Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Steampunk

Worldcat Summary: 

In an alternate 1914 Europe, Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from forces who are attempting to take over the globe with machinery, forms an alliance with Deryn, who is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.

Bookskoetter Rating: 4/5

Bookskoetter Review: 

For those, like myself, that are new to the steampunk genre (Huh? What is steampunk?), Leviathan is a great place to start!  It is also wholly unlike Scott Westerfeld's other well-known series, Uglies (which I loved!).  I found myself captivated by this alternate World War I story, and intrigued by the awesome steampunk art peppered throughout the book.  I am often annoyed by artwork in novels, because I like to be able to imagine scenes from the book in my own way. However, the artwork in this novel really helps steampunk newbies like myself picture the machinery and genetically altered creatures found in the story.  The one thing that annoyed me about the novel was that the ending comes to absolutely no conclusion.  It's almost as if they decided the book was "long enough" and that they should stop at the end of a random chapter, and continue the story with the sequel, Goliath (which sadly, I will have to wait to read this summer).  I think that this novel has appeal for fans of many genres, including adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction.  I've noticed that the cover seems to be mainly drawing the attention of guys.  However, I think that girls who read this novel will find a lot to appreciate as well, including strong, independent, and intelligent female characters.

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Worldcat Summary: 

When her best friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover the culprits in her small North Carolina town.


Bookskoetter Rating: 4/5

Bookskoetter Review: 

Shine has been in the news a lot lately after the author was mistakenly told that the book had been named a National Book Award Finalist.  This suspenseful mystery is set in a religious, small-town in North Carolina.  The author effectively transports readers to this gossipy, small community, where everyone knows everyone and everything - or at least they think they do. It delves into several topics that are currently popular in young adult novels, including homosexuality, corruption, meth addiction, hate crimes, and rape.  However the author balances the topics in such a way that the overall effect is believable and not overdone. I would recommend this novel to mystery fans that crave a suspenseful and serious, yet hopeful ride.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Worldcat Summary: 

When two teens, one gay and one straight, meet accidentally and discover that they share the same name, their lives become intertwined as one begins dating the other's best friend, who produces a play revealing his relationship with them both. 

Bookskoetter Rating: 4/5

Bookskoetter Review: 

This was a pretty good book!  It covers the somewhat controversial topic of homosexuality in a balanced and humorous way.  I will warn readers that it does contain some language and crude humor.  Personally, I didn't find those features offensive - in fact, it was often done in a light and funny way that added to the characterization in the novel. However, some readers may be offended.  I listened to this book on audiobook, which I felt was very well done!  I am impressed with how well the two authors of the novel teamed up to create an excellent story.  Each author writes in the voice of one of the two main characters.  I would recommend this book to those wanting a light, funny story (although there are some serious moments in the book), with a hopeful ending.

Blogging Update

I am excited (and a little frightened?) about all of the reading that I will be doing this semester!  I am taking two reading-intensive courses for my Masters in Library Science that will require me to read 3-6 books a week!  One class is a Teen Library Materials class, in which I will read a lot of young adult novels.  The other is a Readers Advisory class, where I will be focusing on adult-level novels (which I haven't read much of lately).  


How will I read all of these books?  Well, my friends, at any given time I am reading three books: one book in print to read while I am eating breakfast / lunch, before I go to bed, etc... one audiobook in the car to listen to while I am driving, and one downloadable audiobook in my house that I listen to while I am doing dishes, laundry, getting ready in the morning, etc... Crazy?  Perhaps ( :

Needless to say, I will not be blogging about every single book that I read.  I will focus on reviewing recently published (or fairly recently anyways) young adult novels, or adult-level novels that have young adult appeal.

So far this semester, I have read the following:

   1. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.  My rating: 2/5

   2. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.  My rating: 3/5

   3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. My rating: 4/5

   4. Speak by  Laurie Halse Anderson. My rating: 4/5

   5. Crank by Ellen Hopkins. My rating: 3/5

   6. Midnight in the Dragon Cafe by Judy Fong Bates. My rating: 1.5/5

I am currently reading:

   - Shine by Lauren Myracle (book)

    - Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (audiobook cd in car)
   - Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen (audiobook on computer in house)

I recently read, but have not blogged about:

   - The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan.  My rating: 3/5
   - Something else that I can't remember?

I recently started, but gave up on:

   - Boy meets boy by David Levithan (was listening to the audiobook, and the voices annoyed me!)

   - The Death Cure (started it in the car while I was waiting for another audiobook, but had to quit.  I will definitely finish it eventually!)

Hunger Games Movie Update

I have had a lot of Hunger Games fans out there asking me for information on the upcoming movie (which I am EXTREMELY excited about!).

Release date: March 23.

Trailers:

Longer (better) trailer

Short trailer

You can find tons of information, videos, and pictures about the movie on the IMDb website.

I will definitely be going to the midnight showing!  Book Club is talking about making t-shirts (each with a different tribute) and going together (Totally stole the idea from my mom's book club!).  

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Worldcat Summary: 

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8 year old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders, will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh out loud funny, this book is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

Bookskoetter Rating:=5/5

Bookskoetter Review: 

I LOVED this book!  I am thrilled that it made it to the list of next year's Gateway nominees, because I can definitely see it being a favorite, especially among dog lovers.  Cameron does a great job telling this often hilarious story from a dog's point of view.  I literally laughed out loud reading the dog's perspective of being house trained!  I don't currently have a dog, but I know that I will be thinking about this book the next time we get a puppy.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dogs - both young adults and adults!  (In fact, I've already spoken to several students and teachers who loved it!)

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Audience: Young Adult

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Worldcat Summary: 

In the months after her sister dies, seventeen-year-old Lennie falls into a love triangle and discovers the strength to follow her dream of becoming a musician. 

Bookskoetter Rating:=4/5

Bookskoetter Review: 

Yay!  Another good read.  I have to say, I really surprised myself by liking this book (normally, I cannot be bothered to read realistic fiction starring grief and a love triangle). However, the protagonist of the story, a spunky girl with an interesting family, really won me over.  I predict that this book, which is on the list of next year's Gateway nominees, will be a favorite - especially among girls.  I would recommend it to readers that enjoy realistic fiction that is sad, yet hopeful - especially those that enjoyed the book If I Stay by Gayle Forman.