Review: Salt & Storm

It’s October! And I like to call this month my month of witchy, spooktascular reads.

So, it is only fitting that my first review for this month is a witchy tale.

Title: ‘Salt & Storm

Author: Kendall Kulper

Pages: 416

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Available: NOW at your local library or bookstore

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

You don't know what you must give up to become a witch.

Avery Roe wants only to claim her birthright as the witch of Prince Island and to make the charms that have kept the island's sailors safe at sea for generations, but instead she is held prisoner by her mother in a magic-free life of proper manners and respectability.

Avery thinks escape is just a matter of time, but when she has a harrowing nightmare, she can see what it means: She will be killed. She will be murdered. And she's never been wrong before.

Desperate to change her future, Avery finds a surprising ally in Tane—a tattooed harpoon boy with magic of his own, who moves her in ways she never expected. But as time runs out to unlock her magic and save herself, Avery discovers that becoming a witch requires unimaginable sacrifice.

Avery walks the knife's edge between choice and destiny in Kendall Kulper's sweeping debut: the story of one girl's fight to survive the rising storm of first love and family secrets.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I was not expecting to be drawn into the story as quickly as I was, but once I started, I did not want to put this down.

Our heroine is Avery, a young woman who wants just one thing in life: to be the Prince Island witch. But her mother has other plans for her, plans that involve Avery marrying a wealthy young man and being a good wife; plans that involve nothing to do with witchcraft.

Avery feels that this is not her destiny. It is her duty as a Roe to continue the family line and to be the next Roe witch, to take over from her grandmother.

Avery spends the novel trying to pry herself away from her mother and back into the house she knows, the woman who will teach her the witchy ways, her grandmother. But there is a curse on Avery, thanks to dear old mom, that keeps her from where her heart wants to be.

This is the heart of the novel’s conflict—a parent’s dream for a child that the child rejects. While this conflict is enough to propel readers into the action, this is not all the author has in store.

We are also introduced to Tane, a young man who is looking for the people responsible for the death of his loved ones. His chance meeting with Avery is a game-changer for her…and for him. They both agree to help one another achieve the unachievable.

I felt the pacing of the story was right on target. The story had a nice flow to it, keeping me engaged as a reader, wanting to see where the author would take the story next.

I especially enjoyed the style of writing. There is a storm in the novel, and while this storm was happening on the page, I could not only visualize it but also hear the sounds that surrounded the characters. I absolutely loved this—it allowed me to experience the story even deeper. This is the main reason I enjoyed the book so much. I was not just reading words on a page; I was a part of the storytelling.

I enjoyed Avery as a character, and I think teen readers will connect with her too. She knows what she wants, but she is frustrated because there are outside forces keeping her from the thing she wants most. This is definitely something teen readers can relate to, and something that will see a bit of themselves in Avery.

Then there is Tane, who is Avery’s love interest. While his role is a typical one in all novels, he really got under my skin. I think it was his determination to make sure Avery achieves her goals, no matter the cost. He brings enough to the page to give readers swoon-worthy moments, but he does not steal the spotlight from the novel’s true star.

Avery’s mom is a red herring of a character—I was not sure if I could trust what she said. But it becomes clear by novel’s end whether or not her intentions are pure. What frustrated me about the mom character was that she was hell-bent on her daughter not performing witchcraft and yet she herself was performing it to keep her daughter right where she could see her. In this way, Avery’s mom fulfills another element that teen readers can connect with, something they have probably had experience with at some point in their own lives.

Do I recommend this book?

This is not a book geared toward a specific reader—all readers can enjoy this book, but most especially those who enjoy a good witchy tale. This is a great read for this month, so make sure to add it to your TBR pile.

What’s your favorite witchy read? I have so many—share below and let’s talk books.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Being Audrey Hepburn

When I saw this cover, I was intrigued. I mean, who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn?! Okay, some of you don’t, but I love a classic Hollywood actress.

I was curious to see how Kriegman was going to bring Audrey into modern times, and into YA. This book has an interesting “flavor” to it.

Title: ‘Being Audrey Hepburn’

Author: Mitchell Kriegman

Pages: 366

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Available: NOW at your local library or bookstore

Source: Netgalley

 

Summary (from Goodreads):

Lisbeth comes from a broken home in the land of tube tops, heavy eyeliner, frosted lip-gloss, juiceheads, hoop earrings and “the shore.” She has a circle of friends who have dedicated their teenage lives to relieve the world of all its alcohol one drink at a time.

Obsessed with everything Audrey Hepburn, Lisbeth is transformed when she secretly tries on Audrey’s iconic Givenchy. She becomes who she wants to be by pretending to be somebody she’s not and living among the young and privileged Manhattan elite. Soon she’s faced with choices that she would never imagine making – between who she’s become and who she once was.

In the tradition of The Nanny Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, this is a coming of age story that all begins with that little black dress…

My Thoughts:

First, let me say that the Goodreads description is interesting because this is not how I would describe this book, at all. That first paragraph especially just doesn’t seem to fit. This description would not sell me to want to read this book.

 
Do you know what would? Having the idea of a dress transforming the life of a girl. A girl who wants nothing out of life but to not end up like her mom. Or her sister. Or her brother. This is a girl who sees possibility in all things Audrey Hepburn.

This is also a girl with connections. Lisbeth’s best friend works at The Met, and she just happens to have access to a Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys.’

This friend, Jess, allows Lisbeth to try on the dress. I mean, how can she not? Lisbeth is completely obsessed with all things Hepburn, and Jess is her best friend. But when Jess is in danger of being discovered by her boss, she shoos Lisbeth into a party being held at the museum, and this thrusts Lisbeth into a life she could only have dreamed.

And while I could argue it is the dress that changes her life, it really isn’t. It is a chance encounter in a bathroom with a pop star who has had too much to drink and is sick in the bathroom. Lisbeth shows her kindness, and this pop star is what thrusts Lisbeth into the “high life.” The little black dress just allowed Lisbeth to “look” the part.

But there are family secrets being kept, and Lisbeth cannot sustain her lifestyle much longer. She is neglecting family, friends, and her own life to live it up with a crowd not meant to have her.

The question is: will her secret be found out?

What drives this book is not the story itself but Lisbeth. She is what kept me reading, even in parts where I was disconnecting. This is a girl who is searching for her own independence, but she is struggling because her mom wants one life for her and she wants a different one—not sure what life she wants yet, but that’s normal. Lisbeth seeks solace in her closet, and this is where her love for Audrey Hepburn is truly revealed. She relishes her closet time, with her laptop and her Hepburn film collection.

Lisbeth shines the most as a character when she is with her own kind. I did not buy her time with the socialites; it made her seem fake and uncaring. But when she is on the page with her best friend Jess, even with her family, she is more relatable and feels more real.

As for the plot, I found it an interesting idea. There were a couple of plot twists that I thought were interesting, and I really enjoyed the idea of a little black dress transforming someone’s life, but maybe in a different way.

I found the pacing of the novel to be a bit slow, and then it would pick up, and then slow down again. The final pay off was worth hanging in there.

 

Do I recommend this book?

 

I do, but with reservation to those who are looking for a book to hook them. This is not that novel. This novel is more geared towards established readers. I don’t see traditional non-readers staying hooked in the plot, but they may connect with Lisbeth as a character.

 

What’s the best realistic fiction novel you’ve read lately?

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

 

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: Don't Even Think About It

Since her 'Magic in Manhattan' series, I have been a fan of Mlynowski's. She has a style of writing that I enjoy, full of imagination and interesting plot ideas.

Her latest YA novel is no exception. 

But, I have to say that I am not a fan of the cover. I just don't think it does the novel story justice, at all. I wouldn't have picked this up if I saw it in a bookstore or library. But you  should.

 
Title: ‘Don’t Even Think About It’

Author: Sarah Mlynowski

Pages: 336

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

We weren't always like this. We used to be average New York City high school sophomores. Until our homeroom went for flu shots. We were prepared for some side effects. Maybe a headache. Maybe a sore arm. We definitely didn't expect to get telepathic powers. But suddenly we could hear what everyone was thinking. Our friends. Our parents. Our crushes. Now we all know that Tess is in love with her best friend, Teddy. That Mackenzie cheated on Cooper. That, um, Nurse Carmichael used to be a stripper.

Since we've kept our freakish skill a secret, we can sit next to the class brainiac and ace our tests. We can dump our boyfriends right before they dump us. We know what our friends really think of our jeans, our breath, our new bangs. We always know what's coming. Some of us will thrive. Some of us will crack. None of us will ever be the same.

So stop obsessing about your ex. We're always listening.

My Thoughts:

What would happen if you were a sophomore in high school and were able to read the thoughts of those around you? Would you use your newfound power for the betterment of society—for yourself?

This is what Mlynowski explores in her latest teen novel.

Mlynowski’s tale follows a classroom of sophomores, all in line to receive their annual flu shot. But something about this batch is off; something goes wrong, and as the kids start to discover that they can read the minds of those around them (and vice versa), the fun begins.

From minor “cheating” in the classroom to a showdown at a birthday party, there is a little something here for all readers.

Parts made me laugh; parts made my heart thump; new friendships were formed; others were torn apart; and I found myself turning the page to see how it all ends.

What a fun read. I found the plot to be interesting, engaging, and fast moving. From the moment those kids stepped into the nurses office until the end of the story, I was hooked—and ready to read the consequences of their new power.

And there were interesting on-the-page play with this idea. Especially when a school cafeteria comes into play; after all, isn’t that where all the awesomeness usually happens in high school? And dances. And parties.

I mean, they are in high school. They are mostly fifteen. Their lives are more a mess than anyone can imagine, but when that is no longer a secret, when those surrounding know every thought, detail, secret, how do the characters cope? How can they grow and bring the story to a head?

Well, Mlynowski does so flawlessly. She has characters that teens can identify with in some way, and she has an engaging idea that can keep those teens hooked into the story, contemplating their own thoughts, details, secrets. What if those in their own classes knew all that was happening, and they were powerless to stop it? Oh the horror—and I think this is what most teen readers will find most intriguing.

For me, I read it as a reader as well as a teacher. I just cannot imagine what would happen if students could read my mind, or if I could read theirs. Yikes!

I was curious to see how all of this was going to end and I had many questions while reading: would they be discovered? is it a weird science experiment gone wrong? could this really happen? And my final thought: this is why I don’t get a flu shot. I would be the one who would end up with a batch of Spidermanesque funk and end up with some weird “power” I don’t want.

I think that is about all I can say without revealing important plot points—and there are a lot in this book.

While the cover is adorable, I really don’t think it fits the plot. It makes it appeal more to girls, and I feel like this is a unisex book. The boys’ thoughts are on the table just as much as the girls’ thoughts. They are equally humiliated, and interesting. Their ups and downs match that of the girls, and they seem to get equal page time.

Publishers should really think about that when putting covers on books. If I was a teen boy, I wouldn’t touch this book with that cover. But boys, I think you would enjoy the storytelling too. Just wrap the cover with a brown paper bag, like back in the old days when we did that. It will be okay. And you will read a pretty interesting tale.

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely. I recommend this to all fans of Mlynowski, but also readers of Stephanie Perkins and Elizabeth Eulberg. Mlynowski has a smooth style to her storytelling that is approachable for a variety of readers, and this plot is engaging enough to keep readers from tween up invested in the characters and the story.

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

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator