Blog Tour & Book Sketch: Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning

Throw Like a Girl
By: Sarah Henning
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 7, 2020
Series: None
Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Friday Night Lights meets Morgan Matson's The Unexpected Everything in this contemporary debut where swoonworthy romance meets underdog sports story.

When softball star Liv Rodinsky throws one ill-advised punch during the most important game of the year, she loses her scholarship to her fancy private school, her boyfriend, and her teammates all in one fell swoop. With no other options, Liv is forced to transfer to the nearest public school, Northland, where she'll have to convince their coach she deserves a spot on the softball team, all while facing both her ex and the teammates of the girl she punched... Every. Single. Day.

Enter Grey, the injured star quarterback with amazing hair and a foolproof plan: if Liv joins the football team as his temporary replacement, he'll make sure she gets a spot on the softball team in the Spring. But it will take more than the perfect spiral for Liv to find acceptance in Northland's halls, and behind that charming smile, Grey may not be so perfect after all.

With well-drawn characters and a charming quarterback love interest who's got brains as well as brawn, Throw Like a Girl will have readers swooning from the very first page.

First Thought After Finishing: The YA genre needs more sports romances!

Although I’m not an athlete myself, I enjoy reading stories that feature sports. I always admire the dedication that these teenage athletes display as they pursue their dreams. Throw Like a Girl showcased not only athletic talent but also the challenge of balancing family pressure, romance, and normal teenage life.

Liv has it all—a sports family, the perfect boyfriend, a great group of friends, and the star spot on her private school’s softball team. But all of that vanishes with one punch during a tournament game. Much to her dismay, Liv will have to attend the rival public school, which is home to the softball team of the girl she punched. Liv expected talent to carry her through, but her new coach wants to see something more—teamwork. When the starting quarterback approaches her with an offer to help if she joins the football team, Liv knows she has to take the opportunity. Only she never expected to like football so much, or to pass her heart to the quarterback. And when secrets come to light, only Liv can decide what play to call and hope it results in a touchdown.

As a teenager, I stopped playing soccer because playing on a team against boys several years older than me made me nervous. Liv, however, is almost fearless, earning her place on a male team in a male sport and earning not their contempt but their admiration. This is not only because of her athleticism but also because of her work ethic, strong character, and determination to be the best that she can. I appreciated her reminders of all the lessons she had been taught by her father and sister, and they made me want to redouble my efforts in my own passions.

This book was pitched as a sports romance, and it does not disappoint on either count. The vivid description of all of the games—softball, football, and even volleyball—transported me to the bleachers and left me cheering for Liv and her team. And the romance between Liv and Grey, though not without its problems, was often incredibly sweet. True, they both made mistakes, but what girl doesn’t want to discover that the handsome, unattainable quarterback is actually a devoted friend and boyfriend? And no review would be complete without mentioning Addie, Liv’s sassy softball friend. Addie is the loyal, unconditional friend that everyone needs, and she is the voice of reason in the midst of Liv’s tempest. If there was ever a spinoff about her, I would most definitely read it.

At its heart, Throw Like a Girl centers around standing up for oneself in the right way, whether it is with family, in relationships, or against enemies. But with this message woven into a book that is by turns humorous and touching but always engaging, the story never feels like a sermon. I was sad to see the end of Liv’s journey, and I can only hope that a companion novel might offer a glimpse of these wonderful characters. This book is perfect for fans of Miranda Kenneally's novels. I will be eagerly awaiting Sarah Henning’s next book!

Most Memorable Aspect: The detailed descriptions of all of the sports games.

~ ~ ~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ ~ ~

Sarah Henning is a recovering journalist who has worked for the Palm Beach Post, Kansas City Star and Associated Press, among others. While in South Florida, Sarah lived and worked through five hurricanes, which gave her an extreme respect for the ocean. When not writing, she runs ultramarathons, hits the playground with her two kids and hangs out with her husband Justin, who doubles as her long-suffering IT department. Sarah lives in Lawrence, Kansas, which, despite being extremely far from the beach, happens to be pretty cool.

Find her online:
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

~SEE THE FULL TOUR SCHEDULE HERE~

Blog Tour & Book Sketch: Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart

Grace and Fury
By: Tracy Banghart
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 31, 2018
Series: Grace and Fury (#1)
Pages: 320
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.

Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace - someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.

Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything.

First Thought After Finishing: Can I have the next book now please?

From just reading the synopsis, Grace and Fury seemed to have all the makings of a great fantasy book. Sisters, role reversal, royalty, secrets—I was hooked! And I ended up reading this book in one sitting because I needed to know what happened!

Serina has always been the model daughter—a submissive beauty, eager to please the prince and become a Grace. Her sister, Nomi, is just the opposite—opinionated, outspoken, and constantly pushing her limits. But once they arrive at the palace, a chance encounter with the prince ends up with Nomi being chosen as a Grace instead of Serina. And when Serina takes the fall for one of Nomi’s decisions, the sisters’ relationship is threatened forever. Both sisters are suddenly engaged in a world they never prepared for, and one mistake could be fatal. Can they survive and find their way back to each other?

As an only child, I’ve always loved stories about sisters. I loved the fact that Nomi and Serina were fiercely protective of each other, even when they didn’t see eye to eye. That’s the kind of sister or friend anyone would be lucky to have. In addition to the sister bond, I really enjoyed the Italianate setting. Traveling to Italy is on my bucket list, so I enjoyed the vicarious trip, even though it wasn’t truly Italy. Then there was the dual POV. The chapters alternate between Nomi and Serina, weaving two very different tales while maintaining the timeline. I was fascinated with both parts of the story but for different reasons.

Nomi is dealing with the secrets and balancing act that comes from palace life. She is determined to avoid the crown prince, but she finds his younger brother intriguing. Nomi walks a fine line of scheming and pretending, but I love the fact that she remains true to herself even when her fortune changes. Serina, on the other hand, has every reason to wallow in self-pity and misery, but she decides to fight back. Her character development is inspirational, and I can’t wait to see what else she does in the second book!

Although a bit predictable at times, the story definitely has potential. I’m looking forward to seeing how Nomi and Serina continue to grow! If you’re a fantasy fanatic, be sure to add this to your TBR pile!

Most Memorable Aspect: The bond of sisterhood and the dual POVs between Nomi and Serina.

~ ~ ~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ ~ ~

Tracy Banghart grew up in rural Maryland and spent her summers on a remote island in northern Ontario. All of that isolation and lovely scenery gave her the time to read voraciously and the inspiration to write her own stories. Always a bit of a nomad, Tracy now travels the world Army-wife style with her husband, son, cat, and sweet pupper Scrabble. She wrote Grace and Fury while living in Hawaii.

I had the opportunity to ask Tracy a few questions! Learn more about the story and Tracy's writing habits below!

How would you describe Grace and Fury in five words?

Sisterhood. Bloodshed. Betrayal. Rebellion. Kissing.

Grace and Fury has a complex story and world. What was the inspiration for this story? Did you always plan dual POVs?

I love writing stories about girls finding their agency, especially when there are significant obstacles they have to overcome. I loved the idea of getting to see that process play out in different ways through two very different main characters.

It actually started out as a story with just one POV (and no sister!) but Nomi appeared and wouldn’t leave. And I’m so glad. I love that Serina and Nomi have very different perspectives and arcs in the story. Serina has to learn to be strong, and Nomi has to learn to play by the rules.

If choosing between Serina and Nomi, which sister would you be and why?

I think I relate to aspects of them both. Serina is the eldest—she’s responsible, protective of her little sister, and feels the weight of her family’s expectations. As the eldest sibling in my family, I felt a lot of that growing up. But I also wanted to rebel against those expectations and all of the ideas everyone else had for my life. Which is where my Nomi instincts kick in.

The Italian-inspired world made me want to plan a trip to Italy! What would your dream vacation be?

Ha! Probably back to Italy, to be honest. I haven’t been to Europe in a few years, and I would love to go back. Italy is one of my favorite places to visit.

If you could have dinner with any author(s), who would they be?

I recently had dinner with Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Córdova, and Mark Oshiro, and that pretty much blew my mind. They are amazing people and authors! I would love to share a meal with Victoria Schwab, who inspires me daily. And I’d love to have dinner with a struggling author, who hasn’t made it to publication yet. Just so I could say HANG IN THERE. Because this business is tough, and everyone’s journey is different. It can feel so daunting!

What is your writing process like? Do you have any habits or superstitions?

I used to be a pantser but have recently converted to writing outlines, and it’s still a weird feeling to do so much plotting in advance. But I do think it helps me stay on track. I don’t think I have any weird superstitions, but I do get weird about my documents and folders and playlists–I have to have everything organized a certain way, and I can’t start writing a new project unless I’ve got a title. Even if it’s a crappy placeholder title, I need SOMETHING or it doesn’t feel like a real thing.

What message do you hope that readers take away from your book?

Most of all, I hope they have fun reading it. That’s the most important thing! But if they do take anything away, I hope it’s that together, women can accomplish anything. That the pitting of one woman against another, the competition, is often a construct by the patriarchy to divide and conquer us. We get farther supporting each other than we do tearing each other down.

Is there anything you can tell us about the second book?

I wish I could say it’s all happiness and unicorns for my sisters in book 2, but that wouldn’t make for a very exciting sequel. There’s more blood, more heartache, and more badass women warriors fighting back. I’m very proud of it. I hope I do my sisters and the rest of the women of Viridia justice!

Find Tracy Online:
Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

~ SEE THE FULL TOUR SCHEDULE ~
Week One:
7/23/18 - Tea Party Princess - Review
7/24/18 - Paperback Princess - Review
7/25/18 - Confessions of a YA Reader - Review
7/26/18 - Book Dragon Lair - Review
7/27/18 - Laura's Bookish Corner - Review

Week Two:
7/30/18 - The Desert Bibliophile - Review
7/31/18 - Do You Dog-Ear? - Review
8/1/18 - Synopses by Sarge - Review
8/2/18 - Coffee Cocktails and Books - Review
8/3/18 - Kat's Books - Review

Week Three:
8/6/18 - Feed Your Fiction Addiction - Review
8/7/18 - Portrait of a Book - Review
8/8/18 - To Be Read - Review
8/9/18 - Brooke Reports - Review
8/10/18 - Cindy's Love of Books - Review

Week Four: 8/13/18 - A Court of Coffee and Books - Review
8/14/18 - Smada's Book Smack - Review
8/15/18 - The Young Folks - Review
8/16/18 - Book-Keeping - Review
8/17/18 - A Gingerly Review - Review


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Book Sketch: Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

DREAMS OF GODS AND MONSTERS
By: Laini Taylor
Published By: Little, Brown, & Company
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3
Pages: 613
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Two worlds are poised on the brink of a vicious war. By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera's rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her.

When the brutal angel emperor brings his army to the human world, Karou and Akiva are finally reunited - not in love, but in a tentative alliance against their common enemy. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves.

But with even bigger threats on the horizon, are Karou and Akiva strong enough to stand among the gods and monsters?

The New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy comes to a stunning conclusion as - from the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond - humans, chimaera, and seraphim strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.



First Thought After Finishing: Only Laini Taylor could have pulled this off!

The benefit of being so far behind in my reading was that I didn’t have the dreaded wait between the second and third books. Imagine, reading sequels when you remember every detail like you just read it—because you did! As sad as I am to see this world draw to a close, I have to say that with what is in the books, Laini Taylor did not disappoint.

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. Once upon a time, they hoped and dreamed of a different world. Once upon a time, the fate of that world fell into their hands. Karou and Akiva thought that they knew what battles lay ahead of them. They thought that bringing the chimaera and the seraphim together could solve the world’s problems. But that was only the beginning…

Writing reviews for the last book in a series is something that I have always found challenging. How does one gush enough (or complain enough) without spoiling anything in the previous books? Even though Dreams of Gods and Monsters has been out on shelves for some time, I imagine that somewhere, someone like me has not yet read the book. And if that is the case, then I must ask you, what are you waiting for?

“Once upon a time…a journey began, that would stitch all the worlds together with light.”

This is a book of epic proportions, but that doesn’t mean that there are no familiar faces. The characters that we have come to know and love are back. Karou, Ziri, Zuzanna, Mik, Akiva, and Liraz all have their part to play. The character transformation throughout the trilogy was fantastic, but in this book, Liraz is finally allowed to shine. I have a soft spot for the “tough” characters who are finally allowed to have their moment, and I loved the story that Liraz was given. There was also Ziri, who went from someone I wanted to hug in comfort to someone I wanted to hug in joy. He might not have been Akiva, but he is certainly the good guy that you cannot help but love. Lucky Ziri, indeed. There were also new faces here, like Eliza. She was interesting from the beginning, and when her story begins to converge, the true brilliance of Laini Taylor’s writing begins to shine through.

“Absence has presence, sometimes, and that was what she felt. Absence like crushed-dead grass where something has been and is no longer. Absence where a thread has been ripped, ragged, from a tapestry, leaving a gap that can never be mended.

That was all she felt.”

I love fantasy books because the worlds amaze me. As a reader, it’s fascinating to see how worlds can overlap or how one small change can create a huge ripple effect beyond imagination. I fell in love with Karou’s world all the way back in Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and that never changed. The chimaera and the resurrectionist were highly original when the book debuted, and they remained so. The only thing that I felt like this book lacked was some of the gorgeous prose found in former books. This book had more action (and also more of the character’s thoughts) rather than expansive descriptions creating atmosphere, and I missed that. Still, the author has just released the first book in a new series, and I am eager to dive into that world and all that it has to offer.

Most Memorable Aspect: The world here was beyond expansive. I love how the mythology was connected and the full history was finally revealed—I wish I had imagination like this!

Book Sketch: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT
By: Laini Taylor
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2
Pages: 517
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?



First Thought After Finishing: Oh, Karou. Don’t give up hope. Don’t give up on your dream…

I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone years ago, but the story never completely left my mind. Karou and Akiva’s characters always haunted me, and I finally decided that I couldn’t want any longer to see how everything played out for them. Even though I still have the third book to read, I am so glad that I finally took the plunge and read this sequel.

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a new way of living—one without massacres and torn throats and bonfires of the fallen, without revenants or bastard armies or children ripped from their mothers’ arms to take their turn in the killing and dying…this was not that world.”

Days of Blood and Starlight begins soon after the events of the first book, but the tone is quiet different. The world of Eretz is a darker place, filled with bloodshed among both the seraphim and the chimera. Karou and Akiva both must come into their own during this book. Each time the point of view shifted, I longed for the one left behind.

“I am priestess of a sandcastle in a land of dust and starlight.”

Once again, Laini Taylor gives us a glimpse into a sweeping, expansive world, showing where humans intersect with magical creatures. The images she creates made me believe that I was in the desert and able to glance up at a sky of endless stars. I loved the fact that we got to dive deeper into the world of the seraphim and learn more about the different tribes of chimaera. In addition, Zuzanna and Mik are back with Karou, and we see a lot more of Akiva with Liraz and Hazael. The banter between these characters kept the book from being too somber, and even though there was an undercurrent of tension due to the war, there were definitely moments of laughing out loud.

As for the main characters, they are definitely changed in this installment of the story. So often I just wanted to hug them both and tell them that it would be all right. However, “all right” can’t really be a thing when the world is about to be at war and two soulmates are separated in class Romeo and Juliet style. I don’t want to say too much for people who haven’t read this yet (and what are you waiting for?), but the new aspects of magic, the challenges faced, and the truths revealed make for one compelling story.

Most Memorable Aspect: I loved the quotes interspersed between sections. But really, I love the story and the characters. They haven’t left me in years.

Review: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

THE LUCY VARIATIONS
By: Sara Zarr
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships. The Lucy Variations is a story of one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. It's about finding joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.



As a musician, almost any book that involves music, and especially one with a piano on the cover, is a must-read for me. Even though this book is about more than just music, the way music factored into Lucy's story has stuck with me and left me thinking about my own career even after finishing it.

From an early age, Lucy had a promising career as a concert pianist - then she walked away from everything. But she still can't escape a musical family. Now, her younger brother Gus is the promising musician in the family, subject to their grandfather's management. When her brother gets a new piano teacher, Will, he poses a question to Lucy - does she want to play again? Lucy knows it can't be that simple. But the more time Lucy spends with Will, the more she wonders if it might be just that simple after all. However, even if she wants to play again, would her grandfather ever allow it? More importantly, what is it that would actually make her happy?

"You couldn't to be be that kind of happy all the time. She knew that.

But sometimes, you could. Sometimes, you should be allowed a tiny bit of joy that would stay with you for more than five minutes. That wasn't too much to ask. To have a moment like this, and be able to hold on to it."

The Lucy Variations cane be read on two different levels. From a musician standpoint, it was about finding your musical niche, whether that is performing, teaching, or another related area. It was a reminder to draw inspiration from the world around you, to bring your heart to the music, and always remember why you have the passion for it. For me, this reminder came at a very good time. Like Lucy experiences, with all of the pressure in the musical world, it's easy to lose sight of love for music, but when your heart is gone, the music suffers. However, from a non-musician standpoint, it's about finding your own way, finding your own passions, and not letting your family or others control your life. Lucy's journey is an emotional one as she tries to figure out what she truly wants.

There were a few other issues in this book in addition to music. Zarr explores family relationships: parent/child (and grandparent/grandchild - and there were a few times I wanted to strangle her grandfather) and sister/brother, as well as a different side to student/teacher relationships. Lucy walks a fine line with Mr. Charles and also with Will. Still, Will helped to give Lucy the kind of coaching and also the friendship that she needed, and it was hard not to swoon over him. In addition, this book mirrors life in the way that a lot of things are left unresolved at the ending. I want to know more about these characters, and how things worked out for Lucy, but this book was also a great snapshot of a pivotal part of Lucy's life.

"Music, her grandfather always told her, was language. A special language, a gift from the Muses, something all people are born understanding but few people can thoroughly translate.

She could, he'd told her.

Listening and playing were two different things; each involved its own kind of translation. She listend now, and translated.

The leaves. Their naked feet. Her grandmother's freed hair. Her grandfather's almost-touch.

Yes, the world was beautiful.

But music made that beauty personal.

Nothing else could do that. Nothing."

The Lucy Variations is a story that continues to make me think, and it offers something for anyone who reads it. Even though this was my first Sara Zarr book, it definitely won't be my last.

Review: Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler

RAPTURE PRACTICE
By: Aaron Hartzler
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 400
Genre: Memoir
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: TLA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Aaron Hartzler grew up gay in a home where he was taught that at any moment Jesus might come down in the twinkling of an eye, and scoop his whole family up to Heaven. As a kid, Aaron was thrilled by the idea that each day might be his last one on planet Earth. He couldn't wait to blastoff and join Jesus in the sky!

But as he turns sixteen, Aaron finds himself more and more attached to his life on Earth, and curious about all the things his family forsakes for the Lord. He begins to realize he doesn't want the Rapture to happen, just yet; not before he sees his first movie, stars in the school play, or has his first kiss. Before long, Aaron makes the plunge from conflicted do-gooder to full-fledged teen rebel.

Whether he's sneaking out, making out, or at the piano playing hymns with a hangover, Aaron learns a few lessons that can't be found in the Bible. He discovers the best friends aren't always the ones your mom and dad approve of, and the tricky part about believing is that no one can do it for you.

In this funny and heartfelt coming of age memoir, debut author Aaron Hartzler recalls his teenage journey to find the person he is without losing the family who loves him. It's a story about losing your faith, finding your place, and learning your very own truth--which is always stranger than fiction.



Rapture Practice is a memoir, though one that reads much like any other YA coming-of-age story. Ordinarily I don't read memoirs, but I was intrigued by the idea of life lived in a house that was constantly preparing for the second coming of Jesus, and I had a friend's recommendation, so I decided to give it a try.

Rapture Practice chronicles Hartzler's childhood, including some early memories but especially focusing on his time in high school. In the beginning, there's a clear picture of his family life: They are devoted, ultra-conservative Christians who are committed to being ready for the Rapture. Aaron embraces this and doesn't question it - until he does. From that point, the novel begins reading less like a memoir and more like a work of fiction, though with an unmistakeable honesty. Hartzler becomes almost two people - the person his parents expect him to be, and the person that he wants to be. Throughout the book he tries to reconcile them, but the journey is very emotional.

It's hard for me to talk about a book like this without addressing the religious aspect. I am Christian, though I don't agree with a good portion of the theology presented in the book, but that's a post for a different blog. However, because of that, it seems almost impossible that Hartzler wouldn't have "rebelled" given all of the restrictions placed on him in the name of religion. But what I appreciated was that it wasn't rebellion for rebellion's sake - though in some respects he acted from a desire to be like others around him, he also questioned what was being taught to him and, in my opinion, had some excellent points. Questioning faith can be hard, and shifting your worldview can be even harder, and this story, though at times funny or frustrating, was above all emotional and empowering. You can - and should - choose who you want to be in life, and Aaron Hartzler captures the journey quite eloquently.

At its heart, this memoir speaks to family and friendships, and how to make the most of these relationships while still embracing who you are as a person. It is moving and thought-provoking, and definitely a book worth reading.

Review: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE
By: Jennifer E. Smith
Published By: Poppy
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 416
Genre: Contemporary
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?



You know those books that leave you with a smile on your face, that feel like they need a chorus of "Aww!" at the end, and that you just want to hug when you finish it because that book was just what you wanted it to be? That's how I felt about This Is What Happy Looks Like. Most people felt that way about The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, and I think it is safe to say that if you liked that book, you will love this one.

"Or what this just what happened when you got older? Maybe growing up was really nothing more than growing away: from your old life, from your old self, from all those things that kept you tethered to your past."

Ellie O'Neill lives a relatively quiet life in a small, coastal town in Maine. Her life is fairly routine until one day, she gets an email meant for someone else. She responds back, and just like in You've Got Mail, a conversation starts. She and her email partner talk about everything - except their real names and backgrounds. Little does Ellie know that she's been emailing Graham Larkin, one of the biggest teen Hollywood heartthrobs and someone she never expected to meet. Graham, however, is determined to meet her, and even manages to have part of his new movie shot in Ellie's Maine town. But can any relationship really work between a small-town girl with a family secret and a movie star with no privacy? Is Ellie willing to risk being in the spotlight to be with him?

From:EONeill22@hotmail.com
To: GDL824@yahoo.com
Subject: what happy looks like

Sunrises over the harbor. Ice cream on a hot day. The sound of the waves down the street. The way my dog curls up next to me on the couch. Evening strolls. Great movies. Thunderstorms. A good cheeseburger. Friday. Saturday. Wednesdays, even. Sticking your toes in the water. Pajama pants. Flip-flops. Swimming. Poetry. The absence of smiley faces in an e-mail.

What does it look like to you?

This Is What Happy Looks Like is just what I hoped it would be; all of the elements worked together to create a story that was very touching. I was hooked from the beginning with the email exchanges between Ellie and Graham. They were innocent, fun messages that progressed into something more, showing just how deeply relationships can develop when all you have are written words. As for the characters themselves, I really liked both Ellie and Graham. Ellie didn't fall under Graham's "actor" spell and was willing to sacrifice what she wanted in order to do what she believed was right. Likewise, Graham was truly a good guy. I liked seeing his hidden talents, like his artistic ability, and I liked the different portrayal of the famous actor. He wasn't perfect, but he also wasn't a jerk; he lost control, but at the same time he just wanted to be seen for him rather than for his Hollywood persona. From the start, it was obvious how these two just fit together.

Yet there is more to the story than just a small-town girl going out with a celebrity. Ellie also has to confront a past that she has tried to ignore, and with that she has to work out things with her mother. There are also poetry references from Ellie that I liked, and I even want a framed poem now. Beyond that, though, there are two main things that really make this book come alive. The first is the setting, the small coastal Maine town - I could really envision it, and even found myself wanting to visit one. The small town feel was captured so well, and I loved it. But most of all I really loved the few quiet moments that happened in this book, with Graham and Ellie sitting on the coast, enjoying moments to themselves. It was a classic example of silence speaking more than words, and even though I read this book mostly in one day, I found myself wanting to savor the moments.

"'Exactly. How can you know it makes you happy if you've never experienced it?'

'There are different kinds of happy,' she said. 'Some kinds don't need any proof.'

'Like sunrises?'

'Exactly,' she said. 'I know enough to know that they're happy things. There's just nothing sad about a sunrise.'

'As opposed to a sunset.'

'I don't think they're particularly sad either.'

'I do,' Graham told her. 'They're endings, and endings are always sad.'

'They're the beginning of the night,' she said. 'That's something.'"

Even after finishing this book, I've wondered how life kept going for Graham and Ellie; I closed the book, but I haven't forgotten them. The underlying possibilities for happiness in this book left me with a smile on my face. I can't wait to see what Jennifer E. Smith writes next!

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
By: Jennifer E. Smith
Published By: Poppy / Little Brown
Release Date: Jan. 2, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 236
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.



How much sweetness can be wrapped up in one book? The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight sets a new standard for that. From the cover to the characters and the story itself, this book will make you fall in love with everything and fall in love with love all over again.

Hadley Sullivan would be perfectly fine not going to her father's wedding, thank you very much. She's never met her soon-to-be stepmother and has no burning desire to do so. After the way her parent's marriage ended, Hadley has stuck by her mother and intends to keep it that way. As luck (or fate) would have it, Hadley misses her flight to London by four minutes and is stuck waiting for the next one. Hadley decides to go through with the trip, and it is in the waiting area that she meets Oliver, a British student at Yale who offers to help with her bag. As it turns out, they are seated in the same row on the plane. And thus begins a true trans-Atlantic relationship complete with both laughter and tears. Over the course of 24 hours both Hadley and Oliver learn a great deal not only about each other but also about themselves.

I am one of the people who is always on the fence about "love at first sight." I've heard people swear that it's true, but I suppose that until it happens to you, it's something that is hard to believe or accept. But Jennifer Smith's book may have made me rethink that a bit. There is no doubt that Hadley and Oliver have an instant connection, and yet (thank goodness) there are no immediate declarations of eternal love. Instead, their relationship develops just like any other might, from Oliver's first chivalrous actions, to both deep and lighthearted conversations on the plane, to elaborate gestures that prove that Hadley and Oliver are not simply travel companions. Moreover, these are not simply happy people skipping blithely through the fields of love. Both Hadley and Oliver have real issues to face, and I loved that even though their situations were different, they were able to help each other. Their conversations are by turns tender, touching, and funny, and when I closed the book I still wanted to see more of their relationship.

This book also explores familial relationships, something that is so often overlooked in YA novels. I really enjoyed reading about Hadley's relationship with her dad as she recalled their shared memories and looked to a future that would be seemingly empty of any true closeness. I especially loved their shared love of literature and all of the references to other books...and yes, even the way quotes from Dickens run throughout this book. One other thing that I found interesting - Smith's writing style and the voice (third person present) is different from what I have seen before. It took me a bit to get used to it, but once I did I was quickly swept away by the story.

While everything about The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight may not be peaches and cream, I think it is safe to say that despite the bittersweet moments, you will still have a smile on your face. I look forward to seeing what Jennifer E. Smith writes next!

Review: The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The DUFF
By: Kody Keplinger
Published By: Poppy
Release Date: Sept. 7, 2010
Series: None
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.



Who hasn't felt like the DUFF at some point? I put off reading this book for a while because I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or just wind up sad for the main character. However, I'm very glad I decided to give this book a chance, because it wound up surprising me in a very good way.

Bianca knows that she's not exactly any guy's first choice, but that's because one instance of a broken heart was enough for her. She's content to sit on the sidelines while her best friends Casey and Jessica live it up. But one night, Wesley Rush starts talking to her - Wesley Rush, the hottest guy in school, the guy who hits on every girl indiscriminately but who could never be interested in her. He nicknames her the DUFF (designated ugly fat friend), and Bianca can't get the name out of her head. When she kisses him on impulse and discovers what an escape it is, she can't get enough. But as she finds her life crumbling around her, Bianca is forced to answer some tough questions - is she in love with Wesley? And if she is, can she live with the consequences?

Bianca was so very easy to identify with. Not only has almost everyone felt like the DUFF, but also everyone has suffered heartache or problems at home and longed for escape. Even though her choice isn't one that everyone would make, the attractiveness of her relationship with Wesley is hard to miss. In addition, Bianca's voice in incredibly refreshing. She doesn't hold anything back, from opinions to language to talking about sex. She's cynical and sarcastic, but a true teenage voice. I also loved her friendship with Casey and Jessica. They balanced Bianca out very well; in fact, they were the kind of friends that anyone would want. And Wesley...well, I couldn't help but like him by the end.

This book was definitely different from what I was expecting. It was no-holds-barred, edgy, and not the typical high school story. Sometimes it was a bit much to take in, but it all seemed very authentic. I did love the ending; it is open, but everything comes full circle.

In her debut novel, Kody has written an intense, gripping debut that stirs a variety of emotions. It is hard to believe that she was a teenager when she wrote it, but at the same time, that lends a unique voice to the story. I will look forward to reading her next book!