Review for Have Book - Will Travel by Kfir Luzzatto

Have Book - Will Travel
By Kfir Luzzatto
Published by Pine Ten, LLC
Release Date: June 1st 2012 
Ebook received from author (thanks!)
           

"Max fears that his family will disapprove of his friendship with Darla, a common girl from the village outside his uncle’s fortress walls. That's why they meet secretly to read together from an old book, which she has found in a dusty room near the fortress laundry where she works.

 

They read about a lost lake and feel adventurous when they slip out of the fortress to go swimming there; but the trouble begins when they find that, in the meantime, the fortress has been sealed and they can’t get back in. It’s lucky that they have the book with them, to guide them through the many dangers that await them on their way back home…or perhaps it is the book that is the source of their troubles.

 

In the end, it is the power of the friendship that Darla and Max have forged, and their courage, that see them through a series of breathtaking adventures."- Goodreads

 

Have Book -Will Travel is not at all what I expected, yet this interesting, heartfelt story of two children's adventures was enjoyable to read about.

 

Max and Darla are the two main characters. Have Book - Will Travel, is mainly focused on the adventure part of the story so the characters aren't as developed as I wanted. But, I did get a sense of their personalities and cared for them (always a good sign). Their friendship is interesting and its nice to see it grow stronger throughout the book. The people they meet through their adventures were interesting to read about! Different people, different places, and a whole lot of travelling!

 

I think this would be a good classification for a MG book, just because the writing is more on the simplistic side, the characters are not fully detailed ("fleshed out"), and the book progresses in a way that is fit for MG readers. I'm not saying this is bad - I just want to let future readers know that, to me, it seems more middle grade. The premise of the book was original and the way the story went was unpredictable. It kept me on my toes a bit. I wouldn't say it was fast paced but it wasn't slow. It was enough to keep me engaged in the story. Have Book - Will Travel, is a adventure book. That's the best way to describe it. Through this book that they find, the duo have many exciting experiences.

 

I suggest this to those who do not mind MG books, like adventure, and want a lighter, fun read.  I did feel that it  had more potential but I appreciate the author allowing me a chance to read it, I did enjoy it and it was a good read.

 

Excerpt:

 

"Hey," said Max out loud, taking a step forward. He was so close to her that he could have touched her.

The girl jumped to her feet, closing the book and hugging it to her chest. "You scared me!" she complained.

"Well," said Max, "you scared me, so we're even. Who are you?"

"I'm Darla," she said. "what's your name?"

"I'm Max... at least, I am for my friends. Are we going to be friends?"

"It depends..."

"It depends on what?" Max asked in surprise.

 

Review for Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer

Eyes in the Mirror
By Julia Mayer
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
Won from Brenna (Thanks!)
214 pages

     Dee
I always thought it would be cool to escape into another world. I never believed I'd find one in my reflection. But there I was, falling through the mirror into a parallel life-Samara's life. And she needed me. The cutting, the dead mom, no friends...She was hurting, and I knew it was up to me to fix it. She needed me to fix her.
"She'll thank me..."
Samara
I never had a friend until I met Dee, at least not a real friend. But then she's my reflection, so maybe I'm just crazy. When she suggested we switch places, it seemed like the perfect answer.
So I let her live in my world, and I lived in hers.
With her mom, her boyfriend, her friends-her perfect life...I don't belong here.
But how can I go back after what she's done?

Two girls, one reflection, and a startling discovery about what really lies beyond the bathroom mirror...-Goodreads       

Don't let the creepy cover fool you - this book packs a good contemporary punch. It weaves an interesting tale of two girls opposite lives and blends it together with lots of heart!

Eyes in the Mirror is told through the viewpoints of Dee and Sam - girls who's lives are polar opposite. I didn't quite connect with Dee as much as I did with Sam. Both girls were developed and their friendships with others were well thought out. Their friendship together was touching and it tore me to shreds when they fought. The only thing I found very hard to believe were their reactions to finding out about the parallel universe thing. Seriously, no one batted an eye at it. They just went with it.

Julia Mayer did something incredible.... she weaved a fantasy sort of experience (travelling through a mirror to a another world) with some hard core teenage issues. She handled the issue of cutting very well, the actions that were taken to help Sam were reasonable and are what others should do. It wasn't fast paced but it held my interest and even made me hit a wall once

(I did not expect that to happen). The ending was ok, although it lacked something, I don't know what but it did.

Overall, this was a very interesting read that dealt with issues which deserve some attention. I would recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy/paranormal (just transporting to another world kind of paranormal) mixed in with a little contemporary. I certainly enjoyed it.

Excerpt

I watched my reflection in the water making all the same motions that I did, but the exact opposite. I stared at her for a moment. I thought of Jamie. "It'll look just like this world, but completely different," he had said. I rubbed my cheek against my shoulder, and my reflection made all the same motions I did, but the exact opposite every time. She was exactly what Jamie had said she would be: something identical and completely different at the same time.

Review for Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Dreamland (Riley Bloom #3)
By Alyson Noel
Published by Square Fish
Source: Won from Iceybooks
192 pages

Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears. -Goodreads

I wasn't sure what to expect, I haven't read the first two books and I've only read Evermore from the main series. I know that most of you are shaking your head thinking, "Sin! Sin! Book sin!" because yes I have commited a great sin and gone completely out of order and jumped in the middle. But alas here are my thoughts.

First of all, as the afore mentioned, I jumped in not knowing the characters or plot or well anything. I could easily follow, despite that fact, and could attach myself to the characters. Riley is a sassy character, and although her fiery drive gets her in trouble, I think that quality is what totally made this book enjoyable. She's twelve and I really liked how the author portrays her as that age - not older or younger! Her dog Buttercup is awesome (I know I'm such a sap for dogs!) and I'm sad to see this is the only book (!) that doesn't have Buttercup on the cover! Bodhi is Riley's guide and I wish we could've seen more of him in this book but since they are on 'vacation' they split and go seperate ways. Sigh. I've heard that the past two books centered on them together. Missed out on that eh? He was, what I thought, a pretty cool guide (Riley is crushing on him and she doesn't know it!) I also loved, loved the scene between Riley and Ever! It was so darn sweet.. and sad. The characters were great throughout!

The plot is pretty easy on the action, it kept me reading but not frantically. I didn't mind that though. I found this to have a certain light feeling to it and I couldn't help but smile at how the author described Here & Now. I thought it was a good-feeling setting and put the reader at ease.  The dream-jumping/weaving was really neat to read about! The quality of the writing was smooth and no 'reading between the lines' deal here.

Overall, I would recommend it to readers who have started this series, like sassy and fun characters and a light-quick read!

Excerpt:

Let's just say that it couldn't be missed.

After all, I'd seen it.

Bodhi had seen it.

Even Buttercup had looked right at me and barked a few times as he wagged his tail and spun around.

All of which I took as a pretty good sign that the Council would see it too—from what I knew of them, they didn't miss a thing.

I relaxed, pushed my hair off my face, and thought: How bad can it be when my glow is so clearly minty green?

More @ this website

Audiobook Clip!

Book Trailer:

Review for Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Saving June
By Hannah Harrington
Expected publication: November 22nd 2011 by Harlequin
Source: ARC from NetGalley
336 pages

"Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again"-Goodreads

    I had the chance to check out the reviews on Goodreads for this and apparently I'm an odd ball. Everyone else loved it to bits. So, chances are if you pick this up, you'll like (if you like contemporary and emotional books).

   Harper Scott. Harper Scott. Where should I start? I didn't hate her. But I didn't connect or feel anything towards her. I was confused by her feelings; of course, she is bound to have a roller coaster of emotions but I just couldn't get a sense of who she was. I didn't get anything to work with. She's angry, disappointed, depressed, hating her sister one minute and consumed with love for her the next. Then her actions where contradicting too. And some things she said got really repeptive. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a depressed character. Jake was interesting. I couldn't figure him out too much but its basically the bad-boy-isn't-so-bad-after-all deal. I liked him but I didn't fall on my face love him. He provided the needed support for Harper though and some of the things he did really touched my heart. Laney is a pretty cool best friend, she has her downfalls and isn't always perfect and that's what I enjoyed. She really cares about Harper and would do anything for her. Even though June is dead we still get to read a bit about her and from what I gleamed I liked her and I was really sad at what she did.

   The plot although not slow did lag a bit for me. Some parts I was so gripped to and couldn't tear myself away but others I just didn't have an urge to finish. I loved the road trip aspect of this book and oh my the music! That's what saved this book for me... the music selection was amazing! I have a warning to those potential readers though (not about music) this book I found was quite preachy *cough*Aunt Helen*cough* and had lots of swearing. This is more of a downer book and I guess I just wasn't in the mood for this.

   I would recommend it to readers who like emotional reads that deal with suicide, romance, and deep books. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to but I know most other people will.

Excerpt:

I loved June. I still love her, and that will never change, but for the first time in my life, I truly, truly don't want to be her. I don't want to be so scared all the time. So alone. I want to believe something can be worth it. Worth the pain. Worth the risk.
Deciding to kiss Jake is like standing on the edge of a pool, staring down and wanting to take the leap, but fearing how cold the water will be.
I hold my breath and jump.

Review for Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen

Keeping The Moon

Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher:Puffin
Source: Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
228 pages

"Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along." - Goodreads

This was a very inspirational book that I feel would make a difference in some peoples lives. Why the low star rating? I don't have a direct answer for that. I really did like it, and as many of you know I am a fan of Sarah Dessen, maybe it was because I enjoyed her other books better. It just didn't keep me interested enough, my favourite part of the book was the ending (not in that way!) I loved it because Sarah Dessen just knows how to end a story well. It was a great ending!

Colie, I didn't like at first. I felt bad for her and was rooting her on but I just didn't connect with her. I understood where she was coming from and wanted to be there to comfort her but I was waiting for her to step up and find that confidence that she was lacking. As the reader, you don't see that until almost the end of the book and it wasn't a huge thing. I felt proud for her though. Isabel and Morgan are two girls she meets through work (she gets a summer job waitressing) and I thought their relationsihp was alright. I liked both of them, but I didn't feel that instant connection. Morgan was really nice and Isabel well, you knew was nice somewhere deep down. I liked how they took Colie under their wings so to speak. The other character and I think the most memorable for me was Norman. Not the cat Norman in the book. The boy Norman. His personality was what really shined for me. He's an artist and had to move out because his Dad didn't support his decision to take art classes. I wish that conflict would have been touched on a bit more. Now of course there will be a love interest between Colie and him - it's a Sarah Dessen book after all! I really liked him, I thought he was super sweet! Her aunt too, Mira is her name, was really a nice touch to the story!

The plot like I said didn't keep me interested. It was pretty slow for the most part, not much happening that was exciting. Like I said before, I really really enjoyed the ending. That was a marvelous, inspirational ending there. I also have to say the messages in this book were amazing! The quotes I got from it were beautiful! Here's one:
“I don't believe in failure, because simply by saying you've failed, you've admitted you attempted. And anyone who attempts is not a failure. Those who truly fail in my eyes are the ones who never try at all. The ones who sit on the couch and whine and moan and wait for the world to change for them.”
Isn't that so true?

I would suggest this book to those who love Sarah Dessen like I do and like inspirational books! It's an enjoyable summer read!

Excerpt:

Norman squeezed my hand, and I could see, as the eclipse reached totality, how he must have been scared all those years ago, wrapped in a sleeping bag in his backyard. Because it is so hard, in any life, to believe in waht you can't fully understand.
So I looked down the line at all my friends, knowing I would always remember this. And then I turned my gaze back up to the sky, and put my faith in that moon and its return.

Review for Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Deadly Little Games (Touch #3)

Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Publisher:Hyperion Book CH
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
304 pages

"Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to sense things through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control and hurting people. Camelia's gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn't yet comprehend. Before either teen has a chance to fully grasp these abilities, an unresolved family tragedy resurfaces in Camelia's life, irrevocably changing everything she cares about..."- Goodreads

  

This is the third book it the Touch Series, it continues on from Deadly Little Secrets and will be followed by Deadly Little Voices. Quite the entertaining series!

I still find Camelia relatable and a good main character. She sometimes gets herself into situations which frankly I would just plainly avoid, but that's just careful 'ol me. Where is the fun in that? Camelia is reasonable though and has a very complicated life. So understandibly sometimes she messes up. To some readers, she might come off a little predictable. In a way its true. Her best friends, Wes and Kimmie are in this book alot - to my delight. I love reading about them, they lighten the mood and are awlays there for Camelia! Together they are so funny sometimes, I laugh. Adam, Camelia's sort of ex-boyfriend from the last book is the main subject of this one (translation: he's in danger). I really like him but not in get-together-with-Camelia-way; more like a he's-so-sweet-and-just-a-great-friend way. Ben is not swoon worthy but I love his character (although, the trust issue and going away thing is getting old, anyone agree?). He is such a keeper otherwise... I really want them - Camelia and Ben - to get together finally, they make such a great couple! I am also excited to see what happens to Aunt Alexia!

The plot was eh. I'm starting to see a pattern with these books. Seriously. Camelia and Ben get back together, really creepy-stalkish scenario arises, they try and solve it but it ends up wrecking the relationship, creepy scenario takes place/gets solved, Ben saves Camelia but they end up not together. That's the general idea behind these books. But, sigh, I have to admit those creepy-scenario's always get me, especially this time! When Ben saved her I was like clutching the book so hard I got a paper-cut. The climax's in these stories are great, every time I do not expect the outcome. Creepy indeed. I also liked how the author intergrated the clues they found right into the book (crossword puzzles) and the audio recordings of sessions with the person behind the creepiness. That was an interesting aspect.

I recommend this to those who have read the two before, if you are still interested in the story that is. I think I will be reading the next one just to see what happens. I really have a fancy for Ben so I kinda need to know how it ends.

Excerpt:

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 3

Doctor: So, I wanted to ask you about something that came up during our last session. What did you mean when you said that you can force someone to love you?
Patient: I mean just what I said: if you want someone badly enough, you can make them yours.

Doctor: Even if they don't want to be with you?
Patient: Sure.

Doctor: Have you ever tried?
Patient: Not yet.

Doctor: Do you plan to try?
Patient: I don't know. (Patent laughs.)

Doctor: Why is that funny?
Patient: This whole conversation's funny.
***
Doctor: Care to enlighten me?
Patient: Not really. You'll just have to wait and see, like everybody else.

Review for Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Fall For Anything

Author: Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source:Public Library
Challenge: Library Challenge
230 pages

"When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?"- Goodreads

As the reader, I could tell Courtney Summers put a lot of effort in her book, this is not something that can be thrown together. It is a gripping story of a girl named Eddie that wants one question answered in regards to her father's suicidal death; why? And she will do anything to find the answer.

I didn't quite connect with Eddie throughout the story, it wasn't because she was a flat character I just found it hard. I understand fully why she is so sad and has attitude problems but it was too much sadness for me. I felt terrible for her the whole book but sometimes I wanted to have a serious discussion with her about why she did certain things. It was so random sometimes I was like, what? What was the point? The other name mentioned in the description is Culler Evans. *Slight spoilers, highlight to read* The moment he came on the scene (as a few have said) my hackles were up. He was nice enough but I got this weird vibe from him. But Eddie, oh dear Eddie, she fell for him and the hotel scene - what was up with that?! Strange. Random. I get she is mourning and he feels the same way as her and that their both looking for answers but seriously she was way too trusting. Why not spend time with her best friend Milo? I can see why she might be attracted to this Culler Evans but frankly he was not one of the characters I liked. Then there was Milo. Eddie's best friend. I really liked his character because he cared so much for her and was trying to help her... and gosh he was just so sweet sometimes!

The plot was ok. She was trying to find the answer to why her father killed himself but well that didn't work out. That was the main focus of this story. Plus that of her family trying to recover from the loss. This book was very eye-opening, the ending was not one that I personally enjoyed. It was realistic but after all that work she went through it just didn't cut it for me.

It was a very derpressing , complicated, emotional book that I would tell people who like these books to try but for me I like happier books. Courtney Summers did an awesome job though conveying her message!

Excerpt:

My hands are dying.
I keep trying to explain it to Milo, but he just looks at me like I’m crazy.
”They don’t feel warm–they haven’t.” I squeeze the tips of my fingers as hard as I can, which hurts. “They’re not numb, though…”
”Maybe you have that… Raynaud’s disease,” he says. He takes my right hand and studies my fingers. They seem healthy pink. He shakes his head. “They’re not blue.”
”But they’re cold.”
”They feel warm to me.”
”They feel cold,” I insist.
”Okay, Eddie,” he says. “They’re cold.”
I jerk my hands from his and then I rub them together. Friction. Heat. Milo can say what he wants; they’re freezing. It’s the hottest summer Branford has seen in something like ten years, but I haven’t been able to get my hands to warm up since it happened.
I hold them up again. They don’t even look like my hands anymore. They don’t even look like anything that could belong to me, even though they’re clearly attached.
”They’re different” I tell him.
”Would you please put your hands down?” he asks. “Jesus.”
My hands have changed. I catch Milo looking at them sometimes, and I see it on his face that they’re different, no matter what he’s saying now.

Review for The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan

"The Disappeared"

Author: Gloria Whelan

Publisher: Speak (Penguin Group)

Source: Public Library

Challenges: For the Love of YA and Library Challenge

144 pages

"The Disappeared. Los desaparecidos. This is the name given to those who opposed Argentinas dictatorial government and were kidnapped to ensure their silence. With her hometown of Buenos Aires ensconsced in the political nightmare, Silvia devises a plan to save her missing brother. She'll make Norberto, son of the general who arrests dissenters, fall in love with her and he'll have his father set Eduardo free.
Told in alternating chapters, this powerful and poetic story follows Silvia as she spirals into Norbertos world, and Eduardo as he struggles to endure physical and emotional torture. Will Silvia's scheme reunite her family? Or will the pursuit of freedom cost these devoted siblings their lives?" - Summary from Goodreads

    This was a very short read and I really liked that about it. The topic is far from upbeat, sure its a short read but it is not a light read. I admired Silvia and Eduardo for their courage throughout this book. You can clearly see their love for each other, that sibling bond that no one can break. It's crazy to think this was based on a true event . . . what those poor people went through! It really opens your eyes to what we have here. I cringed everytime Eduardo was beaten, and cried when things seemed bad. I truly felt all the emotions of this book. Great work Gloria Whelan . . . a touching story. I do suggest that you take a look at this book. I gave it three stars because I didn't love it, the writing was ok but not great and I didn't want to re-read it. The plot is fine, it's suspenseful to a degree, there is a twist, and it's a powerful read!

Excerpt:

  "They forced the door open, giving Dichoso a brutal kick. Men wearing army uniforms and masks stormed into the house, making it their own. They placed a hood over your face, handcuffed you, and carried you away---pushing Father aside as he pleaded to go in your place. Mother grasped my hand so tightly I winced. She held on to me as she wanted to hold on to you, Eduardo, and could not.

  More masked men swarmed over the house, turning everything upside down. They emptied your room, carrying away your beloved books. One of the soliders purposely brushed against me, leering. Then they were gone. The house had never felt so empty."