Colorado: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Book review via Amazon.com. On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine. 

This is Colorado for my YA reading challenge.  It is once again the first book in a series, like California. Oh man peeps, I don’t know if I can handle that! Both books end in such cliffhangers that I almost want to stop the challenge for a little bit to read the series, but know that I can’t. This is going to come up a lot. I’ve already noticed that the Divergent series is on the list for Illinois and from what I have been told I will want to go to the next book right away. They will just have to wait for a year or so. 

That being said, “A Beautiful Dark” is a fun book.  I have always enjoyed books that have a romance element. I think that’s why I don’t have a problem reading paranormal romance. I can enjoy most genres, if a romantic element is involved. It doesn’t have to be the biggest element, but in the plot in some form. Personally, I love the mixture of romance, action, drama, sci-fi, fantasy. Books that are full-on romance can sometimes feel silly. There were definite moments of hilarity in “A Beautiful Dark,” for example, one of the boys (Asher a Rebel/Angel) responds to Skye, who is curious about their powers, “We’re not human…of course we have powers!” Oh yeah! Of course, my mistake for thinking otherwise.  There were other moments that were silly like that, but this is a paranormal romance teen novel…it’s not going to be inconspicuous. 

The dichotomy between fate and choice is oozing out of this novel. This has become extremely popular in YA Lit in recent years. “The Uglies”, “Matched”, and “The Giver” are great examples of the theme free will vs. destiny. Dystopian and paranormal novels are great mediums to demonstrate this theme.  In “A Beautiful Dark” this dichotomy takes in the form of two Angel-like beings in the most literal sense. Asher represents the Rebels who believe in choice and chaos, while Devin represents The Order who want to keep balance in the world and follow their destiny.  It is now time for Skye to choose which way she will go, those who want chaos or those who want order.  Again a very basic plot, but has a lot to offer teens (though let's face it, mainly teenage girls).

Is this a book that libraries should get for their young adult collections? I wouldn’t say a must have, but if you can get it you should. As I have mentioned before, Paranormal Romance is the biggest genre at the moment in teen literature. The more you get, the higher likelihood teens will come in to borrow books. Well six down, 44 more to go!

California: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Book Review via Bloodlines Series website. Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist—one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.
 

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse.  Jill Dragomir—the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir—is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places—a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside—and within—the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Alright, it is time for California for my YA reading challenge.  “Bloodlines” is actually the first part of a spinoff series from the “Vampire Academy” series and is pretty great! It is clearly in the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy genres, which is the newest popular genre of teen literature. The first of the “Vampire Academy” series came out in 2007, which was around the time that the book “Eclipse” was released. I don’t know if it would be considered a series influenced by the success of “Twilight,” but it did come out at a time where Vampire fiction started to grow. I feel that the “Vampire Academy” series has stood out in its own against the “Twilight” series. This is not to say that “Bloodlines” is better, but it is nice to see it have a different take. 

 I will say that I didn’t know until I finished the book that it was a spinoff. Many books that are spinoffs do not do a good job of becoming their own and do horrible jobs of explaining what’s going on.  “Bloodlines” is kind of refreshing in that most of the issues were explained. Though not gonna lie, I am still confused on some of the different levels vampire races and the exact alchemists powers.

It is probably easy to say that many teens would love this series (it did hit the NYT Best Seller’s list so no “probably” there). Also “Bloodlines” is written with relatable school situations that even vampires and alchemists deal with, in addition to us mere humans! There’s difficulty with classes, mean girls, and opposite sex distractions. Oh yeah, pretty relatable for most teens. I would venture a guess that most young adult librarians have these books in their library collections or want to get them. I would definitely recommend them and after being on the NYT Best Sellers, it’s clear the public loves this series.

I just had one teensy problem that I have to kind of rant about just a moment. Sorry to do this! So Sydney being an alchemist has real problems with the vampires and their magic, claiming that is “not natural” or part of the “natural order of things”. As an alchemist, she only uses natural products to make potions and ointments. She completely freaks, when Jill demonstrates her powers in manipulating water and any magic involved. OK, so you gonna go there Sydney (yes I know she isn’t real, but bear with me). You get a tattoo on your face that gives you special abilities, such as being unable to tell anyone your secret, superior intelligence, and even certain personality aspects. Yeah, that’s way different than manipulating the elements of the earth or sucking blood to survive. Sydney, you have magical abilities. Magic in itself is kind of considered unnatural. Believe it or not, a tattoo should not be able to change your personality or give you abilities that are um…gee…unnatural. Seriously get off your high-horse Sydney Sage! Don’t hate me I still love you as a character, but chillax on the natural order of things kay? You live in a supernatural world; the natural order is already effed up!

That all being said, I enjoyed it and is a unique vampire read. After this challenge has passed I will have to actually read the full series. Five down, 45 more to go!

Arkansas: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Book Review via Amazon.com. In the remarkable, bizarre, and heart-wrenching summer before Cullen Witter’s senior year of high school, he is forced to examine everything he thinks he understands about his small and painfully dull Arkansas town. His cousin overdoses; his town becomes absurdly obsessed with the alleged reappearance of an extinct woodpecker; and most troubling of all, his sensitive, gifted fifteen-year-old brother, Gabriel, suddenly and inexplicably disappears.

Meanwhile, the crisis of faith spawned by a young missionary’s disillusion in Africa prompts a frantic search for meaning that has far-reaching consequences. As distant as the two stories initially seem, they are woven together through masterful plotting and merge in a surprising and harrowing climax.

This extraordinary tale from a rare literary voice finds wonder in the ordinary and illuminates the hope of second chances.

And now it’s time for Arkansas in my Reading Challenge. I have to be honest with y’all, after finishing this book at 3 AM I have been trying to figure out what to talk about. The organization of content, though confusing at first, comes together towards the end and leaves me awestruck as to how it happened. The characters are also quite relatable; Benton’s crisis of faith, Cullen’s loss of hope on his brother’s fate, and even Lucas’ avoidance of reality. If you have read the other posts, then you know how relate-ability (is that a word?) is important to me, especially in YA Lit.

So why am I having such a problem writing about this? Is it that I don’t get the book? I mean...I felt I got the book, such as the title being a reference to Lilly, AR as the place where...you know...things come back. This proved true for multiple characters like Gabriel (Cullen’s brother), Alma Ember (the photography student), and of course Lazarus the allegedly extinct woodpecker.  The theme surrounding the meaning of life and how that has a different meaning for each person is a common thread and in this book it is done well.  So what’s my problem?!

I guess I am wondering how teens would feel about this book. I think this would be a great opportunity to have a YA book club read the book and then report their feelings on it. Kind of like a testing group. I can’t figure out if this book can keep teens interested in it long enough to see the two plots come together. Remember that engagement is an issue for most readers (especially reluctant readers) and if a book kind of slugs in the middle, even if the plot and writing are good, you could lose readers. Perhaps that was my problem; I had no idea where the book was going with any of it until the two plots came together. I did enjoy trying to guess how they come together, like I try to guess who the killer is on the TV Show “Castle.” It’s just by the middle of the book I would like to have some idea of where this is all going. Now I say this, but perhaps that was the whole point! Keep us guessing, trying to figure out the common thread. Though I had some problems getting through the middle of the book most definitely, I am wondering if teens would have the same problem. 

Well, I finished the A’s! Next is California. That’s 4 down, 46 to go.

Teen Romance reads for this Valentine's Day

This is not related to my regular posts, but I figured for this holiday I could list/discuss some teen romance novels. Goodreads.com has a great list of popular teen romance books. I have read a few of the ones on this list and all are spot on. Yes this is a popular list, so the people have spoken!

Sarah Dessen is an author from my home state of North Carolina and is a great YA author. My favorites of hers are "This Lullaby" and "Along for the Ride." When I get to North Carolina on my list I will hopefully get to read her newest one "What Happened to Goodbye," though she may have her 2013 novel ready by the summer. Dessen I think captures the teenage girl voice quite well and has great insights into relationships. I also appreciated that Dessen uses family relations as a central role in the protagonists love life. For example, in "This Lullaby," Remy Starr's mother is a multiple-divorcee. This consequently resulted in Remy never becoming serious with any boyfriend. Throughout the plot, Remy's character develops and becomes more open to commitment. Dessen's novels though very formulaic, are quite a pleasure to read and do explore the effects that family can have on our relationships.

There is of course the Twilight series listed. Quite obvious right? Everyone has their own opinions on the series, but there is a lot there that teens can enjoy and even relate to in Bella and Edward's relationship. The feeling of first love and how it blinds you, the feeling of complete devotion, and the feeling of crazy-can't-live-without-you love. Teens are going through puberty and have these feelings towards one another. It's happening people, you can't stop it! It's those feelings that Bella and Edward have towards one another that I find to be realistic at that age. Again I keep saying this, readers love being able to relate to a story. Even though Twilight seems campy with vampires and what seems like the strangest, most hilarious events (oh Breaking Dawn how terrible you were), it has many qualities that I and teens can relate to. It gets them reading and thinking, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

This leads into the classic argument of quality versus quantity. Many teachers argue its quality over quantity, but remember you have to capture interest of readers. After reading a book they enjoy, readers may be on the look for a similar story or at least a story with similar characteristics. Example, did you know that the sales of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" increased after "Twilight" (one of many sources). This was after years of steady sales, then a sudden spike after the release of the series. Publishers have taken notice and are now taking classic stories and adding Twilight-inspired covers to gain sales. So you see peeps, reading even what we may consider poor quality stories can lead readers to pursue more...ambitious novels.

In general, the rest of the Goodreads teen romance list are all good ones. I do find it interesting that "Hunger Games" is on there. I always saw that series as a dystopian action-adventure, with some romantic elements to it. Still an awesome read of course. I have read the series now several times. If you dont have time to go through the website I linked, I have listed a few authors and titles below for you guys!

Sarah Dessen
Stephanie Meyer
Suzanne Collins
Matched by Ally Condie
The Mortal Instrument series by Cassandra Clare
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick
Divergent series by Veronica Roth 

Arizona: Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King

Book Review via Amazon.com. Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.

But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?

Book review three for Arizona. There is a lot in this book that can be discussed in terms of YA Lit. There are dysfunctional family relations, gender relations, peer relations, depression, suicide, and the Vietnam War. This type of novel is often referred to as the Problem Novel or the Troubled Teen genre. This genre is one of the more disturbing, gut-wrenching styles.  A famous example is “Push” by Sapphire. The situations in these books deal with a variety of topics; drugs, violence, sexual abuse, parental abuse, eating disorders, depression, suicide, and bullying. At the end of this discussion I will list some suggestion and other authors for anyone interested. In “Everybody Sees the Ants” the main topic of discussion is bullying. 

It is reading books like this one that make me fearful of having children. Bullying is a major role in this novel and has been played all over the media, especially recent. I am afraid I won’t know what to do if I have a child who is a victim, let alone a child who is bully.  The common feeling throughout this novel is the feeling of powerlessness. Not only in Lucky Linderman’s case, but even his parents who want to confront the d-bag Nader McMillan’s parents can’t help. The complex situation Lucky is in is one that all of us can relate. Powerless against bullies, parents, unfair treatment, even the school administration. This book can teach parents and teens the importance of treating fellow students with respect. Remember from my post on Alabama that many people enjoy stories that have relatable characters and situations. Unfortunately, many of us can relate to the situations these teens deal with on a day to day basis.

There are many other books that exist in this genre. I have read a few of them and they can be quite disturbing. The situation in “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher is one of saddest I have read, until “Everybody Sees the Ants.” Not gonna lie, this review will be one of my shortest for this reason. I have listed some companion books below if this is a genre you could be interested in. So that’s three, 47 more to go.

Push by Sapphire

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

America by ER Frank

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

The Outsiders by SE Hinton

First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Alaska: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

Book Review via Amazon.com: To her small Eskimo village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When the village is no longer safe for her, Miyax runs away. But she soon finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness, without food, without even a compass to guide her.

Slowly she is accepted by a pack of Arctic wolves; she grows to love them as though they were family. With their help, and drawing on her father's teachings, Miyax struggles day by clay to survive. But the time comes when she must leave the wilderness and choose between the old ways and the new. Which will she choose? For she is Miyax of the Eskimos--but Julie of the Wolves.

Here is the novel to represent Alaska in referencing to my Reading Across America Challenge.  I have to say, that this book was an amazing read. The perfect choice for Alaska I think, so way to go Epic Reads forums and surveys for this one. This is a Newberry Medal winner from 1972 and I believe still holds value today. Since most school and public libraries acquire Newberry winners, most of the libraries that would have/want this book probably already have this title so I don’t have to tell you to get it. 

This story is definitely shorter than “The Splendor Falls” and is meant for younger audiences, but even as an adult “Julie of the Wolves” is awesome to read.  A friend of mine even recognized the title when I told her about my project.  She remembered loving it.  This book is probably taught in many elementary/middle schools and is a must read.  Before you share with students or patrons, I recommend them doing a little background search on the author or on animal behavior. You could even pair this with perhaps a science lesson on animals to keep students engaged.  George, clearly, did research on animal behavior and Alaskan life which made this book a more powerful read.  I almost could see this as a non-fiction/ethnography study more so than a fictional story.

Miyax/Julie is truly an amazing character. Though not many of us could understand her plight, I still feel her character can be relatable. (SPOILER)For example, at the end when she reunites with her supposedly dead father, she remembers her father, Kapugen, as the hunter and advocate of traditional Eskimo values. When she finds him via a traveling family, she is somewhat disappointed in his change. Kapugen has married an outsider and even hunts animals…by plane (Sarah Palin much buddy?). Miyax/Julie has a realization after leaving her father’s. Her bird-friend, Tournait, has passed and with that the Eskimo life for Miyax/Julie.  She returns to her father where she will officially go by her English name, Julie.

Why I feel this is relatable? In growing up we start to see adults differently. We grow up thinking our parents/elders/the world have no faults and childhood was ultimately the best. It is those moments that you realize that adults make mistakes, the world is not perfect, and nothing meets expectations. It is those moments that can change you. I think teenagers realize this and come to terms with it throughout adolescence. And though we feel that teenagers are rampaged on hormones and we see them as “difficult," I believe part of the seemingly emotional teenager comes from this realization. The world is not what they seemed.  Miyax/Julie’s epiphany about her father and consequently her way of life is relatable to young teens who are coming to realize the same thing. Nothing is perfect and they are now having to deal with adulthood. OK, so that was completely depressing. That is growing up sometimes peeps!

Two reviews down, only 48 to go!