Randi's Blog
I read this as a consideration for a classroom read - it would have fit with the project-based learning theme of the Mississippi River. However, I've decided that I will definitely not be teaching this book. The story is predictable, the characters lack depth and development, and the world-building leaves much to be desired. Recommended for people who don't mind predictability and are looking for a quick post-apocalyptic read.
I hoped this would be a little more applicable to teaching (and it probably is for elementary teachers), but definitely a parenting-centric book. I'll have to read this again when we decide to start our own family! Definitely recommended.
Oh. My. Goodness. The characters in this book got so stuck in my head that when I wasn't reading (hiking with the husband, swimming, trying to sleep, etc.), they were all I thought about! My husband and I spent a four-mile hike discussing the characters because I just couldn't stop talking about them. This book made me tear up, want to throw the book, laugh, sigh, and just about every other emotion you could think of. One of the best books I have EVER read. And one of those books you just want to hand to everyone you know. It will be one of those books that, whenever I think about it, I'll think back to what I was doing when I read it - camping with the husband. Lots of good memories!
Wow..... I had no idea I would love this book so much. Despite not getting 99% of the '80s references since I wasn't born until '88, I thoroughly enjoyed the spirit of the book - the contest, the characters, even the world (frightening though it was). What a gritty, sci-fi-y, techy, nerdy, wonderful read! I'm usually not big into sci-fi (when I do read it, I'm very selective about the books I choose to pick up), but Cline's debut offers so much more than just another sci-fi book. Highly recommended!
I didn't love this as much as book 1, but it was still a good read. I wasn't so much into the action of this story and I wish there had been more romance, but I enjoyed learning more about Sitia and seeing Yelena learn more about magic. I felt like this book was very short (even though it was nearly 400 pages). I didn't feel like as much happened as in Poison Study, which kind of disappointed me. I'd probably actually bump this down to 3.75 stars, but I'd feel bad because I loved Poison Study so much! I'm hoping the next book intrigues me more.
This book was INTENSE. And so well-written. This is definitely one of those literary examples or YA lit, in my opinion. I read it slowly because I wanted to really savor the story. There are definitely some horrific things in this story and it is certainly NOT a fairytale, though it contains one.
2.5 stars, rounded to 3. I wanted to love this book, I really did. (And I expected to.) However, I never connected with any of the characters and, considering how much booklove I've seen for this book, I expected so much more. Maybe a case of the hype making my expectations too high? Anyway, I didn't believe Anna's character at all. She annoyed me and I wanted more about her past (before we see present-day) to set up the story that follows. It felt to me like that could have been done much more and still have been completely plausible. The characters felt underdeveloped to me. I must say, though, that this book is non-stop action from almost the first page. So if you like plot-driven stories and are interested in reading a new take on a sci-fi-ish romance, you might like this one.
teacher's guide here: http://www.imyourneighborbooks.org/2013/06/25/life-after/
Discussion guide here: http://www.imyourneighborbooks.org/2013/01/17/journey-of-dreams/
This is my third Ellen Hopkins book and her way with words and their arrangement on the page never ceases to amaze me. The nature of the writing in her books makes them fly by so quickly, despite the intense subject matter. This one really hits home the horrors and unrelenting pull of crank and the drug life. Scary stuff for sure. I will definitely be reading the other two books in this series. I see this book having great appeal for reluctant readers - despite the fact that it's 500+ pages, the verse set-up still has a sort of novelty feel to it and the story sucks you right in. Great book!
Compulsively readable, delightfully odd, and heartbreakingly beautiful. I am adding this to my list of favorites and will definitely reread it. Pat and Tiffany are two adults with their own complicated issues and I loved coming to know them both a little bit. Highly recommended!
I've been meaning to read this for SO LONG. Now that I finally did, I'm glad I waited this long so that I can read book 2 in the series without waiting! I really enjoyed this book. The reading was so smooth and kept me reading - the pages flew by. I didn't feel a huge connection with Cate, our protagonist, but I wasn't really bothered by that. I enjoyed the alternate history aspect of the story and will definitely be searching out more books with that quality. This was not your typical witch story, which I really appreciated; Jessica Spotswood has done something completely original here and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wow. This book was seriously horrifying. I could not put it down. Part of what horrified me the most is that it took place in my neck of the woods (southeast Iowa) on a farm in a rural area. Sounds just like where I live, which makes it a million times creepier. This is by no means a "light" read. It's way beyond an "issues" book about abuse. It is straight-up horror. Recommended for older teens and up for incredibly graphic violence & for language.
Incredible read. A new favorite. This book has so much heart and the protagonist, Queenie Wake, is a stunning example of character growth. I really clicked with her from the beginning and found myself crying in more than one chapter because there were just so many feelings. Seriously, just read it. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
What a quick read. I loved the poetry lines included throughout the story. I think the story wraps up nicely without being too neat...I was left feeling hopeful for Parker's future and the ending felt true. I wish I had gotten to know Parker a little bit more, as I didn't connect with her as much I'd hoped. However, that feeling of wondering about the future and what one intends to do with the one "wild and precious life" is very relate-able and I enjoyed how that thread wove throughout the story. Julianna and Shane's story is tragic, but I liked how the "legacy" of the young couple left a palpable mark on Summit Falls. Though I don't feel compelled to buy a copy for myself (I borrowed one from the library), I do recommend it for lovers of YA coming-of-age contemporary fiction with a little mystery.
