Review: A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

A Song for Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: December 2, 2012
Series: Thompson Sisters #1
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Cincinnatus Press
Source: Purchased
Pages: 376
Format: eBook
Purchase At: Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

My Review

This book is all about music and how it transforms lives. The romance at the core of A Song for Julia is realistic and one I found myself relating to, loving, and cheering.

I went in with an idea of what I thought the book would be like: guy meets introverted girl, guy proceeds to woo girl out of her oyster shell...you know the drill. I'm not saying that Sheehan-Miles's novel is revolutionary, it accomplishes much the same of what the traditional (well-written) New Adult contemporary romance novel at least sets out to do. I wasn't blown away by the plot per se, that I could see coming, but the story is worthy of mention. It had substance, and Sheehan-Miles's multifaceted characters were interesting to read about because they got my heart involved. Julia's story made me bawl, Crank made me swoon and Sheehan-Miles officially rid me of my bias against male authors writing romance fiction.

Way to go, man!

Read this book for its dimensions, for the struggle and ultimately, Julia and Crank's triumph. This is New Adult done right, tender and heartfelt written literature that has made me such a fan of the author. I cannot wait to read more of what Sheehan-Miles has in store! I was probably halfway through A Song for Julia when I bought the second book in this series. The idea of writing about the Thompson sisters seems pretty brilliant to me, especially since Alex's journey is next on my to be read list.

You should read this book, if you like a well-written story with funny, conflicted characters in hard situations and romance that leaves you smiling, read this book. It's New Adult so 18 years and older please, the subject matter is mature so keep that in mind. This is a solid 4/5 from my end!

I can't think of a reason not to enjoy this book, it absolutely worked for me, 4/5 genies!

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: January 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Dutton Books
Source: Purchased
Pages: 313
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: Amazon.com or The Book Depository

Goodreads Summary

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

This is the way I look at it:

This whole book deserves to be one giant quote all on its own. I look at it and think how The Fault in our Stars as a work actually proves that literature can touch lives, a complete testament to John Green's brilliance. The Stars have it - 5 out of 5 - and I kind of have no words right now to explain how truly impressed I am with this novel.



But really I do, have words that is, or else this wouldn't be a very good review. The thing is, I don't know what to say of this book that hasn't been said already:

You should read it! It will blow your mind! Read it now smart ass, what are you waiting for!?

See? Everything has been said before. Except maybe that last part, that was all me. In truth, the multiple glowing reviews are largely responsible for why I picked the book up in the first place. It was a case of the whole blogosphere raving like mad about John Green, his books, writing, and me being clueless.

bloggers: This book is fantastic! Whooooooooooooo!
Me: Hm. The Fault in Our Stars, never heard of it before.
bloggers: What rock have you been living under?

And before I answer that question, spilling the beans on the locale of my hermit rock and all, 457 Lives in a Hole, Loner Street Toronto, I trust the majority of you get the point. This was the book everyone was dying a little over and I had to read it. Trust me, I am very glad I did. Everything you've heard? Forget it now if you still haven't read the book; those words of praise cannot possibly live up to the total awesomeness that is The Fault in Our Stars. To be frank, you need to read this book yourself and be blown away like the rest of us.

A Quick Overview.

The writing: Superb. Expect it now that when you start reading you will most definitely NOT want to stop.

The characters: Are heart-wrenching, breath-taking and wholly realistic. All of them, every single one of those people in that book touched me. That lasting effect even after the last page is turned, that is what lets me know a book phenomenal.

The subject matter: Was handled to perfection, John Green engaged the topic of cancer and loss with a wit and cleverness that really makes this book shine. If you couldn't tell before, I totes have a crush on this author!

As for the world he created, I absolutely adored Augustus Waters, his antics as well as his patent over-the-top nature. There was just so much to be sad about, what with death being of primary focus, and having the author utilize humour to make the subject matter more manageable made me digest easier the sadness. Cancer is no joke, but certainly no one writes it, the desease acting as a catalyst for the tender romance, like John Green.

The way he wrote them, Hazel and Augustus were beyond cute, the two being perfect example of soul-mates done right. They didn't NEED each other to survive, rather they were their own people in a lot of ways, but I - and apparently all the other fans of this novel - would much rather see them be together. I never realized the toll cancer takes on not only those infected, but their families also; reading The Fault in Our Stars was a huge eye-opener to the realities and harsh struggle families of cancer victims face. At the end I left with a greater respect of all it is that they go through.

I was so emotionally spent by the time I finished reading...I can guarantee that The Fault in Our Stars will find a way to break your heart, and not only will you enjoy it, but you will want more. This book will make a fractured mess of your heart, and I know this because it completely shattered mine.

Yet... I crave a sequel set in an alternate universe, something that does right by Augustus and Hazel by ridding away with the cancers altogether. Takers anyone?

I thought you might see things my way, but alas, this is cannot be! We would all like a different ending, but the pervading sense of realism seen in The Fault in Our Stars is equally responsible for the widespread adoration of this novel. Nothing would make me happier than to elaborate, telling you why the book is realistic, and sure I could if everyone reading this already read the book, but for those of you who haven't had the chance to meet Augustus, Hazel, their parents or even Van Houten, I dare not ruin it for you.

So...hurry up and read it!

5/5 genies: I recommend this book. Hell, I am in love with it! A favourite for sure, I can only hope that you pick it up and enjoy it too. 

********GIVEAWAY*******

Also, check out this giveaway for Shawn Mihalik's The Flute Player and my review too if you haven't. Thanks and take care guys, love you lots!

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Waiting on Wednesday (8): One by Leigh Ann Kopans

*Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill@Breaking the Spine and is a weekly meme allowing for bloggers to connect and share their most anticipated reads.*

Hi Loves,

This week I'm waiting on...

One by Leigh Ann Kopans
Release Date: June 11, 2013

Goodreads Summary

When having two powers makes you a Super and having none makes you a Normal, having only one makes you a sad half-superpowered freak.

It makes you a One.

Sixteen-year-old Merrin Grey would love to be able to fly – too bad all she can do is hover.

If she could just land an internship at the Biotech Hub, she might finally figure out how to fix herself. She busts her butt in AP Chem and salivates over the Hub’s research on the manifestation of superpowers, all in hopes of boosting her chances.

Then she meets Elias VanDyne, another One, and all her carefully crafted plans fly out the window. Literally. When the two of them touch, their Ones combine to make them fly, and when they’re not soaring over the Nebraska cornfields, they’re busy falling for each other.

Merrin's mad chemistry skills land her a spot on the Hub's internship short list, but as she gets closer to the life she always wanted, she discovers that the Hub’s purpose is more sinister than it has always seemed. Now it’s up to her to decide if it's more important to fly solo, or to save everything - and everyone - she loves.

Why I'm Waiting: I feel like if the summary/premise doesn't grab you with this book, then the stunning cover definitely will. It reminds me of Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger just because of the cover and the overall concept of super-human flight. This one is really pretty and I have my fingers crossed tight that the wait will be worth it! What do you think, and what are you waiting on? 

XX,

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard
My rating: 2 of 5 genies
Published: January 1, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance
Pages: 371
Publisher: Amulet Books
Format: Hardback
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

My Review

Cover: 4/5
Characters: 1/5
Plot: 1/5
Setting: 4/5
Overall: 2/5

** Technically, or according to my botched-up rating system, this book should be more around 3.25 rating-wise, but because it is a totally inaccurate representation of how I feel right now, I am going over its head.**



You mad bro? Ha.

Long story short, I could not finish this book. Regard this as a DNF Review and take my word with the customary grain of salt, but Splintered did not work for me. I think I went in expecting my mind to be blown, you know rainbow unicorn kisses and all that shiz.

*Sigh* If only life were magical...



Where's my unicorn?

I'm sorry to say, but it wasn't there for me. The magic, I mean. Ally isn't the protagonist I thought she would be, not kick-ass at all, and the love interest is compared to her FATHER so kill me now. Maybe it's because characters and romance in any book are such HUGE factors for me; if the romance is some limp dead thing the author is constantly trying to resuscitate throughout the novel, I will not finish the book. If the characters just trudge around being unspectacular, I will not finish the book. If I think that there are other books I could be enjoying instead of the book in question...well, I think you guessed where this is going.

I still feel confused, though, that I didn't like it. Most people love the book and I'm like that one weird person in all the world who doesn't like chocolate. Somebody hold me?



Damnit! This is too depressing.

What I liked

The world-building is beautiful, and A.G. Howard is absolutely brilliant in the way she twists one of my all-time favourite children's books into a place more frightening and mystical than I could have ever imagined. I think my mouth gaped WIDE at what she was doing to the already insane environment of Wonderland, its Rabid White, Octobenus...everything. This author can write, and I certainly will look at other books by her in the future. She has a gift, and I can't wait to see her write more.

The book itself is also really pretty! With a splendid cover and great typography, there isn't much not to love by way of presentation. This isn't a purchase I regret either because Splintered was a reasonable buy and makes my bookshelf look good. Although, I would recommend you lend it from a library/friend if you're short on cash and aren't 100% sold that it's for you.

All in all, Splintered gives a refreshing spin on the whole Alice in Wonderland story. The "curse" is a great touch, and Howard making Alice too young at the time to fully understand/cope with the gruesome reality of the land really adds a to my perception of Alice as a whole. This book offered a great escape, even though it didn't work for me.

But then Again...

The Jeb crap - his imposition in Ally's life, interfering with her dreams due to selfish motives - and the "skater girl" crap, which grew patronizing after a while, all annoyed me. Like I said, him being compared to her dad - and having lunch with him to discuss her future - did not help things.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the main characters. I like Ally's mom, she sacrifices so much for her family, and her dad is like the best YA dad of 2013 so far, but those two and Morpheus were the only characters I saw myself warming up to. In my mind, Jeb looks like a very shaggy St. Bernard with all his overgrown hair, and I wasn't feeling his "bad-boy" vibe. I've seen better.

Overall

Splintered is a creative re-imagining of a beloved classic with fresh, gruesome twists that will enthral many readers; I'm just disappointed it didn't entertain me.

2 genies: I could have, and SHOULD have, liked this book. Unfortunately, because of reasons already covered above, I didn't.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 2 of 5 genies
Published: August 14, 2012
Pages: 416
Publisher: Atria Books
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Goodreads Summary

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Thoughts 
(The Jersey Shore Edition)

Cover: 3/5 (it really is pretty, probably my favourite thing about this book!)
Characters: 1/5
Plot: 1.5/5
Setting: 2/5
Overall: 2/5


I wanted to get around to this after letting myself breathe a bit, mainly because, had I written this review the day I finally put down Beautiful Disaster, it would have been more of a rant than it is now. Regardless of my ranting ways, I promise to try and make this the best overall summary/critique of the reading.

Where to begin...

This is the kind of book that really makes you think. Let me properly rephrase that, this book should make many readers think, re-evaluating what women supposedly perceive as attractive/desirable characteristics and attributes in men. *Ahem* I had a problem with Travis Maddox. I'm putting it out there now, because quite frankly, "Trav" reminds me a lot of Ronnie from the Jersey Shore. Yes, the big hunk of demanding, over-controlling, boozing and womanising burning love. His relationship with Abby...let's just say, I could see the "Disaster" part just fine, but "Beautiful"? Not so much.

SPOILER!!
*Highlight to view spoiler: Since when was branding yourself for someone, in order to prove devotion, beautiful? I get that people have tattoos for reasons along this line, but somehow, McGuire really unsettled me by allowing Abby to do something like this for Travis, only to have him be so jumpy and anxious about their relationship still, i.e. the final airport scene. It felt like Abby got the tattoo more so for Travis, to prove that she was "his" even after they'd just gotten married.
*

It felt like a roller-coaster with these two; one minute they're together, the next they're yelling and being pissed. This is why it reminds me of Sammi and Ron, they fight ALL THE TIME and hate each other ALMOST AS OFTEN but still stay together. He isn't good for her, and she isn't the best for him, but they stay together because both want to be on Lifetime Television someday. Let me repeat, tortured, destructive love isn't love; it is something else entirely.

I just don't get Travis. He has all of this pent-up rage and aggression, but why? I thought for sure that it would be linked somehow to his dad and brothers beating on him when he was younger, but no. Trav has a decent relationship with them, and they love Abby. So why? It can't be because of his mom. I saw that McGuire tried weaselling that little excuse there, but that didn't work. She gave him this uncontrollable tempter without a reason to go with it. Travis was the bad boy I should have loved, bad attitude, tattoos every which way, abs of Adonis...And yet, it was a bit too much, his badness wasn't of the endearing sort.

He goes around flying his fists at people like some overgrown Hulk, beating up any guy that dare cross shadows with Abby, but he ends up losing his edge, and a rebel without a cause isn't much to look at. By the end, I didn't care that he was "hot" or whatever, Travis's attitude and borderline threatening nature had me running for the hills. Ladies of the universe, hear me cry: I. Will. Never. Marry. A. Travis. Maddox.



Excuse me if this isn't all that attractive:




Nope. It just wasn't there for me.

To be fair, Abby wasn't all that better, there is a reason she brought to mind Sammi Giancola. Abby is the kind of character everyone says is nice, but she does little to prove it. I can think of one incident - Thanksgiving - and that is about as sweet as she gets. I think she's a decent person, but with a penchant for giving into Travis's demands, if not totally encouraging him.

Abby: "No, Travis, your behaviour is crazy. Go away!"

Travis: "But I love you, Pidge."

The next day he's with another woman. Abby finds out.

Abby: "I hate you, Travis!"

Travis: (confused) "But I thought we were through, what's going on, Pidge? I love you!"

*Ahem* Excuse me, please, but:


It never ends.

Eesh. Just no. I had it, with the fighting and making up, then breaking up and making up. And the reason I say that Abby plays him too is because she kind of teases him along, saying one thing but meaning another.

SPOILER!!
*Highlight to view spoiler:****Losing your virginity to a guy you plan on never seeing as more than a friend makes sense, how? I thought sex and first times used to mean something.****
*
[Losing your virginity to a guy you plan on never seeing as more than a friend makes sense, how? I thought sex and first times used to mean something. (hide spoiler)] I couldn't see the love anywhere. Just sex, and drinking, then sex, and if I wanted that, there would be no need to read. Television covers that just fine, thanks.

I'm disappointed, mainly because I went in expecting a lot more than I got. Truthfully, the writing isn't bad, I give it to McGguire that with better material she could be a great writer, but Beautiful Disaster wasn't it. Besides its beautiful cover gorgeous butterfly, the plot was sorely lacking and side characters - U.N. officiates America and Brazil - as well as Shepley and Parker were like sprinkles of annoyance in my peripheral reading vision. Excluding America, who totally loses it on Travis, they all gave into him somehow. I guess I just don't see what the fuss is about. I've read the book, finally, because I've been dying to ever since the premise came out last year, but I came, I saw, and...meh. There isn't much to write home about.

In conclusion, there is a second book coming out, one telling the first story through Travis's eyes, and I'm interested to see what he was thinking throughout all of this. Also why the nick-name "Pidge"? It would be interesting to know, but I would have more so appreciated the added perspective had it been provided in this book; maybe I would have liked Travis more. We can dream, right? All in all, this book indeed felt like an episode of Jersey Shore, but on its better days. We have clubbing, over-drinking, loud crass behaviour, and of course, insistent arguing between couples. It makes for entertaining reading, but lacks substance. My apologies if I strayed from the aim of keeping this review rant-free, but hopefully you get the idea.

2 genies: I wanted to like this, I really did, but too much was left under-developed.

There was far more worse than good. This book could have been better.

Thanks for reading, stay Literate!

XX,