Books with Positive Female Relationship

Something I've become aware of within the last year or so is how many books have female characters pitted against one another.  Aren't there any books for young people that show great, positive friendships in which there isn't bickering or rivalry?  Yes, I know that this type of rivalry is real for many of our young girls in every day life.  Mean girls are a real problem, but where are the books that show it doesn't have to be that way?  Where are the books that show an alternative to the cliques?

I am a firm believer that books can change your life.  They can change your outlook and the way you interact with the real world around you.

So I've been paying attention and here are a few that I've read over the past few years that I think do a great job.  I've divided it up into middle grade books and YA books if you're looking for certain readers in your life.

Middle Grade Books

 Peppi doesn't always  make the best choices, but she's going to make it right.  There's definitely conflict within this book, but Peppi has found some solid friends who give her great advice.  And she helps out one of her friends when she really needs it.  There are cliques, but they are not focused around cool girls.

Check out my review here.

How could I have a post on female friendships without The Baby-Sitters Club?  The reason it made this list of books I've read in the past two years is because Raina Telgemeier has come out with the graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin's stories.  And if you can get a kid interested in the graphic novels, that might lead to the rest of the series by Ann M. Martin.


Check out my review here.

Raymie meets three new friends the summer she decides to run for a beauty pageant.  You'd think that three very different girls, all entering the same contest would end up in some not so great relationships, but these girls rally together to help one another.

Check out my review here.

I chose this because it's a positive sister relationship.  Even though Catrina is sometimes annoyed by her little sister, Maya, she cares deeply for her.  They bond a lot throughout this books as well.

Check out my review here.

This book will be for your older middle grade reader.  6th, 7th, 8th grade.  It deals with the topic of sexting, in a more "innocent" way if that's possible (the pictures in question are of a girl in her underwear and no more than that).  It does have a trio of girls entering middle school and they are each finding themselves drifting in different directions, but still manage to maintain their solid friendship.  They also support one another in making positive choices, but are supportive when their friend makes a mistake and don't turn their back on her.

Check out my review here.

YA Books

Although Cath's relationship with her sister, Wren, is strained, and her mother is out of the picture, there are great examples of positive female relationships.  Her roommate, Raegan is the best.  At first you think it's going to be terrible, but Reagan is mature and understanding and doesn't really get sucked into the drama--so she doesn't allow Cath to sink into it with her.  Her relationship with Wren is where most of the drama comes from, but there are many reasons and it stems more from the fact that they're family and are struggling with some real issues than this being a mean girl situation.

This one is a romance, though.  So it's not all about the friendships.  But positive all around.  There are also some issues I had with Raegan and Cath judging other girls they see.  It's not a perfect book or a perfect representation of positive female relationships, but I did think they Rainbow Rowell gave Cath some positivity in her life to equal out the negative situations.

 This story takes place in an asylum (well two really).  Some of the women kept in the asylum were only there because their families put them there so they didn't have to deal with them. That was accepted during the time period because women were not valued.  But in the second asylum (the good one), Grace finds solid friendships with two other women who have been committed, a nurse, and the sister of a doctor.  Although this book isn't about friendships--it's very much about women's rights and the treatment of individuals with mental illness (all entwined with a murder mystery, of course)--these relationships are solid foundations for Grace.

Check out my review here.

 Amanda is new.  She had to leave her old life behind when someone found out that she is transgender.  Now she's living with her father, who doesn't quite accept her as she is now.  She finds some solid friendships within this book--and some not so solid.  But the friends she make stand by her, even when her worst nightmares come true and everyone finds out the truth.

This might a bit out of range, but I really love Vivian and Harp.  Vivian and her best friend Harp set out across the country in the wake of a "Rapture" that supposedly happened.  But Vivian is sure that she can find her parents because something just doesn't seem right to her.  Harp isn't so sure and is surly, drinks a lot, and isn't always the most dependable when it comes to making choices.  She is, though, always there.  With Harp on her side, I know she'll be okay.  Just as I know Harp will be okay because she has Vivian.

Check out my review here.

What about you?  Any good examples of strong, positive female friendships within MG or YA books?  

Review: A Madness So Discreet

A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction that doesn't put romance as a center plot line. LOVE IT.

Mindy McGinnis has put her main character Grace into a terrible situation: she's in a mental asylum, placed there by her family because of the fact that she's been found pregnant. No one can know that she's pregnant, it would be terrible for the family because it would uncover secrets that would ruin them all. And Grace hasn't spoken since. While there she meets a strange doctor who recognizes her intelligence and schemes to take her out of there by pretending he botched a procedure on her and they will need to hide that from her affluent and very powerful father. He takes her away to a new asylum, one that is run with dignity and care. Although Grace must continue to hide her voice, she accompanies the doctor as he visits crime scenes in an attempt to use the new science of criminal psychology. Very soon, they discover that there is a serial killer in their midst.

We meet a number of characters throughout the book who live in the asylum. Some truly do have mental health disorders, but others do not. Most are women who are put there by husbands or fathers simply to get them out of the way. Some are ill, but mentally ill, and so they are committed so their family members do not have to deal with them. The conditions at the first place Grace is living in are deplorable. There is a lack of food, lack of medical care, and patients would often be beaten or hit. Some of them were locked in cellars for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this is what many asylums were like. The one in which Grace travels to was much nicer. Patients were treated with respect and care. It is a comparison that Grace makes often during her time there.

A Madness So Discreet is about many things, but I believe it is very much about how women have been viewed in the past. Not only are we shown multiple women who have been sent to live in asylums not because they needed help, but because they were different, needed medical attention, or were defiant, but the serial killer is targeting young women--mostly prostitutes. As you read the Dr.'s and Grace's surmising about the killer and his or her motives, you can see this played out even more.

The best part, is that there is no romance. There is no love interest. It truly is about Grace. I loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books! I think I might try outThe Female of the Species.

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Review: Allegedly

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary has spent most of her very young life in what she calls "baby jail." She's now been put into a group home, but it's not much better. The others girls are dangerous, the two women who run the place are mean and don't care about any of them--especially Mary. They all know why she's there--she killed a baby. Allegedly.

When Mary finds herself pregnant, she begins to feel as if she might have a chance. She and her boyfriend (who is also in a group home) can run away and start a new life together. But first she'll have to not get killed by her housemates, save up enough money at her job, and manage to get the ankle bracelet off her.

Tiffany D. Jackson makes us take a hard look at the life of Mary. She's tough, yes. But she's also vulnerable and young and there is no one out there looking out for her. And how did it come to be that she's been accused of such a crime? Although most of this book is realistic fiction, it's also a mystery: What really happened when Mary was younger?

We also see quite a lot of side characters--all with their own issues. Some have serious mental health issues that have brought them to this point and others have fought their way here because of their environment. This is a compelling read, but it's dark and dirty too. It will be difficult to put down as you try and piece together what really happened to Mary and what happened to that baby.

This book does contain very mature material. I would not recommend it to students who are in middle school and if you are recommending to high school students, I would be aware of their maturity level and their family/personal as well as any triggers.

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Review: The Sun Is Also a Star

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Natasha and Daniel's story is a love story, but it's much more interesting than just that. I am NOT a romance story kind of person, but there are some that I enjoy. I decided to give The Sun Is Also a Star a chance because I've been hearing so much about Nicola Yoon. I loved it.

Although opposites in many ways, Natasha and Daniel fall in love within the span of a day. This is the story of how that happens. Natasha is spending her last day in the United States, trying to make sure it isn't her last day in the US. She's desperately going from one place to the next looking for someone who can help her and her family not be deported. Daniel is on his way to an interview that will determine the rest of his life as a doctor. It will make his family happy and proud and him probably miserable.

Natasha works hard at not letting Daniel's fantastical ideas about love and life interrupt her plan for the day--she will definitely not fall in love with him. Daniel will find a way to make Natasha fall in love him. It's his new goal (in a totally uncreepy way--I promise!).

I thought The Sun is Also a Star was a fantastic read. It's not just a romance, but a glimpse at the world of an undocumented teenage girl who has worked so hard and now her dreams are being smashed to pieces because of someone else. It's the story of the son of immigrants whose parents want the best for him and that means pushing him into a life he's not really interested in leading. It's about finding your own way--despite the circumstances you're given, or maybe because of the circumstances you're given. It's also about how everything around us is connected in someway.

Romance readers will definitely enjoy this book, but readers of YA who aren't necessarily drawn to romance will also enjoy it. Enjoy!

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Under the Never Sky Trilogy Re-read

I had put this trilogy on my list of books to read again about a year ago and never got to it. Until I was looking around on Overdrive and realized that I could get all three through my library! AND all three were available right at that moment. Whoo hoo!

Now, I must warn you that there are spoilers here. We're talking about a trilogy, so it's kind of difficult not to spoil things.

Under the Never Sky, Through the Ever Night, and Into the Still Blue
Veronica Rossi
Harper Collins,  2012, 2013, 2014
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian, YA
Rating: 5 out of 5


 In Under the Never Sky, Veronica Rossi introduces us to the world Aria lives in: sheltered in a pod from the outside world that is slowly being destroyed by strong cosmic level storms.  Aria has spent most of her life attached to a smart eye, allowing her to go and do anything--virtually.  But not long after we meet Aria, who is smart and level headed, finds herself thrust into the outside world, no longer connected to her virtual life.  Living the real is hard.  And then she meets Perry, an outsider who terrifies her and she's certain would kill her, except that he needs her.

Perry has left his tribe, running away from his older brother's wrath and the shame of being the reason his young nephew was taken by some of Aria's people.  When he runs into Aria, he realizes that she can help him get Talon back and he will make sure she does.

Both Perry and Aria are trapped between worlds.  They don't truly have a place to belong.  Aria seems very needy and keeps getting herself into scrapes that Perry saves her from.  However, this is understandable as she learns what life is like out in the real world.  Women in the real aren't weak.  In fact, they're expected to defend themselves and their tribes--although men still are the leaders of the tribe and the women are sold off in marriages.

Aria's abilities and understanding of her world grow as she becomes more accustomed to her surroundings. In Through the Ever Night she has become strong and capable in her new world, no longer needing to be saved every minute or two.  She meets other strong women as well.  She doesn't always get along with them, but they are not weak or weak-minded.

However, some female characters are relying on their sexuality as a tool.  I haven't decided if this is something she chooses or if it's something she just uses because she knows that she lives in a man's world and must use it to get what she wants.  Because as we see more of this world, it's very much a man's world.  In Perry's tribe, it's always Blood Lords who rule.  In Aria's old world, men are in charge of the pods and hold their power over her.  Although Aria is doing what she feels is the right thing to do, she acts for Perry, and not so much for herself.  Maybe she isn't as strong as I thought before.  Maybe she's not as independent as I wanted her to be because I love her character.


Everything builds in Into the Still Blue as Aria and Perry are working together with Aria's people, and fighting against one of the strongest Scires there is.  Sable knows what he wants and he will do anything (I do mean anything) to get what he wants.  He cares not for who it will hurt.  He will make any promise (and then go back on it if it suits him better).  Sable is dangerous and they all know it, but it will take a coming together of two different worlds in order to save all the people Aria and Perry love.

At this point there are so many things happening that it's hard to put down.  It's one event after another and there isn't much time to breathe.  I do see some issues still with Aria not being as independent as I want her to be, but she's coming into her own.  I think that you have to look at Aria's character in light of all three books and not in isolation.  There is some serious character development.  However, I still was getting annoyed because so much of what she does is for Perry.  Granted, it's for her too, but when did what Perry wanted become what she wanted?  And what does Aria want--for herself?  I have faith that she'll find that in the future.  The situation they are in kind of makes it difficult for someone to think about who they are beyond what will keep them alive.

Even on my second read of this trilogy, I loved it.  I read all three within about a week, during the 2nd to last week of school before Winter Break.  So there was a lot to do, but I find time to read this a lot more than I should because it was difficult not to do so.  There was enough of a time lapse between readings that some parts were vague and other parts I didn't even remember until I got there.  So at times it was like I hadn't read it before.  This is a great trilogy.

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars

Diana Peterfreund
Balzer + Bray, 2012
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Years ago a genetic experiment gone awry left a good deal of the population with limited mental capacity.  Those who were not affected, stepped up to take cared of the Reduced, and became known as the Luddites.  They are the elite in society, running everything, and living off of nature.  Rules have been set in place that ban scientific exploration, medicines, and anything else that isn't natural.

Generations later, the Reduced's offspring are not all affected in the same way.  They are called Posts and despite being mentally capable, are still forced to work in menial jobs on the plantations where they born.  The North Plantation is no different, except financially things are not going too well and Elliot North does her best to hold things together.

Four years ago Elliot North's best friend, Kai, a servant, ran away from the North plantation, begging Elliot to go with him, but she couldn't.  Despite loving him, she knew she was the only one keeping everything together and keeping the Reduced on her land safe.  If she left, they had nothing.  Now Kai has returned with a group of Post-Reductionists looking to change things.  Kai is so different, with a new name, new clothes, and new friends.  He refuses to acknowledge his past or his relationship to ELliot, but when Elliot learns something about the friends he came with she must make decisions that could change their world forever.

I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much.  It happened to be on sale and I read a few reviews and it sounded okay, but nothing that I would devour--which I did.  This future world, which looks pretty provincial due to banning technology and science and experiments, is complicated with hierarchies that have been in place for decades.  Despite this, it wasn't difficult to follow the background story.

Elliot is a strong female character who has to pretty much hide how intelligent she is so that he father will allow her to continue managing the plantation.  She has to find ways to convince him to agree with her ideas, but make it seem like it's his idea--this is really difficult.  Often her father ends up ruining her plans to make improvements and spends money like there was an abundance of it.  She's desperately trying to keep their servants fed and safe.  Elliot is well liked because she stands up for those she's taking care of (some of whom have limited capacity to understand if they are being mistreated) and does her best.  She's also chosen to not follow her love, but to do what she knew was the right thing.  Even though throughout much of the book, she wallowing over Kai and why he's angry with her and convincing herself she doesn't care.

I enjoyed this book because I wasn't really sure of where it was headed.  It's supposed to be inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, but I can't attest to its similarities because I've never read Persuasion (Sorry Jane Austen fans).  I was interested in finding out what happened and that kept me interested and wanting to know more about the story.  The backstory was interesting to me as well and that piqued my interest as it was interwoven through.  I was interested in a second book, but when I looked, it's a completely different story--from what I can tell.  If I'm wrong, please let me know.

I would read it.  I enjoyed it and couldn't put it down, staying up until 2 on a school night to finish.  And if I'm willingly open to dealing with middle schoolers on less than 4 hours of sleep, you know it was good!

For Darkness Shows the Stars

I just started For Darkness Shows the Stars, so I'm not sure yet what I think. 

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

I'm not sure what drew me to it initially, but so far it's pretty good. If you read this post, you'll see how I normally respond to romances.  But I still chose this book.  So far, I'm glad I did.

Book Review: After the Woods

After the Woods
Kim Savage
Farraor, Straus and Grioux, 2016
Genre: YA, Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


Julia and her best friend, Liv, are running through the woods when Liv gets ahead of her and is attacked.  What does Julia do?  She jumps in and saves her, putting herself in the hands of the attacker.  Now, a year later, Julia is safe, but suffering from PTSD and trying to get her life back.  When a young woman's body is found buried in the woods, not far from where Julia was rescued, she's pulled back into her nightmare as she searches for a connection between this other young woman and herself.  And Liv just keeps pulling further and further away from her, dating a complete loser, smoking, and doing drugs.

This is a YA psychological thriller for young adults, with a bit of a twist at the end meant to surprise the reader, but in reality, it's pretty obvious.  There are plenty of clues for the reader to follow, and if Julia would accept them as important clues, she may have figured it out as well.  However, despite Julia's need for facts and knowledge surrounding her abduction, she doesn't seem to take into account the clues that are right there in front of her.

Julia is suffering from PTSD and has found different ways of pushing people away from her.  One of those is how she is straight forward about anything having to do with her abduction.  She speaks about it candidly and enjoys pointing out any faux pas in conversation.  She jumps on the chance to see people squirm when they slip up and she calls them on it.  When Kellan MacDougall (the son of the detective who was in charge of her case) becomes involved in her life, things get really awkward.  In fact, the only person Julia truly wants to talk to about her abduction and the body of the woman is Liv, but Liv is adamant that they just move on with their lives and forget it.  So we don't really get to see her speaking honestly with someone about her experiences.

There is some romance between Julia and Kellan, but it isn't truly developed and feels fake.  It happens way too easily, despite all the ways she manages to push him out and insult him.  I would say this is true of a lot of the relationships as they mostly feel superficial.  And although Liv is a big part of Julia's story, she's pulled away from her so much that she's rarely actually in the story and so we don't get to see the two of them interacting very much.

For a YA psychological thriller, this was okay.  It's mostly plot driven, so relationships between characters are skimmed over as well as character development.  Julia is somewhat developed, but beyond that, the side characters are pretty flat.  So if you're okay with purely plot driven stories, you might enjoy figuring out the mystery (which isn't too difficult to discover), but you should still be prepared for the twist!

Book Review: The Red Queen

The Red Queen

Victoria Aveyard
Harper Teen, 2015
Genre: YA, fantasy, dystopian
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

~What It's About~

Mare Barrow lives in a world separated by the color of your blood.  The silver bloods rule, with their powers that can crush a Mare in just a moment.  Suddenly, Mare finds herself pulled in the world of the silvers when it is discovered that she has powers of her own.  Now she must discover how to navigate the Silver world as the king and queen have plans to use her to calm the rebellion around her.  She is to marry the younger prince and, when it is time, convince all the Reds that they should remain under the control of the Silvers and not rebel.  Torn between the life she once led and the powers she now possesses, Mare must figure out who to trust and how best to change the world around her.

~The Good~

  Victoria Aveyard has built a world that is terrifying and believable.  Mare has made her way by being a pickpocket in her small town, waiting for the day she'll be sent to the army, where all Reds go unless they have a job--which there aren't many of.  If they come home, it's never good.  The war their country is fighting has been fought by Red soldiers, used by the Silvers.  The Silvers sit up in glass castles and beautiful homes while the Reds fight to get by each day.  Mare has seen all this and resigned to her fate.  Until one day she is given a job in the castle.

The Silvers are terrifying, with powers like controlling metal, having immense strength, reading and controlling minds, controlling fire, and many more.  They learn to battle one another and they will use their powers on Reds when they step out of line.  Mare shouldn't have these powers, but she does.
Now that she has been discovered, she has to pretend that she is a Silver.  If anyone realizes what she is, then she and her family will be killed.

There is also a very weird love triangle of sorts.  Mare's friend from home, Kilorn, isn't presented as a love interest really at first, but she does feel a connection to him because they have grown up together and know one another so well.  Now that she resides in the palace, she has been engaged to the younger prince, Maven, who helps her learn how to fit into her new world and keep her secret safe.  But there is also Maven's older brother and the future king, Cal, to whom she is drawn, but he is engaged to another Silver with strong powers.  Although love triangle is there, it isn't central to the story.  Mare is central to the story and it's her story--not a love story.

~The Not-So-Good~

I really loved this story and am having a difficult time finding a not-so-good.

~Final Thoughts~

I was thoroughly impressed with the world that Victoria Aveyard has built in The Red Queen.  The powers of the Silvers are incredible and diverse and terrifying.  It is a world that I would not enjoy living in, yet I am intrigued by it.  Definitely a good read and one that I would suggest to any fan of the dystopian novel.

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Book Review: Dark Days Club

Dark Days Club
Alison Goodman
Viking Books for Young Readers, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Source: I won this ARC copy from Brittany at Please Feed the Bookworm
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

~What It's About~

Set in the Regency period of London, in 1812, Lady Helen Wrexhall is preparing for her debut ball at eighteen years of age.  Both parents died when she was young under mysterious circumstances that has left a stain on the family name, but with her uncle's strict code of propriety and her aunt's doting, they hope that all memories of Helen's mother and her traitorous ways have been erased.  At her showing to the Queen of England, though, Helen receives a most mysterious message from Her Majesty about her mother, sending her into a world of intrigue, demons, and the dashingly handsome and dangerous Lord Carlston.  Helen is only just beginning to realize what an important role she has to play, but she'll have to figure out a way to make that happen within the confines of an elite society eager to play up any scandal they can.

~The Good~

 The characters were really well done and drew me in.  Lady Helen Wrexhall is a strong female character, forced to live in a restricted environment.  At night she sneaks down to her uncle's library to pour through his many books that are not appropriate for the eyes and minds of women.  She feels a strong connection to her mother and sneaks her mother's miniature with her when she leaves, even though it is forbidden.  Never before has Helen willingly stepped outside of the confines of propriety to get what she wants, but now she's being forced to do so.

Lord Carlston has evil swarming around him, literally.  Just a few years ago he was discovered with his young wife, dead.  Although never charged with the murder, society has shunned him, but he's back in London and is intent on meeting with Lady Helen.  Although he is forbidden to Helen, due to the scandal on his name, she is drawn to him and the information he could provide her about her mother.

There was so much happening that this incredibly long book only took me about 5 days because I just needed to find out what happened!  As soon as she starts to discover the truth behind her mother's death and what she is meant to do, everything begins to build.  You don't know who you can trust.  Just as Lady Helen is busy trying to determine who around her is a demon, the reader is also trying to decide who to trust.  You're not sure, although you think you know, and then something new is revealed.  I questioned everyone she knew.  Everyone.

The subtle references of feminism and the demands placed on women to behave a certain way or else be considered ruined were woven throughout the story.  It began with a friend of Helen's going missing, but being found days later with a man, now dead.  Helen is no longer allowed to speak to her because she is ruined and it is her own fault that this had happened--not the man who led to this scandal.  Helen's uncle often refers to passing her off to her future husband (whoever that may be) so that he no longer has to be in charge of her, but her husband can do so.  Her uncle has complete control over her finances until she is somewhere in her 20's or she is married, which means her husband is then in charge of the money.  Enter Lord Carlston who offers her a way to be so much more than just the wife and mother in elite society, but to have a real influence on her world.  He shows her that her own mother was much more than everyone believed.  However, even the choices he gives her are manipulated by him and the Dark Days Club, putting women in the lesser roles because they are women.

~The Not-So-Good~

The only negative thing I have to say is that the beginning was slow getting started.  Helen has not yet discovered the truth of her past and who she truly is and she's focused more on the social gatherings about which ladies of her station are concerned.  I was desperately waiting for the action to begin--don't worry it does.  It took about a hundred pages or so to get it started, but the beginning is still good.

~Final Thoughts~

Absolutely amazing!  I don't often give books a 5 star rating, but I felt it was well-deserved here. The action and adventure coupled with the attempt to remain within the acceptable confines of propriety led to a thrilling story. Lady Helen was appropriately concerned about doing what she felt was right for both herself and the world and for her family, which led to quite a lot of inner turmoil.  The Dark Days Club was a fun read and I'm anxious to read the next book about Lady Helen and her adventures.

If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and who doesn't?) or Jane Austen, then you'll love this book!

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Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2010
Source: Kindle purchase
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

First, I would like to say that overall this was a pretty decent book, despite the 2 star rating.  I also want to point out that I'm probably not their target audience, however I do, on occasion, enjoy a well written teen romance with fully developed characters who aren't incredibly sappy. In this book we meet two characters who seem to be complete opposites:  Dash, a cynical kid who, due to his parents' divorce and his own intelligence, has managed to be alone for the holidays and Lily, a straight-laced, loves-Christmas, and does what she's told girl with very overprotective family members whose parents are off on a honeymoon they didn't get to celebrate 20 some years earlier.  When Dash finds a notebook with odd instructions in it, he follows them (what else would you do?) and then leaves instructions for the mystery girl.  The notebook is passed back and forth between the two with new instructions as well as thoughtful and very open letters as they get to know one another through the notebook.  How will this relationship live when it's brought out into the real world and they actually meet?

My sixteen year old self may have actually tried something like this after reading this book.  Just saying.  I was intrigued by their exchanges and the different "dares" they sent one another on throughout the Christmas season.  Dash's character bothered me a little.  He was so incredibly snarky that it was really difficult to like him or even believe in his character.  Maybe I just didn't like him.  I don't know, but it was off putting for me.  And the symposium he has with his friends on love was strange.  It was like he was lecturing them all and they were members of some weird college course on love.  It completely took me out of the story.  Lily wasn't so bad and I didn't have an issue with her character except that she seemed a little too naive at times.

The character that really and truly blew it for me was Boomer, Dash's friend.  I was confused for a long time whether or not Boomer was actually a younger kid Dash had befriended.  Using him for comedic effect really just became confusing and annoying.  I kept waiting to find out what the story was behind Boomer because he just doesn't seem like he would be in high school unless he was high all the time and that didn't seem to be the case either.  I found myself stopping every time his character arrived in the scene and wondering what was up with him.

Maybe some readers who are more into romance and don't have such a cynical view of romance will enjoy it more.  I had a hard time with it, though.  I will say it is a very appropriate read for high schoolers.  For the most part I would also say it's appropriate for middle school students, depending on their maturity level.

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Top Ten YA Ever Update!

If you haven't checked out my top ten YA novels before, you should do so soon because it's been updated.

The last time I updated was in May and there have been some amazing books that pushed some other really really good books off the list.  It's always hard to narrow things down, so I did my best!

Take the time to check it out here.

Book Review: Fairest

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles 3.5)
Marissa Meyer
Feiwel & Friends, 2015
Source: borrowed from a friend
Rating: 4 out of 5

We've heard from Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress in their battle against Queen Levana and her desire to rule Earth.  Now we hear from Queen Levana's side.  We find out how she became the evil queen of Luna...and it isn't pretty.

I waited to read this.  I finished Cress earlier this year, but waited until now to read Fairest.  I wanted to have something to entice me a little more as I wait for Winter's release in November (November 10th to be exact and yes, I've already ordered and it will be shipped to school so I can start reading as soon as possible).

I'm not really a huge fan of villains.  I know some people love the villains in stories, but that's not often me.  However I do always try to see the reason behind a villain's evilness, because I like to think that in everyone there is something good--even villains.  I had hoped that Fairest would provide this form me so that I could find something that would make Levana likeable.  I had hoped.

How evil is this woman?  I kept waiting for her redeeming quality, or one redeeming act of kindness--but it never happens.  That's just a warning to those of you who are expecting this.  You won't get it.

Could I put it down?  No.  I needed to know what she would do, and although I was waiting for her do something good, something kind, something right in her life, I knew it wouldn't happen.  I cannot like her at all.  I cannot feel sorry for her one little bit.  And I cannot wait to see how she will (I hope) be defeated by Cinder.  Maybe she won't--but Marissa Meyer won't do that to me, will she?  The anxiety settles in now as we wait to find out what happens in Winter.

Image source: Goodreads

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Book Review: Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Square Fish, 2013
Source: Purchased
Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo introduces Alina, a soldier in the First Army, who has never been very good at anything, but has been lucky to have her best friend Mal by her side since they were kids in the orphanage. Now they're headed into the Black Fold, a band of darkness and evil that separates Ravka from the sea.  While traveling through the Fold, they are attacked and Alina (as well as everyone else) discovers that she has powers--powers only the Grisha have. Suddenly she's pulled away from everything and everyone she's ever known and thrust into the high society in which Grisha live. In a world completely different from her own, Alina must find out how to control her own powers so she can help save her country from the evils of the Fold.

I'm not sure where I've been that I never knew Shadow and Bone existed until recently, but I saw the cover and instantly wanted it. This was an excellent purchase because almost immediately I was pulled into the story. We're introduced to our main character, Alina, and her best friend Mal as young children about to come before three examiners, but then it cuts to the "grown up" Alina and Mal who are soldiers in the First Army. I was a bit annoyed because, even though it was a short introduction, there was so much that had been introduced here with Mal and Alina being orphans and completely devoted to one another. When that foreward was over, though, I kept wanting to fill in the pieces from their past because it was obvious as they grew up their relationship had changed.  Also, now here we were with Alina pining over Mal who is completely oblivious to her feelings.  Ehhhhh....

My problem with this wasn't that she was pining over her best friend, but that so much of her observation of others was focused on his or her beauty, especially female characters. This continued for awhile and it honestly was quite annoying, and is still somewhat bothersome.  It definitely ties into the themes of appearance vesus reality that are woven throughout the book, but I never felt as if this idea of beauty and it being so valued was ever addressed.  When Alina becomes more beautiful, she notes this and is happy about it and we don't hear much more about it, but it's because now she's one of the beautiful.  It feels like this was the resolution for her character's struggle with beauty.  Become beautiful.  Alina also became more interesting to me when she stopped worrying about how beautiful everyone else was and how she wasn't.

 Now onto other characters:  I've always liked my male characters a little rougher, dirtier, and darker.  A bit brooding perhaps, with some secrets of their own that aren't exactly innocent. The bad Angel wins out over the good Angel, and Spike wins out over any Angel, but only when he's being bad.  In Hunger Games I wanted Peeta to be okay because he was nice, but I didn't really like him until the third book when...you know. The Darkling takes the cake! The Darkling is INTENSE.  INTENSE.  INTENSE (yes it warrants three intenses in all caps).  Maybe a little too much of the cake, but BAM!  It's this character that really allows the story to move on and become one of those reads where you just can't wait to find out what happens next.  He pushes Alina to change and grow and there are things I cannot say without giving it away, but WOW!

I ended up pouring through Shadow and Bone, surprised when it ended so soon.  I'll definitely be buying the next book in this trilogy by Leigh Bardugo soon so I can see what becomes of Alina.

Image source: Goodreads

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Book Review: Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

When I first started reading, I wasn't sure I would like Eleanor & Park.  I'm not necessarily a huge romance fan.  I used to be when I was in middle school and high school and refused to read much else.  Often when I read YA romances as an adult I read it and think along the lines of the teenage me. As an adult I want to roll my eyes at the pining and giggling and sunsets and all that stuff, but the teenage me would have been all over it.  I have to say that I never felt the urge to roll my eyes at anything in this book and I found that I wasn't just reading it for the teenage version of me, but for the adult version.  Rainbow Rowell has written a love story that can transcend age barriers, even though it's focused on high schoolers.

Take two teenage misfits, put them on a bus full of high school mean kids, and make them sit next to one another. Eventually they'll become friends.  Eventually they'll become more than friends.  This is the story of Eleanor and Park.  Eleanor has just moved back in with her mom, her brothers and sister, and her step dad who hates her.  She just wants to disappear, and then Park notices her.  Park's family is the opposite of Eleanor's, with two parents completely in love.  Even though he feels like a disappointment to his dad, and he is nothing like his classmates, Park has a safe place.  When he sees Eleanor, he dislikes her at first, but something about her pulls him towards her.

The dual perspective was done extremely well, keeping me equally intrigued by both characters.  Eleanor's voice comes across so strong, yet quiet at the same time as she tries to disappear when she's at home.  For Eleanor, I wanted her to be all right and I needed to know when she would truly be safe.  For Park, I wasn't so much worried for him, as I was interested in his relationship with his mother and father.

I loved the pop culture references that were woven throughout.  The story is set in the 80's and although the story isn't stuck there and inaccessible to teenagers, it definintely lives there with the Walkmans and punk music, Star Wars references, Watchman comics, and clothing choices.  I loved these little bits!

In its way, this romance is sweet and innocent, with Eleanor & Park experiencing their first real loves, but it's also not for the younger reader.  Even though there is no sex in the novel, there are some heavy make out scenes and a lot thinking about sex and touching.  It's painted as something beautiful and wonderful because they care about one another so much and at no time did I consider it gratuitous or distasteful.  I never even rolled my eyes at it for being cheesy.  Also, there is a lot of language in this novel, so be aware of that if you are considering this for a younger reader.

If you have any interest in romances, or even if you don't because they just make you roll your eyes, then I suggest giving this one a try.  Eleanor & Park will pull you in and make you want to follow both characters forever.  You'll feel like Park when he realizes how much he loves Eleanor, ready to follow her across the sky.