Shatter Me: Book Review

Novel: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Release Date: November 15th, 2011
Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins

Format: ARC

Source: Gifted from Jess at Remarkable Reads

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. 

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. 

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. 

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   I had been waiting to buy Shatter Me for a while, until one day, Jess, from Remarkable Reads sent me a copy of the ARC in the mail. I inhaled Shatter Me in a matter of hours, and I adored this debut!

   When we first meet Juliette, she is struggling to stay sane in a cell in an insane asylum, so when Adam is thrown into the cell with her, she is astonished the Reestablishment even let her be in the presence of another human being - especially since she kills people with her touch. She is battling with her own realizations, while the Reestablishment has decided they need her for battle. So does she say yes, and kill people, or does she fight for her sanity and her own morals?

   The entire novel we learn things about Juliette's touch, from the first time to the things Juliette begins to discover. I was fascinated by how her touch worked, and by the end of the novel, I'm still unsure about a couple of things, but I expect those will be explained in the sequel. I can't wait for the next installment and to accompany Juliette on her journey to discover herself.
   My favorite thing about this novel, though, was Mafi's writing. It was beautiful. The sentences she would throw out at random points blew my mind away. I've never read any young adult novel with more incredible writing.

   In Shatter Me Tahereh Mafi has crafted a world with a frightening reality and heart-pounding consequences that will keep readers up at night until they finish. A fantastic debut!

Book Recommendations for 2011

First, I want to mention how massively sorry I am for the lack of posts. It has been.. ah-em.. a [cough] week [cough cough]. My darn finals are to blame. If you could teleport me from school to a bookstore of your choice, let me know. I would be happy to oblige.
   On to more important topics. Guess what friends? We have a mere 13 days left in 2011! Also, it's the Holiday Season, and for many of us, it means we are looking at the shelves of various stores going "What in the world should I buy this person?!" [I'm experiencing this. On a very tight budget of what I call "a teenage book nerd".]
   And so, I present my first ever Book Recommendations for the year.

Like the picture? I think it's cute.

How this is going to work:

   The books are in totally random order, because I hate numbering books. I think it's mean to the last ones. All these images are not made by me - they're taken from whatever site I find them at from Google.  Also, not all of these were published in 2011 - I either have read them then, or since it's my first one, I love them a ton. Lastly: feel free to do one for your blog! I've included a little linky to submit your link and let us all connect! Now find a good book.

1. Paper Towns by John Green: This. book. rocks. my. world. I laughed so much I that I thought he had run out of jokes. He didn't. Green is funny, the book is beautiful, and the characters are incredible. A review will be up later in the week! [Okay, I broke my numbering in order of love. But only this one.] 

Genre: Contemporary

2. Ashes by Isla J. Bick: One of my favorites of the year. The story is incredible, and the dystopian concepts Bick put into the book are original and thought provoking. 

Genre: Dystopian

Ashes Book Review

3. The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle: This book is so beautiful, heart-wrenching, thoughtful, and amazing. One of my favorite debut novels of the year! The characters are fantastic, and it is a book I constantly recommend.

Genre: Contemporary

The Beginning of After Book Review

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray: If you haven't read this, you are missing out. Bray had me laughing, stunned, and craving more at the end of each chapter. The characters are so unique, and the topic is one that I believe is quite thought-provoking and current.

Genre: Humor, Adventure/Survival

Beauty Queens Book Review

5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Again, if you haven't read this, you must be living under a rock. Anna and the French Kiss isn't just good - it's addicting! Perkins is an amazing author!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Anna and the French Kiss Book Review

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: The companion novel to Anna! You don't have to read Anna first, but I would. It's just at sweet and gooey as Anna and just as fantastic!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Lola and the Boy Next Door Book Review

7. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin: Amazing dystopian set in New York City. The topic of a family illegally making chocolate is such a interesting concept, and the book is beautifully written with twists and turns at every corner!

Genre: Dystopian

All These Things I've Done Book Review 

8. Supernaturally by Kiersten White: The second book in a trilogy, the first novel being Paranormalcy, the New York Times Bestseller. It's romantic and hilarious all at the same time! One of my favorites!

Genre: Paranormal

Supernaturally Book Review

9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: This book blew me away and left me craving for more. It's romantic and amazing and mind-blowingly addictive. It's a paranormal about werewolves, and a girl named Grace who falls for one... I would recommend having the second and third at your side when you finish!

Genre: Paranormal

10. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson: I love the setting in this one and the historical-ness of it! Set in London and filled heavily with historical references to the Jack The Ripper era, it is a wonderful mix! And of course there's some romance. 

Genre: Supernatural/Horror/Mystery/Suspense

The Name of the Star Book Review

11. Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern: Don't Stop Now was so fantastic! The main characters go on this road trip where they end up wondering if their relationship is something more - and along the way you get to see America with them!

Genre: Contemporary

Don't Stop Now Book Review

12. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson: Also set on a road trip! Amy's father has recently died in a car accident, and her mother is moving Amy and herself to Connecticut, just in time for senior year. Her mother's old friend's son Roger drives her, much to Amy's dismay, and together they face the road, and they learn that there might be more than a simple "friendship" between them.

Genre: Contemporary

13. Divergent by Veronica Roth: A fantastic debut for 2011! Divergent is on my favorites list, and one I always suggest to Dystopian lovers of romance. Tris is such a strong character, and the issues she faces relate to present as well as future.

Genre: Dystopian

Divergent Book Review

14. The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway: The story of three sisters with powers and the problems they encounter. I don't really think this book was all about the sister's powers for me - much more about sisterhood and the humor! 

Genre: Supernatural, Contemporary

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June Book Review

15. Eve by Anna Carey: I loved this debut novel! It was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it for fans of dystopian or readers trying to find a good dystopian to get the ball rolling for this genre. I read Eve in... A day? The romance is to die for!
Genre: Dystopian
A book review should be up soon, but for now, go check out the Remarkable Reads Review!

16. My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody: I just finished it a few days ago and WOW! It was amazing! So funny and has such a great message behind it. You can't help but root for Brooklyn as she navigates her way through life.
Genre: Contemporary
Book review up soon - but go check out Anna from Anna Reads' review!

17. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: This book is my second favorite Sarah Dessen book, and such a great read. Anyone who hasn't read Sarah Dessen - go check this one out! It's a great rainy day or holiday read.
Genre: Contemporary
What Happened to Goodbye Book Review

18. Angel Burn by Lee Weatherly: This is the only angel book I've read, and only because it was so beautiful. The characters, the romance - the whole thing was so enthralling! Fantastic!
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Go check out Mint Tea and a Good Book's review of Angel Burn!

19. Bunheads by Sophie Flack: I had never read a book about a ballet dancer, and this one changed the way I thought about ballet. Hannah (the main character) is someone you immediately care about, and her drive to dance is so inspiring. I suggest it for any reader, but definitely young adult.
Genre: Contemporary
Bunheads Book Review

20. The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson: The sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, and equally as wonderful. The Fox Inheritance blew my mind away, just like Jenna Fox did. These books are about cloning and the implications to three teenagers. One of my favorites!
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

I hope this helped some of you buyers or curious readers! Now for the linky for all of the bloggers joining in.

The Beginning of After: Book Review

Novel: The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: ARC

Source: BookPeople Teen Revieiwing

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Jennifer Castle’s debut novel is a heart-wrenching, surprisingly witty testament to how drastically life can change in the span of a single moment.

(From Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   The Beginning of After has been on my to-read list for ages, and I've wanting to read it for just as long. Somehow, I didn't go buy it when it came out, but that isn't a problem because I have it now! And I couldn't wait to post this review! 

   Jennifer Castle's debut is breathtaking and spot on true. Laurel's problems and obstacles are relatable from page one, and she responds to every problem in character and with understandable uncertainty.

   I loved Laurel the minute she was introduced. Her feelings and thoughts rang so true to me, even though I've never had to experience what she had to, I could still nod my head and whisper, "yes, yes, yes," frequently. The plot line let Laurel grow and make the necessarily realizations that were required for the story to move.

   One thing I absolutely love about this book: It spans over a year. 432 pages for one year. Jennifer Castle passes the months quickly, but they're believable and you never feel like you missed a piece. It was fast paced and never lagged. You got to experience every part of the year and how it was for Laurel without her parents and brother which was a necessary piece.  

   Castle has built a beautiful story of a girl's story that rings to true for everyone - whether or not they're lost their family. Be ready to be starstruck by the words of Laurel.

In My Mailbox {14}

It's Friday, and I've got some new books to share! 

Last month I won the lovely Katie from Katie's Book Blog's contest for the Pitch Black Dark Days tour! This week I got the books in the mail from HarperCollins, and I about freaked when I saw the label. Made my day!

From top left to bottom right:
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Eve by Anna Carey
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

(All links lead to the novel's Goodreads page)


*Heads up for all you Paranormalcy lovers! I already own a copy of Supernaturally, so this copy should be on the blog for a giveaway in December. Keep a look out!*

What's in your mailbox this week?

This meme was started by Kristi from the Story Siren. 

All These Things I've Done: Book Review

Novel: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Release Date: September 6th, 2011

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Austin Teen Book Festival

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   I admit, I have read no other Gabrielle Zevin novels, but since I finished All These Things I've Done, I can't wait to pick up Elsewhere, Memoir of a Teenage Amnesiac and others by this amazing author.

   When I got All These Things I've Done, I hadn't really read much about it - I hadn't done my usual research. I basically just based my decision off of the hype this book has gotten and the amazing cover! I mean, seriously. A dripping chocolate heart? Awesome! So, I purchased All These Things I've Done, and got it signed (if you want to see the personalized autograph, check out my ATBF recap) at Austin Teen Book Festival earlier this month. Unfortunately, I only got around to reading it this weekend. And now it's time for the guilty announcement: I read it in four hours. 

   Now, why did I finish it in four hours? Well, first of all, the pacing of the book is super fast. No descriptions of the grass in this novel. (Refer to the autograph for that joke. Think Willa Cather.) Every chapter some new exciting event has occurred, throwing Anya yet another curve ball. The best part of these constant curve balls is that Anya grows up. She learns more about herself, about her family, and the fate that she must face. 

   The plot line is incredible, and along the way you learn little details about Anya's world and each hardship Anya has encountered in her life in 2083. She has to hold her family's fate on her shoulders and take care of her older brother, younger sister, and grandmother, all while having a best friend and boy issues. Somehow she still finds time to find trouble, not only at school, but with the law and within her own family.

   This tale of family, friendship, romance, and growing up is fast-paced, addicting, and a fantastic read. Gabrielle Zevin does not disappoint.

Lola and the Boy Next Door: Book Review

Novel: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 29th, 2011

Publisher: Dutton

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Austin Teen Book Festival

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   I am so hesitant to post this review, simply because I feel like Lola will be ripped from my hands and shared with the world, but she already has been! (And she isn't mine to be protective over. Even thought I am protective of my shared copy.)

   Lola is amazing. She is this amazing girl with amazing talents and amazing friends, and an amazingly cool life. But, as always, something goes wrong. First, it's Cricket. Then it's Max. Then it's Norah (her birth mother). Lola has this fire inside of her that you can still access as a reader, which is hard to do, and incredibly fantastic! 

   Cricket.... Oh Cricket. Cricket is cool. Cricket is sweet. Cricket is as amazing as Lola! He is the perfect guy to come back into Lola's life and help her deal with the issues that will present themselves to her. He is always there for Lola, every day, every second. 

   Let me say this. I could go on and on, and on, and on, about Lola. But I won't, because somewhere in there I will give away the ending. (It made me cry.) The story of Lola will be like the story of Anna: you will stay up until you finish it, laughing with Lola, crying with Lola, yelling at Max (and Cricket!), until you flip that last page and absorb the fact that you are done. There will be lots of crying, screaming, and moping the next morning. (I'm just warning you!)

   I still can't get Lola out of my head, and I read (and finished) her the day I got her, which was October 1st. I want Lola and Anna to work at the movie theatre with me, Cricket and St. Clair to go to college with me, and spend every second with these characters, because they are like people to me. They are these amazing people who I love and can't let go of. 

   So go get your own Lola. You will love her as much as I do. 

Oh, and while you are at it, check out Meredith of Mint Tea and a Good Book and I's tumblr for the Stephanie Perkins books! (You'll get the low-down there.) http://perkyfindings.tumblr.com/.