Review: CARRY ON, by Rainbow Rowell

Wow!! Leave it to Rainbow Rowell to come up with a story like this. If you haven't read FANGIRL, you might have trouble getting into this at the beginning, because it contains a lot of "backstory" that pretends to exist in other books but doesn't. Some lines might feel unnecessarily confusing and under-explained for anyone that doesn't understand that this book stemmed from the fanfiction in FANGIRL. However, that doesn't mean that only readers of FANGIRL can understand CARRY ON. Rainbow Rowell, as always, has created a world that sucks her readers in without regret. This book is part parody, part love story, part action-packed fantasy, and part fanfiction. Some of the writing isn't good (too many parentheses, anyone?), but it seems to not be good on purpose, and, quite honestly, it's bad in a good way; this is supposed to be a fake fanfiction, after all.

What I love most about this book--and the reason I devour all of Rainbow Rowell's books--is the buildup. Rowell is THE QUEEN of building up tension. She never pushes her characters together too soon. Only after the reader has been sitting on the edge of their seat for two hours, yelling "Just tell him you love him!" and "Just kiss already!" does she finally indulge. And oh, how the wait is worth it!

Stars: 4.75/5
Recommended for: This is the perfect book for fans of fantasy stories, and especially for anyone who loves a good twist on LGBT fiction.

Review: MISSOULA: RAPE AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN A COLLEGE TOWN, by Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer blew me away with this intensely brutal look at rape and the justice system. He did a great job of pulling evidence from many corners, and laying everything out in way that helps the reader along without spoon-feeding them. It's powerful, haunting, and engaging.

Stars: 4/5
Recommended for: Anyone who wants to educate themselves about the aftereffects of rape on its victims and the accused

Review: EVERY DAY, by David Levithan

EVERY DAY had me hooked from the start. I love how David Levithan takes a concept we've seen before (QUANTUM LEAP, anyone?), then flips it on its head. The book has beautiful writing, well-developed characters, and an intriguing plot. Throughout the entire story, I couldn't help but imagine myself in A's situation, constantly wondering "What if...?" I'm giving this book 4 1/2 stars instead of 5 because, frankly, I wasn't a fan of the ending.

Stars: 4.5/5 
Recommended for: If you're looking for an escape read, pick up this book! 

Review: THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, by Ray Bradbury

I read this book about 10 years ago, and had been meaning to read it again. I'm so glad I did, because the re-read reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place. This book is AMAZING--and I don't say that lightly. Ray Bradbury has created one of the most compelling, unique worlds I have ever encountered. I am constantly amazed by his incorporation of social commentary into this fictional arena. Each chapter is better than the last.

Stars: 5/5 
Recommended for: Well worth the read for anyone interested in science fiction, and even anyone who isn't. If you enjoy classics and social commentary via fiction, this book is for you.

Review: IF I STAY, by Gayle Forman

I had trouble getting into IF I STAY, but not because it wasn't good. The story and plot were fine, but I couldn't connect to the story itself. I thought the story would take a dark turn because of the nature of the book, but it never happened. On the whole, I found IF I STAY uninteresting. However, I appreciate its uniqueness. I doubt I will get around to reading the next story in the series.

Stars: 3/5 
Recommended for: Readers who appreciate "what-if" scenarios

Review: THE SELECTION, by Kiera Cass

I admit that I chose to read this book because of its pretty cover, but I was quickly drawn in with the world Kiera Cass created. Yes, it's an odd mix of THE HUNGER GAMES and THE BACHELOR--but what a great mix that is! I love the originality of this book, and I'll never get enough of the twists. The writing itself is nothing to rave about, as sometimes it feels rudimentary and basic. The story is what's fascinating, and I can't wait to read on to find out what happens next!

Stars: 4/5 
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in unique worlds

Review: TAKING THE STAND, by Juliann Rich

What an amazing wrap-up to the Caught in the Crossfire Trilogy! Juliann Rich continues to blow me away with her spot-on writing and relatable characters. It has been a pleasure to follow Jonathan on his journey from a shy boy trying to figure himself out, to an outspoken young man who understands what he wants and isn't afraid to take risks. Rich does a great job wrapping up all the loose ends, even if those loose ends aren't tied in a pretty bow. I appreciate this author's portrayals of reality, and the way her build-up of tension entices me to continue reading. I look forward to reading all of her future books.

Stars: 4.5/5 
Recommended for: Lovers of LGBTQ YA fiction and realistic stories (and, of course, anyone who has read the first two books in the series)

Review: THE STRANGER'S CHILD, by Alan Hollinghurst

I had high hopes for this book, to the point that I dropped everything to read it. The premise was intriguing, and the beginning had me hooked. Alan Hollinghurst's writing has a great flow, making the characters and situations feel realistic and sound. The story itself set up many unanswered questions, so I plowed through the book in anticipation of an amazing plot twist or revelation. But none of these great things outweigh what I see as the book's biggest flaw: there doesn't seem to be a point. Many loose ends remain untied, leading the reader on an unfulfilled goose chase. And though well written, quite a few of the characters fail to add significance to the story; many characters could have been removed altogether. The length of the book could have been chopped in half, saving the reader wasted effort without compromising the plot.

Stars: 2.5/5 
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy flowery writing and "soft" plots

Review: SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA, by Becky Albertalli

I'm kicking off my "Short and Sweet Book Reviews" series with my most recent read: SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA, by Becky Albertalli

A perfect take on modern-day teens and coming out. This book does a great job of incorporating humor and heartbreak, while sticking to a realistic portrayal of what it means to be a gay teenager today. However, one doesn't have to be gay to enjoy this great book, as it will appeal to a wide audience. The only drawback for me what its slight predictability; I loved the ongoing mystery of who Blue might turn out to be, but the options for the true identity were rather limited. I kept turning the page to find out who Blue was, but I must admit I wasn't surprised when it was revealed.

Stars: 4/5 
Recommended for: Anyone interested in young adult contemporaries with a touch of mystery

Short and Sweet Book Reviews

Welcome! It seems like ages have passed since I last posted. I could give a million excuses for my absence, but I'll leave the list at this: I've been writing/editing my latest novel, buried in my critique partners' awesome manuscripts, and juggling work with raising a child.

But do you know what I've also been doing? Reading. A LOT. Whether it's listening to audio books during my commute or kicking my feet up after the baby goes to bed, I've been plowing through books like it's my job (and wouldn't that be nice if it were!). I've made it a point to write a small review of every book I've read, as a way to help me understand why I liked or disliked it. I've posted these reviews on Goodreads, and occasionally Amazon, and now I'd like to share them here.

So stay tuned for what I like to call "Short and Sweet Book Reviews": a quick and easy guide to whether books I read are awesome, mediocre, or worthy of throwing out the window.