Summer-Reading Mini Reviews

Assigned Summer Reading Mini-Reviews

I read both of these books over the summer, so I don’t remember them as well as I would remember a recent read.  Therefore, I’ve decided to combine them both into two min-reviews and one post.  Enjoy! 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The beloved American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the century, Betty Smith's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is a poignant and moving tale filled with compassion and cruelty, laughter and heartache, crowded with life and people and incident. The story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan and her bittersweet formative years in the slums of Williamsburg has enchanted and inspired millions of readers for more than sixty years. By turns overwhelming, sublime, heartbreaking, and uplifting, the daily experiences of the unforgettable Nolans are raw with honesty and tenderly threaded with family connectedness -- in a work of literary art that brilliantly captures a unique time and place as well as incredibly rich moments of universal experience.

When I first picked up this book, I was a little hesitant to read it.  It seemed really long and a tiny bit dry.  I was also a bit turned off when the introduction stated that the book was about “nothing in particular.”  I thought I’d be wasting my time, but I was pleasantly surprised.  My parents actually grew up in Brooklyn and we are there very often, so it was interesting to read about places I’ve been to.  I also became really attached to each of the characters.  Even though Katie eventually became fed up with Johnny Nolan, I loved him.  He was just such a classic character and when Neely grew up to be just like him, I loved it.  Francie and Katie were also special to me.  I felt bad for Francie with everything she’d been through and the way she had to live.  I was always sympathetic for Katie, being the one in charge of the Nolan family and having to deal with all of the stress.  I even loved Aunt Sissy, even though she made many mistakes, she still ended up being one of my favorite characters.  Oh and Laurie was adorable (: .

I also loved the element of time in the story.  I got to “watch” Johnny and Katie fall in love, Francie and Neely grow up, and everything along the way.  The story followed three generations, which was pretty cool.  

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an amazing coming of age novel, that could be described as dry at a few parts, but was definitely worth reading.  I absolutely loved it.

Final Grade: 

Farenheit 451

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.

The classic novel of a post-literate future, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ stands alongside Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity.

Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which over fifty years from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.

As you now know, I experienced a bit of luck with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  This book, however, wasn’t so great.  I’m not one to bash an author’s work, I just really didn’t like it.

Farenheit 451 was confusing at times, with things not being fully explained.  I felt like I was supposed to guess what was going on.  I had trouble connecting to Mildred, but at least Guy was relatable.  I understood his feeling with being torn between two options.  I liked Clarisse McClellan for adding a little bit of interest to the story.  Otherwise, I thought the book was really slow and hard to understand.  I felt like it really could’ve been condensed a lot.  Needless to say, it is a classic, so some people do happen to enjoy it.

Final Grade:

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Genre: Young Adult-Poetry                                             Source: Library

Series: No, Standalone Verse Novel

Challenge: Free Reads

Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole.

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can by writing her music, losing herself in her love for her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.


But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.


Perhaps she's not so alone after all....

     I've read two of Lisa's books before (I Heart You, You Haunt MeI and The Day Before) and loved both of them!  So, I had high expectations for Far From You and luckily it didn't let me down!
     I really loved Alice's character.  She was strong, stubborn, and broken.  I thought that she was almost inspiring considering the fact that she always stood her ground.  I was really able to connect with her and I felt sorry for her because of her predicament.  I also thought that Blaze was a strong character as well and I enjoyed reading about their relationship.  Speaking of relationships, Far From You is heavily based on relationships between the characters and that's really where most of the plot line comes from.  Alice's father wasn't very supportive of her and I didn't really like him until the end.  Victoria was a bit too whiney and emotional during the first half of the book, but was definitely easier to tolerate during the snowstorm and I grew to like her.  
     The summary on the back of the library copy was different then the one shown above, so I found mine to be a bit misleading.  It made the whole story seem a bit slow, so I recommend going by the summary pictured above.  
     I really liked reading about Alice's songwriting and playing her guitar because I can relate to her.  I also liked her song lyrics.  Lisa Schroeder also did a great job with the feud between Claire and Alice.  It was very easy for anyone to relate to.  
     Lisa's writing is just as spectacular as usual in Far From You.  This book is written in poetry so it can be finished really quickly, but will still leave you with that "I-just-finished-an-amazing-book" feeling and will make you think.  I recommend reading it in the winter, but I enjoyed it in the summer just the same! 

Final Grade: 

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Genre: Middle Grade

Source: Publisher (Candlewick Press)

Series: No, Standalone 

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!

Challenge: Free Reads


At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting — he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments.

The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd — whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself — Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.


     A Monster Calls: Inspired by An Idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness was unlike anything I ever read.  I finished it so quickly and really enjoyed every minute of it.  When I first saw the cover and title, the book just screams "horror" but, that's really not true.  I don't typically enjoy horror, so take it from me-this isn't your typical monster story.  It is really about a young boy named Conor, whose Mother is fighting a losing battle with breast cancer and how he copes with his situation.
     Patrick Ness was amazing at character development!  I was so attached to Conor and I felt all of his emotions.  My heart was constantly aching for him throughout the story.  Although I loved Conor, I don't think his age was acurately portrayed.  I pictured him to be about ten years old but, in reality he was thirteen.  Although it seems like a small age gap, it can make a big difference in a person's behavior. I also (obviously) felt for Conor's Mother, Father, and Grandmother.  I was attached to just about every character in the book (except Harry).  Patrick Ness' characters just suck you into the story.
     I absolutely loved all of the awesome illustrations in the book.  They were really cool but, were nice and spread out so they didn't interfere with the story or your reading experience.  I also loved the story concept and the "Four Truths."  I was pretty surprised by the fourth truth but, I can understand Conor's feelings.  I also really enjoyed the monster's character.  He was even funny at times!  
     I think it's so cool that Patrick finished writing Siobhan's idea.  A Monster Calls was no where near what I expected it to be and I was pleasantly suprised.  I absolutely adored the story and was totally engulfed in the book.  Read it!


Final Grade:

Love that Dog by Sharon Creech

Genre: Middle Grade-Poetry

Source: Purchased at Yard Sale
Series: Standalone; Spinoff: Hate that Cat
Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!),  The Book Depository

Challenge: None

JACK
Room 105--Miss Stretchberry

SEPTEMBER 13

I don't want to
because boys
don't write potery.

Girls do.

SEPTEMBER 21

I tried.
Can't do it.
Brain's empty.


This is the story of Jack
who finds his voice
with the help of
paper
pencil
teacher
and
dog.

     Love That Dog is a heartfelt and cute verse novel written from a boy's point of view.  At first he is embarrassed that he likes to write poetry and when showing his poems to the teacher, he never lets her put his name on them.  It's a really cute story and took me less than twenty minutes to read.  Sharon Creech told a really cute story and I loved Jack's voice.
     It was fun seeing things through Jack's eyes.  Even in such a short little book, we get to know Jack and his dog Sky.  Sky's story is really emotional and tragic for Jack and even with the use of such simple words, I felt for him.  I also enjoyed seeing Jack's perspective on poetry and how his view changes over time.  He becomes more comfortable with writing and with talking about Sky.  His story and voice is so sweet and light.
     Throughout the book, Jack writes about some of the poems that he's assigned to read in class.  I enjoyed hearing his thoughts on the poems and seeing what a child might think of some popular poetry.  Luckily, Sharon Creech included the poems at the back of the book so you can read along with Jack as the story goes on!  Later in the book, Jack realizes that he really enjoys the writing of Walter Dean Myers and tells this to his teacher.  She recommends that he write to him and at first he is hesitant.  Later, he develops a bit more confidence and finally sends an adorable letter to the famous writer asking him to visit their school.  You'll have to read the book to see what happens, but I really liked that part of the story.
     Overall, there isn't all that much that I can say about such a short little book, but I definitely recommend Love That Dog.  The story is so sweet and Jack's voice is adorable.  If your hesitant about giving verse books a try, start with this one; it won't take too much time and you'll love it!


Final Grade:

Slide by Jill Hathaway

 Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Source: ARC and Finished Copy from Publisher
Series: Yes, #1 in the series

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!),  The Book Depository

Challenge: Free Reads, Debut Author Challenge 2012

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body. 

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane. 

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

     I received Slide by Jill Hathaway for review a few months ago and I remember being so excited to read it.  I personally LOVE murder mysteries and Slide has a paranormal twist!  Thankfully, it didn't disappoint!
     Slide was fast paced with twists and turns everywhere!  I was especially surprised by the ending!  I certainly didn't expect anything like it.
     I thought Vee's character was definitely interesting.  Her condition was definitely perplexing and I've never read anything that has to do with narcolepsy, so the storyline kept my interest.  Some of the decisions that Vee made throughout the story did annoy me, though.  Fortunately, she stayed strong and was able to figure things out in the end, regardless of her crazy family and town!  I was really bothered by Amber and Sam in the book.  Although we do see some of Amber's motives for her actions later in the story, her bratty attitude is still very upsetting.  I was also a little annoyed by Maddi, Sylvia's sister but, her attitude was essential to the story.  I liked seeing her other side throughout the story.  By far, my favorite character in the story was Zane.  He liked to read, he was romantic, and he was a great listener.  He was like a beacon of hope for Vee and I really liked him.  I was really upset by the ending (if you've read the book you certainly know what I'm talking about!) but, it was definitely a shocker!
     I really enjoyed the storyline!  As I said before, there were a ton of twists and the potential suspect list just kept adding up.  When the culprit was revealed in the end, I was shocked.  I had never even thought of who it turned out to be.  Jill Hathaway kept me guessing throughout the entire story and her writing style was great, too!  The whole book had a mysterious and dark tone.
     Jill Hathaway's writing style keeps readers engulfed in the story.  Slide was a dark and mysterious murder mystery that's not to be ignored.  Definitely give it a try!

Final Grade:

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Source: ARC from Publisher
Series: No, Standalone

Buy It

: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!),  The Book Depository
Challenge: Free Reads, Debut Author Challenge 2012, 2012 Contemporary Challenge

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny. 

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it. 

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

     Freshman Year and Other Unnatural disasters was a cute, quirky, and fun read!  I’ll admit, at first I was a little hesitant to give it a try because cliche high school books usually get on my nerves but, I’m glad I read this one!  Of course it had all those usual cliches like the typical mean girl and the best friend but, Meredith Zeitlin still made the storyline unique.

     I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in the book, too.  Some were predictable but, still added interest to the story.  Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters was definitely more about the storyline than the writing but, I didn’t mind.  I thought the ending was a little too quick but, it was definitely exciting and very unexpected.

     The writing in Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters wasn't all that great.  Fortunately, the storyline was what really mattered in this book.  Kelsey went through so much in such a small amount of time but, her growth as a character was great.  One thing that I didn't quite like was the ending.  I wasn't really too keen on where it left off.  I felt that there could have been a little bit more at the end.  The ending was semi-abrubt and awkward.

     Kelsey Finkelstein was a great character.  She was kind of a drama queen but, her take on all of her experiences made me laugh.  She represented all of the problems in high school and just exaggerated them even more!  She was great :)  At times she was a little whiney but, I liked her.  Cassidy and JoJo were great supporting characters and were very dynamic.  Emily was a good character, too but, wasn’t all that special.

     Overall, I enjoyed Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin.  At times, the characters could be a little too whiney but, the storyline was definitely fun!  If you're looking for something a little lighter, check it out!


Final Grade:

Mini-Review: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Genre: Middle Grade- Historical Fiction?

Source: Checked out from Library

Series: No, Standalone

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!),  The Book Depository

Challenge: Free Reads 

From Brian Selznick, the creator of the Caldecott Medal winner THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, comes another breathtaking tour de force. 

Playing with the form he created in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey. 

Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing. 

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories -- Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures -- weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder. Rich, complex, affecting, and beautiful--with over 460 pages of original artwork--Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

     Wonderstruck blew me away.  The story was beautiful, as were the delicately detailed illustrations.  I decided to do a mini-review only because of all the pictures.  
     The magic wasn't in the writing, it was in the story.  The writing was nothing special while the characters drew me in, held on, and never let go.  I'm still touched by all of the relationships between the characters and how the story played out.  I absolutely adored the ending and I hope that Brian Selznick writes a companion, or sequel, or something!  The pictures were absolutely gorgeous and they played out just like a movie.  They were perfected down to every last detail.  
     At first, I was hesitant about the idea of the two POVs to be 20 years apart.  Thankfully, I was very grateful for this interesting technique at the end.  The closing of the book made perfect sense and I loved it.
     I finished Wonderstruck in a few hours.  The pictures were beautiful and they made it a really quick read.  Wonderstruck leans more towards middle grade, so it's a very light read.  I really loved this book and it's a treasure on any shelf!  In fact, I wish I had my own copy so I could stare at all the pictures!  Wonderstruck was awesome!


Final Grade:

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Genre: Young Adult-Fantasy
Source: ARC from Publisher
Series: 1st in the Newsoul Trilogy
Buy It: The Book Depository, The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!)
Challenge: Free Reads, DAC 2012
First Line: "I wasn't reborn"

New soul

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

      I first noticed Incarnate this summer.  I mean, how could I not.  This cover is simply stunning.  I went and requested an ARC from Harper Collins and was really excited when my request was fulfilled!  I don't regret my request!
     Incarnate by Jodi Meadows had a great plot along with fantastic world building!  I really liked the whole vibe in the city of Heart and the area of Range.  I thought it was interesting learning about this new world.  It wasn't the same old "the world is ending" scene like one that you might find in a Dystopian book (even though Incarnate is fantasy).  It was just nice to see something different.  I really liked the idea of a YA novel centered around reincarnation.  I've always found that subject pretty interesting!  I also really enjoyed the writing.  Jodi Meadows writes with prose that was sometimes so wonderful that it could've passed for poetry.  Everything was descriptive enough to be beautiful but, fortunately not over the top.  I also really enjoyed the role of music and books in Incarnate.  I loved that Ana had an outlet for her distress.  I also loved the twists at the end of the book!  They really shook things up a lot and kept me reading!
     One thing that I didn't really like in Incarnate was the time.  By time, I mean that I was confused in the technological advances.  I felt like the city of Heart gave off an ancient vibe but, it was ruined when SEDs and Lasers were spoken of.  That really confused me.  I felt like the technological situation was kind of awkward.  I also thought the beginning of the book was kind of slow but, it definitely picked up eventually.  
     At first, I was having mixed feelings about Ana.  I originally thought that she was kind of whiney but, I got to like her a lot more as the book went on.  I definitely liked her growth throughout the book. I loved her passion for music and knowledge and her innocence.  I also loved that the book is in 1st person point of view.  I thought that this definitely helps readers to relate to Ana and see things through her eyes.  I loved Sam.  I thought that his relationship with Ana was beautiful.  I thought that the growth of their romance was great.  It definitely wasn't insta-love and I really liked that.  Even though the story was set in an imaginary world, the feelings of every character were so believable.  Especially the romance!  I also enjoyed how Stef's character shook things up between Ana and Sam (wow, I've already used that phrase twice in this review!).  I don't want to give anything away but, Jodi Meadows wrote one of the best kissing scenes!  Don't worry, I didn't say who with! :)
     Overall, I really liked Incarnate.  It wasn't anything like what I've read before.  I really enjoyed the writing in this book!  It was beautiful!  There were many twists and turns in the book and I loved the turn of events!  Don't miss out on this fantastic debut!


Final Grade:

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

 Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary
Source: Library
Series: No, Standalone
Buy It: The Book Depository

Challenge: Free Reads

Returning to the beach cottage—a cottage named Scallop—where she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.

Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a junonia shell?

Alice's friends are all returning, too. And she's certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can't wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?

     I heard about this book a while ago when it came out and thought it seemed really cute.  I saw it at the library recently and decided to pick it up as a quick read.  I didn't really know what to expect so I just started reading!  The book was adorable!
     Junonia by Kevin Henkes is an adorable story told from the point of view of 9/10 year old Alice.  I absolutely adored her character!  She was childish and naive but, I loved it!  I loved her voice in the book and seeing her view of everything.  I also think that the illustration on the cover is the perfect portrayal of Alice!  Every chapter heading also had an illustration that summed up what happened in the chapter.  I really loved those!  Anyway, I loved almost all of the characters in this book!  Mallory was really cute and despite her tantrums, she was a very interesting and dynamic character.  I also loved Kate, Pam, and Alice's dad ( I can't remember his name, sorry!).  
     The plot of the book was very simple but, sweet, too!  I loved how Alice was such and innocent girl with simple desires.  All she wanted was to have a nice tenth birthday and find a Junonia shell!  Kevin Henkes writing is a hidden gem!  Not many people know about this book but, you should definitely check it out if you get the chance!  It will only take you a short time to read and is under 200 pages!  The writing is also really light!  Actually, I can't think of anything I didn't like about the book!
     The scenery and imagery in this book was also beautiful.  It's a great summer read because of all the beach scenes.  I actually liked reading it during winter, though!  It made me feel like it was summer!
     Another reason I really enjoyed this book is that it was very relatable.  I've actually been to Sanibel Island, where the book takes place.  I was able to connect with Alice because I could recall how beautiful the island is!  I included a little picture on the right since many have never been there!  I also think Alice was very relatable because of her imagination.  I mean, everyone was 10 once! :)  
     Junonia by Kevin Henkes is a beachy breath of fresh air!  Alice was a beautiful and dynamic character!  Although little known, this book was adorably written and worth reading!  
Final Grade: