Showing posts with label arc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arc. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Review: Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot


Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot
The story of a teen girl's struggle with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and how love helps her on the road to recovery.Sixteen-year-old Pea looks normal, but she has a secret: she has Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It is like having a monster inside of her, one that not only dictates what she can eat, but also causes anxiety, depression, and thoughts that she doesn’t want to have. When she falls crazy-mad in love with Ben, she hides her disorder from him, pretending that she’s fine. At first, everything really does feel like it’s getting better with him around, so she stops taking her anxiety and depression medication. And that's when the monster really takes over her life. Just as everything seems lost and hopeless, Pea finds in her family, and in Ben, the support and strength she needs to learn that her eating disorder doesn’t have to control her.
Publishes in US: February 28th 2017 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via netgalley from macmillan
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


    I wanted to read Sad Perfect because I am drawn to books about eating issues as well as depression, and I liked the sound of the main character and the romance. 

   I'd never heard of her issue with foods, and it was interesting to get a new perspective on a type of eating disorder. But it wasn't so much her choice, more an issue of taste, texture, and not craving foods, and certain ones, or even watching people eat certain things making her gag or feel nauseous. 

   Family is present in this one, and you can tell that her mom wants the best for her, but there are still some issues. Her and her brother don't connect the best. 

   I liked how her best friend was so understanding and still there for her through her issues. 

   I felt for her feeling nervous about a new relationship, enjoying the feelings, enjoying being kissed and taken out, but also still hiding her issues with food. She had a previous relationship that fell apart in part because of food issues, which makes it even harder for her. 

   My biggest issue with the book was the perspective. It was 2nd person (I think--its where it says for example you are floating down the river and you are hot.) Sometimes I can't handle this, but I was able to get over it because it still had voice of the main character and I was intrigued by premise. 


Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are there any foods you just can't eat?

Monday, December 19, 2016

Review: The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies


The Odds of Lightning by Jocelyn Davies
A bolt of lightning inspires an incredible journey in this charming, magical realism adventure that takes four teens on an all-night journey through the streets of New York City.
Extraordinary things happen when we least expect them.
Tiny, Lu, Will and Nathaniel used to be best friends. Then life-defining events the summer before high school tore them apart. Now, three years later, they hardly talk anymore. Nathaniel has become obsessed with winning the prestigious science scholarship that his genius older brother once won. Will has risen from anonymity to popular soccer star. Lu grew into a brash, impetuous actress. And shy, poetic Tiny has slowly been fading away.
But fate weaves their lives together again the night before the SATs, during a wild thunderstorm that threatens to shut down New York City. And lightning strikes.
Before they know what's hit them, the four teens embark on an epic all-night adventure to follow their dreams, fall in and out of love, reconcile the past, and overcome the fears that have been driving them since that one lost summer. And by the time the sun rises, odds are they’ll discover that there’s a fine line between science and magic, and that the mysteries of love and friendship can’t be explained.
GR
Publishes in US:  September 20th 2016 by Simon Pulse
Source: arc from Simon Teen
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? No

Buy it:  Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter



    I chose to read this one because it was sent to me by Simon, and Tiny sounded like a character that I could connect with.
   
    Four POV can be tricky, and add to it a "then and now" style can either be great or it can be rough. However, the beginning was enough to spark my attention, and I wanted to explore the friends who used to be close and then were drawn together again under extraordinary circumstances. However after the 2nd time switch and third jump in POV, I just couldn't keep up.

Bottom Line:

My question to you, my lovely readers:
If it were the end of the world, would you stay home? (a question/quote from the book)

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Review: A List of Cages by Robin Roe


A List of Cages by Robin Roe
When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian--the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.
”add
Publishes in US: January 10th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc via Netgalley from Disney
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


    I wanted to read A List of Cages because I am drawn to books with the psychological elements since I myself suffer from several mental illnesses. I get a sense of healing from reading about others who also deal with it-- looking at issues from a new angle as well as how they cope and their own journeys of acceptance, healing, and going on with life. Not only that, but this also had the element of family that intrigued me-- the foster brother situation. 

    It's told in dual narrative, so we get to experience the story from both of the boys. Julian is the one that struggles, and is the one who lost his parents. He has anxiety about speaking, and often skips class, which gets him into trouble. Adam is popular and feeling on top of the world, until he gets the coveted aide position for the school psychologist. He gets a glimpse of what others has to deal with and it also puts him in a spot to reconnect with and understand Julian. 



Bottom Line: Worth a read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What was/is fave elective in school?

Monday, November 21, 2016

Review: A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom


A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom


In the vein of It's Kind of a Funny Story and All the Bright Places, comes a captivating, immersive exploration of life with mental illness.
For sixteen-year-old Mel Hannigan, bipolar disorder makes life unpredictable. Her latest struggle is balancing her growing feelings in a new relationship with her instinct to keep everyone at arm's length. And when a former friend confronts Mel with the truth about the way their relationship ended, deeply buried secrets threaten to come out and upend her shaky equilibrium.
As the walls of Mel's compartmentalized world crumble, she fears the worst--that her friends will abandon her if they learn the truth about what she's been hiding. Can Mel bring herself to risk everything to find out?In A Tragic Kind of Wonderful, Eric Lindstrom, author of the critically acclaimed Not If I See You First, examines the fear that keeps us from exposing our true selves, and the courage it takes to be loved for who we really are.

”add

Publishes in US: February 7th 2017 by Poppy
Genre: ya contemp
Source: Poppy via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Also read and reviewed by Eric: Not if I See You First 

Buy it: 

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook

 

    I wanted to read A Tragic Kind of Wonderful because I am drawn to books with mental illness. I myself have bipolar disorder, and though Mel is a bit early to present from what I've researched, I can definitely see parts of myself in her and when she speaks of her brother. 

   It is hard to keep friends when you cycle through moods like you do with bipolar, sometimes even while on meds. I also have social anxiety and though I am on drugs for both, it is still hard to show my true self to others and maintaining close relationships when prone to go hermit for times, and always feeling like I am hiding parts of myself. I saw these things in Mel as well, and it was quite a journey to go through with her as she realized more about herself, faced hard things from her past, and struggled to not let herself push others away even in light of what she learned. 

    There were flashbacks, some of which I enjoyed and others I felt like were a bit disruptive. I get they were important scenes and integral to the story, but especially at the beginning I just felt like I was getting to know Mel, and it was throwing even more characters at me. 

   I liked the relationship with her new therapist, as well as the resident of the community home she works at. It is realistic and not at all let's wave a magic wand.  The friendships were complex in this one and it was quite the journey to unravel what happened. There was a good amount of secondary characters, but they all served a purpose and they were well developed. 

   There was  romance, but it didn't take front stage, and I liked that, because there was other things that were the focus. 

   Mel learned a lot about herself, her relationships, began to heal from the loss of her brother, started being okay letting others in, and telling them the truth. It was a character driven story with good development of the characters and I was pleased with the journey as well as the ending. 

Bottom Line: Good look into a girl with mental health problems with an enjoyable cast of characters.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Is it hard for you to be your true self around others like Mel?

Monday, October 10, 2016

Review: If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson


If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson
Readers of Sarah Dessen, Cammie McGovern and Morgan Matson will adore this thought-provoking, complex and romantic contemporary novel from debut author Abigail Johnson, about finding the strength to put yourself back together when everything you know has fallen apart.
When sixteen-year-old Jill Whitaker’s mom walks out—with a sticky note as a goodbye—only Jill knows the real reason she’s gone. But how can she tell her father? Jill can hardly believe the truth herself.
Suddenly, the girl who likes to fix things—cars, relationships, romances, people—is all broken up. Used to be, her best friend, tall, blond and hot flirt Sean Addison, could make her smile in seconds. But not anymore. They don’t even talk.With nothing making sense, Jill tries to pick up the pieces of her life. But when a new guy moves in next door, intense, seriously cute, but with scars—on the inside and out—that he thinks don’t show, Jill finds herself trying to make things better for Daniel. But over one long, hot Arizona summer, she realizes she can’t fix anyone’s life until she fixes her own. And she knows just where to start . . .

”add

Publishes in US: October 25th 2016 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook


    I wanted to read If I Fix You because I liked the sound of the main characters. I have a thing for contemp genre, especially ones dealing with hurting people and their healing. It also sounded like it had a good chance for a good romance where two people support each other. 

    I liked the main character Jill. She has her issues, but she is trying to move on with life. She is close to her dad, still upset with her mom for leaving, the boy who used to be her best friend and his part in it, and their resulting distance from each other. She sleeps on the roof trying to find a way to deal with her pain, and escape her dad's pacing. But she has her own interests, cars and running. She helps in her dad's mechanic shop where she is more than tired of changing oil, but she gets to work on older cars, her passion and what she's saving up for. 

   Her new neighbor Daniel, who when she was hanging out/sleeping on the roof, overheard a huge fight between him and his mom, and begins to see where his bruises and scars come from. They had a connection from the start, but he was still trying to keep some sort of hold on his secrets, but they keep being drawn to each other, helped by their proximity to each other. 

    The romance, the deal with Sean, as well as some of her mom's issues ended up surprising me, but I appreciate the deviation from the norm. It went through a lot of emotions not only with Jill, but all of the characters had things to learn about relationships, their view of certain events, and themselves to learn. 

    While there were some heavy things in this one, it managed to not be depressing, but left me with a deeper understanding of the characters. It left Jill at a good point where she could forgive and more towards healing. I also liked the lighter moments, showing how involved and present her dad was, and the things in life that they shared and making it through her mom leaving. 

   I liked this one, and would read another by Abigail Johnson. 

   
Bottom Line: Good character growth, heavy at times but worth the read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have a favorite or dream car?

Monday, October 3, 2016

Review: The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras


The Best Possible Answer by E. Katherine Kottaras

A contemporary YA novel about growing up and learning that loving yourself is more important than trying to be perfect.
AP Exams – check
SAT test – check
College Application – check
Date the wrong guy and ruin everything you’ve spent your whole life working for– check
Ultra-high-achiever Viviana Rabinovich-Lowe has always had a plan—and no room to be anything less than perfect. But her quest for perfection comes toa screeching halt when her boyfriend leaks racy pictures of her to the entire school. Making matters worse, her parents are getting divorced and now her perfect family is falling apart. For the first time, Viv feels like a complete and utter failure.Then she gets a job working at the community pool, where she meets a new group of friends who know nothing about her past. That includes Evan, a gorgeous guy who makes her want to do something she never thought she’d do again: trust. For the first time in her life, Viv realizes she can finally be whoever she wants. But who is that? While she tries to figure it out, she learns something they never covered in her AP courses: that it’s okay to be less than perfect, because it’s our imperfections that make us who we are. 


”add

Publishes in US: November 1st 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Netgalley via St. Martin's
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not affected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Screen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.02.10 PMScreen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.02.29 PMScreen Shot 2015-08-04 at 2.03.49 PM

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog


     I wanted to read The Best Possible Answer because I liked the sound of Vivi. I am drawn to books about anxiety, young people making mistakes and how they learn from them, and the complicated family dynamics that it hints at. 
     
     Vivi is it dealing with panic attacks at the beginning of the book and her mom has finally realize how much stress she's only trying to do so much and be so much as an honor student and although she is trying to encourage her to slow down part of the problem is that she won't admit what else is going on with Vivi. We know from the synopsis that her boyfriend had leaked some pictures of her and it really affected her in a lot of ways and her mom just wants to look at the school aspect of it and tell her to calm down instead of trying to face the emotional pain that she's facing with that.


    As far as family dynamics that's pretty complicated as well. Her dad is not living with them and not on good terms with her mom even though her mom just dealt with thyroid cancer and well things are looking okay she's still got a lot of uncertainties. Vivi has a younger sister who looks up to her a lot and wants to be closer. When her mom takes away the normal academic summer camp that she usually goes to that one chance to and it also brings her new friends into the picture. Vivi's father is a story unto himself. He has a lot of secrets, and he has hurt those around him in a lot of ways. Vivi figures out some of the things that he was hiding, and it only adds to her confusion and identity issues. 

     I liked the friendship aspect in this one as well. Vivi and her best friend Sammie live in the same building and they have been friends for years. They've always been close, but their own family issues that left them hurting have allowed them to bond even more and know that someone else understands. I do wish that the whole aspect of both of them liking the same guy wouldn't have been there, but it did allow for a lot of character growth and for them to look at their relationship and how to work on it. 

    I liked the story line, how Vivi realized a lot about herself, her life, her plans for the future, and how she interacts with others. She wasn't in the best place at the beginning but she certainly learned a lot and while the main story lines were tied up, she still had a lot of room to grow, make choices, and move on with both old and new friends.



Bottom Line: Good read, had decent emotional connection, and complex family dynamics.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Did your college plans turn out how you thought?




Monday, August 15, 2016

Review: The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day


 The Possibility of Somewhere by Julia Day 
Together is somewhere they long to be.
Ash Gupta has a life full of possibility. His senior year is going exactly as he’s always wanted-- he's admired by his peers, enjoying his classes and getting the kind of grades that his wealthy, immigrant parents expect. There's only one obstacle in Ash's path: Eden Moore—the senior most likely to become class valedictorian. How could this unpopular, sharp-tongued girl from the wrong side of the tracks stand in his way?
All Eden's ever wanted was a way out. Her perfect GPA should be enough to guarantee her a free ride to college -- and an exit from her trailer-park existence for good. The last thing she needs is a bitter rivalry with Ash, who wants a prized scholarship for his own selfish reasons. Or so she thinks. . . When Eden ends up working with Ash on a class project, she discovers that the two have more in common than either of them could have imagined. They’re both in pursuit of a dream -- one that feels within reach thanks to their new connection. But what does the future hold for two passionate souls from totally different worlds?
”add
Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from St. Martin's Griffin via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

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Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

 

    I wanted to read this one because I liked that it dealt with smart kids who are from different walks of life. The hint of a new romance between the rivals for valedictorian also interested me.

    To some extent the sound of Eden reminded me of myself. I grew up in trailer parks more often than not, had little money, wanted to go to college, was fairly good with grades but not as good as Eden, and I had and still have to this day problems with socialization. She is wary of others, keeps to herself a lot, and while our reasoning may be different, the results are the same. 

    Ash also was fun to read about. It's clear that he is under a lot of pressure from his parents to get good grades and they aren't happy with him being 2nd in the class. But his interactions with Eden are slightly awkward and she begins to see a side of him that he'd never shown her or that she didn't notice. 

   This was an easy read in some aspects, even when it dealt with some tough issues. Money is an issue a lot with Eden and her family and she gives them some of her college savings and it's hard for them all. Eden also babysits regularly for a family and the kids have really worked themselves into her heart. The girl, 10 is way more mature than she should be because the little boy, in 1st grade is a high functioning autistic. Eden in seeing his intelligence but also the autism that limits him and keeps hi in its cage has really made an impact on her and she wants to study special education specializing in autism. 

    Though it did begin to get really emotional and I am one who drinks angst like there is no tomorrow, so that was good for me. 

    I also liked that this book focused on family and friendship, showing that both can be imperfect but still present and a big part of the character's lives. Mundy is the new girl and she is bold in approaching Eden and doesn't let Eden use her usual maneuvers in order to evade the friendship. Its not perfect and Mundy does hide things that end up hurting Eden. But Eden also learns that even if things aren't perfect, and even if Mundy isn't going to be around physically for more than a semester, that their time and friendship still deserved to happen and that it was a good thing. Relationships can grow and change and often distance can be a factor, but it proved to Eden that even though her biological mother abandoned her and never looked back that it wasn't necessarily what would happen with every other relationship. 

    I liked how close Eden and her stepmother was, and how Marnie supported her and loved her and wanted the best for her even though they weren't blood related. Eden and her dad have it rough and there is some abusive tendencies there, but I also saw in moments that he cared for her, so even though it needed a lot of help and there should have been bigger consequences for his actions, that something might be salvageable. 

   The Possibility of Somewhere also touches on race and class, segregation and racism. It's not preachy but I do like that it is an inter-racial relationship and it examines the complexities and the stereotypes and parents that think they know what is best and push too hard. I did like that Marnie was accepting and just wanted Eden to have a man who adored her and treated her right. I think that Ash's parents, being Indian and also first generations to the US had a hard time at first putting those cultural differences aside and they treated Eden unfairly. 

    But I did like the ending, how it wrapped up certain story lines, how the couple even though young and in love, still pursued their college dreams, even while keeping things long distance and open for the future. I liked seeing the beginnings of change in their families as well. I liked that things were hopeful and open with so many possibilities while still giving me closure for the characters and the plot. 

    I look forward to reading more from Julia in the future, her characters left and impression on me, the romance was original and a slow burn, I loved Eden's inspiration for wanting to teach and seeing past Kurt (the boy she babysat for) difficulties and saw a loving child who needed people to love him, accept him, and help guide him through a scary universe to him. 

    I read this story in one sitting, and devoured all it had to offer. I haven't been much in the YA mood lately, and glad to read this gorgeously written book with characters that had a lot to learn and to offer. 

Bottom Line: Emotional, focuses on character development, romance, family and friendship. Loved the smart main character and seeing her blossom.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any experience with autism?

Monday, August 1, 2016

Review: Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Girl in Pieces
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
Charlotte Davis is in pieces. At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The thick glass of a mason jar cuts deep, and the pain washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.
Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.


”add

Publishes in US: September 6th 2016 by Delacorte Press
Genre: ya contemp heavy
Source: Delacorte via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site

 

     I wanted to read Girl In Pieces because I am drawn to the stories about mental illness and this one is about a cutter who is currently in treatment. Honestly though, I almost didn't want to stick with it because it is not in a traditional format. The "chapters" are short, generally a page or less, and it is almost like diary entries. I am not always so much on that sort of format, but it did catch my attention. 

    The intensity, emotions and eventual road to healing, understanding and some sort of life after recovery are all themes explored and what are universal in this type of story, and what kept me from not finishing. 

    Charlotte begins by mostly telling us about the others in treatment and group with her, and this works because we see what she notices, what of herself or her past that she latches on to. I felt for her, and its hard to see someone struggle with pain and depression and loss in these destructive ways. 


Bottom Line: Worth a go round if the subject interests you.


Thursday, July 21, 2016

Review: Because I Love You by Tori Rigby


Because I Love You by Tori Rigby


”add

Publishes in US: May 17th 2016 by Blaze Publishing, LLC
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Blaze via Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository Barnes and Noble

Author stalk away: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog


    I wanted to read Because I Love You because I am drawn to books about teenage pregnancy and I haven't read one lately, besides the one that was written in prose and I can't remember the name right now. 
    
    I feel for Andie of course, because we always think especially as teens that we are immune, that things like an unplanned pregnancy is something that happens to other people. What makes it worse for her is that the father is Carter, part of a three way best friendship. They had vowed to not ever date one another because they didn't want to mess things up. Andie lies to Heather, the third best friend because she doesn't want her to know that she slept with Carter, and things go downhill from there. Of course the truth comes out and Carter even denies sleeping with her much less being the father, and things become even tougher for Andie. 

    Luckily, an old friend- actually ex-boyfriend Neil is able to be there for her when Heather and Carter turn on her. I like Neil, he has depth, and he truly cares for Andie, and now has a second chance to prove it to her. They become close, and I enjoyed the evolution of that. Neil has a tough life too, and he opens up some to Andie about it, and that makes them closer. But he hides behind a bad boy reputation and his collection of wit, and humor. 
  
    Neil is so mature and accepting, I loved him hard. He is a spectacular book boyfriend. 

   I also liked the other friendship that formed in this one, with a quiet nerd named Jill, that Andie never really noticed before in the cheerleading glory and what she'd thought was a solid friendship with Heather and Carter. 

    Andie is part of a religious family, with part of them even in the missionary. She doesn't want to tell them and feels like getting pregnant is punishment for the sin of premarital sex. But this actually only plays a role at the beginning. There was a lot of talk between Andie and her mom, and I liked seeing that relationship strengthen as well after the initial shock. But Andie's mom hid a lot from her, and one thing I can understand but it did add a twist to the story. The other thing, I think was unfair to hide and once again, for me, it came out of nowhere and I think that at that point the plot was just going in too many directions. 

   I liked the ending, and the self realization and realizing that being a good parent can look a multitude of different ways. 

Bottom Line: Liked the characters, quick but emotional read.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Know anyone who's adopted?