Book Review - Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

From Goodreads:

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.


This book has gotten so much rave. And I found it just okay. In fact, I like it a bit less than the author's other book I'd just reviewed last week - Fangirl.

There were parts that I quite like - the sweet memories of when you just started going out with your first love, how you felt kinda awkward and nervous and excited, how you just wanted to spend all the time together and didn't know what is okay or not okay to say because you didn't want him/her to think you are weird... yeah, the author captured those feelings quite well and you nodded as you remembered.

But I felt that the characters didn't quite develop, like Eleanor and Park's relationship started out of nowhere, and the ending had me baffled. It seemed like a chapter was missing.

I'd say it again though that Rowell's writing was easy to read, as I was able to finish it in just a couple of days. Which is not easy to do nowadays!

2.5 Stars.

Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

From Goodreads:

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Eleanor & Park.

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?




I read Attachments 2 years ago (almost to the date! See review here) and liked it fine (chicklit is not my usual genre). Recently I'd read lots of good reviews of the author's other book, Eleanor and Park, so I thought I'd give that a try. I found out the author has another new book, Fangirl, so I reserved that too at the library. The 2 new books came at the same time for me to pick up at the library, and I thought I'd read Fangirl first as it seems like Elenaor and Park has better reviews. 

My library marked this (and Eleanor) as YA. I haven't been in YA mode lately (since I was pregnant really... coincidence?), but was in a fluff read mode. Only took me 2 days to read so that's a good sign. I can identify with Cath to some degree (not the fanfiction part, but when she first went to college). Overall I think it's an okay book - it's a little long (over 400 pages), and I admit about half way through I started skipping the Simon Snow excerpts (whether it's from the book series itself that's like Harry Potter, or from Cath's fanfiction). I supposed if I was a Harry Potter fan I may be more curious. As per usual, this genre is a bit predictable for me.

I do like Rowell's engaging writing, and that her characters seem real. You want to know what happened to the characters. But there's just something missing for me. I don't quite know what - I guess I like books that make me feel sentimental, but this one didn't quite bring me all the way there. Will read Eleanor next, and we'll see if I like that better.

3 Stars.




Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - UnWholly (Unwind Trilogy #2) by Neal Shusterman

UnWholly (Unwind Trilogy #2) by Neal Shusterman

Unwind was one of my fav YA dystopian books (see my review here).  At that time, there was not going to be a sequel, but I guess its popularity demanded one and now it's a trilogy.

I was disappointed in the beginning - it was very choppy, alternating between many characters and "announcements"/newspaper clips. The 3 main characters from the first book were hardly mentioned and many new characters were introduced. I didn't really get engaged until about half way through the ~400 books when you get to know the characters better, and have a better sense of the plot.

I like the theme of the book, and "Cam" is an intriguing character. I am glad I didn't give up the book, because now I'd for sure read the last book to find out what happened. Unwind was a 4.5 Stars book for me, but this one is only 3.5 due to its choppy, slow start. 



Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Yep, another YA dystopian trilogy. But I do like this one - it did remind me a bit of The Hunger Games, though I still thought the Hunger Games is better, probably because it tugged on my emotion more (Katniss' love for her little sister).

The main protagonist, Beatrice/Tris (she decided to go by Tris later) reminded me a bit of Katniss - strong, smart, but sometimes she acted before she thought through it. The 5 factions each 16 years old had to choose which one they belonged to were Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). I liked the world-building in the book.  It did make me think, if I had to choose, which faction would I choose? I think most likely Erudite. I doubt I'd ever be a Dauntless, but those who chose it thought:

But becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it., that's the point. (p239)

It didn't really explain why you could only choose one, but I supposed that was the whole point of dystopian fiction - there were elements that were out of the characters' control, and it was up to them to do something about it:

My father says that those who want power and get it live in terror of losing it. That's why we have to give power to those who do not want it. (p68)

I could also guess who Four (another character) was right off the bat, so it didn't quite come as a surprise. I liked him too, but we did not know a lot about him yet. The other characters didn't leave as much of an impression (I could hardly remember their names now) but there were quite of few supporting characters. I had to laugh though when I read what Tris thought about having a pet - that's exactly what I felt before I became a kitty mama:

What is the point in providing food and shelter for an animal that just soils your furniture, makes your home smell bad, and ultimately dies? (p193)

While part of the plot was predictable (you know, like Tris can't die yet in Book 1) I am not quite sure where the next book would lead us, so I look forward to it! Hopefully it'd just be as fast paced as this one, and we'll get to know the characters a bit more, and that it doesn't suffer from "middle book syndrome" where the author saved the best bits for the last book.

If you like YA dystopian, go read this series!

4 / 5 .


Note - The book was borrowed from the library.



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - I Am Not A Serial Killer (John Cleaver #1) by Dan Wells

Title: I Am Not A Serial Killer (John Cleaver #1)
Author:  Dan Wells 
Year: 2010
Page: 272
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, murder / mystery / thriller / suspense

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
John Wayne Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it.

He’s spent his life doing his best not to live up to his potential.

He’s obsessed with serial killers, but really doesn’t want to become one. So for his own sake, and the safety of those around him, he lives by rigid rules he’s written for himself, practicing normal life as if it were a private religion that could save him from damnation.

Dead bodies are normal to John. He likes them, actually. They don’t demand or expect the empathy he’s unable to offer. Perhaps that’s what gives him the objectivity to recognize that there’s something different about the body the police have just found behind the Wash-n-Dry Laundromat---and to appreciate what that difference means.

Now, for the first time, John has to confront a danger outside himself, a threat he can’t control, a menace to everything and everyone he would love, if only he could.

Dan Wells’s debut novel is the first volume of a trilogy that will keep you awake and then haunt your dreams.

First Sentence:
Mrs Anderson was dead.

My Thoughts:

• I chose this book because Tea Time with Marce loved it (and the rest of the trilogy - see her review here). I love the title and love reading about serial killers - so how could I say no? :) I liked the cover design too.

• The book started out really well, I could identify with John (even though he is a teenage boy) - okay I don't think I am a sociopath (well I guess since I have never been evaluated I can't say whether I am or I am not for certain :) but I have an interest in criminal psychology and related stuff - that's why I like reading murder/mystery, love watching shows like CSI, Bones, Numb3rs etc. I have no desire to kill (hey, when playing paintball with my friends once in college, I was in hiding more often then shooting someone!) but I like to learn more about what goes through their mind. I think John was a well developed and memorable character, you could feel his struggle between good vs evil and you couldn't help but feel bad for him

• Then around 100 pages, IT happened. IT made me go WTF? I thought there's surely a way to explain IT, but there will be a twist to tie things together or explain why IT happened. But nope, IT is IT. (NOTE - I am calling it "IT" because I read a review on goodreads that called it IT, and I thought IT is rather appropriate! Has nothing to do with Stephen King's book... ) Now for those of you who are on the fence about this book, but really don't mind some spoilers to see if this book is for you - here's the spoiler: [SPOILER] IT = a demon / monster. Yes a non human one. So this turns out to be a supernatural / paranormal book... which I totally was not prepared for since I don't usually read this genre - I had read some vampires and zombies YA but they just aren't really for me unless there is a good explanation... [/SPOILER]

•  It was a fast read, and apart from John, I also liked the other characters, especially Dr Neblin, but they weren't quite as well developed (e.g. his mother, aunt and sister). But since this is the first book of a trilogy, maybe these characters would grow. However, due to the IT element, I don't think I will continue with the series...

• I haven't done any author interview, but after reading this book, I felt for the first time a need to ask the author, why IT? I haven't contacted the author... maybe I should? Or maybe he had already answer this question in another author interview?

• Note - I finally watched the first episode of Dexter, and this book had been compared to Dexter due to the topic. The first episode of Dexter was really slow... so I didn't finish the rest of the season. Some said Season 2 is better? I had read the first of the Dexter book, which I thought was just okay.

Quote: 

But you have to remember that predictors are just that -- they predict what might happen, they don't prophesy what will happen. (p3)

"The central question of psychological profiling... is not 'what is the killer doing,' but 'what is the killer doing that he doesn't have  to do?'" (p62)

Overall Rating:

3 Stars. Would have been higher if it didn't have IT (see review above to learn what IT was).



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Title: Where She Went (If I Stay #2) 
Author: Gayle Forman
Year: 2011
Page: 264
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
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 Juilliard'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.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

First Sentence:
Every morning I wake up and I tell myself this: It's just one day, one twenty-four-hour period to get yourself through.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• I really enjoyed the first book, If I Stayed, told from Mia's perspective. I cried my eyes out. I read it back in 2009 though and before I stayed to blog... I wish I had!

First thought:

• Disappointed.

Cover Art:

• Pretty. But not how I pictured Mia to be. Also, the photographer in me said, "don't shoot up people's nose! It's not flattering!"  But I loved the messy hair.

Title:

• Clever - summed up the story and matched the style of the first book title

Writing:

• Still easy to read. 

Plot:

• I felt like it dragged on... I understood that the author didn't want to explain everything until later so that all the secrets weren't revealed on the first page

Characters:

• I could identify with Mia in the first book, and really liked her, Adam and Mia's family. In this book, I didn't like either Mia or Adam. Mia - she reasoning just didn't quite make sense to me (again, maybe because I am not a teenager anymore... and I supposed I haven't gone through what she had). Adam - while his destructive behavior was explained, it didn't mean I had to like it. I thought he was better than that.

Ending:

• Okay I supposed. At least I didn't feel like throwing the book across the room after I was done.

Emotion:

• I think the reason I liked the first book so much was because I felt so emotional about it. I hardly felt anything when I read this one.

What I Learned:

• How to get 5 stars from me when reviewing a book? Make me emotional (cry, laugh, whatever)

PS:

• Lots of people still enjoyed this second book, so don't let my negative (or rather, "lukewarm or neutral") review stopped you from finding it out yourself. I'd definitely recommend reading the first book first.

Read this Author again?

• Depends... I'm getting picky about YA books now... 

Quote:

"She said it was because one day I was going to have to go through a metamorphosis like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly and that scared me, so butterflies scared me." 

Overall Rating:
3 Stars. Just okay for me.

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Lens and the Looker (The Verona Trilogy #1) by Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Lens and the Looker (The Verona Trilogy #1)   
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Year: 2011
Page: 336
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

FTC Disclosure: Tracee, PR Specialist and Virtual Book Tour Coordinator, from Pump Up Your Book contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing this book for the author's virtual book tour. The author sent me a copy of the book. I was not paid for the unbiased review.

Summary (from goodreads.com):
It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s) have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan.

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities.

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

First Sentence:
One of Hansum's earliest memories was of his mother telling him he was just like his name sounded in the old English, handsome. 

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• I enjoy reading YA dystopian. I also enjoy some time travel stories. I thought the concept of this book sounds promising since it seems to be a combination of both.

First thought:

• Not quite what I thought it'd be... I read about 1/3 of the book and gave up...

Cover Art:

• Not something I'd choose, but I am not really the target audience

Title:

•  Since I didn't finish the book, I couldn't really comment on it. Though it did make me wonder what it meant by The Lens and The Looker.

Writing:

• It was a bit choppy for me. Now that I think about it, most YA I read are written by female writers, so may be I am not used to male YA authors' style? I looked back at the books I'd read, I think this book is most similar to Miracle Myx by David Diotalevi (as opposed to say, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher). Miracle Myx didn't really work for me either. 

Plot:

• The book started off interesting, and I actually enjoyed reading it to find out what happened. That is, up until the part the three main characters got taken to a secondary place. Not a lot happened in 2347, but you got a glimpse of  what the perfect future world looked like (perhaps more will be about the future in the future books since this is a trilogy?). The idea of the History Camp ("learn the lessons so history won't repeat itself") was also quite fascinating, and we learned a bit about making glasses and shopping in the market. However, right after that when the scenery changed, it just didn't hold my interest anymore... to the point I couldn't concentrate on the different characters and such.

Characters:

• Of the 110+ pages or so I'd read, I didn't get to know the characters much. Sure, you got a sense of their attitude, but it only showed you what they were like "now", not how they came to be they way they were. Perhaps there were more character developments in the rest of the book? Can't say I really liked any of the main characters though until this point. In fact, both Hansum and Lincoln were rather annoying. Shamira was at least a bit more intriguing since it was harder to tell why she was sent to History Camp. 

• I am guessing the target audience for this book is teenage boys. I think they would identify with the characters more than I do - they way the think, they way they act, the way they talk etc. I don't have much contact with teenagers, so it is difficult for me to put myself into their mindset

Ending:

• Obviously I don't know...

Emotion:

• Ah, once again, I'm feeling old when reading this YA (even though I'm in my early-mid thirties... I'd like to think I'm not THAT old yet... though sometimes my body tells me otherwise ha!)

What I Learned:

• While I prefer plot-driven story than character-driven ones, I still need some good characters. I think the Hunger Games is a good example - the plot is exciting, but I care about the characters too.

PS:

• There are many good reviews out there about this book, so don't let my "did not finish" status deter you from reading it yourself! I mainly read adult books, with a few YA here and there, so I am probably not the best judge for YA books. I definitely read YA books from an adult's perspective, as opposed to say, I read YA books to see if it's suitable to put into the high school library, or evaluating its suitableness my (non-existent) teenage children.

Read this Author again?

• Depends... but won't be reading this trilogy.

Overall Rating:
0 Star. Did Not Finish. (Probably just me)

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee

Title: The Silver Metal Lover 
Author: Tanith Lee
Year: 1981
Page: 304
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Fantasy / Sci-Fi

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Love is made of more than mere flesh and blood....

Tanith Lee is one of the most thought-provoking and imaginative authors of our time. In this unforgettably poignant novel, Lee has created a classic tale—a beautiful, tragic, erotic, and ultimately triumphant love story of the future.

For sixteen-year-old Jane, life is a mystery she despairs of ever mastering. She and her friends are the idle, pampered children of the privileged class, living in luxury on an Earth remade by natural disaster. Until Jane's life is changed forever by a chance encounter with a robot minstrel with auburn hair and silver skin, whose songs ignite in her a desperate and inexplicable passion.

Jane is certain that Silver is more than just a machine built to please. And she will give up everything to prove it. So she escapes into the city's violent, decaying slums to embrace a love bordering on madness. Or is it something more? Has Jane glimpsed in Silver something no one else has dared to see—not even the robot or his creators? A love so perfect it must be destroyed, for no human could ever compete?

First Sentence:
I grew up with my mother in Chez Stratos, my mother's house in the sky.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• I was browsing in the library, and came upon a book called Metallic Love. I was going to try reading some fantasy/sci-fi type of books and this caught my eye - "the legend of their tragic romance lives on". It wasn't until I got home I found out that Metallic Love is #2 in a series, and that Silver Metal is #1, so I thought I'd better read the first book first.

First thought:

• Probably liked it better if I read it as a teen...

Cover Art:

• Not something I'd pick based on the cover, but fitted the story well. 

Title:

• Like the cover design, not something that'd attract me but fitted the story.

Writing:

• Easy to read. 

Plot:

• For a moment, I was a bit crept out - what, in love with a robot? Ummm... but as I was reading the book, it kept reminding me of Twilight. Well, if it's okay to have a relationship with vampires or werewolves, then why not a robot? This book was first published back in 1981, so definitely not copying Twilight's concept of the forbidden love.

• The story line was fine, I kept reading to find out what happened and didn't guess the ending. Though I felt like it's something I'd have enjoyed reading more as a teen when idealistic was more important that realistic :)

Characters:

• Jane, the main female protagonist, definitely reminded me of Bella in Twilight - at least in the crying and whining aspect :)
   
• And Silver, was just like Edward - he was more perfect than human! 

• I found Jane and Silver's relationship interesting though because Silver kept reminding Jane (and us) that he wasn't human, and won't experience the same emotion that human did, for example, he won't get hurt by the things Jane said. Made you wonder what it's like if we were emotionless

Ending:

• I liked how the story end. 

Emotion:

• I probably would have cared more about Jane/Silver had I been younger. I felt about them the same as I felt about Bella/Edward - I know others would be touched by their love but it was not the epic love story for me

What I Learned:

• I feel old as I read YA books :p

PS:

• I decided not to read Book 2. I didn't mind giving this a try, but that's enough robot love for me

Read this Author again?

• Would depend on the story. The author primarily writes fantasy / sci-fi /horror and they aren't my usual genre.

Overall Rating:
2.5 Stars. Not a bad read, just not really for me.

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Matched #1) 
Author: Ally Condie 
Year: 2010
Page: 366
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

First Sentence:
Now that I have found the way to fly, which direction should I go into the night?

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• I first heard about this from DeRaps Reads (see review here), wow that was almost 6 months ago, and my library finally has it! Since I really enjoyed The Hunger Games, I thought this would be a good dystopian to try after that series.

First thought:

• Can't wait till Book 2!

Cover Art:

• Perfect. One of the better book covers I think - suited the book wonderfully, the bubble, the green dress... and it is just refreshing and eye-catching.

Title:

• Catchy and also fitted the story well.

Writing:

• As a YA, pretty easy to read. I started reading it Friday night and finish it yesterday

Plot:

• While the plot didn't have as many twists and turns as The Hunger Game, it was quite engaging. Some commented that it was slow but I didn't think it was too slow (and we all know I couldn't finish slow books...) 

Characters:

• While this has another 1 girl-2 boys as main characters book, I didn't mind it so much. I liked Cassia fine, liked Ky fine, liked Xander fine... in fact, there weren't any characters I couldn't really stand.

• I do wish there were more developments between Cassia and Ky because at times it seemed just too convenient 

• Cassia's job as a sorter sounded interesting, since it is a little bit related to my job

• Also enjoyed reading about the relationship between Cassia's parents and how they protected and loved their families in their own way

• Wished we got to know Cassia's grandfather a little bit better

• The relationship between Cassia and her best friend Em was a little lacking though

Ending:

• I think it helped that I knew it was a trilogy ahead of time. For once I didn't mind too much that this is a trilogy (maybe last year I just needed a break, but it seemed like 99% of YA books became a trilogy!)

Emotion:

• As I read, I couldn't help but think what it'd be like to live in such a "perfect" world, and it's scary to think I don't want to live in such a world. While everything seems perfect, orderly, fair, "equal", it really isn't... would you choose it if equality means you loose individuality?  

• I think what I liked most about this book, is that it made me think.

What I Learned:

• What IS a perfect world? Someone's idea of perfect probably isn't another's

PS:

• After I finished the book, I read some other reviews, and the negative reviews mostly had to do with the fact that the concept of the story was very similar to The Giver. I haven't read the Giver, but it's on my TBR. Now I can't wait to read it to see if I'd still like Matched as much. Sometimes, the concepts might be similar, but how the story is delivered makes a difference. I mean, look at Disney princesses story (I must have that in mind because I just finished Cinderella Ate My Daughter) - most of them were about these girls suffering some type of hardship, but they were all pretty and with some good fortune or magic or something else, the prince fell in love with them and they lived happily ever after.

• I was debating whether to give it 4 or 4.5 Stars. The Hunger Games (Book 1 and 2) I gave 4.5. After deliberating for a bit, I think I still like The Hunger Games better because it had more action, plus I felt more emotionally attached and cared about the characters more

Read this Author again?

• Yep! Hopefully book 2, Crossed, won't disappoint! Might check out her other books too, and whether I'd read them will depend on the premise.

Quote:

It is strange how we hold onto the pieces of the past while we wait for our futures. (p11)

Is falling in love with someone's story the same thing as falling in love with the person himself? (p196)

"The Government has decided that artifacts promote inequality among members of Society," (p204)

Overall Rating:
4 Stars. If you like The Hunger Games, you'd probably like this too!

 



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) 
Author: Michelle Zink
Year: 2009
Page: 343
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Paranormal

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
In Michelle Zink's debut novel, orphaned twin sister Lia and Alice Milthorpe are yoked together in an ancient prophecy that makes them enemies and could destroy them both. If Lia can break this familial curse, she can not only save her relationship with her beloved boyfriend; she can finally resolve the mystery behind her parents' death. A teen author to watch.

First Sentence:
Perhaps because it seems so appropriate, I don't notice the rain.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

•  Paranormal isn't really my genre (used to like vampires stuff before it got popular... we're talking years ago though so I'm ahead of my time lol). I remember Tea Time with Marce mentioning this book when I was in a reading rut last year (here's her review). Now I don't remember why I wanted to read this right now, perhaps just for something different!

First thought:

• I wish I'd read it when I was younger (well the book wouldn't have been published then!) because I think I'd have enjoyed it more then

Cover Art:

• I quite like it! A bit mysterious. There is another cover with a close up of two girls. I like this one with the statues better. A bit more Gothic.

Title:

• Fitting. Since I have two younger sisters, sisters-related books do attract my attention

Writing:

• Written in first person, which I do prefer
• Since it's young adult, it's pretty easy to read
• Although I have to say for some parts it rambles a bit and I found myself skimping... perhaps I wasn't paying enough attention as I was busy at work, I got a bit confused about the prophecy lol, since this is what the whole book is based on!

Plot:

• Engage me enough to keep reading but wasn't a page turner for me...

Characters:

• They were okay, didn't really feel attached to any of them though

Ending:

• Since this is a series, it didn't answer all the questions... I finished this about a week ago and honesty I didn't even quite remember what happened!

Emotion:

• Wasn't emotionally invested... while I was curious to find out what happened next, I didn't feel for the characters

What I Learned:

• I think, I need to be in the right mood for this this genre (paranormal) 

PS:

• Am I too rational for paranormal books? :) I need to go read The Juniper Game by Sherryl Jordan to see if I still love that book! I read it when I was a teenager, it's about telepathy. After I read it, I bought my own copy. In fact, I bought two, because I forgot I already bought one previously! Needlessly to say, I hadn't re-read it since... I really should since it was one of my favorite books back then! In fact, I thought if I ever had a daughter, I should name her Juniper :)

Read this Author again?

• Maybe. Depends on the story. Not sure if I'd read the rest of the series. I'd probably just google to read the spoilers :) 

Overall Rating: 
3 Stars. Just okay for me. Wasn't in the right mood.

 



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern

Title: The Book of Tomorrow
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Year: 2009
Page: 320
Genre: Fiction - YA

FTC Disclosure: Free ARC from HarperCollins.com in exchange from an unbiased review

Summary (from goodreads.com):
The magical new novel from number one bestseller Cecelia Ahern. Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin.When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

First Sentence:
They say a story loses something with each telling.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• When HarperCollins asked if I want to review their Jan new release, I thought this book sounded very interesting - I mean, a book that'd tell you what happens tomorrow? At that time, I had no idea who Cecelia Ahern is. It wasn't until when I received the book, I noticed that it was the same author who wrote PS I Love You, which I just read not too long ago. This book didn't seem like a chick lit though so I was happy about that. 

First thought:

• So promising, but didn't quite live up to expectations... could have been shorter.

Cover Art:

• Pretty! Suited the story well

Title:

• Fitted the story also

Writing:

• I thought the writing has improved a bit since PS I Love You (hey at least the protagonist didn't GIGGLED 3 times on one page!), however, the beginning was a bit slow and confusing, and the protagonist tended to rambled a bit.

Plot:

• There was a bit of a twist in the end which wrapped up the story and I didn't see it coming so it was good to see something a bit different

• This was advertised as a YA book I think (main protagonist was under 18 years old) and there were some F-words used and some sex-related content (not graphic). Didn't bother me though

• My biggest disappointment though was about the this mysterious book itself - I thought it played such an important role, and yet I didn't think it was fully explained

Characters:

• Didn't like the main protagonist, Tamara, much. She was a brat, but did see her "grow up" a bit throughout the book

• My favorite character was Sister Ignatius - would have loved to meet someone like her in real life!

• Some of the minor characters weren't very developed... they just seemed to appear and disappear...

Ending:

• I like non-ambiguous ending, and so I thought the ending was not bad (except about the book.)

Emotion:

• I did want to find out what happened and so I kept on reading, but I didn't feel much emotion one way or the other. It was more about "let's find out what happened" rather than "let's find out what happened to Tamara".

What I Learned:

• Can't say I really learn anything new... but would like to learn more about castles in Ireland!

PS:

• I thought this was a new release (1/25/11) but I saw that it was actually published in 2009? Perhaps it was a new release in the US? Not that it mattered much...

Read this Author again?

• She's not a bad author, but her books are just not my genre. So I don't know if I would or not...

Quote:

He wasn't really trapped at all, he was just looking in the wrong place.(p10)

"Would you prefer to be given a life already lived too, Tamara? That way you can sit back and observe it. Or would you rather live one yourself?" (p92)

Overall Rating:
2.5 Stars - Not bad, but I think others would enjoy it more than I do. Didn't quite find it magical

 



All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall
Author: Lauren Oliver 
Year: 2010
Page: 470
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult

FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

First Sentence:
They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me.

My Thoughts:

Why this book?

• Read lots of good reviews. So Many Books, So Little Time's review persuaded me to put it on my TBR list. While YA is not my favorite genre, I like reading them every so often if I want a fast, light read. And this book seems to be one of the Top 10 of many bloggers' favorite reads in 2010.
   

• I actually borrowed this book before, started reading a few pages, then returned to the library because I couldn't get into it. I didn't mark it as Did Not Finish then because I felt like I just wasn't in the mood for it, but may give it a try later. Usually if I make it as DNF, I probably won't give it a second chance. But when I saw there were still so many positive reviews, I decided to pick it up again

First thought:

• I can see why others like it, but it's just okay for me

Cover Art:

• Before I read the book - looks fine, indifferent. After I read the book - can understand better why the cover was chosen, but I think it'd make more sense if it was set at night with snow, as opposed to sunlight and grass

Title:

• Not bad. Guess described the story without giving too much away. The title itself doesn't intrigue me though

Writing:

• Pretty easy to read, like most YA. Straight forward. I don't know many teenagers though so I can't tell you if that's how teens speak these days

Plot:

• Many said it's like Groundhog Day (the movie) - I have never watched it so can't comment on that. Interesting concept, but got a bit repetitive after a while, especially since it is 470 pages long... Also a bit predictable for me, even when some past events were revealed

Characters:

• Can't really say I can relate to any of the characters - I was not one of the popular girls and really had no desire to hang around girls like the main protagonist and her friends in the book, even if everyone else wanted to be them
  

• None of the characters really stood out to me - they aren't prefect and have their faults which I guess make them realistic. Just that nobody made me go "wow, I wish I have a friend like that!" or "I wish I am like that!" If I really have to choose, probably Kent, Sam's childhood friend who she ditched as she became popular.

Ending:

• Predictable for me. But I guess at least it DOES have an ending, as I feared it would continue on and on and on...

Emotion:

• Didn't get too emotional... probably because I really didn't care too much about any of the characters

PS:

• I think I would enjoy this book more had I read it as a teenager. While this book does have a message, it didn't really tell me more than what I already know

Read this Author again?

• Depends on the topic

Overall Rating: 3 Stars - It's Okay... Didn't Waste My Time (Too Much)

 

All reviews and posts are copyrighted by Christa @ Mental Foodie. Please do not use or reprint them without written permission.

Book Review - Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Title: Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Author: A.S. King
Year: 2010
Page: 326
Genre: Fiction - YA

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Maybe
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Vera’s spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she’s kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

Edgy and gripping, Please Ignore Vera Dietz is an unforgettable novel: smart, funny, dramatic, and always surprising.

First Sentence:
Before I died, I hid my secrets in the Master Oak.  

Why did I pick this book?
The Perpetual Page Turner's end of 2010 Survey (see here) said this is one of her favorite books in 2010. Since she also likes The Hunger Games and If I Stay, I thought I'd give this a try.


My thoughts:

• This is just okay to me... while I like Vera and can relate to her somewhat, the plot  / twists disappointed me. Seemed a bit predictable...

• I think it's tricky for me to read YA - there are definitely some YA I enjoy a lot, but then there are some that I am definitely not the right audience for. I guess I just need to pick more carefully in 2011...

• It was a fast read though, and the author's writing was easy to read.

• The book was written from 4 perspectives - Vera, her best friend Charlie, her dad, and The Pagoda (a place/location). Usually I enjoy reading books from multiple perspectives, but I wonder if we really need the Pagoda's perspective? I know there are books that made a place became a character too... but don't really get it in this book. Not sure if Vera's dad's perspective add much either. 

 
Rating: 2.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Title: Out of My Mind 
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 2010
Page: 295
Genre: Fiction - YA

New to me author? x
Read this author again? x
Tearjerker? x
Where did it take place? x
FTC Disclosure: x

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write. 

Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

First Sentence:
Words.

 
Why did I pick this book?
Read a wonderful review about this book on Helen's Book Blog (see here). Sounds amazing!


My thoughts:

• Even though it has 295 pages, it's actually a pretty small book and definitely a fast read.

• I am glad I read this book, even though this book was probably aimed at a much younger audience (protagonist is 11 years old.) But it is quite heartwarming. Now some characters may be a bit too simplistic or stereotypical, but I have to keep in mind that I am not their target audience. But the message in the book applies to all age regardless!

• My favorite character in the book is Mrs V the neighbor. How cool to have a neighbor like so!

• In the beginning I thought the "voice" of Melody seemed too mature for a 11 years old. But after I finish the book it made more sense why the book started the way it did.

• There were also some touching moments (first words to parents). There were also some little twists in the plot that made it not overly predictable.

• Love how "clean" the cover is, and that it is meaningful to the story. Though I wonder if this cover appeals more to adults than to young adults? 

• The story reminds me a bit of Flowers for Algernon. So if you like that book you'd enjoy this one too. If you have children, I think this will also be a great book to read together. 

Quote:

Mom nods in agreement. "I know you're right, but -- but... it's just so much harder for Melody."

"No, it's harder for us. We have to figure out what's in her head." (p170)

Rating: 4 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Mockingjay (#3 of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay (#3 of the Hunger Games)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2010
Page: 398
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

New to me author? No
Read this author again? Maybe...
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

First Sentence:
I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather.

  
Why did I pick this book?
I really liked The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, so of course I have to read #3 in the series!


My thoughts:

• What a big disappointment!!!

• Okay, now that's out... It was a big let down - the Katniss that I liked, instead of showing courage and strength, became whiny and acted on impulse. Now, maybe it was realistic in real life that, under the circumstances she went through, she'd have changed somewhat... but still. Everything in the book became too cliche, and I guessed part of the ending.

• I know some people didn't like it because too many characters died. That's not really the reason I didn't like it. I just thought the plot was no where near as engaging, and at parts, slow and boring. Not sure if the "afterword" was really necessary either. Typically I prefer books with sad endings rather than happy endings (make them more memorable) - but either way is still better than flat endings like this one!

• Team P or Team G? After reading the book, I couldn't even care less. While I liked that the author didn't focus on the romance throughout the book, I thought the outcome of the relationship was forced, and well, was too convenient

• I did like that we got to know Prim a bit better, and saw her mature and developed more

• I also liked that we got to see another side of Haymitch

• Am I the only one who got confused about Flavius and Fluvia???

• I have to say though, the recent rescue of the Chilean minors, reminded me of Katniss' and Gale's dads in the mines in District 12. I am glad we DO have a happen ending with the Chilean miners!

• Overall, would I recommend this series? I am a bit torn. The first 2 books, definitely. But Book 3 was disappointing. I suppose I'd still recommend the series, and let you be the judge, since there ARE fans out there who do like Book 3. Maybe I need to read their reviews to see why - I may be missing something (I have been avoiding reviews in case of spoilers... and of course there was one comment I read that revealed too much of one of the character, argh!)

Quote:

Underground, where I dread dying, which is stupid because even if I die aboveground, the next thing they'll do is bury me underground anyway (p296).

 
Rating: 2 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Title: Life As We Knew It
Author: Susan Beth Pfefferx
Year: 2006
Page: 337
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? Maybe
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over. 

First Sentence:
Lisa is pregnant.

 
Why did I pick this book?
Read about this book from Brenda Loves Books' review. For some reasons I am just really liking this dystopian genre this year! So added that to be ever growing TBR list.

My thoughts:

• This was written in a diary format, from Miranda's perspective. I have always liked books written in this format, because you get to know the inner feelings of the protangonist. I guess there is a bit of voyeurism too lol. I mean, while we respect other's privacy, don't we all get a little nosy sometimes if given the permission? (No, I won't read another person's diary, but it makes you wonder what they write! :)

• I like the characters fine, but don't really love them. My favorite character probably was the old neighbor, Mrs Nesbitt. She was so thoughtful and selfless. Miranda annoyed me sometime, but I guess she was a typical teenager. I did like her relationship with her older brother. I always wished I had an older brother.

• The plot is quite realistic - though I think this book is more character driven than plot driven, unlike most other dystopian books. You see Miranda's growth throughout the book, but I don't think a lot happened... But it definitely made me think how I'd survive or deal with the situation if it really happened...

• There are 2 other books in the series. I didn't love this enough to keep on reading, but I did google to find out what happened. Sounded like Book 2, The Dead and The Gone, is more of a companion book, whereas Book 3, The World We Live in, is about Miranda again.

Quote:

"Countries?" I said. Somehow I'd forgotten there were other countries, that we shared the moon with other countries.

 
Rating: 3.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Year: 2010
Page: 320
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

New to me author? No
Read this author again? Maybe
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
Keep Your Head Down. Don't Get Noticed. Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

First Sentence:
A vibration rippled through my body.

  
Why did I pick this book?
I read a review by Journey of Books. The premise sounds interesting. I had read another book by the same author (my review of Poison Study) and enjoyed it, so when I was in a dystopian mood, I decided to read this one.

My thoughts:

• I like this okay - the plot, the characters... but I just don't love it
  

• The plot is rather simple, and at times it dragged on a bit with not much happening

• There were 2 twists in the story - one about the protagonist, Trella, and one about a place. The one about the place is set up for a sequel (argh not another series!) but both weren't really mind-boggling twists. At least I didn't get that "WOW" feeling.

• Not sure if I'd read the rest of the series (the next book I think is called "Outside In", coming out next year, a rather clever sequel name!) I may just google spoilers to see what happened. This is not a bad series, just didn't make as much of an impression on me as others in the same YA dystopian genre 

 Rating: 3.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult

Book Review - Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind 
Author: Neal Shusterman
Year: 2009
Page: 335
Genre: Fiction - Young Adult, Dystopian

New to me author? Yes
Read this author again? YES!
Tearjerker? No
Where did it take place? US
FTC Disclosure: Borrowed from the library

Summary (from goodreads.com):
In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them.

Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.

In Unwind, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award winner Neal Shusterman challenges readers' ideas about life -- not just where life begins, and where it ends, but what it truly means to be alive.

First Sentence:
"There are places you can go," Ariana tells him, "and a guy as smart as you has a decent chance of surviving to eighteen."

  
Why did I pick this book?
I heard about this book from Reading On a Rainy Day's Friday Find. Even though I'd been trying NOT to add more books to my TBR list, for some reasons I just felt like I needed to read this NOW. I must've gotten the dystopian bug!

My thoughts:

• WOW. I am so glad I read this! If you are into dystopian - read this next!

• While, I still like the Hunger Games series better (okay, I just started reading Mockingjay today...), probably because Suzanne Collins' writing is a bit more engaging and less choppy, this book has one of the most intriguing concept! It takes "Safe Haven Law" to a new extreme... and yet, you can't help but think that it is realistic... 

• "Tithing", the Storking Initiative, "Unwinding" 13-17 years old... all for the common good... was very interesting - it got my brain spinning. Now, I am not saying I am supportive of these rules, but it definitely made you think what if... [POTENTIAL SPOILER] if you're a parent, would you unwind your child, is unwinding still living or dying, is it better to sacrifice someone for the better goods of multiple people? Do orphans deserve to be unwinded just because no one loves them? Do you still have a soul if you're unwinded? Would you give up your baby for storking? What if you were forced to adopt? And the power of rumor... can start a riot! [/spoiler ended]

• I like the names of the characters ("names" is one of my personal interests) - Dalton, Cyrus, Finch, Emby, Blaine, Lev, Jedediah, Risa, Josias, Roland, CyFi, Cy/Ty
   
• I like Connor and Risa and CyFi. Lev - I don't know how I feel about him but I can see how he turns out to be the way he is. I thought CyFi would have a bigger role - but he was definitely a memorable character and my favorite
  
• Part of the concept is similar to The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist but yet the two books are so different. Perhaps one deal with children, and one with older adults?
  
• I think the reason why I like dystopian, is so I can tap into the author's creativity, things I could never imagine it myself and wish I could. Yes they can sometimes be depressing but the threat that it could become a reality, and that these are all very realistic scenario... made me glad that I can't live forever :) I guess I am typically not a very imaginative person, so I love reading about others' creativity. Very interesting that I typically like realistic fiction (like Still Alice) and this is as far away from that genre as possible
  
•  Found a study guide online! It has some interesting questions and activities - great for schools or book clubs! www.storyman.com/books/UNWIND%20Study%20Guide-final.pdf
   
•  There is a rumor that this will become a series... so who knows? It does have an ending, but it also leaves room for a Book 2 if the author wanted to. Would definitely read it if there is a 2nd book. Yet at the same time, it doesn't feel unfinished... would a Book 2 ruin it?

Quote:

"So everything we talked about was just a lie."
"No," says Ariana. "It was a dream. Reality got in the way, that's all." (p9)

"I ain't no runaway -- I'm a run-to," (p122)

"Picasso had to prove to the world he can paint the right way, before he goes putting both eyes on one side of a face, and nose stickin' outta kneecaps and stuff. See, if you paint wrong because that's the best you can do, you just a chump. But if you do it because you want to? Then you're an artist." (p125)

 
Rating: 4.5 Stars

 

Have you read this book? 
If you have, I would love to hear what you think! I'll link your review here if you wish!

Challenges:
100+ Reading
Young Adult