Are you the A side or the B side?

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children

By: Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Genre: YA LGBTQ

Pages: 262

Published: 2012

Read: April

4 out of 5

This was a well-written book on a very sensitive topic. It was informative and entertaining, while still being political correct. I loved how the story showed several sides of Gabe (AKA Liz) and how his family and friends grew to understand him better. I liked how it approached the transsexual issue realistically without too much drama. The music aspect was an added bonus, and I definitely loved the chapter titles. I would be interested in reading about the next chapter in Gabe’s life. This would be a good book for friends of gender confused individuals. I did read the author’s note and although I appreciate that she defined some important terms, I disagreed with some of her opinions. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion especially on controversial topics.   

A Unique Writing Style..

The Wives of Los Alamos

By: TaraShea Nesbit

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 240

Published: 2014

Read: April

3 out of 5

I have never read a book quite like this. Not only is it all written in pronouns, but it is always in the plural form. It was very unique and definitely serviced the author's purpose. The use of personal plural pronouns demonstrated that while the wives were individuals, they were always considered as one, their choices were limited, and they connected with each other as one. They may have immigrated from different places and have completely different backgrounds, but they must unite now.  The book itself is repetitive in parts and I often craved more details, due to the structure of writing everything was generalized.

An action adventure YA book

Boy Nobody

By: Allen Zadoff

Genre: YA action/adventure

Pages: 337

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 6 CD’s (7 hrs and 36 mins)

Read: April

2 out of 5

I have to admit I listened to this on my Ipod while working, so it never received my full attention. This is the first and last time I listen to a book at work. There are too many disruptions and you simply are unable to pause it every time needed, so you inadvertently miss bits and pieces. Hence, I may have appreciated the story more if I read it or listened to it in my car. I do believe this book may be a good choice for reluctant high school readers and definitely will interest male readers. The content will interest both the older and younger teens, but I felt the level of reading and writing style is appropriate for middle school. The audio was great, plus I feel the book would make a very good action film. There is at least one sequel to this book coming out in June 2014, The Lost Mission.

By the well-known author of American Born Chinese

Saints

By: Gene Luen Yang

Genre: YA graphic novel

Pages: 170

Published: 2013

Read: April

3 out of 5

I had a hard time rating this book. There were some parts that I didn’t really understand, so I can’t say I loved or even really liked the book. However, I love the artwork and how it fit the story so well. I also have to give the author a great deal of credit for writing about such a controversial issue, religion, in a main stream YA book. I love his honest, but blunt approach on the subject with a touch of humor. For these reasons and the fact that I found it easier to follow than American Born Chinese I feel it deserves at least 3 stars. When I choose to read it, I thought that Boxers and Saints were companion novels so I read Saints (which is actually supposed to be read second) first. I may eventually read Boxers, but I am not making it a priority.

A multicultural novel with recipes

Like Water for Chocolate

By: Laura Esquivel

Genre: mystical realism

Pages: 224

Published: 1993

Read: April

2.5 out of 5

I have come to realize I should not reread books as I never seem to enjoy them as much the second time around. Either that or since the first reading, I have become exposed to that much better of books. The first time I read this novel I rated in 4 stars. While the writing itself still good and I loved how recipes were entwined with story , I had a problem with the actual story. Maybe it’s the female authors stereotyping but why must the men think they can marry someone else, but still have relations with their true love. In this story and The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom both the protagonists remained unmarried hoping one day they would be able to marry their true love. While the men married others anyway and then kept their true love on the side. In the end, I wish I wouldn’t have reread this and kept believing this was a better book. 

Another Dubus III novel

Dirty Love

By: Andre Dubus III

Genre: fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2013

Read: April

3.5 out of 5

This novel is a collection of short stories. I do not normally like short stories, so I have conflicting feelings on this book.  I am a huge fan of Dubus’s writing style and this latest book does not disappoint.  The stories, for the most part, are complete, interesting and entertaining. I have always enjoyed Dubus’s ability to shock me; maybe not with the main plot – sometimes as small as a character’s reaction, but it’s always there.  I kept expecting the shocker to be revealed in the entwining of the novellas, but instead the stories barely touch. I was waiting for something more, especially with this description, “In these linked novellas in which characters walk out the back door of one story and into the next… (summary on book jacket)”.  I’m still a huge fan of Dubus and give Dirty Love a “better than average” star rating.

A YA Satire...

Beauty Queens

By: Libba Bray

Genre: YA fiction

Pages: 396

Published: 2011

Audiobook: 12 CD’s (14 hrs 28 mins)

Read: April

1 out of 5

I had the honor of hearing Bray speak in 2012. She has great character and quite a sense of humor, so maybe I should have expected this. However, the only other book of Bray’s I read is The Diviner’s, which was not a slapstick book.  The Diviner’s may have been a slow start, but it was thought-provoking, well thought-out with a well-developed plot. This one was a painful read. I realize that this book was a satire, but it followed no structure, made no sense, and was plain old stupid. The cover and description should have been my clue to knowing this would NOT be a book for me (Yes, I also dislike Jim Carey!) There were a few and only a few laughable moments – but then the commercial breaks, pirate rock stars, and not-very-funny footnotes ruined those moments too. The only redeeming quality was that Bray read it herself and she has a great voice with lots of character.  I may finish The Diviner’s trilogy, but I will not be reading anymore Bray.  

Disappointing historical fiction...

The Kitchen House

By: Kathleen Grissom

Genre: adult fiction

Pages: 369

Published: 2010

Read: April

2.5 out of 5

I loved The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I was very excited to read a book that was said to be similar and as great. WHAT a disappointment! This book had SO much drama and stereotypes it was pathetic. Grissom had the materials to write a great novel, but I only realized this after reading the author's note. With that much drama she should have limited the characters so the reader would actually be able to keep straight who slept with whom.  I know it's a fact that slave owners took advantage of the slave women, but Ben was a disgrace to all men alive and Belle needed to grow up and get a backbone. The only reason I gave it 2.5 stars is for the character Lavinia - she was a strong woman and the only one who stood up for her beliefs.   

With only 97 pages, this is the best story of 2014

84, Charing Cross Road

By: Helene Hanff

Genre: nonfiction novella

Pages: 97

Published: 1990

Read: April

5 out of 5

A true treasure for all book lovers!! At first, I thought Hanff was a rude selfish woman, but quickly learned to love her sarcastic humor.  Taking place when food rations were among their highest in London, Hanff is an extremely unselfish person. She JUST loves her books. I could relate to a lot of her feelings and relationships with her books. Her correspondence and friendship with book seller, Frank Doel  which started over a request for a rare edition of a book spans over 20 years. This lovely novella, told through the letters written, will touch every book lover and make you cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STORY!

An LGBTQ YA novel

If You Could Be Mine

By: Sara Farizan

Genre: YA - LGBTQ

Pages: 247

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 5 CD's (5 hours 25 mins)

Read: April

2 out of 5

After listening to this novel, I realized that I love listening to multicultural novels. Having a narrator with an authentic voice definitely enhances and brings the story to life.  The audio was the only redeeming quality of this story; it was too far-fetched and unbelievable.  The storyline had potential, but it fell flat - protagonist was too naïve (yes, even for 17) and unlikable. Farizan could have redeemed herself even after the climax, but I felt the story just rushed to the end. The controversial issue of sex reassignment should not have been handled so light-heartedly and, in my opinion, carelessly.  Farizan’s purpose may have been to approach a serious topic with a fun undertone; then she should have made the characters likeable and not quite so naïve. These two important, yet failed, aspects did not flow well together.

Rediscovered a great author...

The Garden of Last Days

By: Andre Dubus III

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 544

Published: 2008

Read: April

4.5 out of 5

I recently recommended House of Sand and Fog to a coworker and it reminded me how much I enjoyed it. So I looked up the author for more of his novels. Dubus III outdid himself again with this story. I love when authors have a distinct writing style all of their own, yet their stories differ greatly.  I love Dubus III's writing style and reminds me a little bit of James Frey.  This entire book takes place over 5 days in September 2001, even though a lengthy book it is extremely fast-paced and never has a dull moment. Some aspects of the story the reader is able to predict before the characters discover the truth, but that doesn't stop the thrill of this book.  I plan to read the rest of his novels now that I rediscovered Andre Dubus III.

The Story of Annie Frank - Graphically

Anne Frank

By: Elizabeth Hudson-Goff

Genre: Juvenile Graphic Novel

Pages: 32

Published: 2006

Read: April

3 out of 5

I have been into reading biographical graphic novels, so I was excited when I saw this one come across my desk.  I loved the Diary of Anne Frank and this story focused on the when and whys Anne started the diary. Her father played a part in the telling of the story as well.  Like most nonfiction graphic novels, the story provided a quick brief overview of a true event, which is an excellent tool to gain interest in a topic. I think this would be an appropriate story for 7 to 10 year old. However, I was disappointed in the artwork. I actually think given the time period the story took place it, the artwork would have been awesome in black and white.

By the author of Eleanor & Park!!

Fangirl

By: Rainbow Rowell

Genre: YA fiction

Pages: 438

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 10 CD's (13 hours)

Read: April

3 out of 5

This novel follows twin sisters, Cath and Wren,  during their first year away at college.  Creatively entwined in their life is the story of  Baz and Simon, characters from a children's series, Simon Snow.  Although the second story foreshadows the main plot I found it rather boring. And I did not like listening to Cath read chapter after chapter of her fanfiction, Carry On. I thought Rowell, once again, had very well developed characters and I and I wanted more of them not Simon Snow.  I feel the book could have been more appealing with mention of Simon Snow (it is important to the story), but didn't need the actual script. Not nearly as good as Rowell's Eleanor and Park.

Tragedy in Cambodia

Never Fall Down

By: Patricia McCormick

Genre: YA Historical fiction

Pages: 216

Published: 2012

Read: April

4 out of 5

The more I read the more I realize I really enjoy historical fiction. This novel is based on true events and the majority is indeed nonfiction (as noted in author's note), but some details were enhanced by her own  imagination. I, once again, learned more on our world's (horrific) history which as tragic as this story is I enjoy actually learning while reading. My favorite aspect was the author's ability to write using the authentic voice of Arn Chorn-Pond; it enhanced the realism of Arn's story. I was disappointed that his story starts in 1975 and is considered historical fiction - reality hurts!

The Third in the Unwind Dystology!!

UnSouled

By: Neil Shusterman

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 404

Published: 2013

Read: April

3.5 out of 5

This book is a hard one for me to rate. I LOVED the first two so much that I wanted to give this one a great rating as well. However, I felt this book lacked the action-packed twists the first two shared. Although adventures and discoveries occurred, in the end the teens weren’t much farther ahead. I also felt the readers didn’t learn any more about the main characters – no more development or growth. I will definitely read the last book in the series when released in October, 2014, however I am hoping Shusterman ends the series with a bang and the well-developed plot and characters reappear!  I’m thinking that UnSouled may have been just a filler story.    

A tiny aspect of the aftermath of Pearl Harbor

When the Emperor was Divine

By: Julie Otsuka

Genre: historical fiction

Pages: 144

Published: 2003

Read: April

4 out of 5

What I loved most about this story was that each of the 5 chapters was told from a different family member’s perspective. Told chronologically through one Japanese family’s experience of the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack – from the news of evacuation (mother), the train ride (the daughter), the camp (the son), arriving home (family), to the father’s reunion (the father) – this novel is a true eye opener. Otsuka gracefully tells this fictional family’s story of one of the world’s most tragic events.  I loved the strength, uniqueness, and bluntness of each character.  It took a long time to get adjusted to all the main characters not having names, but then I realized it was probably because this could have been any family and not a specific family.