Blog Archives
The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
Book: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
Published by: Simon Pulse, June 28 2011
Genre: Young Adult
Format/pages: Hardcover 307 pages
Format read/Source: eGalley via Simon & Schuster Galley Grab
Date read: April 26 2011
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Amber is overwhelmed with life’s demands and needs a day alone at the beach to process her thoughts. It is the day before a dreaded life-changing event is occurring. Her day at the beach goes in an unexpected direction when she meets Cade, someone who also seems to be running away from something. They decide to keep their secrets to themselves and to just spend the perfect day together before facing tomorrow’s realities. The more they get acquainted though, the more Amber’s concern grows about what Cade is hiding. Will their perfect beach day stay carefree or does fate have other plans?
The Day Before is written in verse, like the author’s other books for young adults. I admit, at first I was uneasy about reading a book written in verse, and thought the style would get in the way of the story. However, the style works very well for this story, and beautifully captures the character’s emotions and sets the tone. I was impressed with the author’s way with words, especially considering she has to tell the story with fewer words than in a traditional narrative. The story unfolds gradually, and each page is like a present to open as new information comes to light about the characters.
The story takes place over one day, and past events are explained through Amber’s letters of correspondence that are sprinkled throughout the book. The main interaction is between Amber and Cade as they get to know each other through word games, exploring the beach town, and talking about favorite songs and movies. They are trying to make the day light and fun as they are both trying to escape from their troubles.
This story has depth and brings out a range of emotions. Amber and Cade’s journey is sweet and heartfelt, although they are both going through emotional times. The story kept me turning pages swiftly and I finished it in no time. In fact, I liked it so much I started reading it again at a more relaxed pace so I could savor the details.
Recommended for fans of Lisa Schroeder’s books, or fans of Contemporary YA. The Day Before is a fast and refreshing read that’s full of heart and emotion. I look forward to reading the author’s other books.
For more information:
Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Book: Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published by: Simon Pulse, May 3 2011
Genre: Young Adult
Format/pages: Hardcover 384 pages
Format read/Source: eGalley
Date read: April 8 2011
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
From Goodreads:
Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.
Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.
My Thoughts:
As a big fan of 2010′s paranormal Shade, I was hopeful the sequel would be just as great. Shade was a fun and exciting kick-off to the series and all the elements came together perfectly. The sequel, Shift, is a worthy follow-up with more action, mystery and surprises to satisfy fans of the first book. The series continues to out-shine the competition.
In Shift, Aura is trying to move on with Zachary, but this is complicated with her ghostly ex-boyfriend Logan still lingering. Logan and Aura are trying to distance themselves but circumstances pull them together yet again. Logan’s ghostly talents are also evolving, and that adds some complexity to their relationship. They have a touching relationship, and it’s hard not to feel sympathetic for Logan’s predicament.
Aura and Zachary continue on their research project and look into the Shift and their family histories to try to make sense of it all. They try to make their relationship work but the odds seem stacked against them. Aura’s love life is even more complex with the addition of a third love interest. Her romantic choices will definitely keep you on your toes in this book.
Shift is exciting with the many plot twists and turns that make it an emotional roller coaster. The writing is sharp, the characters well developed, and the suspense level is high. The story answers some big questions from the previous book while also adding new questions to lead into the final installment. The story deftly balances paranormal, relationship, and mystery elements to spin a thrilling story.
Shift is book two of a trilogy and the final installment Shine is due out in 2012. Can’t wait to read it.
For More Information:
Amazon | Goodreads | Jeri Smith-Ready’s website | Read the first chapter online
Stay by Deb Caletti
Book: Stay by Deb Caletti
Published by: Simon Pulse, April 5 2011
Genre: Young Adult
Format/pages: Hardcover 320 pages
Format read/Source: e-Galley via Simon & Schuster Galleygrab
Date read: April 2 2011
Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Publisher’s Description:
Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is–and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough….
My Thoughts:
Stay is the first book I have read by Deb Caletti, who has written several books for young adults. I have to say this book caught my attention at the beginning and never let go. Stay is the story of Clara, a girl who has left town with her father to escape her boyfriend-turned-stalker. The story is beautifully written, suspenseful and intense. The story felt real and authentic and tackled a difficult subject masterfully.
In Stay, Clara and her father have just moved away for the summer because Clara felt threatened by her ex-boyfriend. The details of where her relationship with Christian went wrong are slowly revealed through flashbacks. Through the flashbacks we get to see Clara before she met Christian when she was a typical shy girl. We see her first meeting with Christian, and how they were drawn to each other immediately. Their relationship quickly progresses to an all-consuming love affair. Eventually Clara starts to notice some of Christian’s obsessive and extreme jealous behavior.
The flashback story telling device is very effective and kept me on edge throughout the entire book. I felt anxious for Clara in her new town as she still worried Christian would find her. It’s easy to relate to her and the feelings she has while she is processing the relationship and trying to move on.
The other characters in Stay are flawed and real and add to the story. Clara’s dad is very protective of her and was the first one to recognize the dangerous relationship she was involved in. He is not perfect and has his own problems to deal with but Clara comes first with him. Clara also gets to experience a healthy relationship with Finn, who is kind, patient and sweet to her. It is fulfilling to see Clara’s growth as she goes through the healing process on her journey.
This book makes you think about relationships and love and how you would manage a difficult relationship. The story is hauntingly realistic and a rich and satisfying read. Highly recommended for fans of young adult contemporary books.
For more information:
Review: Freefall by Mindi Scott
Book Title: Freefall
Author: Mindi Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse / Simon & Schuster
Original publication date: October 5 2010
Genre: Young Adult
Format/pages: Paperback, 315 Pages
Format read: Library book
Date read: November 23 2010
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Summary from the publisher:
How do you come back from the point of no return?
Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.
Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.
Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he’s ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .
My Thoughts:
Freefall is a powerful debut from author Mindi Scott. I picked this up on a whim at the library not really knowing what to expect. I’m so glad I did! I found the story engaging and well written. Freefall is an impressive work of contemporary fiction that should appeal to both males and females who are looking for a realistic teen portrayal.
The challenges faced by the characters are relevant and believable. It was easy to relate with the issues brought up, such as guilt, making the right choices, and dealing with social anxiety. For example, I found myself nodding in agreement with the techniques brought up to deal with nerves before a performance such as deep breathing.
I was a little wary at first to find that the story is told from a male’s perspective and written by a female. However, I found the protagonist Seth’s voice authentic and believable. Seth is dealing with a lot: grief and guilt over losing his best friend, failing grades, alcohol abuse, and stage fright about playing bass for a live audience. He is trying to turn his life around, and falls for Rosetta, who has her own issues.
Seth is a likeable character and I was rooting for him to succeed. I also liked Seth’s relationship with Rosetta, although I would have liked to read a little more about her progress with her issues. Seth’s friend/nonenemy Kendall is a good side character that is in a unique position to understand Seth’s grief. Seth’s band mates, and former band mates, provide an interesting contrast and support Seth’s growth. I would have loved to take “Mrs. Dalloway’s” Interpersonal Communications class in high school.
The ending was satisfying and made me smile. Overall, I was impressed by Freefall and am looking forward to Ms. Scott’s next book. Would love a sequel to Freefall!
For more information:
