Tag: genre: young adult

• Book Review: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han

  Posted at 7:34 pm by Laura, on April 23, 2014

  To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han 

  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
  Published: April 15
  Genre: young adult
  ISBN: 9781442426702
  Goodreads: 4.22
  Rating: ★★★★★

  What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once?
  
  Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

  Lara Jean Song Covey has found a way to get over her loves quickly and efficiently: write them a love letter, seal it in an envelope, and hide it in her mother’s hatbox. By writing to them, she can let out all her feelings without the embarrassment of admitting them. Except when somehow the letters are delivered, and the boys come forward with their questions…

  

  This book was hilarious, awkward, quirky, and touching. While the premise of the book suggests a love story, at the heart it’s about growing up, facing fears, and finding independence. Lara Jean is very close to her sisters Kitty and Margot — it’s just them and their father; their mother passed away several years ago. Margot’s going to college in Scotland, and since she’s been the surrogate mother to Lara Jean and Kitty, Lara Jean is concerned she’ll never live up to Margot’s image and standards. She has difficulty fulfilling the role of Big Sister to Kitty, she’s scared of doing things without Margot and her approval, and she’s always concerned with what Margot would think or say in a situation. As the novel progresses, Lara Jean becomes less concerned on the idea of Margot and simply misses her sister’s companionship. It’s so remarkable, how close and loving this family is, that it warmed my heart.

  Another facet I liked about Lara Jean is her honest narration, her true-to-life insecurities, her racing thoughts, her pounding heart, her fight-or-flight rash decisions when Margot’s ex Josh and Lara Jean’s old friend Peter come forward with their letters. The whole situation with Josh and Peter heightens the hilarity and brings out Lara Jean’s quirks. The interactions they have with her family, their eagerness for her to share Korean food, the ways in which they want to protect her innocence or expose her to new experiences is beautiful to watch.

  Thank goodness Han has a sequel planned! While the ending of this book would allow the reader decide what Lara Jean plans to do with her final letter, I felt her story with her family and the boys she’s loved just wasn’t over yet. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for her!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: fiction, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Prisoner of Night and Fog” by Anne Blankman (ARC)

  Posted at 3:39 pm by Laura, on April 15, 2014

  Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman 

  Publisher: Balzer + Bray
  Publishing Date: April 22
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction
  ISBN: 9780062278814
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★★★ 

  In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her “uncle” Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf’s, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

  Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler.

  And Gretchen follows his every command.

  Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can’t stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can’t help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she’s been taught to believe about Jews.

  As Gretchen investigates the very people she’s always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

  Gretchen Müller’s father is considered a martyr for the National Socialist Party; he darted in front of Hitler and took the bullets. Since then, the Müller family is Hitler’s favorite, and he’s especially fond of Gretchen. She stands by his beliefs and hopes for a better Germany. But when Jewish reporter Daniel suggests her father was murdered, Gretchen’s world is turned upside-down. She watches her brother beat others mercilessly, makes connections between his behavior and Hitler’s, discovers incongruities in her father’s history, and pieces together Hitler’s darkest intentions for the Jews. Gretchen must face her most difficult decision of all: side with the people she’s been molded to hate, or follow a man intent on genocide.

  When I began Prisoner of Night and Fog, I thought I would encounter a I’m-supposed-to-hate-you-but-I-love-you-anyway YA historical love story. That the only interesting thing was that it was set before Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. I was completely wrong. This book is intense, a major psychological page-turner, with mystery, terror, and violence. Yes, there’s a romance, and the way it blooms is stunning — but this is first and foremost a third-party observation and psychological study on Hitler.

  It was oddly thrilling to be in the mind of a young Nazi girl. Gretchen is afraid of her brother, but is most frightened of him when he beats people without guilt. She watches him beat a Jewish man, and is torn between wanting to save this “monster” she’s been trained to dislike, and wanting to turn the other way. She is shocked to find humanity in the Jew. And she’s bothered even more when she meets Daniel and finds that he does not have any tricks in seducing her, does not transfer viruses, does not turn into a monstrous creature. Hitler’s brainwashing went so deep into her mind that when she realizes on her own that the Jews are innocent humans, she feels terrible for believing in such horrors and supporting the Fuhrer. She’s on edge, uncomfortable, tip-toeing around the whole Party. But most of all, she’s iron-willed and determined to find out the truth about her father’s death, even if it means putting her and Daniel on the line.

  There is plenty of fiction available for victims of  WWII. We have the perspectives of the women at home, from the soldiers across the world, from the Jews in the camps and in Siberia. But there are very few perspectives from the Nazi side, and even fewer from before the war when Hitler’s party was one of many attempting to take control of Germany. Gretchen’s independent transformation, coupled with the trust and understanding with Daniel, makes for a fascinating, frightening, and exciting read.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Balzer + Bray for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 2 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Deception’s Princess” by Esther M. Friesner (ARC)

  Posted at 8:25 am by Laura, on April 8, 2014

  Deception’s Princess by Esther M. Friesner 

  Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
  Publishing Date: April 22
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction
  ISBN: 9780449818633
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★★

  Maeve, princess of Connacht, was born with her fists clenched. And it’s her spirit and courage that make Maeve her father’s favorite daughter. But once he becomes the High King, powerful men begin to circle–it’s easy to love the girl who brings her husband a kingdom.

  Yet Maeve is more than a prize to be won, and she’s determined to win the right to decide her own fate. In the court’s deadly game of intrigue, she uses her wits to keep her father’s friends and enemies close–but not too close. When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the son of a visiting druid, Maeve faces a brutal decision between her loyalty to her family and to her own heart.

  Maeve’s life is over-exaggerated — for better or worse — in bards’ songs. Sure, she was a daring five-year-old when she chased after her father’s prized bull. Yes, she learned how to use weapons against threatening beasts. And it’s true she speaks her mind, in a witty, intelligent, and clever manner. But Maeve is a princess in first-century Ireland, and an independent, headstrong young woman is one to be feared or beaten down with a stick. She’s determined to find solid ground to stand up for herself and her beliefs without angering her father, upsetting the land’s most powerful druid, and crushing the druid’s son, a healer and master with creatures.

  Maeve, like King Arthur, is based on threads of fact but mostly of mythical fiction. Her frustrations are understandable, and the men in her life are equally supportive as well as manipulative, protective, and controlling. She can see right through them, and plays their game by speaking only the truth and pointing out inaccuracies and falsehoods. She wants to help her father defend the land — thus her warrior skills — but also wants to be a compassionate healer — thus her lessons with the druid’s son Odran. Maeve is a force of nature, admirable and wonderful to behold, and it was a joy reading her mind.

  What I loved most about this book was what Friesner was able to accomplish with so little recorded historical information at the time. Truly, the tales that lasted from Iron Age Ireland are the tales sung by bards and centuries later recorded in manuscripts. Like the game “telephone,” both in Maeve’s experience as well as in research, only a grain of truth can be found in the poems. Even with little research, Friesner managed to concoct a beautiful and rich tale of love, friendship, and compassion in this tumultuous age. I loved the feast scenes — so much laughter and joy — and the moments Odran and Maeve spent in the hut caring for the animals. Every moment circled back to a previous, an endless loop of past events impacting the present, and it was fun to make the connections. Even the dark moments of sexist frustration and political intrigue were scattered with light, sarcastic commentary in Maeve’s thoughts.

  A fun read for anyone interested in ancient historical fiction, fierce young women, and awesome names you’ll need a pronunciation guide to get anywhere close to its actual sound.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Random House Books for Young Readers for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 2 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: historical fiction, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “The Geography of You and Me” by Jennifer E. Smith (ARC)

  Posted at 9:15 am by Laura, on April 1, 2014

  The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith 

  Publisher: Poppy
  Publishing Date: April 15
  Genre: young adult, romance
  ISBN: 9780316254779
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★★★

  Lucy and Owen meet somewhere between the tenth and eleventh floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they’re rescued, they spend a single night together, wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is restored, so is reality. Lucy soon moves to Edinburgh with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.

  Lucy and Owen’s relationship plays out across the globe as they stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and — finally — a reunion in the city where they first met.

  Two strangers’ lives change forever after getting stuck in an elevator in sweltering New York City summer heat in the middle of a black-out. Lucy, the youngest in her traveling, absent family, and Owen, new to the apartment building and grieving with his father the sudden death of his mother, end up spending the rest of the powerless day and night together, learning everything and nothing about one another. But when power is restored, their lives immediately change: Lucy’s family moves to Edinburgh and London, and Owen travels across the country with his father in search of employment and college options. As months pass and the distance between them widens, Lucy and Owen soon find that “home” doesn’t always mean a specific place: it can be a person.

  Smith has a unique way of creating love stories out of travels and chance encounters. I loved The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and was thrilled to receive this. It certainly makes you wonder what sort of lasting imprint you’ve left on a complete stranger, with a look or comment or action. Imagine an extreme situation where you and that stranger were forced to be together for an extended time — how would this happenstance grow into friendship? Would you keep in touch, and how?

  Lucy and Owen have a bit of an inside joke with postcards, sending them to one another throughout the novel. It began as a snarky comment, that people only send postcards out of politeness, and say “Wish you were here” when really the sender is probably functioning just fine without the sendee. But for these two, a postcard with a few lines means so much more. The wish is genuine. The thought and effort speaks volumes. It’s amazing how, having only been in the other’s presence for roughly four times in the novel, the love can seem so real despite the minimal communication and the vast distance. They see the other in everything, there’s a constant desire to turn to the other and share the excitement or sadness over an event, followed by a disappointment over the constant fact the other is not there. You’d think this desire would be exaggerated passion, “insta-love,” or some other hokey term — but it’s not. It’s like a crush you didn’t realize you had till you found yourself disappointed at the reality of a situation, and then begin to hope once more when a small hint is tossed your way.

  It was wonderful to read Lucy’s adventures in Europe, to watch her build a relationship with her parents for the first time; to root for Owen and his father (and their stow-away turtle) on their trek across the country for employment, to witness them slowly emerge from their grief. The ways in which Lucy and Owen’s lives intersect are remarkable, further solidifying such a beautiful basis for a relationship.

  Definitely a read for fans of Smith’s previous work, as well as Gayle Forman’s Just One Day and Just One Year. Enjoyable and touching.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Poppy for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 1 Comment | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Advance Excitement at a Glance IV

  Posted at 9:52 am by Laura, on March 31, 2014

  

  This year, in an effort to blog more, to become more involved with the blogging community, and to keep up with the latest publications, I thought I’d create a monthly post about the ARCs I’ve received. These ARCs will be read and reviewed a month prior to the publishing date. The Advance Excitement at a Glance posts will feature one or two (or more, depending on what happens this year) books to look forward to, and it will motivate me to keep my to-read list on track.

  Last month, I read several ARCs, including Always Emily and Solsbury Hill (many more reviews are on their way, too! March was a busy reading month). This month is another jam-packed reading session, but I’m really excited about these two books in particular. Note the “lost” theme!

  

  Royally Lost by Angie Stanton
  (HarperCollins, May 6)

  Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

  Becca has a difficult time enjoying a family vacation in Europe until she meets Nikolai, a prince who has fled his kingdom and enjoys a personal European tour undercover. But Becca’s vacation is ending soon, and Nikolai’s guards are constantly searching for him — what will they do?

  Cute, light, fluffy, and European — I’m down for that! It sounds fun and adventurous.

  

  The Lovely and the Lost by Page Morgan
  (Delacorte Press, May 13)

  Ingrid and Gabby survived the Underneath. They saved their brother, Grayson, from a future of dark servitude and exposed a plot to undermine the Alliance. But danger still lurks in the streets of Paris, and the Dispossessed, perched on the city’s bridges and rooftops, might not be able to save their human wards this time.

  I’m not even going to give a summary, because I know I’m going to love this book just as much as I loved the first. Oh, Luc. Gimme gimme gimme.

  What books are you looking forward to in May? Got any ARCs you’d like to share the excitement over?

   

   

  Posted in Advance Excitement, books | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, ARC, books, genre: young adult

• Book Review: “Always Emily” by Michaela MacColl (ARC)

  Posted at 9:16 am by Laura, on March 25, 2014

  Always Emily by Michaela MacColl 

  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Publishing Date: April 8
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction, mystery
  ISBN: 9781452111742
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★

  Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. Charlotte is practical and cautious; Emily is headstrong and imaginative. But they do have one thing in common: a love of writing. This shared passion will lead them to be two of the first published female novelists and authors of several enduring works of classic literature. But they’re not there yet. First, they have to figure out if there is a connection between a string of local burglaries, rumors that a neighbor’s death may not have been accidental, and the appearance on the moors of a mysterious and handsome stranger. The girls have a lot of knots to untangle—before someone else gets killed.

  Practical Charlotte and imaginative Emily may be two creative and artistic sisters, but their opinions and habits often clash in Haworth. They both notice their brother Branwell acting oddly — or, more so than usual — coinciding with their neighbor’s mysterious death. Soon Charlotte and Emily meet the neighbor’s son, a frightened woman, and a determined stranger on the moors, each with a different story that, eventually, influence the sisters’ writing and future success.

  This review is battling two sets of opinions (ha, quite like these sisters!): one based off a Brontë fanatic and academic, and one based off a YA reader. As someone who has spent the last 10 years researching the Brontë family, reading their works, watching adaptations, and reading the occasional fictional account, I would have rated this with 1 star. Their lives were exaggerated and slightly misrepresented, and something about their father Patrick seemed off from all I’ve researched on him. Then again, the only true critic would be someone who befriended the real Brontës, and obviously they’re long gone.

  As a YA reader, I could give this 4 stars. It’s a great introduction to the secluded family, to the minds of the authors of the strange and wild stories, to the gothic feel of the moors. The mystery is intriguing, the situations the sisters encounter are thrilling, and the growth between the sisters is beautiful to watch. Emily and Charlotte are given alternating chapters in their own POV, and I have to say Emily’s is most compelling. She’s given life and freedom, while Charlotte’s seems restrained. Maybe it’s an expression of their personalities, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the real Charlotte and it would’ve been great to read some more depth in her chapters. Something quite like Jane’s in Jane Eyre — restrained to others but inwardly flourishing.

  For a cozy mystery set on the English moors in the 1830s, this is an entertaining read. Yet I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who is a massive Brontë fan or scholar. It’s a good bridge for those new to the Brontës and their quiet yet turbulent lives.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Chronicle Books for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 4 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: historical fiction, genre: mystery, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Authors in the Flesh: Victoria Schwab, AC Gaughen, & Tiffany Schmidt

  Posted at 8:25 am by Laura, on March 20, 2014

  Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of hearing three great YA authors read from their books and meeting one in particular, Victoria “V. E.” Schwab!

  

  Children’s Book World of Haverford, PA, regularly hosts children’s and YA author events and signings. Tuesday night Schwab (The Archived, The Unbound, Vicious, etc), A. C. “Annie” Gaughen (Scarlet, Lady Thief), and Tiffany Schmidt (Bright Before Sunrise, Send Me a Sign) gave us a brief synopsis of their latest books and then opened up the discussion to the floor. Instead of reading pre-selected passages, they asked us to choose between pages 1 and 100 and they would read a sentence (“My sentences are short!” –Schwab) or small passage from that page. Gaughen’s were steamy, Schmidt’s revealed sneak-peaks into the minds of two characters, and Schwab’s were philosophical.

  

  The best moments were when the authors became passionate about why they wrote these particular books. For Gaughen, it stemmed from a love of history, particularly Robin Hood lore and Eleanor of Aquitaine, of creating a fierce, frustrated, independent female character to take place of the poorly represented female of Hood lore. Schmidt wanted to debunk the whole “mean girl” high school hierarchy, that some of the popular girls are that way for being friendly, nice, people-pleasing. The issue lies in identity: if she’s too busy trying to make others comfortable, then who does she want to be? And Schwab’s inspiration stemmed from a desire to write about a hotel-turned-apartment building (setting 1) and a library of the dead (setting 2). The library of the dead came from her fear of death: that, as humans, we are composed of memories and experiences for a short period and then we disappear forever — unless these bodies filled with memories (Histories) are later stored for safe keeping. There’s a possibility for us to wake. Combine the two settings, and voila! rief introductions about their latest books and then opened up the floor for a game: rather than read a pre-selected passage, they wanted us to shout out a random number between 1 and 100 and they would read a sentence (“My sentences are short!” –Schwab) or small passage from that page number. Gaughen’s passages were filled with heavy breathing and sexy times (which we all enjoyed), Schmidt’s had a great selection of two perspectives stating their thoughts, and Schwab’s were existential and philosophical.

  I also really enjoyed how fired up they got regarding female authors in the industry. There’s so much I can state on this — how degrading it feels when a male says, “I’m surprised how great you are in this genre even though you have lady parts,” etc etc — and it was clear they had a lot to say as well, but there’s only so much time in an evening. What are your thoughts? Particularly thriller and sci-fi/fantasy readers? Does it matter to you if a male or female wrote the book, and why/why not?

  When it came time for signing, I went straight to Schwab and reminded her of my tweet from earlier that morning. She remembered and we immediately went on about YA Gothic, wanting to live in the UK, and her plans to move to Edinburgh for graduate school. She claims her degree has nothing to do with writing, but I suspect what she’ll study will seep into her already brilliant books.

  

  Final plug: when you see A Darker Shade of Magic in the future, note that what Schwab really wanted to call it was Pirates, Thieves, and Sadist Kings.

  Posted in Authors in the Flesh, books | 0 Comments | Tagged authors, books, genre: gothic, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult, personal, signings

• Book Review: “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell

  Posted at 6:34 pm by Laura, on March 17, 2014

  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

  Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
  Published: September 10, 2013
  Genre: young adult, new adult
  ISBN: 9781250030955
  Goodreads: 4.22
  Rating: ★★★★★

  Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

  Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan…. But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

  Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fanfiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

  Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

  Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend; a fiction-writing professor who thinks fanfiction is the end of the civilized world; a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words…and she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

  For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

  Cath is a famous Simon Snow fan. At least, in the fandom. She’s written several fanfics about Simon Snow, and her latest mammoth creation is regarded as the final book in the series. But Cath is horrible in real life social situations. Her twin sister, Wren, is anxious to start college and experience all the new opportunities; Cath is terrified of meeting people. At first she likes that her roommate leaves her alone, but her ever-present friend Levi constantly tries to bring Cath out of her shell. She thought her Fiction Writing class would be phenomenal, but her professor scorns fanfiction. And to top it off, Cath’s father tends to experience extreme manic episodes, and this is the first time he would be on his own without his twin daughters. Cath begins college a terrified, anxious girl, entirely dependent on a fictional world to help her get by — and transitions into a more confident woman, a journey beautiful one to behold.

  

  I don’t even know where to begin with this review because this book spoke to me on so many levels! Maybe I should begin with the levels.

  As a fangirl . . . I was deeply ingrained in the Harry Potter fandom. From age 11-15 I was constantly checking forums for theories about the books and characters, reading fanfiction, participating in “ship” discussions — everything. I didn’t like to admit it to my friends because speaking about it made it seem stupid. But really, it was a joy playing around in JKR’s world. That’s exactly what Cath does with this HP knock-off world of Simon Snow (which, by the way, the blatant Harry Potter (and Twilight! Ha!) references cracked me up!). It’s so strange and liberating reading a book about something millions of people experienced secretly and openly. I loved how Cath’s fanfic had such a huge following — it reminded me of Cassandra Claire (note the spelling) and her Draco Trilogy. Anyone remember that? Man.

  As an anxious person . . . Cath has extreme social anxiety. While I can handle social situations fairly easily, it was such a relief to read about a character who truly does have difficulty interacting with people and day-to-day life. She over-thinks every scenario with any trip she needs to take. There’s a good portion of the beginning of the book where Cath is scared to go to the dining hall, and therefore doesn’t know where the dining hall is located. She’s not afraid of getting lost, but looking stupid: where to pick up a tray (if there is a tray), where to stand in line (if there are lines) for food, where to check out, where to sit, if it’s okay to sit alone (and how to sit alone and look normal, not lonely), etc. Reagan, her roommate, handles these situations so perfectly. She literally drags Cath everywhere with her, forcing her to experience college life without actually pressuring her to do anything.

  As someone hesitant about relationships . . . Sometimes the whole insta-love thing works, and it can be beautiful and magical and wonderful. But let’s be honest — more often than not, insta-love doesn’t happen, and someone is extremely nervous in the relationship (or pre-relationship). Cath, slowly but surely, begins to like Levi. She’s not sure how to handle it, considering she’s confused about the Reagan-Levi dynamic and she’s intimidated by the fact he’s a junior — and in college years, that’s like a decade older than her and a million times more experienced. And she handles these emotions like any anxious, nervous person would: she refuses to think about it and dwell on it. As the reader, you notice she likes him because she’s mentioning his habits, his quirks, his expressions: all signs of observational skills. What’s fantastic about this is that Levi isn’t traditionally handsome. He’s not some huge hunk of sculpted meat and brilliant brains and touching sensitivity — he’s a nice guy. It’s so beautiful. So beautiful, it makes me want to cry.

  The writing is phenomenal. I love Rowell’s style, and there’s something about her voice that makes every scene hilarious, terrifying, emotional, and heartfelt all at once. It’s raw and honest and real. I don’t know how else I can explain this magnificence of this book, and so I’ll close with saying I’m clutching this book to my chest and never letting go.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: contemporary, genre: fiction, genre: new adult, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• World Book Day // Birthday Gifts

  Posted at 2:23 pm by Laura, on March 6, 2014

  Happy World Book Day! On this day, buy a book from a bookstore or give a book to a friend, family member, or light/non-reader; read and relax and find new adventures; anything and everything relating to books, do it!

  For my birthday I received several gift cards to my bookstore (that I of course immediately used and violated my resolution to read five books before purchasing one more) and an amazing gift from a dear friend.

  

  Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard was one of those books that just called to me. Just like CJ Redwine’s Defiance and Sharon Biggs Waller’s A Mad, Wicked Folly stared at me from the shelves at work — and I tried to avoid them for days, weeks, months — this book stared at me, taunting me. The cover is really pretty, and because the title alone is a reference to music and piano, I had to grab it. Within the first 20 pages, I was hooked. So now I own it, and can read it entirely soon!

  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is a book I’m ashamed I haven’t read yet, and have seen so many raving reviews! Plus, WWII books have always enticed me, so I can’t wait to begin this one.

  Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys is a book that, when it was first published, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. But as time wore on, the story, the awards, the reviews, and even Sepetys herself (come on, if she can write Between Shades of Gray then clearly she can write anything) convinced me that I need this book. I’m glad I’ve purchased the paperback — I think the cover is much prettier, and as you know I’m all about aesthetics.

  

  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell I should’ve read ages ago. I grabbed this book so many times on lunch breaks and was completely stunned at how…similar, too similar, I am to Cath’s obsessions. I’m an open fangirl, and have been since I was 10, on Harry Potter. And as an adult I’m still very much a fangirl in other things, like TV shows or book series. But I have to admit, I was nervous to read this book (let alone buy it) because of those similarities. Odd? I know. But  my friend Cara convinced me that every fangirl should read this book because it’s like looking into a mirror and facing one’s fears. I trust Cara’s judgement.

  The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott because, come on, I enjoyed it and I can add it with my other Kate Alcott book!

  The next book was a gift from a friend. We’ve worked together for over a year now, and have become incredibly close ridiculously fast since about this time last year. Our conversations flourished shortly after I mentioned my thesis topic. After months of literary, philosophical, musical, historical, political, and humorous discussions, suddenly we became best friends. It’s not a proper, enjoyable work day if the other isn’t around. Don’t you love those friendships? I sure do.

  If you followed my blog starting roughly this time last year, you would’ve noticed a trend in my book reviews: young adult, dark, mysterious, creepy, frightening stuff. It was a never-ending stream of terrifying yet brilliant YA Gothic books — and so you may have guessed my graduate thesis revolves around Gothic literature. And if you know anything about Gothic literature, you’d know that The Monk is one of the most celebrated Gothic works, frequently referred to because it was one of the first Gothic novels to be written, published, and create quite a sensation among the public (so much so, even Jane Austen’s characters discuss it in Northanger Abbey — not-so-coincidentally my favorite Austen novel).

  

  The Monk was published in 1796, and in this “Gothic romance” the monk explores all sorts of transgressions. He’s lustful, murderous, incestuous — all those bad things the Church frowns upon. He gives in to temptation, and it takes him down a wild path. It’s all about sexual desire, how power can corrupt, and it sparked such drama in the public that it still remains popular today.

  This is a genuine 1830 edition of the first volume of The Monk! All marked, torn, tattered, and faded. It even smells wonderful, that hint of vanilla within the musty scent of old pages. On the inside of the cover is a signature, a Mrs JL Dyer, who must have been the first owner of this book. Makes me want to know her own history, why she purchased it (or who purchased it for her), and what she thought. Alas, at that time, women lost their names to men and this Mrs. Dyer may not ever be found. But wouldn’t it be fun?

  What did you do for World Book Day? Any exciting books you received or gave away?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 9 Comments | Tagged books, genre: classics, genre: gothic, genre: historical fiction, genre: young adult, goodreads, personal, World Book Day

• Book Review: “A Mad, Wicked Folly” by Sharon Biggs Waller

  Posted at 9:05 pm by Laura, on March 3, 2014

  A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller 

  Publisher: Viking
  Published: January 2014
  Genre: young adult, historical fiction
  ISBN: 9780670014682
  Goodreads: 3.95
  Rating: ★★★★★

  Welcome to the world of the fabulously wealthy in London, 1909, where dresses and houses are overwhelmingly opulent, social class means everything, and women are taught to be nothing more than wives and mothers. Into this world comes seventeen-year-old Victoria Darling, who wants only to be an artist—a nearly impossible dream for a girl.

  After Vicky poses nude for her illicit art class, she is expelled from her French finishing school. Shamed and scandalized, her parents try to marry her off to the wealthy Edmund Carrick-Humphrey. But Vicky has other things on her mind: her clandestine application to the Royal College of Art; her participation in the suffragette movement; and her growing attraction to a working-class boy who may be her muse—or may be the love of her life. As the world of debutante balls, corsets, and high society obligations closes in around her, Vicky must figure out: just how much is she willing to sacrifice to pursue her dreams?

  All Victoria Darling wants to do is get into the Royal College of Art and become a master artist. Normally that would be quite simple — but Vicky is restricted to the social and political rules of 1909 London. As a female, she cannot apply confidently, nor can she pay for tuition without seeking aid from a man. After posing nude for an art class, her reputation is sullied and her parents quickly try to patch it up with an engagement to Edmund Carrick-Humphrey, a wealthy and educated young man who could inherit Mr. Darling’s business. Vicky can hardly find solace with a wedding to plan and parents restricting her art, so when she decides to draw the suffragettes and gets wrapped up with the police, her world turns upside down. All it takes is one copper, police constable William Fletcher, to make her face her dreams.

  

  In short, this book will make you feel all the feels.

  Passion. Vicky has a talent, she knows how to use it, she seeks to further her education in it, and she has a goal to become like a Pre-Raphaelite, remembered and adored for her artistic creativity. She wants to become an artist that inspires feeling in another person, just like Waterhouse’s painting A Mermaid does for her. To be inside a character’s thoughts like that — how she can find beauty in the smallest thing, how time stops for her when she has an artistic project, the way she can make art a part of every aspect of her life — is so thrilling. We all have something we are passionate about, and whether or not you’re an artist or enthusiast you’ll still feel that connection. Because it’s not just art — it’s women’s rights. Vicky has a base desire for equality from the start, a simple “Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I can’t do this” intuition. She’s frustrated with it, but is completely thrown when she meets passionate suffragettes. It shocks and inspires her that women will chain themselves to fences, will willingly go to prison, will starve themselves or endure force-feeding, just so a politician can hear their cry. Her artwork wraps up in their movement, and she with the women. Her growth and development in both is amazing.

  Anger. I love the Victorian era, and sometimes I believe I’m better suited in that time, but then a book like this comes along and reminds me that even when my great-grandmother was a little girl (nine years old in 1909) women did not have the rights we have today. And it astounds me that hundreds of thousands of women and male sympathizers would willingly get arrested and endure such torture. To me, these days, the faults of our history never make sense to me. Why would someone enslave another human being, deny the rights of another sex, deny the rights of another race, deny the rights of another religion, deny the rights of another sexual preference? It doesn’t make sense. We still have these issues today — but imagine the frustration to be in that party at that time. It angered me, seeing what these women dealt with — and what the anti-suffragettes did! And non-suffragette women! It wasn’t the book that angered me, but the history. And the author did a fantastic job of portraying the history!

  Sadness, betrayal. Will. Oh, Will. And Vicky with her father. And Vicky with her friends. And her mother’s history. Will’s family. Vicky’s good intentions but poor reception of those intentions. Edmund and his demands. I cannot say more without spoiling the book, but the author wonderfully wrote each character and their place in society. It was touching and beautiful.

  Love, happiness. I cannot tell you how many times I laughed, how many times I smiled and rolled my eyes along with Vicky during “deadly dull” house calls or “crushingly boring” dinner parties. Or when she was so wrapped up in her art and Will that social protocol is thrown out the window. Or how thrilling it was for Vicky and her suffragette friends Sophie and Lucy to work together and spread the truth about the prisons. Or how exciting the whole application process into the RCA was for Vicky. How she was able to teach her backward-thinking father to use the telephone, or learn to accept that cars were the new mode of transportation. How she was able to overcome her claustrophobia by using the Underground. How time could fly by and she only just realized she’d been holding Will’s hand. 

  There’s so much in this story that I can’t wait to continuously share with other readers. It’s a phenomenal fiction debut, and I’m looking forward to Sharon Biggs Waller’s future work!

  

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 2 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• 

• Hello, I’m Laura!

  I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to travel, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm always down for chips-and-queso nights. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!

• Search the Blog

  Search for:

• Currently Reading

  

• Book Review Rating Key

  ★★★ — It’s good
  ★★★★ — It’s great
  ★★★★★ — OMG LOVE!!!

• Recent Posts

  • MSWL for 2026
  • Favorite Reads of 2025
  • Deal Announcement: Nina Moreno, YA Romance
  • Deal Announcement: Sharon Choe, YA Fantasy
  • Deal Announcement: Hanna R. Neier, MG Historical/Contemporary