Review: Far Far Away by Tom McNeal

 

A dark contemporary fairy tale

It says quite a lot about Jeremy Johnson Johnson that the strangest thing about him isn't even the fact his mother and father both had the same last name. Jeremy once admitted he's able to hear voices, and the townspeople of Never Better have treated him like an outsider since. After his mother left, his father became a recluse, and it's been up to Jeremy to support the family. But it hasn't been up to Jeremy alone. The truth is, Jeremy can hear voices. Or, specificially, one voice: the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm, one half of the infamous writing duo, The Brothers Grimm. Jacob watches over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered about in the space between this world and the next. But when the provocative local girl Ginger Boultinghouse takes an interest in Jeremy (and his unique abilities), a grim chain of events is put into motion. And as anyone familiar with the Grimm Brothers know, not all fairy tales have happy endings. . .

Young adult veteran Tom McNeal (one half of the writing duo known as Laura & Tom McNeal) has crafted a novel at once warmhearted, compulsively readable, and altogether thrilling--and McNeal fans of their tautly told stories will not be disappointed.
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
This book was very different from what I have been reading lately. It was described as a "dark, contemporary fairy tale" and I thought that was an accurate description. It was an interesting mix of all of those. As I was reading it the story felt very much like an old fashioned fairy tale. It had a bit of a slow build up but it kept my attention and as I became more engrossed in it I sometimes forgot this was a contemporary setting. 

The little town of Never Better includes an odd assortment of residents. Jeremy is a lonely teen boy who has become an outcast because he admitted to hearing voices of ghosts. He lives alone with his odd father, in an odd bookstore in an odd town. Jacob Grimm (of the famous Grimm Brothers) is an old ghost, companion and protector of the boy from an unknown threat. He is also the narrator who weaves his past and Jeremy's present together through alternating chapters. It is his voice That Jeremy hears although he now keeps it a secret. When Ginger, an adventurous teen, becomes interested in Jeremy, they set in motion a change of events that changes everyone's lives.

I wasn't sure how this would all come together but the author did it well. The suspense built into a dramatic ending. This was my first book by Tom McNeal but it won't be my last.  I would especially recommend this for those who enjoy the style of classic fairy tales. 
  
Author
Publisher  
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 6/11/13
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 384 (hardcover)
Type: YA fantasy

Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Keep your friends close 
and your enemies closer. 

Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?
 The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.
Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.
But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I've been enjoying the dystopian genre for awhile but I wasn't sure what could be different about this story. I was pleasantly surprised. There were many parallels to other YA titles that are popular now (The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Divergent) but I liked those books and that's what interested me in this one. The idea of young people competing through a variety of tests is a common element but this still had twists that kept it interesting. There was plenty of action and suspense that helped the story flow and made it easy to read.

The characters were diverse although a bit predictable. Some of them appear to be "bad" people but is it their true nature or just their circumstances? Most of them are desperate to succeed, some at any expense, but failure could cost them their life. My feelings about many of the characters shifted throughout the story but I liked their mysterious nature and I'm curious to see what will happen to them throughout the series. 

Cia is the main character, a strong and mature young woman who learns from others but doesn't depend on them for everything. She loves her family and friends, has developed good morals, but everything she's always believed in is suddenly turned upside down. She has quickly learned she must keep an open mind and doubt everything and everyone. Her very life depends on it. Although at times she is almost too perfect she is still very likable. Of course there is potential romance thrown in and huge conflicts they must overcome as well. 

 I enjoyed the writer's style and look forward to the rest of the trilogy. These Testing candidates have the potential to change their world and face enormous obstacles. This won't be an easy fix! 

Independent Study (book 2) coming 1/14
Graduation Day (book 3) coming 6/14
Author
The Testing Trilogy

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Books for Children and NetGalley (ebook) for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 6/4/13
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Type: YA dystopian

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Book Obsessed this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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I haven't done this in several weeks. I've been cutting back a bit but still had some good stuff come in that I wanted to share. I can't wait to head out to my hammock to enjoy them all. I hope you've had some great summer reading arrive at your house as well!

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Rotters by Daniel Kraus
From Sync (audiobook)

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
Free from Sync (audiobook)

Flesh and Bone by Jefferson Bass
Free from Barnes & Noble Free Friday (ebook)

Unremembered by Jessica Brody
For review from Macmillan Fierce Reads (hardcover)
*This is a follow up to the first set I received last year and there were other goodies as well so stay tuned!

Monument 14: Sky on Fire (book 2) by Emmy Laybourne
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Of Triton (book 2) by Anna Banks
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Siege and Storm (book 2) by Leigh Bardugo
For review from Fierce Reads (hardcover)

Review: Twerp by Mark Goldblatt

It's not like I meant for Danley to get hurt. . . .

 




Julian Twerski isn't a bully. He's just made a big mistake. So when he returns to school after a weeklong suspension, his English teacher offers him a deal: if he keeps a journal and writes about the terrible incident that got him and his friends suspended, he can get out of writing a report on Shakespeare. Julian jumps at the chance. And so begins his account of life in sixth grade--blowing up homemade fireworks, writing a love letter for his best friend (with disastrous results), and worrying whether he's still the fastest kid in school. Lurking in the background, though, is the one story he can't bring himself to tell, the one story his teacher most wants to hear.

Inspired by Mark Goldblatt's own childhood growing up in 1960s Queens, Twerp shines with humor and heart. This remarkably powerful story will have readers laughing and crying right along with these flawed but unforgettable characters.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I don't know if I would have chosen this book on my own but I'm glad I did. The story is told in journal style by twelve year-old Julian, the main character who is growing up in the 1960s. This is an assignment in response to an incident he was involved in that's not revealed until much later. Although he's not happy, he takes to it and the events slowly unfold that led up to the suspension. That may have been the teacher's main intention but I found the rest of his life more interesting. Details of  friendships, budding romance, school and home were well done and it took me back to my own middle school days, the good and the bad. The characters were interesting and quirky (I do  love quirky), and more mischievous than malicious. Peer pressure is definitely a factor when the boys get together. The struggle to make the right decision but still fit in weighs heavy on young minds.

I enjoyed following Julian's growth and introspection throughout the school year. I really liked reading the journal entries, I just didn't find them very believable coming from a boy that age. It was too well written. I still found it to be a good story and would recommend it to others. 

Author
Publisher  
Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook arc in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 5/28/13
Publisher: Random House for Young Readers
Pages: 288 (hardcover)
Type: middle grade fiction

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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I've been trying really hard to stay away from too many new books so I can catch up on what I have. I did pick up a few (of course) and only a couple from the library. I can't resist! Hope some great reads found their way to your house too!

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky
For review and giveaway from Wunderkind (paperback)

Substitute Creature by Charles Gilman
For review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers (arc)

Sanctus by Simon Toyne
Free from Barnes & Noble Free Friday (ebook)

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Mari Reads this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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We are having a rainy April but that's an improvement. It's time for muddy boots, muddy dogs, muddy everything. April showers bring May flowers! (If they don't get washed away first.) But any weather is good for reading and I have lots of goodies. I hope you have beautiful weather and great books to keep you happy too!

 Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Won from Just Another New Blog (ebook)

My Half of the Sky by Jana McBurney - Lin
Won from Just Another New Blog (ebook)

Eolyn by Karen Rita Gastreich
Won from Just Another New Blog (ebook)

Storybound by Marissa Burt
Free from Barnes & Noble Free Friday (ebook)

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake
Free from B&N Free Friday (ebook)

Mailbox Monday (late)

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at chaotic compendiums this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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Here I go complaining again but I can't get rid of this damn snowy mailbox. It's snowing right now! It sure is great reading weather though. 

Last week was all about children's books and we are loving them already. There's nothing better than snuggling with the little ones and enjoying a story or two - or three! I hope you have some great reads and warm weather at your house!

*(I was having internet issues yesterday and couldn't post this so I'm doing it today.)

Lisa Loeb's Songs for Movin' & Shakin' by Lisa Loeb
For review and tour from Sterling Publishing

The Big Bad Wolf Goes on Vacation by Delphine Perret
For review from Sterling Publishing

Nighty-Night, Sleep Tight by Jennifer Berne
For review from Sterling Publishing

Itch by Simon Mayo
For review from Sterling Publishing (arc)

Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is back at Mailbox Monday this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

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Last week was all about children's books. Those are just as much for me as they are for the kids in my life! What goodies came your way?

Oddkins by Dean Koontz
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Deanna McFadden
For review and giveaway from Sterling Children's Books
(I also received seven other fairy tales in the Silver Penny Series)

Yalu and the Puppy Room by Brain T Yates
For review from Bookmasters

Review: Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week by Caroline Adderson

 

 Jasper, the Star!

At last, it's Jasper John Dooley's turn to be Star of the Week at school. Unfortunately, nothing turns out as planned. His Show and Tell falls flat. A new baby at his friend Ori's house steals his spotlight. And worst of all, the new baby has only-child Jasper wondering if his own family is too small. When Jasper decides to build himself a brother (named Earl) out of wood, Earl's schoolyard shenanigans send Jasper to the principal's office But with a little help from family and friends, things turn around for Jasper. And by the time Friday arrives, he is once again sure that he has what it takes to be a star. Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is the first in a series of chapter books featuring a charismatic and funny central character. An only child with active, loving parents (and a most impressive lint collection), Jasper John Dooley is a true original.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
Wouldn't we all love to be Star of the Week?  Unfortunately for Jasper, he isn't getting the attention he expected and his week is going down hill fast. He desperately searches for ways to regain the focus of his classmates but nothing is working. Not even the idea of getting a new brother. And Jasper only has one week!

 The idea for the story was cute and I sympathized with Jasper although I think I felt worse for his sleep-deprived friend Orin. This book should be entertaining to kids who can relate to Jasper's frustration. His antics were humorous and the adorable black and white illustrations by Ben Clanton make it even more appealing. The other characters added to the quirkiness and enforced the importance of support of friends and family.  I look forward to reading more from this new series and other work for author Caroline Adderson.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc (ebook) to review.

Publisher
Author
Illustrator 

Release date: 3/1/12
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Pages: 128 (hardcover)
Type: children's fiction, middle grade

Review: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

From the author who's inspired millions worldwide with books like "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" comes his most imaginative novel yet, "The Time Keeper"--a compelling fable about the first man on earth to count the hours. The man who became Father Time.

In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is.
(Goodreads.com)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
I've read and enjoyed Mitch Albom's past books. I find them unusual but charming and this one was no exception. While the theme is not unusual, about making the most of the time you have, the concept was unique. The three main characters and their journeys were extremely different - a man "sentenced" to be Father Time, a terminally ill, wealthy man and a lonely, teenage girl. Each of them longed for a different use of time and didn't appreciate all that had already been given to them. They weren't even very likable in the beginning but they each evolved into better people. Chapters alternated between characters until their lives intertwined. I wasn't sure how it would be done but the author was able to connect them all in an interesting way and tie up loose ends.

The chapters were short and a bit choppy but easy to read. With a storyline much like a fable, it delivered an emotional message about the value of the time. It was interesting to see if the characters, as well as the readers, learned their lessons. Fans of this author are likely to enjoy this book as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook to review.

Author
Publisher

Release date: 9/4/12
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 240 (ebook)
Type: Adult fiction

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at 5 Minutes For Books this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

~~~~~~~~~~~~I had some unexpected but very pleasant surprises this week! First, I got a package from author Michelle Moran who has been very generous with her last few new releases. I don't read historical fiction as often as I should and her books are a good reminder of that. She is an amazing writer and I look forward to this title as well! I also received a mysterious box this week. I was thrilled to find inside a set of YA arcs from "Penguin Breathless Reads" campaign. Five debuts from five different authors for Fall 2012 in their own little bookcase! How cool is that?? I hope you found plenty of goodies in your mailbox last week too!

The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
From the author (hardcover)

Origin by Jessica Khoury
From Penguin (arc)

The Innocents by Lili Peloquin
From Penguin (arc)

Venom by Lili Peloquin
From Penguin (arc)

Black City from Elizabeth Richards
From Penguin (arc)

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
From Penguin (arc)

The Archived by Victoria Schwab (sneak peek)
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at 5 Minutes For Books this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

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 I can't believe it's already mid-August. Ugh. I get so depressed this time of year knowing that summer is winding down. It bothered me even more when my kids were in school and I was still a teacher. I just need to shake it off and enjoy the amazing sunshiny weather we will still have coming our way. I do love to be outside and I have several cozy places to curl up with a good book. Of course, my favorite is my hammock. I've probably never mentioned that here, have I? HA!

I hope you're enjoying your mid-August days and that plenty of great reads have made their way to your home. These are some of my goodies from last week!

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

The Bourne Imperative by Eric Van Lustbader
Won from Under My Apple Tree (hardcover)

Lock Down By Sean Black
Free from Kobo (ebook)

The Lost Treasure Of Tuckernuck by Emily Fairlie
For review from Harpercollins (arc)

Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Free from Sync (audio)

Crux by Moira Rogers
Free from Barnes & Noble (ebook)