I was surprised by how much I loved this book!

I Hate Myselfie

By: Shane Dawson

Genre: Autobiography/ humor

Pages: 228

Published: 2015

Read: November

5 out of 5

I usually do not read humor books. I also don't particularly enjoy short stories. However, this book is hilarious. I was not aware there were "youtubers" out there and definitely not youtubers that also write books.

A few of my regular teens requested I purchase some of their books. Not knowing what they were about, I wanted to read one first. While I recommend this book to readers that have a (sick) sense of humor, I do not recommend these particular book to teens.  

A book for young middle schoolers on transgender identity

George

By: Alex Gino

Genre: Juvenile Realistic Fiction

Pages: 240

Published: 2015

Read: November

4 out of 5

This book covers an important, but controversial topic. The truth is that books covering touchy subjects, such as homosexuality and transgender, DO need to be written for the young ages.  

I am not one for censoring what kids read, however this one may cover a subject that some kids (grades 3-6) have never heard of or thought was possible - feeling trapped in the wrong gender's body. As a parent, I would allow my 9 year old to read, but would want to be aware he is reading it. This is so we could discuss together and I could answer any questions he may have. Unfortunately, the cover of the book is so dang cute a parent may not even consider that the book would cover a difficult subject.

This book is very well written and age appropriate - Booklist Starred review. I believe its a great one for libraries to own. However I felt the only downfall was that the premise involves a drama production. This was too cliche for me. I prefer when authors avoid stereotypes. 

A Fiction novel intertwined with nonfiction

Left Neglected

By: Lisa Genova

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 324

Published: 2011

Read: September

3 out of 5

I have mixed feelings about this book. I did not care for the story or the characters. However, I love reading fictional novels that are based on historical events or that encompass other factual information. I enjoy gaining knowledge while reading a fictional story, plus it makes it easier to retain. This book definitely did that for me for a number of reasons. I was unaware that Lisa Genova has a PhD in neuroscience which added a lot of value to what I learned. I have never heard of Left Neglect and didn’t believe it was a real disability until I read the author’s note at the end. Second, I was enthralled by the strategies they used for Charlie’s ADHD. My stepson has ADHD and it helps to know that we are practicing some of the same methods. I love the “marbles in a cup” idea! Lastly, with having very limited use of my entire right side I have some similar feelings that Sarah does. As I pictured her trying to cope with her absent left side, I continually envisioned my right side, as though it was the left. The strange thing was I DID feel it was actually my left. For example, when Sarah would say “Look left, scan left, go left” I saw her doing the motions on the right side. This happened throughout the entire book until the very end when all of a sudden it hit me that I was envisioning it incorrectly. Whether it was caused by the mirror effect or my own disability being on the right side of my body I don’t know, but it was a strange sensation once I realized my mistake. 

Raw and real emotion

Boys Like You

By: Juliana Stone

Genre: YA realistic fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2014

Read: September

4 out of 5

Broken girl meets broken boy…Can they save each other? Although a little unbelievable that Monroe and Nathan are dealing with such similar issues at exactly the same time they meet; it COULD happen. Some readers may not notice or care about that convenience; and once the rest of us let it go you will feel the raw and real emotions of the teens.  If I had read this book when in high school, I would have absorbed the book with my tears and made it one of my top ten books. With that being said, I do believe the closer in age the reader is to characters the more attached to the book they will be. It is a quick read that is well deserving of the Teens’ Top Ten nomination.

NOT ENOUGH ADVENTURE

Unhinged

By: A.G. Howards

Genre: YA fantasy

Pages: 387

Published: 2014

Read: September

2 out of 5

The first two books in this trilogy were back-to-back nominees for Teens’ Top Ten. Although at the beginning of Unhinged I was more engrossed than Splintered I quickly lost interest. I struggled to finish the book. The quality of writing was still there and the story wasn’t rushed, but I feel this particular adventure isn’t unique or interesting enough to be a nominee. There were no new characters introduced or any twists on Alice in Wonderland. I am not saying it’s a bad book, some may like it, but I definitely read better books that should have been nominated. My biggest issue with this award is that sequels can be nominated therefore, I’m worried that the final book, Ensnared, will make the list next year.  

A Wonderland for boys and girls alike!!

Circus Mirandus

By: Cassie Beasley

Genre: Juvenile fantasy

Pages: 304

Published: 2015

Read: August

4 out of 5

This reminded of a circus version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - what a WONDERLAND for boys and girls alike. As an adult reading the book, it reinforced how important it is to stay in touch with your own imagination and encourage others to do the same. It can be a POWERFUL thing.  Beasley not only draws out your imagination, but creates friends for you in the characters. Enter the circus and meet an elephant who does math or what about an invisible tiger - just let your imagination guide you. Micah along with his dying grandpa believe even if others in their lives feel differently. Do you?

I'm hoping Beasley will take us on another journey to Circus Mirandus again soon.

I hope this makes the Teens' Top Ten

Let’s Get Lost

By: Adi Alsaid

Genre: YA Realistic fiction

Pages: 338

Published: 2014

Read: August

5 out of 5

I hope this book is chosen by the teens as one of the TOP TEN of 2014. I loved it and was able to reminisce about my long ago teen years. At first, I was skeptical because to me it read as short stories; just with one consistent character. However, I was quickly absorbed into the lives of the characters and the story. Leila is driving cross country to see the Northern Lights and tells about the four teens she meets along the way. Each teen has their own unique drama and through their time spent with Leila they are able to learn a little about themselves. I liked that each teen’s issue was not magical solved and wrapped up in a bow, rather Leila and their adventures together helped them start walking down the correct road. I believe teens and adults will enjoy this book because it shows that if you talk to peers it helps; but even more so because the teens’ crazy and wild adventures are carefree and sometimes reckless  the reader can live the adventure with Leila, Hudson, Bree, Elliot, and Sonia even if they would never attempt them themselves.

Alice in Wonderland??

Splintered

By: A. G. Howard

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 371

Published: 2013

Read: August

3 out of 5

This was a Teens’ Top Ten winner in 2014 and the sequel, Unhinged, is a nominee this year. Conclusion: Teens love it and it MUST be great. I felt this book was OK, but nothing outstanding.  It does have an interesting premise, even if not that unique: Alyssa’s, Great Great Great Grandma is Alice from Alice in Wonderland. In order to reverse the family curse placed on the females (all with names starting with ‘A’), Alyssa must go to Wonderland and fixes Alice’s messes. My favorite part of reading this book was the hilarious comparisons to the original story. Some of the characters are Rabid Rabbit, Twid sisters and Humphrey. Can you name the characters?

wanted this one to be better :(

The Inventor’s Secret

By: Andrea Cremer

Genre: YA Steampunk

Pages: 368

Published: 2014

Read: August

1.5 out of 5

I am surprised this is a nominee for teens’ top ten. Not only did I find missing words in several sentences (maybe teens don’t care or notice that), but also found 3/4^th of the book very boring. The main mystery of the book was intriguing and held my interest, but all the side plots were so blah it was hard to continue through the book. There is a love triangle that isn’t resolved by end and will probably continue into book #2, The Conjurer’s  Riddle.  However, that is the only real cliff hanger in the book. I am interested in hearing my teens’ opinions, but I definitely won’t be reading sequel.

Yet, another Teens' Top Ten nominee!!

Love Letters to the Dead

By: Ava Dellaira

Genre: YA Realistic fiction

Pages: 336

Published: 2014

Read: August

4.5 out of 5

Another Teens’ Top Ten nominee! This is a great book about a teen dealing with the death of her older sister. Throughout 2014, death has been a common theme in YA novels; however I found this book very unique. Laurel is assigned to write letters to a deceased person; through her letters she comes to terms with her own family’s death.  Another fascinating aspect is the famous individuals Laurel chooses to write – Kurt Cobain, River Phoenix, and Janis Joplin, among others – brought back childhood memories for me. In addition because she included information about their particular deaths I was able to learn as I read.

I feel this book is well deserving of the nomination.

I could think of A LOT better nominees for Teens' Top Ten....

The Kiss of Deception

By: Mary E. Pearson

Genre: YA fantasy

Pages: 489

Published: 2014

Read: August

2.5 out of 5

One of the nominees for Teens’ Top Ten for 2015.  

I do not normally enjoy fantasy novels, so I am probably not the best person to review this novel. However, I read a variety of genres, especially in YA, to remain current. While it is well written and I appreciate that teens may love it; I did not care for it. I felt it was very predictable and figured out the “mystery” early on. Therefore, the middle dragged and I struggled to get through it. If you want to try a fantasy novel, I recommend Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers (2012) instead. I enjoyed it much better and plan on reading the entire His Fair Assassin trilogy (one day).  

Glad to see a nonfiction novel making the Teens' Top Ten nominees

We Should Hang Out Sometime

By: John Sunderquist

Genre: YA autobiography

Pages: 336

Published: 2014

Read: July

4 out of 5

I don’t understand why authors of  nonfiction books feel the need to constantly repeat themselves. Sunderquist mentions how is prosthetic leg works in almost every other chapter…I heard him the first time. Whenever authors repeat something numerous times I feel they are using it as a page filler to make story longer. However (and this is a big however), Sunderquist’s story is hilarious and very entertaining. I was glad to see a nonfiction book make the Teens’ Top Ten nominations and believe it was well deserved. As a person with a disability I completely understand the embarrassing, but sometimes even funny to me moments that can happen. I also felt for Josh on how his disability can affect all his relationships even if unwilling to see it himself. 

A 2015 Teens' Top Ten nominee - A mystery

Don’t Look Back

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: YA fiction/mystery

Pages: 384

Published: 2014

Read: July

4 out of 5

It is a complete coincidence, which made it a completely confusing time, when I choose to read this book and listen to We were Liars by E. Lockhart at the same time. They are so similar – an accident, memory loss, discovery of what happened after accident and why no one wants the protagonist to regain her memory. AND they were both published in 2014. However, Don’t Look Back is much better written and more entertaining. It well deserves a place in the 2015 Teens’ Top Ten nominees. I definitely felt Sam’s disorientation and cheered for her’s and Carter’s relationship. Whereas in, We were Liars, I don’t feel as connected to the characters, relationships and therefore story itself.  Armentrout has a way of writing that makes all the characters look guilty and still not have story be unbelievable. When you think you figured it out, there is another twist and turn. I’m looking forward to reading more of the nominees and seeing how they compare to this one. 

Similar to Mean Girls, the movie..

Gone Too Far

By: Natalie D. Richards

Genre: YA fiction/mystery

Pages: 304

Published: 2015

Read: February

4 out of 5

I have read both of Richard’s books. Her first one, Six Months Later, was nominated for the teens’ top ten award in 2014. This one reminded of the movie, Mean Girls (2004).  There is a notebook with pictures and schoolmates’ secrets, lots of blackmailing and horrible tricks played by all. The mystery is...who is the owner of the notebook? Who is playing these horrible humiliating acts on their peers?  This book is more realistic fiction that Six Months Later, but still seems a little over the top. However, I haven’t been a teen for many years so maybe things have gotten more out of control, sophisticated and crueler.

My favorite childhood book

Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret

By: Judy Blume

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Pages: 149

Published: 1986

Audiobook: 3 cd’s (3 hours 9 mins)

Read: February

5 out of 5

This is my all-time favorite pre-teen book. I read it at least 11 times in two years! I guess you could say I was a little obsessed with getting boobs, my period, and boys. I will never forget “We must, we must increase our bust” and will even admit to practicing a times. This was my first time reading it as an adult and I did enjoy the audio version. I also discovered that the story itself involved more than just Margaret’s physically growing up. Margaret struggles with her religious views because she was raised with no beliefs since her parents have different backgrounds. I did not remember this at all. This book will always hold fond memories for me.  

Judy Blume = GREAT READS

Summer Sisters

By: Judy Blume

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pages: 416

Published: 2006

Read: February

5 out of 5

I forgot how much I loved this book. It is such a quick, easy read that I thought maybe I wouldn’t enjoy as much. However, it brought me back to my younger days and I was completely sucked in again. As a 4^th and 5^th grade, I read Judy Blume’s Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret, about 11 times. It still is my all-time favorite book, if for no other reason than the memories. Summer Sisters is the high school, college, and beyond story of those Margaret, Nancy, etc. to me. Both are coming-of-age stories about growing up, girlfriends, and love. If as a little girl you were a fan of Judy Blume, I highly recommend Summer Sisters and prepare to reminisce. 

An historical fantasy book...

Grave Mercy

By: Robin LaFevers

Genre: YA historical fiction/fantasy

Pages: 549

Published: 2012

Read: February

4 out of 5

Ismae’s story is captivating from the very beginning, but did lose me as it continued. Lafevers includes WAY too many characters in the story, which is probably why she starts with a list of characters. I felt I would have been able to grasp and enjoy the story more if there were only half the number of characters. It’s not that all those characters were meaningless, but they weren’t so essential that without them I would have found the story more enjoyable. I am looking forward to the rest of the trilogy, which is the stories of Sybella and Annith, both fellow covent sisters of Ismae. However, I still found the story VERY captivating and intriguing, so 4 stars it is. 

A great read about undocumented immigrants

The Land of Careful Shadows

By: Suzanne Chazin

Genre: Adult fiction/Multicultural

Pages: 352

Published: 2014

Read: February

4 out of 5

This book was recommended to me by the author herself when she read how much I enjoyed The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. Although both are unique in their plots, they both deal with undocumented, or illegal, immigrants.  Careful Shadows is about a Latino homicide detective’s murder case that may or may not involve illegal immigrants. The story captured my attention immediately, but I did find it pretty predictable and the love connection between, Jimmy Vega and Adele Figueroa, an immigrants’ rights activist, felt forced. It is as though it was an afterthought, just to add romance to the story. While I enjoyed Unknown Americans more, I definitely was sucked into this storyline and look forward to reading the next in series.  

Where are the chapter headings?

The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave #2)

By: Rick Yancy

Genre: YA Sci-fi

Pages: 320

Published: 2014

Read: February

3 out of 5

I was not looking forward to reading this book (as my stepson says, “It’s a work book”), however overall I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series. I listened to the first one on audio, which I LOVED because there were 2 narrators making voice distinguish clear. In both books, the chapters alternate between characters.  I had expected, in the print version, it to be just as clear. That is not the case for this trilogy. There were even a few chapters I didn’t know which character was narrating until the last page of chapter. Often I cheated, otherwise, I had a hard time focusing on the words or would need to reread a paragraph after the narrator was identified. It was annoying and I would love to know the author’s purpose for this. Normally I love stories that alternate storytellers. I feel it makes a well-rounded story.  

Trilogy starts as a romance dystopian, second book leans towards sci-fi

Crossed (Matched #2)

By: Ally Condie

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 367

Published: 2011

Audiobook: 9 hours and 51 mins

Read: February

2 out of 5

Although I would classify Matched as a romance dystopian novel, I found Crossed to be more sci-fi in nature, but similar to Matched it is not very unique from other YA novels in this genre. The romance triangle between Cassia, Ky and Xander continues, but the plot has more of a sci-fi twist regarding the rebellion against the Rising. Futhermore, I felt that Crossed could be marketed to teen boys that enjoy sci-fi, but will never be read by them because Crossed, doesn’t portray that angle.  Readers that read everything in the dystopian genre will definitely enjoy this trilogy. I only wish there was a creative way to get the trilogy into the boys’ hands.

The finale of Alona and Will

Body & Soul

By: Stacey Kade

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 316

Published: 2012

Read: February

3.5 out of 5

I imagine it being very difficult to write the last book of a trilogy. Like the many readers, the author has invested a lot of time and energy into their characters. The author then needs to say goodbye and leave the readers satisfied. Satisfying the readers must be a difficult, but rewarding challenge.  For me, it doesn’t have to be a “Happily Ever After” ending. I enjoy the hopeful endings, but most of all I want closure. I felt Kade did a great job writing a book that had adventures throughout, but ended with closure I needed. I can say goodbye to Alona and Will and happily greet the new characters in the rest of Kade’s books.

A fictional, but true story

It’s Kind of a Funny Story

By: Ned Vizzini

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 444

Published: 2007

Read: January

3 out of 5

It was strange reading this book after the fact that Vizzini committed suicide in 2013. This book is a fictional story about a teenager who spends 5 days in a psych hospital. Then at the end of the book, Vizzini shares that he actually spend 5 days in hospital for mental illness in 2004. He wrote the book the month after getting released. The story itself was good, but I don’t believe a person, that is supposedly clinically depressed, could be considered cured enough to be successful in the “real world” after only 5 days. The book also didn’t mention any group therapy sessions, just fun activities – cards, movies, and art. This was very unrealistic to me. Furthermore, I don’t think the title was a good choice, but maybe that was because he was depressed when writing it – because it wasn’t very funny. I believe It’s Kind of a Hopefully Story would have been a better choice.  

Too high of expectations....

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

By: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 183

Published: 2006

Read: January

2.5 out of 5

I have never read Cohn, but I am a huge fan of Levithan. My favorite is Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which he co-authored with John Green (also a huge fan). However, this one bored me for the most part, plus I thought it was way too offensive in language and overly graphic for YA. I read this book in hopes to have it be book club choice for my teens. I feel as a teen librarian I cannot promote this book.  I was not offended and would not discourage older teens from reading it. However, I would not put it in their hands. Overall, I believe my expectations may have been too high and I was disappointed. 

YA by Kathy Reichs

Virals

By: Kathy Reichs

Genre: YA mystery

Pages: 448

Published: 2010

Audiobook: 10 hours 31 mins

Read: January

3 out of 5

I have never read a Reichs novel before and didn't really have a strong interest. Her young adult book was recommended by one of my teens. It was okay and  I definitely see how certain readers can like it. What I appreciated the most was that Reichs seems to do her research while writing her books and I felt this book could interest both male and female readers. It contains some paranormal aspects but still involves a great mystery. Even though I haven't read any of her adult novels I believe they are probably comparable and just involves adult characters. This one evens has mention of some of the adults from her Bones series. 

a YA nonfiction

Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body

By: Martin Pistorius

Genre YA nonfiction

Pages: 286

Published: 2013

Read: January

4 out of 5

When I started this book, I didn’t realize it was nonfiction. So that took me for a surprise. As heartbreaking as the story is I appreciated it more knowing it was all true. I can’t imagine what happened to Martin happening to one of my children or myself. The most mystifying and terrifying aspect (to family, doctors, and the readers) was Martin was not born with the degenerative disease. When he was 12, Martin woke up feeling sick and continual worsened until he couldn’t feed himself, talk or walk.  This should be read by anyone who enjoys nonfiction or enjoyed the fictional novels, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper or Petey by Ben Michaelsen.  

A Sailing Adventure...

The Great Wide Sea

By: M.H. Herlong

Genre YA Realistic fiction

Pages: 288

Published: 2008

Read: January

3.5 out of 5

This book started out slow, but definitely picked up at the climax of story. Unfortunately and to my great disappointment, the climax is revealed in any published summary of the book. While a father and three sons are sailing the father disappears and the boys have to survive by themselves. The characters are well developed and due to that I felt much anger for the father and sympathy for the sons. The father is extremely hard on his sons and expects a lot from them, especially after their mother just died in a tragic car accident. If you like adventurous sailing books, this is a great read. If you cry easily at books, be prepared.

No Originality, nothing special

Matched

By: Ally Condie

Genre YA Paranormal

Pages: 369

Published: 2010

Audiobook: 9 hours 40 mins

Read: January

3 out of 5

I read this book after all the hype was over with the teens. I do agree that fans of paranormal fiction will definitely enjoy it. For me though, there was nothing original from the other similar trilogies – Divergent, Delirium, The Giver, etc.   The communities are divided by skill, personalities, or other characteristic then either work together or compete against each other. In each trilogy, there is always a governmental department that controls the communities and eventually one person or group fight back. Guess who wins in the end?? In my opinion, for an authors to succeed in this genre they need to develop more original ideas. However, the books still seem to be very popular with the teens and I’m glad they are reading. I do plan on listening to the rest of trilogy, if for nothing else but see if there ends up being an originality.

Entertaining and Musical...

The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman

By: Ben H. Winters

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 256

Published: 2010

Read: January

4 out of 5

This was a cute story about a special homework assignment, a secret in a teacher’s past, and a school music competition. This book has just enough angles in it to interest both boys and girls – especially those into music and mystery solving. The music aspect references some popular bands and songs, however they may not be familiar to the age appropriate with reading it. This would be a great step up for the kids that enjoy A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy or The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osbourne. I recommend this book to 3^rd to 6^th graders. 

Not for the weak...

Comeback: A Mother’s and Daughter’s Journey Through Hell and Back

By: Claire and Mia Fontaine

Genre:  Adult Biography

Pages: 311

Published: 2007

Read: January

3 out of 5

I knew this book was nonfiction and deals with a daughter that fights a drug addiction. What I didn’t know was the daughter was sexually abused by her father when she was a small toddler. The story told through the eyes of the mother and daughter duo was the most horrendous and terrifying sexual abuse case I have ever read about. Even though I have never lived through a situation close to Claire and Mia’s their story had me questioning the decisions I made while raising my daughter – much like Claire did. Their story doesn’t end happily ever after, but does end on a hopeful note. The mother daughter duo co-wrote another book in 2012, Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other and the World.

An Oprah's Book Club book

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

By: Ayana Mathis

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 243

Published: 2012

Read: January

3.5 out of 5

I love books told by different perspectives. This one is twelve different chapters each told about one or more of Hattie’s children with the last one being from the perspective of her granddaughter, Sula. Some are narrated by Hattie herself while others are told directly by the child. Due to the format of each chapter this novel could be looked at as a series of short stories, however the reader will gather more insight on Hattie with each telling. The stories are told chronologically from 1923 to 1980. I very much enjoyed the format of the book, however I continually desired more from each chapter/short story. If you enjoy historical fiction, especially from a multicultural aspect you should read this one, an Oprah’s book club choice. This would be a great discussion book for book clubs as well. 

Great Fictional book intertwined with some education

All Over Creation

By: Ruth Ozeki

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 432

Published: 2004

Read: January

4 out of 5

I really enjoyed this book - mostly because it has a little of everything in it. The story takes place in a small rural farming community and deals with controversial food issues, such as GMO's, and other gardening hot topics, such as  seed saving and agri-business. This is all surrounding an entire different story about family, friends, and lovers. The very unique genuine characters will make you laugh, cry and smile. I love books in which the story is told by different individuals, however Ozeki changed point-of-view so often and included almost too many voices sometimes it took me a paragraph or two to decipher the character telling the story. Also, I found the ending way too predictable but I still highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Ozeki soon. BEWARE: It is a great gardening/environmental fiction story, but it also has A LOT of sex!!

I was surprised that Ozeki didn't include a list of references or further resources for the readers. Even though a work of fiction, I felt it was clear which side of the fence she is on.