The Body Electric by Beth Revis

Summary from Goodreads:

The future world is at peace.

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

But not all is at it seems.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Someone’s altered her memory.

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

So who can she trust?

Review:

Sadly, I did not love this book. I am a huge Beth Revis fan. I loved her other YA Sci-fi series, and I was excited for something new from her. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t feel very new…I think one of the things I loved best about her other books were how unique they were. This one kind of just felt like a whole bunch of other YA books that already exist.

Maybe it’s also that I am beginning to get really tired of the whole unreliable main character thing, who may or may not be remembering things correctly. On the other hand, there are some classic YA storylines I don’t get bored with. I think my thing is if an author is going to write a story I have read many times before, he/she better not only write it well, but also write it with a unique take. Unfortunately, nothing really seemed that new to me. And I found some of the writing to actually be confusing.

There were at least 3 different times where it felt like the author accidentally put a sentence in too early (like she was referencing something that already happened –but it was still a few pages from actually happening). Normally, I don’t really mention editing mistakes on my blog. But I felt like this happened several times, and I’m not 100% sure if it was an editing mistake, or what. All I know is it took me away from the story and I was confused.

I also never really cared for any of the characters. The main character was very focused on figuring her life out and making sure she was on the right side of things. But, I never felt like there was any depth to her. I never knew her. What were her hobbies? What did she used to do for fun with her mom (before the illness)? What were some good memories of her with her father? And while I wanted to know the romantic interest because he seemed so interesting, I never really felt like I knew him either.

I did really enjoy the world-building in this one though. It was such a cool sounding world. The economic divide made the whole thing very believable. And the idea of higher classes being at the top of the island, and the lower classes on the bottom (literally on the water) was interesting. The whole scene with the main character trying to out-run the government in the lower section, by hopping from boat to boat was pretty epic. However, it did remind me a little of the hierarchy system from The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johson. I did really feel like I was seeing this world and I found myself getting lost (in a good way) in its description.

The world-building in this book was excellent. However, I wasn’t impressed by much else. It took me over a week to read this (!) I didn’t really feel like I ever knew any of the characters very well. And, I also feel like I’ve seen it all before. I wanted more of the uniqueness I came to expect from this author. I give it a 4/10.

A Good Week in Books (96)

I had another nice, little book week. I received two books for review. Thank you, Macmillan for these adorable sounding romances.

The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark
Save Me by Jenny Elliott

How was your week in books?

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Summary (from Goodreads):

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

Review:

I love looking at Best Of Lists, and this book not only was pretty much on every YA list of 2014, but in many cases was the number one book for many of these lists. I figured I had no excuse not to read it. I also love the idea of a surprise twist ending.

My only problem with a surprise twist ending is that I knew something big was approaching. I kept waiting for it to happen. And I guess because of this, I kept coming up with different ideas for what it would be, as I went. And I so guessed it wrong. However, I wish I didn’t know how twisty the end was, so I could just get into the narrative more without so much outside guessing.

On the other hand, I did read it crazy fast, needing to know what the ending would bring. Did I mention that I had about 4 guesses for how it would end, and that none of my guesses were right? I was genuinely surprised by the twist, and I can see why so many others were too.

But, besides all that is the wonderful writing. There’s summer 15 (the summer when the big bad happens). A major event happens that the main character can’t remember. Her doctors say its post-traumatic stress and that eventually she’ll get her memories all back. It’s also the summer Cady falls in love. And the first summer without her father (who left her and her mother). And the summer Cady really realizes things about the world, about her family, and about how lucky she and her family have it.

After the big event, Cady has painful migraines that last for days and require her to stay in bed. She’s stopped going to regular school. She’s died her hair black. And while she doesn’t remember what happened, part of her feels the need to give away all her belongings. As a reader, you just have to know what made the girl from summer 15 the girl Cady becomes in summer 17. What was the major event? Why does she feel the need to give away all the things that are important to her? And why was everyone she cares about warned not talk to her about any of it?

Interwoven between summer 17 are memories Cady slowly recovers, and fairytales she creates to cope with everything. I loved connecting the fairytales to her life. And these stories definitely added in my whole “what could this twist be?” game I was playing. The fairy tales made everything slightly more askew than they already were. And I was always questioning how much I could rely on my main character.

The writing was beautiful. I loved the fairy tales, but I also loved the almost poetic way the words were laid out. The setting came to life for me. It probably helped that I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard (and live on the Cape), but I felt like I was there. I felt like I could see and understand the beach houses, the summer vibes, and the isolation of it all.

I never super connected to the main character. I felt bad for her. And I guess it’s always been hard for me to like characters who are so naïve and ignorant of the world. She did learn about things and even try to change things. But, Cady just never seemed too concerned about anything outside of what happened that one summer and her close family/friends. She was lacking almost too much knowledge for me. And I never felt that pull towards her that I wanted to.

All in all, this book was beautiful. The writing makes you think you are on the beach on a private island. A lot of the family drama is super intense. The love story was adorable. The twist was huge. And it’s a remarkably fast read. I never really connected to the main character, and maybe there could have been a little more character development for the rest of the liars too. But, I loved it. I give it a 9/10.

Waiting on Wednesday (124)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that allows bloggers to share which books we are most anticipating.

This week I am waiting on Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures by Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce (04/28/15):

Description on Goodreasds:

From bestselling authors Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce comes an exciting new series full of magical creatures, whimsical adventures, and quirky illustrations.

Pip is a girl who can talk to magical creatures. Her aunt is a vet for magical creatures. And her new friend Tomas is allergic to most magical creatures. When things go amok—and they often go amok—Pip consults Jeffrey Higgleston’s Guide to Magical Creatures, a reference work that Pip finds herself constantly amending. Because dealing with magical creatures like unicorns, griffins, and fuzzles doesn’t just require book knowledge—it requires hands-on experience and thinking on your feet. For example, when fuzzles (which have an awful habit of bursting into flame when they’re agitated) invade your town, it’s not enough to know what the fuzzles are—Pip and Tomas also must trace the fuzzles’ agitation to its source, and in doing so, save the whole town.

Why I’m Waiting:

Do I need a reason to wait for anything by Maggie Stiefvater at this point? I’ve never read anything by Jackson Pearce, but I have read lots of good reviews for her books. Also, this book sounds adorable and kind of gives me warm/happy memories of Hagrid.

What are you waiting on this week?

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson

Summary (on Goodreads):

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, New York!

It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (RUNAWAYS)! Collecting MS. MARVEL (2014) #1-5 and material from ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW!

Review:

I don’t normally read a ton of comic books. I do like a good graphic novel now and then (as you can tell from my reviews), but I haven’t read a comic book in a while. However, when I learned that the new Ms. Marvel was going to be a teen Muslim girl from Jersey, I knew I would have to read this one.

I know there has been a lot going this past year about race (in books, law, and life). And I was beyond excited to see a little diversity in a comic book, which lets’ face it tends to be pretty white. Also, I love that this was completely and utterly YA. Everything from the best friend with a crush, to the needing to explore the unknown, to getting angry at her parents, and to learning her abilities made this one so YA friendly that I couln’t help but love it.

I liked reading about Kamala’s family and culture. I liked that she wasn’t sure what she believed. And I loved her sarcasm! She was one snaky YA superhero that is for sure. I also loved how real the setting was. There was school, and parties at the park, and a convenient store. I particularly loved the message of the story about image. So much was said (very inconspicuously) about body image, self-consciousness, and beauty in general.

Add all of that to some fun action sequences, some crazy technology, and the rescuing of a friend, and well, you get the makings for something that comes off as rather special. Also, the artwork is pretty awesome. I’m curious to see where this all goes. I’m not sure if Kamala’s new superhero status is long lasting or not. And I can’t wait to see where things go with the best friend. And her abilities. I’ll definitely be looking out for Volume 2. I give this one a 9/10.

A Good Week in Books (95)

I’m starting the year off right, with some new books for review! Thank you, Macmillan and Disney/Hyperion for the 3 lovely finished books for review. They all have such nice covers too, don’t they?

 

Alex as Well by Alyssa Brugman
Rogue Wave by Jennifer Donnelly
Alistair Grim’s Odditorium by Gregory Funaro

How was your week in books?

Best Books of 2014

I cannot believe today is the first day of 2015! Where has 2014 gone? Seriously, this was one crazy, busy year. I’m so glad I had so many great books to make my year that much better. Next week, I’m planning on a Best Books of 2014 Giveaway too, so come back soon.

There were a lot of great books this year. My rules for this list is how they have always been:
1) Each book listed has come out this past year
2) Each book is either YA or middle grade
3) I have read the book in 2014 (not later or earlier). And it doesn’t matter if other books in the series have come out earlier.

I am going to start at the top with number 1, and make my way down to my number 10 book of the year. And of course because I’m me and have so much trouble making up my mind, there will also be three honorable mentions at the bottom. Happy New year! I hope 2015 brings just as many, if not more, wonderful books to talk about.

1) Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld (Review / Rating: 10/10)

This was one of the smartest books I have ever read. Really, it was pure genius. It was a book about the YA universe, and I’ve never read a book (YA or adult) that has dealt with this before. I only really see it blowing the minds of other people immersed in the YA world, but this is a list from me, and I’m in that world, and this blew my mind. I loved the interwoven stories. I loved the characters, the setting, and the coming of age feel. But, mostly the topic, the satire, and scope of its concept is what really won so many points from me. I’m so glad I have this one signed.

2) I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (Review / Rating: 10/10)

This book was so good I was practically crying when it was over because there was nothing else to read. Seriously, I remember giving it a big book hug before I let it go. The writing was unique and loaded with beautiful metaphors. The concept of art in this book was so interesting and beautiful. The topics of family, grief, and first love just pulled all the pieces together in one amazing YA package.

3) Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins (Review / Rating: 10/10)

Reading a book by Stephanie Perkins is like becoming a teenager again. She just gets it. She gets what those crazy/long-lasting crushes are like. She gets the mystery, the drama, and the importance of it all. And her characters are so real that I feel like I know them. When characters from books past showed up, I was practically hyperventilating. And then there’s Isla, the introvert I connected to on so many levels. With the Parisian setting, the exquisite romance of it all, and the wonderful characters, you can just not go wrong. If you have not read this author’s books yet, what are you waiting for?

4) Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater (Review / Rating: 10/10)

Cole and Isabel! They were my two favorite characters from Stiefvater’s first series, and then they got their own book! Can all authors do this?  To quote myself, “I thought it would be hard remembering things because it has been so long since I’ve said goodbye to this werewolf series. But, I guess with excellent characters, it’s not hard to remember things. They speak, they live, they feel, and it’s like I was never apart from them. Maggie Stiefvater writes characters in a way that makes you feel like you are never really apart from them. I feel like I know them. I wish I knew them for real. And I certainly feel everything they feel.” What else can I say?

5) Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Review / Rating: 10/10)

I only just finished this book (the day I’m writing this post!). I already had my list planned and then this wonder of a book happened and changed my whole list. This is certainly the most unique book I’ve read this year. And it’s probably the most beautiful. I literally stopped to re-read passages out loud to myself because of how beautiful and powerful they were. It’s won the National Book Award. What other motivation do you need to read it? Go, read it now. Please.

6) Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally (Review / Rating: 10/10)

 
This was such a great contemporary! I remember feeling, “Finally, an author who really understands grief.” It’s the story of a girl learning to survive through her grief of her recently passed away boyfriend. Part of her recovery process is running in the marathon he would have run in. There was a lot about the running community the main character finds herself in. It’s about finding love again after you lost it. And it’s about living through and overcoming the bad. It’s the kind of book you finish with a huge smile on your face.

7) Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor (Review / Rating: 10/10)

To quote myself again (I’m so quotable…), “Throughout the series is this metaphor of beginnings and I loved how it came to play here. Also, I love how Taylor combines darkness with light. There’s torture and pain, but there’s also violins and wish police, and so much humor. I was literally biting my nails in worry one moment, laughing out loud another, and then gasping in shock a few minutes after that. It’s truly only the best writers that can span all of a person’s emotions in one book (or in this case, even a few minutes).” This was definitely another huggable book. The whole series is really quite remarkable, and I’m so glad the ending was epic.

8) Cress by Marissa Meyer (Review / Rating: 10/10)

So, I think the whole world needs to take a moment right now just to bask in this author’s ability to write action/suspense. Also amazing is her ability to combine so many elements into one book and not only have it not be overwhelming, but have it be overly incredible. This one is a sci-fi Cinderella story with the sci-fi Red Riding Hood (of book 2), and now with the sci-fi version of Rapunzel of this book 3. Add royal weddings, kidnappings, crashing satellites, plenty of revenge, a subplot about the plague, and well, you get the idea that there is a lot of awesome going down. I cannot wait for the next installment. This is such an imaginative, action-packed series.

9) Unmade by Sarah Rees Brennan (Review / Rating: 10/10)

I don’t believe I’ve ever had another series make it to the Best Of Lists every year. Seriously, book 1 was my favorite book of 2012 (#1). Book 2 was technically an honorable mention of 2013 (but still, it was there!). And now the last book is on my 2014 list. What an amazing series. These are some of the snarkiest, wittiest, and, full of sarcasm books I’ve ever come across. I love them. This conclusion did not disappoint. Added bonus, the romance was sizzling. But seriously, if you like a little humor with your books (or a lot), and or fantastic dialog you must read these. Must.

10) Falling into Place by Amy Zhang (Review / Rating: 10/10)

I remember this book shocking me. I was not expecting to fall for it as hard as I did. It was different, interesting take on teen suicide. It’s in the perspective of a mystery character (who’s identity you don’t discover till the very end), and it tells the story of how one teen girl comes to be in a place where she doesn’t feel like she can continue. It was unique, gripping, and un-put-downable.

Honorable Mention 1: The One by Kiera Cass (Review / Rating: 10/10)

As far as dystopias go, these books tend to be a little fluffier and more on the romance side than I tend to like. But, in the case of this series (and in particular, this last book), I absolutely love it! This one has a lot of action too. There’s rebels and caste systems and giant economic divides. But it’s also kind of like an episode of the Bachelorette. Think it’s an interesting mixture? Go read them. This last one was a great finish to a truly fun series.

Honorable Mention 2: Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King (Review  / Rating: 10/10)

This was a feminist book at its core. And frankly, where are all the YA feminist books? I want more. I loved the contemporary style mixed with magical realism. The idea of developing the ability to see people’s futures and pasts was different. The terrible future that was being mapped out for women was terrifying. And I loved that the main character decided she needed to do something about it, prevent it from happening. This was unlike any story I’ve read before and this would definitely be a great book to show people who doubt that YA literature can as good as the adult stuff.

Honorable Mention 3:  The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith (Review / Rating: 10/10)

Smith writes the quintessential teen romance. There was something magical about this one. How the whole story erupts from this one singular moment, during a blackout in NYC. The setting spans states and countries. Some of their story is told in postcards. And while the whole notion of meeting your soul mate in an elevator, during a blackout is romantic, the majority of the book takes place with the two main characters apart, growing up apart from each other. Yet, it still remained romantic. I loved this one.