[Review] Bunheads by Sophie Flack

Bunheads

Author: Sophie Flack

Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 01/03/2012

Publisher: Atom (Hachette)

Pages: 294

Source: For review

Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity

My Rating:

Honest and insightful.

My thoughts

I was only able to REALLY appreciate this book once I'd looked the author up a little bit online. Sophie Flack is a former ballerina, picking up the art from a young age--so right from the get-go you know that she really knows ballet--and was at the NYCB as a member of the corps de ballet for 9 years. After she lost her job (as a result of company layoffs), she decided to step away from dancing and pursue something new. She actually got her book deal because of an interview she'd done at the New York Times, which I think is just really cool. During her time at the company she kept a journal, which she used as a kind of mould for Bunheads. It is not an autobiography so much as it is a fictional telling that reveals many truths about the ballet world.

[Review] Entangled by Cat Clarke

Title: Entangled {goodreads}

Authors: Cat Clarke

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 01/03/11 (AU)

Publisher: Pan Macmillan
RRP: $16.99

Source: Publisher for review
Age: 16+

Pages: 370

My Rating:

Summary:

The same questions whirl round and round in my head:

What does he want from me?

How could I have let this happen?

AM I GOING TO DIE?

Seventeen-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with a table, pens and paper – and no clue how she got there.

As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she's tried to forget. There's falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there's something missing. As hard as she's trying to remember, is there something she just can't see?

Grace must face the most important question of all. Why is she here?

A story of dangerous secrets, intense friendships and electrifying attraction.

My thoughts: 

ENTANGLED is quite an unusual book, and I admit that by the end of the book I became quite taken with Grace the main character. I was by no means accepting of her behaviour, but seeing all of the pieces fit together really gave me some perspective and the ability to understand how someone could come to the decision to end their life.

MY SYNOPSIS

On the night Grace Carlyle attempts to take her life she is kidnapped by Ethan. He's gorgeous, and there's something familiar about him. She finds herself in a white room, with a pen and paper, willed to writing about what's been going on in her life.

Grace Carlyle's life changes the moment she meets the two people who would come to be the most important people in her life - Nat and Sal. She's never cared about a guy before Nat, and she's never had a best friend before Sal. Entangled in a messed up web, things get complicated when secrets start bubbling to the surface. And her home life? Trash.


So why is she here? And who is this mysterious, but alluring, Ethan?

~~~

I was expecting a pageturner, but it took a while to get into it. I think even a little part of that is due to the confronting nature of such a book as this. I am no stranger to the "deeper" topics discussed in YA, but it has been a while since I've read a book that addressed such things as suicide and sex and cutting and heavy drinking. At many times I just questioned and felt saddened that there are real teens out there who do parttake in these activities, usually as a way of compensating for something.

Grace for the most part was an annoying character, but she still managed to gain sympathy from me because of what she'd gone through. Despite her bitchy attitude. In some way, I was not able to connect with her character - nor did I want to - and it was better off that way. By the way that she was forced to look at her life objectively, she falls at the seams and the person behind all the facades and drinking was someone broken and empty.

Nat and Sal are fleshed out quite well. Through Grace's writing about her life, we see one side to the story and the other side is never really revealed to us. I was frustrated by how open the book ended. I really wanted to see whether things get patched up if Grace did wake up.

Ethan remained a mystery to me for the whole book, right up to the end. I really had no idea who - or what - he was, and so I had to do a Google search and felt like a fool afterwards. There were just so many clues all throughout, (view spoiler)[like when she felt as though his voice were emanating in her head. I actually thought that he was some supernatural being or something! (hide spoiler)]

The writing is really nothing too special. Some of it is VERY British (and being from Australia I was able to understand most of those little words and phrases) - some words that stood out in my mind are "knackered", "taking the piss out" and "knickers". Grace is an undisputed lover of books and reading and writing, so in her introspection she appears a tad more mature (than when she were to speak to others) as she uses large words. Despite that however, much of the writing in general is casual and "un-quoteable" for a contemporary book.

I did like how the book was structured though. The book moves along in chronological order to how many days she is held captive in that white room. Every "chapter" followed one day.

In retrospect, the book is really well thought out. Every single detail from her time in that white room, to her personality and behaviours in her past life in between the pages. The most insignificant of words said. Most of it related to or mattered towards unveiling something new.

Even now, the book is just buzzing in my brain so strongly that it's going to be difficult to get to sleep tonight. It's already 1:30 am as I fervently write this. It probably won't be re-read by me anytime soon, but it's a good debut and was just fleshed out really well. Say all you want about hating Grace to bits, it still remains that Clarke's ability to mesh everything together so effortlessly is admirable. I wish that the ending were more definitive, which is mostly why I can't let go of Grace's story just yet.

I'm glad I did get around to reading this book, and I will eagerly await her second book, TORN. To my knowledge (and this is a really crude accustation), much Brit YA Lit isn't as deep, or at least quite deep as this one. Clarke's debut is so startlingly realistic that I have a feeling that she's going to be like a British Courtney Summers. ;)

Trailer and Music:

So music played a very minor part in this book, but while I was reading I felt inspired to look through my music and here are just some songs that I think fit kind of well to the book.

- Big White Room by Jessie J (absolutely perfect for this book - even the voice!)
- Cut by Plumb (also really suited to this book)
- All Around You by Flyleaf
- Here I Am by Marion Raven (and most others by her!)

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond * | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2011, Contemps Challenge 2011

[Review] Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Title: Rival

Author: Sara Bennett Wealer

Publication (dd/mm/yy): 15/02/11

Publisher: Harper Teen
Price: $16.99

Source: Bought
Age: 14+

Pages: 320

My Rating:

Summary:

BROOKE

I don't like Kathryn Pease. I could pretend everything's fine between us. I could be nice to her face, then trash her behind her back. But I think it's better to be honest. I don't like Kathryn, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

KATHRYN

I saw a commercial where singers used their voices to shatter glass, but the whole thing is pretty much a myth. The human voice isn't that strong.

Human hatred is. Anybody who doubts that should feel the hate waves coming off of Brooke Dempsey. But I don't shatter; I'm not made of glass. Anyway, the parts that break aren't on the outside.

~~~

Brooke and Kathryn used to be best friends . . . until the night when Brooke ruthlessly turned on Kathryn in front of everyone. Suddenly Kathryn was an outcast and Brooke was Queen B. Now, as they prepare to face off one last time, each girl must come to terms with the fact that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had.

My thoughts: 

Whether you're an aspiring musician, choir member at some point or other, or just the average music appreciator, Sara Bennett Wealer caters to all with her debut novel Rival. With a whole lot of the high school drama that seems to always come with music geeks, as exemplified in the hit TV show Glee, Rival is one book that will keep readers engaged until its heartwarming conclusion.

[Review] Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis

Publication: 4th January 2010 (UK)

Publisher: Penguin UK

Source: For review, thanks Penguin!
Age: 16+, there's some . . . sexual scenes. And some violence and serious themes addressed.

Pages: 400

My Rating:

Blurb:

AMY HAS LEFT THE LIFE SHE LOVES FOR A WORLD 300 YEARS AWAY

Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she's due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone.

Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her; and more if she'll let him.

But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there – and Amy has nowhere to hide . . .

My thoughts: 

Thankfully both authors are totally rockin' and messaged back. :)

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Who doesn't love a novel that is absolutely plagued with mystery all throughout, leaving its readers guessing right until its thrilling and shocking conclusion? Who can resist a book that introduces readers to a strong base of characters that are hard not to love?

Holy Frex. I am once again left speechless. Across the Universe Blew. Me. Away.

First off, let me just thank Beth Revis for writing AtU, and Penguin Australia & Razorbill for publishing it. Never before would I have believed that I could actually fall in love with a novel that is classified as a sci-fi! But there it is.

Over a week has passed since my reading it, so I'll write a wrap-up of my thoughts in dot-point form.

Positives

• Perspectives
  Across the Universe is written in dual perspectives: Amy and Elders'. Both main characters' stories and backgrounds are enunciated and explored. :)
• The CharactersThese characters, and all others, have heart. They are so, so different to what I'm used to, but they all have qualities that somehow I can reach towards. I was akin to their intentions and their feelings.
• Amy: a seventeen year old girl from 300 years before this novel takes place, and has been frozen along with her parents on Godspeed. She has red hair, fair skin and green eyes. 
• Elder: the one next in waiting to be ruler of the people on the ship. He is sixteen, and like the rest of the population, has dark skin and hair. He is impulsive and adventurous, unlike Eldest. 
• Eldest: current ruler of the ship. Shrouded in a dark past, Eldest has a lot he is hiding from Elder. 
• Harley: "mentally ill" for being a free-thinker. He's an amazing artist, and I just loved him. 
• Pageturner
  At 400 pages, this one is a doozy, but I got through to the end rather quickly.
• Romantic
  Not even just the one between Elder and Amy. There is even capital 'R' Romantic in Across the Universe. The olden time Romantic. And I think it is this quality that I will be looking for in the future when trying to find more sci-fi YA novels. 
• Beautifully written  

Negatives

• The wait
  Revis hasn't even announced the second novel's release date. :(

Beth sure has me waiting on edge for the next book. This is going to be HUGE when it hits stores in early January!

Quotes:

"What can I tell them about Earth? How can I describe how the air smells different, how the earth feels richer, how you yourself are different, just from knowing the entire world is at your disposal? Should I start with the mountains always hidden in clouds and snow--or do they even know what those words mean: cloud, and snow, and mountain? I could tell them about the different kinds of rain, pouring rain that 's perfect for when you want to stay inside and watch a movie or read, or piercing rain that feels like needles in your skin, or soft summer rain, that makes your first kiss with your first love all the sweeter.
They look at me eagerly, wanting to hear about the planer I called home.
I begin with the sky." (pg. 152)

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?

Amazon | The Book Depository

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Series:

Not yet announced.

Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge

Other Reviews:

• "...from now on I will watch Beth with anticipation."
  - Misty (5 stars)
• "Across the Universe is such an amazing and original read that I can’t praise enough"
  - Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life (5 stars)
• "Across the Universe is a book that you will get lost in and completely forget about the rest of the world. Utterly captivating."
  - Nic, Irresistable Reads (5 stars)
• "Across The Universe is full of twists and turns, which made for an unpredictable plot and a fantastic ending!"
  - Mundie Moms (4.5 stars)
• "‘Across the Universe’ is a dystopian sci-fi romance extravaganza. . . epic and beautiful"
  - ALPHA Reader (5 stars)
  
  

I'd love to read your reviews! Leave a comment with a link to your review and I'll add it to the list. ;)

Learn more about Across the Universe and read more reviews at Goodreads! 

2011 Debutante Event!!

The 2011 Debutante Event

From the 1st-25th of December, Badass Bookie is going to be your guide to next year's hottest debuts! Not only do you guys get to know the Debs better, YOU also get to win their books!!!

What is a Deb? A Deb is short for a Debutante which is a New Author to the YA genre. Basically, their first book is coming out next year!

However, the Debs and I, and Lisa, need your help! We want to make this event bigger and better, we want EVERYONE to know about this event! SO we are giving away a PRIZE   for anyone who spreads the word about it!!! So spread the word and WIN! sorry, it's probably too late to do that. :S

What is the prize?

There are HEAPS of prizes, involving hot upcoming titles such as The Lipstick Laws, Across the Universe, Rival, Haven, and so many more!! Below are just some of the photos that Lisa has provided...

 

 

Click here for more details:

event schedule, prize photos, etc!!

My 2011 Debut Author Challenge

First off, thanks for the comments everyone. :)

Okay, so anyway, Kristi has finally gotten the sign-up for the 2K11 Debut Author Challenge. Go over to The Story Siren and enter!!

Obviously my list is subject to change, but these are the titles that I will definitely be reading.

• Across the Universe by Beth Revis *
• Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
• Unearthly by Cynthia Hand *
• Choker by Elizabeth Woods
• Entangled by Cat Clarke
• Warped by Maurissa Guibord
• Timeless by Alexandra Monir
• Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
• Vesper (Deviants, #1) by Jeff Sampson
• The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
• So Shelly by Ty Roth
• Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer *
• Angelfire (Angelfire, #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton *
• The Iron Thorn (Iron Codex, #1) by Caitlin Kittredge
• Haven by Kristi Cook *
• Clarity by Kim Harrington
• Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
• Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt
• Exposed by Kimberly Marcus
• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
• Entwined by Heather Dixon
• Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, #1) by C.C. Hunter
• Memento Nora by Angie Smibert
• The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder *
• Future Imperfect by K.Ryer Breese
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Die for Me (Revenants, #1) by Amy Plum
• Hourglass by Myra McEntire
• Starcrossed (The Awakening, #1) by Josephine Angelini
• Possession by Elana Johnson
• Hereafter by Tara Hudson
• Lost Voices (Lost Voices, #1) by Sarah Porter
• Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
• The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
• Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang * (tour)

My list will definitely expand after Kristi has released her debut author list and all that. The ones marked with an asterisk (*), I already own, some way or other. I can't wait to read some of these!!

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

What's happened last week (1-8 Sep)?
- I'm currently reading Minder by Kate Kaynak
- The contest for Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is still rolling along. Hosting for Squeaky Books!
- I'm taking part of the ARC Tour for Daughter of Xanadu {link}
- Review: Girl Parts by John M. Cusick {link}

ALSO...
- Win a copy of Firelight by Sophie Jordan (ARC)! It's international, guys! {♥} Ends Sep-30

Anyway...

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

For this week, I am swooning over The Locket by Stacey Jay, which is due for release on February 2011!

Why I'm Waiting on The Locket:

Beautiful cover aside (the tagline is "How far would you go for a second chance", which is cool), it is a 2011 debut novel. I love how this novel appears to play the "What if" philosophy, as well as some sort of fantasy/paranormal aspects, via the locket. Okay, now for the cover... the colours are brilliantly executed. The background is dark, with the emphasis obviously on the locket and title. And the contrast between the two sides of the locket: bright, serene VS. dark and distraught. Whoever designed the cover is a freakin' genius.

Synopsis (Goodreads):

 

What if you got a second chance to fix your worst mistake?

What if you found out miracles could happen?

What if you found out that sometimes, miracles are curses in disguise...

One girl, two boys, and one very scary piece of jewelry.

Links:
Goodreads page



Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post. 2011 is looking to be a promising year in the YA book department. ♥

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Hey everyone! So, I've worked out a schedule, that I hope to adhere to. I will be posting 2 reviews a week, Tuesday and Saturday. On Wednesdays I will be having Waiting on Wednesday, and on Sundays I will have In My Mailbox. For now, this is as much as I will posting, other than the odd contest, interview or bite of news. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays will be my break days, since I'll need them so as not to burn out. This schedule will change when November comes and high school is OVER!!

Anyway...

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

For this week, I am swooning over Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer, which is due for release Feb 2011!

Why I'm Waiting on Rival:

Other than the eye-catching and unique (to me) book cover, the story sounds interesting. 
Plus, I love "contemporary" YA, and music is just an added bonus. Ooh, and 2011 DEBUT NOVEL!


Blurb (from Goodreads):

Meet Brooke: Popular, powerful and hating every minute of it, she’s the “It” girl at Douglas High in Lake Champion, Minnesota. Her real ambition? Using her operatic mezzo as a ticket back to NYC, where her family lived before her dad ran off with an up and coming male movie star.

Now meet Kathryn: An overachieving soprano with an underachieving savings account, she’s been a leper ever since Brooke punched her at a party junior year. For Kath, music is the key to a much-needed college scholarship.

The stage is set for a high-stakes duet between the two seniors as they prepare for the prestigious Blackmore competition. Brooke and Kathryn work toward the Blackmore with eyes not just on first prize but on one another, each still stinging from a past that started with friendship and ended in betrayal. With competition day nearing, Brooke dreams of escaping the in-crowd for life as a professional singer, but her scheming BFF Chloe has other plans. And when Kathryn gets an unlikely invitation to Homecoming, she suspects Brooke of trying to sabotage her with one last public humiliation.  

As pressures mount, Brooke starts to sense that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had. But Kathryn has a decision to make. Can she forgive? Or are some rivalries for life?

Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post.

What are you waiting on this week?