City of Ashes

This is Book Two of the Mortal Instruments Series and so far it has not disappointed. I will keep up dating as I read more, but I love the mystery that is surrounding the story and I am compelled to keep reading. Stay tuned for more updates.

Skinny

by Donna Cooner

 

What it is about...

Ever Davies is in high school, she weighs 300 pounds. Deciding to have gastric bypass surgery we witness her transformation from an ugly duckling to a swan. All the teenagers in the book carry with them  deep rooted problems. Ever does not recognize those issues, only her own and the reader is aware of those issues through a character named Skinny.

What I thought...

Spot on about the issue of obesity among teens. Experiencing the interior monologues that go through Ever's thoughts really creates insight into the mind of addiction. The book does not glamorize gastric by pass but presents the nitty gritty of the surgery. The book tackles bigger issues about self esteem and the self doubt that all teens experience. I would recommend this book because of the pace and the honesty the author brings to the issues of teenagers.

Master of Deceit

by Marc Aronson

What it is about...

Aronson tells the story of J. Edgar Hoover and the making of modern America. The book is well written and contains so many primary documents that  a fan of history will relish each page. Aronson tells both sides of the story and allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about 20th Century America.Just reading this book, you understand of the tremendous changes that were swept in by this Century and how we continue to make errors in judgement.

What I thought...

I normally review fiction for this blog but I have to say that this is a work of enormous power. The research alone is impressive but Aronson writes so clearly that the book feels like you are reading a work of fiction. Highly recommended!

Why We Broke Up

 by Daniel Handler             Art by Maira Kalman

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Min (short for Minerva and a different kind of girl) tells the story of her break up with Ed (co-captain of the basketball team) through a letter and a box of mementos that she saved from their short but intense relationship. In the story, Min loses herself to the relationship but through heartache and a good friend finds her way back to what she was about at the core. This is a good look at high school cliques  as Min begins to navigate waters that she had found a way to avoid.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This is a beautiful book to look at and to hold.  Almost like a picture book for teenagers. The illustrations are striking and help to bring the idea of returning memories as a means of shedding yourself of the reminders of the heartbreak.It is not a quick read and I felt I had to work through parts of the story. Having said that though, I would like a sequel to see how Min gets through the next few months. I would like to know Ed's view too.

Daniel Handler is bet know for his work with The Series of Unfortunate Events.  He does a nice job tackling high school issues and it is worth the read.

Mockingjay

Mockingjay                                            by Suzanne Collins

What it is about...

This title completes the trilogy of The Hunger Games. Katniss is the symbol of the revolution as the Mockingjay. She has been rescued and she is now a pawn in the games that adults play. She still is in a quandry about who she wants, the guys have it figured out before she does. The story gets tied up, there are no loose ends and well I won't say too much more about the ending. If you have read the other two you should finish the series.

What I thought...

Thank God it is over! I know, brutal honesty.  I really do not like the Katniss character. She uses Gale and Peeta to serve her ego. Life is hard but she just whines about everything. I do not see her  as really sacrificing herself. Sometimes you just need to tow the line and shut up about your personal angst. Katniss does, however, exhibit some personal strength toward the end of the novel, so she is partially redeemed.

I know many of you feel differently but I don't see her  as confused or a victim all I see is the Katniss pity party.

CATCHING FIRE

by Suzanne Collins

What it is about

This is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy and continues the story of Katniss and Peeta. The story returns our two protagonists to the arena for yet another round of the hunger games. There is all kinds of political gamesmanship going on, Katniss is a pawn in the Capitol's need to retain control of the Districts. There are more characters in and out of the story and you can just tell the world that Collins has crafted is about to blow but we are left with a cliff hanger that I hope is concluded with Mockingjay (the third book in the series)

What I thought

 In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to say I did not like the first book. The second book is a bit better because the character development is better but... I still found Katniss really annoying. Collins should have created a female character that had more inner strength. I see young teenage women all the time  and they are strong both mentally and physically. Even though Katniss excels at the games she does not exhibit the characteristics that I see in girls everyday.

If you read the first novel, then go ahead and finish the trilogy. If you are not invested in the series there are other series that are better. The Matched Trilogy  by Ally Condie and the Delerium series  by Lauren Oliver are better reads.

IN TOO DEEP

by AMANDA GRACE

WHAT IT  IS ABOUT

Sam is in her senior year at a small high school in Washington state. She is struggling with having friends, her best friend Nick dating, and her father's reluctance to let her go. When Sam goes to a party at Carter's house, a popular athlete, she is trying to make Nick jealous. Things get out of control when Sam has too much to drink, she is seen crying with a torn blouse and the rumours start to fly as they will.

Sam does nothing to stop the rumours and it begs to the question when is it okay to lie or to not stop the lies?

WHAT I THOUGHT

There are some interesting ethical and moral questions in this book. It is a quick read because I wanted to know how Sam handled the situation or how it handled her.  I would recommend this book because the characters where believable, the pace and prose were good and the ending was satisfying.