Review: Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler

Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler
November 17th, 2015 · Spencer Hill Contemporary
Source: Author
Format: eARC
Page Count: 348

Reagan Forrester wants out—out of her trailer park, out of reach of her freeloading mother, and out of the shadow of the relationship that made her the pariah of Charytan, Kansas.

Victoria Reyes wants in—in to a fashion design program, in to the arms of a cute guy who doesn't go to Charytan High, and in to a city where she won't stand out for being Mexican.

One thing the polar-opposite best friends do agree on is that wherever they go, they’re staying together. But when they set off on a series of college visits at the start of their senior year, they quickly see that the future doesn’t look quite like they expected. After two years of near-solitude following the betrayal of the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart, Reagan falls hard and fast for a Battlestar Galactica-loving, brilliant smile-sporting pre-med prospective... only to learn she's set herself up for heartbreak all over again. Meanwhile, Victoria runs full-speed toward all the things she thinks she wants… only to realize everything she’s looking for might be in the very place they've sworn to leave.

As both Reagan and Victoria struggle to learn who they are and what they want in the present, they discover just how much they don't know about each other's pasts. And when each learns what the other’s been hiding, they'll have to decide whether their friendship has a future. 

In the words of Vic: Tia Maria! This is one fabulous book.

I'm not usually a fan of dual narration, but Just Visiting made it work so well. Normally it would take me a while to find my groove and adjust to two voices, but I sank into this book like a fluffy marshmallow and didn't give it a second thought because I was too busy turning the pages. Apart from jotting down a note as to how well the POVs were written, of course.

The diversity in the book is just SO GREAT. Truly. It's weaved in effortlessly and as always, you can see that Dahlia has done her research. For one, Victoria is fluent in ASL because her mum is deaf and I don’t think I’ve ever seen this done in a YA novel before. It was great and as much as I enjoyed it, I think I would have loved this particular aspect even more now that I’ve discovered the TV show Switched at Birth, one of my latest obsessions. (And hey, on another note, you should totally check out that show.) It also includes a cast that's diverse in race (Victoria is Mexican and one of the love interests is Indian) and socioeconomic class.

I already liked the girls, but I really came to love them when we got to delve into their pasts. This fleshed them out and allowed us to get to know them; where they've been and where they're going. Reagan and Vic are both very different and I think this is also why they complement each other in friendship and from a reading perspective. They both offer something different - to each other and for the reader. They aren't without their flaws, but they care for one another so much. It’s a beautiful friendship and the kind I love to see being represented in YA.

More reasons I love JV? I won’t spoil it, but there's this scene that deals with contraception and it's handled so well. Some authors might have simplified it or skipped over it altogether; I know this because I remember reading this scene once that was so dismissive of the subject it’s stuck with me, even though the book hasn’t. But Dahlia does’t take the easy route and has handled the subject with such grace. You’ll know it when you read it.

To sum up: Just Visiting is for you, if you like:

- Well written stories with heart and humour
- fleshed out characters
- books brimming with diversity
- awesome friendships to ship

Basically, what more could you want in a book?

P.S. I'll be hosting a Twitter party with the author to celebrate the release next week. Come for some fun, a Q&A, book chatting & more. 

Save the date:

8PM EST on the 18th (US)

 9AM AWST on the 19th (AUS, WA)
Not sure if you'll be able to make it? Check your time zone here!

Use the #JVParty hashtag to join in. Hope to see you there!

Review: What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley
November 1st, 2015 · Harlequin Teen Australia
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Page Count: 416

From the critically acclaimed author of Lies We Tell Ourselves comes an emotional, empowering story of what happens when love isn't enough to conquer all.

Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They've been together forever. They never fight. They're deeply, hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college—Toni to Harvard and Gretchen to NYU—they're sure they'll be fine. Where other long-distance relationships have fallen apart, their relationship will surely thrive.

The reality of being apart, however, is a lot different than they expected. As Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, falls in with a group of transgender upperclassmen and immediately finds a sense of belonging that has always been missing, Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside their relationship.

While Toni worries that Gretchen, who is not trans, just won't understand what is going on, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in Toni's life. As distance and Toni's shifting gender identity begins to wear on their relationship, the couple must decide—have they grown apart for good, or is love enough to keep them together? 

I had such high hopes and expectations for What We Left Behind. I’d liked Robin Talley’s debut, but since historical isn’t my thing, I thought I’d love her latest. It sounded like a sure thing and it’s disheartening to be sitting here writing a negative review. Beware: ranting ahead.

Of course, I certainly don't claim to know everything about the LGBTQIA+ community and their experiences, so these are just my thoughts and what I took away the book.

I like that it discussed gendered pronouns. It's the first time I've seen it on the pages in YA and that was great. But that’s the only thing about this book that worked for me.

It’s really disappointing that for a book I hoped would be free of stereotypes, it was full of them. Not in just secondary, uneducated characters, but in the way Toni thought too. He was always stereotyping people he didn’t know and judging them, which got really old fast.

So I show Carroll yearbook pictures and tell him more about my friends back home. He’s shocked by how many gay people went to our high school. I think it was partly because it was an all-girl school," I say. “Going across the street to the guys’ school was so much effort. People got lazy.” pg 56

Problematic much? Turned gay because they're lazy? Really? Also:

Ebony and Felecia are both black, and Joanna is Vietnamese. I felt a little weird at first, like I was boring next to them. Then I remembered that I bring in the LGBTQIA diversity angle, so I was still contributing. pg 293 

Oh no, you didn’t. So being of a marginalised group is “contributing” and if you're not, you're boring? Wow… Note: this is only two alarming excerpts of many.

The thing I found most problematic though was how the author completely misrepresented what it means to be genderqueer. Transgender and genderqueer are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. They’re not one and the same; they’re not interchangeable. For the author to basically depict that they are? I found that really damaging. I get that Toni was still questioning things and trying to better understand herself and what she wanted, but I feel the author did a major disservice in confusing the two and making them interchangeable when they are NOT. I feel this book was supposed to introduce people to the term genderqueer and instead it became a transgender book. And it’s not to say we don’t need books with transgender characters because we do, but I was just really let down with how things were handled here.

I think what makes me most disheartened is that people are going to pick up this book and take away a confusing, conflicted message. This may be their first time learning about genderqueer and transgender terms and the whole book was largely stereotypical. There’s enough stereotyping and erasure in the world when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community, but I didn’t expect that from this book. We *do* need genderqueer characters, but we also need for that to be good representation.

P.S. I highly recommend this video, which explains genderqueer so, so well.

Review: Cam Girl by Leah Raeder

Review: Cam Girl by Leah Raeder
November 3rd, 2015 · Atria
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC via Netgalley
Page Count: 320

Vada Bergen is broke, the black sheep of her family, and moving a thousand miles away from home for grad school, but she’s got the two things she loves most: her art and her best friend—and sometimes more—Ellis Carraway. Ellis and Vada have a friendship so consuming it’s hard to tell where one girl ends and the other begins. It’s intense. It’s a little codependent. And nothing can tear them apart.

Until an accident on an icy winter road changes everything.

Vada is left deeply scarred, both emotionally and physically. Her once-promising art career is cut short. And Ellis pulls away, unwilling to talk about that night. Everything Vada loved is gone.

She’s got nothing left to lose.

So when she meets some smooth-talking entrepreneurs who offer to set her up as a cam girl, she can’t say no. All Vada has to do is spend a couple hours each night stripping on webcam, and the “tips” come pouring in.

It’s just a kinky escape from reality until a client gets serious. “Blue” is mysterious, alluring, and more interested in Vada’s life than her body. Online, they chat intimately. Blue helps her heal. And he pays well, but he wants her all to himself. No more cam shows. It’s an easy decision: she’s starting to fall for him. But the steamier it gets, the more she craves the real man behind the keyboard. So Vada pops the question:

Can we meet IRL?

Blue agrees, on one condition. A condition that brings back a ghost from her past. Now Vada must confront the devastating secrets she's been running from—those of others, and those she's been keeping from herself... 

When I saw Cam Girl on Netgalley, I couldn’t resist. I’ve read rave review after rave review when it comes to Leah Raeder’s books, ever since Unteachable released in 2013 and caused a storm of hype and frenzy. While I didn’t fall head over heels for her latest, I can see her book appeal. Her writing alone is gorgeously intoxicating.

The characters are incredibly flawed and real. Sometimes I’ll read a book where the characters seem like puppets; their words not their own; their actions forced. This is not the case with the lead or its secondary characters. Veda comes right off the page, her emotions vivid enough to touch, her voice all her own, as does the rest of the incredibly diverse cast. POC, physical disability, characters who ID as Bi, Gay and Trans. It’s all here.

I didn’t know what to expect with Veda working as a cam girl and I didn’t give it any thought when I went ahead and requested the book. I don’t have an interest in reading about sex work, but I thought the author handled it very well and depicted that camming can be more than objectification.

I wasn’t a big fan of the twisty suspense, as I felt it started to drag on as the story progressed. But I must say: the last 15% was INTENSE. Like, stop breathing, stop reading, catch my breathe intense. Well played.

I’d heard wonderful things about Leah Raeder's prose and I can confirm: her writing is just as good as everyone says it is. It’s lyrical, lush and lovely to read. But Cam Girl as a whole? I didn’t really connect with it. I liked it, but I didn’t love it and it's not that I can even really fault it. I really think it's one of those it’s-not-you-it’s-me situations. Maybe it’s because I’m happy reading YA and that I don’t have that pull to read NA, at least not yet. I do know that if I do want to venture out in the future, for something dark, edgier, I’ll be looking up Raeder's other titles. Her writing alone is enough to venture back for.

Are you a NA reader? If you're familiar with Leah Raeder: what's your favourite titles of hers?

Mini Reviews: None of the Above + Written in the Stars = Diversity FTW

I read None of the Above and Written In the Stars earlier in the year and loved them. These books are incredibly diverse, unlike anything I’ve ever read and character driven page-turners. I would have loved to written a full review for each of them and given them the spotlight they deserve, but I was enjoying them that much I just wanted to sit, enjoy them and skip note taking. So I did. Nonetheless, I highly recommend them both! Here’s why I loved them and why YOU should check them out before the year ends:

A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl who discovers she was born intersex... and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between. (Goodreads)

None of the Above broke my heart and then mended it. This is the first book I’ve read about intersex and I thought it was handled so incredibly well. Before None of the Above, I knew a bit about intersex, but not in great detail so reading this was eye-opening and informative.  Kristin’s voice is great and hooked me from page one; she’s a character you really can’t help but wish the best for. Despite picking this up in a book slump, I couldn't put this down and finished it in a little over a day. You can't help but be pulled in by Kristin's story and all that she's going through.

The bullying Kristin experiences made me angry. It’s not that I expected supportive, warm and fuzzy reactions from everyone, but it was disappointing and saddening, yet unfortunately not unrealistic. The bullying Kristin experiences and her own inner turmoil was heartbreaking to read, but the support she did receive was great. As for the romance, it was lovely and sweet, but most importantly, it didn't overtake the heart of the story. Ultimately, this book made me wish people were more understanding and open minded because it would truly make the world of difference. I’m glad this book exists.

This heart-wrenching novel explores what it is like to be thrust into an unwanted marriage. Has Naila’s fate been written in the stars? Or can she still make her own destiny? (Goodreads)

Written in the Stars was one of my most anticipated titles and it certainly delivered.

This was like watching a nightmare unfold, one that poor Nalia can't wake up from. But what's really terrifying is that for some girls, this is a reality; this has happened and continues to happen. When you stop and think, it’s not only heartbreaking, but incredibly scary.

Looking back, I think I was expecting an honest, terrifying look at forced marriages, and while I got that, I also got much more. The author doesn't hold back and has written an intense, bittersweet story that is well worth the read.

As the ending neared, I was so invested, my stomach was in knots wondering how it would all end. It’s a nailer-biter of a book to say the least and kept me on the edge of my seat more than any thriller I’ve read this year. That truly is a testament to how well-written this is and make me excited to read more by Aisha Saeed.

Review: How To Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras

How To Be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras
November 3rd, 2015 · St. Martin's Press
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC from Netgalley
Page Count: 288

An emotional contemporary YA novel about love, loss, and having the courage to chase the life you truly want.

Reeling from her mother's death, Georgia has a choice: become lost in her own pain, or enjoy life right now, while she still can. She decides to start really living for the first time and makes a list of fifteen ways to be brave - all the things she's wanted to do but never had the courage to try. As she begins doing the things she's always been afraid to do - including pursuing her secret crush, she discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes friendships fall apart and love breaks your heart. But once in a while, the right person shows up just when you need them most - and you learn that you're stronger and braver than you ever imagined.

Firstly, I really enjoyed the positive, empowering vibe of this book. You have the close friendship between Georgia and Liss, who have each other's backs. As always, it’s great to see strong female friendships in YA. Secondly, Georgia’s voice is authentic and a definite highlight of the book. Though she’s overweight, I loved that the book didn't revolve around that; it wasn't the be all end all. Because at it’s core, How To Be Brave is about trying to live a life Georgia's mum would be proud of and taking chances. I think this quote sums it up perfectly:

"But being brave isn't about living every minute exhilarated. It's about waking up and knowing that despite the worry and the sadness and the deep, dark fear, you're going to go forth anyway. That you're going to try anyway. That you have a choice, and you're going to choose to live, today, bravely."

Isn't that quote just beautiful?

For the most part, this was an enjoyable story. The main negative I had with the book was that I wanted more from the beginning. It felt like the plot was lacking and I was left waiting for it pick up. I was much happier with the ending and by the second half, I became hooked as conflict started to arise and saw Georgia start to grow as a character, which was great. It was just what I'd wanted and made me a happy little camper.

I have to say, I wish the cover had went with a model that looked more like Georgia, instead of the traditional-looking, thin model. I know it doesn’t affect the story and authors don't have much say in the matter, if any, but it’s rather disappointing when you think about it. Hopefully we’ll start to see better cover representation in the future!

A particular scene that stood out to me was when Georgia and her friends went to to tribal dance class, which was on Georgia’s list. It was such an empowering moment for these young girls and my favourite scene in the book.

How To Be Brave is a thoughtful story and one I think teenagers will enjoy.

Review: The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
August 27th, 2015 · Walker Books
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 352

What if you aren’t the Chosen One?

The one who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?

What if you’re like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.

Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.

Even if your best friend is worshipped by mountain lions.

Award-winning writer Patrick Ness’s bold and irreverent novel powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable. 

Patrick Ness. What is there to say, apart from the fact that he is one very beloved, popular YA author among readers? Practically everyone loves him and I've only ever heard incredible things about his books, yet this was my first time reading him. It took me a while, huh? First things first: I can see why he causes such a hype. I LOVED The Rest of Us Just Live Here.

I first became intrigued about TROUJLH after my friend Jess read it and was telling me about it at a blogger meet-up. It sounded great, but I officially knew I needed this in my life after I jumped onto Goodreads a few days later and got a major Buffy vibe from the reviews. (As you most probably know by now, BtVS is my favourite.) Because then that got me thinking - what would have high school been like for those teens not off saving the world? Patrick Ness shows us in his latest. But it also delivers SO much more and blew my expectations out of the water.

In case you didn’t know, this book is incredibly diverse and it is WONDERFUL. It was so great to read and see so many diverse characters on the page. Plus, they were written with care and sensitivity, which is just as important as writing them in the first place. Big thumbs up.

And the charterers? Fabulous! I loved Mikey and from page one, his voice jumped off the page. The secondary characters - Mel, Jared and Henna - were just as great and I loved how fleshed out they were. Ness makes his characters easy to love and that is no small feat. The last time I cared about characters this much was when I read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, which I read earlier in the year. It's not every day you come to care so much about a bunch of characters, but when you do, it's such a special thing. I closed the book with a heavy heart, knowing I'd miss them. If that’s not well written characters, I don’t know what is.

Another thing I I loved about this book was how supportive Mikey’s friends and sisters were. They all cared about each other so much and it was a delight to read about such strong, positive relationships and people who will be there for others no matter what. This is what we need to see more of in YA. It was seriously so endearing and lovely and heartfelt and wonderful and special that it made me tear up multiple times. (That is a lot of ands and adjectives, but it was an original sentence I wrote when I was taking notes and I still stand by it so! *takes deep breathe*)

The Rest of Us Just Live Here is an incredible, original story and one that is beautifully diverse. If you want true-to-life characters, writing that stands out and a book that’ll steal your heart, this is for you! I hope you love it as much as I did.

Have you read this or do you plan to? What's your favourite Patrick Ness book? Now that I've read him, I can't wait to read more! Last but certainly not least: Have you ever watched Buffy and if you have, are you a super fan like I am?

Review: The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

The Devil You Know by Trish Doller
July 1st, 2015 · Bloomsbury Australia
Source: Publisher - thank you!
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 256

Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape. But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions.

A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Devil You Know was one of my most anticipated releases of 2015, with Trish Doller being one of my favourite authors. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it like I hoped I would, but I did still quite enjoy it.

Things that I liked:

- The Devil You Know was addictive! I read it within a few hours and two sittings for a few reasons. 1) I obviously wanted to know how it would end and 2) I didn’t want to be reading it at night, knowing it would be tense and thrilling, which it definitely was. I don’t know about you, but I get a bit crazy reading thrillers. The suspense, I just can’t deal!
- The writing was great, as per usual with Trish Doller.
- There’s a pie run, which is so American and I LOVED it! I've never tried banana cream, but have always wanted to since I watched Bewitched. I wish pie was bigger here in Australia...
- I loved the feminist undertones.

Things I didn’t:
- I didn't connect with Cadie. She's a reckless character and will probably test your patience...
- The first half was slow moving for me, considering it was a thriller. It eventually did pick up though and provided a solid ending.
- I normally swoon over the romantic interest when it comes to this author, but the romance wasn't a winner for me. I was constantly thinking about which guy was the villain (yep, I did not crack the case. Hmm, surely all those crime/detective shows I’ve watched should have turned me into Miss. Holmes by now, right? Obviously not) and because of that, I was never sold.

A quick thriller that kept me on my toes. Not my favourite by the author, but still an enjoyable read overall. Nonetheless, and as always, I can’t wait for Trish Doller’s next release. Hopefully it'll be more my thing.

Have you read this and if you have, what did you think of it? Are you a fan of Trish Doller? Do you like pie? What's your favourite flavour? And if you've ever tried banana cream, TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT. Let me live vicariously through you!

Review: Risk by Fleur Ferris

Risk by Fleur Ferris
July 1st, 2015 · Random House Australia
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 288

Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for their whole lives. But Taylor’s fed up. Why does Sierra always get what – and who – she wants? From kissing Taylor’s crush to stealing the guy they both met online for herself, Sierra doesn’t seem to notice when she hurts her friends.

So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes.

But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would.
One day. Two days. Three . . .

What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?

When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.

Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer? 

Risk was a book I was really looking forward to this year, especially because I've never read a book like it before. It sounded like a great story (it was) and one that would hook me from the start (it certainly did).

Firstly, let’s chat characters. Sometimes Taylor’s voice felt too young for a 15 year old, but I think something to take into account is that no two teens are the same and also, teenagers will be teenagers. Maybe it was also the fact that a) I don’t normally read characters this young and tend to be drawn to upper YA and b) that it was so frustrating to watch, especially in the beginning because I knew where it was headed and there was nothing to do, except watch it play out. As much as I was tempted to hit pause a few times, I couldn’t not turn the pages and ended up reading this in a day.

The only fault I had with Risk was that I felt the author’s voice come through at times towards the end, so it felt a tad “teach and preach”. But I can let it slide. Because not only did I enjoy this a lot, but I like to think this book could have the power to save someone’s life and teach them about the dangers of the internet, and that is way more important.

Debut author, Fleur Ferris, addresses internet safety and online predators, both subject matters that need to be talked about, especially with young adults who have the potential to be at risk. Engaging, relevant, hard to put down, this book is a chilling nightmare come to life and one that is all too real. Risk is a book that should be required reading for all teenagers.

Have you read Risk or do you plan to? Have you read a book with similar subject matter before - what did you think of it? Is this something that needs to be discussed more in YA?

Don't forget to join #bookclubaus on Twitter this Friday @ 7:30 (AEST) to discuss the book and for a Q&A with the author!

Reasons to Read: The Bookshop Book

The Bookshop Book by Jen Campbell
December 2014 · Murdoch Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 288

Every bookshop has a story.

We’re not talking about rooms that are just full of books. We’re talking about bookshops in barns, disused factories, converted churches and underground car parks. Bookshops on boats, on buses, and in old run-down train stations. Fold-out bookshops, undercover bookshops, this-is-the-best-place-I’ve-ever-been-to-bookshops.

Meet Sarah and her Book Barge sailing across the sea to France; meet Sebastien, in Mongolia, who sells books to herders of the Altai mountains; meet the bookshop in Canada that’s invented the world’s first antiquarian book vending machine.

And that’s just the beginning.

From the oldest bookshop in the world, to the smallest you could imagine, The Bookshop Book examines the history of books, talks to authors about their favourite places, and looks at over three hundred weirdly wonderful bookshops across six continents (sadly, we’ve yet to build a bookshop down in the South Pole).

The Bookshop Book is a love letter to bookshops all around the world.

1. The Bookshop Book will remind you just how important it is to support your local bookshops. Yes, online shopping is great. Prices can be more affordable and you can get it shipped to your door, but… With more and more bookstores struggling to stay open, it’s up to us readers to help keep their doors open and support our local stores.

2. So...this is kind of terrible when you don’t have the finances, but boy, will The Bookshop Book give you a case of wanderlust.  There are such amazing bookshops mentioned, all around the globe, and reading about them is going to make you want to hop on a plane and go explore! This might sound like a reason to avoid the book, but truthfully, it was just quite lovely to imagine visiting them all one day - yes, a girl can dream. I may or may not be going to use this book like a bucket list!

3. Owning a bookstore is probably never a far thought for book lovers who dream of being surrounded by books all day, but reading this made me so badly want to open my own. It was fun imagining what my fantasty-store would be like… Tea parties, dress up days, author events, bookish inspired cupcake competitions galore!

4. It will make you appreciate the good ole bookstore and all that it offers. There’s nothing like walking into the warmth and comfort of a book shop and being surrounded by books, as far as the eye can see.

5. Simply put, it will remind you of the magic and wonderment that stepping into a bookshop can bring.

Review: In the Skin of A Monster by Kathryn Barker

In the Skin of A Monster by Kathryn Barker
July 29th, 2015 · Allen & Unwin
Source: Stole from friend
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 304

What if your identical twin sister was a murderer? Does that make you a monster too? A profound, intense, heartbreaking fantasy that tackles issues of fate versus free will, and whether you can ever truly know someone.

Caught in a dreamscape, mistaken for a killer ... will Alice find a way home?

Three years ago, Alice's identical twin sister took a gun to school and killed seven innocent kids; now Alice wears the same face as a monster. She's struggling with her identity, and with life in the small Australian town where everyone was touched by the tragedy. Just as Alice thinks things can't get much worse, she encounters her sister on a deserted highway. But all is not what it seems, and Alice soon discovers that she has stepped into a different reality, a dream world, where she's trapped with the nightmares of everyone in the community. Here Alice is forced to confront the true impact of everything that happened the day her twin sister took a gun to school ... and to reveal her own secret to the boy who hates her most. 

After skimming the blurb and deciding it sounded like the perfect book to help with my slump, I went in expecting a contemporary, and soon discovered it wasn’t one. Nonetheless, it was thrilling and kept me turning the pages. So much so that I binged it in a day and if you have the time, I do think it’s a good way to read it. It's confusing at times and I feel it wouldn’t have flowed as easily had I kept stopping and starting it over the span of a few days. Plus, having been in a book slump of late, sometimes the only way to get through it is to find a good book and read for hours.

I’m not a fan of multiple point of views in a story, but this one worked for me, probably because of the story and how it’s told. Having said that, I never came to care for the characters as much as I would have liked to. Maybe because it was both very character driven and plot driven, where as normally it’s one or the other.

With Jellicoe Road levels of gripping complexity and a twisty, upside-down vibe of Alice in Wonderland, though unlike nothing I’ve ever read before, The Skin of a Monster is a brilliantly woven story. Strangely wonderful and sure to keep you on your toes; recommend.

Is this Oz YA title on your TBR? 

Oh, and while you're here, don't forget to go enter my blogoversary giveaway going on! 

Nerding Out: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
April 7th, 2015 · Penguin
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 303

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met. 

First off, let me start by saying Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda was my most anticipated release of the year. So as you can imagine, I was expecting some really big things from this book. By now, you've probably heard all about it and have read countless rave reviews. Well, all I can say is this: buckle up because you’re in for another one. Raving ahead.

Where to start? How about at the heart and driving force of the story: the characters. I loved them all (minus one. blackmailing is not cool, man) and Simon is a new favourite character of mine. With his love for Oreos and obsession with Harry Potter (which similarly expresses how I feel about Buffy. Nerds unite!), he’s such a loveable character with heart. I only wish Simon and his friends existed outside the confines of Becky’s imagination because I’d friend them in an instant; they are my kind of people. Also, Drunk Simon is the absolute best.

I enjoyed the emails between Simon and Blue. They were lovely glimpses of two friends slowly becoming something more, as they exchanged stories, thoughts and support. Of course, all while staying anonymous. Most of all, I loved how they got to know each other over time. It made for such a great slow-building, not-your-average love story and was lovely to watch unfold. And when they finally do meet? I was just as excited and nervous as Simon was, with my heart in my throat. Let me say, much like this novel, it didn't disappoint!

The support Simon receives from his family, friends and teachers after coming out was so great and I only wish this was the kind of response all LGBT teens experienced. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case, so I'm SO glad that Simon exists in the world and hope that it finds the people who need it the most. Some might say Simons’ coming out experience was too neat and perfect, but I think it's just what the doctor ordered and what LGBT YA has been lacking. Regardless of sexuality, everyone deserves to read books that give them hope; light at the end of the tunnel; and the chance to feel not so alone in the world. I feel Simon accomplishes just that.

But don't be fooled, Simon is more than just a pretty face! In particular, I like how the book addressed the default that exists; that until proven otherwise you are straight and white. I mean, just imagine if everyone, gay or straight, had to "come out”. It’s reasons like this that makes me wish Becky Albertalli ruled the world.

A sweet, relevant, heartfelt story that will capture your heart! In case it isn’t clear enough by now: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a book you should get in before the year ends because I guarantee it’ll be one of your best life decisions of 2015. This was an absolute blast to read and I can’t wait to see what Becky writes next. Check her out because I have no doubt that she is going to be one to watch!

P.S. I highly recommend you read this in style and pick up some Oreos to further the experience! I'm sure Simon would fully support this, and knowing him, he'd probably even make it mandatory. ha!

I spy with my little eye: Far From You and Prep School Confidential reviews

Today I’m reviewing two YA mysteries - one light and the other dark - so whatever you’re in the mood, I’ve got you covered.

Far From You by Tess Sharpe
March 10th, 2014 · Indigo
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 343

Nine months. Two weeks. Six days.

That's how long recovering addict Sophie's been drug-free. Four months ago her best friend, Mina, died in what everyone believes was a drug deal gone wrong - a deal they think Sophie set up. Only Sophie knows the truth. She and Mina shared a secret, but there was no drug deal. Mina was deliberately murdered.

Forced into rehab for an addiction she'd already beaten, Sophie's finally out and on the trail of the killer—but can she track them down before they come for her?

Far From You sat on my shelf for well over a year before I picked it up. And considering that it was one of my most anticipated 2014 reads? Well, that’s just quite sad. I put off reading it after hearing how dark and gloomy it was. While true, it was also a breath of fresh air to read; in the way it read and with its’ cast of flawed, interesting characters - along with Sophie, the first bisexual MC I’ve come across. So yes - if you ever think we have enough diversity in books, just read that last sentence again. Quite an eyeopener, huh? It even surprised myself. One thing I admired about Sophie was that she was messy, grappling with an addiction . I feel like a lot of characters these days are clean cut or perfectly perfect

Far From You is a murder-mystery done well; it certainly kept me on my toes. But it’s main focus, and where its heart really lies, is in the darker, deeper side of things, as we watch Sophie struggle with grief, loss and sobriety, all the while, fighting for justice to bring Mina’s killer to light.

Part of the reason I’ve been away is that I’ve been in a book slump. But thankfully, this book is very forgiving. It took me a while to read, but no matter how much time passed, whenever I picked it up, it was effortless to jump back into, which is a rarity. An impressive debut, it was exactly the book I’d hoped for; I look forward to seeing what Sharpe writes next. And if like me, this caught your eye when you first heard about it, but you haven’t got round to it? I think you may want to pick it up!

Prep School Confidential (#1) by Kara Taylor 
July 20th, 2013 · St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 310

In this breathtaking debut that reads like Gossip Girl crossed with Twin Peaks, a Queen Bee at a blue-blooded New England prep school stumbles into a murder mystery.

Anne Dowling practically runs her exclusive academy on New York’s Upper East Side—that is, until she accidentally burns part of it down and gets sent to a prestigious boarding school outside of Boston. Determined to make it back to New York, Anne couldn't care less about making friends at the preppy Wheatley School. That is, until her roommate Isabella’s body is found in the woods behind the school.

When everyone else is oddly silent, Anne becomes determined to uncover the truth no matter how many rules she has to break to do it. With the help of Isabella’s twin brother Anthony, and a cute classmate named Brent, Anne discovers that Isabella wasn’t quite the innocent nerdy girl she pretended to be. But someone will do anything to stop Anne’s snooping in this fast-paced, unputdownable read—even if it means framing her for Isabella’s murder.

Another book I was highly anticipating from 2013 and guess what, it’s a murder-mystery. What can I say? I like my mysteries. That, and they also happen to be a great genre when you’re trying to get out of a book slump. Mysterious, engaging and entertaining, what’s not to love? Now, while Far From You was dark and gritty, this was the opposite. Fun and lighthearted, its the kind of book that uses words like shenanigans. Which you must admit, is a pretty great word, no? Shenanigans! Sorry, what was I saying again?

Anne reminded me of Veronica Mars, heavy on the snark, minus the prep. Determined and smart, when she set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. Haters of love triangles beware - there are two guys in the picture vying for Anne’s heart. Story of everyone’s life, right? But to honest, I never came to care for either much. I definitely feel the story led more with the mystery element, which worked in its favour.

Prep School Confidential was a pretty good story, but I felt like it started off stronger than it ended. Or maybe it was to do with my slump and in that case, sorry book for the accusation, my apologies. Either way, it was a quick read and provided some entertainment.

Have you read either of these? Let me know if you have or plan to.

And let me know your fave YA mystery's! Any I should add to my list?

Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer
September 24th, 2014 · Allen & Unwin
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 267

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.

They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart? 

Even with a title like Sacrifice, I was looking forward to reading it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Elemental series and even though I didn’t necessarily want it to end, I was looking forward to see how it would wrap up. It’s not often I come across a series that delivers which each book - yet this series did just that. Sacrifice was no different.

I love Michael, but if you’ve read the series, you’ll well know he’s a rather mysterious character. I was glad we finally got to hear from his POV in Sacrifice, along with Hannah, his maybe-kinda girlfriend. Both are older characters, in the twenties, but it still felt like a YA; it worked and the voice never felt out of place.

I love how fast paced and action packed this instalment was, right from the get go. So much so, that while every book played an important part in the series, it was like it was all leading to this book; to this fight.

The only fault I had was with the ending, which I felt was rushed and anti-climatic. When the “sacrifice” part of the novel takes place, I just found it wasn’t as powerful a punch as it probably should have been. Sacrifice wrapped having tied loose ends, but it also felt a little too open-ended, considering it’s the last book in the series. It’s disappointing we won’t be getting another book, but I was pretty happy with how it ended. And hey, positive thinking - now it's open if the author ever decides to continue the series. All in all, it was a kick-ass ending and closed on a bang, and that’s how it should be. Because kick-ass and banging? That pretty much sums up this series.

4/5

Have you read Sacrifice? Were you happy with the ending? No spoilers (!), but what did you think of the "sacrifice"? Are you excited for the authors next book releasing 2015, Thicker than Water?

Review: Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler

Last Will and Testament (Radleigh University #1) by Dahlia Adler
Decemebr 9th, 2014 · Self-published
Source: Review
Format: E-ARC
Page Count: 412

Lizzie Brandt was valedictorian of her high school class, but at Radleigh University, all she's acing are partying and hooking up with the wrong guys. But all that changes when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, making her guardian to her two younger brothers. To keep them out of foster care, she'll have to fix up her image, her life, and her GPA—fast. Too bad the only person on campus she can go to for help is her humorless, pedantic Byzantine History TA, Connor Lawson, who isn't exactly Lizzie's biggest fan.

But Connor surprises her. Not only is he a great tutor, but he’s also a pretty great babysitter. And chauffeur. And listener. And he understands exactly what it’s like to be on your own before you're ready. Before long, Lizzie realizes having a responsible-adult type around has its perks... and that she'd like to do some rather irresponsible (but considerably adult) things with him as well. Good thing he's not the kind of guy who'd ever reciprocate.

Until he does.

Until they turn into far more than teacher and student.

Until the relationship that helped put their lives back together threatens everything they both have left.  

NA is not really my cup of tea. I've read two (one I loved, the other I...let's just say it was an interesting experience), ditched a few and it’s not often I add them to my TBR. Nothing against them, it’s just not what I usually gravitate to. I will state right now: the only reason I picked this up is because Dahlia Adler penned it. Now, it all comes down to the moment of truth. Did I enjoy it? Why, yes. Yes, I did.

I feel like all the NA blurbs I've read seem to be about the character moving on after someone having died, either a parent, sibling, bonfriend. As the blurb clearly states, Lizzie loses her parents and I can't deny that made me a bit wary. (but not much; I'm pretty trust worthy when it comes to Dahlia Adler). But I really liked the way it was written. It wasn’t this dark, dreary, depressing story. More importantly, it wasn't angst-y, which I think is my biggest turn-off with NA's. I was actually surprised how funny it was, which I hadn’t been expecting from the blurb, but should have. I mean, have you met Dahlia? It wasn’t all laughs and games, but when it was, it made me grin and chuckle, and it got to the point where I had to start highlighting my favourite passages.

Early on, I was surprised to look down and see I'd only read 36 pages. Surprised because it felt like I'd read much more than that and I don't mean that in a bad way. But in how well established the characters and story already felt, all of five chapters in. With all Lizzie’s going through, you can’t help but feel for her. Even though she’s obviously devastated by her parents death, she can’t let her grief swallow her whole. She has to step up and become guardian to her two brothers. The way she soldiers on with all this new weight added to her shoulders was pretty damn amazing. I loved her feisty spirit and the fact she was half-Filipina - yay diversity!

This book is SEXY. I loved that while it’s hot, it never felt like it was just written for sexy times. It had more depth than that; with a good MC to lead and its own story to tell. Also? Connor. He may have fashion problems when it comes to pants, but don't worry, Lizzie sets him on the right path. Oh, and the romance between the two? It's good.

Also, random thought I had while reading: MC wears glasses! This makes me ridiculously happy. Not enough characters wear glasses, which is silly. Glasses are cool and I'm a perfect example of this fact. *snickers* *pouts*

If all NA's were this good - full of feeling, page-turning, heartfelt -  I'd definitely be open to reading more of them. I've heard there's a sequel in the works and I'll most definitely be tuning in.

4/5

Review: Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
April 15, 2014 · Walker Childres
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 352

After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

I added Open Road Summer to my to TBR last year, and since then, have read countless rave, positive reviews. I follow Emery Lord on Twitter, but it wasn't until she tweeted something the other day that finally gave me the kick I needed to run out, grab a copy and read it, pronto. All I can say is that all the love this book has been receiving this year? There's a reason. This book was fan-freaking-tastic. I'm so glad I squeezed it in before the year ended!

Reagan was a breath of fresh air; layered; and definitely unexpected. But I mean that in the best way possible. She was not without her faults and was always ready to push people away, from having her heart broken too many times. She's very real and I loved her as a character. She grew throughout the book, but still has a lot of growing up ahead of her, and I liked that. Some characters do a complete 180 degree turn around and by the end, are basically tied in a bow, with everything neat, fixed and perfect, but that wasn’t the case with Reagan. Dee, her best "infinity" friend, was an amazing character as well and I loved getting to know her. Both girls are very different, but make a perfect match as friends. They complement one another well and always have each others backs. All characters, great and small, were written with gusto and depth.

Open Road Summer read like the author had done her research with the fame and celebrity side of things. Touring; the paparazzi; getting noticed wherever you go; the constant fear of getting photographed. It was written in an insider-only voice, as if the author has first hand experience or has been secretly hiding away in Taylor Swifts tour bus. I know 99% of articles and tabloids are fake and only written to sell magazines, but again, it was a reminder of the way they twist words and edit photographs, all to make money.

My favourite aspect of Open Road Summer was without a doubt the friendship between Reigan and Dee. They have such a strong, healthy friendship and I definitely think we need to be seeing more of those on the page. I’m all for a good love interest (see: Matt Finch. Sweet guy + a big heart = swoon!), but considering how important friends are, this book shows me need way more books that showcase not only friendships, but positive ones.

Emery Lord has written one heck of a debut! Not only is it entertaining, it's beautiful and contains depth that the cover doesn't exactly let on to. Lord has a way with words, and has proven that she can write a great story, with all the trimmings (guess I'm getting in the Christmas spirit? Haha). I absolutely can't wait to read her next book!

5/5

Review: Nil by Lynne Matson

Nil (Nil #1) by Lynne Matson
March 4th, 2014 · Henry Holt
Source: Won
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 384

From Goodreads:
On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have one year. Exactly 365 days--to escape, or you die.

Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she’s lying naked in an empty rock field. 

Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought . . . and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that to save their future, Charley must first save him. And on an island rife with dangers, their greatest threat is time.

Nil is quite the genre bender of a book. As I was read, I tried to put my finger on what it fell under exactly. It has all these interesting, cool elements, but one thing is for sure, Nil is definitely an adventure.

Quickly upon starting, you're flooded with all these questions, which is a common occurrence with books that are shrouded with mystery and are set in unknown, new worlds. We do get some answers, but I think a lot more will be revealed in book two. Even then, I wouldn't expect Nil to tell you all her secrets, she's not one to share and tell...

I'd had pretty big expectations for Nil and they definitely lived up. This book came along at just the right time, when I needed to get away and be sucked into a whole other world, and for that I'm so glad. Another thing, Nil is extremely addictive. I started it on a Sunday night, having only wanted to read a few chapters, but then I didn't want to stop. I read it whenever I got the chance and loved every minute I had with this book.

Nil switches between Charley and Thad's perspective and I have to say, the author did an absolute fabulous job with their voices and giving them life. Their voices felt like they belonged to a teenage and were realistic. Before I read Nil, I'd just finished a book that was also told in two perspectives, so considering that, Nil had some competition - it definitely kept up. In fact, I think I'd have to say Nil is the best book I've read containing multiple POV's. I don't think it's an easy thing to pull off (establishing two voices, instead of just the one), but Lynne did it with such ease. I never once wanted to hurry back to the other character, which is such a rare occurrence. I was perfectly content and happy reading from both Charley and Thad. I definitely don't think it would have had the same effect had it been told through just the one voice.

If I had to nitpick, there were a few cheesy moments. But hey, the world can always use some cheese. There is also a slight case of insta-love, which I'm not a fan of, but I didn't really notice it until someone pointed it out a review. The circumstances on Nil are definitely not normal - if you don't get off the island in 365 days, you're dead. Bonds tend to be established pretty quickly, as the people of Nil only have each other to rely on for support and friendship, in this world where nothing is what it seems.

As you can tell, Nil made a great impression on me and I definitely recommend it to readers wanting to escape into a unique setting and captivating book. I absolutely can't wait to see what Nil Unlocked brings - you can definitely count me in.

4.5/5

Review: 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen
June 17th, 319 · Harper Collins
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Page Count: 319

No matter how many boys Claire kisses, she can’t seem to find a decent boyfriend. Someone who wouldn’t rather date her gorgeous best friend, Megan. Someone who won’t freak out when he learns about the tragedy her family still hasn’t recovered from. Someone whose kisses can carry her away from her backwoods town for one fleeting moment.

Until Claire meets Luke.

But Megan is falling for Luke, too, and if there’s one thing Claire knows for sure, it’s that Megan’s pretty much irresistible.

With true love and best friendship on the line, Claire suddenly has everything to lose. And what she learns—about her crush, her friends, and most of all herself—makes the choices even harder.

In her moving debut, Rachael Allen brilliantly captures the complexities of friendship, the struggles of self-discovery, and the difficulties of trying to find love in high school. Fans of Sarah Ockler, Susane Colasanti, and Stephanie Perkins will fall head over heels for this addictive, heartfelt, and often hilarious modern love story.

17 First Kisses jumped onto my TBR list late last year, but I have to admit that while I liked the sound of it, I was on the fence. And then I read Blythe @ Finding Bliss In Books review and any hesitation I had flew out the window. I was not disappointed.

I love how layered a character Claire was. She loves soccer and kissing boys; can’t wait to leave her hometown to study medicine and has big dreams. She’s definitely one of the most honest, real characters I’ve come across in a long time.

For some, hearing that 17 First Kisses includes slut shaming will be a turnoff. I do not condone or support slut shaming, but whether we like it or not, it’s a real part of reality, especially in high school. One of the things I loved most was that the author doesn’t do the thinking for you or try to send a message. She lays it out on the page and it’s up to you what you take away from it. For instance, she doesn’t include slut shaming, then to weave in how it’s a problem and that you shouldn’t go around doing it. Rather she lets the reader think about how it’s a vicious cycle (like growing up in a household full of swearing. It’s just a matter of time until you pick up those habits) and how easily the S word is branded on a girl, yet guys mess around and are considered cool. It wasn’t until I had time to reflect and ponder that I realised the full extent of how powerful a move this was.

Friendships aren’t perfect and though I think it’s important to showcase strong, healthy relationships, it’s also important to include flawed, rocky ones, like Megan and Claire’s. I think the author perfectly nailed the messiness of complicated friendships while growing up, who at their core, are still just trying to figure out who they are. That isn’t to stay that they didn’t get under my skin though, they did. But again, that made them even more (frustratingly) realistic. Who hasn’t been annoyed by someone’s choices and actions in the past?

I’ve seen this recommended to Courtney Summers fans and while I’ve only read one of her books so far, I can see why. It’s not sugar coated and it doesn’t make apologies for being real, nor is it afraid to broach the big issues. Along with slut shaming and complicated friendships, there's also problems at home, as Claire tries to put her family back together. There's lots going on and being addressed, but I found it never took a turn for depressing. There's a lovely balance; sweet and swoon; light and dark.

I finished 17 First Kisses with the overall feeling of having really, really liked it. Then I saw down to write this review, did some more thinking and spent half the time looking into thin air, grinning like an idiot. This book will not be for everyone (heck, what book is?) and I can see it being quite controversial – the kind you love or hate. Me? I loved it.

5/5

Mini Reviews: Six Impossible Things + Wildlife by Fiona Wood

Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood
August 1st, 2010 · Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Swapped
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 263

What’s it about?
Fourteen-year-old nerd-boy Dan Cereill is not quite coping with a reversal of family fortune, moving house, new school hell, a mother with a failing wedding cake business, a just-out gay dad, and an impossible crush on the girl next door.

His life is a mess, but for now he's narrowed it down to just six impossible things...

My thoughts:

Once I got through the first few chapters (which brought back bad memories of a terrible reading slump last year, when I first picked this up), I finally understood why I’ve heard such great things about this from other Aussie readers, over the past few years. It’s so unbelievably GOOD. The kind of good that you want to savour, yet read in a few sittings. I didn't want it to end and tried to put it off as long as long possible. Of course, that lasted all of about 20 minutes...

One of the things I love about Aussie YA are the underdog characters, who you can’t help but cheer for; Dan is just that. He’s loveable and awkward; his voice authentic and fresh. This book has great character development (definitely a strong point!) and features a gang of friends that’ll slowly, but surely, weave their way into your heart – I loved Estelle, Fred and Lou <3

This book is a gem; it’s funny and sharp; sweet and heartfelt. I don’t say this often, but I can definitely see myself reading this again in the future. Until then, it will sit proudly on my shelf, along with other Aussie favourites.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you’re a fan of Aussie YA or you're anticipating the US release of Wildlife (it's already out in Oz). It’s a companion, so not necessary, but I really advise it!

4.5/5

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

June 1st, 2013 · Pan Macmillan Australia

Source: Library

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 384

What’s it about?

Life? It’s simple: be true to yourself.
The tricky part is finding out exactly who you are…

In the holidays before the dreaded term at Crowthorne Grammar’s outdoor education camp two things out of the ordinary happened.
A picture of me was plastered all over a twenty-metre billboard.
And I kissed Ben Capaldi.

Boarding for a term in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor education program – but friendship complications, and love that goes wrong? They’re extra-curricula.

Enter Lou from Six Impossible Things – the reluctant new girl for this term in the great outdoors. Fragile behind an implacable mask, she is grieving a death that occurred almost a year ago. Despite herself, Lou becomes intrigued by the unfolding drama between her housemates Sibylla and Holly, and has to decide whether to end her self-imposed detachment and join the fray.

And as Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything she thought she knew about surviving in the wild.

A story about first love, friendship and NOT fitting in.

My thoughts:

Straight after finishing Six Impossible Things, my goal in life became getting my hands on this book. It took a week, but as you can see, I succeeded. While I didn’t love it like I wanted to or the way everyone else seems to have, I did like it.

There’s great character growth from both girls; Lou’s dealing with grief, loss and how to fill her gaping heart, while Sib is navigating sex for the first time, love and a sticky friendship. Though both girls are dealing with their own problems, it was nice to watch them come together and eventually form a friendship. Everyone needs a good, true, reliable friend by their side and I’m glad these two found each other.

Set in the wilderness, I enjoyed the change of setting and the different opportunities that arose because of this. Expect hiking, camping, crappy food (except for the redskins which left with a craving and sage advice: snap before you buy!) pranks, talent shows and mischief.

Wildlife is honest and not afraid to tell it like it is, whether it’s addressing sex or death (these are the two biggies), and it’s one of the many reasons why I can’t wait to read Wood’s next book. Whatever it’s about you can count me in.

Do I recommend it? If you're after an authentic, raw story, I think you'll enjoy it. So, yes.

3/5

Review: Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler

Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler
June 24th, 2014 - Spencer Hill Press
Source: Edelweiss
Format: ARC
Page Count: 328

High school senior Ally Duncan's best friend may be the Vanessa Park - star of TV's hottest new teen drama - but Ally's not interested in following in her BFF's Hollywood footsteps. In fact, the only thing Ally's ever really wanted is to go to Columbia and study abroad in Paris. But when her father's mounting medical bills threaten to stop her dream in its tracks, Ally nabs a position as Van's on-set assistant to get the cash she needs.

Spending the extra time with Van turns out to be fun, and getting to know her sexy co-star Liam is an added bonus. But when the actors' publicist arranges for Van and Liam to "date" for the tabloids just after he and Ally share their first kiss, Ally will have to decide exactly what role she's capable of playing in their world of make believe. If she can't play by Hollywood's rules, she may lose her best friend, her dream future, and her first shot at love.

If you follow Dahlia on Twitter, you'll understand why I was a fan even before I got my hands on her book. She's fun, honest and refreshing. All words I'd also use to describe to debut, Behind the Scenes. Did I enjoy it as much I hoped I would? Heck yes.

I liked Ally a lot. She was loveable, strong and flawed. One of the things I enjoyed most about her was watching her overcome insecurities and self-doubt and realising that she is good enough; something a lot of young people struggle with, especially teenagers, due to the pressures of media and Hollywood.

I loved the friendship between Ally and Vanessa. They've been best friends since they were young (I love those kind of friendships) and though they face some ups and downs in the book, they know they can count on one another and I think it’s great to showcase this kind of friendship in YA. The kind that don’t end after a fight or a guy comes along. Speaking of guys... Liam makes a great love interest, both for Ally and the reader. He's sweet, caring, supportive and more than easy on the eyes (Dahlia paints a lovely picture, this I assure you). I can definitely see readers falling in love with him.

This was the first Hollywood-esque book I’ve read before and I went in expecting to be entertained and for drama to ensue. I was and it did, but there was also depth with Allys’ dad sick, that grounded the story. Movie premiers, interviews and expensive wardrobes aren’t the norm for most, but family or money troubles? I think everyone can relate with that in one way or another.

A delightful debut; Behind the Scenes is perfect if you're looking to escape with a book that delivers sharp, realistic characters, swoon and a whole lot of fun.

4/5

Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han
April 15th, 2014 · Simon and Schuster
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 368

Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them... all at once?

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

You might have heard I’m a fan of the Summer series. If so, you’ve heard right. For years I’ve been waiting for a new contemporary by Jenny Han and I remember squealing in delight when I first found out about this book. It was ABSOLUTELY worth the wait and has further cemented the fact why I'm such a fan of the author.

I loved the Song sisters, especially Kitty, the youngest sister; you can’t help but love her. Lara Jean was such a great character, and right from the start I related and saw bits of myself in her. She possessed so many thoughts and feelings I have as a teenager and female, and the author expressed them all so well. Not only has the author managed to write a new, great YA character but a rich, diverse one (Lara Jean is half-Korean), which has certainly come at the right time with the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign going on.

This book has everything I love about Jenny Han; it’s full of heart; humour that makes you laugh out loud; an amazing bunch of characters; swoon; and standout writing. To All the Boys I've Loved Before is such a sweet, lovely and honest read; perfect for snuggling up with a hot chocolate on a rainy day or lounging outside in the sun, ice cream in tow, depending on your whereabouts. Basically, it’s an anytime, anywhere read; just make sure you don’t read this on an empty stomach!

As soon as I finished, I pulled myself together, so sad I had finished, and checked the release date for P.S. I Still Love You (these titles win my heart) and then proceeded to die on the inside when I read 2015. So until then, I'll be recommending you read To All the Boys I've Loved Before because it is fabulous and you deserve fabulous books in your life.

5/5