THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson

The cover says: One boy helps her remember.  The other lets her forget.  And while those are both accurate statements, I'd argue that the heart of this book is not about the "boys" but about one girl.  A girl named Lennie Walker, who has just lost her older sister and feels that loss acutely.  She doesn't think anyone understands--not even her Gram or her best friend, Sarah--although each tries to get Lennie to open up and talk about her grief.

Returning to school, things are even worse.

 

"My sister dies over and over again, all day long."

 

The only person she feels like might get it is Toby, her sister's boyfriend.  He's in that same dark place, and when they're together, it feels as if Bailey's spirit is with them, alive again.  But when their shared grief takes an unexpected turn, Lennie's as confused as ever.  How can she be attracted to her dead sister's boyfriend?

 

And then, of course, there's Joe Fontaine.  He's new in town, a virtuoso musician, and so full of life it practically jumps off of him.  When Joe smiles, his infectious personality slowly breaks through Lennie's sadness.  He makes her feel things she's never felt before--but again, how can life move on without her sister?  How can Lennie?

 

The Sky Is Everywhere was such a vivid novel.  I could hear Joe's music through Lennie's lyrical descriptions.  I felt what she felt.  Every time Lennie was happy about something--only to be devastated when she remembers her sister is gone, every time she learned another one of the secrets Bailey was keeping from her, I felt her sorrow.  Every time Joe called her "John Lennon," my heart fluttered along with Lennie's.  *sigh*

 

What really gets me though is how Nelson is able to mix in so much humor with the heartbreak.  Big and Gram were two of the best side characters I've ever read.  Both of them were out of their tree--Gram with her aphrodisiacal roses and Big with his endless string of marriages--but they were such a hoot.  I couldn't help but love them as much as Lennie did :-).

 

And again, JOE FONTAINE!  This guy was amazing, truly amazing.  I loved how he didn't give up on Lennie, how he just kind of steamrolled into her life and made everything in it brighter.  While Lennie was falling in love for the first time, Joe was right there beside her.

 

Possibly my favorite line from the book: "Our tongues have fallen madly in love and gotten married and moved to Paris." <3

 

The notes/letters before each chapter were absolutely perfect.  The little glimpses we got of Lennie's soul on the scrap pieces of paper/wall/wrapper were heartbreaking but beautiful.  Which is exactly how I would describe this standout YA contemporary: Heartbreaking but beautiful.  I'd highly recommend it!

 

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

PUSHING THE LIMITS by Katie McGarry

Before I read Pushing the Limits, I saw it literally everywhere.  Lots of the blogs I follow had reviews up, and they were all sparkling.  I saw it every time I went to the bookstore.  Everyone (truly, I can't recall one bad review) fell in love with this book.

And yet, I held back.

It was probably b/c whenever I see a story like this--a YA romance with lots of drama--there's a 50/50 chance I won't enjoy it.  Why?  Well, in romance especially, I'm one of those people who have to care about the characters first, plot second.  Stories like this depend completely on the main characters.  So, I didn't pick it up immediately, and now my only question is:

Why did I wait so long? J

Echo and Noah were both intriguing.  I mean, seriously, I can't pick a favorite; I liked them both equally.  The dual POV was used to great affect here.  I got a chance to be in the heads of the characters, and I loved it.  Both kids are dealing with their own issues (Echo with her scars and tragic past, Noah with the death of his parents, losing custody of his brothers).  But what made them even more interesting was their initial dislike for each other.

I really love it when there are these awful first impressions.  McGarry did a great job here b/c both Echo and Noah were equally prejudiced at first.  Echo thinks Noah's an antagonistic jerk who's constantly stoned.  He thinks she's a hot, weird girl with perfect grades and the perfect life.  And the changes in perspective come about so naturally b/c the writing is spot on.

Everything changes when: Noah sees Echo's scars for the first time.

His reaction surprises her.  Instead of being a jerk about it or spreading rumors, he keeps her secret.  This is when their feelings really begin to take off.  Noah is curious about Echo, can't get her out of his head.  Echo doesn't know what to think about Noah's silence.  It's the perfect catalyst.

Which brings me to The Romance. *sigh* The chemistry was undeniable.  When Noah gives Echo his coat at a party--his only coat mind you--and then almost kisses her b/c it's her birthday…  When he serves her dinner at the diner…  The way he always accepted and didn't freaked out about Echo's scars or ask her to hide them…  The development of their relationship was terrific and had a believable desperation.

Actually, I think this book is what New Adult aspires to be.  It's extremely dramatic--McGarry's characters go through hell, and you never know until the end if they'll make it out in one piece.  The romance is mature with high stakes that will have life-altering consequences.  Even though Echo and Noah are still in high school, we get the sense that they are adults already, forced to grow up faster b/c of their experiences.

Great book, I really loved the chemistry/romance, and the resolution at the end!!  I'm sorry I waited so long to read it--but I will keep an eye out for any more of McGarry's books J

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

ELEANOR AND PARK by Rainbow Rowell

This book wasn't what I expected.  Judging by the cover and the dialogue on Goodreads, I thought Eleanor and Park was going to be another sweet romantic comedy.  I know, I know.  Couldn't have been more off-base if I tried.  But that's what I thought going in.

 

Now, imagine my surprise, when I start reading only to find something completely different.

A story about two characters that transcend the fictional and actually come to life in these pages.  A dual POV where I get to know them both.  A love story about first love, true love, involving two high school kids who couldn't be more different--at first.

This book deftly mixes the bitter and the sweet to come up with something completely real and timeless.  I loved it <3 <3 <3

Eleanor was my girl from page 1.  I felt for her immediately, standing there on the bus all awkward in the wrong clothes, wrong hair, wrong everything.  I wanted to hurt anyone who hurt her (especially those jerks on the bus and her a-hole stepdad, Richie).  Later, we learn that: a) Her home life sucks.  b) She can't afford new clothes--among other things.  c) She is one tough cookie who's smart and vibrantly full of life despite everything trying to tear her down.  Oh, and I liked her b/c of her take on Romeo and Juliet.  It closely aligns with my own.

Park was imperfectly perfect.  *Sigh*  He's a rare breed in YA, a flawed hero (or at least a very human one) whose innate goodness and badassery shines through even before he kicks the crap out of one of his friends who's cruel to Eleanor--which he totally does in the book.  I cheered in my head.  I loved Park b/c: a) the comics, b) the mixed tapes, c) the batteries.  Oh my Lord, the batteries!!!  Made me weep like a baby.  It was seriously one of the sweetest moments I have ever read in a book J.

Rainbow Rowell is the best kind of storyteller.  Every misunderstanding between Park and Eleanor was so real.  She didn't just make them fight to create tension.  It happened b/c of their different views on life, which, of course, were formed by their wildly different family lives.  Even though it wrecked me--and it did--I appreciated the drama.  I was glad it was never drama just for drama's sake.

 

And the romance.  Heartbreaking, achingly sweet, funny.  I wanted Eleanor and Park to find their HEA.  I wanted them to find a way to stay together.  My goodness, I literally cried, when they finally held hands.  Think that's an exaggeration?

"If he were to look up at her now, he'd know exactly how stupid she was.  She could feel her face go soft and gummy.  If Park were to look up at her now, he'd know everything. 

He didn't look up.  He wound the scarf around his fingers until her hand was hanging in the space between them.

Then he slid the silk and his fingers into her open palm.

And Eleanor disintegrated."--page 71, Eleanor and Park

There's so much more, but I'm going to stop here.  As a YA writer, this is the kind of book you aspire to--and that makes you fear you may never get there.  Rowell's book was incredible, a rare and beautiful find.  I strongly recommend to anyone who loves romance, great characters, great writing, The Smiths, X-Men comics etc.  Perfect.  Simply perfect.

Happy reading everyone!!

Ninja Girl

(P.S. Have tissues ready)

THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER by Megan Sheperd

This book had a lot of things going for it.  First, the eye candy! The blood red font, the girl's ghostly pallor and the swampy/muted background hint at Juliet's dark world.  Titles like this intrigue me.  I immediately wanted to know more about the madman and his daughter.  And, of course, I was sold by the mention of Montgomery.  A boy from Juliet's past who is now--and always was--her crazy father's servant?  Montgomery who now--and always has--had a place in Juliet's heart?  Yes, please.  Sign me up!

So, parts I loved: 

1)  The Gothic tone.  There was a constant chill/mystery/threat in this story, and I appreciate Sheperd's ability to create suspense.  Not everyone pulls this off as effortlessly or as completely as she did.

2)  Juliet.  Her voice was perfect.  She was flawed, curious, reckless and brave.  Juliet's struggle (internal and external) is what made this book so interesting.

3)  Edward aka the mysterious castaway.  Honestly, after reading the summary, I had it in my head that I was a Montgomery girl.  Period.  But the book didn't truly pick up for me until Edward was found (fyi page 77)--half-dead, adrift at sea, clinging to life, hand clutched around a faded picture of...?

4)  The romance.  Wow.  I liked how Juliet wasn't afraid to want--and I also liked that Sheperd made it difficult to choose between the two guys.  Again, in most books, I know who I'm for instantly.  But this one…I liked both love interests, and Sheperd didn't try to sway me.

5)  Jaguar, Jaguar, Jaguar!  In it all of two seconds, BUT he reminded me of Jaqen H'ghar from Game of Thrones.  Don't know why, but a GoT reference is never a bad thing J.

Parts I didn't love:

1)  The cruelty to animals.  I should've expected this.  It says so right in the description for goodness sakes: Dr. Moreau experiments on animals, and he's freaking crazy.  But yeah, I'm a big animal lover (P.S. Never go see animal movies.  They always end badly!).  So those parts really upset me--which I think they were supposed to.

2)  Juliet's prejudice against the islanders/her father's creations.

3)  The ending and the fact that it's not standalone.  This is a personal preference.  I think the book would've been great as a standalone.  Although I'm all about the HEA, I liked (and loathed) how this one ended.

This one was tough at times for me b/c of the animal experiments, but it was a well-told story.  The mystery was excellent.  The twisty turns in the book were unexpected and kept me guessing.  I liked this story, and I think it was an exceptional debut.  Very evocative, very intense.

Anyone else read The Madman's Daughter?  As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

EASY by Tammara Webber

This book totally rocked my world.  By defying convention, Easy by Tammara Webber surprised me and impressed me and made me want to read it again.  Immediately.  That's a rare occurrence, especially with as big a TBR pile as I have J.

 I'm not gonna lie.  The story had a couple of things that usually put me off.

1) An MC who follows her boyfriend to college and has lost her identity b/c of a guy. 

Um yeah, no need to explain why this independent woman wouldn't like that.

2) Heavy subject matter with the possibility of whiny-baby drama and preaching.

As a reader, I want to escape, to be entertained and ultimately a story with a spectacular HEA.  Usually, I steer clear of the heavy.  And preachy books pretty much turn me off.

Luckily, Easy took everything I'd come to expect from this kind of book and flipped it on its head.  Drama that was never preachy, romance that redefined HOT, and enticing characters that grow throughout the story yet stay true to themselves.  Why yes, you can have it all.

Easy centers around Jacqueline, a sophomore in college whose boyfriend has recently broken up with her.  She followed him to school instead of pursuing her dream as a concert bassist.  Jacqueline thought Kennedy was her one.  She never saw his betrayal coming.

After a frat party, Jacqueline--who was the designated driver for the night and completely sober--leaves by herself and is sexually assaulted by Buck, one of Kennedy's frat brothers.  (*Sidenote: If there's a better name for a sicko rapist, I don't know it.  Right on, Webber.  Right. On.)  Lucas, a complete stranger, saves Jacqueline right in the nick of time, beating the sh*t out of Buck before he can rape her.  But the close call changes Jacqueline forever.  She just wants to forget it ever happened--but how can she with Lucas popping up all the time?

I can't say enough about this book.  All of the characters were incredibly well developed.  It was believable that Jacqueline would commit to this relationship and lose a bit of herself.  I think this probably happens to so many young girls.  Not necessarily the following to college bit, but the loss of self.  It was believable.  It made her believable.

Instead of looking down on her for her vulnerability, I liked her more for it.  Jacqueline was willing to risk her heart, and quite frankly, Kennedy was the asshole.  That much was clear.  His reason for breaking her heart: He wanted to hook up with as many girls as possible before settling down so as not to ruin his future political aspirations.  Blech.  I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

Whereas Lucas…well.  He was absolutely delectable J.  Prepare yourself, ladies.  A bad boy with a tragic past and a protective instinct for women--which was totally endearing and not at all possessive-stalkerish?  *Cue angels singing*  Thank you, Lord, for Lucas.  He was so sexy, so smart, so incredibly attractive on every level.  If he was real, I'd be all over that.  Seriously.

This romance is a must-read.  I know everyone under the sun has pretty much recommended this book, but I'll add my voice to that.  Easy was a great read by a great author with a very powerful message.  No girl deserves to be raped.  Ever.  For any reason.  Period.

If I ever get a chance to thank Tammara Webber for writing this book, I will.  And if you're a woman--or if you have women you love in your life--you should, too.

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles

A Barbie-perfect rich girl falls for the poor Latino gangbanger across town.

I've never read a star-crossed lovers cliché that was more urban life sensitive and still believably YA.  The fact that Alex Fuentes was in a gang and collected drug money debts should've made me dislike him.  Then there was Brittany, the head cheerleader with problems.  Poor little rich girl, right?  I should've totally hated her, too.

But I didn't.

And here's why: Both main characters had redeeming qualities and both ran far deeper than their labels.  People always want to put labels on characters, but in Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles gives her MCs dimension, real emotions, real flawed reactions, that make it hard to fit them inside a box.

I love how the whole catalyst for this story was the two MCs getting paired up for a chemistry project.  So simple, and yet…J  I liked how Elkeles made it more interesting by putting Brittany's jerk of a boyfriend one lab station over.  Alex and Brittany both make mistakes, but that's what makes them more endearing.  They both fight and deny their emotions, but to me, it makes them sound more like teenagers.

Brittany was made so much more likable by the presence of her sister, Shelley.  From the first few pages, we find out that Shelley is mentally handicap and can't perform basic functions like feeding herself or speaking in full sentences.  But Brittany loves her and has taken the time to learn her nonverbal cues.  Brittany tries to maintain this perfect image for her parents just so they won't sent Shelley away--a threat that hangs over her head daily.  I just loved the interaction between the sisters.

Alex has two younger brothers and a mother who refuses to call him anything besides Alejandro, his given name.  The family dynamic was tight-knit, and yet they still had problems.  Alex doesn't want his brothers to be like him.  He's doing everything he can to protect his family in a place where you're either part of the gang or you're a target.  His romance with Brittany provides them both with an escape.

The romance was on point.  It developed at a good pace but wasn't a case of insta-love.  I really enjoyed seeing these two characters break from their expected roles and finally accepting their attraction to each other.

And, personally, one of the things I liked best was: Fairfield High reminded me of Neptune High J  Any other Veronica Mars fans in the house??  Alex totally reminded me of Weevil. *sigh*  Eli "Weevil" Navarro was one of my favorite characters, riding on his motorcycle, running his biker gang, getting into trouble but having V's back the whole time.  I miss Veronica Mars--but I seriously miss Weevil <3 <3 J

Perfect Chemistry has romance, drama, and little hints of the funny.  Would definitely recommend this to anyone in the mood for a YA romance that takes the well-worn star-crossed lovers cliché and still manages to give the reader something fresh and exciting!

Happy reading,

Ninja Girl

IF I STAY by Gayle Forman

Initially, I wasn't going to do a review of this book.  It's been about two weeks since I read If I Stay by Gayle Forman, and I still can't think of a way to review it without having some kind of spoiler L.  So, knowing that, if you don't read on I'll totally understand (but I don't think I'm really giving away much). 

ONTO REVIEW WITH SEMI-SPOILERS

Near the beginning of the book, there's a tragic car accident.  Mia loses her entire family as a result, but she survives, somewhere between life and death.  What I didn't realize was that Mia would be caught in this state throughout the book.  *smacks self in head* If I'd read more carefully, it clearly states that in the summary--but sometimes ninjas are known to skim J.  I have to say I'm glad I didn't know b/c it would've most likely stopped from getting the book.  Tragedy, melodrama, angst.  That's just not my thing.

But this book had something I can't resist.  The characters.  Oh, the characters were wonderful.  I loved Mia's parents; though they weren't physically in the story very long, we get a great sense of them through Mia's memories.  I loved how the mom wasn't afraid to get pissed and stand up for the ones she loved.  I loved how the dad called his daughter "Mia-Oh-Mya."  Forman managed to make them real/fully fleshed out, a near impossible feat considering they were in about a fourth of the book.

Mia's friend Kim was another favorite.  She wasn't just a stock character thrown in for kicks.  With her sarcasm, strength, loyalty and frizzy hair, she was a true friend to Mia.  No backstabbing gossipers in this book.  Kim stayed strong for Mia, two girls who really were friends.  I loved that.

Adam, Mia's boyfriend, was what actually made me want to read If I Stay.  I read a blog post with a few quotes of his and knew I had to know more about this character.  The rising-star rocker was more perfect than a teenage boy has any right to be.  Again, the loyalty and love he had toward Mia didn't waver.  Their affection/relationship rang true, more so than many of the love-at-first-sight YAs.  Adam's devotion to Mia made my heart melt.

And the best thing about all these characters?  They give us a sense of who Mia must be.  In addition to being told from her POV, Mia is surrounded by good people that love her.  Therefore, I had to love her, too.  Her feelings ran deep; she deserved a great friend like Kim b/c she was a great friend herself.  She deserved a guy like Adam b/c she had a heart as pure and open as his.  Mia was a decent person with an insurmountable inner strength--and I believed her.

That's one of the best things about Forman's writing.  All her characters were believable and likable.  I'm glad I got to meet them (even if this really isn't my kind of book).  Like others have said, the book is beautiful.  But I'll take it a step farther and add, that the book is beautiful because the characters in it are beautiful.

Happy reading everyone!

Ninja Girl