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Tag Archives: young adult review There’s always that defining moment (or a few of them) when you realize you have to break away from what your parents want and do your own thing — even if this isn’t in their best interest. I’m reading a parenting guide for work right now, and the author talks about how parents need to know when […]  We Were Liars by E. Lockhart ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: May 13, 2014 Publisher: Delacorte Press Pages: 240 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: family obligations, secrets, summer, romance Format read: ARC from Publisher via NetGalley. (Thanks!) Summary: Cadence Sinclair can’t remember anything. Except her cousins and the boy she loves = the […]
July 15, 2014 - 8:02 am
[…] you’re at work, though, I’ll highlight a few things I loved and you can also check out Estelle’s amazing review. She said it was worth it. I took her advice and absolutely haven’t been able to stop […]
June 1, 2014 - 4:36 am
So much of your review is EXACTLY how I felt about this book. God, the family dynamics made me so ANGRY. I really wanted to smack the grandfather and his children because man, they were either dominant or completely powerless, and all because of money. I really, really hated them. It’s interesting because I don’t think the characters were really well-written, per se, but I think that if they had been, the big twist wouldn’t have been so surprising. Yes to Lockhart’s writing. It’s mesmerizing!
May 14, 2014 - 10:54 am
We Were Liars had really great writing, in my opinion! I thoroughly enjoyed diving into my first Lockhart book. It was twisty and mysterious and petty and effed up, but I just couldn’t take my eyes off the page! While I didn’t super love it, I can definitely say it was, as you’ve rated it, worth it.
May 9, 2014 - 5:52 pm
I get the disconnect, or at least the not being like YES I CAN RELATE HELLO EMPATHY. Or, the feeling at a distance. For me, I love love love this book even though I also don’t think I totally 100% connected with Cadence, I actually felt more connected to Gat. But, I still felt for her and her situation, especially with the whole money thing, etc. Also, the whole mystery of what happened, like you, that really propelled my reading!
May 8, 2014 - 12:49 pm
I too was amazed by the writing. That was my favorite thing about this book – that and the ending. But what kept me from feeling connected to the story was that everything else kind of fell flat. I didn’t feel much for the characters, or the setting, or anything else really. I’m still glad I read it!
May 8, 2014 - 12:48 pm
I’ve been trying to avoid reading too many reviews of this one because of the surprise factor and I want to go into it blind. Patiently waiting for my audiobook preorder to arrive, and I’m glad to see you found it worth it. Sometimes the stylized makes it hard to connect, but i’m excited to check out my first E. Lockhart book regardless.
May 8, 2014 - 11:28 am
I definitely felt like I rushed through this one too! I had THEORIES pretty early on (which turned out to be right. Kind of boo on that because I wanted to be shocked!) so I felt like I was scrambling through the book to find out what the ending was.  Roomies by Tara Altebrando ( web | tweet ) and Sara Zarr ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: December 24, 2013 Publisher: Little Brown Pages: 288 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: summer before college, California, New Jersey, college roommates, technology Format read: Paperback ARC from Novel Sounds. (Thanks!) Summary: The summer before college, two strangers […]
February 3, 2015 - 8:01 am
[…] Roomies by Tara Altebrando & Sara Zarr | Something Like Normal by Trish Doller Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard | When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney […]
December 27, 2013 - 11:34 am
[…] Jones How to Love by Katie Cotugno Criminal by Terra Elan McVoy Openly Straight by Bill Konisberg Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu Someday, Someday, Maybe by […]
December 8, 2013 - 9:24 pm
YES. I’m so glad you are book pushing this one because it pushed me to pick up the egalley before I might have.
December 6, 2013 - 4:23 pm
Your review has convinced me YET AGAIN that I need this book in my life STAT. It sounds like just the kind of book I’d enjoy, particularly since I’ve had my own roomie experiences too. I seriously have nothing more to say but I WANT THIS NOW.
December 5, 2013 - 7:09 am
What an important relationship that tends to be glossed over in other NA books.
December 4, 2013 - 8:29 pm
I’m glad this book was able to touch you pretty profoundly, Estelle! I feel like it will do the same for me – my summer right before college was also crazy, mainly because my family moved halfway across the country, so while I didn’t experience the traditional summer before college, this one was also fraught with new changes and challenges. Honestly, this sounds like the perfect intro to college book, and I’m hoping to get a lot out of it myself.
December 4, 2013 - 1:08 pm
I am so excited to read this one and you’ve made me even more excited! Although I have a little resentment towards it since I tried to get one of the several hundred NetGalley ARCs but missed out (stupid chemistry lab strikes again), BUT even though I didn’t get the ARC NetGalley still has it on my shelf and I got an email this morning reminding me to read it!
December 4, 2013 - 12:25 pm
So I was an idiot and let my egalley expire because I didn’t think I’d like this one after my whole Fangirl experience. But oh my gosh, your review makes this sound so so good. This book sounds so relevant to my life right now with me graduating in the spring and everything. I’m DEFINITELY putting this on hold at the library.
December 4, 2013 - 12:00 pm
A book that makes me feel right at home and is super quoteworthy? COUNT ME IN.
December 4, 2013 - 9:54 am
I loved this book as well. It was so easy to relate to both of the characters, whether it was through their dependence on their high school friends as they transitioned into college, or their ease with talking to each other over email about things they didn’t really talk to their friends in real life about. I enjoyed reading their emails to each other and hopefully Altebrando and Zarr do another collaboration because I definitely enjoyed Roomies.
December 4, 2013 - 9:34 am
by book gods, i assume you mean me to which i say U R WELCOME. 😉 i agree with this so much: how easy it is to confide in a stranger through email, and how easy it is to doubt the genuineness of the person on the other side. i luckily have never had reason to doubt any of my friendships online though and i’m v thankful about the people i have met. (welp, that is until i found out you’re secretly a middle-aged man) LOVE!
December 4, 2013 - 9:10 am
I’m glad to hear how much you enjoyed Roomies! I had a copy in the post last week and thought it looked great, and I’ll definitely be reading it soon. Lovely review!  Crash Into You by Katie McGarry ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: 11/26/2013 Publisher: Harlequin Teen Pages: 474 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: parents, cars, foster children Format read: ARC borrowed from Cassie. (Thanks!) RBR reviews of Katie McGarry books: Pushing the Limits | Dare You To Summary: With Noah doing his own thing and […]
June 4, 2014 - 1:33 pm
[…] Katie McGarry (twitter | website) Previously Reviewed: Pushing the Limits // Dare You To // Crash Into You Publication Date: May 27, 2014 Publisher: Harlequin TEEN Pages: 544 Target Audience: Young Adult […]
December 2, 2013 - 11:43 pm
Ahh I loved this one! It’s pretty hard for me to choose my favorite actually. You’re right – I know ZERO things about cars. Fiance’s car died the other day and he popped hte hood open and I peered in and was like hmmm – strange shapes and blobs. Cool. However, I wanted to go race cars or something after this! Their passion was infectious! Loved the family aspect too — def touched my heart!!
November 28, 2013 - 1:04 am
I agree on your ranking for the three books (so far; we’ll see what happens when/if Abby gets her own book). The writing is still compulsively readable throughout though. I kept trying to put it down and succeeding for a few minutes before having to go pick it back up to see what came next!
November 26, 2013 - 5:51 pm
Dare You To is still my number one as well, although Crash Into You was pretty fun. This book convinced me that I need to start driving regularly again, because I haven’t in years. The way that Rachel and Isaiah talk about it just makes me want to hop in a car and GO. Other than that, I loved the supporting characters, particularly this little (unexpected) band of friends that all come together in this one!
November 26, 2013 - 2:39 pm
Katie McGarry does make 500 pages go by in a snap!
November 25, 2013 - 2:12 pm
I agree with like 99% of what you’ve said, but I still just couldn’t get past the mother effing drama. And the length, which I think maybe compounded the drama. But I still love Kate McGarry.
November 25, 2013 - 10:55 am
This is the second review today for Crash Into You that I’ve read, and you both had very similar things to say. I meant to read Crash Into You earlier in the month – but then things got crazy and I never did get to it. I plan to make time for it ASAP, though, because I love Katie McGarry. I actually like PtL more than DYT, but I love them both to pieces. I’m a little nervous to read CIY though, because my expectations are so high.  This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales ( web | tweet ) Publication Date: 9/17/2013 Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Pages: 288 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: bullying, music, high school, suicide, being a loner, self-discovery Format read: ARC from Publisher via NetGalley! (Thanks!) Summary: Elise can’t win. After years and years of […]
October 24, 2013 - 7:38 pm
It made me really upset too, seeing her get ostracized for being smart and unique. 🙁 And then really happy seeing her discover the thing she was meant to do/be. 🙂 Great review, Estelle!
September 23, 2013 - 9:30 pm
I HAVE to read this one because the MC has my name– that RARELY happens (it’s spelled a little differently, but hey, I’ll take it! haha). Great review 🙂
September 23, 2013 - 11:15 am
I’ve heard a lot of great things from this book, but I’ve never actually wanted to pick it up. I’m reconsidering now that I read this review! Great review! -Marianne
September 22, 2013 - 12:52 pm
So, I was already interested in this book because I love the cover. But I was debating buying it so I got on Goodreads. I saw your review posted there, read through it and BAM! bought the book. So happy loved it and can’t wait to read it for myself!
September 21, 2013 - 9:58 pm
I got this at BEA and still have not read it, despite hearing amazing things about it! Glad you loved it, too!
September 20, 2013 - 3:50 am
I just got this and can’t wait to read it!
September 20, 2013 - 1:21 am
This one sounds awesome! I’ve seen a lot of good things about it but haven’t read any reviews before this one. Elise sounds like a fascinating character,and DJing seems awesome. I have always wanted to learn to DJ but I’m pretty sure I’d be notsogreat at it. “Learning to like yourself and accept your lot in life is a task we have to commit to every day. There is always someone who isn’t going to like our decisions, or agree with us, or like us for whatever reason.” So true, so true. I’m glad to see it has great supporting characters and family dynamics, too. This was already on my TBR but now I want to read it anymore, awesome review!
September 19, 2013 - 10:01 pm
The search for identity really resonated with me too. Though I wasn’t bullied at school, I still never really felt like I fit in and it hasn’t been until now, after graduating college, that I’m feeling more in place.
September 19, 2013 - 4:42 pm
this is one of my favorite books this year, it was so special. great review.  Fire with Fire by Siobhan Vivian & Jenny Han Book 2 of the Burn for Burn series. (Magan’s review of Burn for Burn) Publication Date: 8/13/2013 Publisher: Simon Pulse Pages: 528 Target audience: Young adult Keywords: revenge, friendship, secrets, paranormal Format read: Paperback ARC from Simon Blogger Party. (Thanks!) Summary: After their revenge plot spirals […]
May 12, 2014 - 9:00 am
[…] for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian: While I wasn’t fully invested in this series until book 2, it balanced deception and fully developed side plots (friendship, relationships, fears, etc.) in […]
September 18, 2013 - 2:48 am
It’s awesome to hear that you really liked Fire with Fire too! I’ve been regretting leaving my ARC back in the US, particularly as your review and Rachel’s have me curious as to what’s happening with the three girls. It seems to me like things get a lot clearer in this book, and that there’s definitely a lot for me to look forward to!
September 2, 2013 - 12:09 pm
[…] facts about Magan + a surprise birthday giveaway! Reviews of Fire with Fire, The Returned, Crown of Midnight, The Hero, and Counting by 7s. Ginger told us all the fun and […]
September 2, 2013 - 11:54 am
I loved this one but the ending killed me! I am so confused now about everything! Book 3 is definitely going to be a long wait.
September 1, 2013 - 7:27 am
I really liked Burn For Burn, but I waited so long to read it, like long past the hype which helps a lot. I’m pumped up to hear that Fire With Fire is way better, because yay revenge! Yay character development! Also! I loved Kat the most so I am glad to hear she gets way more awesome in this book!
August 31, 2013 - 11:31 am
I saw this book but hadn’t given its first one a shot yet. I really like Vivian’s writing (not familiar with Han’s) so I was hopeful that this series as a whole would be good and I’m glad to hear that the second really improves and there is room for even more growth in the third.
August 30, 2013 - 3:43 pm
Nice review – I still haven’t gotten to Burn for Burn, and I’m not really sure why, since I love Jenny Han, I’ve always wanted to read Siobhan Vivian’s work, AND I met them during their tour last year and it was awesome. I think maybe because I heard that the paranormal stuff seemed like it came out of nowhere, and I hate that. But your review has convinced me that I need to get on this train…but this might be a binge series, because I HATE waiting. Thanks!
August 30, 2013 - 12:55 pm
So I had a real problem with Burn for Burn. I was really peeved at the end of that book, and then the cliffhanger just sent me over the edge and I swore I wasn’t continuing on with this series. But after reading this review… I’m more inclined to give it a shot. I wish the paranormal element was left out altogether, but if it’s important enough to the story then I’m glad to hear Vivian and Han better handled it this time around. Lovely review. *adds it to my TBR*
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by Estelle
Friends Who Write Diversely... | Dive Into Diversity, Magan - […] thanks to authors/bloggers/Twitter goddesses Dahlia Adler (Under the Lights) and Katherine Locke (Second Position) for being so game for today’s post. Rather Be […]
Wendy @ Book Scents - I totally agree with you! I loved seeing both Josh and Van’s story unfold and seeing that they’re not the pair that ends up together. I loved seeing their arcs and thought all the characters were so well developed. I kind of want to see more of what Josh does after!
Kailia Sage - I need to read this book as soon as possible! Everyone is raving about this book and I love the premise!
Alexa S. - I 100% agree with your thoughts on Under the Lights! It was such a delight to read about both Van and Josh, to really get to know them beyond what we learn in Behind the Scenes. And Dahlia wrote both their stories so well too!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook - I really, really need to read Dahlia Adler’s books. I have Behind the scenes ( I think I picked it up after your review) and still haven’t read it. And I really want to read this too.