Hush, Hush review

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick


Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen--and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.


my thoughts:

with all the mixed reviews on Amazon, i didn't have terribly high expectations for this book. but i needn't have worried--it was better than expected!!

Hush, Hush was like a slightly less transparent Twilight. it was less predictable. i actually didn't know what the deal was with Patch (unlike in Twilight, it was obvious Edward was a vamp). i didn't know what would happen throughout the story, even right up to the end. indeed, the plot was the highlight of the story.

the setting wasn't very strong, and some of the characters were weaker than i liked. still, the plot was interesting and strong enough to overshadow these flaws. and there was no cliff-hanger ending!!! even though there is at least one sequel, the author didn't feel the need to leave readers without any closure. and yet, i'm still eager for the sequel! nicely done, Ms. Fitzpatrick.

my rating: 4.7

Skate review

Skate by Michael Harmon

(synopsis taken from here)

Kirkus Reviews This remarkable first novel features a rebellious, smart outcast who's battling life as he struggles to take care of his little brother. Their crack-addicted mom has essentially abandoned Ian and Sam. Ian manages to protect Sam, but can't protect himself from an unscrupulous high-school principal who's determined to get Ian out of the school. When Ian loses his temper and decks his coach, he decides to take Sam and flee across the state in an effort to find their long-absent father. Harmon has crafted a tale of compelling suspense-part adolescent psychology and part survival tale-painting sharply clear portraits of his characters, particularly Ian. The result is a sense of strong realism and sympathy for the characters, even when they screw up. Were it shorter it would be perfect for reluctant readers, but surely will appeal to a wide audience. A marvelous debut. (Fiction. YA)


my thoughts:

this book was great. i honestly didn't know what to expect--i only bought the book because of it's title, Skate. (i was disappointed to discover that this book had nothing to do with either figure skating or in-line skating...) however, the title actually captures the essence of the book: should Ian stay and face people who will never treat him fairly, or should he give up and run away?

Ian's dilemma had me rooting for him from the start; he's not stupid (in fact, his smart mouth is what often gets him into trouble) but the school principle has it out for Ian. everyone from his family to the teachers at his sports-oriented school is trying to hold Ian back. he has real, in-your-face problems, and he has no one to help him figure out what to do. finally, he does the only thing he can think of: he skates away.

Skate is, ultimately, a story about when to stop skating and face your demons. it was a thought-provoking, deep story that left me feeling satisfied and introspective. it reminds the reader of what's important in life. it was one of those rare reads that i want to recommend to all teenagers and that i think would appeal even to teens who hate reading.

i would highly recommend this book.

my rating: 4.5

The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

synopsis (from Markus Zusak's webpage):

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

my thoughts:

i actually put off reading this book for a long time. i'd see it in stores, but then right next to it (or several shelves away, sometimes my attention wanders in bookstores) would be a shiny new fantasy novel!!!!

i am weak. i always picked the fantasy.

but one day i finally gave in and got this book because so many people have read it and it has such good reviews.

confession: i didn't even know what it was really about.

i also didn't know what i had been missing. this book was utterly brilliant. i could not agree more with the review i kept rereading on the cover:

"Brilliant and hugely ambitious...It's the kind of book that can be life-changing."--The New York Times

so true. i don't even know how else to describe how amazing The Book Thief is. how captivating and powerful Liesel's story is. it's the kind of book that i think everyone should read at some point in their lives, and i cannot recommend it enough.

especially for a writer, i don't think there's a better book to read. the characters, the setting, the plot, the style, the way Zusak described things, his foreshadowing, use of pathos, the underlying theme--the list goes on and on, and NONE of it could possibly have been any better. it is the best example (i think) that you will find of a perfect book.

of course, i do have one "complaint". well, more of a warning, really. i NEVER cry when reading books. i think it might have happened twice in my life (example: i cried when i read Marley and Me right after my black lab died from cancer). however, i sobbed buckets over this book.
disclaimer: I AM ONLY MENTIONING THIS SO YOU CAN STOCK UP ON TISSUES. THIS IS IN NO WAY A REASON NOT TO READ IT.

in case you need any further convincing, my rating for The Book Thief is 5.0 (out of 5.0)

intrigued? you can read the first chapter or two online for free here

Jane by April Linder

wow, this review has been way-too-long over-due. sorry, guys!

in case you can't tell by the title, Jane is a re-telling of Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte).

before i can even talk about the book, though, i have a major confession to make: i don't really like the whole classic-retelling genre. it seems like half the romances out there are retellings of Pride and Prejudice, and then of course there's the whole Pride and Prejudice and Zombies series of bizarre spin-offs (which didn't really do much for me, honestly). of course, you're welcome to your own opinion on this genre! maybe you love the retellings. i just feel that they've gotten a bit out of control.

okay, rant over. back to the book.

synopsis (from author April Lindner's page):

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

needless to say, i was a little apprehensive when picking up Jane. but then i thought about it: a retelling of Jane Eyre? okay, that would have to be quite a bit different than a spin-off on Pride and Prejudice...the theme is much harder to copy...this could be interesting. and i did love the idea of a rock star being Mr. Rochester.

and then? i fell in love with the book. i hated it when i had to stop reading. i marvelled at how the story transferred so well to a modern setting. i felt as though i had rediscovered an old friend.

April Lindner is a genius. bottom line.

naturally, there aren't a lot of twists in the story if you've already read Jane Eyre--most of the creativity is in the way Ms. Lindner adapted the classic. however, if you aren't familiar with Jane Eyre, you will still be hooked because Jane completely recaptures the mystery and subtle charm of the original romance. it's the perfect retelling for readers who are or aren't familiar with the original classic!!

didn i mention April Lindner is a genius??

Jane will be officially released on October 11th. i don't normally do this, but i am urging those of you who love British classics as well as modern lit to do yourselves a favor and pick up a copy!

my rating out of 5.0: 4.9