The Chosen One Review

The Chosen Ones by Carol Lynch Williams was a interesting tale to say the least. I found it is most fitted for a middle grade audience; however, that did not mean I did not enjoy it. Overall, it's a 3 out of 5 stars.

Kyra comes from a big family: 3 mothers, 1 father, and tons of siblings. They live in a compound, secluded in the middle of the desert where the prophet rules with a heartless, radically rigorous fist. Kyra has obeyed all of the deeply pious rules implemented by the mighty prophet, but it's until he announces that 13 year-old Kyra will have to marry her 60-something year-old uncle!

Kyra's character stays true to her age. She is not unusually bright for her age, she rebels and has noteworthy persistence. As the narrator of this novel, her opinions and perception are not completely skewed by the absurdities of the religion that she follows and the prophet's crimes against humanity. Despite this, she is not overly unique, she sounds like mostly conventional tween.

The whole aspect of polygamy in this book is presented on its negative type of it. The women have no choice if they want to follow polygamy or not; in addition, they have no choice as to who they can marry. Their sole purpose is to serve their husband, have tons of kids and to raise them. Nothing else. Which, of coarse, leads to the misogyny in the book. Luckily, Kyra resists it passively at first, still believing she's committing sins and thus feels guilt over it, and then it leads to her eventual proactive forms of it despite tremendous, lethal dangers.

The romance in the novel is how it should be: puppy love. They meet at dark in secret places to talk, read, or make out. It's all very innocent in its essence. It's what is expected of a tween-teen romance, not some adult version with explicit actions being done. Again, acceptable for a tween, middle grade demographic.

The novel was mildly entertaining enough to keep me reading; I was not glued to the page. It wasn't until the end that I became more intrigued. Similar books include:  The Color Of Rain (link here) and The Registry (link here). 

Every Day Review

Title: Every Day (Hard Cover)

Author: David Levithan

Publisher: Ember

Pages: 322

Firstly, I must say that this is a phenomenal book that was filled to the brim with lessons and wisdom. When I picked up Every Day by David Levithan, I surely did not expect it to be so absolutely meaningful, so easy to relate to, like seriously! It can connect to all walks of life. Due to the pure awesomeness that Is Every Day, it deserves nothing less than a 4.8 out of 5. 

This is a first person narrative detailing the lives of A during a forty day period. A doesn't have a body of it's own, instead from the day A was born, A enters a body of host for only a day. By midnight, A is ripped from that body and moves on to the next. A has no control over it. So A lives every day by trying not to make a significant impact on the host's lives. However, that's not until he meets Rihannon; she changes everything. 

The thing that stood at the most is most certainly all of the lessons and experiences that are contained within this terrific book. A possesses the body of such diverse people: a suicidal girl, a drug addict, an morbidly obese guy, a transgender teen, and many other kinds of people. Along with these experiences, A gifts the reader with countless wisdom and lessons that is to be received. It's what made this book stand out.

Consequently, this wisdom is what ultimately leads to the conclusion of the book. There is no tragedy, per se, but it's no happily ever after. And I appreciate it for that. Finally a book where the protagonist is realistic, ironically in a very unrealistic book, and is caring enough to let go what it loves the most for the benefit of the loved person.

The only issue I had with this book is the whole love at first sight stuff. I might just be too logical and cold-hearted, but it just doesn't seem right or realistic to me. However, I easily overlooked it as I became intrigued to other parts of this book.

If you haven't gone out and read this book yet, you need to get a copy immediately! It'll stick with you for a while. Here are some similar books: Wanderlove (link here) and Slammed (link here). 

What I Saw and How I Lied Review

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell was not a let down, that I can say for 100% certainty. I found this book while I was browsing around at my local library, looking for something to read. I had given up hope about finding a truly good book, as I have encountered a multitude of duds. This book has given me hope again. I'd say this definitely deserves a four out of five stars. 

Evelyn, her mother, and step-father, decide on a last minute decision to leave their home (well, the step-father's mother's home) and to go on a vacation at the very end of summer to Florida. Upon arrival, they discover that the town is practically deserted. However, they become friendly with some of the few people there. Among them includes Peter, a twenty-three-year-old ex-GI who happens to be visiting for business. 

The expectations that came along with the National Book Award sticker on the book did not wither while reading this book. In fact, it kept me so sucked in, I read it in less than twenty-four hours. Throughout the book, it maintained about the same level of interest, creating a sort of dreamy atmosphere around it. 

The book is filled with mystery in it, as there are events that happen that just don't seem right, even if Evelyn herself fails to recognize it or pushes it away. After several suspicious events, I began trying to piece the story together to find the truth to no avail. It wasn't until the last few chapters that most of the truth was revealed. And it all made complete sense! Some suspicious were confirmed while other precious were proved to be misconceptions. That's what made this book utterly fantastic! 

Evelyn starts out as a insecure young 15-year-old who is dependent on her best friend. She's envious of the other girls and her mother who seem to have all that she doesn't. Through her experiences in Florida and the danger shoved in her face she develops as a strong character. However, it's not all black and white, but overflowing with gray. It's a tale of self-discovery, lessons learned, character growth. 

The romance in this book is twisted over backwards with a hint of suspicious. For instance, Peter is twenty-three and Evelyn is 15, something must be wrong for a man in his twenties to want to be with a mere teenager, right? But, does love know no bounds? And what's with Peter being already acquainted with Eve's step-father and his poorly hidden contempt towards him? Don't even get me started with the mom...

This is a perfect read for this time of the year: summer! Oh, and one last thing: while reading this book, the song Florida Kilos by Lana Del Rey popped into my head. I don't think there is a more perfect song to fit this book. Hear for yourself: Florida Kilos. Anyway, this is a good young adult read. Similar books are: The Bone Season (link here) and Stolen (link here). 

Wanderlove Review

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard was not merely a random book that I picked off the shelf, rather after reading Just One Day I was hit with the longing to travel. Dismally, at the moment, I don't have the means to do so. In order to temporarily suppress the urge, I did the next best thing: vicariously live through a story that's saturated with it. This book irrevocably deserves a 4 out of 5. 

The sketches and the lists/rules in this book is what seriously set it apart from most other books. They were cute and complimented it as a whole nicely. It kind of helped me get inside the heroine Bria's head and allowed further insight into her character. Nevertheless, I must reiterate, they were entirely cute. Provided some comic relief in certain sections of the book. 

To be honest, I was slightly disappointed for the first 60ish pages. I didn't initially like Bria; she displayed annoying qualities that I plainly loathed: lying, sticking to the ugly past... However, I eventually became enlightened, this was old, transformed Bria. It was necessary to have her annoying and loathsome like this in order to have her transformed into a way more agreeable, enlightened heroine. I grew to love her. The further you were invested into the story, the more you discovered about Bria's character and her past. Personally, I eventually uncovered the reasoning behind her lies and even sympathized with her. (Note: lying is only a minor subject, it's not a primarily immoral book, it's the opposite actually. I mostly guarantee, this book will likely stick with you for awhile.)

I am sooo envious (not jealous, mind you) of Bria! Before reading this, I've never really been too interest in the backpacking lifestyle, perhaps due to my ignorance of it. But now, I am remarkably ready to begin my own backpacking adventure somewhere outside North America. Hostels, Mayan ruins, lakes, islands, and festivals, I want to experience it all! However, like I stated earlier, travel stories will have to satiate me for now.

The relationship between Bria and Rowan (travel-brother? love interest? -will try not to spoil- ) was initially a complicated one. Certainly, the topics concerning their past that were off limits was a definite obstacle in having an honest and healthy relationship. And again, making their transformation even more meaningful. There was more to this than simply a "common romance"; it stood out. The complexity allowed them to grow and seem multidimensional. Let me say, there really isn't any "instantaneous love at first sight crap".  

Those hit with the travel bug and cannot actually travel, read this. 

Those who enjoy a good coming of age, growing up story, read this.

Finally, those who are looking for something potentially a bit different, must I repeat? Read this. 

Just One Day

Just One Day by Gayle Forman is a contemporary, travel, coming of age, heartbreak filled story. I found it to be moderately good, so overall I'd say it's a 3.75 out of 5.

Allyson, Lulu, starts out as the straight A perfect student who obeys everything her Mom dictates, whom lives vicariously through her daughter. So when she's offered the opportunity to escape those shackles, while on her European group tour with her friend Melanie, and to live as Lulu, for just one day, she changes it up and agrees to have a mere stranger Willhelm (who's Dutch!) accompany her to a secret excursion to Paris! 

Her day trip, I found, was absolutely enviable! In fact, I openly admit to the internet that I'm jealous of dear Lulu! Will serves as a great tour guide, his looks adds heartily to it too, and you can feel the romantic tension between the two rather well, with it only being intensified that in 24 hours, they'll be heading in two very different ways, on another continent! When it begins to wind down the desperation is very noticeable! Though I'm sorry to inform you that this "desperation" is not graphic, it merely skims over it a bit... so if you're into that sort of literature, you definitely won't find it in this young adult book. 

I undoubtedly want to discuss the relationship between Lulu and will, but I fear it may spoil a big part of the book for you. So, I'll keep my mouth mostly shut. A on the surface understanding is formed that creates heartbreak and depression. However, it is this that instigates, along with the single day trip, Allyson to unchain those shackles and to search for who she truly is, self-discovery... introspection. The people that she meets along the way will guide her through her long transformation process. A few of them I really admire, there are some very interesting yet unique characters! All of the struggles that she goes through and eventually overcome can be very relatable to a wide variety of people, opening up its demographic and appealing to an array of creatures. Depression, heartbreak, over-controlling parents, travel, self-discovery: it's all very relatable. You will not be left untouched.

The descriptions in this book of the scenery is phenomenal! It'll transport you to the actually scenery, mainly the city of Paris and the country of the Netherlands. You'll be there with the characters in the field of Tulips, laying on the ground, in a boat, in a fancy French restaurant, running for your life, in a squat, and many other places. It'll make you truly believe that time really is fluid. It's beautiful. This is a terrific read for those who love international travel, though be warned: you are at risk of being infected with wanderlust. I caught it, therefore, you have the potential to catch it too. Especially for those who have been repressed from traveling or having an adventure for a long duration. I repeat, you have been forewarned. 

This will appeal to those who are a fan of Shakespeare! 

Anna and the French Kiss Review

I received this novel by Stephanie Perkins as a gift from a dear friend of mine. Honestly, I had my doubts about this book; the cover and the description gave off a really cliche feeling that I initially didn’t agree with. However, I gave this book a chance and was pleasantly surprised! Overall, I’d rate it 4.45 out of 5. 

It’s your last year of high school, what could be worse than being forced to move to a new district? Moving to a unfamiliar, foreign country where you don’t even understand the language… and… your family sent you there by yourself. Fortunately, for Anna she immediately meets and becomes friends with a interesting bunch: including the completely hot French/English/American boy St. Clair. Of coarse things don’t go smoothly, for one, St. Clair has a girlfriend and Anna still has a possible hook-up waiting for her back home. What’s more, her next door dorm mate and friend also has a bit of a crush on him.

Now one would expect a lot of drama from this type character dynamics, but that’s not necessarily true. It’s what makes the plot. You’re along the ride to discover with the characters how they handle this tangled relationship and it is resolved. Granted, of coarse, not everything goes smoothly, though that’s true with every book. 

If you don’t swoon over St. Clair, then I got to say you would be in the minority. I just absolutely loved the humor in the book; it’s always nice when a book makes you elicit laughter. He teaches Anna some life lessons about fitting in, despite common misconceptions that prevent it. The few things I was annoyed at was how he refused to move on. If he just did that one thing, then that would eliminate all that was holding him back. Though in the conclusion of the book he did do it, but if done sooner, then it would saved me from some of my frustration. I do realize that it is thanks to Anna that he does realize this lesson, making them an excellent pair that compliment each other. They teach each other lessons, desire the best for the other. 

I’d recommend this book to those who don’t mind reading contemporary young adult fiction, those that wouldn’t mind that there are no vampires, ghosts nor anything that’s deemed supernatural/paranormal. It teaches valuable lessons that can relate to anyone. However, keep in mind they aren’t life altering, won’t make you see the world with new eyes. It has a smaller scope, that’s not as important to other major issues but, nevertheless, still valuable. For a similar read, I’d recommend My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Stolen Review

This novel, Stolen, is a terrific novel by Lucy Christopher. I guarantee that this book will definitely make you question what’s right and what’s wrong…. what’s moral? It’ll make you ponder, think, maybe even debate whether or not what you think is traditionally, and conventionally, moral/right. I rate this book a 4.5/5. Yeah, it was that good! 

Stolen is written in a unique format as a letter written by Gemma who addresses it to her captor, Ty.   It starts out at a Bangkok airport, with Gemma and her family waiting for a flight. She inevitable meets Ty, a cute and older guy who actually seemed nice and cool… and awfully familiar. Then it is there that she is stolen, stolen to a place where no one will find her in the Australian outback. As it turns out, Ty has known her for years, and has decided it’s time to finally save her from her city life back in London. 

The story is amazing. It was unique, wonderful, and there was rarely a dull moment. I can honestly say I have never read a book like this one, and I’ve read many, many books. The author did an excellent job in admitting the right amount of imagery to really give the reader a great view, or perspective, on the great, nature-filled outback. Oh, and let’s not forget the animals also. 

The main characters, Ty and Gemma-pretty much the only characters in 88% of the book, which is to be expected- were executed exceptionally. You really feel a connection with Gemma throughout the entirety of the novel. You sympathize with her for the whole ride. In addition, towards the middle of the novel, you feel that same connection with Ty when you truly are allowed into his mind, into his conscious and unconscious as well.  When you get to know his background, his story, and his vulnerabilities, you really begin to understand him as a human being-rather than a child-abducting monster. 

The novel’s ending is what really gets you to think about the controversial. As what probably doesn’t come as much as a surprise, but a theme that this novel deals with is Stockholm’s syndrome. Don’t let this turn you off! It’s not a theme that consumes the entire book, but rather it’s an added emotion to tie into Gemma’s complex character. This book is written in such a believable way, that I can claim this: I contracted Stockholm’s syndrome myself! However, I do know it’s wrong… but but but it’s not as wrong as you think. It’s not black nor white…. it’s really, really gray. Read the book and make a judgement for yourself! 

Overall this book was an excellent read that I do not regret picking up. I had actually been meaning to read this book for a long time, perhaps over a year. I don’t understand why I’ve waited so long, but perhaps if I read it then I would of appreciated it less than if I read it now. Anyway! If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you question society’s standards and moral, then you will definitely not be disappointed with Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma.

My Life Next Door Review

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is a excellent, slow contemporary read. It is perfect to read during the summer vacation, though it is the kind of book to be read slowly: day by day. I give this book overall a rating of 4/5.

Samantha is the daughter of a state senator, who is running for reelection with the help of a new, suspicious character: Clay. The whole of the book takes place in a small Connecticut tourist beach town during the Summer. After watching her next door neighbors, who has about eight kids-and who her mom detests-, one day one of them, Jase Garret,  finally meets her… and that’s where it all begins. 

The words/phrases I would use to describe this book would be: down to earth, slow, dramatic, contemporary, and family oriented. There is a strong focus on relationships: family, friends, and Jase. You go through and experience Sam’s challenges, conflicts, and growth. The characters are all mostly-with few exceptions- well developed. Especially all of the Garrets! Each one of those many kids had a unique personality and had their own voice. The younger ones are all so cute and funny! It makes me wish I belonged to such a big, and very, very loving family. 

All of the conflicts in this book were well written and just… excellent! They were logical, and didn’t seem random or out of place/weird. They fitted and caused Sam and others to grow. Some of them were a total shock and surprise! Just genius. 

Honestly, I can’t really think of any legitimate complaints about this book. Sure it wasn’t captivating enough to make me want to read it all in one sitting, but that’s the beauty of this book. It’s so down to earth that you just have to read it slowly, day by day. It’s just its own unique nature that shouldn’t devalue it.   

I recommend this to teens to read during the summer. Especially those looking for a good, almost realistic read. For other reads, I suggest practically any Sarah Dessen novel.