 2012

 

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. 

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received via mail, store, library or friend.

I haven't done an IMM post since early January so there are quite a few books listed below.

Signed copies of The Night Circus and Virgin Cure as well as 

a copy of Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children.

Thank you Random House!!!!

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony & Rodrigo Corral

Thank you Penguin Fairy:) I've already read this one....review coming this week.

I am a HUGE fan of picture books by Jan Thomas, I picked up a copy of The Easter Bunny's Assistant

Of Poseidon by Anne Banks (Raincoast)

Ru by Kim Thuy & a signed copy of The Paris Wife (Random House)

Pure by Julianna Baggot (Hatchette)

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (I AM SO HAPPY) & 

The Grave Robber's Apprentice by Allan Stratton (Harpercollins)

Gilt by Katherine Longshore, No Safety in Numbers by by Dayna Lorentz, My Life in Black & White by Natasha Friend, Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys & The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg (Penguin)

Thank you so much Penguin, HarperCollins, Hatchette, Raincoast and Random House!

What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Published by Balzer & Bray -January 24th 2012

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. 
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. 
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's.

My Thoughts:

I love reading mythology. I find the elements of a traditional myth fascinating and I'm often drawn to books that include aspects of mythology when choosing a book to read.  I found Brodi Ashton's original take on several stories from Greek and Egyptian Mythology compelling and Everneath was an enjoyable as well as addictive read from cover to cover.

Let's talk Cole. I know that he is the "villian" in this tale. He wants to drag Nikki back with him, but I don't know if I've ever read about a "hotter" more "charismatic" villian before. I would have had an incredibly hard time refusing the attention of this guy even if it meant losing my heart.
Let's talk Jack. Sweet, sensitive, protective and completely in love with Nikki, I think I might have just found my new book "boyfriend".

The author proves herself to be a skilled storyteller as time weaves back and forth and we uncover more of Nikki's past and present. The twists and turns in the book make it unpredictable and I found the fact that I was kept guessing throughout the book, refreshing. I'm looking forward to the next book (and more Cole and Jack) :) Recommended.

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Published by Feiwel and Friends January 3rd 2012

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher.

Summary

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

My Thoughts

Cinder is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles Series. It's an original retelling of a traditional favourite (Cinderella) and it stands out as a fabulous read.  The buzz for Cinder is quickly gaining steam and I can see why. Meyer, creates a beloved character in Cinder- a cyborg who is ostracised from society because of her differences and seen as her stepmothers property instead of someone to be valued. 

  When I think about the "classic" Cinderella, I think of someone wistful, sweet and meek. I loved that Cinder was feisty, stood up for herself whenever she could, and fought against being bullied-even if she didn't win. 

   If I had one issue it was the books predictability. I knew in under 100 pages how the rest of the story for this book would play out. I think there might have been too much foreshadowing in the beginning. However, I don't feel like that deterred from the overall enjoyment of the book at all. I wanted more, especially after that cliffhanger ending. I can not wait for the next one!. Marissa Meyer, please write fast! Definitely recommended.


Macmillan Audio was kind enough to provide the clip below of Cinder on Audio...click to listen to an excerpt. 

Book Review: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Published December 27th 2011 by Harpercollins

446 pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father. 

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it? 

My Thoughts:

   I  enjoy novels in verse but I have to say this was one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of reading and also one of the best contemporary YA  novels I've read in a while. The story flowed flawlessly, and Marcie was a well written, likeable main character. 

The language had a rich depth  and it's almost impossible to pick a quote that I loved more than others, because there are so many to choose from. 

This one stands out for me:

"I can't believe he doesn't think I understand. I do. Your arms ache to hold someone- you move in slow motion from one hug to the next so you won't jostle the warm feeling off your shoulders before the next hug comes your way."

The story is compelling , sprinkled with the perfect combination of funny, serious and steamy moments. It's well written and even those readers who may have shied away from reading novels in verse before will not regret picking Love & Leftovers up. Highly Recommended. 

In My Mailbox Dec 4th

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. 

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received via mail, store, library or friend.

Last week was such an epic week I decided to post in 2 parts. This is Part two.

From my Harper Book Fairies:

Thank you soooo much!

From Raincoast:

What was in your mailbox?

Waiting on Wednesday Nov 30th

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week we are invited to post about the books we are anxiously awaiting.

My pick this week-

Expected Publication- January 3rd 2012

Summary

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
 
Seriously can not wait for this.... I love the concept.  
What are you waiting for?
 
 
 

Debut Author Challenge 2012

Kristi from the Story Siren is hosting the Debut Author Challenge again in 2012-YAY!!! 

I'm excited to be participating again and also helping Kristi create the 2012 Debut listing for Canada!

Last year I read a total of 16 debuts and I have to say that there is something special about reading an author's first book.

A few debut's that I'm really looking forward to reading this year are:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
• Harbringer by Sarah Wilson Etienne
• The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
• Above by Leah Bobet
• Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
• Cracked by K.M. Walton

There are so many amazing books coming out next year my list could go on forever! What about you? What are you excited about?