Review: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters

Title:  Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
Author:  Natalie Standiford


     From GoodReads, "The Sullivan sisters have a big problem. On Christmas Day their rich and imperious grandmother gathers the family and announces that she will soon die . . .and has cut the entire family out of her will. Since she is the source of almost all their income, this means they will soon be penniless.

Someone in the family has offended her deeply. If that person comes forward with a confession of her (or his) crime, submitted in writing to her lawyer by New Year's Day, she will reinstate the family in her will. Or at least consider it.

And so the confessions begin...."

     As a mother I was intrigued about the confessions of three teenage girls.  It was interesting to ride along with each daughter and hear each thought and indiscretion each revealed.  I kept reading to see which one I felt had done the most damage and who could be the one to offend their grandmother.  Reading each confession you could see how different each daughter was and the different perception of  what could have been the offending incident.   I also liked how each girl learned, healed and felt remorse on their confessions.  The end was unexpected and surprising which definitely left me smiling as I closed the book.

 

Review: Bruiser

Title:  Bruiser
Author:  Neal Shusterman


     From GoodReads, "Tennyson:Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. So why is my sister, BrontË, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.BrontË:My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. There's a reason why Brewster can't have friends—why he can't care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can't be explained. I know, because they're happening to me.Award-winning author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love."


     In 2008, Neal Shusterman's The Schwa Was Here, was nominated for the Nebraska Golden Sower Award.  Prior to the nomination, I had never read any books by Neal Shusterman, however, I liked the book so much, picking up Bruiser, was an easy choice.  I think what I like most about Shusterman, is the way that he speaks to his readers without preaching his point.  He also doesn't talk down to his readers and assumes that they will be able to understand his intricately woven language or at least look up some of the words  (I admittedly do this at times).  
     Bruiser started out with such brutal reality that I couldn't wait to see what happened.  It did take awhile for me to figure out what the deal was and I will admit that once I figured out what was really going on, I almost put down the book.  I am glad that I finished it though because it turned out to be an intense story on just how deep the power of love and friendship can go.  

Review: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

Title:  The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
Author:  Josh Berk


     From GoodReads, "Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .) 

Those who prefer their heroes to be not-so-usual and with a side of wiseguy will gobble up this witty, geeks-rule debut."

     I wasn't sure whether or not I would like this book after I read the description, but decided to give it a try.  I must say that I am really glad I did.  I must say that I really enjoyed that the main character, Will Halpin, has a disability, but doesn't let that keep him from trying new things... so much so that he transfers from a deaf school to a public school.  I loved Will's sense of humor and found myself laughing out loud from his sarcastic humor.  It also helped that his sidekick, Devon Smiley, is the coolest geek I've read about in years. The book was incredible... funny, mysterious, and typical (or not) teenage drama!  I would highly recommend reading it.

Review: Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me

Title:  Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me
Author:  Kristen Chandler


     From GoodReads, "When KJ Carson is assigned to write a column for her school newspaper about the wolves in nearby Yellowstone National Park, she’s more interested in impressing Virgil Whitman, the new kid in school and the photographer assigned as her partner, than in investigative journalism. But before long, KJ has a face-to-face encounter with a wolf that changes her and the way she thinks about wolves. With her new found passion for protecting these controversial animals, KJ inadvertently ignites the fuse of the anti-wolf sentiment in the community. First Virgil is injured during a town parade, and then her father’s store is set on fire in retribution. To stop the escalating violence, KJ follows Virgil to the cattle ranch of the most outspoken anti-wolf activists in town, against her father’s will. What she discovers there threatens everything and everyone she cares about.  In KJ’s fierce and funny attempt to make peace between the wolves and the people that despise them, she must first face her own long-held fears. It’s terrifying, but then, finding yourself always is."


     Due to the success of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, there have been lots of books springing up about vampires and werewolves.  I assumed this was another one of them and I was completely and utterly incorrect and I am willing to admit it because I found this book to be AMAZINGLY unique.  So much so that I cannot believe that this is author, Kristen Chandler's first novel.  
     The book takes place in Yellowstone National Park and discusses, in depth, the quirkiness of both the human and animals that share the natural habitat.  I like animals, but have never really been one to want to know more about them and reading this book made me truly appreciate wolves.  
     If you are looking for a book that you can quickly read and just have a good time reading it, this is not the book for you.  This is a novel that you really have to sink your teeth into (pun intended).  I found myself having to look up more than a few words to understand the deeper meaning of the book and it really made me think and read with more of an analytical mind.  I am really glad that Chandler wrote in this way and I'm sure that deeper thinking teens will appreciate the fact that she doesn't talk down to her readers as well.
     I absolutely loved the main character in this book because of so many reasons.  First of all, KJ Carson, lives with her father who is a guide in Yellowstone.  Her father is supportive and loving in his own unique way.  I love the fact that even though these two characters experienced a loss (KJ's mother died when she was very young) they don't let that fact hold them back in any way, shape, or form.  Secondly, I liked that KJ had flaws, but was willing to stand up for what she believed in even though there were times in doing so that she caused pain to herself and the people she loved.  Lastly, I loved watching the dynamics between KJ and all of the other characters in the book.  Every character had such a deeper quality to them that it was fun to see what KJ was thinking.
     In addition to the wonderfully developed characters, an amazing plot, and superb writing, the book managed to be suspenseful and unpredictable.  I would recommend this book to anyone, teen and adult reader, who is looking for a thought-provoking, powerful read.

Review: Little Blog on the Prairie

Title:  Little Blog on the Prairie

Author:  Cathleen Davitt Bell

     From GoodReads, "Little House on the Prairie? Great book. Horrible idea for a family vacation.

Gen’s family is more comfortable spending time apart than together. Then Gen’s mom signs them up for Camp Frontier—a vacation that promises the “thrill” of living like 1890s pioneers. Forced to give up all of her modern possessions, Gen nevertheless manages to email her friends back home about life at “Little Hell on the Prairie,” as she’s renamed the camp. It turns out frontier life isn’t without its good points—like the cute boy who lives in the next clearing. And when her friends turn her emails into a blog, Gen is happily surprised by the fanbase that springs up. But just when it seems Gen and family might pull through the summer, disaster strikes as a TV crew descends on the camp, intent on discovering the girl behind the nationwide blogging sensation—and perhaps ruining the best vacation Gen has ever had."

     To be honest, I was really excited to read this book because of two things... the cover (which is so authentically appealing) and the title (which reminded me of some of  favorite books as a child, The Little House on the Prairie novels).  This book did not disappoint!  I absolutely loved it and so will upper elementary, middle school, and even high school girls.  (Heck, even moms will like it... I speak from experience.)  The premise of the book, a family transplanted back in time to experience life in the good old days as a family vacation, is a unique one, and I think that kids will identify with Gen because they will feel her pain when all of her technologic gadgets are stripped away from her.      Readers of the Little House on the Prairie series will immediately notice that Gen has her own Nellie Olson nemesis to deal with, just like Half Pint did in the Little House series.

     There was a lot to like about this book... I loved Gen the main character and thought that her voice specifically was relevant for young girls.  She had a quality about her that made her likable in a best-friend, kind-of way.  I loved how the author, Cathleen Davitt Bell, described Gen's frontier experiences.  The milking the cow scene was especially enjoyable.  I also loved how you got the best of both worlds in the story.  You went back in time, the 1890s to be exact and experienced some of the things that happened through Gen's eyes and you got a modern day story including an aspect of reality television.  The frustration that the family experiences at both the situations at the frontier camp and Gen's shenanigans throughout the whole process will have you laughing and identifying.  All in all... a great read!

Review: The Life of Glass

Title:  The Life of Glass
Author:  Jillian Cantor


       From GoodReads, "Before he died, Melissa’s father told her about stars. He told her that the brightest stars weren’t always the most beautiful—that if people took the time to look at the smaller stars, if they looked with a telescope at the true essence of the star, they would find real beauty. But even though Melissa knows that beauty isn’t only skin deep, the people around her don’t seem to feel that way. There’s her gorgeous sister Ashley who will barely acknowledge Melissa at school, there's her best friend Ryan, who may be falling in love with the sophisticated Courtney, and there’s Melissa’s mother who’s dating someone new, someone who Melissa knows will never be able to replace her father.

To make sure she doesn’t lose her father completely, Melissa spends her time trying to piece together the last of his secrets and completing a journal her father began—one about love and relationships and the remarkable ways people find one another. But when tragedy strikes, Melissa has to start living and loving in the present, as she realizes that being beautiful on the outside doesn't mean you can't be beautiful on the inside."


     I have to admit that this book reminded me a little bit too much of my own life to a certain degree.  As I began reading, it was eerily familiar and I felt a certain deja vu until I got past the first several chapters.  Let me explain... in high school, my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor that eventually led to his death after hospice in his early forties (which is similar to the main character's issues).   Another similarity that the main character and I share is our first name, Melissa.  As I started reading, the book transported me back to my earlier experiences.  Thankfully, those two similarities are the only ones we shared.  If the book had had anything else in common with me, I might have written the author and asked her where she got her inspiration.  
     To say that I liked this book would be an understatement.  I thought the book was amazing.  I loved how the author, Jillian Cantor,  voiced the main character, Melissa, and found her to be a honestly, refreshing high-school female character.  It was easy to feel what she was feeling.  I found Cantor's writing to be impeccable and reminiscent of why I fell in love with Sarah Dessen's writing in the beginning.  The way Cantor describes Melissa's emotions make it easy to identify with her problems and dilemmas.  It is unbelievable to think that this is only her second book.  From the first written words on the page to the very last period, she made me a part of her story and it reminded me of why I love reading in the first place... that you get a chance to live somebody else's life for a while.  
     
     

Review: She's So Dead to Us

Title: She's So Dead to Us
Author:  Kieran Scott


     From GoodReads, "Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios,Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?"

     As a huge fan of Kieran Scott, I had been anxiously awaiting this book.  Unfortunately the book didn't live up to my expectations.  Don't get me wrong, there were lots of things about this book that I liked.  For example, I liked how the author used the school calendar to present what was going on in the story.  I thought that this was a clever way to progress through the book.  I also liked the premise of the book, especially because of all the things we hear on the news about the recession and ponzi schemes.  I also liked how the book alternated between two perspectives, Ally and Jake.  I liked the character of Ally for the most part.  Her fall from grace was believable and I could totally buy why it would have been difficult to return to the scene of the crime.  The hardest things to read were the parts of the story where her former friends were so incredibly mean to her.  I really liked the character of Jake.  Even though he was probably one of the most popular guys in school (and one of the best looking), Kieran Scott managed to give him soul and depth.  His inner struggle with fitting in with the crowd and doing the right thing was my favorite thing about the book.

     Now for the things I didn't exactly like.  Maybe I am just used to the way Kieran Scott usually writes, but this book was a lot different from earlier books that I have read.  I thought that in many ways the book was very predictable.  Once I realized that Ally's friends were mostly mean girls (especially Shannon), I pretty much could guess what their next terrible plan was for Ally.  I almost put the book down a couple of times, but the one thing I really wanted to know about (Ally's father) kept me reading.  Without giving away anything, I was very disappointed in how the book ended.  I now know that this book will probably be a sequel and it really isn't one that I can't wait to get my hands on... in fact, I'm not really that invested now with how Ally's life will turn out.  Having read (and loved) all of Kieran's Scott's book, I will definitely return to this author, but I probably won't return to this series.

Review: Into the Wild Nerd Yonder

Title: Into the Wild Nerd Yonder
Author: Julie Halpern


     From GoodReads, "It’s Jessie’s sophomore year of high school. A self-professed “mathelete,” she isn’t sure where she belongs. Her two best friends have transformed themselves into punks and one of them is going after her longtime crush. Her beloved older brother will soon leave for college (and in the meantime has shaved his mohawk and started dating . . . the prom princess!) . . .

Things are changing fast. Jessie needs new friends. And her quest is a hilarious tour through high-school clique-dom, with a surprising stop along the way—the Dungeons and Dragons crowd, who out-nerd everyone. Will hanging out with them make her a nerd, too? And could she really be crushing on a guy with too-short pants and too-white gym shoes? If you go into the wild nerd yonder, can you ever come back?"


     I'm feeling a little conflicted about this book because I love the main character in the story's quirkiness (she sews her own patterned skirts and plays the drums and Dungeons and Dragons), her ability to get rid of poseur-friends, and her smarts.  There is one aspect of the main character that bothers me though and that is her relationship with her brother, Barrett.  I am fine with the fact that they look up to each other and have a close relationship, but there were times where I felt that they were too close.  I felt like Jessie had a certain innocence on one hand, but the next minute she was discussing her friend Bizza's sexual exploits with her brother. I think that the author meant this to demonstrate a certain coming-of-age quality to the book.  
      Overall, I liked the book and think that it would appeal to middle school and high school girls particularly.  There were parts of the book that I think upper elementary girls would like, but I worried about some of the sexual aspects of the book for this age group.  One huge compliment that I have for the author is her highlighting other terrific books.  I loved how she described the audiobooks that Jessie was listening to and a couple of the books discussed I had read and some I had not, but it made me want to read those books as well. Kudos, Julie Halpern!

Review: Split

Title: Split
Author: Swati Avasthi


     From GoodReads, "Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.
At least so far.
Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthihas created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split — how do you begin to live again?"


     This book was an amazing read!  I'm always trying to find great books for guys and I am really happy that this book is written from a guy's perspective.  I think that author, Swati Avasthi, (a woman, which I didn't realize until I read the back flap) did an amazing job portraying the feelings of someone like Jace, a teenager who purposefully takes the abuse of his father to protect his mother.  The book is a roller coaster ride of emotions and it is easy to see how even in a bad experience, family is one of those things that is permanent.  
     I loved the dynamic between Jace and his brother, Christian, who left the family when Jace was eleven to escape the abuse.  It is understanding that Jace would be somewhat untrusting of Christian and vice-versa.  The thing that is difficult to understand, both before and after reading the book, is why someone stays in an abusive relationship.  The book gave me some insight into the reasons, but I still don't understand it fully... and maybe, fortunately for me, I never will.