Review: The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
Title:
Author: Jess Rothenberg
Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin Young Readers)
Release: February 21, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by publisher for an honest review in conjunction with a Teen Book Scene book tour.
Recommend: Julie says, “I really enjoyed this book once I got past the first few chapters.”
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning…. Welcome to forever.
BRIE’S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn’t love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she’s D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there’s Patrick, Brie’s mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick’s help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she’s ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
Review by Julie
This story starts right off in the head of the main character Brie. It’s a bit like working backwards at first, then the reader catches up to where Brie is in her own story and we ride it out with her. Since I wasn’t invested in the character yet, the first few chapters were not that interesting to me. Once the reader catches up to Brie and Patrick enters the picture, the book gets on a roll.
The concept of the main character being dead and working her way through the stages of grief sounds depressing. However, this book is anything but. Each stage of grief brings about new revelations for Brie. Even though this is a fiction book, the events that unfold reminded me people’s lives are not always what we think they are. Everyone has secrets or things they didn’t know. Brie gets to see these hidden things from her life in the afterlife. All these things you think lead her to accept she’s dead. But that’s not the end goal. The book takes a twist that makes this book a much more romantic read than I originally expected.
The two main characters, Brie and Patrick, end up quite likable. At first, Brie acts like the teenager she is, but by the end of the book I quite liked her. Patrick is a great guide in the afterlife and helps Brie through her stages of grief. There are complications in the story that add to the intrigue of what is really going on in Brie’s former life and current afterlife. Rothenberg does a nice job of interweaving these two aspects carrying the reader to the same conclusion Brie eventually comes to.
The ending wraps up well except I do have one nagging thought. Brie does something in the end that leaves me to question her and Patrick’s ‘status’. This is a stand alone novel, so my main complaint is that not all was firmly explained to my satisfaction. In a stand alone I don’t like being left with any questions. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
Book Blogger Confessions: Social Networking with Authors
Book Blogger Confessions is a bi-weekly meme hosted by Tiger’s All Consuming Media and For What It’s Worth. The 1st and 3rd Monday of every month we will discuss a topic that affects book bloggers and provides a chance to vent, share opinions and offer solutions. No bashing of bloggers or authors is allowed.
February 20th: Social networking with authors. Do you interact with authors on Twitter/Facebook etc? Does it affect how you review their books if you are on friendly terms with them?
I can honestly say ‘knowing’ an author doesn’t affect my reviews of their work. For one, I don’t get to know an author unless I like their work or I’m helping them with my opinion of their work. Second, if I do have a negative thought or opinion about an author’s work that I ‘know’, I’ve already liked something they have done and know they are approachable with my comment. I did use to follow authors if they followed me, but yes, this does get tricky for many reasons. Now, I only follow an author if I have read their work or they are highly recommended by others that have similar taste in books as I do.
Even with authors I like, if I there is something I didn’t like in the book, I will still politely include it in my review. This isn’t just because I know the author, it’s because I politely do that for any review that I may be writing. If I don’t like a book at all, I write a short blurb as to why and include it in a DNF (Did Not Finish) and Not For Us post where it is posted along with similar titles by the other reviewers on our blog.
Now, I WILL say if there is an author I have socialized with a lot, they will have a much better chance of getting on my review list. That doesn’t mean I’ll get to the book any faster, but I will add their book to be read at some point. Granted, it has to be a book that interests me and if an author knows me, they should know my preferences. haha
~ Julie
Cover Reveal: Inbetween (Kissed by Death #1) by Tara Fuller
We are happy to help reveal the cover for author Tara Fuller and her YA novel INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death #1). The expected release date is August 7, 2012 by Entangled Publishing.
What do you think?
Since the car crash that took her fathers life three years ago, Emmas
life has been a freakyand unendinglesson in caution. Surviving
accidents has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so
Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling
in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who
makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.
Its not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate
has put on his list not once, but twice. Finns fellow reapers give him
hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before,
and hes not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves
from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the
only thing he has left
his soul.
Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon
Add to your Goodreads TBR
Review: The Timeless Trilogy by Tallulah Grace
Title: Timeless Trilogy, Book Two, Spellbound
Author: Tallulah Grace
Publisher: Self-published
Age Group: Adult
*Review copies provided by author for an honest review.
Recommend: Jennifer says, “Flawless writing + great characters = a fabulous reading experience.”
What would you do if you discovered that you’re a witch?
Veronica Myers is an herbalist with a potent talent that takes her by surprise. Follow Roni’s perilous journey as she discovers her authentic self in spite of forces that seek to steal her power and manipulate her destiny. Along the way, true love offers protection if she can only recognize and accept its magic.
The Timeless Trilogy heroines, Kristina, Veronica and Cassandra, each deal with paranormal abilities as they discover and rediscover eternal love.
Review by Jennifer
I had read and reviewed book 1 back in October 2011. I liked the story and couldn’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy. I wasn’t disappointed one bit. Tallulah Grace’s story telling is amazing. She draws the reader in to become part of the story. I felt like I knew each character personally. I don’t want to play favorites but I loved Roni’s story. Although each character is a part of each of book, Roni’s story is the focus in Spellbound. I loved the pairing of Roni with Dylan. In the first book Dylan is a detective new to town and by the second book he is part of the close knit group of friends. He and Roni have great chemistry and I love the way their relationship plays out in book 2 and on into book 3.
The books offer solid storylines that continue into each installment. Throughout the trilogy the bond between the characters is strong. The characters are relatable and every character brought on to the canvas has a purpose in the story line. The romances that unfold are perfect. The paranormal touch is bonus. This is a trilogy that has it all.
Flawless writing + great characters = a fabulous reading experience.
Review: Because of Low by Abbi Glines
Title: Because of Low
Author: Abbi Glines
Publisher: Abbi Glines
Release: February 7, 2012
Age Group: New Adult (18-22)
Recommend: Julie says, “Anything from Abbi Glines is a win!”
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Review by Julie
Why I read this book: It was written by Abbi Glines. There doesn’t need to be any more of a reason. 
What I Liked: This is a true Glines contemporary romance. The characters are lovable, the romance has just enough conflict to make you squirm, and the ending makes you sigh and smile. Even though this is a spin-off from Breathe
The writing style fits Glines and flows just like her other contemporary romances. The plot moved along, the right things happened at the right time to make me shake my head or hold my breath in anticipation.
What I Didn’t Like: Not much. I really didn’t care for Cage, BUT Glines made him just protective enough to be annoying to me yet able to back off when I wanted him to as not to become a truly annoying character. Others have loved this character though. Not to say I didn’t like him, I just didn’t like the presumptive nature of his future with Low yet he still lived a particular lifestyle right in front of her.
Overall: Highly I recommend this book to contemporary romance fans. There is some sexual content which is why this is categorized as New Adult. But, it’s not anywhere near adult content.
Review: Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Title: Lothaire
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release: January 10, 2012
Length: 506 pages
Age Group: Adult
Recommend: Leisha says, “As a longtime fan I freely admit I was not disappointed.”
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Review by Leisha
What do you do with a millennia old vampire who is arrogant, stubborn, bat-crap crazy, feared by all, and a colossal asshat? If you’re Kresley Cole, you give him his own book that is a fun, naughty, fast-paced, and long-awaited addition to the Immortals After Dark series.
For millennia, Lothaire’s life plan has been simple: avenge his mother’s death, take his place as King over two kingdoms, and have his Bride by his side to rule together for all eternity. Without fail Lothaire has plotted, savagely killed, and bargained his way toward his goal. In fact, it is his single-minded determination to achieve his goals that has earned Lothaire the name, The Enemy of Old. The culmination of centuries of work is at hand and for the taking if Lothaire can only figure out how to get rid of Ellie Pierce and release his Bride. As you might expect, Ellie is so not OK with this plan. Ellie Peirce is a kind hearted, stubborn, intelligent hillbilly who has had the great misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, repeatedly. To date Ellie’s bad timing has landed her in a state of possession (literally), on death row for a series of grisly murders, and the object of Lothaire’s unwavering attention.
Lothaire marks the eleventh addition to Cole’s wildly popular Immortals After Dark series and as a longtime fan I freely admit I was not disappointed. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with Lothaire and think most fans of the series will enjoy what Cole has created with this character. As you well know, Lothaire has always been a part of the Immortals After Dark series and has made appearances in nearly every novel; to be fair, until recently, his appearances have generally been quite brief and offered the reader little insight into his character and/or motivations. It would have been quite easy for Cole to simply write off Lothaire as a minor character. Instead, she took him to the next level with a fully developed backstory that fits seamlessly into the fabric of the Immortals After Dark series as a whole. Lothaire and Ellie’s story is one of madness, violence, extreme passion, surprise, and the understanding that even one as old as Lothaire simply can’t fight destiny. Well played Kresely Cole, well played!
This novel reads like a roller coaster ride with tons of action, appearances by the Valkyrie (Regin is better than ever!), a ginormous butt load of steamy sex, and a plot line that is worthy of the Enemy of Old! I read this book in record time and am so stoked to see that it not only completely answers all the previously unanswered questions about Lothaire but also establishes him as a solid character that is surely going to play a vital part in the continuation of this series. And continue, it will! Cole made it abundantly clear that she is not done with the Lore and the Accession is just getting started.
Tour: Melissa Jensen Shares Her Favorite Book Picks
We are happy to have Melissa Jensen on our blog today. Julie really enjoyed the YA contemporary romance The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
Well. Asking me to talk about my favorite books is like asking me to list the things I love about my husband. At first you’ll think, “Aww, isn’t that nice?” Then, after a while, it’ll be, “Hmm. That’s a rather lengthy list.” Which will eventually turn into, “Will she shut up, already???”
But, then, you did ask…
So. I’m in the early stages of planning a move to Ireland. If we actually make it happen, I don’t think we’ll stay forever—probably just a year or two. Not long enough for anything but the very basics to come with us. Of course, books are basics (so, my daughter will no doubt argue, is every single My Little Pony toy). But books are heavy (read: crazy expensive to ship across large bodies of water). So, what if I had to winnow it down to one box, maybe twenty books to bring…
Can’t be done…
Oh, okay. If I have to…
1.The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. The first book I teach every year and the first YA novel I recommend to anyone 11 to 111.
2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Arguably the first novel written solely for the enjoyment (not education) of children, certainly the great- (and great) grandmother to A Wrinkle in Time, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games…
3. The Arrival by Shaun Tan. I never know quite how to describe this book, other than to say it’s probably one of the best stories-without-words I’ve ever known.
4. Tales from Outer Suburbia also by Shaun Tan. A mind- bending, disbelief-suspending, completely wonderful and charming combination of weird art and bizarre stories.
5. Best-Loved Folktales of the World by Joanna Cole. Anansi to Cinderella to Senor Coyote, Grimm and funny, 200 of the best tales ever told.
6. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. The very best kind of true-love story. (They don’t have to be romantic.) He’s a really nice guy. She’s a writer.
7. The Complete Calvin Hobbes by Bill Watterson. My son’s pick. I’m delighted to add it, but since it’s three huge volumes, it can go in his suitcase.
8. Eloise: The Ultimate Edition by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight. Sklathing at the Plaza with Skipperdee and Weenie. I still want to.
9. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris van Allsburg. I never get tired of reading this book about magic and a naughty dog.
10. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. After some struggle, I got it down to three HPs. Essentially beginning, middle, and end.
11. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. My personal fave.
12. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Made me cry so hard in a few spots that some of the pages got stuck together. Made the re-read interesting. Then I cried again. Same places.
13. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. For my husband.
14. Jane Austen’s Letters. Funny, sharp, occasionally lethal. Peerless.
15. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Loneliness, passion, ambition and a little madness thrown in for spice. What’s not to like?
16. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Most people don’t know he wrote thirteen more Oz books after the first. They’re all better, too. This is the very best. Followed closely by:
17. The Patchwork Girl of Oz.
18. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Yes, there’s Darcy. Oh, Darcy. But even better, there’s Lizzie, IMO the coolest, real-est Great Literary Heroine ever. I wanna grow up to be Lizzie or, barring that, just hang out with her.
19. A Primate’s Memoir by Robert Sapolsky. A book about baboons and neurobiology. Yes, really. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Three times.
And tied for 20:
-The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I still like trying to poke my fingers through the fruit. They don’t fit. I figure I can squeeze this book in because it’s small.
-Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher. No one does teenage outsiders like Crutcher, master pen-dissector of the human heart.
Two more great faves can stay behind. They’re Irish. Piece of cake to pick up a copy there.
-The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats. Magic and revolution and love and Ireland. Incomparable combo.
-Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes. To call it the Devil Wears Prada in Dublin is only half the story, and not even the better half.
Valentine’s Day Books with Love Giveaway Hop
Since we are a blog that 3/4 reviewers like romance somewhere in our book’s plot, we are doing this second giveaway in the month of l-o-v-e. Thank you to the hosts Good Choice Reading and Once Upon a Twilight.
An eBook copy of the YA paranormal/thriller/romance Embrace
(Open Internationally)
An eBook copy of the Adult paranormal/romance The Guardian’s Wildchild
(Open Internationally)
Thank you to Omnific Publishing
To Enter
1) Fill out the form
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Tour: Book Picks with YA Debut Author Jess Rothenberg
We would like to welcome debut author Jess Rothenberg to the blog today! We will soon be posting a review of her YA debut novel The Catastrophic History of You and Me, but today Jess is talking about her favorite books! Check out the cat on her book shelf!
The library my fiancé and I share is pretty extensive! This picture doesn’t quite do it justice, but you can get the idea. Our cat, Charlie, is a big reader as well, as you can see. J We organize by poetry, essays/letters, fiction, nonfiction, and finally children’s and YA. It’s hard to pick just a handful of favorites, but I’ll try…
Sense & Sensibility – This book’s truly got it all. Sweeping English countryside, epic romance, sisterly bonds, comedy, heartbreak, redemption… not to mention one of the best book to film adaptations ever. I still weep like a baby every time I watch poor Kate Winslet (as Marianne Dashwood) wander out into the rain to mourn the loss of her beloved Willoughby. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WOFLpmDbIs
Charlotte’s Web – T, double E, double R, double I, double F, double I, double C, C, C!
The Witches – Roald Dahl’s writing has always had this way of making me feel special, like he was telling the story just for me and nobody else. He never sugarcoated anything, even when details about the grownup world got mean and scary, and I adored him for it.
The Velveteen Rabbit – Used to break and heal my six-year-old heart, all at once!
The Tale of Peter Rabbit – My grandparents gave me a mini Beatrix Potter treasury set when I was little and I’ll keep it forever. Poor Jeremy Fisher, losing his galoshes!
Who Needs Donuts? – What could be better than a story of a boy whose total donut obsession leads him on a tricycle journey to the big city? The illustrations were awesome and weird and whimsical, and every single page was loaded with secrets to discover.
Harry Potter (Books 1-7, but especially 4). Spellbinding in every way.
The Virgin Suicides – Atmospheric perfection.
Renascence and Other Poems – My grandmother used to read Renascence aloud to me from the porch of her Berkshire’s country house, and to this day Edna St. Vincent Millay always makes me think of her.
Harriet the Spy – I so wanted to be her! (Minus the whole getting busted by her classmates thing.)
Life of Pi – It’s so rare to find a story that’s brilliant and beautiful and funny and sad, not to mention fantastical and realistic and epically adventurous all at once! One of my all-time favorite summer reads.
The Kite Runner – Truly changed how I see and think about the world.
Mrs. Dalloway – So complex, interesting, honest, poetic, and true. I loved reading Woolf’s sentences again and again as a teenager, and feeling something different each time.
Number the Stars – I read this with my best friend in fourth grade, and remember each of us being so moved by Annemarie and Ellen’s story that we promised we’d always be there for one another, too. (Guess what? We still are.)
JESS ROTHENBERG grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, graduated from Vassar College, and spent most of her twenties editing books for teens and middle grade readers. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes full-time, dances interpretively (just see for yourself: http://bit.ly/xeGlEZ), and dreams of one day owning a sheepdog named Leo. THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME is her first novel. Visit www.jessrothenberg.com to find out more!
Review: Healing the Faith (Mocked by Faith #2) by Michele Richard
Title: Healing the Faith (Mocked Series)
Author: Michele Richard
Publisher: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House
Release: February 9, 2012
Age Group: Adult
Recommend: Jennifer says, “This was a great sequel that left me satisfied with the outcome.”
*Review copy provided by author for an honest review
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Review by Jennifer
This was a sequel that I was anxiously awaiting. After reading Mocked by Fatih I had a new couple that I was rooting for, Alexia and Justin. This book was the continuation of their story. The way they came together in book one and the way the book ended I wanted a happy ending for them.
I have said it before and I have to say it again that Michele Richard can tell a story. One of the things I like about her storytelling is that she tells both sides of the story. The reader gets insight into both character’s thoughts and feelings. It makes the story that much more enjoyable.
At the beginning of this book the author spends the first few chapters with Alexia and Justin reacting to what happened at the end of the first book. I must admit I wanted to get past that and onto the storyline of book 2. After the first chapters I really started getting into the story. After awhile I was getting frustrated with Alexia but had to remind myself that she was young and had only been married to Justin less than a year. Their marriage had been one test after another so I understood. Her reaction to Justin being gone kind of reminded me of Bella when Edward left in New Moon. Alexia spiraled into depression and wasn’t thinking about her safety.
I was pleased with the direction the author took in this book. I loved the characters that came on the scene in this story. The resolution of the problem from book 1 was one I could live with. Justin and Alexia are still one of my favorite character couples. With all they have gone through their story is one that I adore. This was a great sequel that left me satisfied with the outcome.
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