Review: This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

Title: This Is Where It Ends
Author: Marieke Nijkamp
Series: n/a
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: January 5th, 2016
Source: For Review via NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03
The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05
Someone starts shooting.

Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student's calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.

This cover is amazing. It's what grabbed my eye when I saw it floating around Netgalley. I know that I probably should have waited a while to read/review this one.... shame on me. But I have been wanting to read this kind of book for ages. I picked up a book a couple years ago, thinking for sure based on the description, that it was about a school shooting but nope. It wasn't even close.

I probably sound morbid right now, because who really wants to read about that kind of stuff? It's not that I condone school shootings. I certainly don't, but when one happens on the news I'm glued to the story. Because it's such a terrible thing, I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to do something like that.

In This Is Where It Ends, you get those answers because you are there in the thick of the story. Granted, I'll admit that some aspects were not all that realistic. School shootings happen all the time, but I've never heard of one happening on this level.

There is death galore, and I appreciated that. It reminds you throughout the story that while this is fiction, it could happen and the results are devastating. It's told from a few different point of views. I really liked this, because you get a view of what's going on from inside and outside the thick of things.

I think I read this whole book with my hand on my heart. No kidding. It's a super fast read and it will break your heart. I am so glad I read This Is Where It Ends. It's will go down and one of my faves this year.

About the author:

Marieke is a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, and diversity advocate. She holds degrees
in philosophy, history, and medieval studies, and wants to grow up to be a time traveler.

In the midnight hours of the day, Marieke writes stories full of hope and heartbreak. Her debut YA novel THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS will be out from Sourcebooks Fire in 2016.

NOTE: While I love Goodreads, I don't spend a lot of time here, so I'm dreadfully slow in responding to questions or requests. You're always welcome to tweet or email me though!

NOTE, PART TWO: I so appreciate everyone taking the time to read and discuss my book! I do not respond to reviews, but whether you love or hate my book, thank you for sharing your thoughts! <3

Find Marieke:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Labels: heartbreaking, Marieke Nijkamp, reviews, school shootings, sourcebooks, This is Where it ends

The Weekend Update: 8.1.15

So, since my end-of-the-week post isn't just about what I got in my mailbox or on my Kindle each week -- though that is a big part of it, I won't lie -- I decided to change up the title and intro a bit.  I might tweak the format a bit over the next few weeks, but for the most part, it'll contain the same stuff: stuff I got, stuff I did, and stuff that's coming up on the blog.  Plus, I get to use the awesome GIF you see here and blow kisses to all the people who sent me lovely books and bookish things.  Oh, and I've started linking up to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews since I'm not using a specific meme title anymore.  April's also doing her own Stacking the Shelves posts on Sundays.  Stop by and say hi!  =)

Firstly, HOW THE EFF IS IT ALREADY AUGUST!?! I don't especially love the heat of summer or anything, especially living in hot, humid Texas, but I'm not ready for my baby to go back to school...or the routine of it all. Carefree summer is where it's at, man. I want to go back to the water park and stay there. o_O

I have done very little actual reading this week, and it's kind of bumming me out. I have plenty that I want to read, but by the time I get home in the evenings, cook dinner, do laundry and whatever else needs done, I have been completely zapped of energy. I thought I'd try to catch up on some shows instead, but the night before last, I fell asleep in the middle of the first episode of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell, a series I've been looking forward to bingeing for awhile now. :(

I did listen to plenty of audiobooks, though...probably the only thing keeping my reading spirits up right now. And my Goodreads goal, lol. I'm hoping that this is all just because of our trip and being out of sorts and off a routine last week, and that after getting some rest this weekend, I'll be back to normal...or as normal as I ever am. :P

Anyway, here's what I scored this week:

For Review/Gifted:



A dear, dear author friend of mine saw that I was hunting for ARCs of Cinder and Scarlet for my collection on one of my Have You Seen This? posts and offered to send me her copy of Scarlet. I am so grateful and it looks so lovely with its siblings on the shelf. I can't wait for Winter!!!

The wonderful folks at Sourcebooks sent over this adorable Max the Brave package for me and Katiebug to review. She's already soaring around the house in her cape and is dying to read the book. Look for our review next month!

Traded:

If you're interested in trading books with me, check out this post. =) I've still got tons available!

Library:

I don't actually think I picked up anything new from the library this week. Kudos to me since I already have a million things on my shelf currently that need attention first. :P

Purchased:

No purchases either! Look at me, adulting like a champ. Though, tbh, this is mostly because I'm participating in #otspsecretsister and I'm not really supposed to buy myself anything for the next six months. It's kind of like a self-imposed book-buying ban. =D

Freebies:



You can find out more on how to download them for free yourselves here. :)


So, that's my haul. :) How about you? What did you get this week?

The Week in Review:

Reviews:

• What I Thought Was True - Jen (audio/re-read)
• Identical - April (audio)

Current Giveaways:




Promotional/Discussion Posts:  

• The In-Between, in which I grumble about all the things, including reading and blogging and work
• This week's #TTT is all about book nerds. Talk nerdy to me and I am yours! :D
• #WoW - The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine
• SYNC Week #13 featuring Courage Has No Color and In the Heat of the Night
• Reading at the Kids Table - a look at some of Macmillan's #kidlit titles this summer

Jen's Currently Reading/Listening To:

As of the time I'm typing this up, I'm only about 20% into this book, but I already love it. I haven't been able to wipe the stupid grin off my face yet. Except, THINGS just happened, and I'm kind of scared for Tim and Alice and what it all means for their futures…separately and together. *bites nails* ETA: Put this on hold for other obligations/sleep, but I fully plan to pick it back up this weekend.

Re-reading as prep for Firewalker. Look for my tour stop next month!

Upcoming Reviews:

Like honest reviews & giveaways?  Be sure to follow us on Bloglovin' so you never miss out!

Like pretty pictures of books and bookish things? Follow me on Instagram! I also host IG giveaways from time to time. :D

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Labels: in my mailbox (imm), stacking the shelves, the weekend update

{Audiobook} Review: Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Identical
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Narrator:  Laura Flanagen
Series: Stand Alone
Length:  8 hrs 42 mins
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Publication Date: September 19, 2008
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Do twins begin in the womb? Or in a better place?

Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.

For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?

Ellen Hopkins has been on my radar for about a year and a half now. She was coming to visit a school around here, and there were a bunch of parents who had a problem with it. It was all over the local news. I had never read anything of hers, so I didn't make an appearance, but her name has stuck with me ever since.

So when I saw Identical in audio on my Library, and it was available, I borrowed it. I can honestly say I had no idea what I was getting my self into starting a Hopkins novel. Holy Shit... What The Fuck Did I Just Read!

This book is not for everyone, I can tell you that right now. You don't like graphic talk about molestation, drugs or bad language, then turn away now. If you are like me, then you will love it for the sheer messed upness. I know upness isn't a word but I'm using it.

I loved this story. I should probably rephrase that, I didn't particularly like what was going on with either sister. It was heart breaking and down right sickening to watch one be destroyed and the other destroy herself, but it was real. There is such a raw realness to how Hopkins portrays these characters.

I saw a review that mentioned Identical is written in verse. I've never paid much attention to that when picking up a story, but I have to say with Identical, it was pure perfection. I mean, she puts all of these horrible things into the most beautiful writing style. I think it really balanced it out for me.

There is a twist towards the end, and I was right on with my guess. It didn't take me long to figure it out, but I wasn't disappointing to realize early on, it just added to the depth of their story. I really liked the narrator too, She separated Kaeleigh and Raeanne's voices so well.

That family is so screwed up. This book will take you on a ride you won't soon forget. Make sure you have your tissues and gag reflex ready. lol.

About the author:


Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse,
Glass, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, Perfect, Triangles, Tilt, and Collateral. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me", and she can be visited at ellenhopkins.com.

Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!

Find Ellen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Labels: Abuse, audiobooks, Drugs, Ellen Hopkins, Graphic Scenes, Holy Shit, Identical, Mature Language, Mental Issues, reviews, Sexual Abuse, Twins, Wtf did I just read

Reading at the Kids Table: Macmillan - Summer 2015

Summer's coming to an end sooner than we wish, so Katie and I figured we'd better get some reading in before school starts back at the end of next month. The wonderful folks at Macmillan sent over all of the lovely children's books pictured above for us to review and below you'll find both of our thoughts on Wild Feelings; Good Night, Firefly; and Little Bird's Bad Word.

I do want to note that Katie was already reading at a 2nd grade level in the middle of first grade last year, and she was able to read all three of these books completely on her own, with no assistance from me. I think all of these books were rated for ages 7-9, and they were perfect for my little reader, who would like you to know that she's 7 1/2. =D


Title: Wild Feelings
Author/Illustrator: David Milgrim
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: August 4, 2015
Source: ARC from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Do you ever feel as stubborn as a mule? Or as chicken as a chicken? Of course you do. Everyone does.

In this lighthearted look at feelings, David Milgrim tenderly and humorously sketches the emotional range--from awkward to unnoticed, to really, rrrreally mad. Ultimately reassuring, this is a loving look at the normal, natural feelings we all have.

Katie:  I liked this book a lot. I liked the pictures and that it talked about all the wild feelings a person can have. I liked how in the story the people looked like the animals they felt like.

Jen:  Wild Feelings was a cute look at the normal feelings we all have. It's basically telling your little reader that it's okay to have all kinds of feelings…that it's completely natural because everyone feels that way at some time or another. It was a cute idea to incorporate the animals associated with some of the feelings -- "as stubborn as a mule" -- into the pictures, as well. This book would have really come in handy a year or two ago when Katie was more prone to temper tantrums. ;0)


Title: Good Night, Firefly
Author/Illustrator: Gabriel Alborozo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Source: ARC from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Nina is afraid of the dark. Luckily she has a nightlight, but one night the power goes out. So Nina traps a firefly to keep her company. She has a jolly time with her new friend, until she soon realizes that the firefly doesn't feel the same way, and she must let it go.

This irresistible bedtime story has stunning black-and-white illustrations accented with glowing spots of color--as magical as fireflies themselves!

Katie:  I LOVE fireflies. I like to catch them. This book was pretty. The pictures had good detail. I liked that Nina had the idea to use the firefly's electricity to light up her room. This was my favorite book that we read today.

Jen:  Like Katie, this was my favorite book in the bunch. I liked the color contrast in the images, between black and white and dark and light, and the pops of color that accent the images. It was definitely visually appealing, but it was also the ingenious little tale of a girl who's afraid of the dark and takes charge of her fear by calling on a new friend for help.

This was also the longest story in the bunch, but as we adore fireflies and the pictures were really pretty to look at, the book just flew by. I can see this fast becoming a favorite bedtime story in our house.


Title: Little Bird's Bad Word
Author/Illustrator: Jacob Grant
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: July 21, 2015
Source: ARC from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Little Bird is excited to share a new word with his friends. But as he finds out, that word isn't so nice.

Little Bird learned a new word! He loves it so much that he's bursting to share it with all of his friends.

BLARK! BLARK! BLARK!

The only problem is, this isn't a very nice word. Little Bird doesn't realize it, but this word might even hurt someone's feelings. What word will Little Bird learn to make things better?

Jacob Grant is a great new talent whose words AND art have extraordinary humor. Readers will surely find the very apologetic Little Bird adorable!

Katie:  The pictures were pretty and colorful. And I liked that Little Bird said he was sorry to everyone because it was nice.

Jen:  Bad words are kind of a hot topic in our house these days. I cuss like a sailor and Katie's accidentally repeated a word she's heard a time or two without really understanding what she's saying or what it means. Oops! So, we totally get where Little Bird and Papa Bird are coming from.

That said, I had a hard time concentrating on the story once the bad word was out because it sorta sounds like my new favorite ship from The 100 and all I could think about was how I can't believe I have to wait until next year for new episodes. Waaaaahhhhh. :P



I hope you guys enjoy the rest of your summer and get some reading in before school, too! :D

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Labels: children's books, macmillan, reviews

SYNC Summer 2015: Week 13 #sync15

Can we put summer on pause, please? It's going by way too fast. But with summer comes the SYNC Young Adult Listener Program. They recently announced the list of audiobook pairings up for grabs this summer, and today kicks off the 13th week of the program for 2015. Here's what you can grab through Wednesday of next week...for free!

This week's YA title is Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickels by Tanya Lee Stone, performed by J.D. Jackson for Brilliance Audio.

World War II was raging, with thousands of American soldiers fighting overseas against the injustices brought on by Hitler. Back on the home front, the injustice of discrimination against African Americans was playing out as much on Main Street as in the military. Enlisted black men were segregated from white soldiers and regularly relegated to service duties. At Fort Benning, Georgia, First Sergeant Walter Morris’s men served as guards at The Parachute School while the white soldiers prepared to be paratroopers. Morris knew that in order for his men to be treated like soldiers, they would have to train and act like them, but would the military elite and politicians recognize the potential of these men, as well as their passion for serving their country? Tanya Lee Stone examines the role of African Americans in the military through the lens of the untold story of the Triple Nickles as they became America’s first black paratroopers and fought a little-known World War II attack on the American West by the Japanese. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, in the words of Morris, “proved that the color of a man had nothing to do with his ability.”

This week's classic title is John Ball's In the Heat of the Night adapted by Matt Pelfrey, performed by Ryan Vincent Anderson, Michael Hammond, Kalen Harriman, Travis Johns, James Morrison, Darren Richardson & Tom Virtue for L.A. Theatre Works.

Based on John Ball’s novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film and the Emmy-winning television series, In the Heat of the Night pits a visiting black detective from California against a small Alabama town simmering with anger over desegregation. A fitting reflection of America in the 1960s, this Off-Broadway hit is provocative, timely, and uncomfortably relevant. Please note: This title contains strong and racially charged language.

Will you be picking up either of these titles? Remember, they're only available through Wednesday, and new titles will be put up on Thursday for download. To download this week's titles, just click here to be taken directly to the SYNC download page.

I hope you take advantage of this program. I've been doing it for the last few years, and I've had the opportunity to listen to a ton of great audio for free.  If you've never tried audiobooks before, it's a great opportunity to do so without the obligation of buying one that you might not enjoy.  And if you love audiobooks, well, it's a great time to stock up on some titles you may have missed or discover new ones.  Win/win.  =)

Happy listening!

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Labels: 2015, audiobooks, classics, diversity, freebies, promotions, summer, sync