Review: The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

Title: The Butterfly Clues

Author: Kate Ellison site

Format: Hardcover, 325 pages

Published: 2/14/2012

Publisher: Egmont USA

Source: Library

Challenges: Standalone Reading Challenge (hosted by Icey Books)

“Penelope (Lo) Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. Her dad's consulting job means she's grown up moving from one rundown city to the next, and she's learned to cope by collecting (sometimes even stealing) quirky trinkets and souvenirs in each new place—possessions that allow her to feel at least some semblance of home.

But in the year since her brother Oren's death, Lo's hoarding has blossomed into a full-blown, potentially dangerous obsession. She discovers a beautiful, antique butterfly pendant during a routine scour at a weekend flea market, and recognizes it as having been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as "Sapphire"—a girl just a few years older than Lo. As usual when Lo begins to obsess over something, she can't get the murder out of her mind.

As she attempts to piece together the mysterious "butterfly clues," with the unlikely help of a street artist named Flynt, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld much closer to home than she ever imagined—a world, she'll ultimately discover, that could hold the key to her brother's tragic death.”

-Goodreads

Basic Synopsis:

Penelope, who prefers to be called “Lo” has severe OCD and compulsively steals/hoards things. When just outside Cleveland, the bad side of town called “Neverland”, a girl known as Sapphire is murdered. Lo has never met her, but she feels inexplicably connected to her and decides to try to solve her murder herself.

Characters:

Penelope has severe OCD and a compulsion to steal beautiful things. Her life is ruled by numbers, everything she does must be done in 3’s, 6’s, and 9’s to “keep her safe”. The Butterfly Clues is one of the most empathetic books I’ve read. I could really feel as Penelope felt, her emotions are so easily conveyed within the pages.

Plot and Story:

The Butterfly Clues is full of mystery and suspense. I ended up with a lot of theories as to the killer was, and who “Bird” was. But I wasn’t ever really sure until the very end. I was also didn’t guess right who Bird was. I was very surprised. So, some of the book was predictable and some of it wasn’t. This book kept me guessing, and I like that.

My one and only complaint about this book is the ending. It didn’t match the tone of the rest of the book at all. It went from a mystery/thriller to a light contemporary romp for the last 15-20 pages. And I really don’t understand why.

Overall:

Except for the ending, I really liked this book. It was fast paced and uputdownable from the first chapter. I give it 4 of 5 stars. I’m really excited to see what debut author Kate Ellison will write next. 

Future Release Review: Holding on to Zoe by George Ella Lyon

Title: Holding on to Zoe

Author: George Ella Lyon site

Format: eARC, 174 pages

Release Date: 7/07/2012

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR (Macmillian)

Source: Netgalley

Challenges: Ebook Reading Challenge (hosted by Workaday Reads), Standalone Reading Challenge (hosted by Icey Books), and the Completely Contemp Challenge (hosted by Chick Loves Lit)

“After sixteen-year-old Jules has her baby, Zoe, it doesn’t matter anymore that her mother thinks she’s a drama queen, or that her father left them years ago, or even that Zoe’s father is gone, too. She and her baby make a family now; she doesn’t need anyone else in the world except Zoe. Though it's tough being a new mom, balancing Zoe’s needs with working at the Toyota factory and thinking about how to finish school, Jules is sure she’ll figure it out. Still, she wonders, why can’t anyone be happy for her and Zoe? And why does her mom refuse to believe that Zoe's real?”

-Goodreads

Basic Synopsis:

I don’t think I can top the Goodreads one.

Characters:

Jules is someone who doesn’t have many people to lean-on or turn-to. Her mother is extremely cold to her and she’s had to become very independent. That’s why she’s so happy to have Zoe, to have someone in her life for her to love and be loved by.

I’m kind of at a loss for describing words for Jules. All I can think to say is that she’s a good person and very likable.

Plot and Story:

I was drawn in from the first chapter and read it in one sitting. Even though this book was only 174 pages long, it wasn’t too short. The whole premise of Holding on to Zoe is unique to anything I’ve read before. It’s very interesting how the story evolves and changes as it goes along.

Overall:

This book wasn’t what I’d expected, but in a good way. It was short, but isn’t lacking plot in the least. I’d highly recommend it for someone looking for a short and different read. I give Holding on to Zoe 4 of 5 stars.

Review: I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

Title: I Hunt Killers

Author: Barry Lyga

Format: Hardcover, 359 pages

Published: 4/03/2012

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Source: Library

“What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dad?

Jasper (Jazz) Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.

But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could--from the criminal's point of view.

And now bodies are piling up in Lobo's Nod.

In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret--could he be more like his father than anyone knows?”

-Goodreads

Basic Synopsis:

Jasper Dent,known as Jazz, is the only son of the world’s most infamous serial killer.Before he was caught and sentenced, Butcher Billy taught Jazz everything heknows about murder. But now there’s a new serial killer in Lobo’s Nod. Butdespite his pleadings, the sheriff, G. William, refuses to believe it’s aserial killer. So Jazz is forced to take investigations into his own hands, toprove that there is a serial killer in Lobo’s Nod. But Jazz wonders if, withall his father’s brainwashing, it’s just a matter of time before he takes upthe family business.  

Characters:

Jazz’ssarcastic and has a dark sense of humor, he’s also a great actor and definitelya charmer. His biggest worry that it’s inevitable that he’ll become a serialkiller, just like his father. I liked Jazz, and I was invested in hiswellbeing. He wasn’t my favorite character though. My favorite character wasHowie, Jazz’s type A-hemophiliac best friend/sidekick. Every other thing thatcame out of his mouth was hilarious. You just never know what he’s going to saynext.

Plot and Story:

I Hunt Killers is dark, disturbing, and downrightbloody. Very bloody. It’s an unputdownable mystery/thriller, and sure to makeyou squeamish. I hung on every word. The book ran at a pretty fast pace, whichwas great for me.

I reallyliked that it was a YA mystery. There aren’t enough of those. Let alone onesthat you can’t guess the plot. And I know that, in real life, the policeprobably wouldn’t let a 16 year old boy help them find a serial killer. Butthat didn’t bother me and I loved it anyway.

Overall:

I picked thisbook for no other reason, than that Barry Lyga wrote it. (He’s one of my “author gods”)I loved his debut The AstonishingAdventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl and would recommend it to anyone.  IHunt Killers is a nonstop thrill ride and the first of a series I can’twait to read. I give it 4 of 5 stars! Definitely a must read for fans ofmystery.

Review: Girl Parts by John M. Cusick

Title: Girl Parts

Author: John M. Cusick site

Format: Hardcover, 218 pages

Published: 8/10/2010

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Source: Library

“What happens when a robot designed to be a boy’s ideal “companion” develops a will of her own? A compulsively readable novel from a new talent.

David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend.

In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uber connected world.”

-Goodreads

Basic Synopsis:

Set in the near future… It all starts when a girl named Nora Vogel kills herself on a live web cam over the internet for all to see. David is just browsing the web when he sees it and watches. He thinks nothing of it until he is called into the psychiatrist’s office where he is confronted about doing nothing to stop it. He is diagnosed with “dissociative disorder”. His recommended course of treatment is to get a Companion, a robotic girl whose universe revolves around him to help him relate to others.

Characters:

There was something very human about David and Charlie. David is a very popular boy who has the pick of any girl he wants. Of course he doesn’t treat them well, and doesn’t care for long term relationships. Charlie is very smart and reclusive, but is also kind of arrogant and puts himself in a league above others.  Both were imperfect characters, which I always like, and they both had an air of realism about them. And Rose was very likable, and I was really rooting for her throughout the book. She’s naïve, but she really takes a stand for herself. She gains more confidence and self respect, while remaining humble.

Plot and Story:

There is a kind of ease and disconnected-ness about the writing. I was interested to see what happened in the story, but I didn’t feel particularly connected with the characters. It was almost like viewing them from a distance, but not exactly in a bad way. It is pretty steadily paced, and I wasn’t left bored. And although the book is only 218 pages, Girl Parts wasn’t too long or too short, it was just right.  The ending of the book is unexpected. I’m not sure whether I think it’s good or bad. It was just different.

Overall:

Girl Parts was a short read, but an enjoyable one. There was something distinctly different and likeable about it. I didn’t find it “hilarious” but it’s still worth reading. It was short, direct, and to the point while still being entertaining. I give it 4 of 5 stars.

Review and Giveaway: Perfected by Girls by Alfred C. Martino

Title: Perfected by Girls

Author: Alfred C. Martino site

Format: Paperback, 310 pages

Published: 11/1/2011

Publisher: Cole Street Publishing

Source: Received from author for review

Challenges: Completely Contemp Challenge (hosted by Chick Loves Lit)

“Navigating high school isn't easy for Melinda Radford.

She's the lone girl on the Ashton High wrestling team, grappling with opponents who refuse to compete against her, a few who want to crush her, and a coach who's less-than-pleased having a female in his practice room. At home, Mel's parents forbid her from seeing her new boyfriend, her grandmother insists she start preparing for her future by taking a dreary office internship, and her infuriating older brother, who's the varsity team captain, flirts with her best friend, Jade.

Just when it seems things can't get any more complicated, an off-handed comment puts Mel at odds with her teammates, her brother, and, worst of all, her coach. But through a twist of tragedy and fate, Mel is given an unexpected opportunity to accomplish something no girl in her school's history has ever done - something that just may redeem herself in the eyes of her detractors. But is she strong enough to handle the pressure?”

-Goodreads

Characters:

I have to say, I was a little skeptical that the author would be able to write a convincing female character. But I can happily say that I feel that Mel was a very believable, and for the most part realistic, female voice. She definitely wasn’t a cookie cutter. And I loved how passionate she was about wrestling. So much so that it got me excited as well, and I’ve never watched a minute of wrestling in my life. I think that’s one of the signs of a good writer, to be able to convey your feelings strongly through your writing and make the reader feel the same.

Plot and Story:

Too often in contemps, the message the writer is trying to get across is obvious in the plot and is so repetitive it makes the reader want to tear their hair out. I have to applaud Alfred Martino for writing a novel partly about girl power, without the story being over wrought with the same monotonous message. The only part of the story that irked me was something that happened at the end. **SPOILER ALERT** (Highlight section to read) Melinda gets back together with her boyfriend. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but it really obvious and somewhat implied that he’s only with her to get into her pants. When they were together he was always pushing her to go further that she was comfortable. It seemed like the author was trying to make them getting back together a positive thing, a happy ending.*

Point of View:

Perfected by Girls is from the point of view of Melinda, nicknamed Mel, an amateur wrestler and the only girl on her high school JV team in Ashton, Michigan.

Overall:

I really enjoyed Perfected by Girls. I absolutely love it when an author is so passionate about something, in this case wrestling, that it shines through and can make the reader feel that passion. I think it’s one of the attributes that make a good writer. If you like contemporary fiction, I’d give this one a try. I’m giving Perfected by Girls 4 of 5 stars. Chick Power!

I know how much you all like giveaways, and the author of Perfected by Girls has kindly offered up two signed copies of his book! 


After I finished Perfected by Girls, I did some snooping on the internet and was happy to discover that Alfred C. Martino, the author, is a big animal lover as well. He helped start Dog Park Publishing , a totally cool organization that specifically help pit bulls.  And even if you don't enter the giveaway, be sure to visit Dog Park Publishing and their Pit Bulls and Itty Pitties Facebook page. You'll be in for some very cute pet pictures.

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium

Author: Lauren Oliver site

Format: Audiobook

Voice Actress: Sarah Drew site

Published: 2/01/2011

Publisher: Listening Library

Source: eMedia Library

“Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.”

-Goodreads

Characters:

I really liked that Lena isn’t your typical dystopian heroine. She’s clumsy, awkward, shy, naïve, and always follows the rules. Many of her reactions and emotions throughout the book were very well conveyed and believable. She’s also described as a plain Jane. (But actually described, unlike a certain “book that shall not be named”) Lauren Oliver did a great job at creating a very authentic and human character. Though I wasn’t surprised, having read her debut Before I Fall, which also has a great main character.

Plot:

I liked the flow of Delirium’s plot. It was very well paced, without many time gaps.  And it has plenty of different twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, and your eyes glued to the pages. And the ending is just mind-blowing!

Writing Style:

Delirium’s your basic first person POV from the point of view of Lena.

Overall:

When I first read Delirium early this year, I was a little skeptical seeing as I am not a fan of romance, and this book is all about forbidden love. This review is based on my recent rereading with the audiobook (sequel coming out soon, so I needed a refresher), and I’m happy to say that I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around. I give Delirium 4 stars. It is one of the best dystopians to come out of 2011. 

Review: Every You, Every Me by David Levithan & Jonathan Farmer

Title: Every You, Every Me

Author: David Levithan (site) & Jonathan Farmer 

Format: Hardcover, 245 pages

Published: 9/13/2011

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Source: Library

“In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he's been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan's starting to believe it's Ariel that's behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself.”

-Goodreads

How it starts:

As Evan heads home from school, on his usual route through the woods, what does he find on the ground but an envelope. It couldn’t have been there long, it was raining and the envelope isn’t even wet. Upon opening it, Evan finds a small black and white photograph (picture printed in book) of exactly where he is standing. How strange.

On his way to school early the next day, he finds another envelope with another black and white in it (also printed in the book. Notice a theme?).  Except this time, it’s a picture of him. As time goes on, Evan and his friend Jack get more pictures, even some of their friend Ariel who is gone. Who is taking the pictures? Who saw them that day?

Plot:

This book is part contemporary, part psychological thriller. There’s not only the mystery of who took the pictures and is stalking Evan and Jake, but we also see Evan dealing with grief and depression. He is a very saddened human being. He is completely wracked with grief and some self loathing, just trying to hold it together. There is no doubt that this is a very emotional book that may even move you to tears.

The thriller part obviously has to with finding out who took the pictures and is stalking Evan and Jack. I wasn’t ever “bored” exactly, but in the beginning it’s hard to understand what’s going on because there isn’t any elaboration on the past, or really who the characters are. That was my only real problem with the book. I think that is how it’s supposed to be though. Toward the end, you really get all the pieces to the puzzle. I still would have preferred the book be easier to understand from the get go.

Writing Style:

Every You, Every Me has a different writing style than I’ve seen in any of Levithan’s work before. The writing is more raw and rough, in a way, as if coming straight from the characters thoughts.

The process of writing this novel was also unique. As explained at the back of the book, Farmer would take a picture and give it to Levithan. And then Levithan would write a chapter of the book for each photo. The photographer didn’t read the first draft until the whole story was finished.

This really gave a sense of authenticity in the writing. It really felt like Evan had no inclination as to whom the photos were coming from or why. There weren’t any obvious clues as to who the culprit is. As the reader, I was left as stumped as the characters. I wish other books weren’t so obvious with little “clues”.

I really especially love this quote from the book, also featured on the back cover. “You know one me. Just like I know one you. But you can’t know every me. And I can’t know every you.” It is beautifully written, and it rings so true. That everyone kind of shows a different person to everyone else. Almost like wearing a mask. Basically, I may think I know “Bob” but I might see a different Bob than the one I know through someone else’s eyes.

Overall:

I really liked this book. It was kind of hard to understand for the first 80 pages or so, but it was well worth sticking with. The fictional story paired with photographs created a really unique reading experience. I’m giving Every You, Every Me 4 of 5 stars! It was a truly great read.

Review: Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Crank

Author: Ellen Hopkins site

Pages: 537

Released: 10/05/2004

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback

Source: Library

“Life was good before I met the monster. After, life was great, At least for a little while.

Kristina is the perfect daughter; gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul-her life.”

-from cover

It all began when Kristina (protagonist) went to visit her long absent father. It’s not the heartwarming, reunion she was hoping for. Going to the bowling alley every night, watching her father follow around drug dealers and “partying” isn’t exactly her idea of fun. She meets the “hot” boy next door, Adam, and introduces herself as Bree. Bree becomes an alter ego for Kristina to blame her destructive behavior on. They play boyfriend girlfriend for a week, then he introduces her to drugs. Everything goes downhill from there. Soon enough she’s hooked. Though her little fling doesn’t follow her home, the monster does. The “monster” is Kritina/Bree’s addiction. Crank basically follows Kristina’s downward spiral into drugs, and all kinds of other trouble.

Crank is a New York Times Bestseller and has plenty of hype surrounding it. If you haven’t heard about it by now, you’ve probably been living under a rock, or illiterate.  So is Crank deserving of the hype? Absolutely.  It is unique in many ways. The writing style   is definitely very creative.  Written in poems with more than one way to read its pages, and discover hidden meanings. 

This book is definitely a good to turn you off of drugs. There is one thing that doesn’t make sense to me; why does she get into drugs in the first place? I don’t find the explanation in the book satisfactory. It revolves around her getting together with Adam in the first place. Even though he already has a girlfriend, he basically makes a grab for her and she lets him. Her physical attraction shouldn’t be enough to make Kristina go along with all the things Adam has her do. And claiming “Bree made me do it” doesn’t sound very convincing.

The other thing that bugs me in this book is that it makes it seem as if 90% of the population is doing some sort of drugs. I find that very hard to believe

My misgivings aside I really did enjoy this book. It really is a books that anyone and their sister should read. This book is very thick, but very fast moving, a real page turner. And I liked that all the “cute” boys weren’t perfect. In fact, some of them were downright horrific.  It has certainly earned it’s praise.