North Of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

North Of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Summary

It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.

She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?

Written in lively, artful prose, award-winning author Justina Chen Headley has woven together a powerful novel about a fractured family, falling in love, travel, and the meaning of true beauty. (courtesy of Goodreads)

Review

North of Beautiful takes the reader on a series of journeys: a journey to discover one's beauty behind all the flaws; the journey to escape from the claws of a controlling man; and the journey to discover who and how to love.

Terra's life is defined by two things: her face and her father. At first glance, Terra is beautiful. Thin, blonde hair, blue eyes, symmetrical features, but one side of her face is marred by a large purple birthmark. She hides her face under layers of make-up and attempts laser surgery to remove the birthmark. The rest of her life is ruled by her father. He's a monster. The summary describes him as "controlling." That is quite an understatement - horribly verbally abusive is more fitting. He alone made the book hard to read at times. I almost would have preferred that he hit Terra and her mother as opposed to his little comments. It would be hard to survive in that world.

Terra and her mother's lives are changed by a chance meeting with Jacob and his mother. Both are kind, generous, and brimming with confidence (on the surface) and make it their mission to bring Terra and her mother to life. I love Jacob. He's one of the best guy characters I've read in awhile. At first, you think he's going to be a "bad boy" love interest given his goth wardrobe. But he's not at all. He's a sweet kid who hides under black clothes and white makeup. He's smart, thoughtful, kind, and accepting. Exactly the type of boy all girls deserve. I also love how Jacob and Terra's relationship builds. Although there's some initial attraction on both sides, it's a slow and steady development. They don't declare undying love for one another after one afternoon together. They get to know and accept each other.

I loved North of Beautiful. It was, at times, hard to read. Terra's father is truly terrifying, and the effects on her entire family are large and long-lasting. Also, Terra, while being a wonderful girl, is not immune from making mistakes. I understood why she made them, but still wanted to shake her occasionally. My only significant complaint is that the ending felt a little too clean. I highly recommend this book when you're looking for a beautiful, smart, contemporary read. Just don't read it if you're not in the mood to be a little depressed.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Follow Friday

It's time for the weekly book blogger hops again! A great opportunity to meet new bloggers and say hi to old.

Parajunkee's Follow My Book Blog Friday.

I'm Alison. I've been blogging for six and a half months. I review mainly YA with a few MG books and a weekly manga feature.

2010 Book Lists:


For the end of the year, I put together an extensive list of the books I've read in 2010 separated into categories. Check out the posts I've done thus far (more to follow):

Introductory Post
Part 1: Contemporary Fiction
Part 2: Best Writing, Twilight Lovers; Edgy Fiction; Foodie Fiction

Manga Mondays: Vampire Knight vol. 1 by Matsuri Hino

Questions of the Week:

Blog Hop: ON VACATION

Follow Friday: What are your plans for Christmas? I am going to be working! Yay! Actually, it should be a slow day, and I volunteered to work so I don't mind. My hubby is working a 24 hour shift so there's nothing to do at home. I do have Christmas Eve off. I'm going to meet up with a friend for breakfast and then do my Christmas shopping - I love shopping on Christmas Eve!

2010 Book Lists pt. 2: Best writing; For Twilight Lovers; Edgy; Foodie Fiction

*Back to Introductory Post; Pt. 1; Pt 3; Pt. 4; Pt. 5; Pt. 6; Pt. 7
*Books are linked to my reviews, if available. Otherwise, they're linked to Amazon. I have read all of these books and written reviews for most, but haven't posted many of them yet. As I do, I will update this page.

I'd give my left arm to write like these authors...
-Some authors are just too talented. It's not fair.

Shiver and Linger- Maggie Stiefvater
Human falls in love with werewolf. Grace is fascinated by a particular wolf. Sam is a werewolf in his final year of transformation.When they meet in Sam’s human form, their love is instantaneous and immutable. Can they stay together somehow? Beautiful, atmospheric writing. The prose evokes a cold, gray winter day - very fitting with the book's setting. Fabulous use of lyrics and Rielke poems to hype up the romance. Haunting, sad, sweet, angsty, wonderful. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2)

The Sky Is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
Beautiful tale of grief. You will spend much of the book laughing and crying at the same time. Reeling from her sister’s death, grief threatens to overtake Lenny. She seeks comfort in her sister’s boyfriend Toby in ways she probably shouldn’t. She is also attracted to a new kid, Joe, who can take her away from her grief, if only for a short time. Joe is an incredible guy: sweet, a talented musician, cute...just perfect. Wonderful use of poetry throughout the book. You really feel Lennie’s grief, confusion, and love.
(Amazon)

Jellicoe Road - Melina Marchetta
Beautiful, complex, haunting, romantic, heart-breaking, uplifting. No single word can describe a book this wonderful. It’s extremely confusing at first, but if you stick with it, you will be in love with Taylor Markham and her world. Taylor represents her school in its annual turf war with the Townies and the Cadets. This year’s war is full of battles, friendships, and new love. Interspersed throughout the book are excerpts of a novel written by Hannah, Taylor’s housemother. You’ll be amazed how everything fits together; the smallest things at the start of the book is so significant later on. Truly skilled writing. (Amazon)

At Home - Bill Bryson
Take a tour through Bill Bryson's 150 year old home, room by room. Learn about topics loosely related, if at all, to these rooms, including fashion, cholera, rodent intelligence, and much more. Bryson could make an essay about wallpaper drying engaging and witty. You'll laugh hysterically at all of Bryson's dry British quips and learn a great deal in the process. (Amazon)

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
Samantha is a stereotypical popular mean girl with a perfect life...until it ends. Now, she has to relive her last day over and over until she gets it right. Writing the same story seven different times could easily be mind-numblingly boring, but Lauren Oliver makes each day seem unique, even if the same event occurs just slightly differently. The day changes as Samantha goes through the stages of grief - anger, sadness, acceptance. (Amazon)

Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
Heart-breaking depiction of the effects of date rape on a 14-year-old girl. Melinda goes through life with a black veil over her face - she wants to live, but the memories and the depression separate her from the world. Deeply cynical, yet realistic portrayal of high school. You won’t be able to tear yourself away from the last quarter of the book. The stark, highly sarcastic prose heightens the emotions of the book. (Amazon)

Mistwood- Leah Cypess
Prince Rokan finding Isabel in the woods and Isabel pledging to protect him. Isabel doesn't know why the prince had brought her here. Yet her subconscious knows exactly what she's doing. She instinctively understands the intricacies of court politics, physical protection, and human motivation. Isabel is a shifter - an immortal creature who can take the shape of whatever thing necessary. But why does Rokan need her and why can't she remember her past? Fabulously complex story and intricately drawn characters. Mistwood unfolds slowly but never frustratingly so. You'll want to savor ever page. (Amazon)

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead
An homage to A Wrinkle In Time set in 1970s New York City. Sixth grader Miranda's best friend has abandoned her. Her life is further complicated by her new friends, her mom's boyfriend who wants more involvement in the family, and a mysterious crazy homeless man on the corner. Then she begins receiving notes that ask her do to things and seemingly predict the future. What should she do with these notes? Why is she receiving them? Both complex and accessible to young readers, When You Reach Me is truly worthy of the Newbury Medal. (Amazon)

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
A toddler's family is murdered, and he is brought into a graveyard to be raised by the ghosts within. Named Nobody Owens ("Bod"), he must learn to navigate the ghost world and the human world, where danger still lurks. Exemplifies the best of Neil Gaiman: always dark, but at times sweet, funny, dangerous, and/or sad. (Amazon)

The Cardturner - Louis Sachar
Alton's greedy mother "volunteers" him to help his rich uncle play bridge. His uncle is miserly and cranky on the surface, but Alton gradually sees a different man, brilliant and funny who has a bittersweet past. Alton even manages to find a cool girl friend in his family's mortal enemy. Few authors could pull off teaching teenagers how to play bridge without turning the book into an insomniac's dream. Sachar manages to educate and entertain. (Amazon)

Swim the Fly - Don Calame
Humor is probably the hardest writing style to do well. Don Calame is a master at humor. Calame's screenwriting background also shows in the constant pace and smooth transitions in the plot. Any book about three boys trying to see a naked girl that can make me laugh until I cry, but also make me tear up is really something special. . (Amazon)

If the word “Twilight” makes your heart palpate...
-My heart is skipping a beat just thinking about Edward...and Jasper. But one cannot read Twilight continuously. Thankfully these books are great substitutes.

Vampire Academy: Blood Promise and Spirit Bound - Richelle Mead
Each Vampire Academy book is fun, suspenseful, and oozes romance. There’s the boarding school element. As the series continues, you have complicated royal politics. There are three really hot guys, Dimitri, Adrian, and Christian. One bold, kick-butt girl, Rose. And twist after twist in the plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2)

Twilight: The Graphic Novel - Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim
Great for the Twilight fan and the manga fan. A little confusing if you don’t already know the Twilight plot, but great fun if you do. Absolutely gorgeous art. Wonderful mixing of photos and drawings, color and grayscale. (Amazon)

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
Norah is both repulsed and attracted by Patch. He alternates between being lewd and intensely romantic - a “bad boy” with a hint of something more. Norah’s human life suddenly collides with the dangerous yet sexy world of fallen angels. A suspenseful psychological thriller that will have you turning the pages. (Amazon)

Blue Bloods: The Van Alen Legacy and Misguided Angel - Melissa de la Cruz
Old school wealthy "blue-bloods" are really vampires. More specifically, vampires descended from angels. If you like angel and vampire mythology, you'll love this. The series becomes less about shallow rich kids and more about a great battle between good and evil as the books go on. Prominent love triangle between the hot, sweet, powerful guy and the best friend. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2)

Shiver and Linger- Maggie Stiefvater
Human falls in love with werewolf. Grace is fascinated by a particular wolf. Sam is a werewolf in his final year of transformation.When they meet in Sam’s human form, their love is instantaneous and immutable. Can they stay together somehow? Beautiful, atmospheric writing. Fabulous use of lyrics and Rielke poems to hype up the romance. Haunting, sad, sweet, angsty, wonderful. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2)

The Dark Divine - Bree DeSpain
Daniel disappeared years ago and his friend Jude came home covered in blood. Now Daniel’s back, Jude hates him, and Jude’s sister Grace is falling in love. Grace and Daniel’s friendship gradually builds into something more - much more real than love at first sight. Paranormal romance with a slow introduction of the paranormal element that eventually turns into a “must keep reading” thriller. (Amazon)

Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness - Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Ethan is entranced with the mysterious, dark new girl. Lena is a caster, a witch, who is on the cusp of discovering whether she is innately good or evil. Full of great side characters like Link, Macon, Amma, and Liv and a warm, slow, mysterious Southern Gothic setting. Ethan learns that his and Lena's worlds are more linked that he could have imagined as the series continues. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2)

Fallen - Lauren Kate
Dark, Southern gothic, fallen angel romance. Luce feels a strong, unexplainable connection to gorgeous, bad-boy Daniel at her new reform boarding school. Add handsome Cam to create a love triangle. Twists and turns as the mystery and danger builds and you don’t know who you should trust. (Amazon)

The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer
The doomed newborn vampire gets a story of her own in Stephenie’s novella. The plot is rather cheesy, especially the romance, but still cute. The really good stuff is the new information Twilight lovers learn about the qualities of a newborn vampire and the opportunity to see the Cullens from an outsider’s perspective. (Amazon)

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) - Chloe Neill
27-year-old Merit is changed into a vampire against her will. She's sucked into an impending vampire war. Merit must accept her new life as an immortal and also help protect her vampire house from those that threaten them. Heart-stopping, romantic, love triangle tension between Merit, master vampire Ethan, and rival house vampire Morgan. Merit has a fabulously snarky voice that will make you want to read more and more. (Amazon)

Wicked Lovely - Melissa Marr
Enthralling, edgy fairy book. Aislinn has the Sight to see fairies, but must keep it a secret. Keenan, a cursed Summer Prince, finds her and must have her for his Summer Queen. But Aisleen doesn't need a king; she loves her boyfriend Seth. Two essentially "good" main characters who have needs opposite the other. Is there a way everyone can win? (Amazon)

Iron King, Iron Daughter, and Iron Queen - Julia Kagawa
Meghan Chase discovers that she is the daughter of great fairy king Oberon. Half-fairy and half-mortal, Meghan can withstand the iron that cripples full-blooded fairies. Meghan initially goes into the Never Never to rescue her kidnapped brother, but it turns into a three-book journey to save the entire fairy world from the iron fey. Great character growth through the series: Meghan starts out simpering and boring and turns into a confident, capable, kick-butt warrior. Love triangle between dark and handsome Winter Prince Ash and best friend, funny Puck (aka Robin Goodfellow). Coolest cat character. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2, Amazon 3)

If you like things a little edgy...
-These books take chances and make you step out of your comfort zone, at least a little bit.

Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles
Pretty, popular girl Brittany is stuck being lab partners with bad-boy Mexican gang member Alex. Both think the other person is despicable, but really they have a lot in common. Alex makes a bet to catch Brittany’s heart, but he finds himself actually falling in love with her. Pretty predictable romance plot. Still it’s hard not to like the character and get carried away with the story. (Amazon)

Wake, Fade and Gone- Lisa McMann
Janie is cursed by the gift of seeing other people's dreams - good ones, creepy ones, really bad ones. The daughter of a single alcoholic mom mired in poverty, her normal life is no better than her dream life. She realizes that she can use her curse to help solve crimes - that some purpose can come from her life. She has a fabulous partner/boyfriend in Cabel, a damaged "bad boy" who becomes a passionate, kind, charismatic boyfriend. As the series goes on, Janie discovers just what possibilities and consequences can come from her dream-catching ability and must decide whether to ignore her gift and cut out everyone around her. The prose is as stark, edgy, and as fast-paced as the story. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2, Amazon 3)

Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green and David Levithan
Two boys named Will Grayson meet one night and form a friendship. WG1 is the average kid in the shadow of his flamboyantly gay best friend, Tiny. WG2 is a gay teen who is so depressed that you spend much of the book wanting to give the kid a big hug. WG1, WG2, and Tiny become an interesting trio as Tiny puts on a school musical called Tiny Dancer. Lots of sarcasm, lots of boyish angst. (Amazon)

Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
Heart-breaking depiction of the effects of date rape on a 14-year-old girl. Melinda goes through life with a black veil over her face - she wants to live, but the memories and the depression separate her from the world. Deeply cynical, yet realistic portrayal of high school. You won’t be able to tear yourself away from the last quarter of the book. (Amazon)

Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott
15-year-old Alice was kidnapped by Ray five years ago. Her life has been pure hell since that time. She’s no longer a little girl and will soon be useless. She has to help Ray find her replacement, with only death awaiting her on the other side. Fascinating analysis of how cruel treatment and hopelessness can influence a person’s character. Hard to read, but very interesting. (Amazon)

Infinite Days - Rebecca Maizel
600 year old vampire queen is transformed back into a human. Lenah's human life at a boarding school doesn't make for a very edgy book, but the many flashbacks of her vampire life do. Maizel doesn't shirk from depicting Lenah's vampire world as cruel and violent, with her as the chief perpetrator. (Amazon)

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1) - Chloe Neill
27-year-old Merit is changed into a vampire against her will and is sucked into an impending vampire war. For an adult paranormal romance, it's not all that edgy. But it has more innuendo, swearing, and sensuality than most YA novels. Merit's snarky, sarcastic voice makes the book a lot of fun. (Amazon)

Foodie Fiction...
-These books feature themes or prominent references to food. Makes a cooking and food lover like me swoon!

Fat Cat - Robin Brande
Cat is a charming, smart, overweight girl. When she becomes her own science project, she loses tons of weight. This brings on so many changes: a love for cooking, a job in a vegan cafe, a conversion to veganism, and lots of attention from boys. But Cat is too blinded by pride and prejudice to notice the boy who really likes her and is worth liking. Lots of fun food references in this book and a good argument for veganism. (Amazon)

The Cupcake Queen - Heather Hepler
Penny moves from New York to tiny Hog’s Hollow when her parents separate. Her mom opens a cupcake story, which becomes a big hit. Penny loves decorating cupcakes and coming up with new designs. She is less successful in warding off the local mean girls. Still, she finds small-town life better than expected. Features a great friend character: Tally and a really cool, mysterious yet nice boy: Marcus. You'll want to take a cake decorating class after reading this! (Amazon)

The Espressologist - Kristina Springer
Jane loves to predict people’s personalities based on their favorite coffee drink. She turns this into a matchmaking adventure on a lark, and it turns into a huge success. Suddenly Jane is matching people left and right, including her best friend and Cam, a guy in her college class. But the more Jane gets to know Cam, the more she’s wishing she was matched to him instead. Jane is a bit annoying, but Cam is great, and the story is light and fun. You can almost smell the bittersweet odor of roasting beans as you read. (Amazon)

Sunshine - Robin McKinley
A unique vampire romance book. It's set in an alternate universe where vampires and other paranormal creatures are known to exist. Vampires hunt and are also hunted. Rae is put in the unlikely situation of a working relationship with a vampire, Con. Together, Rae and Con fight the government and other vampires. The food element: Rae works in a bakery/coffeeshop. The references to muffins, rolls, and sweets will make your mouth water. I actually did go bake blueberry muffins as soon as I finished the book. (Amazon)

Waiting On Wednesday (29): The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine spotlighting upcoming releases.

Check out my 2010 Book Lists - a series of extensive posts reviewing and categorizing the books I read in 2010!

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Flux, January 20, 2011

*This one looks so good!

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

2010 Book Lists pt. 1: Contemporary Fiction

*Back to Introductory Post; Pt. 2; Pt 3; Pt. 4; Pt. 5; Pt. 6; Pt. 7
*Books are linked to my reviews, if available. Otherwise, they're linked to Amazon. I have read all of these books and written reviews for most, but haven't posted many of them yet. As I do, I will update this page.

Contemporary Fiction
-Until my recent obsession with paranormal romance and a burgeoning interest in high fantasy, most of my reading was in the contemporary genre fiction. My expanding interests has not dampened my love for stories that I could conceivably live. Here are some of the fun contemporary fiction books I read this year:

Anna And The French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Don't let the awful title keep you away. One of the best contemporary fiction reads in years. Anna is sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. Mired at first by culture shock and loneliness, she quickly finds a good group of friends and a really cool guy. St. Clair is one of the most genuine, nice, funny guys in YA literature. Their friendship/relationship goes through as many ups and downs as a roller coaster, but it still manages to feel real and enticing. (Amazon)

Secrets Of My Hollywood Life 5: Broadway Princess - Jen Calonita
The penultimate installment of Secrets of My Hollywood Life is set in New York City. Kaitlyn spends the summer performing on Broadway, but without her boyfriend Austin. The SOMHL series is loads of fun - name-dropping, fashion galore - but best of all featuring a really sweet, genuine girl. Gossip Girl this is not. (Amazon)

Suite Scarlett and Scarlett Fever - Maureeen Johnson
Scarlett’s family owns an old, run-down hotel. She balances caring for the hotel with managing her crazy brother and two sisters. Add being the assistant to a drama-queen formerly famous actress and dealing with “interesting” boys. All that totals up to one fun, adventurous, crazy life. (Amazon 1 and Amazon 2)

Viola In Reel Life - Adriana Trigiani
New Yorker Viola is sent to a rural boarding school when her parents go on a long film trip. Viola fancies herself a budding filmmaker and you learn lots about films in the book. All the good qualities of a boarding school book - interesting new friends, adventure, budding romance. (Amazon)

Once Was Lost - Sara Zarr
PK (paster’s kid) Sam’s like is falling apart. Her dad is withdrawn and her mom is in rehab. A local girl goes missing and the town is in an uproar. Sam gets close to the girl’s brother during the turmoil. Sam really struggles with her faith in the midst her family falling apart and the potential death of a young girl. Excellent portrayal of religion without sounding preachy or overly critical. (Amazon)

The Lonely Hearts Club - Elizabeth Eulberg
Penny Lane thinks boys are more trouble than they’re worth. She starts a club celebrating and pledging singledom. This leads to fury around the school (even the administration), but loads of fun for her girlfriends. The problem is that Penny may have found a boy worth liking. (Amazon)

Out Of My Mind - Sharon M. Draper
11-year-old Melody is a genius, but trapped in a body crippled by cerebral palsey, no one knows it. She can’t walk or talk or do anything by herself. When she gets a machine that speaks for her, people are shocked at the things she can do...but do they believe it’s really her? Heartfelt, inspiring book. Really makes you think more about disabled children. (Amazon)

How To Say Goodbye In Robot - Natalie Standiford
Bea moves to a new town and unexpectedly becomes best friends with Jonah, a loner who seems to hate everybody. They bond over a crazy radio talk show whose transcripts are included in the book. One of the strangest books I’ve ever read. It’s funny, depressing, sad, poignant. Well worth reading. (Amazon)

Fat Cat - Robin Brande
Cat is a charming, smart, overweight girl. When she becomes her own science project, she loses tons of weight. This brings on so many changes: a love for cooking, a conversion to veganism, and lots of attention from boys. But Cat is too blinded by pride and prejudice to notice the boy who really likes her and is worth liking. Lots of fun food references in this book and a good argument for veganism. (Amazon)

Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles
Pretty, popular girl Brittany is stuck being lab partners with bad-boy gang member Alex. Both think the other person is despicable, but really they have a lot in common. Alex makes a bet to catch Brittany’s heart, but he finds himself actually falling in love with her. Pretty predictable romance plot. Still it’s hard not to like the character and get carried away with the story. (Amazon)

The Daughters and The Daughter Break The Rules - Joanna Philbin
It’s actually possible to be fabulously wealthy, famous, and well-dressed and to also be a nice, intelligent person. These books follow three 9th graders through the ups and downs in life. Fun, light, uplifting stories. (Amazon 1 and Amazon 2)

Pretty On The Outside - Kate Kingsley
Gossip Girl meets British boarding school. A group of kids with too much money and time on their hands and too little supervision. Not too many morals, but they do wear great clothes and have interesting adventures. (Amazon)

Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green and David Levithan
Two boys named Will Grayson meet one night and form a friendship. WG1 is the average kid in the shadow of his flamboyantly gay best friend, Tiny. WG2 is a gay teen who is so depressed that you spend much of the book wanting to give the kid a big hug. WG1, WG2, and Tiny become an interesting trio as Tiny puts on a school musical called Tiny Dancer. Lots of sarcasm, lots of boyish angst. (Amazon)

Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
Heart-breaking depiction of the effects of date rape on a 14-year-old girl. Melinda goes through life with a black veil over her face - she wants to live, but the memories and the depression separate her from the world. Deeply cynical, yet realistic portrayal of high school. You won’t be able to tear yourself away from the last quarter of the book. (Amazon)

The Cupcake Queen - Heather Hepler
Penny moves from New York to tiny Hog’s Hollow when her parents separate. Her mom opens a cupcake story, which becomes a big hit. Penny loves decorating cupcakes and coming up with new designs. She is less successful in warding off the local mean girls. Still, she finds small-town life better than expected. Features a great friend character: Tally and a really cool, mysterious yet nice boy: Marcus. Nothing too original except for the cupcake aspect, but fun nonetheless. (Amazon)

The Espressologist - Kristina Springer
Jane loves to predict people’s personalities based on their favorite coffee drink. She turns this into a matchmaking adventure on a lark, and it turns into a huge success. Suddenly Jane is matching people left and right, including her best friend and Cam, a guy in her college class. But the more Jane gets to know Cam, the more she’s wishing she was matched to him instead. Jane is a bit annoying, but Cam is great, and the story is light and fun. (Amazon)

North Of Beautiful - Justina Chen Headley
Terra has beautiful hair, a slim, toned body, and a gorgeous face...only it's marred by a huge purple birthmark. She has a horrible, emotionally abusive father, a broken mother, and two brothers who never come home. A chance meeting of Jacob, a goth Chinese-American boy, and his mother changes Terra's life forever. Jacob is funny, confident, happy, and encouraging. He and his mom bring Terra and her mom out of their shells and on the road to self-discovery. Beautiful, lyrical writing that is sometimes painfully real. (Amazon)

The Mother Daughter Book Club, Much Ado About Anne, Dear Pen Pal, and Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick
Four very different girls and their mothers start a book club. The girls, reluctantly at first, become best friends. Each book covers a year of their lives, starting in 6th grade. They read a different book each year (e.g. Little Women, Anne of Green Gables) and the girls’ personal lives loosely follow the plots of the books. A wholesome read that still manages to showcase three-dimensional characters. The girls and their parents all make mistakes yet all learn something. (Amazon 1, Amazon 2, Amazon 3, Amazon 4)

Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes - Chris Crutcher
Eric is a former fat boy. His former best friend Sarah can’t erase her horrible scars and is now in a psych ward, completely mute. Eric must discover what made Sarah stop talking. It turns out to be more complex and dangerous than he could have imagined. The book is full of philosophical discussions about race, religion, and abortion. Eric is a really sweet boy. The book also features strong, positive adult-teen interactions, which most YA books lack. (Amazon)

Jellicoe Road - Melina Marchetta
Beautiful, complex, haunting, romantic, heart-breaking, uplifting. No single word can describe a book this wonderful. It’s extremely confusing at first, but if you stick with it, you will be in love with Taylor Markham and her world. Taylor represents her school in its annual turf war with the Townies and the Cadets. This year’s war is full of battles, friendships, and new love. Interspersed throughout the book are excerpts of a novel written by Hannah, Taylor’s housemother. You’ll be amazed how everything fits together. (Amazon)

The Sky Is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
Beautiful tale of grief. You will spend much of the book laughing and crying at the same time. Reeling from her sister’s death, grief threatens to overtake Lenny. She seeks comfort in her sister’s boyfriend Toby in ways she probably shouldn’t. She is also attracted to a new kid, Joe, who can take her away from her grief, if only for a short time. Joe is an incredible guy: sweet, a talented musician, cute...just perfect. Wonderful use of poetry throughout the book. You really feel Lennie’s grief, confusion, and love.
(Amazon)

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
Samantha is a stereotypical popular mean girl with a perfect life...until it ends. Now, she has to relive her last day over and over until she gets it right. If only she knew what "right" was supposed to be. See Samantha go through the stages of grief - anger, sadness, acceptance. Read as she finds the boy she should have been with all along and try to make amends for the cruel treatment of her and her friends. (Amazon)

The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
17-year-old Ronnie is still furious over her parents' divorce three years ago and is miserable that she's stuck spending the summer with her dad in North Carolina. She longs to hate everybody and everything, but finds a new friend, a handsome boy, a passion for aquatic life, and an opportunity to heal her relationship with her dad. The book equally explores the father/daughter relationship and the boy/girl relationship. Even though it's predictably melodramatic, you'll still cry at the end. (Amazon)

Reality Check - Jen Calonita
Four best friends in a Long Island coastal beach town have a pretty boring life until a reality show swoops in and gets them to star in a new show about "real teenagers." But reality TV isn't all it's cracked up to be. The producers want to see more conflict - even if they have to force it on the girls. Four best friends seem to be friends no more. Can the girls get out of the reality show and manage to keep their friendship? All of Jen's books are fun, light reads that keep a smile on my face.
(Amazon)

Hollywood Is Like High School With Money - Zoey Dean
Fun, breezy chick lit. Naive, midwestern girl hits LA, discovers that big city girls are really mean and tough, tries to beat them at their own game, eventually triumphs while staying true to her kind, somewhat innocent self. Fun name-dropping and fashion tidbits. Lots of interesting information about the inner workings of a movie studio (whether realistic or not). Nothing revolutionary, but still lots of fun. (Amazon)

Operation Redwood - S. Terrell French
Julian Carter-Li has been abandoned by his mother and is stuck with his awful aunt and uncle. But Julian is a quiet, obedient boy...until he finds an email to his uncle from Robin, an irate girl protesting a plan to cut down some ancient redwood trees. Inspired by Robin and his friend Danny, Julian sneaks off to spend the summer with Robin and her family in rural northern California. Operation Redwood manages to entertain and teach the reader a whole lot about trees. (Amazon)

Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott
15-year-old Alice was kidnapped by Ray five years ago. Her life has been pure hell since that time. She’s no longer a little girl and will soon be useless. She has to help Ray find her replacement, with only death awaiting her on the other side. Fascinating analysis of how cruel treatment and hopelessness can influence a person’s character. Hard to read, but very interesting. (Amazon)

The Summer Before - Ann M. Martin
Babysitter’s Club fans rejoice!!! A brand-new prequel to the BSC series. See Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacy the summer before the club is formed. All four girls are having a difficult summer. Feeling alone and struggling with the pains of growing up. The book is quintessentially Ann M. Martin style, yet it somehow feels more grown-up than the Babysitter’s Club books. A sweet, yet also bittersweet book. (Amazon)

Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom - Susin Nielson-Fernlund
A 12 year old girl going through a tough adjustment after her parents' divorce, her new stepmother, and her mom's new boyfriend. Violet does a lot of things that are really stupid and cruel, but you can't help but feel sorry for her as you are inside her head. Book is primarily set in Canada - an unfortunately rare setting. Despite the character's age, the book is best for YA. (Amazon)

The Sweetheart of Prosper County - Jill S. Alexander
Fun, comfortable book about growing up in rural Texas. Boring Austin Gray wants to be someone special: The Sweetheart of Prosper County. So she joins FFA and raises a rooster named Charles Dickens for the fair. In the process she makes new friends, gets to know a great guy, and discovers what it truly means to "be someone special." (Amazon)

Girl, Stolen - April Henry
A blind, 16 year old girl is kidnapped accidentally by a boy carjacking her stepmom's car. Griffin (the boy) is just as scared as Cheyenne (the girl) when she becomes a pawn in Griffin's dad's schemes. Told from alternative POVs of Griffin and Cheyenne, you get a great view of the story from the victim and quasi-criminal's perspectives. Sympathetic characters and loads of plot twists. (Amazon)

Swim the Fly - Don Calame
Hilarious. Laugh until you cry. Call all your friends and read aloud excerpts because "they must hear this." Three boys have a summertime goal of seeing a girl naked for the first time. Meanwhile, Matt (the narrator) also set a goal to swim the 100-m fly to impress a girl (Kelly). The boys are anything buy studly. Three awkward, kind loser kids. The lengths to which they go in pursuit of their goal will have you in stitches. The book is also oddly poignant and ultimately has one of the best portrayals of a strong, sweet burgeoning relationship that I've read. (Amazon)

In A Heartbeat - Loretta Ellsworth
Two girls: Quiet, obedient, loving Amelia has been ill for years with a bad heart. Fast, sassy, Eagan lives to skate but also rebels against her mother's pressure and wants the most out of life. When Eagan dies in a freak skating accident, Amelia gets her heart. Suddenly Amelia takes on some of Eagan's sassy, bold personality and even her interests, like purple lollipops and skating. Told in alternating points of view between Eagan and Amelia, see Eagan adjust to an unexpected loss and Amelia adjust to being a new person, both literally and figuratively. (Amazon)

The Cardturner - Louis Sachar
Alton's greedy mother "volunteers" him to help his rich uncle play bridge. His uncle is miserly and cranky on the surface, but Alton gradually sees a different man, brilliant and funny who has a bittersweet past. Alton even manages to find a cool girl friend in his family's mortal enemy. The Cardturner manages to teach the elementals of bridge in a non-boring way. (Amazon)

The Aristobrats - Jennifer Solow
A group of popular girls take their position seriously and try to be examples for the rest of the school. But when they're stuck doing the nerdy school webcast, their popularity plummets. They discover what's really important and that they are not, perhaps, the good examples that they think themselves to be. (Amazon)

2010 Book Lists

2010 Book Lists

I didn't begin reading book blogs until early 2010. One of the first blogs that I fell in love with was Steph Su Reads. What impressed me more than anything else on her blog was her incredibly extensive 2009 Book Lists (also check out her 2010 Book Lists). There were dozens (maybe a hundred) books mentioned, separated into every category a reader could think of. These lists were so helpful to me. I think I've about ten books based on her lists alone.

I began my blog in June 2010 partially because I was so inspired by Steph's blog and her book lists. So it's only fitting that I'm doing my own this year. I am shamelessly copying Steph's format, because I loved it.

I took almost all the books I read this year and split them into a variety of categories. Many of the books will be repeated on several lists. I hope that if you're looking for a book that fulfills certain criteria, these lists will be helpful.

I really hope you love these posts (Because...umm...I've spent hours and hours preparing them. I'm guessing about 30 hours over the past month, maybe more.). Empty flattery will be welcomed. :-)

A lot of the books in the lists do not have reviews posted on my blog yet. As I post them, I will update the lists. I would like this to be a resource that readers can come back to all year long, not just in December 2010.

The Lists will be split into seven posts:

1. Contemporary Fiction - This category is so big that it gets its own post

2. Best writing; For Twilight Lovers; Edgy; Foodie Fiction

3. Boy POV; Middle Grade; Something Different; Kick-butt Girls

4. Paranormal Day: Vampires; Faeries; Werewolves; Witches; Angels; Other Paranormal

5. Cross-Over Adult; High Fantasy; Books That Make You Think; Historical Fiction

6. Gossipy; Best Romance; People Of Color; Books To Cry Over ; Fluffy Books

7. Top 10 books; Top 10 covers; Top 10 CDs; Top 10 songs

Manga Mondays (29): Vampire Knight vol. 1 - Matsuri Hino

Vampire Knight vol. 1 - Matsuri Hino

A few weeks ago, I did an overview of different vampire themed manga series. One of the series I profiled was Vampire Knight, which I had not read. So many people said that they loved this series, I decided that I needed to try it as soon as possible. Well, I'm glad I did, because Vampire Knight is one of the best manga I've found thus far. I highly recommend it!

Summary

Cross Adademy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school.

Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!
Yuki Cross has no memory of her past prior to the moment she was saved from a vampire attack ten years ago. She was adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, and now works alongside Zero to guard the Academy's secret. Yuki believes that vampires and humans can coexist peacefully, but her partner has different ideas... (courtesy of Goodreads)

Review

Vampire Knight is an epic drama. You have love (a triangle, actually), friendship, danger (bloodlust), and more. The three main characters are Yuki, Zero, and Kaname.

I love Yuki. She has two sides. She's your stereotypical sweet, demure, love-to-please girl, yet she's also a kick-butt school guard. She has the duty to protect the Day Students from the vampire Night Students, who aren't as tame as they aim to be. She performs this duty capably. It's nice to see a strong manga girl. Most of the girls in the manga series I've read have been the damsel in distress types.

Our boys are Kaname and Zero. Kaname is a vampire, the head of the Night Students. He is a model vampire - handsome, responsible, caring. He once saved Yuki's life so she feels indebted to him and is also hopelessly in love. The attraction seems to be mutual. Zero is Yuki's fellow Disciplinary Committee member. He is the only other Day Student who knows the secret of the vampires. And like Yuki, he came to Cross Academy after a vampire attack. His entire family was killed by vampires. Unlike Yuki, he hates vampires with a passion.

It's clear that there's a love triangle between Yuki, Kaname, and Zero. Yuki adores and admires Kaname. She is friends with Zero, but I think there's more there - she loves him without realizing it. Zero is hopelessly in love with her. Kaname is clearly attracted, although he's so reserved that it's hard to tell what he really feels.

I won't give away much of the plot, but there's a big twist involving Zero that is really going to make the series interesting. As fun as the burgeoning romances with Yuki, Kaname, and Zero are, the plot arcs involving Cross Academy and the vampires are interesting enough to carry the volume. I can't wait to keep reading.