The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey - #bookaday 2

The 5th Wave (1)
Rick Yancey
Genre: Science Fiction

Our goal for our One Book, One School program is to encourage students to choose reading as one of their recreational activities.  We look for books that make students want to turn the page and read on, and if there is a second book, to want to read that book also.

In the 5th Wave, aliens are invading the earth and killing off the population. They are doing it in waves and four waves have passed already. The few people who are left are trying to survive and plan for the 5th wave.  Cassie is hiding out in the woods, trying to make her way to Wright-Patterson where she believes her little brother, Sammy, has been taken.

Although Cassie's is the main story, we also hear from Evan, another survivor who helps Cassie out, and Ben Parrish, a soldier. Their stories overlapped in a way I predicted but the outcome is not one I suspected.

One criteria we have is the book we choose should hook you within the first 75 pages.  This is not that book. No matter how much I enjoyed reading The 5th Wave once I got hooked, it won't work for our purposes.  Though, I can't wait to pick up The Infinite Sea in September and this time I won't wait a year to read it!

Review - The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove
Lauren Kate
Razorbill/Penguin
245 pg (ARC)

My Summary
Natalie has come a long way to get to senior year in Palmetto. She's changed her looks and taken on a new background. Now all she has to do is win Palmetto Princess and she'll finally feel accepted. She has the perfect boyfriend and the best connections. There's only one person who can mess things up for her and that's Natalie herself.

My Thoughts
Betrayal starts out strong - I love Natalie's snarky voice. She's on the top and she knows it. She makes the rounds of the school, touching base with all the right groups ensuring that she and Mike will be Princess and Prince this year. We meet Justin (JB) while Natalie's on her rounds and we get the first hint that Natalie is not what we think.

As the story goes on though it morphs into more of the rich, high school soap antics type book we know so well. The way Natalie decides to callously cover up her mistake just bored me. The more I found out about her the less interested I was in her story.

I also felt there were too many pieces thrown in that weren't necessary to the story - Natalie's dad, Double D threatening Natalie, the whorish ways of the sophomore girls... I thought the ending was a copout also. What ever happened to Baxter and OP? Since a man can't change are we to assume Natalie couldn't change either?

For me, this book will only be purchased by request, so I give it 1 copy. I usually have a few students or teachers in mind when making a purchase and I couldn't think of any that might want to read this. But, I admit, these types of books are not my faves. I may have had a bias going in...so here are some other reviews.

Steph Su Reads
The Frenetic Reader
JuiciliciousssReviews

ARC provided by Around The World Tours

Review - The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

The Dark Divine
Bree Despain
EgmontUSA
384 pgs.

My Thoughts
Grace Divine is in love with Daniel. Daniel, who disappeared after leaving her brother for dead. Daniel, who's name hasn't been mentioned by her family in three years. She knows he's dangerous and she shouldn't trust him. But she can't stop looking at him and thinking about him. She decides that, despite her brother Jude's warning, she should help him re-enroll in art class and she brings him food and clothes.

Soon, people turn up dead and Grace can't help but suspect Daniel. She tries to stay away from him. Then her dad gives her this book that changes everything she knew about Daniel and Jude. The more she learns, the more confused she becomes.

Although the Dark Divine was a fast read, I didn't find it particularly memorable. The characters seemed flat and I didn't get to know them well enough to decide if their actions were realistic. I could see how Grace might be attracted to Daniel, given her name and his cruel childhood but I didn't get a sense of anything that would make her thwart her family for him. Jude was also a mystery. He was portrayed as a good kid, almost too good, throughout the book until the very end. I couldn't see how he could make those choices in the end. The plot was a good idea, I just think it needed to be fleshed out more.

I can see a few students who might be interested in this book though with the werewolf and cute, bad guy aspect. I would give it 2 copies.

Waiting On Wednesday - August Update

Back in May I posted about the BEA Galleys that I wanted. Since then, I've received/absconded/begged and/or borrowed my way into all but three of them. Here are the books I'm still waiting (and whining) for:




Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - I've read all the Alfred Kropp books. I've loved all the Alfred Kropp books. I want to spread my love around.










Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser - I've read How I Changed My Life, Girl Gives Birth To Own Prom Date (and saw movie), Boot Camp, and The Wave. I've loved them all. I want to spread my love around.










I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President by Josh Lieb - I've not read or seen anything by Mr Lieb. But this Variety article was entertaining and this Penguin blurb is funny. I loved reading them. I want to spread my love around

So, if you have those books, maybe we can make a deal.


Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Jill of Breaking the Spine. Head on over to find some additions to your TBR pile!

What are you waiting on?