Long Way Down

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds

When Will's older brother Shawn is shot and killed, Will knows the rules--no crying, no snitching, get revenge. And so, the next day, Will gets Shawn's gun and hops on the elevator in his apartment building, set on finding the guy he knows shot Shawn. However, over the course of the next 60 seconds, the elevator stops at each floor of the building, and each time, someone gets on--and in each case, it's someone Will cares about who has been shot to death, making him think about what he's on his way to do and how it has come about.

Dang. Wow. Holy cow.

This book is POWERFUL.

It's written in verse--I know some people don't care for novels in verse, but I like them and this one is amazing. Each word is perfect. I've never actually heard of Jason Reynolds before, and after reading this book, I realize I've totally been missing out because he is a phenomenally talented writer. There are so many beautiful crafted passages in this book. Here are a couple favorites:

"I felt like crying
which felt like
 another person
trapped behind my face

tiny fists punching
the backs of my eyes
feet kicking
my throat at the spot
where the swallow starts."

"Another thing about the rules
They weren't meant to be broken.
They were meant for the broken

to follow."

"How do you small-talk your father
when 'dad' is a language so foreign
that whenever you try to say it,
it feels like you got a third lip
 and a second tongue?"

"Spent my whole damn life
missing a misser.
That disappointed me."

The message of this book is so powerful. It captures an important theme and event that will resonate with a lot of readers but the idea of the ghosts from Will's past visit in the elevator is so unique and really packs a punch. This book easily makes my Best of 2017 list. 5 stars.

Far from the Tree

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway

After giving up her baby for adoption, sixteen-year-old Grace finds herself interested in finding out more about her biological family. She discovers that she has an older brother, Joaquin, and a younger sister, Maya. She reaches out to them and finds that while they're willing to have a relationship with her, neither is interested in looking for their birth mother, something Grace feels driven to do. Maya, loud, strong-willed, and angry about her imploding home life, as her adoptive parents are separating and her adoptive mother's drinking is way out of control, is willing to let Grace and Joaquin in, but at the same time, she's pushing her adoptive family and her girlfriend away. Joaquin, unlike his sisters, wasn't adopted and has spent his life as a foster kid who knows how quickly he can be sent back. He doesn't blame anyone for that--he knows it's his fault--but as his current foster parents offer to adopt him, he can't let them do it, just like he couldn't let the girl he loved continue to be his girlfriend when she needed so much more than he has to offer.

I absolutely devoured this book! There's a LOT going on--teen pregnancy, tons of family issues, alcoholism, divorce, etc.--but it didn't get overwhelming or feel gratuitous. Also, with so much going on, there was the potential for it to be confusing or depressing, but it wasn't. Each character had a distinct voice and at the same time that there was a lot for them to work through and moments when it seemed like they were sabotaging themselves, there was also hope because of their relationships with each other and with secondary characters in the book. I was drawn to each of the characters--Grace, who is hurting and trying to figure out who she is and what to do after giving up her baby; Maya, who is pushing those she cares about away (She got annoying sometimes but in a totally realistic way!), and Joaquin who can't believe in his own worth (oh, he broke my heart. I loved him.) It was really beautiful to see the different family situations and to see the burgeoning relationship among the siblings, how they understand each other and connect with each other and even help each other heal. Loved it!

5 stars.

A List of Cages

A List of Cages
By Robin Roe

Julian is used to hiding out--whether at school or at home--but when Adam, a senior who was Julian's foster brother years ago is sent to escort Julian to the school counselor's office, Julian suddenly finds himself a lot more involved. Adam keeps inviting Julian to do things with him and his friends. For his part, Adam is excited to reconnect with the foster brother he didn't want to lose, but he quickly realizes that something isn't right about Julian's home life and has to figure out how he can help him. This book was totally engrossing; I read it in as close to one sitting as I could (breaking only when my kids forced me to pay attention them). I absolutely couldn't wait to find out how things played out. Told alternatively from Julian's and Adam's POV, it gives the reader a chance to care deeply about both boys--happy, friendly Adam, and shy, scared Julian, which I think is brilliant in keeping the balance just right. If it were just Julian, I think it'd be too heavy and dark; if it were just Adam, it wouldn't delve deeply enough into Julian's experiences (and, Julian definitely sounds younger than Adam--as he should since he's three years younger--and entire book in his voice would likely make it too young for the intended audience). It's not an easy read; what Julian goes through is scary and horrifying and hard to read, but it's also a story that needs to be told. There were some elements that frustrated me--I'd like to have known more about the motivations of certain characters and the ending wasn't quite enough for me--but it's one I won't be forgetting easily.

4 stars.

The Thing with Feathers

The Thing with Feathers
By McCall Hoyle

Emilie has been homeschooled for most of her life--and that's the way she likes it, because it means she doesn't have to worry about having a seizure in front of other people. So when her mom decides it's time for her to go to high school, Emilie absolutely doesn't want to go. Even when she starts to make friends--and even attracts the interest of super cute, super nice Chatham York, Emilie still thinks it'd be better to be homeschooled than to have to explain her epilepsy to anyone.

 Emilie's voice was realistic--her thoughts seemed very true to what someone in her situation would feel. And Chatham was just adorable. I loved seeing their developing relationship, but I also appreciated seeing Emilie's struggles to get along with her mother and her mother's new boyfriend. I think there are a lot of issues that will resonate with teen readers.

Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line
By Karen Witemeyer

When Grace Mallory's father uncovers evidence that a rich silver mine owner isn't actually his father's true heir, he is determined to give the evidence to the Pinkertons. Before he can, however, he's murdered and Grace has to find a way to hide herself--and figure out what evidence her father possessed. She finds safe harbor in Harper's Station, a women's colony, and sets up her life there working as a telegraph operator. Through her work, she becomes "friends" with a fellow operator, Mr. A. Although she has never met him in person, their after-hours telegraph conversations are dear to her. And when word comes down the line, Mr. A--Amos Bledsoe--shows up in Harper's Station to help the woman he's never met. Drawn to "Miss G" through their conversations, Amos has wanted to meet her--and when he realizes she's in danger, he heads out immediately to help her. Meeting her in person, he finds she's everything he hoped and more, and he'll do anything to keep her safe.

 I love all of Karen Witemeyer's books, and my favorite tends to be whichever one I just read, but this one might be hard to top. There are so many wonderful things about this book. I love the fact that Amos isn't the typical hero--he's not the strongest, handsomest guy around, but he just might be the sweetest. I love how he uses his strengths to help Grace. Grace is a terrific protagonist. I loved seeing their growing relationship and their friendship as they work to solve the mystery and try to keep Grace safe. The plot kept moving quickly and was very interesting, with twists and action and suspense; I love how the telegraph played such a big role. (Side note: one cool thing about the Harper's Station series is seeing women in their professions.) I also really, really, really loved the side-story with Helen. I can't say more without spoilers, but it was a great subplot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.

Although this is the second book in a series, you don't have to read the first one for this to make sense...but you should read the first one because it's a great book, too.

P.S. I Like You

P.S. I Like You
By Kasie West


Lily dreads chemistry--until she ends up exchanging notes with someone who totally seems to get her. They have the same taste in music and they can both banter back and forth and open up their hearts to each other. Lily both wants to know who he is--maybe he's even her crush, Lucas--and doesn't want to know, in case it ruins everything.
This book was just delightful. I felt like Lily was well-developed and realistic, and I enjoyed her quirkiness and sense of humor. I liked the other characters, too, and the letters back and forth were so fun to read--sweet and funny and special. I've really enjoyed all of Kasie West's books and can't wait for more.
4.5 stars.

A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove
Fredrik Backman

Having been forced to leave the job he had for over thirty years, there is nothing keeping Ove from joining his wife Sonja, who passed away a few months before. And that is just what he intends to do, but before he can, his new neighbors, Patrick (how doesn't know how to do anything practical, it seems), Parveneh (Patrick's pregnant Iranian wife, who quickly comes to rely on Ove for anything practical that needs to be done, despite the fact that everyone seems to think Ove is bitter, mean, cranky, etc,.), and their two daughters rope Ove into all sorts of projects and jobs and turn up at the most inopportune times. When Ove assists them, due to his innate sense of needing to do what is right and to do things the proper way, he ends up being drawn into helping others as well.

I've thrown a book against the wall and time or two before because I disliked it so much, but I don't think I've ever actually hugged a book before--but I have now. More than once I had to stop reading this book and wrap my arms around it because I loved it so much and because I couldn't hug Ove (for which he would be grateful I'm sure) for his cranky but honorable self, Parveneh for seeing something in him, Sonja for loving him as much as he loved her, the kids for accepting Ove as he is, Adrian for daring to think Ove is just the one to help, or one of the other endearing characters. I love, love, love them. And I loved the plot, seeing all things from Ove's past that made him who he is, and seeing all the things happening in the present that shape who he becomes. There are so many funny aspects to the book, but there is also a tenderness that makes it just unforgettable. I absolutely adore this book!

Hope for Christmas

Hope for Christmas
By Rachelle Christensen

Anika is trying desperately to make it through the Christmas season. She's got a seasonal job at Kenworth's department store, but even with the work, she's struggling to provide for herself and her four year old daughter Megan. With bills to pay, there isn't much money left for Christmas, but Anika is determined to find a way to make Christmas good for her daughter. When she bumps into Carlos Rodriguez, a handyman/carpenter doing some remodeling at Kenworth's, her first instinct is to avoid him. But Carlos is sweet and kind and persistent and seems to really care about her and her daughter, and soon Anika finds herself opening her heart a little.

Carlos is a terrific character; he's totally dreamy. I loved the fact that he's a blue-collar worker who finds practical ways to try to help Anika and Megan, not some rich guy who swoops in to save the day. That made the story both more realistic and more endearing for me than a story where the guy is loaded and it's easy for him to buy whatever the girl needs. I thought Anika and her fears and hesitations were well-developed. This is a great pick for a quick Christmas read. I received a free copy of the ebook from the author. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars.

All Hallows' Eve

All Hallows' Eve (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Of Ghosts and Gardens
by Sarah M. Eden
Burke Kennard stumbles across Enid Pryce when he visits her Welsh garden, trying to find out more about the ghost who is rumored to haunt the garden. A scholar of Welsh folklore, Burke is delighted to accept an invitation from Enid's family to stay until the ghost makes an appearance...but as he gets to know Enid, he finds himself wishing that the ghost will stay away so he has an excuse to be around Enid. Enid is hoping for the same thing, but neither gives voice to their feelings, instead focusing on figuring out the true identity of the ghost. Loved it. Enid was fun and delightful, and I loved seeing her interactions with Burke. There were some comical moments with the ghost, too. Five stars for this one.


It's You
by Annette Lyon
 Anna Brierley gets off to a rough start when she moves in with relatives: she sees a ghost who seems to know who she is, although she has no idea who the ghost is. When she starts to clean out a storage closet at the local church, she finds out the identity of the ghost--and the ghost appears to Charlie Beck as he's walking home, drawing him into the church where he meets Anna. Although initially frightened, Anna and Charlie determine to find out what they can about the ghost--and to make the most of their meeting each other. This story had a fun twist on what the ghost needed in order to find peace. I liked both Anna and Charlie, too. 5 stars.

Sophia's Curse
by Heather B. Moore
Every five years, a member of the Rousseau or Belrose families dies--and will continue to do so, according to Sophia's curse, until the families are united by marriage. Simon Rousseau has no intention of marrying and bringing a woman into his strange family curse, although he admits to being intrigued by the orphan Joan raised by nuns. When Joan encounters Monsieur Rousseau, she finds everything she knew about herself is wrong. This was an interesting mix of mystery and romance. Intriguing without being super creepy. 4.5 stars.

The Sirens' Song
by Lisa Mangum
Oliver, recently widow, is working as a doctor aboard a cruise ship and mourning his wife Cate's death. When a passenger goes overboard, Oliver jumps into save her--and then is captured by a siren and taken to an island where the sirens want to take his memories. His only chance at freedom would require him to give up his memories of Cate...and if he gives his best memory, he may just have a chance to see her one last time. Okay, after the other three stories--pretty straightforward historical fiction--I wasn't really prepared for this story. It just seemed weirder to me than the others (although, if I had read it first, it might not have stood out so much). I didn't enjoy it as much as the other stories; it just didn't pull me in the same way, although I did enjoy seeing Oliver's memories of Cate. 3.5 stars.

The Man of Her Dreams
by Jordan McCollum
Homicide detective Alex Steen dreams of the murders she goes on to solve, which is creepy enough, but when she has a dream where the murderer doesn't follow through, the change in the pattern is stranger still. And when she finds that the person who wasn't killed is none other than her ex's sister--and that her ex, Nick, was likely the intended target--she can't help but wonder what is going on. I wish this one had had a little more romance to go along with the mystery aspect; we didn't really get to see much of that, just pieces of Alex and Nick's broken past and a tiny hint at the future. 3.5 stars.

The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion
 by Elana Johnson
When Naomi goes to Millhouse mansion with its owner, Colt, she's just expecting to see the rocking horse his aunt wants restored--and if she's lucky, maybe she'll get to check out the house and somehow convince Colt to let her restore the house itself. She definitely isn't expecting to see ghosts--but she does...and Colt admits that he has seen them since he was a child. This was probably the creepiest of the stories, since the ghosts aren't exactly friendly. The romance between Naomi and Colt seemed rushed, and the twist before the ending was a little strange. Didn't completely work for me. 3.5 stars.

Overall, I loved the first three stories; I liked the final three but not nearly as much as the first three. All in all, it was a fun collection--and probably readers who like creepy stories and Halloween more than I do will appreciate the whole collection more than I did.

Page by Paige

Page by Paige

By Laura Lee Gulledge

Amulet Books, 2011. 1 volume (unpaged). Teen Graphic Novel

Summary:

The unfortunately named Paige Turner has just moved to New York from Virginia. While her parents are excited about the move, Paige isn't. She has a lot of emotions, doubts, and worries swirling around in her. She decides to start putting those feelings and dilemmas down on paper, opening herself up in her sketchbook. She also starts to realize the value in opening up to other people, including her friend Jules and cute Gabe, who has the potential to be more than a friend...
Fighting her insecurities is hard, but as she continues with her art and with building relationships, she finds a sense of empowerment and more inner peace.

Review:

This graphic novel is fantastic! I was blown away by the illustrations, which so fabulously illustrated Paige's inner turmoil. The prose was good, too, varying with Paige's varying emotions, from darker to buoyant. I love watching Paige and Gabe's unfolding romance--there were some truly awesome lines there (Anyone who can relate a relationship to Legos and "clickage" is super cook). I think this is my new favorite graphic novel, and I highly recommend it.

5 stars. There's a tiny bit of innuendo but it's otherwise clean.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Dutton Books, 2012. 318 pgs. Teen fiction

Summary:

Hazel has had cancer for several years; for her, "terminal illness" is a way of life. Although she is on a medication that is prolonging her life, she knows that death will come for her sooner rather than later, and she worries about how that will affect her parents and those around her. And when she meets Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, she contemplates her mortality even more, not wanting to be start a relationship with him knowing that it'll only be a matter of time before her death hurts him. Yet, as they spend time together, and as he helps her fulfill a life-long quest, they both unforgettable lessons about life and love.

Review:

After experiencing nothing but unmitigated loathing for Looking for Alaska, I was reluctant to ever read another book by John Green again. (I'm not saying he's not a good author, but he's not necessarily a good author for ME, so please don't be offended if you personally love him and everything he's ever written.) So, it took me a couple of times of checking this book out from the library before I actually opened it up and read it. And then I took the plunge, and I'm quite happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love (most of the time) the witty banter between Hazel and Augustus. I love the exploration of the meaning of life and love and how you deal with them in the very-present threat of death. This book was way better than I expected--and way better than most books I've read this year. It's beautiful and haunting and sweet and funny and sad, and I'm glad that I finally convinced myself to crack the cover.

4.5 stars. Some language, sex, and crude humor (but not an overwhelming amount).

Keep Holding On

Keep Holding On

By Susane Colasanti

Viking, 2012. 202 pgs.  Teen fiction

Summary:

Noelle's entire life is pretty much miserable. With her mother working a minimum wage  job, they're living on food stamps and barely able to pay their rent, never have enough to eat, and can't afford the sort of clothes that the rest of the kids at Noelle's school can afford. Her mother constantly complains about how Noelle ruined her life, and the kids at school aren't any better, having dropped her when her family's financial troubles started. For years, she's been bullied and teased, with only one friend standing by her. Now her secret crush Julian seems to be interested in her, but Noelle doesn't think she's good enough for him and is content to keep making out with her "boyfriend" Matt, who refuses to be seen in public with her. However, when tragedy strikes, Noelle decides enough is enough.

Review:

Colasanti has tackled an important topic here and this book is one that both those who are being bullied and those who do the bullying should read. She takes readers inside the pain and humiliation and hopelessness that Noelle, and anyone being bullied, feels, which would hopefully lead bullies to rethink their actions. But she also shows how Noelle chooses to rise above the bullying, which is an inspirational message for anyone being bullied.I thought the romance angle was actually a little weak, since we didn't really see much of the developing relationship between Julian and Noelle, but I recommend putting this one in the hands of just about any teen that you could get to read it.

4 stars. Some language, but it's not excessive. Also some making out, and a reference to if a guy ever got under Noelle's clothes to see her bra.

Applewhites at Wit's End

Applewhites at Wit's End

By Stephanie S. Tolan

Harper, 2012. 253 pgs. Middle Grade/Teen fiction

Summary:

The crazy Applewhite family, full of artists and originals (except for E.D., the responsible, organized, non-creative daughter), is in danger of losing their home, Wit's End, a former travel lodge turned home/personal studio for each family member. To prevent the financial crisis, E.D.'s father comes up with the idea to have a creative summer camp, with each family member, along with Jake, the former teen rebel who was placed at their home school after being kicked out everywhere else, teaching workshops and helping campers develop their inner artist. While the Applewhites band together and jump in, it might not be enough, as they soon find themselves dealing with cranky campers, threatening notes in the mailbox, and a government inspector roving the property. Will they be able to keep their home?

Review:

Although this is the sequel to Surviving the Applewhites, I think you could get the gist of the story without having read the first book. The Applewhites are funny and readers will want to join in the scheming as they try to save their home and learn to appreciate each other a little more. A good choice for tweens.

4 stars. Clean read.

Waiting

Waiting
By Carol Lynch Williams
Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2012. 335 pgs. Teen fiction

London and her older brother Zach were best friends, but then he died, and now, even several months later, she hasn't even begun to deal with it. Her father is busy, her mother will not even acknowledge London's presence, and no one has acknowledge how--or why--Zach's life is over. London has barely spoken to anyone for months, but when new girl Lili wants to strike up a friendship, and persists at it, and London's former boyfriend (and her brother's good friend) Taylor starts trying to spend time with her again, London starts to come to life a little bit again. However, she also starts to have feelings for Jesse, Lili's brother, and doesn't know how to start out all of the complicated feelings she has. And mixed up in all of this, London, the daughter of a missionary, questions her faith.

This novel in verse kinda has a lot going on, but Williams does it well. I was a little impatient with the unraveling of what happened to Zach, and why London feels so guilty about it (and actually 2/3 of the way through, wondered if I had missed something), but after sticking it out to the end, it did work out pretty well.

There's some discussion of teen sex (not detailed) and a little bit of language (the milder variety), so it's not squeaky clean, but it's milder than a lot of teen books.

3.5 stars.

The Notebook series

The Indigo Notebook
By Laura Resau
Delacorte Press, 2009. 324 pgs. Teen fiction

Fifteen-year-old Zeeta has lived all over the world, thanks to her free-spirited mother, who constantly moves them around the globe. When they move to Ecuador, Zeeta, who has always wished for a normal life, finds that she just might get it after all: her mother meets an American man, who specializes in organization, and seems to be settling down. Meanwhile, Zeeta meets a guy of her own: Wendall, a teenager from the U.S. who was adopted as a baby and has come to Ecuador to find his birth parents. As Zeeta helps him on his search, she is also searching to discover what it is that she really wants.

An interesting look at another culture, this book also provides readers with adventure, family issues, and a bit of romance. This highly enjoyable book is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more. A little bit of language, but overall fairly clean.

The Ruby Notebook
By Laura Resau
Delacorte Press, 2010. 373 pgs. YTeen

Sixteen-year-old Zeeta is living in France, the 16th country she and her flighty mother have lived in, which is something Zeeta deals with but also can't help resenting sometimes, as she's forced to leave behind friends, and she feels, even pieces of herself . This time should be different, though, because Zeeta's boyfriend Wendell is supposed to come to study art for two months, and Zeeta can't wait to be with him. However, before he gets there, she meets Jean-Claude, who sparks her interest even though she doesn't want him to, someone from her past begins slipping notes and gifts into her bag, and an elderly couple wants her to find a fountain of youth they believe is hidden in their town. Soon, Zeeta is on a quest not to find the water and the mysterious gift-giver but also to find herself.

This book started out a little slow for me, but once it got going, I really enjoyed Zeeta's quest, as well as her relationship struggles, and the symbolism woven into the book. It's more literary than a lot of teen literature but also still very accessible to readers. It's partially an introduction to a foreign culture, partially an invitation to be moved by characters and their journey, and completely lovely.

The Jade Notebook
By Laura Resau
Delacorte Press, 2012. 365 pgs. Teen fiction

After seventeen countries in seventeen years, Zeeta has finally found a place that feels like home to her in Mazunte, Mexico, which is also where Zeeta thinks her long-lost father might be from, and she's determined to find him . She and her flighty mother are managing cabanas and really feel like that this could be the place for them. Zeeta's boyfriend Wendell is there studying the sea turtles native to the area and everything seems to be going well, at first. But then they find out that the land they're living on is supposedly cursed, Wendell starts having visions of danger, and Zeeta finds out some things about her father that make her wonder what kind of person he really is. To make matters worse, poachers are stealing the eggs that the turtles are laying and no one will help Wendell and Zeeta save the turtles.

In the third and final (I think--I didn't actually read that anywhere, but this book had an epilogue that made it feel more "done" than the other books) book in the series, readers once again get to explore a new country. The descriptions of the turtles, the local people, and the food will make readers want to pack their bags and head to Mexico. I really enjoyed the mysteries wrapped up in the story--who the poachers are, who they can trust, and what's the truth about Zeeta's father--and how things played out. This is a satisfying series that probably doesn't get read enough.

Side note on this one: In many respects., I would consider this series to be realistic fiction...except for the fact that Wendell has these visions. I don't particularly believe in visions or ESP or anything like that. So, to me, that puts a fantastical element into the story. However, I know that there are those who do believe in these sorts of things--and quite often in indigenous cultures, this is something they firmly believe in, so to them, it's a reality. So where I see fantasy, they see reality...and I suppose the appropriate action then is to classify the book as realistic fiction...but I'm interested in what other people think about that. Would you classify it as realistic fiction?

4 stars. Apparently when I read the first book, I noticed some minor language but I don't remember it now. I didn't notice any in the third book. Zeeta and Wendell do have a fairly physical relationship (kissing a lot, laying down together), but there wasn't anything explicit or even anything that made me entirely certain they were having sex, although it could possibly be interpreted that way.

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale

Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale

By Rebecca H. Jamison

Bonneville Books, 2012. 233 pgs. Romance

Summary:

Eight years ago, Anne told Neil Wentworth she'd marry him. The next day, bowing under her parents' disapproval and her own fear that she didn't know how to have a happy marriage, especially after watching her parents' marriage dissolve, she broke it off. Though they went their separate ways, Anne never forgot him or found anyone else. Now, Neil's back and so are all of Anne's feelings. But with him dating a friendly acquaintance of hers--and showing no interest in her--she needs a distraction, which she finds in the form of rich Will Grandin. Yet, as much as Will pampers her, she can't quite fall for him, or stop herself from falling for Neil.

My opinion:

This modern retelling of Jane Austen's classic is delightful. Anne and Neil are refreshingly nice people, and readers will appreciate the way Jamison has built in back story to explain Anne's hesitation before and her continued dedication to her family now, even as they trample her. A great choice for those looking for a light read.

3.5 stars. Clean read.

Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
By Abby McDonald
Candlewick Press, 2012. 319 pgs. Teen fiction

From the moment she met him, Sadie knew that she and Garrett Delaney were destined to be together and have an epic love story. However, while he's been her best friend for the past couple years, his feelings have never ventured past the platonic stage. Sadie is determined that things will change this summer when they attend a writing camp together for six weeks--except she doesn't get accepted. Garrett goes without her and soon calls to tell her he's fallen in love with a girl at the writing camp, and Sadie realizes, with the help of some new friends and co-workers, that it's time for her to finally get over Garrett for good.

I was expecting something light and fluffy and fun, and in some ways, this book fits that description, but it also went deeper, as Sadie had to realize just how much she'd let her feelings for Garrett control her entire life and that she needs to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the book and Sadie's Garrett-detox process. Some language, but probably not enough to bother most readers.

3.5 stars.

Love? Maybe

Love? Maybe
By Heather Hepler
Dial Books, 2012. 267 pgs. Teen fiction

Piper, born on Valentine’s Day, is quite cynical when it comes to love. When her friend Claire gets dumped just before V-day, their friend Jillian decides they need a Plan that will help them all secure dates by V-day. Although reluctant, Piper goes along with The Plan for Claire's sake, and soon, she's managed to attract the attention of her long-time crush. However, even as things seem to be going well with him, and the candy (Consternation Hearts) she created at the shop where she works are super popular, Piper can't quite shake her cynicism. In spite of everything, though, maybe she’ll find love after all.

This is a sweet (pun intended) read, that, while it takes place around Valentine's Day, can be enjoyed by readers year round. While it's a little on the fluffy side, it also has some depth as we see the experiences in Piper's life that have made her cynical about love and her wake up call to realize that things don't always have to go wrong in love.

3.5 stars. Clean read.

How to Save a Life

How to Save a Life
By Sarah Zarr
Little, Brown, 2011. 341 pgs. Teen fiction

Jill is a senior in high school when her mother decides she's going to adopt a baby; via the internet she has "met" a young mother who is willing to give up her baby, but she wants it done without lawyers and agencies. Jill has tried to convince her mother that this is a bad idea, that she's just grieving for her late husband and that she can't just impulsively adopt a child. And yet, her mother invites Mandy to come stay with them in the weeks before the delivery. At first, Jill, who has cut herself off from pretty much everyone since her father's death, can't stand Mandy or the idea of her being there, and she's certain Mandy isn't telling the truth about a lot of stuff (and she isn't). And yet, as the time passes, it turns out that Mandy and her baby might be exactly what Jill and her mother need.

Jill and Mandy alternately narrate this novel of love and healing and hope. Each girl has struggles that readers, although perhaps not in the exact same situation, will be able to relate to and will be able to take hope from the changes and healing that come about for the two protagonists. Both girls have moments when they're frustrating, but it never goes over the top, which means Zarr nailed the personality of the normal teenager without antagonizing readers. There's some language and off-screen sex, and it tackles hard issues so it's probably best for mature readers. I'd be putting off reading this one for months for some reason (maybe because I didn't particularly like Zarr's book Sweethearts), but I'm definitely glad it made it's way to the top of my list. It's a rewarding book for those who looking for a little insight into life and love. It's also the sort of book that invites you to compassion--I think I might have sided with Jill on some things (like it being really weird for a mom to invite a pregnant teenager to their home without getting more information and stuff), and I tend to be a little judgmental myself, like Jill, and so as a reader, it was good for me to be able to see Mandy's point of view and gain a little compassion and be able to grow along with Jill.

I listened to the downloadable audiobook. The narrator who did Mandy's voice was a little grating at first but grew on me by the end; the narrator for Jill's voice was very good.

4 stars.

Rock On

Rock On
By Denise Vega
Little, Brown and Company, 2012. 296 pgs. Teen fiction (I read the ARC)

Orion Taylor, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for a band without a name, is looking forward to buying his dream guitar and playing in the Battle of the Bands. However, his older brother, Del, who used to be the type to always get Ori's back, now, having dropped out of college and moved back home, can't seem to stand Ori. He mocks his music and his band and seems out to get the girl Orion likes. Tired of being in his brother's shadow, but not quite confident enough to truly believe good things will happen to him, Orion is just trying to make music--and make his dreams come true.

Another good addition to contemporary realistic fiction with a teen protagonist. I really liked Orion; he's a down to earth, relate-able type of guy. This is the sort of book that's easy to hand to teens because everyone can identify with the struggle for confidence and believing in yourself and your dreams enough to make them happy.

4 stars. Minimal language but otherwise clean.