Review: We Were Liars

That title...

That plot...

The Sinclairs...

Title: ‘We Were Liars’

Author: E. Lockhart

Pages: 240

Publisher: Delacorte

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

My Thoughts:

Oh Lockhart...she has hit a hole-in-one with this novel. (I think the Sinclairs would approve of my use of golf humor.)

First, let me say that I was not expecting this book to leave such an impression on me. I had to step away from the story a few times to absorb the plot, the characters, the setting. I don't do that too often, and I don't recommend that any of you do it while reading this book. It gave me a disjointed feeling by novel's end. That is not the author's fault but my own.

This is a novel that needs to be read within a day of when you start. There are so many minor details that come into play, details that are easily forgotten. But I think that is Lockhart's plan all along.

She needs us to forget those details.

They don't matter.

Or do they?

I want to deal with the plot—a plot that is indescribable as anything other than “pick up this book and read it so we can talk about it!!!” The storytelling is so carefully woven, revealed, closed with so much care. At novel's end I hugged my Kindle. Yep, that's right. I hugged it. It was the closest I could come to hugging the Sinclairs—and Lockhart herself.

The characters are so wonderfully created and revealed on the page. At first I thought Lockhart was giving me a fictional YA Kennedy saga. And then as I was reading I felt as if I knew the Sinclairs; as if I were a neighbor living next door. I could hear the sounds of the water, the natural elements of life living on an island, of conversations and arguments and birds and...well, you get the picture.

Lockhart had me ON that island, living life with the Sinclairs, feeling their ups and downs and triumphs and losses.

And she had me from the very first page.

This is one of my favorite reads of 2014...and one of my favorite YA reads ever. For me, this novel was a whole package deal. The writing is beautiful; the story is beautiful; the character- building is beautiful.

Do I recommend this book?

YES! This is not a novel geared at a certain audience—it is geared toward all readers. But be warned, you really need to make time to read this novel in one to three sittings. Period. You will thank me for it.

What's the best novel you've read lately? Share below!

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: The Chapel Wars

I absolutely adore Leavitt's writing. The moment I see a book with her name on it, I pick it up. I know that by book's end I am going to feel good about life—and I'm going to read a solid story.

Her latest novel is no exception. I mean, look at that cover. It screams, “Pick me up! I look awesome!!!”

Title: ‘The Chapel Wars’

Author: Lindsey Leavitt

Pages: 304

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Holly wants to remember her Grandpa forever, but she’d rather forget what he left her in his will: his wedding chapel on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever happened to gold watches, savings bonds, or some normal inheritance?

And then there's Grandpa's letter. Not only is Holly running the business with her recently divorced parents, but she needs to make some serious money—fast. Grandpa also insists Holly reach out to Dax, the grandson of her family's mortal enemy and owner of the cheesy chapel next door. No matter how cute Dax is, Holly needs to stay focused: on her group of guy friends, her disjointed family, work, school and... Dax. No wait, not Dax.

Holly’s chapel represents everything she’s ever loved in her past. Dax might be everything she could ever love in the future. But as for right now, there's a wedding chapel to save.

My Thoughts:

First, let me say that this novel's plot is clever, on all levels. It's 'Romeo & Juliet, Vegas Edition' (without the suicides at the end).

With that out of the way, let me say that I absolutely adored Holly and Dax as characters. I really wanted to be their best friends because throughout the novel, I felt like I was their #1 cheerleader.

I was also rooting for both wedding chapels. Back when I was engaged, we had discussed going to Vegas and getting hitched at one of these places, so even before I opened the book I felt invested within the story.

For the plot, Leavitt gives readers a solid love story of not just two souls but with all characters. Each character has his/her own love story—and they are tied to the chapels in one way or the other. Friends were born here. Love. Memories. These are things that connect us all as humans, and it is what makes Leavitt's story worthy of your time.

Holly fights for all of this. She has lost her grandfather; her parents have lost their marriage; she cannot fail now. She needs to use her business savvy knowledge to help save this chapel. And let me tell you, Holly goes all out.

First, she is sixteen, and she has more business knowledge than most adults I know. Of course, if someone grows up in a business, this is usually not unusual. But the one thing she understands is that she has to give customers what they want; otherwise, why would anyone come to the chapel.

And then there is the problem of Dax. Well...Dax isn't a problem more than, well, no, he IS a problem. He is a problem for Holly's heart. He is the grandson of the enemy; the one that Holly's family despises the most. (Sound familiar?) But she wants what her heart wants, and it is beating for Dax.

Luckily for her it is reciprocal.

This novel is a journey into friendship, into love, into saving one's legacy. But it is more than that. It is a tale of life—of discovery. The one lesson Holly seems to be missing throughout the novel and through her efforts of saving the chapel is this: what does Holly want? She is only sixteen. She does have a life ahead of her. She can take control and change destiny.

Do I recommend this book?

Enthusiastically!!! If you've never read a Lindsey Leavitt novel, you need to rectify that immediately. Her style and storytelling are approachable for readers of all levels.

She is especially great for readers of Stephanie Perkins and Elizabeth Eulberg. I always seem to group them together because when I close one of their books, I always have the feels of happiness.

What's the best novel you've read lately? Share below!

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy

Finally! I have found a YA novel that uses rhetorical strategy lingo of my AP Language students. See guys, this stuff does appear in REAL life.

Title: ‘The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy’

Author: Kate Hattemer

Pages: 336

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Witty, sarcastic Ethan and his three friends decide to take down the reality TV show, For Art's Sake, that is being filmed at their high school, the esteemed Selwyn Arts Academy, where each student is more talented than the next. While studying Ezra Pound in English class, the friends are inspired to write a vigilante long poem and distribute it to the student body, detailing the evils of For Art's Sake. But then Luke—the creative force behind the poem and leader of the anti-show movement—becomes a contestant on the nefarious show. It's up to Ethan, his two remaining best friends, and a heroic gerbil named Baconnaise to save their school. Along the way, they'll discover a web of secrets and corruption involving the principal, vice principal, and even their favorite teacher.

My Thoughts:

I read this book in two sittings in March, which is one of my busiest months. That is how much I really enjoyed reading this book.

First, let me talk plot—which I loved. The idea what words can (and do) change the world really drove the storytelling. It is a fabulous reminder to teenagers to actually listen and participate in English class because if nothing else, English teachers can help students learn to use their words in a more effective way—possibly to take down the corruption that surrounds them. Just a thought.

I also loved seeing the upper-level vocabulary words used throughout this novel. I was tweeting my AP Language students because I would see one of their rhetorical strategy terms in the novel. It made me smile.

The idea of reality TV hitting our schools, and we have seen this already, is something not only topical but also applicable to teen lives. I mean, some of today's teens really hold reality “stars” in high esteem. They would love to find themselves on a reality show. I think for this reason, many teenagers will find the novel engaging. For those who are against everything reality TV stands for...you too will find the novel engaging.

I found the pacing to be right on target. As readers, we know what we need to know at the right moments. And the characters, they all brought something to the table. Do you know how sometimes you read a book and you think, “Where is the writer taking this character?” or “Why is this character even here?” Yeah, that doesn't happen. They all build from one another—sometimes what appears to be the most trustworthy character on the page is the one who has the biggest 180.

Which I liked.

Do I recommend this book?

Yes—I especially recommend this novel to readers who enjoy realistic fiction. I thought the novel was a solid read with a solid story and strong characters.

I especially feel that the book is for the more sophisticated reader in your life, but I think anyone who has ever felt like rebelling against anything they didn't agree with would enjoy the novel.

What's the best realistic fiction novel you've read lately? Comment below; start a conversation about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Better Off Friends

I have such an author crush on Eulberg. Since her first novel, ‘Lonely Hearts Club,’ I have loved her writing. With Eulberg, I know what I am going to get: friendship, relationship, camaraderie.

Her latest novel is absolutely no different—it’s ‘When Harry Met Sally’ on the page for a modern generation.

Title: ‘Better Off Friends’

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

Pages: 288 pages

Publisher: Point

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

My Thoughts:

I loved, loved, loved this book.

Macallan and Levi sizzle on the page—finishing each other’s sentences, going on double-dates (that don’t seem to work out), being stubborn about their feelings for one another.

First, I want to address the way Eulberg has set up the storytelling, because I absolutely loved it. The novel is a flashback, and at the end of each chapter is conversation between Macallan and Levi in the present. They step into the story of that chapter, giving his/her perspective, depending on who was responsible for that particular anecdote.

That is another element I enjoyed—each chapter as an anecdote. I could just see the two of them sitting on a couch, talking about their road to meeting one another, their ups, their downs, the building of their friendship.

It was very ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and I loved it. Very clever.

The development of Macallan and Levi’s friendship is slow, and it is apparent to readers—but not to these two—that they are meant to be together. As more than friends.

It is their friendship that makes me root for these two. It is friendship that many couples initially leave off of the table. It is friendship that sells this story to me.

Macallan and Levi meet in the halls of school—it’s Levi’s first day, and he does not know a soul. Enter Macallan. The model student who is asked to show Levi around. And she does, and then she is done. Until lunch. This one invitation to the lunch table (which we all know is one of the most important moments in high school) that changes both of their lives. Forever.

Macallan and Levi aren’t geared to be friends just yet. It begins with a simple, “Thanks for showing me around,” and evolves into Levi’s mom willing to have Macallan stay with them on Wednesday afternoons until her dad can pick her up.

These Wednesdays are important to the development of their friendship—and while the development is slow, it is what makes them the perfect friendship. After all, they really know each other in ways that no one else will understand.

With that said, every good relationship needs a bit of mystery. For Levi, it is Macallan’s mom. The one person Macallan does not mention, often. But there is moment when the two bond over her mother’s memory, a moment that brought sorrow to my heart and really proved what a twosome they would make.

I want them together, and I want it fast, but that’s not usually how these books go. Authors make us wait, and they make characters work for it.

This slow build allows readers to buy into not only their friendship but also them as individual characters. While they do not seem whole without the other, they really are. This is something that is important in life, and it is something Eulberg brings to the page that reminds readers that while being a couple is important, and while friendship is one of the most important elements to life, so is being true to yourself and learning how to function when you are alone.

While I loved these two, I loved all of the secondary characters as well—especially the parents. They aren’t cool, hip parents wanting to be friends with their kids. They are playing the role they need to play: the role of guidance.

And then there is Uncle Adam. Oh Uncle Adam, how do I love thee? I did not realize there was anything amiss with his character until Macallan kicks some major butt when a fellow classmate mocks the fact that Uncle Adam is special. Not only did I want to hug Macallan for taking up for family, but I felt that this particular scene was personal for Eulberg herself. This scene felt so real, as if Eulberg either experienced this first hand or knows someone who has.

For me, this book is the whole package. Enough drama to keep readers engaged; enough romance to not disappoint; and enough adult interaction to bring the realness of teen life to life.

Do I recommend this book?

Enthusiastically! All of Eulberg’s books are worth your reading time. Her style is fresh and fun, and her stories will make you feel good about life. And, her writing is appropriate for all readers, but the themes of her writing are aimed at late-tweens and above.

If you’re a fan of Stephanie Perkins but have never read a Eulberg book, you need to rectify this. And, if you’ve never read either, you must do so. Immediately.

Let’s talk about books—what’s the best realistic fiction novel you’ve read lately?

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always

The title of this novel—as well as that cover—intrigued me. After reading the novel, I don’t see the connection between these two things and the novel itself, and I feel like I’m missing something important.

Do you ever feel that way about a cover and/or title? It seems there’s no cohesion between them? That is what happened for me with this book; however, as a whole I enjoyed the storytelling element.

Title: ‘Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always’

Author: Elissa Janine Hoole

Pages: 349

Publisher: Flux

Available: NOW

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Cassandra fears rocking the family boat. Instead, she sinks it. Assigned by her English teacher to write a poem that reveals her true self, Cassandra Randall is stuck. Her family's religion is so overbearing, she can NEVER write about who she truly is. So Cass does what any self-respecting high school girl would do: she secretly begins writing a tarot-inspired advice blog. When Drew Godfrey, an awkward outcast with unwashed hair, writes to her, the situation spirals into what the school calls "a cyberbullying crisis" and what the church calls "sorcery." Cass wants to be the kind of person who sticks up for the persecuted, who protects the victims the way she tries to protect her brother from the homophobes in her church. But what if she's just another bully? What will it take for her to step up and tell the truth?

My Thoughts:

Hoole really jammed a lot into the 349 pages, almost too much for me to keep up with by novel’s end. The storytelling of this novel felt personal, as if Hoole herself has lived this life, or knows someone who has.

Cassandra has been raised in a conservative household, one that begins each morning with a prayer circle before the kids head off to school. There is just one problem: Cass is no longer a believer. She hasn’t been for some time, but she keeps up the façade for her parents’ sake.

A single gift changes everything: a $20 bill given to her by her brother. She finds herself in unknown territory, the mall, and a bookstore. She walks in with no expectation but walks out with a tarot deck. Her curiosity is peaked. She lives in a conservative household and is a member of the most conservative church in her area. This is absolute blasphemy. But she takes out the deck, and her life changes instantly.

And not necessarily for the good. She finds herself in sticky situations that she would usually not be in—and she finds herself being overly secretive and lying to her parents. This is pretty normal teenage behavior, but not in a household like Cass’.

Once Cass starts a blog posing as a fortune teller, her whole life seems to spiral out of control into a mess of cyber-bullying and a deteriorating friendship. But if that is not enough, add in a strained parental relationship, a gay brother trying to figure out his life, and first “love” for Cass.

I felt the author gave readers too much to juggle in this novel. There were too many other stories to tell, not just Cass, and she really should have been the focus.

With that said, I do think this novel is worth reading. Hoole really deals with several teen issues, but the most important one is being true to one’s self. We see a glimpse of that message through Cass’ English teacher, a man who just wants her to write a poem celebrating herself—something she cannot seem to do.

This is where Cass’ woes come into play, and the novel is about her self-discovery. But the sprinkling of too many other elements made it hard for me to focus on just her and her self-discovery.

I would’ve enjoyed the novel more if the focus had been kept on her struggle with her family and her faith. I felt I wasn’t ever able to connect with Cass because she was all over the place in her life, and I know this is a truth with teens today, but I like my realistic fiction novels more focused in plot.

If you’ve read Melissa Walker’s ‘Small Town Sinners’ and enjoyed it, you will enjoy this. If you read this novel and enjoyed it but have not read Walker’s tale, you should.

What’s the most interesting realistic novel you’ve read lately?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

                                                                                          

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator