Book Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe #1
Finished on: February 9, 2013
Released: January 11th 2011 by Razorbill
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

I fell so in love with this story.

Let me first say that this was my first venture in anything remotely science fiction. Seeing this label made me hesitant to pick up this book because I wasn't sure if I'd be into the genre or not. As it turns out, Across the Universe is one of my favorite reads so far this year.

This story had me going, 'What the heck is happening?!" the whole time, but in a seriously good way, not in the bad, lost kind of way. For a person not used to science fiction, this had so many surprises and twists and interesting details.  It's also an extremely quick read. I got through it in just a few hours; a definite page turner. I was so into this book and something was always happening or leading up to something else making it was extremely difficult to put down without reading one more chapter, then one more, then one more...

Of course, great writing and great characters. The author uses dual-perspective alternating between Amy, a "technical" new-comer to the ship and Elder, who grew up on the ship. This worked excellently giving different views about the things going on allowing the reader to learn so much more. I loved the characters that were meant to be loved and hated the ones meant to be hated. It was interesting going on Amy's journey as she wakes up in an entirely different world.

I definitely look forward to reading the second book in the series.

Book Review: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Title: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: January 14, 2012
Released: August 26th 2008 by HarperTeen
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham 17, finally confronts her past. Hannah, the closest adult she has to family, disappears. Jonah Griggs, moody stares and all, is back in town. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future.

For the first little bit of this book I didn't know what the hell was going on. Fortunately, I was aware of this from other reviews and decided to push on. I am so glad I did because Jellicoe Road has earned its spot as one of my favorite books ever. By the time things all began to clear up and click, I couldn't set this book down. I was up until 3am finishing it.  I really am shocked by how much I ended up loving this story.

Jellicoe Road alternates between two different storylines: the main one that includes our main character, Taylor, and her peers/friends and a secondary one where we see bits and pieces of a manuscript that Hannah is working on. I really enjoyed both, but honestly, I couldn't get enough of the manuscript. The characters in it really reached out and made me connect with them from the beginning. I didn't begin to connect with Taylor and co. until about half-way through. But when I did, I loved all of them very much, too.

As for Melina Marchetta's writing: absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to dive into more of her books! I can't believe how deeply this story touched me. It's one of those books that I'm going to have a hard time picking up another too soon, because I know it probably won't reach the level Jellicoe Road did. It's one of those books where I was so disappointed it was over because I really, really wanted more. I wasn't ready for these characters to be gone yet. Jellicoe Road is definitely one of those books that I will go back and re-read again, probably a few times.

This is a hard reviews to write, just because I don't want to give too much away, which is probably pretty easy to do. If you've been wanting to read this one for awhile and haven't yet, I urge you to clear your schedule for a day and just do it. The biggest thing I can say is this: if you're not super into it at first don't.give.up. Jellicoe Road is worth the finish.

“It's funny how you can forget everything except people loving you. Maybe that's why humans find it so hard getting over love affairs. It's not the pain they're getting over, it's the love.”

Book Review: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Title: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines
Series: The Vincent Boys #1
Finished on: January 5, 2012
Released: October 12th 2011
Source: Owned for Nook
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him. What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly?

Ashton is getting tired of being good, of impressing her parents and playing ideal girlfriend to Sawyer Vincent. Sawyer is perfect, a regular Prince Charming, but when he leaves town for the summer, it’s his cousin Beau who catches Ashton’s eye. Beau is the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, and even though he’s dangerous, Ashton is drawn to him.

Beau loves his cousin like a brother, so the last thing he wants to do is make a move on Sawyer’s girl. Ashton is off-limits, absolutely. That’s why he does his best to keep his distance, even though he’s been in love with her forever. When Ashton wants to rekindle their childhood friendship in Sawyer’s absence, Beau knows he should say no.

Ashton and Beau don’t want to hurt Sawyer. But the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. It’s getting way too hard to resist...

 Ooh, what is there to say about The Vincent Boys except that I loved it. This was my first book by Abbi Glines and as soon as I finish The Vincent Brothers I won't hesitate to read more by her. This was everything I look for in a great contemporary. Great characters, interesting storyline/setting, super cute boys, and an awesome romance.

This was another one of those addicting stories that I read through in one sitting. The pace was perfect and never slowed down, keeping the pages turning. There are some issues explored here that don't sit well with many people i.e. cheating, but the way Abbi Glines handled it, I was fully able to understand how and why it happened. I couldn't help but feel a little heartbroken for the sweetie that is Sawyer Vincent, but at the same time I know he's not a good match for Ashton.

But what really makes this book is the characters. They are all awesome and well-developed. I really liked Ashton and she was easy to relate to. And, of course, any girl would absolutely love both of the Vincent boys! Even the secondary characters, like Lana, are great. 

I recommend this to anyone looking for a well-written, guilty-pleasure,  YA contemporary.

Counts as 3/21 for the 2013-TBR-Pile-Challenge

Book Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen
Series: The Coincidence #1                                                     Finished on: December 29, 2012
Released: December 13, 2012
Source: Owned for Nook
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

This was the last book I finished in 2012. I read it after all the "Best of" lists and posts, which is extremely unfortunate, because this was easily one of the best, if not actually the best, book I read all year.  I can't articulate enough my extreme love for this book! In no way, shape, or form, was I expecting this fantastic-ness.

I mean I really, really liked Ella and Micha and knew Sorensen had a flair for awesome contemporary writing, but seriously, Callie and Kayden blew my away. And yes, this is going to be a very gushy review. I'm not going to apologize either, just warn.

Intense, intense, intense. Definitely not "light reading" but oh-so-addicting! Sorensen seriously handles heavy moments and subjects so beautifully; As well as creating some awesome characters. I mean, come on, Seth? Move over, Callie, I want to be his best friend! I love Sorensen's way of making her secondary characters become just as memorable and great as the MCs.

The romance is spot-on. It's believable and there was absolutely no question that Callie and Kayden just had to find a way to be together. Kayden has taken the top spot as my favorite YA male character. (Previously held my Jude Ryder from Crash). He's sweet and adorable and so understanding of Callie
and her situation. My heart just breaks for him and his own life. Honestly, I found this story to be nothing less than perfection.

The only negative thing I can find is that dang ending. I seriously thought I still had a few more pages to go and then out of no where -BAM- there were no more words left. I'm going to go crazy waiting for book 2 to find out what the heck is going to happen!

GO READ THIS ONE NOW!

"Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get lunch handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, of by a simple coincidence, but there are those who don't get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don't get saved."

Book Review: Clash by Nicole Wiliams

Title: Clash by Nicole Williams
Series: Crash #2
Finished on: December 27, 2012
Released: September 2, 2012
Source: Public Library e-book
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

The only easy thing about Jude and Lucy’s relationship is their love for one another. Everything else is hard.

Especially when it comes to reigning in Jude’s trigger touch temper and Lucy’s increasing jealousy of Jude’s Spirit Sister on the cheer squad who’s attached herself to him in just about every way a girl could. Feeling the stress of trying to hang on to her quintessential bad boy while becoming the foremost dancer in her class, Lucy knows something’s going to break. She wants both. She needs both. But if she doesn’t make a choice, she risks losing everything.

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love might be the thing that just isn’t enough.

I was so addicted to this book! I began reading it right before a dinner date with my boyfriend and had to struggle to put it down to go. Then all through dinner all I could think about was getting back home to continue on with my reading. Needless to say, I finished the entire thing in one sitting after the dinner.

Nicole Williams is a fantastic writer who has no problem taking the reader through every emotion that they are supposed to go through. I felt everything Lucy was feeling as she was feeling it and I think that's a wonderful thing for a writer to be able to accomplish. When Lucy was heartbroken, so was I. When she was infuriated, so was I. This may have contributed to an unnecessary increase in blood pressure, but so be it. I can't get enough of Jude's and Lucy's story. Even though this was one of the most frustrating books I've read in a very long time.

Jude's Spirit Sister, Adriana Vix, is a nasty, crappy person and just found herself on my most hated character list. Every scene with her was so frustrating and you just want to reach inside the book and pull her hair out. AHH! But anyway...

By the end though I was completely satisfied and content with the way the story was heading and now I'm way too anxious for the third installment. If you haven't read Crash yet and if you love intense contemporary love stories, please pick it up! Very worth it.

Book Review: Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Clayton Falls #1
Finished on: December 26, 2012
Released: September 23rd 2012
Source: Owned for Nook
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

When you're lost, sometimes the only place you can go is home.

Broken over the death of her fiancé, Molly leaves law school to return to her childhood home in North Carolina. Expecting to lay low until she can figure out what else to do with her life, she finds herself in the arms of her high school sweetheart, the boy who represents everything from the past she tried to leave behind.

Looking for an escape, she instead finds a way back to the girl she almost forgot existed and a future she never dreamed possible.

Holy crap! What a shock this was. I was not expecting to fall in love with Derailed this much, but I definitely did.  I absolutely could not put this one down. Alyssa Rose Ivy created a sweet and touching yet realistic contemporary that I was absolutely hooked on.

First off, I'm a sucker for small town, everybody knows everyone's business, settings. Clayton Falls doesn't disappoint. I also love the high school sweethearts concept, which we also get a good dose of. Alyssa Rose Ivy handles the situation between Molly and Ben (the HS love) fantastically. The whole progression of their relationship after Molly returns to Clayton falls is realistic and believable. And it's handled in a way where the reader isn't left with "Uhm.. what about Adam, your dead fiance!" There are some moments and some information revealed which was very heart-wrenching at times but the author did such a beautiful job with it.

These characters were wonderful. They were the kind of group that I would want to be friends with myself. I can't get enough of their stories. I'm a officially a fan and have already started reading the next in the series: Veer. This was a beautiful and addicting contemporary that I recommend to all fans of the genre.

“I never believed there was anyone else out there. I knew completely that no one else would ever make me feel the way you did. You were the best thing that ever happened to me, and from the day I realized I loved you, I never even considered a future without you.”

Book Review: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

Title: The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: December 12, 2012
Released: April 3rd 2012 by Harper
Source: Public Library E-Book
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

The majestic and haunting beauty of the Italian Alps is the setting of the first meeting of Enza, a practical beauty, and Ciro, a strapping mountain boy, who meet as teenagers, despite growing up in villages just a few miles apart. At the turn of the last century, when Ciro catches the local priest in a scandal, he is banished from his village and sent to hide in America as an apprentice to a shoemaker in Little Italy. Without explanation, he leaves a bereft Enza behind. Soon, Enza's family faces disaster and she, too, is forced to go to America with her father to secure their future.

Unbeknownst to one another, they both build fledgling lives in America, Ciro masters shoemaking and Enza takes a factory job in Hoboken until fate intervenes and reunites them. But it is too late: Ciro has volunteered to serve in World War I and Enza, determined to forge a life without him, begins her impressive career as a seamstress at the Metropolitan Opera House that will sweep her into the glamorous salons of Manhattan and into the life of the international singing sensation, Enrico Caruso.

From the stately mansions of Carnegie Hill, to the cobblestone streets of Little Italy, over the perilous cliffs of northern Italy, to the white-capped lakes of northern Minnesota, these star-crossed lovers meet and separate, until, finally, the power of their love changes both of their lives forever.

Lush and evocative, told in tantalizing detail and enriched with lovable, unforgettable characters, The Shoemaker's Wife is a portrait of the times, the places and the people who defined the immigrant experience, claiming their portion of the American dream with ambition and resolve, cutting it to fit their needs like the finest Italian silk.

This riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny is the novel Adriana Trigiani was born to write, one inspired by her own family history and the love of tradition that has propelled her body of bestselling novels to international acclaim. Like Lucia, Lucia, The Shoemaker's Wife defines an era with clarity and splendor, with operatic scope and a vivid cast of characters who will live on in the imaginations of readers for years to come.

Reader's who enjoy historical fiction and cute love stories will eat The Shoemaker's Wife right up. Trigiani is an extremely skilled writer who did an absolutely fantastic job at writing the descriptions of her settings. Every small detail is included whether it be in Italy, New York City, or Minnesota. The reader has no problem feeling like they are right there with Enza and Ciro. Learning so many small historical details was very enjoyable. I was fascinated by this book.

The romance portion wasn't quite as perfect. In fact, there was actually a point where I wasn't rooting for Ciro and Enza to be together.  There were moments when it just didn't seem like Ciro was good enough for Enza and I didn't feel like he truly loved her. All in all, the romance wasn't as breathtaking and sweeping as I was hoping for, but satisfying enough. The Shoemaker's Wife does a much better job at being a grand historical novel then a epic love story.

This was my first novel by Adriana Trigiani and I will be looking into her other works very soon. This was a very special book that deserves to be read with an open mind so I'm keeping this review short so other reader's can experience this beautiful storytelling on their own. Oh, and as far as language and content go: this is a very clean romance. There may be a few stronger words thrown in here and there but it was rare. So that being said, I'd recommend The Shoemaker's Wife to any who enjoys historical fiction, Italian settings, learning about New York life in the 20's and 30's, and immigrant life.

Book Review: Crash by Nicole Williams

Title: Crash by Nicole Williams
Series: Crash #1
Finished on: November 17, 2012
Released: July 19, 2012 by CreateSpace
Source: Owned/Nook

Summary from Goodreads:

Jude Ryder and Lucy Larson are this generation's Romeo and Juliet: Explosive. Sizzling. Tragic.

A steamy summer encounter with bad boy Jude means trouble for Lucy. Her sights are set on becoming a ballerina, and she won't let anything get in her way . . . except Jude.

He's got a rap sheet, dangerous mood swings, and a name that's been sighed, shouted, and cursed by who knows how many girls.

Jude's a cancer, the kind of guy who's fated to ruin the lives of girls like Lucy—and he tells her so.

But as rumors run rampant and reputations are destroyed, Lucy's not listening to Jude's warning. Is tragedy waiting in the wings? This racy romance is hot, hot, hot!

Two words: Jude Ryder. Review over.

Okay, seriously though, I loved this book! I was completely sucked into this tragic, dysfunctional, passionate, and sweet romance between Lucy and Jude. I began reading and didn't move until I finished the last page just a few hours later. This story had me smiling from ear to ear, laughing out loud, so frustrated, and on the verge of tears, all in the span of 322 pages. I definitely did not go into this expecting to come away loving it this much.

Lucy was a great main character for me. I loved her personality and her dialogue had me laughing so much. I also loved the relationship between Jude and Lucy. Their chemistry was great and believable. Nothing about the relationship or growth of it felt forced to me. In fact, the "normal" parts of their relationship, like when it's not obvious that Jude has many problems, were pretty relatable. I went back and forth with Jude. I began the story really liking him, then not so much for parts in the middle, then really liking him again. The moments where I didn't like him so much were the moments where I didn't fully understand him or his motives yet. Underneath it all, Jude is a very sweet boy capable of loving Lucy very much. Life has just handed him some crappy deals for too long and it's really taken a toll on him. But, I think anyone who has read Crash agrees that by the end life is looking up for him and he truly deserves it.

Crash was a rollercoaster ride if I ever read one. This thing goes up and down and all around so much, but that's what makes it so addicting. That's what kept me in place for hours reading. Sometimes that technique can make a reader dizzy, but Nicole Williams made it work so well. The entire story line was unpredictable for me and I was surprised by the turn of events quite a few times. Crash was an intense read and I can't wait to see where Williams takes Lucy and Jude in the next installment, Clash.

 "The name’s Jude Ryder, since I know you're all but salivating like a rabid dog to know, and I don't do girlfriends, relationships, flowers or regular phone calls. If that works for you, I think we could work out something special."

“How does a guy like you promise someone forever at eighteen?”

“Easy,” he said, pressing a soft kiss into the corner of my mouth. “He finds a girl like you.” 

“You can’t be friends with the person you were meant to spent your life with.” 

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Title: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: November 6, 2012
Released: January 1, 2007 by Atria Books
Source: Bought 
Add to: Goodreads

Summary from Amazon:

In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five....In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until the day its complacency is shattered by a shocking act of violence. In the aftermath, the town's residents must not only seek justice in order to begin healing but also come to terms with the role they played in the tragedy. For them, the lines between truth and fiction, right and wrong, insider and outsider have been obscured forever. Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge sitting on the case, could be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. And as the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show, destroying the closest of friendships and families.

Nineteen Minutes is New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult's most raw, honest, and important novel yet. Told with the straightforward style for which she has become known, it asks simple questions that have no easy answers: Can your own child become a mystery to you? What does it mean to be different in our society? Is it ever okay for a victim to strike back? And who -- if anyone -- has the right to judge someone else?

I absolutely fell in love with Jodi Picoult's The Pact and really enjoyed her Plain Truth; Nineteen Minutes secured me as a Jodi Picoult fan. She can tell a dang story!

We get the story of Alex, an amazing judge who is also trying her hardest to be a good mother. Then there's her daughter, Josie, who's just trying to figure out who she is outside of her popular clique. We also have Lacey, who's already lost one son and could potentially lose her other. And then there's Peter, Lacey's son who has been bullied every single day of his last 12 years. Once again, Picoult does a fantastic job of intertwining these characters and their lives into one complicated (in a good way!) and touching story.

I sat and read this book the entire way through. There was just no putting it down. Every character had a story that you just can't help being completely sucked into. I also appreciate that Picoult definitely did her research on bullying and school shootings. You want so bad to hate Peter and think of him as a monster, yet the author spins it so you understand what led up to that point. It wasn't just a psychotic act of rage... it was just the pressure of 12 straight years of being beaten down finally exploding.

This entire story is made up of twists and turns. You finally think you have it all figured out and Picoult throws in another surprise. Right up to the ending. And oh, that ending! Didn't see that coming at all... but now, looking back, I probably should have. All the clues where there. This book does its job of putting the entire situation of a school shooting into perspective. We get to see all sides from the killer to the victims to people who loved that killer. Everyone gets a voice.

RATING: 5/5

Mini Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #2
Finished on: October 2, 2012
Released: February 28th 2012 by HarperCollins
Source: Local public library ebook

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Summary from Goodreads:

I’m pushing aside
the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana
and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, ' Delirium.' This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

**The use of "now" and "then" sequences was perfect. It kept the story moving smoothly and made me want to keep reading to get back to the previous moment.
**So.many.new.characters! And (most of them) are wonderful.
**I recommend reading this on a totally free day. This isn't one easily walked away from.
**This one was just as amazing at the first and I absolutely can not wait to get my hands on the third.
**I'm a little disappointed with Julian. Am I the only one who thought he came across too much like a 12-13 year old?
**I hate cliffhangers :( and this one... why? Perfect example of why I don't like to start series until each book is already released.

You can read my review of Delirium here.

Book Review: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Title: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: October 2, 2012
Released: May 9, 2009 from Multnomah Books
Source: Local public library ebook

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Summary from Goodreads:

California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does ... the One who will never let her go.
 

Absolutely beautiful. One of the most inspiring stories I have ever read. Portions of this book had me in complete shock, sometimes anger, and sometimes uplifting happiness. This is one of the greatest stories of unconditional love and forgiveness out there. The characters are unforgettable; ones that will stick with me for a long time to come.

Warning: this book deals with some pretty heavy issues [prostitution, rape, etc..] and may not be for everyone. Francine Rivers does an excellent job at allowing the reader to understand what is happening without becoming too graphic.

We get an excellent portrayal of a women [Angel] who is completely consumed by bitterness, hopelessness, and guilt. She believes that she is at fault for every terrible thing that others have inflicted on her just by being born. It is so amazing to watch how far she comes.

A timeless story of self-destruction and rebirth, betrayal and forgiveness, hopeless despair to deep faith, and the gain that can come from even the hardest sacrifices. I urge everyone to pick this one up, whether spiritual or not. There is something for anyone to gain from this one.

 

Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #1
Finished on: September 3, 2012
Released: February 1, 2011 by HarperTeen
Source: Local public library ebook

[add the Goodreads]

Summary from Goodreads:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

First off, Lauren Oliver's writing is beautiful. Poetic and perfectly detailed. I found myself wanting to read slower, to allow myself to fully savour every word and every eye-opening passage.

I originally picked up this book because the premise sounded extremely intriguing. I was not disappointed. While slow at a few points, there where also moments where I was left wondering what the heck just happened. Another one that left me thinking about it even in the moments I wasn't reading.

Oliver made it so easy to feel exactly what the main character, Lena, was feeling. The stress, confusion, fears, falling in love... all of it. Connecting with Lena and her world was effortless.

Warning: the ending left me in shock! I am SO grateful I was able to get my hands on Pandemonium two days later. I am definitely completed captivated by this series.

Book Review: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: September 20, 2012
Released: July 3, 2012 from HarperCollins Publishers
Source: Local public library ebook

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http://www.epicreads.com/blog/september-book-club-tiger-lily/

"Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . ."

Characters: The characters provide such an emotional rollercoaster. Some I loved [the lost boys, Tink], some I hated [WENDY!!, Smee], some I loved but wanted to scream at sometimes [Tiger Lily, Peter], and some that tugged at my heart strings [Tik Tok, Pine Sap]. There are so many unique and diverse characters in this story and each one really did leave and impression on me.

Writing/Tone: Beautiful, lyrical, raw, funny in some places and heartwrenching in others, descriptive enough to feel you're actually in this world

Setting: I absolutely fell in love with the whole world of Neverland. We get faeries, different tribes, mermaids, the lost boys, the pirates, and so much more. (We even get to see the crocodile for a second!!!)
A gorgeous representation of first love and all the moments that come after.

Everytime I had to set this book down, I still had the story in the back of my mind. A definite re-read one day.