Review: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

"It's 1941 and fifteen-year-old artist Lina Vilkas is on Stalin's extermination list. Deported to a prison camp in Siberia, Lina fights for her life, fearless, risking everything to save her family. It's a long and harrowing journey and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?"

Title: Between Shades of Gray

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Release Date: March 22, 2011

Publisher: Philomel Books

Pages: 344, Hardcover

"Sometimes there is such beauty in awkwardness."-Between Shades of Gray, pg. 161 (paperback)

Um. Yeah.

I can't really talk right now. This book was absolutely amazing. Let's just list out some verbs that describe this book:

• Captivating
• Fascinating
• Phenomenal

• Outstanding

• Inspirational

This book leaves you:

• Breathless
• Satisfied
• Wanting more from Ruta!
• FEELING ALL OF THE FEELINGS.

This is a pretty crappy review, but what I'm saying is: GO READ THE BOOK. Right now. If you loved Night by Elie Wiesel, you'll love this one as well. Guys, I teared up. **Almost cried. My tears were about to legitimately roll down my face but then the moment was over because I was reading so fast and I couldn't stop since it was just so intense and now I can't stop rambling about how amazing this book is-----

Go read it.

P.S. I love Andrius. Like so much.

Grade: A+++

Source: Library (paperback)

Review: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

"When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero."

Title: Something Like Normal

Author: Trish Doller

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Pages: 214, Hardcover

I was beyond excited to find out that I had the opportunity to read Something Like Normal before the release date. But for some reason, I didn't read it until a week after it's publication date. And I totally regret doing that. This is a book you should pick up right now, simply for it's relatable characters, creative plot, and ingenious writing.

Something Like Normal isn't your average contemporary. We follow a 19 year-old man named Travis. He's broken-in and rough after his time served in Afghanistan. He doesn't exactly miss home when he returns, especially when nearly every night, he is haunted by Charlie's (his best friend during his time in Afghanistan) death. He isn't exactly excited about seeing his family, or Paige, his ex, either. But when he reunites with a girl from his pre-teen years, he find his life to be something like normal.

One of the (many) things I adored in this novel was the characters. Not only did I love reading the story from a male's perspective, but he was incredibly real and alive. I understood his actions and emotions very clearly, and I am inclined to say that I'm impressed to see that the author is a woman, because Trish Doller did such an amazing job thinking through a 19-year old man's mind. And I couldn't have asked for a better love interest. Harper was perfect; yes, as a couple, but also in the sense that she helped him live a somewhat more normal life than he had before. She mended him, and that's honestly all I needed to ask for.

Another factor I rooted for was the humor. I found myself cracking up because even though Travis was struggling through a lot of problems within his family and friends, he still had that charming & sarcastic sense of humor to keep everyone on their toes.

The plot was also very entertaining. It was drama-filled; and there was a variety of different pacing throughout the entire novel which I really appreciated. I most definitely had a smile of some sort at the end of each chapter. The only thing I wish could have changed in the novel was the length. I totally would have loved to get more Travis & Harper. =)

Trish Doller, you have crafted one of my favorite novels of the year, and I thank you for that. I loved hearing Travis's story and his growth. Everyone, this is a novel you will want to pick up and read for yourselves.

Grade: A+

Source: Publisher via Netgalley-- Thank you Bloomsbury for the review copy! 

Review: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

"We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences."

Title: A Need So Beautiful

Author: Suzanne Young

Release Date: June 21, 2011

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Pages: 267, Hardcover

A Need So Beautiful wasn't exactly what I expected. I originally thought that it was about angels, but I am...way off. Sort of. Suzanne Young was able to create a unique spin on the paranormal genre, which I thought was totally fun to read about. However, my overall opinion of the book is kind of low. While the concept was fantastic, the characters and plot were lacking for me.

Charlotte Cassidy lives a secret life. On the outside, she's just a normal girl who goes to a private school, and lives with a foster mom. But on the inside, she's not normal like the others. She feels the Need, which is the compulsion to help others, and do what is right. The Need also includes something like an asthma attack, which is exactly what she uses, always as the excuse. Charlotte is of the Forgotten. Monroe, her clinic doctor, helps her along the way to figure things out. In the end, Charlotte must choose between the light, and the evil.

The plot was a huge problem for me. In literature class, I'm sure everyone has learned that in a story, there has to be 3 main parts: a beginning, climax, and solution. Now, I did not find myself at a climax, ever. If you were looking at the story through a line graph, you'd see a flat line. Pretty much, for all I see, the plot was about different scenarios in which Charlotte had to give into her Need and help someone out. And then towards the end, FINALLY something happened. And then the story just ended.

Despite the insufficient plot, Suzanne Young DID do a great job with a twist in the end. I kind of saw it coming, but I did love it; it left me hanging. It makes me want to check out A Want So Wicked.

Onto the characters. They were all extremely shallow, except for maybe Mercy. Charlotte just seemed whiny ALL THE TIME. And I hated how she was never truthful to Harlin! Ever! That makes a very weak relationship. And Harlin, I didn't see what was so good about Harlin. He didn't stand out to me, in the sea of YA boys. He was alright, I guess. And Monroe, goodness, Monroe. I did not care for him at all. He was so vague and it annoyed the crap out of me! He didn't tell Charlotte anything for a long time when she clearly needed answers! Even Charlotte's best friend, Sarah was… *shudders*. Not the best friend you would ask for.

The only thing that I really favored was the concept. It is extremely unique, and I do love myself some creativity every once and a while! Not the same old, same old.

To conclude, I wasn't disappointed with this read, because I hadn't expected too much out of it. A Need So Beatiful wasn't my type of read, but I do recommend trying it out. I suggest reading it, not listening to it on audio, because I think that also affected my overall enjoyment of the story. I am still undecided on whether I want to pick up A Want So Wicked. Maybe someday!

Audio Performance: As mentioned above, I recommend not to listen to it on audio. The reader killed Monroe's British accent--it kind of scarred me for life. I wish I had read the book.

Grade: C

Source: Online library (audiobook)

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

"A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...
Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?
Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 
Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...
The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts."

Title: Timepiece

Author: Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 336, Hardcover

"I'm a bad ass. A bad ass who bakes when he's depressed." -Timepiece (quoted from eARC, not final.)

I was beyond excited to dive right into Timepiece after finishing Hourglass. I was so utterly satisfied with Myra's writing and story, and I had heard nothing but great things about Timepiece. Sadly, while it still had it's enticing characters from Hourglass that I loved, there were many points in the novel that left me in confusion, leaving me frustrated; I wasn't able enjoy the story as much.

Heading into the story, I had no idea that it was told from Kaleb's point of view! I was completely surprised, and while it was really interesting and portrayed very well, I couldn't get into it until about halfway through it. I guess I was just so used to reading in a female's POV. However, after familiarizing myself with his personality, I found it very enjoyable and he was a very blunt (and honest!) character. His comments and thoughts cracked me up.

I also really adored Lily and Kaleb's relationship, much, much more than Em & Michael's! (I loved Em & Michael's relationship, so that's saying something.) I loved how it started out terribly, but graduated into something sweet and tender! They are perfect together. I hated seeing Kaleb chase after Em in Hourglass, so I'm extremely happy that he found someone.

Other than that, Timepiece was quite the roller coaster ride. There was about 3-5 new characters that were introduced, and I felt that Myra could have spent more time elaborating on them. She whipped by them so quickly that I couldn't seem to recall who they were or what their abilities were. What were their motives? What role did each character play? I got so confused at one point that I had to ask one of my blogger friends  for confirmation and help (thanks Nina!)

There was also the plot. Sure, Myra keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, but there was just too many things going on! I was jumping from one situation to the next-- my mind was just about ready to erupt. Why couldn't she just keep it simple? It was very difficult for me to follow the plot and story when so many factors were affecting one another. And the fact that it was about time-travel? Even more puzzling.

I do have to give credit for Myra McEntire for still having that amazing ability to write so smoothly and with ease. She was still able to entrance me and bring me into the story. It was very well crafted and there was some serious world-building in this sophomore novel! You can tell she really thought it thoroughly!

On the whole, Timepiece is an intricately designed novel with fantastic characters brought in from Hourglass that readers will continue to enjoy. At times, the plot and new addition of characters may leave readers perplexed, but it is overall still a delightful read. I am still looking forward to Infinityglass, the third and final installment in the Hourglass trilogy!

Grade: B-

Source: Publisher via Netgalley--thanks Egmont USA! 

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

"One hour to rewrite the past . . . 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?"

Title: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 14, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 387, Hardcover

Hourglass is unlike ANY novel I have read before. That's what I love about time-travel novels; they are always so different and unique. Except, Myra McEntire was clever enough to mix in some paranormal romance in there as well. I was extremely hesitant about continuing this book when I first started, simply because I expected one thing and got another, but in the end, I am so glad I persevered and finished it, because I can't be more excited for Timepiece.

The reader is introduced to Emerson Cole, a girl who can see ghosts of the past. Enter Michael, a boy who is here to help Emerson. They weren't supposed to fall in love. Soon enough, Emerson finds out about the Hourglass, a group of people who are in charge of time-travel, and the people who can time-travel. Emerson is submerged in a completely different world, and finds out she is more important than she thought. She is taken back through time to save lives, and gets involved in a magical and dangerous world.

Emerson Cole was an amazing character. Her emotions when thinking about her parents were raw and I really felt it. She's also sarcastic, which I loved. Also, her generosity to save others to make other people happy was heart-wrenching. Michael was just too sweet. Their relationship was so genuine and adorable. Kaleb, even though a flirt, was still enjoyable to read about him. He was special and memorable for me.

The plot was absolutely great. Everything was put together very skillfully and I couldn't have asked for better. Especially the huge plot-twist towards the end--wow, I did not see the coming. Talk about SURPRISE. With every turn of a page, Myra McEntire just keeps the surprises coming.

One of the main elements I loved the most about the book was Myra McEntire's writing. I'm not sure if it was the font or the layout of the book, but everything just flowed together so well (it HAD to be her writing). I could feel myself reading the words very smoothly and without trouble. I really enjoyed myself. Kudos to you, Myra, for being able to write so effortlessly!

Overall, I am very satisfied with this book. I do sense the coming of a love triangle about to happen (which could potentially become annoying..), but the plot is so great that I highly recommend Hourglass to anyone who loves a tender romance and a mind-blowing time-travel novel! I am beyond excited to read Timepiece!

Grade: A

Source: Library 

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

"When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life."

Title: Saving June

Author: Hannah Harrington

Release Date: November 22, 2011 (US)

Publisher: Harlequin

Pages: 322, Paperback

"Only I would notice a guy's ears when he's half-naked. There's something seriously wrong with me." -Saving June, pg. 245

Saving June was quite the read. It's one of those darker contemporaries that makes you think. When I first heard "roadtrip", I immediately thought it was going to be a fun, summer-y read that would make me light-hearted and cheerful, but I received quite the opposite. Although what I read was unexpected, I loved it. The turnout was fascinating, and it was only some areas in the plot that really slowed it down for me, but otherwise, Saving June is a magical story that everyone should try out.

The story starts off with the death of Harper's older sister, June, who committed suicide. Harper and her mother are both devastated, but the devastation Harper feels is… different. She doesn't cry; instead, she's hollow. Nothing. She doesn't even know why June killed herself. What she does know is that June always wanted to leave their city and go to California. And with that, Harper and her best friend, Laney, take the road trip to California, to scatter June's ashes. But Jake Tolan, a boy of June's past, comes along with them. Jake helps them and in a way, heals Harper.

The characters were extremely strong. Harper was so real to me. Her emotions were carried out very well and I could really truly understand her anger, despair, love, grief, and passion. Her progression and healing process was paced very well, and I loved watching her transition back into herself during the road trip.  Laney was very fun, I loved her. She was serious when she needed to be, and a great friend when Harper needed her. I also really admired Jake Tolan. His love for music was so great, and his personality was so pure and although he was portrayed as a bad-boy, his inner self was astonishing and completely different than what I had thought. He was also an intricate and secretive character as well. But all the same, all of the characters were fabulous.

I think very highly of Hannah Harrington's writing. It was utterly breathtaking. I couldn't have loved the characters as much as I do if it weren't for Hannah's writing style and imagery!

The factor that really deflated this stellar novel was the plot pacing. The first half was extremely slow for me, and I kind of had to push my way through. Do not get me wrong, I loved the characters from the start, but the plot was moving along very slowly. It wasn't until the middle of the book that it really started to pick up. And the ending… it took my breath away! It's always really important for an author to have the perfect ending, because it's usually the last thing that the reader reads & remembers. And Hannah was not near to disappointing me. The ending was absolutely perfect.

In the long run, despite the occasional slow-paced moments in the story, Saving June was a beautiful and stunning story with exceptional characters and outstanding writing. I cannot wait to check out more of Hannah Harrington's oncoming novels!

Grade: A-

Source: Library

Review: The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

"Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page."

Title: The Probability of Miracles

Author: Wendy Wunder

Release Date: December 8, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 360, Hardcover (Read: library hardcover)

"Because thoughts are energy, energy is matter, and matter never disappears."-The Probability of Miracles, pg. 249

I didn't feel everything that I should have felt.

First off, I went into this book, getting ready for all of the AWESOME and preparing a box of tissues next to me while I read. Alas, it was never needed. I didn't even come close to crying, and the overall story was disappointing. Do not get me wrong, the plot was great, but it wasn't minutely near to living up to it's hype.

The plot kicks off with Cam and her mother, Alicia, and her younger sister, Perry, as they move from Florida, to a miracle town in Maine. More specifically, Promise, Maine. It's believed that miracles happen there. And once you leave the town, disaster will strike to whomever left. Cam and her family moved there because of the ongoing cancer that has plagued Cam when she was young. She wants to be cured, somehow. When they arrive in Promise, she meets new people who she never have thought would affect her life than ever before.

The characters in this novel were fantastic. Cam, especially. From the start, I was drawn in by her sarcastic humor and her nonchalance behavior. She is so chill for someone who has cancer and is on the brink of death. I loved her personality! And Asher was just the sweetest boy you could ask for. Their relationship wasn't too rushed, either. I thought it was pretty darn close to perfect. And for some reason, I really loved Perry, even if she is a young, bratty, and annoying teenager. And Lily! Lily, Cam's best friend who also was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, left the story so quickly I wished that I could have seen more of her.

There was also many outrageously creative aspects in this novel. The miracles, more specifically. The incorporation of flamingos, donkeys, lobsters, Disney-world, the Flamingo list, and more. It was a little on the silly side, but still completely enjoyable.

The ending was absolutely beautiful, but it wasn't enough to make me bawl my eyes out. For me, it was more of an "Aww, that's so sad!" moment for me. I think Wendy Wunder could have done a better job with the notion of death and leaving a loved one. However, I loved the interesting messages she threw in there. Such as, paying attention to coincidences. Or, staying in the present moments. Those were deep.

All in all, while the characters were brilliant, as was the idea and plot, it wasn't memorable for me, and with all of the other cancer-involved stories out there (My Sister's Keeper, The Fault In Our Stars), I have a feeling this one won't stand out for me, personally. It was more of a laugh-out-loud book than a cry-out-loud one for me, but do check the book out, many people cried heavily over it.

P.S. I LOVE the title. Once you read the book, it's so freaking absolutely perfect. <3

Grade: B

Source: Library