Tag Archive | determination

G for Great, by Sara Benincasa (book review) – love, longing, and lies

Apr8

book cover of Great by Sara Benincasa published by Harper TeenThwarted love,
desperate love,
lies, lies, obsession, and lies…

Glitz, glamor, and money only go so far in covering secrets which don’t want to stay hidden in this nowadays retelling of The Great Gatsby.

Just published today, look for Great  in your local library or favorite independent bookstore as you roller-coaster through one summer in the Hamptons.

What classics-retold have you read lately?
**kmm

Book info:  Great / Sara Benincasa. Harper Teen, 2014.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk:  Naomi didn’t like summers with her baker/celebrity mom in the so-snobby Hamptons, but she never dreamed that the second-nature posing and lies of the rich teens there would move from foolish to fatal.

This summer began strangely enough when Naomi found herself helicoptering from NYC with the senator’s daughter Delilah, her boyfriend Teddy, and cute classmate Jeff. Then she discovered that mysterious Jacinta had leased the huge, fabulous house next door, planning extravagant parties which made teens clamor for invitations

Naomi did think it odd that Jacinta, whose exclusive teen fashion blog has a huge following, actually begged her for an introduction to Delilah, subject of the blogger’s fashion show photo spreads with much commentary.

Drinking and drugs, crazy driving and worse behavior – just another summer for these Hampton teens, until Teddy starts objecting to Delilah and Jacinta spending so much time together. Old secrets bubble to the surface, new secrets erupt with dire consequences, and Naomi wonders if any of them will make it to their senior year of high school unscathed.

A wry retelling of The Great Gatsby with social media, a foodie IPO, and fashion designer name-dropping thrown in for good measure. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

E for Margarita Engle’s novel-in-verse Mountain Dog (book review)

Apr5

book cover of Mountain Dog by Margarita Engle published by Henry Holt Books for Young ReadersDogs who fight.
Dogs who save.
People worth saving?

As frightened Tony, calm great-uncle Tio, and eager search-dog-in-training Gabe learn how to live together in the mountains, the lyrical musings of boy and dog bring us the highs and lows of life without Mom.

Read Tony’s impressions of meeting Gabe for the first time here, then visit your local library or independent bookstore to get Mountain Dog  so you can read Gabe’s all-dog responses to having a new guy to love (and to teach to scratch him in just the right place) and to roam with in the Sierra Nevada forest.

Can you hear poetry from the animals in your life?
**kmm

Book info: Mountain Dog / Margarita Engle; illustrations by Olga & Aleksey Ivanov. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2013. [author site]  [artists’ site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Tony isn’t sure about living with his great-uncle in a mountain cabin while his mom is in jail – until the eleven year old meets new search-and-rescue dog Gabe.

As he gets used to whispering pines instead of gunshots and arguments, Tony helps Tio train Gabe to search on command and makes friends at the old country school.

Tony’s mom made dogs fight for money; her uncle Tio helps dogs rescue the lost as a volunteer. Tio escaped from Cuba and poverty; can Tony escape the barrio forever?

Maybe tail-wagging Gabe can rescue Tony from his sadness…

Alternating chapters bring reflections from Tony and from Gabe as this novel-in-verse explores choice, forgiveness, and hope. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

D is Dane & dads & other Dead Ends, by Erin Jade Lange (book review)

Apr4

book cover of Dead Ends by Erin Jade Lange published by BloomsburyNo dad – no big deal or no rest until he’s found?

If his single mom would start cashing in her winning lottery tickets instead of framing them, Dane wouldn’t be the poor kid in school, so ready with his fists.

If Billy D’s dad had stayed with his family, everything would be wonderful, believes the teen with Down syndrome.

If Dane and Billy D had listened to their friend Seely, they wouldn’t be in trouble as they hunted for Billy D’s dad – big, big trouble.

Listening to Dane explain everyday sayings to so-literal Billy D makes for some light moments in this very tense story.

When do you decide that it’s time to finally stop searching for something?
**kmm

Book info: Dead Ends / Erin Jade Lange. Bloomsbury, 2013. [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: A school-assigned partnership leads to a road trip with huge consequences for bully Dane and bullied Billy D.

If walking the new special ed kid to school will keep Dane from being expelled for fighting, he’ll do it. If showing Dane and Seely the clues in his atlas will help him find his dad again, Billy D will do it.

Dane gave up on finding his dad long ago, Seely’s two dads have taught her freedom and responsibility, and Billy D is utterly certain that his dad left those atlas clues so he can be found.

After traveling with Seely uncover more information, Billy D insists that Dane take him one more place to look for his dad… but forgets to share some vital information.

Expectations, high and low, create anxious situations for these teens and their families – will all their searching just lead to Dead Ends?  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

C is Callie, wondering Where the Stars Still Shine – by Trish Doller (book review)

Apr3

book cover of Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller published by BloomsburyKidnapped by her mom,
her new family is her real family,
how to erase a decade of lies?

After years on the run with her mom, Callie is suddenly taken to Tarpon Springs to live with her dad and his new family, plus their extended Greek family and uncomfortable truths which she can’t share (but Alex keeps worrying).

Check your favorite local library or independent bookstore to discover the rest of this tough and fragile 17 year old’s story (and meet handsome guy Alex, too).

How far should we go to keep secrets when the truth is more dangerous?
**kmm

p.s. No affiliate links *ever* on BooksYALove!

Book info:  Where the Stars Still Shine / Trish Doller. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Returned to her family 12 years after being kidnapped by her mom, Callie has to learn how to love them and herself, even after what happened to her on the road.

Never started high school, so she won’t attend her mom and dad’s alma mater. Never stayed anywhere long enough to have a boyfriend, but…

Just as Callie’s getting comfortable with Dad’s family and cute Alex, Mom blows into Tarpon Springs – will her eccentric behavior always haunt the teen?  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

B is being a Little Fish, by Ramsey Beyer (book review) – art school graphic novel

Apr2

book cover of Little Fish by Ramsey Beyer published by Zest BooksSmall-town art dreams,
Big-city college realities,
Can she really make it in art school?

Opening her memorabilia box filled with journals, ‘zines, sketches and lists from freshman year of art school inspired Ramsey to tell her own story in this graphic novel of self-discovery.

What scares you about starting something new?
**kmm

Book info: Little Fish: a Memoir From a Different Kind of Year / Ramsey Beyer. Zest Books, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: After graduation, Ramsey is oh-so ready to leave her small Michigan town for art school in Baltimore… isn’t she?

This graphic novel uses pages from the young artist’s actual journals, lists, ‘zines, and cartoons to show how she conquered her freshman fears to make friends, explore her new city, and expand her personal and artistic horizons in this memoir chronicling ups, downs, detours, discoveries, and distractions. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

A is Americus, by MK Reed & Jonathan Hill (book review) – no ban for his favorite book!

Apr1

book cover of Americus by MK Reed, art by Jonathan Hill published by First Second Books“Fantasy books are the devil’s work!”
“Freedom to read is every American’s right!”

Neil’s freshman year won’t be the same without his best friend Danny whose ultra-religious mom banishes him to military school for reading an Apathea Ravenchilde book and stating his personal beliefs.

This graphic novel has belligerent book-banners, the same bullies from junior high, a courageous youth librarian, Neil’s intro to punk rock, and excerpts from fantasy books that readers will wish were real.

Welcome, AtoZers – got a banned book story to share?
**kmm

Book info:  Americus / written by MK Reed; art by Jonathan Hill. First Second Books, 2011. [author site]   [artist site]   [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Neil misses his best friend and their mutual love for Ravenchilde books when Danny’s Bible-thumping mom sends him to military school for reading a fantasy book.

When she tries to have the series banned from their Oklahoma town’s library, the high school freshman decides to stand up against censorship and maybe even against being bullied himself in this graphic novel celebrating our freedom to read. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

TBR2014 progress + ready for AtoZ April Challenge

Mar31

I made a bit of progress on my To-Be-Recommended shelf of pre-2014 titles, highlighting these gems in March  (click each link to open my no-spoiler review in a new tab/window):

book cover of Golden by Jessi Kirby published by Simon & Schuster BFYRbook cover of Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance published by EgmontThe mystery surrounding the decade-ago disappearance of her small-town’s Golden  couple sets Parker on a quest outside her comfort zone.

Is anything really the way it appears in Southern California? The teen investigators in Spies and Prejudice  think not, but disagree on who’s right.

So far in 2014, I’ve recommended 10 of my targeted 50+ pre-2014 titles for this year’s Bookish 2014 TBR Reading Challenge.

I’ll really make TBR progress during the AtoZ April Challenge, as I blog 26 books in 26 days, starting tomorrow on an A through Z setup with 1,600+ other bloggers; most of these books are 2013s with just a few new releases thrown in.

Ready for some great reads? Stay tuned!
**kmm

The Summer of Letting Go, by Gae Polisner (book review) – missing her brother, forgiving herself?

Mar28

book cover of Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner published by Algonquin Young Readers | recommended on BooksYALove.comIf only she’d watched more carefully,
she’d still have her little brother,
still have her mother’s love…

Francesca’s crush is now dating her best friend, the beach is off-limits, Dad’s acting strange around their pretty neighbor – this summer will be terrible.

Then little Frankie Sky jumps into big Frankie’s life, and she hears her dead brother’s voice once more… coincidence??

Just published Tuesday, The Summer of Letting Go  is a handkerchief-required read with a hopeful streak.

Do you know when to let go and forgive yourself?
**kmm

Book info: The Summer of Letting Go / Gae Polisner. Algonquin Young Readers, 2014.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk:  When a little boy leaps into the pool, Francesca’s afraid he’ll drown just like her young brother did at the beach. But Frankie Sky is okay and says such Simon-like things that she starts researching reincarnation… anything to keep her mind off her best friend’s boyfriend (or her depressed mom or her possibly straying dad).

Is some of Simon’s soul inside Frankie Sky?

If she can explore tidal pools with Bradley as Lisette swims, if she can hear Simon’s voice again through Frankie, Francesca might return to the beach where Simon was swept away as she watched him, might find some way to move on and love herself again. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students, by Mignon Fogarty (book review)

Mar26

book cover of Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students by Mignon Fogarty published by St Martins GriffinBetween or among?
There, their, they’re?
I wonder if an indirect question needs a question mark.

Ah, springtime and term papers… what a crazy combination! You can keep the red editing marks from marring your work by consulting a friendly voice in the writing wilderness: Grammar Girl.

Among Mignon Fogarty’s many helpful books on writing, grammar, and word usage is Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students. Check it out at your local library, then buy your own personal copy from your favorite indie bookstore.

Now, about when to use as versus like…
**kmm

Book info: Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students / Mignon Fogarty; illustrations by Erwin Haya. St. Martins Griffin, 2011.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Whether you’re writing a school report or fanfic with a twist, knowing how to use grammar properly will ensure that you are truly understood. Mignon Fogarty brings her trademark clarity to student writing with this fun and funny guide.

Revisit parts of speech and sentence types, “punch up your punctuation” (how do those quotation marks mix with the rest?), and dive into the whole editing/rewriting process with Grammar Girl’s easy-reading mix of explanations, writing samples, pop quizzes, and Quick and Dirty Tips (like when to use they’re, their, or there).

Aardvark and his pet snail Squiggly act out key concepts for visual reinforcements, and the written examples can be hilarious: “Squiggly presumed that Grammar Girl would flinch when she saw the word misspelled as alot.”

To improve your writing and laugh along the way, get a copy of Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students now – your readers and teachers will thank you! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Golden, by Jessi Kirby (book review) – secrets to unravel, mystery or misfortune?

Mar24

book cover of Golden by Jessi Kirby published by Simon & Schuster BFYR“Tell me, what do you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
– Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

When live-by-the-rules Parker is reminded that last decade’s golden couple died under mysterious circumstances after their high school graduation, she decides to finally take chances and trust her instincts to find out more.

A California mystery, like Jessi Kirby’s earlier Moonglass  (my no-spoiler review here), and a road trip, like the author’s In Honor  (my review here) – what will Parker discover about Julianna and Shane…and herself?

Read an excerpt of Golden here free, then check it out at your local library or independent bookstore.

“Nothing gold can stay,” said Robert Frost, but is that always true?
**kmm

Book info: Golden / Jessi Kirby. Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2013. [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: A missing girl’s senior journal inspires by-the-rules Parker to investigate a tragic mystery instead of ensuring her own scholarship dreams.

Ten years ago, Julianna and Shane’s car slid into the icy lake, and the school’s “golden couple” was declared missing.

While helping her English teacher mail that class their journals, Parker discovers that Julianna’s family left no forwarding address when they moved away after her death.

Embracing her best friend Kat’s admonition to “do something unpredictable for once” instead of working on scholarships, Parker opens the sealed envelope, reads Julianna’s hopes, and sets out to find answers to the questions there.

Wait! So good-girl Parker skips school for a road trip?
Shane’s family whitewashes the truth?
The golden couple’s love wasn’t so gleaming?

Whatever truths she finds about Shane and Julianna, Parker must also decide whether she truly shares her mother’s dreams for her future.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)