Audio Review: The Selection

This cover - LOVE it!

Title: ‘The Selection’

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperAudio

Narrator: Amy Rubinate

Time: 8 hrs. and 7 min.

Source: Audible.com

I was searching Audible for something new—something YA with a bit of a twist. I have listened to several dystopian novels, and I tend to really enjoy them (as long as I enjoy the reader).

I have to say, I was not prepared for what was to come with this audio.

Summary (from Goodreads):

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts:

When I posted on Instagram that this was my latest audiobook, I had numerous readers tell me who much they loved this book.

One put it like this: it’s the Bachelor meets dystopian YA.

That is the perfect description of this novel.

The plot of the novel is engaging. From the moment I entered the world Cass has created, I was taken in. Sold. No need to even think twice. This was a world that I could tolerate. A new dystopia full of beautiful gowns, likeable female characters, danger, etc.

Of course, this story is so much more than that. It is a story of one girl’s journey to discover her own heart—her love for one and her possible love for another.

America Singer. Oh what a name—and what a character. I really enjoyed Cass’ development of America, a girl whose dream was to marry her one heart’s desire; a girl whose dream is shattered with the call of her name; a girl whose dream changes as most assuredly does she.

But America is much more than that. She is not like the others in the Selection. She is talented beyond words, has a gentle heart, a solid head, and possibly the only member of the Selection who can save their world if she is chosen to be Maxon’s princess.

And what of Prince Maxon? He is not at all I expected. I figured that Cass would develop his character slowly, to allow readers to grow with him. This was not what happened—from the moment he was a part of the storytelling, I was sold on his character. While America is there nursing a broken heart, I am rooting for the mending to be at the hands of Maxon, a boy growing into a man searching for a  wife who will be his true partner, not just his princess.

I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a dystopian male character like this since Peeta. I want to marry Prince Maxon.

This story is not all wonderment. There are 35 girls vying for Maxon’s heart. Well, really just 34 since America is there for the food. But that will soon change when she meets the man behind the prince, the one who really wants to rule the country fairly.

Since there are 34 other girls involved in the Selection, expect drama with a capital “D.” Readers will find it all: mean girl(s), sweet girl(s), blooming friendship(s), alliance(s), jealousy, revenge. Most of all, readers will find an engaging, fun story that brings dystopia to a new level—one where love is meant to be the center, at least for the public’s sake.

I must also include the rebel attacks. After all, this is a dystopian tale, and while Prince Maxon’s hunt for a wife is the intended focus, the true focus is on how the world around Maxon is falling apart, and how America can help him keep a clear head while Maxon decides which ladies will suit him the best.

I cannot wait to read the sequel, which I’ve read a lot of complaints about. Mostly that America cannot make up her mind as to who she wants the most—and while I haven’t read ‘The Elite’ just yet, let me say this: she is a teenage girl searching for the truth in her own heart. Of course she will have doubts; of course she will go back and forth on where her heart lies; this is a series and if America and Maxon both picked right away, there wouldn’t be more story to tell. I plan to just enjoy and see where Cass takes me, but I am hoping it leads America right into Prince Maxon’s arms because that is where she belongs.

Team Maxon!

With all of that said, I want to add a word about the reader. She was fabulous. She breathed life into all of these characters, transporting me to the world Cass created without reading it on the page. This is the ultimate goal I expect from audiobooks. The reader sells the storytelling almost as much as the writer, and for me, Amy Rubinate captured all of these characters for me.

I loved her.

What’s the best audiobook you’ve heard in a while? Share below—I am always looking for great audios.

                                                 

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Friendship, Family, and Espionage

Summary (from Goodreads):

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover. 

My thoughts: 

Loved every moment of this novel. The plot was inventive, and the reader was magnificent.

Fourteen-year-old Janie and her parents move from L.A. to London in 1952 to escape questions of communism. In London her parents will write for a new Robin Hood series, and Janie will continue being fourteen - just with a new school and new friends.

Instead, Janie becomes friends with Benjamin Burrows whose only dream in life is to become a spy. He has already picked out his first suspected Russian "spy" to watch, and soon Janie and Benjamin are caught up in more than either ever bargained for.

Benjamin's father is an apothecary and expects his son to follow in his footsteps, but Benjamin wants more out of life than selling hot water bottles. Little does he know who his father really is nor why following in his footsteps could lead him to his real future as a spy.

The heart of this story lies with the friendship formed between Janie and Benjamin. At first it seems that readers will follow Janie, but soon it becomes apparent that Benjamin is an equally important piece of this plot's puzzle.

The strength lies with the fast-moving plot. The author does not hold back, thrusting readers into an international tale of friendship, family, and espionage.

The character development is spot on with interesting twists and turns throughout. Even the novel's conclusion is tightly woven together and will leave readers satisfied. That was my one true fear: how would this end and leave me satisfied? Meloy accomplished just that, and The Apothecary is going to have a strong hold on childrens literature for years to come.

I did this as an audio, and the reader was fantastic. She enhanced my experience with the characters and with the plot, creating imagery that I would have been robbed had I read it in print. With that said, I have read the print version contains beautiful illustrations, and I plan to check them out to see if the illustrator captured on paper what I captured in my mind.

Two great audios...

At 4:33 AM, London Lane's mind forgets the day. She must write everything from the day down; otherwise, those moments will be lost to her forever. She survives by waking each day and reading previously written notes. But can she trust herself to always be truthful in those notes?

While London may not be able to remember the past, she is able to see the future. This acts as a "safety blanket" for her. She knows that no matter what is currently happening, it will work out in the future, and this gives her comfort. At least until the disturbing dream starts.

The question is WHY? What happened to London to cause such a fate? Can she figure it out before she loses all that she finds dear to her - her best friend, her new love, herself?

With characters such as Jamie (her best friend) and Luke (her love), London is able to grow and come full circle by the novel's surprising end.

An intriguing idea, this novel is a must for those who love YA novels.

I did this novel as an audio, and I really enjoyed the reader. Some audiobooks fall short as a result of the reader, but I felt that this reader helped make the book. She did a great job interpreting the characters, thus enhancing my experience with the novel.

Imagine being the most popular boy in school. The one everyone wants to be. The one everyone loves. But not because of who you are on the inside but because you are rich and beautiful. This is life the life of Kyle Kingsbury. That is, that was his life. Kyle is placed under a curse by Kindra, a good witch with a good heart. Her goal - to teach Kyle that there is more to life and to love than outside appearance. 

While Kyle is perfect on the outside, inside he is a hideous beast. So, Kindra gives him a taste of the other side; however, because he does one act of kindness, he is given a chance to redeem himself. He has two years to do it - two years to find true love and to receive a kiss.

This is the old tale of Beauty and the Beast, just told from the Beast's point-of-view.

As a whole, I enjoyed this novel. There were elements that were a bit too hokey, but then again it is a fractured tale told from a unique view point. For this reason, I recommend this novel to all readers of YA, to all lovers of fractured fairy tales, and to teen boys. I believe with the tale from Beast's view, it helps make this a unisex novel.

As for the reader, I did enjoy his interpretation. I thought he did a great job presenting these characters in an honest way, which helped me enjoy the novel even more. I feel that if I read this novel instead of doing it as an audio, I would not have enjoyed the novel.

Gemma Doyle, meet Neil Gaiman

Like many of you, I am a cover shopper. If the cover sticks in my mind, I pick up the book and read the description to see if I'm interested. In the case of Heather Dixon's novel, the cover alone sold this novel to me. I knew looking at it that I would love it. After all, I love Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series, so how could I go wrong with this choice?

After sitting on my shelf for many weeks, I saw Entwined as an audio at my library. I decided that since I really wanted to read it but I have so much going on with teaching, I would give the audio a try.

Summary (from cover):

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her...beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing...it's taken away. All of it.

Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things. 

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.   

My thoughts:

Azalea is cast in the middle between doing what is right by her sisters and what is right by expectations. She is in charge of caring for the well-being of the eleven youngers, and Azalea takes this job quite seriously. But she also knows there are rules that must be followed, and she walks a fine line between following those rules and breaking them (but for the right reasons).

Dixon creates an interesting world for readers. We are privy to RB (royal business) within the palace, but we are also initiated into a magic that grows within the user. One that requires an oath, an oath that may cost some their lives. While the plot itself is fascinating and perfectly paced, the world created beyond the palace walls in the one that will capture readers, much like Keeper is trying to capture his freedom.

Dixon's "other world" brings a Gaimanesque quality to it, creating perfect juxtaposition between the intention of Azalea and her sisters and that of Keeper. Those who have read any of Gaiman's work will immediately pick up on the macabre creation of Dixon's within the magical world, a world that is meant to keep all twelve girls safe, not tear them apart.

But do not be fooled readers. While the girls do spend time in the magical world dancing, while the girls do find themselves in a precarious situation, this is not the focus. This is what enhances it. There is plenty of fainting, romance, fainting, romance, fainting, and romance to keep you turning the page as well. All of this fainting, romance, and magical world make this worth you reading.

Like Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy, Entwined casts an enchantment over readers.

A final note about the title - let's just say that it is clever, and the reveal of the title's origin will be a clever surprise to readers.

Bray brings heart to Beauty Queens

I read Beauty Queens shortly after its publication, anxious to dive into another great Bray read. I was not at all prepared for the awesomeness that this book gave me - straight satire I could chew on for hours. While at the library a couple of weeks ago I was searching for a great YA audio book to listen to and from work. I saw Beauty Queens and noticed that Bray was the reader. I promptly checked it out, curious to see if hearing her read it would enhance my experience with the novel. IT DID (and then some)!

In June I wrote a review of my thoughts on the novel. What I want to focus on is how Bray's interpretation fit mine to a T. I get it, she wrote it, so of course she was magnificent at reading it. What Bray brought to my second experience with this novel is more empathy for the characters, characters I over-looked while reading the novel.

Through her reading, she truly captures the element of satire that I fear many readers will miss while reading the novel. The sound effects enhance the statement she is trying to make with how much our lives are dictated to us through commercialism, beauty, self-absorption, etc.

But what she truly brought to the novel as a reader was heart. While I read the novel I found myself laughing at the many statements, but while hearing her read, those statements truly sank in on another level. It truly brought the entire book together as a whole piece in a way that I missed while reading the novel.

And if that is not enough, she gives an interview at the novel's conclusion. This interview will stay with me for a long time. She discusses having to make a tough choice at the age of eighteen, being thrust into adulthood before she might have been ready. It is a tale that brings a new respect to her as a writer and as a woman. While I have always loved the stories she has created, while I have found myself giggling at many of her tweets, I know find myself respecting her not only as a writer but as a woman, one who does not go "gently into that good night" but fights to do what she loves. This makes me even more nervous to hear and meet her next weekend at the Decatur Book Festival, but I cannot WAIT!

My original review of the novel: These aren't your mama's beauty queens

And FYI: Taylor is STILL my favorite character! Bray really brought her to life on the audio. 

Before I Fall is worth every page!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver was my pick for the YA Teacher Readers book club because of the glowing reviews it received, mostly from fans of Thirteen Reasons Why. I wasn't too sure how the teachers would receive the book, or how I would for that matter, by at the meeting it received raved reviews from those who attended. The number one word used to describe it - interesting.

I think the one thing that speaks to us as readers is the fact that we root for Samantha Kingston, no matter what the ultimate outcome. She's been a part of the "queen bee" group in high school and because of this affiliation, she loses her life at the opening of the novel. Oliver then has us relive Samantha's final day on Earth not just once, but seven times. Each day Samantha awakens to discover she is reliving that day again. What can break the cycle? How can she move forward into the afterlife? It is not until the end of day 6 that Samantha realizes what she needs to do, what she must do, and the reader is left thinking, "Don't do it."

While the reliving the day over and over again mirrors Groundhog Day, the plot is anything but. Each of those days is cleverly woven to give the reader a new revelation, one that helps connect the puzzle pieces from day one. To me that is the true craft of the novel - how all things really are connected, whether we realize it or not. Oliver has created a page-turner with Before I Fall, one that will leave its impression on readers long after the book is complete and added to the shelf. I have just one complaint: I felt that seven days was too long. I really feel that one of those days could have been cut and the book would still have been amazing. BUT, seven is a nice number - a week for Samantha to discover the truth about her self, her friends, and life in general.

Before I Fall - add it to your mound! If you do not have time to read this novel, you must go to your local library and check it out on audio - it is that good! I did not read this novel; I listened to it. The reader was amazing, and I feel that it heightened my experience with the novel.

A Lovely Surprise

Bray's sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty has it all - drama, suspense, romance, friendship, fear, coming-of-age - and ties it into this fast-moving plot. Gemma Doyle is the one - she is the only one who can stop Circe and restore order in the realms. With the help of her two friends, the three set off to discover the location of the Temple within the realms, an absolute must-find before it is too late. Torn between her life and her destiny, Gemma embarks on a quest that could cost her both.


As a YA lover, I am always looking for something interesting to read; I love finding books that my students have not read - or even know exist - and hold book talks. Every now and again the opposite will happen, my students will surprise me with a book I did not know existed...and thus Rebel Angels stepped into my life. I absolutely loved this book! Due to my current grueling schedule, I have not had a chance to read for pleasure in the way I am accustomed, and it is killing me. This is where audio books help me with my "fix". I found this at the library in audio, popped it in, and was hooked from the moment the reader began reading until the novel's conclusion.