Review - THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER

The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen
Genre: YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction (no joke! I actually read one, yay!)
# of pages: 374 (pb)
Publisher: Viking, Penguin
The Truth About Forever is the first Sarah Dessen book I've ever read, and most of you guys (and people I know in real life) recommended that I start with this book, first for the reason that it's the lightest read (as compared to the 2 other Dessen books in my TBR pile - Just Listen and Lock and Key) and also, because of the freaking gorgeous cover design. I mean LOOK AT IT! That flower and the white in the background...beautiful!
For the most part, I was very impressed with TTAF and I enjoyed it immensely. This is the first Young Adult Contemporary novel I've read/reviewed on this site...meaning that I mostly stay in the realm of fantasy and dystopian. My excuse has always been that those books "feed my need for escapist fiction" and because they're just more interesting. But there's an exception to every rule or principle, and Sarah Dessen books are the exception to the "fantasy rules, contemp drools" (sorry, that was just a joke. Every genre has merit, and they do not 'drool.' I was just kidding. Please do not un-follow me!)
Anyway, I was amazed at how easy it was to absorb myself in the world of Macy Queen, an ordinary high school girl who has long channeled her grief into an excessive drive to please everyone around her...but herself. There's just something about the Dessen's writing that is absolutely captivating, and I had a much, much easier time reading this than the *other* book I'm currently trying to get through (Beautiful Creatures).
Another thing that impressed me was the strong cast of characters. Everybody in this story was relevant and strongly written, even the smaller supporting characters. Dessen knows how to create quirky, lovable and truly unique characters. I especially found the Wish Catering crew (monotone Monica and hyperactive Bert in particular!) enjoyable. The only character that I feel divided on is Kristy. Part of me really liked her and appreciated the insight she provided for Macy, and another part of me, the practical side, wanted to just shake her and say "what are you doing?!?!"
So I really liked seeing Macy grow and learn more about herself over the course of the story. Dessen is a master of subtlety, but there were times, truthfully, when I wish she would have been more explicit in the points she was trying to make. There were several times, particularly towards the end, when I thought I could see the point Dessen was trying to make, but didn't think she made it very strongly. As much as I enjoyed TTAF, I think it could have been "put together" a bit more strongly at the end. I don't know if that makes sense, and maybe it is because this is one of Dessen's lighter books, but it could have done with more intensity. Wes and Macy's relationship, while adorable, didn't come together for me due to what I perceived as a lack of emotional intensity. Their games of "Truth" were a good way to learn more about each other, sure, but they never really seemed to talk about anything "substantial" for very long, and so it didn't seem quite as "AWWWW, SWEET!" when they got together at the end.
And because this is my review, and I am always honest, I have to mention one complaint that severely lowered my enjoyability of the book. Here's the thing: I am all for the message of needing to "live a little" in life, and making decisions for yourself, not just living to please other people... I totally get that, and I liked seeing Macy come out of her introverted shell in the novel. But here's what I didn't like. I didn't like the perceived message that these changes came "brought to you in part by drinking and partying." What soured me on the story was the encouragement of this behavior, and the message to teens that they're missing out on life if they're not sneaking out and going to parties where they're "minors in possession." That really REALLY didn't sit well with me, and it didn't just happen once, it happened several times. In one instance, God only knows what would have happened to Macy if she hadn't been taken out of a particular situation at a party. As an aside, I also think it's weird that out of all the reviews I've read for *this* book, both here and on Goodreads, I only saw one that mentioned this point.
?? Are the rest of the readers out there just okay with the drinking and partying scene? I just think it's a little weird that no one else (save one person) had a problem with that. But okay.
I guess I'm just different...
But overall, this book was incredibly enjoyable. I have Just Listen and Lock and Key waiting on my bookshelf. I was going to try and space apart my Dessen books (didn't want to load up all at once and have the plots all run together) but I really, REALLY want to start JL!!
I'm so glad I read this book. And the cover design is gorgeous! Just looking at it makes me smile. Thank you to everyone who recommended this book!

Final Grade: I could have gone with either an "A-" or a "B+," but I really did enjoy it overall, even if it may not sound like it in my review. And despite my one *major* complaint, I thought this was a very decent and overall enjoyable read. And since I'm in a good mood, I went ahead and gave this an A grade :)

how do you REVIEW?

I realized that I never exactly laid out a post explaining my reviews. The closest I ever came to doing so was my rating system post, but after looking at some of my reviews, and likewise reading reviews on Goodreads, I started wondering about the process of writing reviews and before long, my mind started rambling, kind of like it's doing now.

I don't know about you, but I kind of look for patterns between my reviews and other people's reviews, too. I realized that I never told yall what I think is important when I write my reviews, the things that I look for, and the things that matter specifically to me. I always thought they were obvious, but now I'm seeing that reviewing is actually pretty extensive and complex.
So I'm going to explain myself and my reviews, and hopefully they'll make more sense from now on.
#1. The most important factor that I consider, when writing my reviews, is ENJOYABILITY. Did I have an overall enjoyable reading experience? Was it a fun, entertaining read? I don't do this for any other reason, right now, than for pure personal enjoyment. Therefore I kind of want to have a good reading experience. Some books were enjoyable but not necessarily 'fun' (I love this book so much, but Speak was not a *fun* read, and I think those who have read the book know what I'm talking about. I'm ever so glad I read it, but I usually don't read books like it, because I like to be uplifted and entertained in my personal time. Ditto for The Kite Runner - another excellent book, but not really a *fun* reading experience).
#2. The 'What the Bleep is the POINT?!' factor.
As much as I like being entertained, I also want to feel like my time wasn't wasted. I want to know why an author bothered to write a story in the first place, and so I look for themes and messages in books. The stronger a message or theme, the more likely I am to give a better grade. A lot of books out there, I've discovered, are fun and entertaining but not exactly substantial (read: Mortal Instruments series). That sounds like such a teacher-thing to say, doesn't it? Yeah, I like it when authors have a point they're trying to make. I actually like books that teach. The current book I'm reading - I'm kind of having an issue with this factor, because I know the author wants me to learn something, but I'm just not exactly sure what it is... hmm!
#3. Technical Writing factor.
This answers the question, 'Was it well-written'? Did it employ the oft-praised (by English teachers) narrative structure? Did it make use of literary terms: how 'bout them metaphors/similes/allusions? I don't know about yall, but some books just seem way more 'put together' than others. Did the author impress me with his/her vocabulary? Etc.
A lot of times though, #3 cancels out with #4, and so I often times don't take off points if books have a good, strong plot but aren't exactly well-written. Just because you're a good writer does not mean you're a good storyteller, and that brings me to the next factor:
#4. Plot/Storytelling/PACING
Was the plot a substantial one? Did it start strong and end strong? Did the author draw me in and captivate me with his/her storytelling prowess? Again, if your story is strong and substantial, I'm more likely to forget the technical writing aspects. This is also where I use a word *a lot* in my reviews - PACING. Yes, pacing is incredibly important to me. That's not to say that a story has to be told at the same speed all throughout, but a reasonable pace needs to be maintained. Have you ever read a book that just started out so bummer slow? Or a book that started well but then just about skidded to a half half-way through? Or how about a book that just stumbles over itself at the end, as if in a race to wrap itself up? Those are all pacing issues, and they take away from the overall flow of the story. This was an issue in one of the more recent books I read, The Maze Runner...
#5. Creativity/Originality
This is almost exclusively the idea behind the story. Have you ever found yourself exclaiming, 'Wow! That is REALLY COOL!' Or 'THAT IS SUCH A FREAKING GREAT IDEA?!?!' Gosh, I hope so, lol! I would be mortified if I was the only one. But #'s 3 and 4 are the execution of #5. Even if a story is creative and original, that in and of itself is not going to sell me on the story. Brightly Woven was an excellent idea that, bless its little heart, just didn't measure up. On the other hand, Nevermore is still one of the most original and creative stories I've ever heard of, and I'm still all nervous&bothered about having to wait a whole *freaking* year to find out what happens next. Way to go, Ms. Creagh! Also, raise your hand if you think it's hard to come up with a truly original story in YA fantasy/paranormal? If authors write about magic/witches/wizards, vampires, werewolves, fairies, etc. I *know* that they're writing about creatures that have been written about before. And I'm going to give them some initial slack--but they need to bring something new to the table. Take Bree Despain's Dark Divine. We've all heard about werewolves, right? Or at least, boys-who-turn-into-wolves. *But* she brought a lot of original material to the table and created a story that I at least thought was incredibly unique.
#6. Content.
Out of all my other factors, this is probably the one that distinguishes me from most blogs and reviewers. And that's okay with me. I don't expect everybody else to pay attention to content in books, but I do...it's my own personal 'baggage,' and I make no apologizes for it. This is just something that is important to me. A heckuvalotta content is going to earn a book a lower grade from me. Not because of its inclusion in the story alone, but because it takes away from the overall enjoyability. It is true - as much as I liked The Replacement (and I gave it an A-, so it did get a good grade), I would have like it *more* if it weren't for the almost-constant F-bombs. I argue that multiple F-bombs are not necessary to establish an authentic voice. I also am really uppity about sex. Again, that's my prerogative. It didn't bother me in Shiver (because it was off-camera mostly and just alluded to) but it certainly did in Graceling. Here's my rule with sex: The author had better - BETTER - convince me that the characters are in love and exclusive. I don't have to agree with the choices they make (and I don't - I don't mind telling yall that) but if sex is presented as casual/recreational/just-something-you-do-when-you're INSERT FEELING HERE...that's going to lower my enjoyability and I'm going to lower the overall grade. I also don't want to be shown anything explicitly. Authors can make the point without going into an ESPN play-by-play. Besides language and sex, the only other thing that gets me majorly annoyed is senseless drinking. If the author is trying to establish a point, like showing the consequences of said behavior, that's absolutely fair game. Same goes for drugs. I don't have a problem at all with authors like Ellen Hopkins tellin' it like it is and scaring the holy beezus out of kids, but don't you dare throw in drinking just for the hell of it. I'm going off on a tangent now (book I'm reading right now did this, and I'm royally miffed) but that's all I'll say.
#7. Characterization
I've talked about characters before, so I won't go into a long production, but I'll just say that I look for characters I can relate to. The more 'extreme' they are, the less likely I am to be able to relate and the less likely I am to care, frankly. Characters are welcome to have flaws (there's nothing more boring than a flat, underdeveloped character) but they need to have some humanity, too, and a touch of decency. And for the MCs - I like to see them undergo a character change. One of the most bummer things about the way the Hunger Games series ended was the lack of a change (emotionally speaking) in Katniss. She's the same self-centered, socially awkward girl at the end as she is in the beginning, and I'm still convinced she's incapable of love. That is the main reason why I rated Mockingjay so low, btw - my enjoyability went down the drain as the MC's characterization got worse (all in my opinion, of course). So to sum: well-rounded characters who undergo a character change are the BEST (read: Ebenezer Scrooge Model)
#8. Humor
The humor factor isn't as important as the other factors, but it is an added bonus. Who doesn't love a laugh? Whether it's the amazingly awesome and hysterical narrative in the Percy Jackson series to the never-gets-old banter between Fred and George Weasley in the HP series, or Magnus Bane's tongue in cheek remarks in the MI series...humor is a powerful tool that, when employed winningly, can make all the difference in a novel or series.

And that's all I can think of! I really wanted to round it out to 10, but 8 will have to suffice. So those are the things that I consider when I write my reviews. My thoughts might be different from yours, and so hopefully now you'll be able to see where I'm coming from and maybe my reviews will help out more. There are a lot of reviews that I have to take with a grain of salt, because I know 'this person is really big on technical writing' or 'this person really loves whacked out characters' or 'oh this person has the same tastes that I do!' You see what I mean.

(For #6 real quick, I do want to disclose that I make every effort not to pick up a book that's going to be have content I won't like. It's a waste of my time to read a book that I know I won't be able to review objectively, and it's unfair to you readers and to the author. So I try to screen what I read. Sometimes you can't tell, though, until you just pick up a book and read it. But I did want to disclose that).

In My Mailbox [23]

Bought from Bookstore
Just Listen - Sarah Dessen
Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen (Melissa, if you're reading this - I bought this book 'cause of you!)

Snatched from roommate's "Take to Half Price Books" box
The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen

Arrived from Amazon
The Scorch Trials - James Dashner

Received from Publisher
Those That Wake - Jesse Karp
^^ Thank you Harcourt! I just blogged about this book on Wednesday, and it's already here! WOW.

After my Sarah Dessen post, I really got all obsessed with obtaining as many of her books as I could, and I took yall's top 3 recommendations! I'm reading The Truth About Forever now.

As you may have noticed, I wasn't that faithful of a blogger this week. Midterms just finished last week, and I had 2 major projects I had to finish, plus I was reading 2 books at a time...which *never* happens for me (I usually stick to one at a time) and frankly, I was in one of those 'slump' moods. This coming up week will be better! <3Amelia

Review - THE WITCHES KITCHEN

The Witches Kitchen - Allen Williams
Genre: YA Fantasy
Released October 5, 2010
# of pages:
Publisher: Little Brown
I've said a couple of times, when talking about a book, that 'I've never read anything like this,' and I always mean it. Here I'm saying it again: 'I've seriously never read anything like this.'
The Witches Kitchen is a short, fun, action-packed read that I devoured last week. It was just the kind of book I needed, too: Witches Kitchen reminded me of a fractured fairy tale, and I could totally visualize this as a Pixar or half-live action, half-CGI film (and this would make an excellent film. Somebody call Walden Media!)
We're first introduced to the Toad, who has just narrowly escaped being tossed into a cauldron as part of a spell conducted by two very nasty witches. She then sets out on a journey through the creepy labyrinth that is the Kitchen, along with a diverse and highly amusing cast of characters, in order to regain memories of her past (because is a Toad ever REALLY a toad in these stories?) and try to find a way out.
This was a fun story in and of itself, and it definitely kept me entertained, but there were several factors that made Witches Kitchen so incredibly memorable. First off, it reminded me so much of Beauty and the Beast, with the inanimate objects that are actually alive...only here, the inanimate objects (kitchen utensils like knives, brooms, and a tricked-out cauldron, are a little on the homicidal side). There are also fairies, demons, faun-like creatures, an imp, and some creatures that the author, Allen Williams, thought up entirely from scratch. This book in parts read like a literary, imaginative Discovery Channel - I have never seen so many fascinating and 100% original creatures in one single book! WOW.
And what is cooler than 100% original, highly imaginative creatures? ILLUSTRATIONS of 100% original, highly imaginative creatures. Here's an aside: I absolutely love illustrations in books, even if they're just the little bitty pictures above the chapters in Harry Potter or whatever. I love illustrations in fantasy books. So I was very impressed with the artwork in this book. Granted, I was reading an ARC copy, so I'm not sure how much of the artwork made it into the final book, but what I saw was awesome. And what's even cooler is that the author, Allen Williams, also drew the artwork himself. Massively impressed.
The only thing about Witches Kitchen that could have been better, for me, was the ending. It just seemed a little abrupt, like the story wasn't entirely finished yet. But besides that, Witches Kitchen was an incredibly entertaining, highly imaginative tale that I'm very glad I read.
It may look like it's geared more towards younger YA audiences, but older teens and twentysomethings will enjoy this book just as much! Read it in between the long, nuanced other books on your TBR if you're in the mood for a fun, action-packed fairy tale with lovable characters, creepy witches, a black widow or two, and a Toad with a heart of gold.
Final Grade:PS - check out my Witches Kitchen ARC giveaway at the top of the page! Enter by 10/23!

Waiting on Wednesday: THOSE THAT WAKE

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I don't usually do this meme, but I wanted to spotlight a particularly interesting-sounding new book...

Those That Wake by Jesse Karp

Set in the very near future, a wounded New York struggles with the aftermath of a power plant explosion that plunged the city into fourteen days of violence and darkness. Christened "Big Black" by the media, the presumed terrorist attack accomplished what 9/11 couldn't: killing the city's spirit and draining it of its life force. An enormous bug-like dome hastily constructed to keep toxic gases from escaping the site casts a gloomy pall over the city and serves as a bleak reminder of the tragedy. Deprived of all reason for optimism, New York's inhabitants slowly withdraw from human interaction and into the cold comfort of technology. Seventeen-year-old Mal returns to the Brooklyn home of his foster parents one night to discover that his older brother, Tommy, has vanished after leaving a strange message on his phone. Mal launches a search for his brother that leads to a foreboding, seemingly unoccupied Manhattan skyscraper; once inside, he makes a careless mistake that reveals hidden cracks in the surface of the world he knows. Meanwhile, Laura, a high school senior is shaken from her quiet suburban life when her parents inexplicably abandon her and two agents from Homeland Security armed with a hypodermic needle show up at her home. The two teenagers are thrown together with a cynical and bitter high school teacher named Mike, and Jon Remak, a covert agent for a shadowy cooperative. The strangers share little in common, save for one terrifying fact: someone or something has wiped them from the memories of every single person the four have ever known. Only by working together can Mal and Laura hope to reclaim a past that was stolen from them--and start a future no one can take away.

A new (I think) post-apocalyptic/dystopian, I love those! This book will be released by Harcourt in April 2011.

10 Random Bookish Thoughts! [2]

Part 2 of a fun little post where I look at my bookshelf and write down the first 10 random thoughts that enter my mind.
Wanna do this on your site? It's easy, fun, and just a little zany.

Random Thought #1: magical swords are ALWAYS better than magical wands. Therefore, Percy Jackson and his sword can kick Harry Potter and his chopstick's butt.

Random Thought #2: I think it's funny that the 'Black' in Holly Black is actually bigger than the 'White' in White Cat, so it looks like the book is Holly Black, written by a White Cat

Random Thought #3: The girl on the cover of The Dark Divine really needs to tag along with the Jersey Shore cast to a tanning booth.

Random Thought #4: Look at that really old MP3 player on the cover of Just Listen!
*points finger* That is SO five years ago!

Random Thought #5: I want to know WHAT COLOR lipgloss that is on the Need cover. I *want* it!

Random Thought #6: The...Knife...Of...Never...Letting...Go is a very strange title. It's appealing, but it doesn't make a lot of sense. Curiouser and Curiouser!

Random Thought #7: If Meghan Chase of the Iron Fey series *really* looks like the girl on the cover, I doubt that she'd ever be teased or bullied. At least, not at my high school.

Random Thought #8: If Victorian England really had all those steampunky gadgets, fairies...and toilets...it would be the BEST generation EVER!

Random Thought #9: I want to find a dress *exactly* like the one on the cover of Princess of the Midnight Ball and wear it under my graduation gown in May. Wouldn't that be loverly?

Random Thought #10: It's kind of funny, but I think the girl on the cover of Uglies is actually prettier than the people on the cover of...Pretties. Hmm...

this is the creepiest/freakiest/most bummer thing ever

So I'm surfing Goodreads, as I usually do, and I particularly like to look at the lists for upcoming titles, 2010 and 2011.

I found a book that's coming out in the next year and as I'm typing this I still cannot believe this happened:
The synopsis is nearly IDENTICAL to one of my completed WIPs. I almost died. Or maybe I did die. Seriously, I think I might be dead now.
Aspiring authors - do you have horror stories similar to this one? You think that you have an idea or a story that is so creative, original, unique, authentic, whatever...and it turns out that someone else has already written a story nearly exactly like it?
Is it even possible to come up with something so original anymore?

I was so hoping to get this book in particular published, because it's one of my stronger stories. But now I'm afraid it'll be labeled 'imitative' or worse, 'plagiarized.'
Oh.
my.
gawd.
*curls up in the fetal position*