March Confessions

Ireland- March 2010

March is always a good month, because spring arrives and hopefully warm weather....or in my case, the promise of warm weather.  It was also my birthday a few days ago, which is another reason I love the month of March.  


I read a lot of books (for me!) this month and I'm hoping I keep up this trend in April.  I also hope that the weather warms up and I can finally do some reading outside on my deck.  I'm not sure Mother Nature got my memo though. 


Books Read in March:
1.  The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
2.  Women Know Everything by Karen Weekes
3.  The Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek (Review to come)
4.  A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
5.  Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
6.  Chime by Franny Billingsley
7.  Wither by Lauren DeStefano
8.  Where She Went by Gayle Forman
9.  The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky
10.  The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (Review to come)
11.  We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (Review to come)
12.  Bumped by Megan McCafferty (Review to come)


My March Top Five:

1.  Favorite Book: We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han- AHHHHHH! I have become even more obsessed with this series.  I am such a fangirl! It's getting embarrassing. I'm a Jenny Han addict. For real.  Keep your eye out for my review next month.  


2.  Biggest Surprise: Wither by Lauren DeStefano- I really enjoyed this book; it was a fantastic debut!


3.  Biggest Letdown: Bumped by Megan McCafferty- I am such a huge fan of McCafferty, but this book didn't work for me.  My review will be posted soon.


4.  Favorite Post:  My Bookish Pet Peeves- Creating this list was a form of therapy for me.  I enjoyed it way too much.


5.  Favorite Part of March: My birthday! I celebrated with friends and family by going to a bunch of wine tastings at the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. What more could a girl ask for?


March Giveaways:
1.  An ARC of Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
2.  An ARC of Huntress by Malinda Lo
3.  Gone With a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West

Waiting on Wednesday: The Summer Before Boys

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Summer Before Boys by Nora Raleigh Baskin 

Pub. Date: May 10, 2011

Goodreads says, "Julia and Eliza are best friends, spending the summer together. Julia's mother is serving in the National Guard and Julia spends all of her time trying not to think about what could happen. So the girls lose themselves in their summer, hanging out at the resort where Eliza's father works. But when they meet a new boy, neither one of them is prepared for what it does to their friendship. Nora Raleigh Baskin delivers a poignant look at the way a first crush can come between best friends and the importance of hanging on to the time you have as a kid before rushing into growing up."

*It comes with no surprise that I am obsessed with summer/beach reads and this one sounds like something I'd enjoy. Plus, I love the last line in the synopsis about holding onto your childhood for as long as you can. Isn't that the truth!?!

  

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors That Deserve More Recognition

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  I'm excited to participate; after all, I make lists FOR EVERYTHING!  This week's topic focuses on authors that we feel deserve more recognition.

Jenny Han

1.  Jenny Han- This is staring to get a little weird (I know!), but I can't get enough of Jenny Han.  I connect with her more than any other young adult author out there. I just finished We'll Always Have Summer and I hung on every word.  She's my favorite. I want to re-read the entire series again and marinate in its awesomeness.  Seriously.


2.  Beth Hoffman- I like to add some variety and hit up adult fiction from time to time and I really enjoyed Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.  Beth is not only a fantastic writer, but such a nice person.  I can't wait for her next book!


3.  Stephanie Perkins- I loved Anna and the French Kiss and fell in love with her writing style. It also made me want to travel to Paris immediately; I wouldn't mind being there right now!

Susan Beth Pfeffer

4.  Jennifer Donnelly- She is a new to me writer and I wish I read her novels sooner. Revolution was outstanding and there's no doubt that she's a talented author.


5.  Beth Fantaskey- How fun was Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side? I loved it and this story had me laughing out loud.


6.  Susan Beth Pfeffer- She's the author of the Last Survivors series and as far as I'm concerned, anyone who can get my husband to read is a genius!


7.  Carol Lynch Williams-  She writes powerful novels and The Chosen One is definitely one of my favorites.

Sarah Dessen

8.  Sarah Dessen- Ok. So you are probably wondering why I included her since she usually receives a lot of recognition; however, I am constantly surprised by how many book bloggers haven't read Dessen and how many of my students haven't even heard of her! Needless to say, I'm a huge fan.  


9.  Morgan Matson- I loved Amy and Roger's Epic Detour! I am big on road trips and traveling, so it was right up my alley. I thought Matson's writing style was engaging and the scrapbook format of the book was a lot fun.


10.  Kate Morton- The Distant Hours was hauntingly beautiful; why don't more people talk about her? As an author, she took me by surprise and instantly became one of my new-to-me favorite adult authors.


So, what authors do you think deserve more recognition?  I was going to include some classic authors, but then I thought that might get too confusing, so I kept it fairly current.  Let me know what you think!

In My Mailbox #52

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
*A librarian friend lent me this ARC, because I am a huge fan of McCafferty. I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Goodreads says, "When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.  Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.  Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.  When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common."

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
*I won this book through Random Buzzers. I may wait until next winter to read it though.

Goodreads says, "I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own."

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
*I loved Shade!! It definitely took me by surprise and I was excited to see this on S&S GalleyGrab.

Goodreads says, "Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart."

What did you get in your mailbox?  Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think.   This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.   

Book Review: The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky

Pages: 272

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: April 5, 2011

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "When Louise Lambert receives a mysterious invitation to a traveling vintage fashion sale in the mail, her normal life in suburban Connecticut is magically transformed into a time traveling adventure. After a brief encounter with two witchy salesladies and donning an evening gown that once belonged to a beautiful silent film star, Louise suddenly finds herself onboard a luxurious cruise ship in 1912. As Alice Baxter, the silent film star, Louise enjoys her access to an extensive closet of gorgeous vintage gowns and begins to get a feel for the challenges and the glamour of life during this decadent era. Until she realizes that she's not just on any ship-- she's on the Titanic! Will Louise be able to save herself and change the course of history, or are she and her film star alter ego, destined to go down with a sinking ship in the most infamous sea disaster of the 20th century?"

Louise is a dreamer by nature, a budding vintage clothing enthusiast and, overall, your average 7th grader.  Louise's life is pretty ordinary until she receives an invitation to a vintage fashion sale at a store in her suburban neighborhood. Of course Louise, being a fashion aficionado, attends the sale in order to find the perfect dress for the upcoming 7th grade dance.  As Louise is trying on a beautiful vintage dress, she finds herself transported to a 1912 luxury ship.  Louise thinks of the possibilities since she is now in the body of a famous actress!  Just as she is starting to enjoy herself and the luxury, she finds out she isn't on just any ship. She's on the Titanic!  Bianca Turetsky's new middle grade novel, The Time-Traveling Fashionista, is a such an adorable read that combines the perfect mix of fantasy and historical fiction. 


If you are like Louise and a fan of fashion, you will enjoy this book.  Turetsky's attention to detail and the description of clothing was spot on. Not only did Turetsky's details bring the time period to life, but the novel also included pictures of the various fashions.  This truly added that special touch and even though I was reading the ARC and the pictures weren't in color, they still helped me to visualize the various fashion ensembles that Turetsky was describing.  I know my middle school readers would get a kick out of this.


We must discuss middle school students and their obsession with all things Titanic.  I have a few students currently researching this very topic for a research paper.  I think my middle school female students will love this book, not only for the fashion, but for the Titanic as well.  I guess since they are so young they can't remember or connect with the movie (and consequently missed out on Celine Dion's annoying and overplayed ballad) and it all seems new to them. Turtesky is smart to set The Time-Traveling Fashionista on the Titanic as I have noticed a definite renewed interest in it.


While I was reading The Time-Traveling Fashionista, I had to keep in mind that the audience is middle grade, because from time to time I felt the plot was very no-frills in comparison to some novels I'd read recently; however, there's no denying that this is a fun, lighthearted read that would be perfect for the beach this summer.


In fact, I've read that Turetsky is working on the next novel in the series which will take Louise to the French Revolution, which is another exciting time period. There's no doubt in my mind that my middle school female students will fall in love with Louise and her fashion-filled adventure.

*Pre-order The Time-Traveling Fashionista

*Check out the website

Anyone Want To Read and Review Huntress?

Ok. So I can't say this happens often, but sometimes I just don't click with a book.....at all.  This recently happened to me with Huntress by Malinda Lo. I was very excited for this one and I fell in love with the cover, but as I read more, I realized that it wasn't for me.  I struggled with the writing style and I just couldn't continue and please don't think it's because the main character, a girl, is diggin' another girl. That doesn't bother me at all; I was simply not feeling it.


I realize that there are many of you that would love to read and review this book, so who would like my ARC? I would put it in my classroom, but this books says for 15+ and that is just a little too old for most of my students.  


Let me know that you would like to read and review Huntress on your blog by filling in the form below.  The deadline is April 4th and US/Canada residents only, please. Also, be sure to refer to my giveaway rules.   I hope Huntress finds a good home! 

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Good luck!

Waiting on Wednesday: Summer and the City

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell

Pub. Date: August 8, 2011

Goodreads says, "Summer is a magical time in New York City and Carrie is in love with all of the crazy characters in her neighborhood, the vintage-clothing boutiques, the wild parties, and the glamorous man who has swept her off her feet. Best of all, she's finally in a real writing class, taking her first steps toward fulfilling her dream. This sequel to The Carrie Diaries brings surprising revelations as Carrie learns to navigate her way around the Big Apple, going from being a country "sparrow" as Samantha Jones dubs her; to the person she always wanted to be. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to reconcile her past with her future, Carrie realizes that making it in New York is much more complicated than she ever imagined. With her signature wit and sparkling humor, Candace Bushnell reveals the irresistible story of how Carrie met Samantha and Miranda, and what turned a small-town girl into one of New York City's most unforgettable icons, Carrie Bradshaw."

*I really enjoyed The Carrie Diaries, especially that ending if you know what I'm talking about, so I can't wait to see where Bushnell is going to take Carrie.  I also can't wait for her to get to meet both Samantha and Miranda. Plus, how cute is that cover? 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Pet Peeves

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  I'm excited to participate; after all, I make lists FOR EVERYTHING!  This week's topic focuses on bookish pet peeves; for example, things that annoy me in stories, annoying book covers, or annoying things in the book store. You know we all have them!


1.  Insta-love- You know what I'm talking about. When the girl, who barely knows the guy and probably went on one date with him to the diner, has instantly fallen in love over a plate of cheese fries.  She now cannot live without him and cannot make a decision without him either.  And she possess the mentality of don't judge me, because it's true love.  NO THANKS!


2.  Teen Speek- I don't know, like, what is for, like, homework, ya'll.  I was totally out last night at a freakin' amazeballs party and forgot to, ya know, do it.  Seriously? Teen speak, when done well, is believable, but when it's over the top, it makes me want to jump out of my window. I've broken up with a series because of this. I've said, "You know, it's totally not you. It's, like, me. Totally."

3.  Stereotypes- I can't stand them in young adult literature. They always make the cheerleader the ditzy mean girl or the jock a moron.  Then there is the dreamy Jordan Catalano type (am I showing my age here with this reference?) that is elusive, dark, and doesn't do his homework.  Can't there be the nice cheerleader that isn't hating on the nerds or a jock that isn't giving nerds wedgies?


4.  Books Out Before Their Publication Dates- Listen. I secretly love when this happens, because I feel naughty when I happen to come across a copy of a book before it is actually released, but after you read it secretly, you just feel dirty afterwards. Or is it just me? Comon' B&N...at least learn the publication date of the books you are selling! I'm such a rule follower.


5.  Everyone and Their Mother Writes a Memoir-  It doesn't matter that you are twenty years old, sure, you can right a memoir too.  Yes, Bristol Palin, I'm talking to you! You have little to no life experience and you already have tales to tell? For real? Lets leave the memoir writing to people that actually deserve it.


6.  Unbelievable Events- Oh. Man. I hate this! You know what I'm talking about...The female protagonist is in an unbelievable situation and then all of a sudden in swoops the male vampire/angel/werewolf protagonist that somehow gets said damsel in distress out of the extreme situation.  After the male saves the day quickly, things are all good...all of a sudden. 

7.  Boring Teachers- Part of me dies whenever there is a boring teacher in a young adult novel and it happens often.  Comon! There are cool teachers out there and ones that don't say in a monotone, "Today class turn to page 65 in your text book and read this chapter SILENTLY." (Insert evil laugh here!)


8.   Bookstore Employees That Know Little- Hello! You are supposed to be the YA expert! How could you be recommending that book when there are all these other FABULOUS books out there? I always cringe when I overhear a child or parent asking for a book recommendation from the "YA" expert at the bookstore and the recommendation they give is horrible and from thirty years ago.  I almost want to jump in and say, "No! Don't do it! If you liked Hunger Games, then read The Maze Runner instead!"


9.  Rushed Endings- News flash! Nobody enjoys them. Things are going well and then all of a sudden the author ends the story without warning and/or believable events to close the situation.  I'm always left saying, "What the heck just happened?"


10.  Stickers- I'm going to have to agree with Jamie when she pointed out how she loathes stickers on her books.  Whether it be a sticker actually covering over the synopsis and then you can't read the summary (the horror!) or stickers on my book for no reason-- it's a huge no-no!


So what do you think you of my list? Do you agree? I found it very therapeutic to vent out all of my bookish frustrations. So, tell me....did I miss anything that you think should make the list? Do tell!

Book Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Pages: 264

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: April 5, 2011

ARC received through LibraryThing Early Reviewers

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*This review contains some spoilers if you haven't read If I Stay. 

Goodreads says, "It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other."

It's three years after the horrific accident and readers reunite with a very different Adam who is now living the dream as a successful rock star.  He's got everything he thought he ever wanted....money, a hot celebrity girlfriend, his band's amazing success, but there's something missing.  Even though he is out of his bedridden depression over losing Mia, sadly, he still can't deal with the stress of his life without medication.  While in NYC, he comes across an ad for Mia's performance and decides last minute to attend. Word gets around that rock star Adam Wilde is attending the performance, so Mia asks him to come backstage.  Mia and Adam reunite for one night and finally talk about things after not seeing each other for three years.  Where She Went, Gayle Forman's sequel to If I Stay, captured my heart.  Granted Where She Went didn't capture it the same way If I Stay did, but it easily became of my favorites books of 2011.


First, I must recognize how much I love Forman's writing style. I'd say that after Jenny Han, I like her style the most. It's incredible and as far as I'm concerned she is one of the best young adult contemporary authors out there.  When I first heard that this novel was going to be written from Adam's point of view, I was worried since many young adult authors struggle to capture a guy's perspective; however, I remembered this is Forman we are talking about. DUH! She's brilliant.


Where She Went explored many deep issues as only Forman can, but what really spoke to me is the fact that Mia and Adam's meeting was, essentially, by chance.  Forman never makes things unrealistic and Where She Went is believable, even up to the ending. For me, realistic fiction MUST be believable and Forman accomplishes that.  I also love how Forman has her characters deal with grief. It's all so very real and complex, but never overwhelming or tedious for us readers.


The characters are so very memorable. I read If I Stay awhile ago and Mia's story is one that I often think about and STILL discuss with bookish people.  It's not a tale that you simply forget about and the same goes for the characters.  What really tugged at my heartstrings was how Forman included a few flashbacks to when Mia's parents and brother were still alive. Like special memories, I just wanted to live in that scene over and over again and bask in its comfort.  


Also, Forman included lyrics from Adam's music, which I thought was especially creative and added that something special to Where She Went. Not only were the lyrics exceptional (they actually sounded like real music, not like the fake lyrics that authors sometimes come up with....you know what I am talking about!), they also reflected what Adam was going through at the time. I loved them!


All in all, Where She Went is easily one of my favorite books. I couldn't be happier with where Forman took Mia and Adam's tale; she never disappoints.  If you've read If I Stay, you MUST pick up a copy of Where She Went. It's just as powerful and memorable as If I Stay, but in a whole different way that I didn't even know was possible!  

*Pre-order Where She Went

*Buy If I Stay

*Read an excerpt

*Watch the book trailer

Gone With a Handsomer Man Giveaway

Thanks to Anne from Authors On The Web, I have the opportunity to host a giveaway for Gone With a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West.  It comes out next month and I plan on reading it soon. I think it sounds like the perfect summer read and would look especially good in my beach bag. 

Goodreads says, "

Take one out-of-work pastry chef . .

Teeny Templeton believes that her life is finally on track. She’s getting married, she’s baking her own wedding cake, and she’s leaving her troubled past behind. And then? She finds her fiancé playing naked badminton with a couple of gorgeous, skanky chicks. 

Add a whole lot of trouble . . . 

Needless to say, the wedding is off. Adding insult to injury, her fiancé slaps a restraining order on her. When he’s found dead a few days later, all fingers point to Teeny. 

And stir like crazy! 

Her only hope is through an old boyfriend-turned-lawyer, the guy who broke her heart a decade ago. But dredging up the past brings more than skeletons out of the closet, and Teeny doesn’t know who she can trust. With evidence mounting and the heat turning up, Teeny must also figure out where to live, how to support herself, how to clear her name, and how to protect her heart."

This giveaway is for US/Canada only and you don't need to be a follower in order to enter; however, if you take a look around and like what you see, I always appreciate new followers and give an extra entry to them. Please note that the deadline for the giveaway is April 14th and refer to my giveaway rules for more information.  To enter the giveaway, be sure to fill in the form below.

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Thanks and good luck,

Winner of Dark Mirror

The winner of Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney is.........

#50   Alli from Al's Book Reviews

Thank you to everyone who entered and if you didn't win, be sure to check out my Miles From Ordinary ARC giveaway.  Thanks again!

In My Mailbox #51

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
*I got this ARC through a book swap with blog reader Viven.  Thanks for contacting me, Viven! I am obsessed with Hemingway and can't wait to read this one!

Goodreads says, "No twentieth-century American writer has captured the popular imagination as much as Ernest Heminway. This novel tells his story from a unique point of view — that of his first wife, Hadley. Through her eyes and voice, we experience Paris of the Lost Generation and meet fascinating characters such as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and Gerald and Sara Murphy. The city and its inhabitants provide a vivid backdrop to this engrossing and wrenching story of love and betrayal that is made all the more poignant knowing that, in the end, Hemingway would write of his first wife, "I wish I had died before I loved anyone but her."

Prophecy by S.J. Parris
*I received this ARC through Shelf Awareness.  I love a historical thriller!

Goodreads says, "It is the year of the Great Conjunction, when the two most powerful planets, Jupiter and Saturn, align—an astrologi cal phenomenon that occurs once every thousand years and heralds the death of one age and the dawn of another. The streets of London are abuzz with predictions of horrific events to come, possibly even the death of Queen Elizabeth. When several of the queen’s maids of honor are found dead, rumors of black magic abound. Elizabeth calls upon her personal astrologer, John Dee, and Giordano Bruno to solve the crimes. While Dee turns to a mysterious medium claiming knowledge of the murders, Bruno fears that some thing far more sinister is at work. But even as the climate of fear at the palace intensifies, the queen refuses to believe that the killer could be someone within her own court. Bruno must play a dangerous game: can he allow the plot to progress far enough to give the queen the proof she needs without putting her, England, or his own life in danger?"

Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors
*I won this one through Princess Bookie's contest. I really enjoyed Coffeehouse Angel, so I am looking forward to this read.

Goodreads says, "When you're the daughter of the bestselling Queen of Romance, life should be pretty good. But 16-year-old Alice Amorous has been living a lie ever since her mother was secretly hospitalized for mental illness. After putting on a brave front for months, time is running out. The next book is overdue, and the Queen can't write it. Alice needs a story for her mother—and she needs one fast. That's when she meets Errol, a strange boy who claims to be Cupid, who insists that Alice write about the greatest love story in history: his tragic relationship with Psyche. As Alice begins to hear Errol's voice in her head and see things she can't explain, she must face the truth—that she's either inherited her mother's madness, or Errol is for real."

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
*When I saw this one at Barnes and Noble on display weeks before the publishing date (tisk, tisk), I grabbed it immediately. I'm glad I did, because I really enjoyed this book. Read my review here.

Goodreads says, "Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.  When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.  But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left."

What did you get in your mailbox?  Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think.   This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.  

Book Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Pages: 356

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pub. Date: March 22, 2011

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "What if you knew exactly when you would die? Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.  When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home. But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left."

Rhine and her twin brother live in a very scary world where males know that they will only live to the age of 25 and females to the age of 20 due to some genetic virus.  The world has been torn apart by war and people have become violent in order to survive.  Rhine and her brother must guard their house for intruders and Rhine must be aware of The Gatherers who could kidnap her at anytime.  Rhine's worst nightmare becomes reality when she is kidnapped and enters into a polygamous marriage in order to keep the population going.  Rhine is now immersed in a world of wealth where she has servants tending to her every need. Shockingly, her husband, Linden, is actually a nice guy and she becomes friends with her sister wives.  Many feel she should be happy here, but the entire time Rhine is planning her escape so she can get back home to her brother.  In fact, Rhine wants to take Gabriel, a servant, with her because they have a definite connection forming and she doesn't want to leave him behind.  The only person standing in her way is Linden's creepy father, Housemaster Vaughn, who is a doctor trying to cure the genetic disease, but at what cost?  Wither, Lauren DeStefano's debut, is a captivating dystopia that hooked from the beginning.

The character of Rhine is brilliant. I really liked her character and could empathize with her.  There's no doubt that she is a strong heroine.  As readers learn more and more about her past, I think Rhine becomes that much more interesting.  Also, DeStefano also does a great job creating the eerie character of Housemaster Vaughn. I was so disturbed by him; he made my skin crawl.  On the other hand, the character of Linden was the complete opposite.  He is ruled by his father and is pretty harmless. At times, I wanted to slap him and yell, "SNAP OUT OF IT" because he is so brainwashed, but I realized that he, too, is simply a pawn in Vaughn's game of chess.  

Her sister wives, Jenna and Cecily, were strong characters as well. I truly pitied them, especially thirteen year old Cecily.  It was hard to read certain parts about her since she is so young and is, essentially, being treated as someone to simply pop out babies whereas Jenna's story was so tragically depressing.  The whole polygamy aspect of this book kind of grossed me out, yet intrigued me at the same time; it was all very Big Love.  

This dystopia was memorable and had me thinking much more than some of the other dystopian novels out there and I like that about Wither. For example, I kept wondering if Rhine should stay in a world where she is safe and pampered, but captive or should she risk it all and go back out into a world that is dangerous and unpredictable?  It definitely left you with a lot to think about.

DeStefano's writing style hooked me in immediately. I was actually just checking out the book by looking through it and skimming the first few pages, but it was over from there. I couldn't put it down. I wish that I could share Wither with my students, as it would surely hook the most reluctant reader, but unfortunately, the context is a bit too mature.  However, I can't deny that DeStefano is a writer to watch and I will absolutely be picking up the second book in the Chemical Garden trilogy.

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