Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler- Review

Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life
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Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Genres: Contemporary
Release Date: June 1,2009
Source: Library
My Review:

In this story, we meet Anna. Her best friend is Frankie. Her other best friend was Matt. But they were becoming something more. And then he dies. This book is about Anna, a year after Matt's death, going on a trip with Frankie's family to California. They all are still trying to cope with Matt's death. So Frankie plans a game. They meet 20 boys in 20 days, and maybe Anna can finally have her romance. But Anna's heart is still broken from Matt, and here's the thing- Frankie never knew about Anna's budding relationship with Matt- because he died before he could tell her.

This is one of those books where my heart just ached, especially towards the end. By the end of the book, I was so attached to the characters. I really felt for Anna, Frankie, and Aunt Jayne. I wanted them to find their "Happily Ever After" and to move on. I was totally rooting for them, which is not something that I usually do with books. I really felt all the characters, which was amazing. They felt so real.

I also liked how not everything went as planned. Not everything you plan for a vacation actually happens, in real life. And that's how it was in the book, too, which added an even more realistic feel to the book. Not everything was perfect.

Also, the cover makes sense in the story. Yes, it's gorgeous, and that was definitely one of the reasons that I wanted to read it [because, you know, I absolutely love pretty covers!]. But after finishing the story, it totally makes sense. It's so well-thought out and fits well with the story. It's not a random girl in a dress, which most book covers are right now... So it's pretty, and it works with the book. Perfection.

However, there were some small things that I didn't like. For one, it's been a year since Matt's death. And it seems like it happened yesterday. Everyone is still depressed, crying, and everything. Shouldn't they have moved on? I've observed that it takes less than a year to accept death. Crying a little bit makes sense, but not full-out bawling all the time. Remember him, but try to move on.

There were a few other tiny things that I didn't like, but they're kinda spoilerish, so I'll just leave it at that. Overall though, it was a cute, heart-warming contemporary read.







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The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg-Review

Reviewed by Aneeqah's Not So Real Life
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The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary
Release Date: February 21,2012
Source: ALA Midwinter [Thank you to the publisher!]


Brie has died, from literal heartbreak. Like, her boyfriend said, "I don't love you." and her heart broke, literally. So now, she must go through the 5 stages of death so she can move on. But things start unraveling with her old life, and Brie can't do anything but watch as things fall apart.

I really liked this book. Brie was so funny, and sarcastic, she was such an amazing protagonist. She was so realistic too, I really felt like I could go and meet her in person [which I would totally love to do, actually]. Throughout her whole journey, she made realistic descioins, although some were frustrating, and at some points, I got kind of mad at her. But overall, I really liked her!

I also liked the whole concept of this book, how you had to pass the 5 stages of grief to move on, and how you had "a little slice of heaven". I feel like it was really well thought out, and everything made sense. Plus, it was so easy to understand, which is a total plus.

Another thing I really liked was the plot. Yes, a few parts were slightly predictable, but there was one twist that I never saw coming at all, which, I absolutely loved. My mouth was literally hanging open! It was that much of a surprise for me. It made sense really, and from there, a lot of other things really clicked for me.

I could truly go on and on talking about this book! But overall, I really loved this book; it was such a cute and moving read. I'm not usually a huge contemp fan, but this is definitely up there in my favorites! You definitely MUST give this book a shot!




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2012 Battle of The Kid's Books - Round 1 - Amelia vs Anya

Each judge has been getting his/her due over at SLJ's Battle of the Books headquarters.  Make sure you check them out! Which judge will judge which books? Say that 5 times fast!

Let the Battle Begin!

Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming

The full title of this one is The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart. And there-in lies what sets this biography apart from others.  Candace Fleming does an amazing job of interspersing Amelia's life (I can call her Amelia, right?) with the story of her last flight. She also uncovers some heretofore unknown facts about Amelia as well as that flight. At least, unknown by me.

Fleming opens by telling us that we don't know Amelia as well as we thought we did.  Did we know that she was a marketing machine? That the "facts" we've always just known about Amelia's life are, at best, designed to make her appear a certain way.   Fleming also tells us that there is a possibility tht something small, like learning to use a radio, could have changed history as we know it.

The book is filled with pictures and charts, including Amelia's first report card and an ad for some clothes she designed. Amelia even wrote magazine articles and gave lectures.

One of the final passages in the book talk about how George Putnam was afraid "the mystery of her disappearance would overshadow Amelia's legacy." And, unfortunately, his fears were realized, at least for me, until Fleming wrote this book. I conclude with the beauty of the title - Amelia Lost - we lost what she meant to us beyond her flight. Now we can remedy that.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Graphic novel? Love it already. Brosgol's drawings are expressive; even the pages without words are full of emotion.  Anya's totally in love with this guy at school but, of course, not the guy whose in love with her. She has this friend Siobhan who alternately helps her out and rags on her. Just like most friends. Anya's so distraught about the way her life is going, er not going, that when she ditches school she's not paying attention to where she's walking and she falls into a hole. And there's a skeleton down there! And the ghost of the skeleton! And when Anya get's rescued, so does the ghost.

At first Anya and ghost Emily are like, BFFs. Emily helps her with her homework and her boy problems. But, you know ghosts, they.are.never.satisfied.

"Are you...are you smoking a ghost cigarette?"

Soon Emily doesn't want to stay dead. Or at least not alone.

The Winner?

What a complex pairing. Graphic novel murder mystery vs nonfiction biography. Both about girls whose names start with A. Amelia Lost brings to the forefront the rest of the story. We have a better idea of who Amelia Earhart was as a person, not just some soul who disappeared. In Anya's Ghost we take a trip back to high school. A time of trying to find out who you are and where you fit in. And avoiding the "wrong sort" of person and not turning down help. Even if it comes from a questionable source.

I enjoyed learning all about Amelia Earhart; how her hair wasn't naturally curly, how she went to live with her grandmother at the age of three to distract Grandma Otis from recent losses, and how George Putnam provided the opportunity for her to be the first woman, an American at that, to complete a flight across the Atlantic. But on second reading, I was a little bored.  On the other hand, I was even more intrigued on my second reading of Anya's Ghost. This time I could focus on the drawings and when and how Emily and Anya changed throughout the story. I ended up giving a booktalk for Anya's Ghost on our school's morning news show. 3 copies were checked out before 11:30. The fourth wasn't checked out because I still had it.  So you know what this means?

I give the go ahead to:
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

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Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard - Photo Contest

WANDERLOVE places & tumblr launch!

by Kirsten Hubbard

Kirsten Hubbard’s new book, Wanderlove, is set in Central America. But not just in one location -- in over a dozen! Wanderlove settings range from bustling capital cities to dense rainforest to tiny Mayan villages to idyllic Caribbean islands, and each is special in its own way.

Most exist in real life; all are based on real life. We’re very excited to share these amazing places with you in the novel -- and on the brand new Wanderlove-themed Tumblr site.

www.wanderlove.com

The site is all about favorite places: in Wanderlove and beyond, Kirsten’s places and YOUR places. That's right. We want you to participate!

From the submit page:

wanderlove is about celebrating our favorite places, and experiencing each other's. take a photo, or find a photo (one you’ve taken yourself & have the rights to) of your favorite place. it could be a place you’ve traveled to, long ago or recently; a special spot in your neighborhood, city or town; or even in your house or backyard. be as creative as you want. include a few sentences about why the place is special to you – why you *get* it, why it sticks in your heart. thank you!

You can also submit via email at wanderbooks (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Everyone who submits an image and response between now and March 5th (the day she gets back from Central America) will be entered to win one of three signed, annotated and butterfly-doodled hardcovers of Wanderlove. They'll be super-special, even if you've already pre-ordered the book (and I so so so hope you have)! The giveaway will be open to anyone, anywhere in the world.

If you participate, make sure you include your name and email address (don't worry, the latter is confidential and only for use if you win).

(Kirsten will host another HUGE giveaway March 13th, at http://kirstenhubbard.blogspot.com/ and YA Highway -- with prizes including Wanderlove art prints, bookmarks, and bracelets just like Rowan's.)

Kirsten will also be featuring all the destinations in Wanderlove, with photos she took herself over the years. She’ll cross-post her personal Wanderlove posts here as well as Tumblr, so you can follow along on Bria's journey in either spot.

You can also ask her questions about Wanderlove, backpacking, or writing, and she’ll do her best to answer them on the site -- or in video form from Central America, where she’s currently backpacking through Central America!

Follow! Reblog! Join in! 

Why not submit a photo of your favorite reading spot?

(provided by publisher)
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Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald
Synopsis:
Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up
her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly onesided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie's feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized selfhelp guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

My Review:
Starting this book I loved. There was defiantly a connection between Sadie and Garrett. They both love the same things, and could talk and talk all day with each other. But when one gets accepted to a camp, and the other doesn't that's when things went down hill for me. She got a job, and connected with many other people (which was the neat part) But those people wanted to make sure she got over Garrett immediately which was the part I didn't like. She had such a good connection and all of a sudden it was going to be over. Sadie then doesn't answer Garrett and poor Garrett, I can only think what he was thinking. I would have been upset.
It mentions Josh up there. He treats Sadie just like he treats the other girls at work, but everytime he was bought into the picture it was hard not to guess that there wasn't a connection there.
Overall it was a good read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for letting me read this!
Loving to Read One Step at a Time
KRWLucy


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The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson - Review

Reviewed by MG Annie


The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson
200 pgs.


Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4/5 stars
Date: 2011, Delacorte Press


Format
Each section of this book was a new doll and a new time that Miss Kanagawa, the friendship doll, came to know by watching. This setup was different for me and I had to get used to it.


Thoughts
From 1928 to present time, Miss Kanagawa helped the dolls in her own way. Mostly the book described people from earlier times. It also explained what friendship dolls were really about. I learned some interesting facts about the time periods in this book.


Although I didn't think this novel was very intriguing in the first and last chapters overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend The Friendship Dolls by Kirby Lawson to girls aged eight to twelve. 



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Facing the Giants by Eric Wilson - Review

Synopsis:

Never Give Up. Never Back Down. Never Lose Faith.

These were the most important words ever used, and said. Ones that are put into place in the story.
Grant Taylor has had six consecutive losing seasons, as a high school football coach. He believes that nothing else could possibly go wrong. But he's wrong. With failure and fear over powering him, this coach, and husband turns to God for help. Trusting God somehow did the impossible for the Shiloh Christan Eagles, as they soon discover how faith plays out of the football field.

My Review--

What an emotional read, and more importantly an inspirational read! When they had given up strength was here to pick them up. After seeing the movie, I read that there was a book. I immediately went searching for it and read it. I loved the movie, and I must say the book was just as good. The book went into a deeper meaning which I love. I got to figure out certain things, that I didn't get a chance to see in the movie.

In the book we got more of a background on David and Larry, a more behind the scenes look of Coach Duke, a better understanding of Mr. Bridges and his dedication to the football team, a background of Grant and Brooke, and  better understanding of the interaction the footballers had with each other... and of course... The Georgia football history. Lets also not forget the Death Crawl... but you have to see or read to figure that out.

If you liked the movie, you would really want to read the book, and if you read the book and didn't see the movie... Then you want to see the movie!!

**Watch out! I think I'll be also reading Fireproof, and Courageous. They are all based on the screen play by Alex and Stephen Kendrick!!

This is the trailor for the movie.

Loving to Read One Step at a Time

KRWLucy
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Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally-- Review

Synopsis:

 What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

My Review
 I LOVED this book! It was amazing! The romance, the relationships, it's not often you see all of this in a book! One of my favorite parts of the book, is the relationship Jordan has with her teammates. They get along really well, and you don't always see that much acceptance when it comes to boys and girls playing on the same sports teams. I play golf, and basketball, and I love playing with the opposite gender! They are competitive in many different ways, and they also love to have fun!
Below are some topics I wanted to touch base on:

• Girls Playing with Boys: According to statistics there are over 1,200 female high school football players across the country. What are some of the positives and negatives of blurring the lines between female and male sports? Do you support it?

- YES! I definitely support this for many reasons! There are many positives to this experience. You get to experience a different level of competition. Boys seem to be more competitive at certain things! Girls think differently then boys. Therefore in a sport the opposite gender might have a more genius idea about a certain play than another. However they our some down falls. Boys can be stronger than girls (SORRY LADIES!), also there is the possibility of not getting equal opportunity since we look at males being more tough.

• Breaking through the Ranks: Jordan is symbolic for the many girls/women who choose to fight the status quo. What have some of your own experiences been like?

- This can be hard for any female. In some ways being a female you feel that you're hair has to be done perfect, you're shoes have to be in style, your clothes must all match from head to toe, and that you should be involved in all the girly stuff! I really have to disagree with that. Everyday (except like 5 days of the year) my hair is up in a pony tail. I don't have the time to straighten, or have the energy, and nor do I care! I wear sweats everyday except Fridays. (I try and make an effort to put on jeans, and either my school spirit top, or a nice top) If someone wants to like me in any way they will like me for the way I am, and tough fudges if they don't! It is their loss! I don't feel that I need to change because someone wants me to. I will stay the same and that will never change. You are you, and you should never change, just to get someone to like you. Someone does like you, and I don't think any girl should ever feel different.

•  Untraditional Romance: Catching Jordan puts a great emphasis on the untraditional relationship and character role Jordan possess in the book. What effects (if any) do these types of relationships have on kids and people today? Is it important for people to be exposed to them?

-I feel people should date who they want. In this case it is not the most "traditional" relationship. Jordan isn't the best looking girl around, yet she is dating one of the hottest boys around. I think that anyone should get to choose their relationship, and you don't have to do what every person says you should do! This exposes people to be the person they really are instead of the stereotypical image we are told to be.

Here is my interview with Miranda Kenneally, the author of Catching Jordan.

Where did the idea for the title Catching Jordan come from? Originally the book was called SCORE, but we needed to find something less racy! So my publisher and I put together lists of hundreds and hundreds of possible titles. We came up with some very corny stuff, but finally CATCHING JORDAN was suggested during a meeting at Sourcebooks. Everyone liked it! A friend of mine suggested "This Gridiron Aint in the Kitchen" but we didn't go with that. Obviously.

Who's your favorite character in Catching Jordan and why? Jake Reynolds, the pervy guy who's friends with Jordan's brother, Mike. Jake is just hilarious to me. He's definitely a jerk at times, but he's a good friend to Mike and he acts real. Plus, he's the only person ever who can successfully deliver terrible pick-up lines.

Is this book based on any real life events? A few things. 1) We totally had a Jonah and the Whale hallway at my church when I was little. It freaked me out! 2) A guy friend of mine wouldn't let me buy checkered bedding because he thought it looked like graph paper. 3) We had to take care of electronic babies in middle school.

Which character did you have the hardest time writing? Jordan's dad. It was hard to get his worries and character development across without being too blunt. I'm still not sure I succeeded.

Are you anything like Jordan?Oh yes! I can't stand giving up. I try, try, try at everything I do.

Where did you come up with the relationship with TY, and then with Sam Henry?Ty was around from the very, very first page I ever wrote. Henry showed up a few pages later, and he was this goofball friend character. No matter how hard I tried, he just kept showing up and taking over scenes. Finally I just let him take over. :)

 Thank-you Miranda for doing this! I appreciate it!
*This review was meant to be done weeks ago! My apologies to Miranda!*
**Please remember that the answers to the questions were my opinions. Other people might have different opinions!*
Loving to Read One Step at a Time




KRWLucy

The Sunday Salon - A Wrinkle in Time Anniversary

This Saturday, February 11, 2012, marks the 50th Anniversary of A Wrinkle in Time.

At school we are participating in the celebration of A Wrinkle in Time with a display case and a giveaway! We'll be giving away tote bags, t-shirts, and buttons! On the blog, one lucky entry can receive:

1 T-shirt
1 Tote Bag
1 Bookmark
1 Button

Just complete the entry form! All entries must be in by Friday, Februrary 10, 2012 at 11:59pm, EST. Winner will be picked Saturday, February 11, 2012 during the 50th Anniversary Celebration!

The comment section will NOT be used for entries - please do not leave your email address in the comments.



Update: Wrinkle in Time pack awarded to Pragmatic Mom!

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Battle of The Kids' Book 2012 - It's HERE!

 Yes! The School Library Journal Battle of the Kids' Book officially kicks off today with the posting of the The LIST! These 16 titles will battle it out for King of the World, er Best Kid's Book of the Year!! This will be my third year participating and I am psyched!

I am challenging myself to read all 16 titles BEFORE the battle begins on March 13th.  There will be a pronouncement from some cool kid's book author-turned-judge EVERY DAY except weekends! You gotta be on your toes for this one!! The throw-down is fast and furious and the winner will be crowned on April 2nd.  Make sure you bookmark the Battle Page and download The Brackets and visit the site each day.  Soon we'll meet the judges but in the meantime, let's get reading!

1. Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming
2. Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
4. Bootleg by Karen Blumenthal
5. Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright
6. Chime by Frannie Billingsley
7. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
8. Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
9. Drawing From Memory by Allen Say
10. Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami
11. Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson
12. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
13. Life: An Exploded Diagram by Mal Peet
14. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
15. Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt
16. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

As a proud member of The Nerdy Book Club, I've read 12 of these already!

BUT, I haven't read them in this order!! I'm going to read all of the books in the order listed (same as brackets) so I can do a comparison of each and try to guess the winner before the judges do! I've only got six weeks to get all the books, read them and write about them!! ACK!

The only thing left to decide is buy or borrow???

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