Review: The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

The Mockingbirds
(The Mockingbirds #1)

Author: Daisy Whitney

Publication Date: November 2nd 2010

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Contemporary / Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

My Thoughts: So I had heard a lot of good things about this book. But I forgot about it for the longest time. Then one day, I saw it on the bargain shelf at Chapters and remembered it was supposed to be good, so I picked it up. It's a relatively short read, just over 300 pages. Surprisingly, I actually read it shortly after buying it, much to the disappointment of all the books that have been sitting on my shelf for over a year, just waiting to be read.

Basically, the book is about a girl who is date raped. She doesn't really remember much but starts to have flash backs and realizes that she did not in fact give permission to have sex. It was her first time and she doesn't remember it, worse, it apparently happened twice. As the story goes on, she begins to remember more and more, getting madder and madder at what's happened to her. She enlists the help of the student led and operated court, which is the Mockingbirds. They are there for the students because the teachers live in a dream world where nothing wrong ever happens at their school, the students are perfect and even if someone comes to them about an issue, they ignore it or that person is kicked out for some reason or other. So the students are there for justice.

It's a pretty interesting read and I thought it did a great job of showing how someone reacts to being date raped. A lot of rape victims are afraid to report it because of what it is, and you learn as you go on that this has actually happened before, but that person was too afraid to push forward. A lot of people are ashamed and feel like they asked for it. Which isn't true. Unfortunately there isn't much justice in the world when it comes to rape but I thought the way it was handled in this story was good. I really liked the writing style and was pretty much able to sit down and read this book in one sitting. It kept my attention and kept me reading. I will definitely be looking to continue on with the series and will be watching out for more by Daisy Whitney.

Review: I'm With Stupid by Geoff Herbach

I'm With Stupid

Author: Geoff Herbach

Publication Date: May 21, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

Felton Reinstein, dork-turned-athlete, must make peace with his father's death and accept his own ability to be brutal like his dad once was. Final chapter in the Stupid Fast series.

My Thoughts: I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. I didn't realise at first that it was the last book in a series, so I was worried that I wouldn't understand everything that was going on. There was no need for me to worry though. Geoff Herbach does a great job of making sure that you get the information you need from Felton's background so that I didn't feel like I was completely missing out on anything. I still understood the story, which was great.

The story is focused around Felton, who is a star football player who all the colleges want. He is completely being harassed (at least I felt that way) by them all, trying to talk him into attending their school. And to make it worse? He agreed to give his college choice on live TV (which doesn't go as well as it should). So needless to say, Felton is feeling the stress. The poor guy is on the verge of a nervous breakdown for the majority of the book. I was completely prepared for his break at any moment. I expected it.

What really bothered me though? NOBODY really seemed to notice. His life was spiralling, I was worried he would kill himself (suicide is a big theme in the book since his father killed himself when Felton was 5 and another student kills himself). The only people who seemed to notice what was happening were too far away to really do anything but call and Felton could just ignore their calls. His mom had the phone unplugged as well because of all of the people calling the landline leaving nasty messages. His mom was basically completely self absorbed, so I didn't really like her at all.

I guess I basically wished the whole time that someone would notice before things got as bad as they did. He was showing all of these signs and everyone ignored them. Only a teacher kind of noticed, but it was a bit late at that point. I'd like to think that if my kids are ever having a rough time like Felton was, that I'd notice. He was a bomb just waiting to go off and he wanted someone to notice and help him.

Overall the story is quite good. I just got stuck on that one hangup that made me want to strangle all of the other characters and point at Felton and scream at them to help him before something bad happens. It is a quick read as well, the chapters are fairly short, which is something I like depending on the book. This was one of them. I would recommend this book to teens, so they could see that it isn't weak to get help when you need it. That it's a good thing. There is definitely a heavy theme of suicide and teen drinking though, but it shows how you don't need them.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Review: Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

Blind Spot

Author: Laura Ellen

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2012

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Genre: Contemporary / Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer.

This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.

My Thoughts: This was such an enjoyable book. I had a really hard time setting it down because I needed to know who did it (even though I thought I knew the whole time, I was wrong!!!!) There were a couple of things that irritated me, but not too badly. I really like Laura Ellen's writing style and you could tell that she knew a lot about Roz's disability (since she has experience with it herself). I felt bad for Roz. Having bad vision myself (not as bad as her) I hate not being able to see things, I will actually get depressed if something happens to my glasses because not being able to see more than a foot in front of your face clearly, sucks. It's no blind spot, but still irritating in it's own way, so I was able to connect with Roz, if not completely understanding her vision issues.

Roz is mostly your typical teenager. She doesn't like to accept help from others regarding her vision problems, and hates the word "disabled". So when she is put into the Special Ed class against her wishes, she does everything she can, and fails, to get out of the class. She meets and somewhat becomes friends with Tricia, and then Tricia goes missing. Roz thinks she just ran away until her body shows up, but she can't remember what happened that night. We follow Roz as she leads up to and after the death of Tricia, as she tries to figure out exactly where she messed up (Roz made a lot of poor decisions) and to figure out the truth.

Alright, so I said there was a couple of things that irritated me, not enough to discourage me from reading obviously. Firstly, just because a girl talks to a guy a lot does NOT mean they are involved. Even if they were once involved with them. Secondly, Mr. Dillian was a bully, there was no excuse for his behaviour and even after all was said and done, I still disliked him for how he treated Roz. I would literally get into rage mode reading about his treatment of her, he was way too harsh. Yes, I realize that was the way he was supposed to be written, but I can still hate on his fictional self.

Overall, Blind Spot  is a fast paced read. If you're someone who enjoys a little mystery with your realistic fiction, you should enjoy this. I will definitely be recommending this one, I think Laura Ellen has made a wonderful debut into the writing world and I hope she will continue! It will keep you on your toes (and the ending isn't as predictable as you'd think!)

Review: What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

What I Didn’t Say

Author: Keary Taylor

Publication Date: April 30, 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Genre: Contemporary/Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.
His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

My Thoughts: What a beautiful story! It also teaches a great lesson, there are always consequences for your actions. I tend to really enjoy realistic fiction since it's somewhat easier to imagine, therefore I get really emotionally involved with the characters. What I Didn't Say was no exception to this. Keary Taylor crafts a wonderful story that makes you realize how quickly your life can change. It's scary really, but a great story nonetheless.

What I Didn't Say is from the point of view of Jake Hayes, hooray for male protagonists! Jake has been forever in love with Samantha Shay since he saw her, but has never had the courage to tell her. Well, add a little liquid courage and a couple of friends egging him on and the three of them take off to go to Sam's house so Jake can proclaim his love for her. Well, with the three of them being drunk and a deer jumping out in front of them, Jake's life is changed forever. He completely loses his voice box, so he'll never speak again. But it could be worse, he could be dead. He feels like his life is over though and he never got to tell Samantha how much he loved her, now he never can.

One of the things I dislike more than anything else is drinking and driving. Nothing good ever comes of it and you put others at risk when you make the decision to get behind the wheel drunk. Jake was extremely luck, that accident could have been much worse. He definitely learned his lesson and decided not to drink after that day. Although, he does have to live with never being able to talk again. But somehow, his accident brings him even closer to the girl he's been in love with forever, Samantha Shay. He soon realizes that something is going on with Sam and she won't tell anyone what it is. People are not always who you think they are.

I thought that this book was very well written. It was pretty hard to put down and I really enjoy Keary Taylor's writing style. It makes you realize that you can't take anything for granted. Life is always changing, not always for the best. What I Didn't Say is definitely a book that I will be recommending. It is an adorable love story, but not everything goes smoothly. It's fairly quickly paced and I enjoyed that there were flashbacks and it that it's written like a countdown. If you like realistic fiction, you definitely should read this!

Review: Lost Girls by Ann Kelley

Lost Girls

Author: Ann Kelley

Publication Date: July 10th, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Historical Fiction / Survival / Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

No parents. No rules. No way home. Fourteen-year-old Bonnie MacDonald couldn't be more excited for a camping trip on an island off the coast of Thailand with her fellow Amelia Earhart Cadets-the daughters of the men and women stationed there during the Vietnam War. But when a strong current deposits the girls on what their boatman calls the "forbidden island," things take a turn for the worse: A powerful storm comes to destroy their campsite, the smallest of the junior cadets is found dead, and their boatman never returns. What once seemed like a vacation in paradise has become a battle against the elements. Peppered with short, frantic entries from Bonnie's journal, Lost Girls is a page-turning, heart-pounding adventure story about a group of teen girls fighting for their lives.

My Thoughts: >I'm honestly not sure how to categorize this book in genre. It has nothing to do with the book itself, it was actually a really, really good story and I really enjoyed reading it. But it's based in the 1970's, so that would make it historical fiction, right? Apparently it's also based off of true events and it is entirely possible that this could happen either way, so that would make it realistic ficton, right? Then it's a fight for survival, so it's pretty easy to label it as a survival book. I just have to come to  the conclusion that it's all of these, besides, most books are a mixture of genres now anyways.

Ann Kelley has shown me a  tropical world and how harsh it can be. I really felt sorry for Bonnie and the other girls in Lost Girls. They were all excited to go on a camping trip, but then there is a  storm and they get swept far past their target campground and to a supposedly "forbidden" island. Then on their first night there, there is a storm that was probably a hurricane and they lose the first girl. It was even more disheartening when they discovered  that the boatman crashed on the rocks and never made it back, so no one knows where they are. The entire story is a battle against the elements and dangers of the rain forest, and there are many. The girls have to think of a way to survive and find enough food, water and shelter. Their guide has given up hope and spends all of her time drinking and getting high. What can they do when the only adult isn't sober enough to help out?

I have to say that I really liked the writing style of this book. It's littered with journal entries from Bonnie's (the protagonists) journal. So we get to see exactly how she feels about the situation and others and her desperate wishes of rescue. I found it relatively fast-paced, although there were a few slower parts, I managed to get through  this book in a day. Having read Lord of  the Flies, I was making comparisons. It was hard not to. And while they are very similar books, they are both very different and have their own elements that keep you guessing about what will happen next. Lost Girls even referenced Lord of the Flies a couple of times. I did end up feeling a connection with Bonnie, so I was always hoping for rescue for her. So that was another thing about the writing I enjoyed, I like to be able to feel with the characters, and I definitely could in  this one.

So is this a book you should read? I think so. It's a good read about survival, and based off of truth, so more bonus points there. I think if you've read and enjoyed Lord of  the Flies, that you will probably enjoy this one as well. Or if you just like realistic fiction and stories about survival. So yes, this is a book that I recommend, you should read it. Have you ever read anything similar that you think I should read? I'm really enjoying these types of books at the moment.

Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went
(If I Stay #2)

Author: Gayle Forman

Publication Date: November 4th, 2010

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Realistic Fiction / Contemporary

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Synopsis:

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.

My Thoughts: Where She Went takes place three years after Mia's accident and answers the question everyone has been wondering, "what happened next?". Well I know I was wondering at least. Once again Gayle Forman wrote a wonderful and heartfelt story. This time though we aren't following Mia around, but Adam. Poor, poor Adam whose life has never been the same since that devastating day. Although not as much of a tear jerker, there were still some tears streaming down my face (maybe I'm just super emotional, eh?) and it was another that was difficult to put down.

So in the three years, Adam's band has become super famous and you would think that he would be super happy. Nope, he is totally miserable. Why? When Mia went to Julliard, she just dropped him. She stopped calling and never went back to Oregon, not even to visit her grandparents. So Adam begins to fall into this depression and his life is pretty bad for awhile, until Shooting Star makes it big. But then, he can't handle the pressure of being famous and is constantly having anxiety attacks. He's not happy because something is missing. That thing is Mia. He never got to say goodbye, never got a reason why. She just left. So on his last night in New York, he goes to Carnegie Hall to listen to Mia play. She learns he's there and asks someone to bring him back to her dressing room. Can he face her after all these years? Will she tell him why? Will one night change everything for them both?

I really enjoyed how this book followed around Adam this time. Considering he is the one who was left  in terrible shape after everything happened, even three years later.  Gayle Forman does well with writing from a male's PoV, sometimes it doesn't seem as good when female authors write a male PoV and vice versa, but she does it really well. Once again she has written beautifully and makes you really connect with  the characters. I will definitely be looking out for more by her. 

Overall I really enjoyed Where She Went. Not as much as If I Stay, but still really enjoyed it. I'm so glad that I had both books so that I could pick up this one immediately after finishing the first because I really needed to find out what happened after Mia woke up. I definitely recommend this book to everyone, as it is an amazing story and so heartfelt. It's a great short read for a rainy day and will most likely be one I read again. Have you read this series? What did you think? Did you like the ending? (without giving any spoilers please :) ) I sure did!!

Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
(If I Stay #1)

Author: Gayle Forman

Publication Date: January 1st, 2009

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Realistic Fiction / Contemporary

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Synopsis:

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

My Thoughts: If I Stay is probably one of the most heart-wrenching, beautifully written, amazing books that I have ever read. Every one kept telling me to make sure I had a box of Kleenex when I read it. Yes, you definitely need it. I have this thing where I never remember to read the synopsis of a book before I read it. Like, I've read it before  when adding the book to my TBR, but generally forget what it's supposed to be about, just that I wanted to read it.  Well, I forgot again with this and therefore didn't realize there was going to be an accident. All I can say is Gayle Forman has written something amazing. This book it definitely going to be one of my favorites for this year I think, it was just so good. 

If I Stay revolves around Mia, the protagonist, as she experiences an out of body experience after a tragic accident while driving with her family to visit friends. It takes her awhile to realize that she's not ok, about until she finds her own broken body laying on the ground, and then she thinks she died. She didn't die and follows her body to the hospital where she watches as the doctors try to save her and as her family and friends wait patiently for her to awake from her coma. The story takes place over a 24 hour period and constantly alternates between the present and past. After the accident, every time there was a scene from the present I literally had tears streaming down my face. Mia faces a choice. Stay and live, or move on. She doesn't know which she should pick. 

Gayle Forman is an extremely talented writer. Her writing style makes you fall in love with Mia and suffer with her. I was so emotionally attached to the story and just couldn't put it down. I'm extremely glad that I have the second book, Where She Went to read because I just need to know what happens next. If I Stay left off at a point that leaves a lot of questions going through my mind, but since it was so amazing, I have high hopes for the next one. 

So if you haven't figured it out yet. Yes, I completely LOVED this book. I will probably read it again. Sometimes I just need a really good cry and this book definitely helps get that out. Maybe too much. I had to keep wiping off my tears since there were so many. My shirt was getting soaked. I think this is a great book to buy and I'm so glad I own a copy because I will definitely be recommending and lending and rereading. So should you read this? Yes, yes you should. 

Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Author: John Green & David Levithan

Publication Date: April 6th, 2010

Publisher: Dutton Children's

Genre: Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

My Thoughts: Will Grayson, Will Grayson was a quick, fun read. I haven't read any thing by David Levithan before, so this was a nice little peak into his writing for me. I have read and loved John Green before though! I really enjoyed this book. I seem to really be getting into realistic fiction, I guess I just like how some stories can be true. I actually had the same name as my sister in law for awhile, obviously I married into it, but it was kinda cool for a bit. 

The story revolves around the two Will Graysons, both of whom seem to have a lot of issues. One is depressed and hasn't come out (he's gay), the other has two rules he lives by: 1. No caring about anyone/thing. 2. Shut up. So they are both interesting characters and the authors make them come alive. They both have a lot of learning they have to go through throughout the book, but they get there. Things seem to be a bit better for both in the end.

I won't lie, I shed a few tears while reading. I just connected with the Will Graysons so well. Both of them are quite different from each other, but they both do have some issues in their lives. I love how much things change after their meeting for them. Also, the last scene of the book was just so awesome. I would read it again just for that. I love how everyone comes together for it.  

I have to say that I really enjoyed the writing style of these two authors and will for sure be reading more of their works. Having two great authors come together to create something awesome is always good. Overall, this is definitely a book you should check out if you like realistic fiction. Definitely going to be recommending this one.

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publication Date: January 10th, 2012

Publisher: Dutton Books

Genre: Realistic Fiction

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Synopsis:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

My Thoughts: John Green is a literary genius. I had never read one of his books before, but I will definitely be adding more  to my TBR list, which is growing faster than it goes down. The Fault in Our Stars is heart wrenching. I had to keep stopping because I was starting to cry and couldn't continue reading.