In a Glass Grimmly

In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Publication Date: September 27, 2012

Childrens'/Tween, Ages 10+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5


 

"Step lively, dear reader...
happily ever after isn't cutting it anymore."

We all know the familiar tale of Jack and Jill and their journey up the hill. We have been told about the Emperor and his new clothes.  But there is so much more to the stories. First the frog, whose name is Frog, loses a leg to a spoiled princess. Then Jill runs away from home and rescues Frog on her way to meet up with Jack. Journey with the trio as they grow beanstalks, escape giants, meet mermaids and outwit goblins, all during a quest to find the Seeing Glass. In a Glass Grimmly weaves together familiar fairy tales with original work to make a new tale that is not for the faint of heart. Enter the fairy tale world with Jack and Jill and Frog, if you dare.

It is rare for me to review children's books, but when this ARC crossed my desk, I just knew that I had too. I am a fan of fractured fairy tales and other ways of looking at the familiar in a new way or seeing the other side of the story. Of course, the first thing I did was check out the first book, A Tale Dark and Grimm. I loved them both. What is fun about Adam Gidwitz is his narrative of the stories. He has taken traditional stories, and tried to go back to the true tale, all the while weaving together tales that we are familiar with to tell a new cohesive story. In a Glass Grimmly he has intertwined the Frog Prince, the Emperor’s New Clothes and Jack and the Beanstalk; and that is just the beginning. A Tale Dark and Grimm was based on the Brothers Grimm. For In a Glass Grimmly he has branched out to include the works of Hans Christian Anderson, Mother Goose and Christina Rossetti, just to name a few.

Even those these are tales, there is still a great lesson for us all to learn. This time, Jack and Jill are on a quest to find the Seeing Glass. When they run into the three ravens, the ravens try to convince them that they are not confused, but in fact are con-fused. They leave them with three pieces of wisdom. First "when you do what you want, not what you wish," second "when you no longer seek your reflection in other's eyes," and lastly "when you see yourselves face to face," these three lessons will get them what they seek. At first Jack and Jill are even more con-fused and continue on their quest, but then when it is all over they finally figure out what the ravens meant. Only by finally coming to peace with themselves and seeing themselves for who they truly are will they find happiness.

Since In a Glass Grimmly is a companion to A Tale Dark and Grimm, it doesn't matter in what order you read them. But read them both. Meet Jack & Jill and Hansel & Gretel. Gidwitz is a wonderful storyteller, who often made me laugh  even when talking us to Hell with the devil himself. I can only anticipate what story Gidwitz will tell us next.

The Other Normals

 The Other Normals by Ned Vizzini

Expected Publication Date: September 25, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 13+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5


 

 

 

"This is a story about becoming a man"

Perry Eckert is just like any other fifteen year-old boy. Well, one whose parents are divorced and now dating their divorce attorneys and a brother who is in desperate need of rehab. Perry has found an escape from reality in the form of the role-playing game, Creatures & Caverns. In fact, if C&C is all Perry ever does again it would be just fine with him. Convinced his parents aren't paying attention, he starts skipping classes to play with a boy named Sam, a friend from a neighboring school. But, his parents concerned about his recent behavior and his lack of social skills decide to ship him off to summer camp at Camp Washiska Lake. But Perry is in for more than just the dull summer he bargained for when he stumbles into the world of the Other Normals. Turns out the world of C&C actually exists, and with the princess captured, Perry is in a unique position to help rescue her! But first, he has to face his real life and learn how to connect with other people. Only then can he help the Other Normals save their world.

What a fun adventure! Overall, I just really enjoyed this fun ride. I have spent a lot of time with teenage boys during my life, and have even observed them playing games like the one Creatures and Caverns was inspired from. Even if they aren't into role-playing games, this is a great book for boys of all ages who like a little bit of fantasy mixed in with their reality. Which is good, because the reality keeps changing in Perry's actual world as a result of his Other World adventures. It is hard enough to be a teenager as it is, but when you feel like you don't fit into to your world it is easy to become obsessed with with another. Then to find out that your "dreamland" actually exists? Its like Christmas! to Perry discovering the world of the Other Normals is the best thing that has ever happened to him. This is a world were he knows what to do and how to act. For the first time in his life he feels brave and confident. Its not hard to be the hero here. He also starts to fall for Ada, which makes it that much harder for him to complete his mission back at home.

It is not hard for me to see this book becoming a movie, in fact I hope it does. Even though octopus/human hybrids are not new, I loved the description of the way they moved around on land and would love to see it on a big movie screen. It also doesn't hurt that they are some of the bad guys.

But now that there is unrest and a possible revolution brewing in the world of the Other Normals, will there be a sequel? I hope so!

Here Lies Bridget

                                                
Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

Publication Date: 1-18-2011

Young Adult, Ages 13+
ISBN-13: 978-1-373-21028-2 used for review.
Personal Ranking 3/3.5 out of 5

"What do you do when the five people you meet
in limbo all want you to go to hell?"

Bridget Duke has it all; a famous father, loyal followers and the rule of the school. Then the new girl threatens to destroy the balance of her power. The whole school seems caught in Anna’s spell, which seems to zap all of Bridget’s control. Now that everything seems to be going wrong for Bridget, and being expelled from school seems like an all too possible reality, in a desperate moment she ditches school and ends up crashing her car into a tree. But could this situation possible get any worse? If waking up dead wasn’t bad enough, Bridget wakes up to face the five people she has hurt that mean the most to her. But will her last chance at redemption be enough?

It has been a while since I’ve written a review of an already published book. But about halfway through reading here lies Bridget, I knew that I had to. As soon as I saw the title on the Richmond Public Schools High School summer reading list, I was curious. Then a few weeks later when I was creating the “What do I read?” chart, I knew that I would have to read it!

Bridget is the queen bee that every school has and everyone hates. Kinda like Regina George in Mean Girls, she is completely aware of her power and rules by fear of both the teachers and fellow students. As you get to know Bridget in the days leading up to her death, you realize that she has lost her true friends, her boyfriend and has caused untold amounts of trauma to those around her. While you don’t find yourself wishing she would die, you do want her to learn from her mistakes and make things right. In the end, I do believe that she got what she deserved. She learned a valuable lesson that many teenagers today would greatly benefit from. Your actions have consequences, even indirectly. All too often, this lesson is learned the hard way, just like how Bridget learned it in the end.

This is one of those books that you wish every bully and queen bee would read. I would love to use it as a teen book club selection. Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to participate in some really great book discussions at some of our neighborhood high schools. Based on all the themes in this book, I would love to hear what they would have to say about Bridget, her actions and the resulting punishment.  

Envy and Betrayal

Empty Coffin Series by Gregg Olsen 

               Envy (book 1) 
               Publication Date: August 23, 2011

               Young Adult, Ages 12 

               ISBN 978-1-4027-8957-1 used for review.

               Personal Ranking 4 out of 5






Nothing seems to be going right for Katelyn Berkley. She has drifted away from her group of friends and now that she didn't make the cheerleading squad her best friend won't talk to her. Unable to talk to her mom, she is lonely and depressed. But was she desperate enough to kill herself?

The night Katelyn was found dead in her bathtub everything changed for twins Taylor and Hayley Ryan. They are drawn by reasons they can't explain to figure out the truth about what really happened to Katelyn. But the deeper they get into the mystery, the more information about their own past seems to come to light which will change everything.

Betrayal (book 2)
Expected Publication Date: September 4, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 12+

ARC used for review.

Personal Ranking 4 out of 5

Olivia Grant only wanted to get out of London, and dreamed of the beautiful people and sunny life waiting for her as an exchange student in America. But cold and damp Washington was nothing like the Hollywood, California she expected to come to. However, on Halloween night she is brutally murdered like a slasher film extra and everyone is stumped as to why.

The small town of Port Gamble is still on edge after the shocking death of Katelyn Berkley less than a year ago. Now with their best friend Beth on the suspect list, Taylor and Hayley Ryan decide to use their instincts to investigate on their own. But just how deep do the secrets in their small town go?

Wow! When the ARC of Betrayal crossed my desk I knew this was one that I would have to read. Of course, I had to start with Envy, as the first book in the series. If the cover isn't enough to grab you, the plot will. One of the things I loved the most about Envy and Betrayal is that even though the stories are fictionalized and set in this quite, small town the basis of the stories are truth. Envy was inspired by the October 17, 2006, suicide of Megan Meier, who was cyberbullied by her neighbor's mother. For this reason I would love to use Envy as a book discussion title with young adult women, maybe even with their mothers. Elements of Betrayal's storyline came from the Amanda Knox case. Both cases show just how much evil there is in the world and that it can happen right in your backyard. Like all good "based on truth" stories, I love his "Truth in Fiction" summary at the end of each book.

For those who are obsessed with the paranormal but are sick of the vampire/werewolf/witch fade, you will love the Ryan twins. Their extra abilities are not over done, and add an extra level of mystery and intregue to the story. I really want to know what happens next. It is bad enought that Betrayal includes a teaser for the third book, Guilty. I am not sure how patiently I will be able to wait for future books.

The Author's note in the beginning of Envy says it all to me. "While most people don't invite evil into their lives, the dirty little secret is that an invitation isn't necessary. Locked doors don't matter. Neither do fancy security systems. Evil is kind of amazing when you think about it. She knows how to get inside."

Before You Go

Before You Go by James Preller

Expected Publication Date: July 17, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 12+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5

"And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain..."

Jude is just beginning the summer before his senior year of high school and has just started his first job. Here he meets Becka, who he hopes will turn into more than just a friend. But Jude hides a painful past. He blames himself for the death of his baby sister when she was just four. He knows how quickly life can change in an instant. But after all this time, he has finally started to heal and move on. He is ready for a summer filled with work, life, friends, and hopefully Becka. Then, in the blink of an eye, everything changes and his world starts to unravel all over again.

Before and After, really that is what this story is about. When tragedy strikes, that is what your life becomes, just the after. Jude and his family has been living in the half-life since after Lily drowned. Even though the prologue tells you exactly what is going to happen, you are so wrapped up in the process of his healing from the pain of his sister's death that you forget what is coming next. You forget that Jude is only in the before of the next tragedy. When the accident happens Jude is crushed all over again. At times it almost seems like the pain that he lives under like a rock is going to crush him completely. Sometimes death can have that funny effect on you. If you haven't allowed yourself to properly grieve before, you will be consumed by it the next time you are forced to come face to face with it. Unfortunately, too many young adults have lost a close friend or family member, and may identify with Jude. Those that have never experienced that kind of loss, may understand the emotions of those that have by reading Jude's story. Boys will be able to connect with Jude and girls will gain a rare insight into the male mind. A great read for all!

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone
by Kat Rosenfield 

Expected Publication Date: July 5, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 14+
(pg-13 for language, sexuality)

ARC  used for review.

Personal Ranking 4.5 out of 5

What happens when a stranger turns your world upside down?

On the night of her high school graduation Becca's boyfriend breaks her heart while only a mile away an unknown girl bleeds to death by the side of the road. Even though no one knows who she is, Amelia Anne's death casts a shadow of fear and sadness over the town. Tragedy has a way of uniting a small town in a way that those in cities and larger towns can only read about. Becca, with her whole life ahead of her, struggles under the weight of the night's tragic events and is suddenly unable to move forward. Her parents want to help her, but mistake the changes in her behavior as her reluctance to break up with her boyfriend, and Becca finds herself unable to tell them what her pain is really about. As the summer gets closer to the end and as rumors turn to accusations on the identity of Amelia Anne's killer, Becca wonders if she will ever be able to move on with her life?

This book has haunted me since the day I received it at the library, which is fitting since the story is haunting and beautifully tragic. I was completely hooked by the end of the first paragraph. Rosenfield weaves together the stories of two young women who have never met, but have their lives completely changed within minutes and miles of each other. Only 4 years apart in age, if their paths had crossed under more normal circumstances they probably would have become friends. Both were at a crossroads in their lives, knowing that they were ready to move on from home, boyfriends and past expectations to become the young women that they were meant to be. With Amelia Anne's life cut short, even though Becca doesn't know her, she can't shake the connection and almost needs the mystery solved so that she can be set free. 

I never saw the twists and turns coming and I can't wait to recommend this book to others. Amelia Anne and Becca will stay with me for a long time.








Lies Beneath

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Expected Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 12+

ARC copy used for review.

Personal Ranking 2.5/3 out of 5

Murderous Mermaids

Promises are sacred to mermaids. Jason Hancock has no clue that his father made one to a mermaid, and then broke it. Now, the mermaid's children want to collect on Jason's father's debt: with Jason's life as the payment. Calder White and his sisters have thought of nothing but killing Jason Hancock for as long as they can remember, and now they finally have him in their sights. Calder's mission is to get close to the family, especially Hancock's daughter, Lily. But the closer he gets the deeper he falls, and wonders if he can fight his nature, and his sisters, for the girl he loves?

First it was vampires which morphed into werewolves before shifting into zombies who are becoming mermaids. It is refreshing to be under the water with a different type of mermaid then what I grew up with. It was also an excellent choice to have Calder as the narrator. The male point of view is exciting, especially when they go through such a psychological journey. Calder's decision to fight his nature and his sisters, was what finally drew me in. At times, Lily and Calder's conversations reminded me of Bella and Edward's since Calder knows that he is a monster and at first refuses to believe that he can change. The title is also excellent, there are so many layers of untruth that in the end is was like peeling an onion.

I only gave Lies Beneath 2.5/3 stars because while there were several things I loved about the book, there were a few things that bothered me. First, it took me forever to get into the story, much longer than normal. But I felt the need to keep reading, and I am glad that I did. Once I was "hooked" that was it; I was in hook, line and sinker. Then there was the ending, everything was great until the last two pages and then I was let off the hook with such force that I felt abandoned. Even though it was a happy ending, it left me feeling empty. But maybe that was the point after all, this was not a fish, I mean, fairytale.

Between the Lines

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
Expected Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Young Adult, Ages 12+

ARC ISBN 978-1-4516-7557-3 used for review.

Personal Ranking 3.5 out of 5


"What happens when happily ever after ... isn't?"

Delilah is just like everyone other 15 year old girl, just trying to survive high school and find her place in the world. One day, she finds a misshelved book in the school library and decides to check out the fairy tale for herself. Feeling a connection to the book, she finds she can't put it down. Having read it over and over, she begins to notice little changes and wonders if there is more to the story then just the words on the page.

Oliver is just like any fairy tale prince, any prince that knows he is just a character in a book that is. He is not in love with the fair maiden, and is tired of living the same story over and over. For him, there is no happily ever after because there is no "after" and he wants out. When he and Delilah realize they can hear each other, they begin plotting to get Oliver out from between the lines and into Delilah's world. But can love really conquer all?

I read Between the Lines straight through, only stopping for meals, and found it wonderfully breezy. Would have made a great beach read, and hopefully will be published in time to be one for this summer. This would also probably be a good place to admit that I have never read a Jodi Picoult book before, so I had no preconceived notions of writing style or content. This will be an easy book to recommend to tweens and their mothers who are worried about language and content.   

But two things kept jumping out at me as I was reading it. First, it reminded me of one of my favorite series because I love the concept of what happens when a book is closed. I am sure that the idea of a character knowing that they are just a character in a book will make some wonder what on earth the author was thinking. For those non-believers, I encourage you to discover the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. Meet Thursday and get lost in bookworld for a while:) The second thing is that every once and a while, you are lucky enough to find a story that speaks to you. You feel like you are a part of it and that every time you open up its pages it is like returning home. For Delilah, that is exactly what happened. No matter what else one can say about this book, the lesson that a love of books and reading is one that any librarian can agree with!

Shakespeare, Remixed

Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray

Ophelia is just like any other teenage girl, who just happens to be in an on again, off again romance with the Prince of Denmark.  Falling for Hamlet is a modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s play Hamlet told from Ophelia’s point of view. Told in three parallel stories; Ophelia tells you what really happened, what she tells the public and what the government thinks happened. After the King’s death, Hamlet descends into madness, convinced that it was not natural causes that killed his father. As Hamlet spirals deeper out of control, Ophelia is torn between duty to herself and her family and her love of Hamlet.

        

Ray, Michelle. Falling for Hamlet. New York: Poppy, Hatchette Book Group, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-0-316-10162-2. (hardback). Ages 14+

Romeo’s Ex: Rosaline’s Story by Lisa Fielder

We all know the tragic tale of one Romeo and his Juliet. But while Romeo was falling in love with Juliet, there might have been more to the Capulet and Montague tale. Fielder takes the classic tale and uses the original plot as the side story to tell the story of Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline. Who wants nothing more than to be sworn off love and men so that she may focus on becoming a healer. Told from alternating points of view with Rosaline, Benvolio, Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo narrating the story in a combination of attempted Elizabethan and modern day English, with a few original verses from the play mixed in. With so many versions of Romeo and Juliet around, it was refreshing to read one that didn’t end in death.

Fielder, Lisa . Romeo’s Ex: Rosaline’s Story. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-7500-7. (hardback). Ages 12+

I enjoyed Falling for Hamlet much more than I enjoyed Romeo’s Ex, but I believe that if Fiedler was to update her story today, as a modern tale then it would have been much more interesting. What I did love was that she tried to update the Elizabethan English in such a way that it was easy to understand, and I really enjoyed the interspersing quotes from the play. Yes, it could have seemed silly, but since she followed the plot so closely, they provided nice reference points to the play. Unfortunately, there were just a few moments when I was left wondering, what on earth is she trying to do? No matter how hard an author tries, somethings are just not medically possible.

What I loved the most about Ray’s retelling is that she didn’t just take the story and retell it from a different point of view. She updated it to what it would be like if it happened today; with the paparazzi and the media, and the frenzy that follows the royal family. Those who are familiar with the original play will appreciate that Ray left the names the same. Having not read Hamlet before, I appreciated this because I was able to look up the story and compare it very quickly. A great story for a mother and daughter to share with each other! One thing I love to do is compare books with my mom, which is one of the reasons I am such an avid reader to this day. Her memory to remember stories and details, even from books she hasn't read since she was in high school amazes me. So when I handed her Falling for Hamlet, she was able to quickly give me a comparison. Who needs wikipedia when you have mom? I loved Ray's concept, and can't wait to see which stories she retells next.

Love in unexpected places…

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Hazel was only 13 when diagnosed with Stage IV Thyroid Cancer, and now that she is 16 all she wants is to be a normal teenage with a normal life. But being a “kid with cancer” there is no such thing as normal. She feels disconnected to her pre-cancer friends and finds comfort in reading and being a hermit. Forced to go to a Cancer Kid Support Group, she watches the revolving door as new faces enter the group and others pass away. Then one day, her world is turned upside down by the smile of the new boy in the group. Augustus Waters shows Hazel how to live and open herself up to the love of others, despite of her “cancertastic” life.

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Dutton Books, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-525-47881-2. (hardback). Ages 14+

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

 Seventeen year-old Hadley Smith has been dreading this day for months. She has no desire to go to London and not only watch her father remarry, but participate in the ceremony by being a bridesmaid to a future step-mother she has never even met.  Mad at her dad for breaking up their family and mad at her mom for making her go see it, Hadley’s morning seems like a comedy of errors that makes her miss her flight by four minutes. Then fate intervenes in the form of a young man named Oliver. He is charming, sweet and on her new flight to London.  In the following twenty-four hours Hadley learns what it means to love, lose and accept that it is ok to move on. But what about Oliver and was it really love at first sight?

Smith, Jennifer E . The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. New York: Hachette Book Group, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-316-12238-2. (hardback). Ages 13+

** Spoiler Alert** If you want to be surprised stop reading here!
** Spoiler Alert**

What I loved about both of these stories is that love can find you even when you are least expecting it. Hadley and Hazel are two very different young women, both with their own battles and unique life stories. Hazel’s life has been changed forever by her cancer; she has been through more than most girls her age and even many who are older. She would be perfectly content spending her time at home with her parents. But her mom makes go to the support group. There is where she meets Augustus, but she doesn’t expect to have a relationship. The last thing she probably expected was to fall head over heels for him. But Augustus understands her, and the reality of being a “cancer kid.” Hadley’s world has been turned upside down by her parent’s divorce. She feels betrayed that her dad moved across the ocean and fell in love with another woman. Then, when she least expects it, her mom suddenly finds peace and begins to move on. Hadley has spent so much time and energy hating her dad for breaking up their family and then at her mom by making her go and participate in the wedding. Even though it means going to London for the first time, she just can’t see any joy in the experience. Unlike most bridesmaids, meeting a man is the last thing on her mind. So when she meets Oliver, a young Brit, she even wonders if she should just blow him off. But fate seems to have other ideas for her, not only is he sweet and on her flight, but also on her row. After spending all night talking, they get separated as they go through customs. It is only as Hadley is searching for him at the exit that she realizes that she only knows a little bit about where he was going and why. All they exchanged before parting was a kiss, not even a telephone number or email address. As she races to the church for the wedding, and even after during pictures she realizes that she can’t stop thinking about Oliver and decides that she has to find him. It is only after she returns from her search, hurting worse than before she left , that Hadley is able to open up to her dad and begin the process of healing herself.

Both Hadley and Hazel have their lives changed in a brief time by a boy, and are then separated from them in unexpected ways. Hazel’s separation is all too permanent, but you are left to wonder what will become of Hadley and Oliver and will they ever see each other again. I have to believe that they do, even if they don’t end up living happily ever after.