Day 37: 45 Days of Summer

Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen

Okay, I cannot do justice to this book in a few sentences. But I will say that reading this book a few weeks ago was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had reading a book. This book completely resonated with me. I will never be the same.

I will be hosting the author on this blog in September, so I will save a lot of what I have to say for then.

Until then, READ THIS BOOK!

Perfect for: high school, and adults. Though, a sophisticated middle school reader that likes "romance" kind of stories would enjoy this also.

Day 35: 45 Days of Summer

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It's not too late to read this book before the movie hits theaters this weekend!!!

And don't forget...there's a companion novel (Where She Went) that you can read after you finish/after you see the movie.

I truly love these books, and was moved to tears while reading If I Stay. I hope, hope, hope, the movie lives up to my expectations.

Have you read these books? Are you going to see the movie? Let me know what you think!

Perfect for: grades 7-12...and adults!

Day 30: 45 Days of Summer

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

I love everything written by Jennifer E. Smith. EVERYTHING!

This is her latest, and fans of light-hearted romance will be excited to have the perfect book to read at the beach this summer.

If you've ever heard the phrase "meet-cute" you will know that this book defines the term in the best way when the two main characters get stuck in an elevator together during their first meeting.

And things only heat up from there. Sort of.

Can you ever get back the spark you felt the first time you met someone special? Can you make romance work long distance? What if you never see each other again? 

Following the journey of Owen and Lucy will have you rooting for love to conquer all.

Perfect for: 7th grade and up...adults too!

Day 21: 45 Days of Summer

Wish by Joseph Monniger

 Last week when I went to a Seattle Sounders game, Make A Wish and the Sounders played a role. And I'm not gonna lie...I cried. 

And I was reminded of this quiet gem, which I have liked for a long time. And I'm so glad when it finds just the right reader. 

You will cheer for Bee and her brother Tommy, and be so glad they have each other. Beautifully written! 

(And when you finish this one, you MUST read "Finding Somewhere" by the same author, which I absolutely ADORE).

Best for: grades 7-11.

Trailer Tuesday

Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably heard of "The Fault in our Stars" by John Green.

And the movie.

If you've been anywhere within my vicinity the past few years, I've probably thrown the book at you and said, "you cannot be my friend until you've read it." I even talked my book club into reading it this month.

Since the movie is (finally) coming out on June 6th, I thought today was a good day for TFIOS to be this week's "Trailer Tuesday."

Here you go...and you still have 30 days to read the book...GO!

Throwback Thursday

This week's Throwback Thursday has been making the round with our 8th grade girls who are looking for something to read after "The Fault in our Stars." 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman. 

Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make.

This isa beautifully written novel that will haunt you long after you finish it. I hope that Mia's journey will move you to think about what is important in your life: family, friends, love. 

I am a little apprehensive to see the movie adaptation when it comes out in August of this year. I LOVED this book. It literally moved me to tears. I truly hope that the movie can live up to how I feel about this book.

Please, please, please make sure you have read this book (and everything by Gayle Forman for that matter)!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Gift Books: For Adults Who Like...

On the 10th day of Christmas...we continue with books for the adults on your list. There's still enough time to run down to your local bookstore and grab one of these. Or use two-day shipping from your favorite online retailer!

Today I wanted to highlight great books for adults who like a good love story and/or adults who like to read YA.

He’s Gone—Caletti (a YA author who wrote a terrific "crossover" adult title this year).
In the Bag—Klise (a tween author who wrote this perfect vacation/beach/love story...that would also work great for high schoolers. Or mothers/daughters that wanted to share the book).
Golden--Kirby
Eleanor and Park--Rowell
Fault in our Stars--Green
 

And remember, if you want a link to the entire list, see this post.

Happy Reading! And Gifting!

Series Saturday: Review: Selection (Cass)

Title: Selection; Elite
Author: Cass
Genre: Fiction, Dystopian, Contests, Prince/Princess, Marriage, Love
Pages: 327 (Selection)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (for both)
 Ages: Middle School and up

In this first installment of "Series Saturday," I thought that I would highlight a series that I recently discovered. This is not a new series, since the second book came out in April, but for some reason I never got around to reading it when the first book hit the shelves. And I think I know why...I have a natural aversion to girls in floofy dresses on the cover of the books I'm reading.

So, in my case, this was a terrific lesson in "Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover!" Dang, all this time I've missed out knowing these characters.

From the Publisher: 
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself'and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.


I finished the first book, and am waiting until school starts so I can "steal" our library copy of "The Elite." I am very excited to know where the story is going, and what is going to happen to America...and who she will choose. This book has a little bit for everyone: romance, action, political intrigue...and girls in fancy dresses if that's what you like. 

Review: Meant to Be (Morrill)

Title: Meant to Be

Author: Morrill
Genre: Fiction, Love, Travel, High School, Humor
Pages: 292

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th grade & up

This is not a new title, but I think that this book also falls into the "neighbor girl borrowed and I never read" category, because I just discovered this book on my shelf last month. 

From the Publisher: Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question. 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way.

I think this book is an enjoyable read, especially for all those teen girl fans of romantic comedies. I mean seriously...just look at the book cover. It practically screams "Rom-Com" movie poster! And even though the action in the book takes place over spring break, it's a great summer read because the travel details are part of the fun. 

This book is not the most surprising from start to finish, but you really can't help but like Julia, even when she's acting too smart for her own good. I really loved her and all her quirkiness...pocket Shakespeare? A pencil sharpener at all times? How could you not love this girl? And root for her to find the love that is "meant to be"?

Review: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip (John)

Title: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip
Author: John
Genre: Fiction, Road Trip, Family, Friendship, Love, Religion
Pages: 329
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th-11th grades

This is not a new title but somehow I missed reading this when it came out. (That could have something to do with the neighbor girl borrowing it and maybe not getting it back to me right away). This is a definite must-read for summer, especially for anyone that will be traveling by car...with your crazy family.

From the publisher:
When sixteen-year-old Luke's book, Hallelujah, becomes a national bestseller, his publishing house sends him on a cross-country book tour with his older brother, Matt, as chauffeur. But when irresponsible Matt offers to drive Luke's ex–soul mate, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. On the trip, Luke must loosen up, discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves.

This book should resonate with teens, especially ones looking for an upbeat read this summer. Luke thinks he has all the answers but quickly finds out that he is in over his head (and who doesn't feel like that all the time?!). There is humor, adventure, and a little romance thrown in for good measure. The settings are great, and the quirky characters they encounter along the way add to the fun.

Review: How My Summer Went Up in Flames (Doktorski)

Title: How My Summer Went Up In Flames

Author: Doktorski
Genre: Fiction, Summer, Road Trips, Love gone wrong, Friendship

Pages: 302

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Age: 7th grade and up

From the publisher:

Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.

To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

I really liked this book. And I LOVE Rosie's snarky personality, especially her observations of her male road trip companions. In addition to snark, Rosie is honest, sassy, and impulsive. Some of this clearly gets in the way of her common sense. But all of it makes her an endearing narrator that you can't help but root for. 

This book is a great ride from start to finish!

Review: Golden (Kirby)

Title: Golden
Author: Kirby
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Love, Diaries
Pages: 277
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Age: 8th grade and up (and adult)

I've decided to post "Book a Day" reviews this summer: a new book each day starting today! Some of these will be books that I posted on my Summer Reading suggestions, but many will be ones that I am also reading this summer. And since my goal is always to read more than one book per day, I'm hoping to have enough reviews to accomplish this all summer long!

The first title I want to post about is Golden by Jessi Kirby. First, let me just say that this is one of the 25-30 books in my "to read" pile that I just didn't get to before school got out. And now I am VERY sad that this did not make it onto my Summer Reading list. Because it is a GREAT BOOK! Wonderful! And a perfect book to read this summer. I have already recommended it to several neighborhood girls (and their moms).

From the publisher: 
Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.

Each year, Parker's English teacher gives soon-to-be graduating seniors a journal to record their thoughts on the question, "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" And then he collects and stores the journals, mailing them back to students 10 years after graduation. Parker, as his TA, is tasked with tracking down addresses and mailing the journals from ten years ago. And that's when she discovers the journal of Julianna Farnetti in the stack.

Julianna and her boyfriend Shane were the golden couple of the town, until the night they perished in horrible car accident that plunged them into the river, leaving the whole town to grieve and create monuments in their honor. Parker cannot help herself and starts to read Julianna's journal. And in doing so, she starts to question not only her own motivations and plans for the future, but she wonders if the accident really happened like everyone thinks. With clues from the journal, she sets out to prove what really happened the night the golden couple died.

I cannot say enough about how much I really responded to this book. I am sure it had a little to do with all the Robert Frost references (one of my favorite poets; and The Road Not Taken, which obviously plays a huge role in this book, is my all-time favorite poem). But I also liked Parker and her telling of this story. Her BFF Kat, who she enlists into helping, is such a great friend and I love how the girls balance and support each other. The mystery of what happened to Julianna and Shane is compelling and I will say that this storyline did NOT end how I thought it would.

I think that almost any high school student (and adult) can relate to the "what if" dilemma that Parker faces. What if I had made different choices? What would my life be like? Is it too late to change the road that I am traveling down?

Do yourself a favor and go check out this book NOW! And then go back and pick up the author's first book, Moonglass for another good "summer" title. You will not be disappointed!

Trailer Tuesday: Tiger Lily (Anderson)

Oh my gosh, I LOVE this book.

Love it!

Couldn't get enough of it! And completely regret not reading it in time to put it on my "holiday gift books" list.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Fault in Our Stars (Green)

Title: The Fault in Our Stars

Author: Green
Genre: Fiction, Love Stories, Illness, Travel, Cancer
Pages: 318
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

From the publisher: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs. for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too - post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and - shockingly, to her - interested in Hazel.

If you've been paying attention to year-end Top 10 book lists and reviews this season, I do not actually have to tell you anything about this book. In fact, you've probably read it yourself. Green is one of my all-time favorite authors, definitely Top 3. I honestly have a geeky book crush on him, his books, and his Crash Course video segments (which you MUST check out). I have been lucky enough to seem him speak in person several times, and entertain the audience at a dinner or two.

I fell in love with this book months before my own cancer diagnosis. This book is simply beautiful, and you will fall in love with Hazel and Augustus...and with their love story. Humor, challenges, sensitivity, intellect...it's all here in this sophisticated and honest tale that asks and answers some pretty big questions in a way that only John Green could tackle (and succeed at). 

This is an absolute must-read, and you just might need a Kleenex or two.

Holiday Gift Ideas: In the Bag (Klise)

Title: In the Bag

Author: Klise
Genre: Fiction, Love Stories, Vacations

Pages: 306

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A European vacation. A luggage mix-up. A note from a secret admirer. Meet two single parents who think they're too busy to date. And two teenagers who can't stop writing flirty emails. Professional chef Daisy and her teenage daughter Coco take the same flight to Paris as Andrew and his son Webb. Although Daisy scoffs at Andrew's flirtatious glances and note, the two single parents will meet again because their kids accidentally swapped suitcases. 

I have long been a fan of the author's tween books. When I found out that she was writing a book for adults, I was intrigued. And I thoroughly enjoyed this title, told from all four characters' perspectives. This is an engaging, light-hearted read that also happens to be the perfect vacation book. All the romances in this story work in just the right way. This is a story for moms or their high school daughters...or both. It's a 2-for-1 gift, I suppose.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Grave Mercy (LeFevers)

Title: Grave Mercy
Author: LeFevers
Genre: Fiction, Assassins, Death, Gods, Historical Fiction, Courts, Fantasy
Pages: 549
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

I love the tagline on this book: Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

17-year-old Ismae escapes the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. At the convent she learns that the god of Death has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death.

Seriously? Nun assassins? Do you really need me to say anything more? Just look at that cover! And this book is the beginning of a new series!
I am in love with this book...it has all the the elements of a dark, sophisticated fairy tale (castles, courts, good vs evil), a nod to historical fiction, and a twisted love story for feminists and romantics alike. And if you are one of those people that likes to read "Best Books," this title has made many Top Books of 2012 lists.


Ismae is one of the great heroines of literature these days. She if flawed but has a strong voice, can spy and kill with the best of them, shows mercy, and her romance with Duval shows her feminine side. This is definitely a book for older (high school and up) readers, but well worth the read. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel, Dark Triumph, due in April.

Student Review: Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (Smith)

Over the next several weeks/months, I am going to be posting Student Reviews here while I am busy with chemotherapy treatments. I am reading a ton, but may not get to writing up my reviews. In the meantime, it's always enjoyable to read what students think about the books.

This review comes to us from a student at Mark Morris High School. I am friends with the librarian there, and she has sent me this review. (Just an FYI: I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is one of my favorite books published this year).

Title: Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Smith
Genre: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Love, Travel
Pages: 236
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on the review; it was not rated)

From the publisher:
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

From the student (edited only for length):
"Of course the romance between these two is delicious, but it also is realistic and serendipitous. Neither character is perfect, which makes it all the better. There is astonishingly true-to-life dialogue. The banter between Hadley and Oliver is witty, but completely plausible. Their flirting is just as awkward as it is clever. Hadley’s guessing at Oliver’s possible research studies was absolutely delightful. The way they learn about each other through questioning is wonderful character development. By the time they’re stepping off the plane, you really know the both of them. 

Moving beyond this though, the story line with Hadley’s parents was a very profound piece of the novel. Putting oneself in that situation with her, of knowing one parent had left the other for someone else, it truly blows one’s mind. This book is written in such a way you feel the confusion and pain with Hadley. You feel the way Hadley both misses and hates her father, as well as her determination to hate his new life along with it. You are literally sucked into her shoes while reading this book. 

If I have any complaint at all, it would be that because it was written in third person, some of the dialogue got confusing with pronouns and such. All in all, I honestly could not put this book down. Once I really started it I finished it in a day’s time and was left with the need to tell everyone I know to read it."--Alyssa

I completely agree! Thanks for your insightful and well-written comments.

Review: Anna and the French Kiss (Perkins)

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Perkins
Genre: Fiction, Travel, High School, Boarding Schools, Paris, Romance
Pages: 372
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When Anna's romance-novelist father sends her to an elite American boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school, she very reluctantly goes. Anna is giving up her senior year "at home," with friends that she loves, and a crush who is just about to become more. But Anna manages to fall in with a new group of friends, including a boy (with a terrific accent) who becomes her best friend, in spite of the fact that they both want something more from the relationship. Will Anna ever get that perfect kiss she has been waiting for?

First, I must say that I absolutely refused to read this because I thought that it was going to be one of those sappy teen girl romance books. I mean really, look at that cover! But when it was nominated for BFYA and I was forced to read it, I must admit that I am so glad that I was able to get past my initial judgment. As one of my committee members so eloquently put it, this book is so much smarter than the cover.

I absolutely loved this book, and decided to finally post the review after mentioning "Lola and the Boy Next Door" in yesterday's post. (You will discover that Lola is one of the secondary characters in "Anna...").

The setting is one of the stars of this book. The vivid descriptions of Paris and Parisian culture will resonate with anyone that has been to Paris, or, like me, has always longed to visit the "City of Lights." It makes me wish for a do-over in life so that I could attend an international boarding school...or maybe just learn French. 

Anna is such a well-written character. Her voice is perfect, and her inner dialog is witty and humorous. I loved her quirky classic movie/movie theater fetish, and how she learns French initially so that she can navigate to her favorite movie theaters.

The secondary characters will resonate with readers and teens will identify with the diverse cast. In the end, this is so much more than your typical "loooove" story. It is really about finding yourself and a place to call home. Oh yeah, and there is a romance! Sarah Dessen fans will thoroughly enjoy this read.

Now that I have "Lola..." back, I am looking forward to reading it before school starts.

Review: Sean Griswold's Head (Leavitt)

Title: Sean Griswold's Head
Author: Leavitt
Genre: Fiction, High School, Friendship, Humor, Illness, Family
Pages: 288
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

After discovering that her father has multiple sclerosis, and the entire family was keeping it a secret from her, Payton decides to stop speaking to all of them. This winds up leading to mandatory counseling sessions at school, where a well-meaning school counselor gives her a "focus journal" and wants her to write about a "focus object." Not taking the assignment seriously, Payton focuses on the closest thing she can think of, the back of Sean Griswold's head. But her new focus leads to real interest in Sean and soon Payton must really come to terms with everything that is going on in her life.

First of all, I must say that I initially picked this book up because I thought that it was going to be the perfect "boy" book for my summer reading list. The cover art led me astray! But once I got over my initial disappointment at not discovering the quintessential middle school boy read, I fell in love with this book.

Payton is a likeable narrator, a typical teen girl who is conflicted between her anger/grief and her usual common sense good nature. She alternates between sarcastic, witty comments, and reflective narration. There are parts where I can actually picture the huffy teen eyeroll that she must be giving the guidance counselor.

This book is a hidden gem, that might take word-of-mouth, or some good booktalking, to sell to the right audience. The writing is a smooth balance between comedy and serious dealings with family crisis. There are credible teen characters and an authentic teen voice. The romance between Payton and Sean works so well in this book.

This is the perfect book for middle or high school students looking for something refreshing and realistic without being "angsty." It is a fun read with humor and heart that is sure to be popular with many readers.

Review: Moonglass (Kirby)

Title: Moonglass
Author: Kirby
Genre: Fiction, Beach, Moving, Father/Daughter, Relationships, Love, Death
Pages: 232
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love. But Anna's mother drowned when Anna was a young girl, and she wonders if this is really the best place for her and her dad to be.

I was lucky enough to meet this debut author at a Simon & Schuster event in June (I promise there will be a post on this event SOON. There were so many terrific debut authors in attendance...so many good books coming). At the time, I had not read the book. However, it was a slim hardback that packed well, took place on the beach, and since I was heading to North Carolina to spend some time on the beach, it seemed like the perfect book to pack along.

I enjoyed this book and I definitely think that my junior high readers will also. The setting is well-written, giving a terrific sense of place to the novel. (I imagine that this is due to the fact that the author lives in the location that she wrote about...I envy her life by the way. More on that in a subsequent post). This is a novel begging to be read during the summer! I wish that I had read it in time to add to my summer reading list.

Anna is conflicted over wanting to know more about her mother but leary of the memories that are starting to return. She loves her dad, but doesn't appreciate his meddling in her love life (what teen girl does). Anna finds new friends in surprising places and a hunky lifeguard boyfriend (of course...it's a book that takes place on the beach). I think that many teen girls will appreciate this story and the full-circle ending.