Just before her 16th birthday, Brie Eagan literally dies of a broken heart after her boyfriend tells her he does not love her. She then must go through the five stages of grief, while watching her friends and family try to cope with her death, before her faith in love is restored and she can move on to the afterlife.
This. Book. Wins. If this had been the book given to me as my first foray into comtemporary YA -- and granted, it has supernatural elements, what with the MC being dead and all -- anyway, had this been my first contemporary read, it might have easily led me to decide that contemps were my favorite subgenre. Instead, I've shied away from most anything contemporary and consistently read paranormals with a heavy dose of romance to satisfy my cravings. This book may have changed all that. Don't think that means that I'll forego supernatural stories in favor of lighter, fluffier reads. But I will give all contemps a second thought, instead of immediately dismissing them due to their lack of imaginary beasties.
The Catastrophic History of You & Me is not a book I'll soon forget. It's cute, funny, heart-breaking, sad, beautiful, honest, and a whole slew of other adjectives. Pretty much, I ran a full gamut of emotions while reading this novel. I teared up -- okay, bawled like a baby because I tend to be overly sentimental -- twice within the first two chapters alone. But I also laughed -- a lot -- throughout the book. And I swooned...oh, did I swoon.
Basically, this book takes you through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance) as Brie deals with each of them after her death. And she's got dreamy lost soul Patrick to help her through them. (Cue the swooning.) I absolutely adored the voice given to Brie. She's witty and sarcastic and well, adorable, even when she makes some questionable decisions. But honestly, who among us wouldn't take the opportunity to spy on our loved ones after we're gone?
The story was one of redemption, of love lost and found again, and of understanding and compassion when others need it most. I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle hints placed throughout the story, and though I figured out what was really going on half-way through, I was still pleasantly surprised at how it came to fruition. It was slightly predictable without being obvious. Also, the chapters are titled after songs, some of them popular love songs, some of them corny songs from the 80s. And Brie herself is a big fan of 80s music. Because I really needed a reason to love her more.
You want to know something else I've decided I like about contemporary novels? A lot of them are stand-alone novels. I love a good series as much as the next girl, but sometimes, you just want to finish a novel in one sitting and revel in that sense of accomplishment, in knowing how the story ends without having to wait for the next installment. So, there's another plus for this story...as if I needed another one. :) I will recommend this debut novel to everyone, and I mean everyone. And if there's any doubt as to why, see the first paragraph of this review again. It's not everyday that a novel can convert me to the lighter side of YA.
And now, one of my favorite passages from the book. (Mind you, this is taken from the ARC I received and may not appear in the final version of the novel...but I'll be really sad to find out if it doesn't make the cut.)
From pages 42 - 44: I crossed my arms and clenched my jaw, feeling my inner five-year-old beginning to act out. "I. Don't. Have. A. Pen." She pointed at my right hand. "Yes. You. Do." Before I could argue with her, I realized that actually, I did have a pen. Right in my hand, ready to go. I almost fell off my chair. How the hell did that get there?! The weirdest part? I recognized it. No. Way. It was the exact same pen I'd had back in third grade. Back when I was an even bigger dork who got so excited I couldn't sleep before School Supply Shopping Day. The pen was white on top and sky blue on bottom, with six (six!) color options, depending on which button you pushed down. You could even press two buttons down at the same time and mix the colors. (I know.) To a third-grade bookworm who'd spent her entire summer practicing her signature in cursive, this pen was a complete and total thing of beauty. I'd left it in my desk one Friday afternoon, but when I looked for it the following Monday morning, it was gone. We're talking Real Life Elementary School Tragedy. But then, in a very suspicious turn of events, Chloe Lutz--a girl who wore her hair in pigtails every day, for god's sake--showed up with a similar (and by similar I mean identical) pen a few days later. Et tu, Chloe? I knew she took it. Emma, Sadie, and Tess knew she took it. But tattling wasn't an option because our teacher Mrs. Arden had a very harsh No-Tattling policy. I wanted to confront her at recess, but I figured that was a bad idea, considering a) she was a whole foot taller than me and b) she was a brown belt in karate. In the end, I spent the whole rest of that school year watching Chloe have the time of her life pushing my beloved color buttons. Red! No, blue! Oh, isn't this fun? Yes, Chloe Slutz, of course it's fun. That is obviously why I bought it. And now, all these years later, here I was in a grungy pizza parlor in Half Moon Bay, dead since Monday, and holding the very same World's Greatest Pen.
SO weird.
First, I had that pen! Second, I think that passage highlights how funny and normal Brie is, and it gives you a little insight into her character.
Rating:
Not a huge fan of the trailer, but here it is anyway:
Megan Miranda was a scientist and high school teacher before writing Fracture, which came out of her fascination with scientific mysteries—especially those associated with the brain. Megan has a BS in biology from MIT and spent her post-college years either rocking a lab coat or reading books. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, where she volunteers as an MIT Educational Counselor. Fracture is her first novel.
It's no secret that I loved Fracture. (Here's my review if you need proof.) But I wanted to get to know this 2012 debut author a little better and see what else she has in store for us. Megan was kind enough to stop by the blog this week to answer some of my most burning questions:
SEJ: Fracture is very relatable and realistic, aside from the fact that two teenagers quite possibly act as death's heralds. Were any of the characters or situations in the book based on your own experiences?
MM: Thank you! No, not the situations or the characters, exactly… though, in hindsight, there are definitely pieces of me in each of the characters. Usually, in their flaws. :) I guess I can relate to those. For me, I think there’s something really universal about the emotional experience of that time in our lives, so, sure, I think there’s truth in the emotion. But not in the specific situation, if that makes sense.
SEJ: Fracture works well as a stand-alone novel, but I have to admit, I wouldn't mind seeing how Delaney handles her new ability after the events of this book. Do you have any plans to continue her story?
MM: I’m honestly not planning on it. I love the way you phrased this question, because this is actually why I’m not planning on it. The story in my head and in my heart was about an ordinary girl who survives something in an extraordinary way…and how that would affect her and everyone around her (and, of course, the journey of discovering what, exactly, is happening). Truthfully, it didn’t really occur to me that I was writing a paranormal story until I went to query it. To write a story about how Delaney handles her ability going forward… would be a different type of story altogether. I’m actually pretty happy with leaving the story where it is….I think it’s complete, in a way.
SEJ: You've also written a short story told from Decker's point-of-view, entitled Eleven Minutes. I found Troy to be just as fascinating, though. Would you ever consider writing his side of the story?
MM: I would….. Haha, I guess I should expand on that. The amount of Troy that made it on the page is just a sliver of the story of Troy in my head. But, of course, Fracture wasn’t his story. I’d be open to it, but at the moment I’m getting lost in a few new projects.
SEJ: Fracture is your first novel. Are there any other 2012 debut novels you're particularly looking forward to?
MM: There are so many 2012 debuts I can’t wait to get my hands on! I’ve loved the ones I’ve read so far (Ditched, Under the Never Sky, Tempest, Slide, The Mapmaker and The Ghost). I’m going to make a plan for the summer to try and read as many of the early 2012 releases as possible.
SEJ: I loved Fracture and can't wait to read more from you. Do you currently have any other books in the works?
MM: Yes! I have another standalone set to come out in early 2013. It’s a psychological thriller in the same vein as Fracture, in that it walks the line between science and paranormal. But it’s also pretty different. It’s about memories, friendship, and the thin line between the real and the imagined. That book is done, so I’ve been toying with a new project (another thriller) that I’m really excited about.
SEJ: And, of course, I have to ask: If you had one day left to live, what would you do?
MM: Since Delaney has to think about this, I definitely did as well. Truthfully, there’s not any one Big Thing I’d do. I’d spend it how I spend most days: with my 2 kids, doing something they absolutely love.
SEJ: Congrats on your debut novel, Megan, and I look forward to reading more from you. Thanks so much for stopping by to answer a few questions!
MM: Thanks for having me!
Here's the trailer for Fracture:
Up for grabs, I have an ARC of Fracture and a signed bookplate. Just follow the blog via GFC or via email to enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Extra entries for following on Twitter, tweeting, etc. US only, sorry.
What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?
Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...
Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.
But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.
It’s always easier for me to review a book I purchased myself, mostly because I only buy books I’ll assuredly enjoy. Nonetheless, I received this audiobook from the publisher, and I will try my best to provide an honest review without being too disparaging.
As I said in my preliminary review of this book on Goodreads, the storyline was decent. It’s actually what kept me listening through all eight CDs. I could see where the author wanted to take the story, and it made it easier to understand the character’s actions and motivations. I just wish it wasn’t all so nefarious.
As for the characters, I just couldn’t connect or identify with any of them. If I had to pick one that I actually liked, it would have been Waverly. She made some mistakes, but she realized that, and she still showed true heroism in the end. She did what was needed to ensure survival of her people…if not for all, at least for those it mattered most. The character interactions and the dialogue between the characters, at least when told through Kieran’s POV, were just unpleasant to listen to. Not that the events told through Waverly’s were much better, but at least they were of a more mature nature, with much less name-calling and violence.
I think my biggest issue with this novel, is the fact that SO much is crammed into one book, despite the fact that this is the first book in a series. The synopsis makes it sound as if the love story (possible triangle?) is first and foremost, but it really takes a backseat to the colonization of New Earth. Not a problem for me, since I find that sometimes the romantic elements can really bog down a terrific story, but if you were hoping for a love triangle, you’ll be upset, at least in this first installment.
I think there are some that will say that if you like the Across the Universe series by Beth Revis, you will enjoy this series as well, but I cry foul. The premise is slightly similar, but Revis unravels her sci-fi tale beautifully, keeping the reader engrossed while hinting at things to come. But I felt that Glow rushed through so much with no time for reflection and barely any time for reaction.
One thing I would like to point out, with regards to the audiobook, is that I have a newfound appreciation for narrator Ilyana Kadushin. I didn’t much care for her narration of All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin because it felt like she wasn’t involved in the story…couldn’t care less about the characters and what happened to them. However, upon listening to her performance of Glow, I realize that maybe her interpretation of the Zevin story was that Anya didn’t care so much. Because her rendition of Glow was such that I actually felt sad for Waverly’s circumstances. As for the other narrator, the voice of Kieran, my feelings are neutral. It’s not his fault the dialogue between the boys left on the ship was so mundane and juvenile. I do think that I might have preferred the audio with one single narrator, but as the story was told from two separate points-of-view, from two separate ships for the majority of the book, I guess that couldn’t be helped.
An aside: I also received a finished copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter, and had I been reading from the text myself, I might have thrown the book across the room a few times out of frustration.
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where we all get to brag about the books and swag we got in the mail, for review, won in contests, etc.
This week was one of steals & deals for me:
First, Audible was having another of their awesome sales. This time, it was for first books in popular series. Gee, thanks, Audible. Way to reel me in and guarantee I'll buy the rest of these awesome series. (Honestly, though, great business practice. :P) The sale ends on 2/14, so check it out soon if you think you might be interested. So, here's what I picked up in the way of audiobooks:
I know what you're thinking. This woman hasn't read ANY of these series yet?!? Yeah, I'm a little behind. But I know a good opportunity when I see one. And I definitely use audiobooks to get caught up on older series that I've apparently been missing out on. Any others you'd suggest I try out?
Braden came to Belle Dam in search of answers. Answers to his past, to the incredible power he was born with, and the threats destined to come for him. What he found was a supernatural feud between the Lansings and the Thorpes: a feud divided by blood, ruled through manipulation, and fought with magic. His arrival has caused the tide to turn in Belle Dam, and now the things in the darkness have begun to stir.
Trapped between his power and his desires, Braden struggles with the legacy he's inherited. The witch eyes give him access to incredible power, but they've ravaged his body for nearly the last time. As a series of girls are stolen, snatched away in dead of night, Braden realizes that once more there are demons maneuvering in the dark. Friendships are tested, and old alliances threatened, as Braden unravels the history behind the city's darkest secrets, and the demons bound to its core.
So, what do you guys think?!? The cover for Witch Eyes was kinda scary, but this is just...well, I may have nightmares now. (Don't judge me...I have nightmares after watching scary movies. Also, after eating anything tomato-based.)
Also, check back in the next couple of weeks for a giveaway of Witch Eyes, including a signed bookmark!!!
I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Review: The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
This. Book. Wins. If this had been the book given to me as my first foray into comtemporary YA -- and granted, it has supernatural elements, what with the MC being dead and all -- anyway, had this been my first contemporary read, it might have easily led me to decide that contemps were my favorite subgenre. Instead, I've shied away from most anything contemporary and consistently read paranormals with a heavy dose of romance to satisfy my cravings. This book may have changed all that. Don't think that means that I'll forego supernatural stories in favor of lighter, fluffier reads. But I will give all contemps a second thought, instead of immediately dismissing them due to their lack of imaginary beasties.
The Catastrophic History of You & Me is not a book I'll soon forget. It's cute, funny, heart-breaking, sad, beautiful, honest, and a whole slew of other adjectives. Pretty much, I ran a full gamut of emotions while reading this novel. I teared up -- okay, bawled like a baby because I tend to be overly sentimental -- twice within the first two chapters alone. But I also laughed -- a lot -- throughout the book. And I swooned...oh, did I swoon.
Basically, this book takes you through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance) as Brie deals with each of them after her death. And she's got dreamy lost soul Patrick to help her through them. (Cue the swooning.) I absolutely adored the voice given to Brie. She's witty and sarcastic and well, adorable, even when she makes some questionable decisions. But honestly, who among us wouldn't take the opportunity to spy on our loved ones after we're gone?
The story was one of redemption, of love lost and found again, and of understanding and compassion when others need it most. I thoroughly enjoyed the subtle hints placed throughout the story, and though I figured out what was really going on half-way through, I was still pleasantly surprised at how it came to fruition. It was slightly predictable without being obvious. Also, the chapters are titled after songs, some of them popular love songs, some of them corny songs from the 80s. And Brie herself is a big fan of 80s music. Because I really needed a reason to love her more.
You want to know something else I've decided I like about contemporary novels? A lot of them are stand-alone novels. I love a good series as much as the next girl, but sometimes, you just want to finish a novel in one sitting and revel in that sense of accomplishment, in knowing how the story ends without having to wait for the next installment. So, there's another plus for this story...as if I needed another one. :) I will recommend this debut novel to everyone, and I mean everyone. And if there's any doubt as to why, see the first paragraph of this review again. It's not everyday that a novel can convert me to the lighter side of YA.
And now, one of my favorite passages from the book. (Mind you, this is taken from the ARC I received and may not appear in the final version of the novel...but I'll be really sad to find out if it doesn't make the cut.)
From pages 42 - 44:
I crossed my arms and clenched my jaw, feeling my inner five-year-old beginning to act out. "I. Don't. Have. A. Pen."
She pointed at my right hand. "Yes. You. Do."
Before I could argue with her, I realized that actually, I did have a pen. Right in my hand, ready to go. I almost fell off my chair.
How the hell did that get there?!
The weirdest part? I recognized it.
No. Way.
It was the exact same pen I'd had back in third grade. Back when I was an even bigger dork who got so excited I couldn't sleep before School Supply Shopping Day.
The pen was white on top and sky blue on bottom, with six (six!) color options, depending on which button you pushed down. You could even press two buttons down at the same time and mix the colors. (I know.) To a third-grade bookworm who'd spent her entire summer practicing her signature in cursive, this pen was a complete and total thing of beauty.
I'd left it in my desk one Friday afternoon, but when I looked for it the following Monday morning, it was gone. We're talking Real Life Elementary School Tragedy.
But then, in a very suspicious turn of events, Chloe Lutz--a girl who wore her hair in pigtails every day, for god's sake--showed up with a similar (and by similar I mean identical) pen a few days later.
Et tu, Chloe?
I knew she took it. Emma, Sadie, and Tess knew she took it. But tattling wasn't an option because our teacher Mrs. Arden had a very harsh No-Tattling policy. I wanted to confront her at recess, but I figured that was a bad idea, considering a) she was a whole foot taller than me and b) she was a brown belt in karate.
In the end, I spent the whole rest of that school year watching Chloe have the time of her life pushing my beloved color buttons. Red! No, blue! Oh, isn't this fun?
Yes, Chloe Slutz, of course it's fun. That is obviously why I bought it.
And now, all these years later, here I was in a grungy pizza parlor in Half Moon Bay, dead since Monday, and holding the very same World's Greatest Pen.
SO weird.
First, I had that pen! Second, I think that passage highlights how funny and normal Brie is, and it gives you a little insight into her character.
Rating:
Not a huge fan of the trailer, but here it is anyway:
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Interview with Fracture Author Megan Miranda + Giveaway
Photo: Christine Watley Photography
It's no secret that I loved Fracture. (Here's my review if you need proof.) But I wanted to get to know this 2012 debut author a little better and see what else she has in store for us. Megan was kind enough to stop by the blog this week to answer some of my most burning questions:
SEJ: Fracture is very relatable and realistic, aside from the fact that two teenagers quite possibly act as death's heralds. Were any of the characters or situations in the book based on your own experiences?
SEJ: You've also written a short story told from Decker's point-of-view, entitled Eleven Minutes. I found Troy to be just as fascinating, though. Would you ever consider writing his side of the story?
SEJ: Fracture is your first novel. Are there any other 2012 debut novels you're particularly looking forward to?
SEJ: Congrats on your debut novel, Megan, and I look forward to reading more from you. Thanks so much for stopping by to answer a few questions!
MM: Thanks for having me!
Here's the trailer for Fracture:
Up for grabs, I have an ARC of Fracture and a signed bookplate. Just follow the blog via GFC or via email to enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Extra entries for following on Twitter, tweeting, etc. US only, sorry.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Audiobook Review: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Title: Glow
Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...
Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.
But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.
As I said in my preliminary review of this book on Goodreads, the storyline was decent. It’s actually what kept me listening through all eight CDs. I could see where the author wanted to take the story, and it made it easier to understand the character’s actions and motivations. I just wish it wasn’t all so nefarious.
As for the characters, I just couldn’t connect or identify with any of them. If I had to pick one that I actually liked, it would have been Waverly. She made some mistakes, but she realized that, and she still showed true heroism in the end. She did what was needed to ensure survival of her people…if not for all, at least for those it mattered most. The character interactions and the dialogue between the characters, at least when told through Kieran’s POV, were just unpleasant to listen to. Not that the events told through Waverly’s were much better, but at least they were of a more mature nature, with much less name-calling and violence.
I think my biggest issue with this novel, is the fact that SO much is crammed into one book, despite the fact that this is the first book in a series. The synopsis makes it sound as if the love story (possible triangle?) is first and foremost, but it really takes a backseat to the colonization of New Earth. Not a problem for me, since I find that sometimes the romantic elements can really bog down a terrific story, but if you were hoping for a love triangle, you’ll be upset, at least in this first installment.
I think there are some that will say that if you like the Across the Universe series by Beth Revis, you will enjoy this series as well, but I cry foul. The premise is slightly similar, but Revis unravels her sci-fi tale beautifully, keeping the reader engrossed while hinting at things to come. But I felt that Glow rushed through so much with no time for reflection and barely any time for reaction.
One thing I would like to point out, with regards to the audiobook, is that I have a newfound appreciation for narrator Ilyana Kadushin. I didn’t much care for her narration of All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin because it felt like she wasn’t involved in the story…couldn’t care less about the characters and what happened to them. However, upon listening to her performance of Glow, I realize that maybe her interpretation of the Zevin story was that Anya didn’t care so much. Because her rendition of Glow was such that I actually felt sad for Waverly’s circumstances. As for the other narrator, the voice of Kieran, my feelings are neutral. It’s not his fault the dialogue between the boys left on the ship was so mundane and juvenile. I do think that I might have preferred the audio with one single narrator, but as the story was told from two separate points-of-view, from two separate ships for the majority of the book, I guess that couldn’t be helped.
An aside: I also received a finished copy of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter, and had I been reading from the text myself, I might have thrown the book across the room a few times out of frustration.
Rating:
Saturday, February 11, 2012
In My Mailbox #18
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where we all get to brag about the books and swag we got in the mail, for review, won in contests, etc.
This week was one of steals & deals for me:
First, Audible was having another of their awesome sales. This time, it was for first books in popular series. Gee, thanks, Audible. Way to reel me in and guarantee I'll buy the rest of these awesome series. (Honestly, though, great business practice. :P) The sale ends on 2/14, so check it out soon if you think you might be interested. So, here's what I picked up in the way of audiobooks:
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
Leviathan by Scott Westerfield
The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
My other steal was Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey, which I picked up for $3.98 at Barnes & Noble when I was pre-ordering Lady and the Tramp for my little girl. Happy Valentine's Day to both of us, right? :)
Friday, February 10, 2012
Uncovered - 2/10/12
Trapped between his power and his desires, Braden struggles with the legacy he's inherited. The witch eyes give him access to incredible power, but they've ravaged his body for nearly the last time. As a series of girls are stolen, snatched away in dead of night, Braden realizes that once more there are demons maneuvering in the dark. Friendships are tested, and old alliances threatened, as Braden unravels the history behind the city's darkest secrets, and the demons bound to its core.
So, what do you guys think?!? The cover for Witch Eyes was kinda scary, but this is just...well, I may have nightmares now. (Don't judge me...I have nightmares after watching scary movies. Also, after eating anything tomato-based.)
Also, check back in the next couple of weeks for a giveaway of Witch Eyes, including a signed bookmark!!!
Current Giveaways
A Starry-Eyed Prize Pack!
Subscribe by Email
Follow Via Bloglovin
Follow Jen on Instagram
Jen's Currently Reading
Sabrina's Currently Reading
2019 Reading Challenge
Followers
Search This Blog
Ratings
Twitter
Quotes We ♥
Blog Archive
Labels
About Me
-
starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
View my complete profile