AN ASTRONAUT'S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH by Col. Chris Hadfield

I am a sucker for books about space. Even though after watching "Gravity," I have decided I have no interest in going to space myself until it looks like "Star Trek."  After hearing Hadfield speak on NPR and other news outlets, I was really excited to read this book.

In his book, Hadfield talks about the long road he took to become an astronaut and all the hard work and sacrifices that the endeavor entailed.  He details the focus he had to have, the breadth of knowledge, the ongoing (and neverending) education and training, the tedium, the teamwork and all of the many other aspects of an astronaut's life.  He includes many interesting anecdotes about his time in space including a spacewalk that didn't go as planned.  The reader also sees the effects that such a career can have on an astronaut's family and friends. It is a massive undertaking and one that is not undertaken lightly.  Hadfield mixes in a self-help angle into this memoir by talking about character traits that make a person not only successful as an astronaut but successful in life in general.  He deftly translates how the character traits that made him a good astronaut help him to succeed on Earth as well. I think this is what would make this book such a good young adult read. Almost all of us see the life of an astronaut as glamorous and I think most teenagers would be impressed with Hadfield's anecdotes. However, they would also see exactly the kind of work and character traits required to succeed in such a job. 

Bottom Line:  RECOMMENDED. A great read that is part astronaut-memoir and part self-help book. It gave me a greater appreciation for just how hard astronauts work and the teamwork involved in every space mission. 

FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

Cath and her twin sister Wren have been fans of the Simon Snow books for years. (think "Harry Potter")  The two sisters are now heading off to college and Wren is ready to reinvent herself while Cath is petrified of all the new social obstacles ahead.  When Wren decides to room with someone other than her twin, Cath must learn to deal with a complete stranger as her roommate.  Finding college to be especially difficult for an almost phobic introvert, Cath often find herself retreating in her world of Simon Snow fanfiction where her stories about a gay romance between Simon Snow and his nemesis Baz (think "Harry Potter" and "Draco Malfoy") have gathered a huge fan following over the years. While quite a few people try to draw Cath out including her roommate, a fellow writing class student and even her writing professor, Cath prefers to retreat in the fantasy fanfic world of Simon Snow.  But when things start falling apart at home and Cath meets a real-life guy who may be the match of the fictional Simon Snow in her life, all bets are off.

This is a really sweet young adult offering that captures what college can be like for those who aren't as socially-inclined.  I think Cath is a wonderful character and  you can't help but root for her as she learns to navigate not only the challenges of college but also the changing relationships that she has with her high school boyfriend, her sister and her father. I thought it was a really charming book although I felt that it ended too abruptly.  It seemed like there should have been more.

I hope that Rainbow Rowell will revisit these characters in a sequel. I'd love to hear more about Cath and all the people in her world (both fictional and real).


BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. Charming young adult offering that will appeal to adults as well.




PARENTAL ADVISORY with spoilers:

Cath deals with complex issues arising from entering college and becoming an adult. Her father struggles with mental illness and her sister becomes an alcoholic who nearly dies of alcohol poisoning.  Cath also struggles with her own feelings of desire and fear of physical intimacy when she gets involved in a relationship.  While there is nothing explicit in terms of sex, it IS mentioned along with college underage drinking.

DEATH OF BEES by Lisa O'Donnell

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

This book was a real surprise to me.  It is not your average coming-of-age story.  The book begins with sisters Marnie and her younger sister Nelly burying their parents in the backyard.  We don't find out until later what happened to their parents.  Marnie is on the verge of turning 16 and will soon be considered a legal adult and able to care for her younger sister. (who seems to have some sort of autism-like disability)  Until then, the two sisters try to hide the fact that their parents are dead so that they will not be separated.  Their next-door neighbor, an elderly gay man labeled as a sex offender, begins to suspect that something is amiss with the two girls next door.  Their lives intersect in surprising ways.

This book comes off as a bit macabre as a coming-of-age story but I found it both compelling and effective.  The book is filled with lost souls who come together in unexpected ways.  Marnie's story is so heartbreaking. She is clearly a good kid in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.  And help doesn't always come in a traditional form.  Nelly, on the other hand, seems oblivious to the world around her and operates on a different plane which makes it even more difficult for Marnie. I loved how the story unfolded and how heartbreaking it was.  I found myself caring for characters that seemed so rough on the outside that I probably wouldn't give them a second glance in real life.  O'Donnell does a wonderful job of moving us beyond the external characteristics of these people and giving insight into their souls.

I am tagging this as "young adult" novel because I think it may be very appropriate for many young adult readers.  However, I must warn you that the book contains sex, drugs and suicide.  These are all damaged people trying to make the best of their lives and situations.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended.  A very unusual and unexpectedly moving story about a young girl thrust into adulthood before her time.

AGE OF MIRACLES by Karen Thompson Walker

It is no secret that I love a good apocalyptic novel.  There seems to be a very large number of new books in this genre coming out in the Young Adult book world lately.  Although AGE OF MIRACLES is not technically a young adult title, I think it works most successfully at that level. At first glance, Walker's book appears to be a clever take on the Apocalyptic genre.  However, I would argue that this is much more a coming-of-age story that just happens to take place when the world is falling apart.

One morning, Julia awakens to discover that the rotation of the Earth has suddenly begun to slow. At first, everything stays relatively normal as people grapple with the implications of this change.  Slowly, however, as the days and nights begin to lengthen, the world must figure out how to adapt.  The 24-hour clock no longer applies and living things are beginning to be affected by the change.  The world splits into factions as people try to decide how to deal with the changes.  As the Earth's rotation continues to slow, normal life is suspended.  In the midst of all these changes, Julia deals with the everyday issues of a young teen's life--her parents' struggling marriage, bullying, first love.  It is in these moments that the book is most poignant. This period of time in a yong person's life is already fraught with change.  To juxtapose this period of growth with the slowing of the Earth's rotation makes for a wonderful story.  However, I was left wanting more.  I wish Walker had gone in a different direction with some of her storylines.  I did really like the idea of the slowing of the Earth's rotation.  It is frightening in that no one can escape this catastrophe and it affects everything. Very chilling and very moving.

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended. A lovely coming-of-age tale that takes place in a period of great change and loss. I think this book works best as a young adult title but there is something to enjoy for everyone.

Do You Sparkle?

Read my review for Sparkle Stories on my creative blog.  It's our new favorite thing!!!

BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY by Ruta Sepetys

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

There have been many wonderful young adult novels written about WWII. However, I cannot think of any that address what the Baltic countries went through under Stalin.  I was so pleased to get a copy of this fictional account of the forcible relocation of some Lithuanians after the Russian invasion of their country in 1939.  16-yr-old Lina and her mother and younger brother are taken from their home by soldiers and taken to a Siberian labor camp. Lina tries to maintain her dignity and sanity by using art to chronicle her harrowing journey and tell the story of what happened to her family.  I don't want to give too much away about the plot of this wonderful book. The journey of Lina and her family is incredibly moving and tragic.  Their endure unspeakable hardships and try to cling to shreds of hope that help them to survive.  The book highlights a group of people that history has tended to sideline and reveals the story of what happened to many of the people who were forcibly displaced from their homes under Stalin.

This is a beautiful book and often had me crying.  My only complaint was that it wrapped up too quickly.  I couldn't believe it when the ending came.  There were so many unanswered questions and things I wanted to know. We never learn the fate of several of the characters in the book and that was frustrating for me.  Still, it is a minor complaint in an overall excellent book.

*PARENTAL ADVISORY with spoilers* This book is appropriate for high school age young adults and some younger readers with supervision.  There is a great deal of violence and several characters are killed including a newborn baby and its mother.  There is the threat of rape although it does not actually take place. Some of the images may be difficult for young readers.  However, the book reveals truths about a horrible time and place that I feel it is important for young adults to know about and understand.

BOTTOM LINE: Highly recommended. Extremely well done.  Excellent characters and a story that pulls you in and doesn't let you go.  A very powerful work.

BOOK OF TOMORROW by Cecilia Ahern

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

16-year-old Tamara Goodwin is a spoiled selfish brat.  She has everything and appreciates nothing. When her life is turned upside down but the suicide of her father, Tamara has to start growing up. After the suicide, Tamara and her mother lose their home as a result of her father's death. They must leave Dublin go to live with relatives in a small gatehouse on the grounds of a crumbling castle.  As Tamara comes to terms with her new life, she starts to discover small mysteries around her new home.  Her mother never comes out of her room as she is crippled with depression so Tamara is left to figure things out on her own. During Tamara's explorations of her new home, she discovers the local traveling library. She grabs a book that catches her eye and only notices later that the book is locked.  When the book is unlocked, it turns out to be a blank journal. Before Tamara has the chance to use it, however, the book starts to fill itself in---with Tamara's handwriting and an account of the NEXT day.  This magical preview of the day to come allows Tamara to start asking questions and exploring and learning more about her and her mother's past.  Each day, Tamara gets another sneek preview of tomorrow and each day she unravels a bit more about the mystery surrounding the castle and her own past.

This book immediately reminded me of Kate Morton's THE DISTANT HOURS.  It follows many of the same themes but in a more "young adult" format.  Tamara is a very unpleasant and spoiled individual who is completely unlikeable. However, when she first cracks open the journal about 100 pages in, the story really gets going and Tamara starts to become more interesting.  While this book skews much more towards a young adult book than adult fiction, it can be a pleasurable read for both.  I found Tamara's story and the mysteries uncovered by the journal very compelling and I couldn't wait to see what would happen.   It is a great story about families and the secrets we can keep.

*PARENTAL ADVISORY*  There are instances of underage drinking, drug use and sex in this book.  While nothing is especially explicit, it is worthwhile to note that these things are in the book.  However, I don't feel there is anything really inappropriate for older teenagers. Tamara deals with many of the same issues that most teens her age do. I also appreciate the fact that she seems to learn from her mistakes.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. A surprisingly enjoyable read that works for both young adults and adults.  While it starts out a bit rocky, the book really manages to find its voice about 100 pages in and provides the reader with a great mystery about one girl's family.



VIXEN (The Flappers Series) by Jillian Larkin

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I am very picky about my young adult fiction. I'm always looking for books in this genre that are original and don't speak down to their readers. I was intrigued by this new Flapper series because I loved the idea of looking at the lives of young adults in the 1920's.  It is such a fascinating era of change and liberation, especially for women. 

In the first book of the series, VIXEN, we are introduced to several young flapper wannabes.  Gloria Carmody is a coddled 17-yr-old socialite who is engaged to be married to prominent young bachelor Sebastian Grey.  Gloria is unsure about her life and marriage and starts dabbling in the world of speakeasies.  Her friend, Lorraine Dyer, is envious of Gloria and always seeking to get attention and climb out of Gloria's shadow.  Gloria's cousin, Clara Knowles, arrives to help keep Gloria in check and make sure she marries Sebastian but Gloria has a secret wild flapper past of her own.  These three women get caught up in Chicago's underground world of speakeasies and flappers with mixed results.

I love the use of 1920's slang and detail in the book. Larkin is very good at setting the tone.  She reveals how even 80 years ago, young adults were dealing with the same sorts of issues that we struggle with today.  These women wrestle with sex, alcohol and rock 'n' roll. (only in the form of jazz at this time)  One of my problems with the novel, however, is that the only likeable character is Clara.  Clara is seeking to overcome her past and start over.  She is flawed but genuine. Gloria is just annoying and thoughtless.  Lorraine is a rotten friend and her constant need for attention is tiresome. The men in the book don't fare any better. Sebastian is a jerk.  Gloria's friend Marcus is a spoiled brat. Even Gloria's secret lover comes off as too cliched. The book felt very much to me like a teenaged version of DANGEROUS LIAISONS set in the Roaring 20's.  But it fails to reach any real depth.

*PARENTAL ADVISORY*--The young people in the book are in their late teens and early twenties. They drink heavily, they are disrepectful to their parents, they have illicit sex and smoke like chimneys.  It is naive to think that young people don't struggle with these issues today and I don't think a book should be written off because they depict these things. However, none of the characters seem to really learn anything except for Clara. They just continue on with their irresponsible behaviors.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended with reservations.  I think this series is original but the whole thing fell flat for me.  The characters are wooden and boring and not likeable. However, I would be interested in reading more and seeing how the series develops.

I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENT by Josh Lieb

To the people around him, 7th-grader Oliver appears to be the fattest dumbest kid in school.  Little do they know that he is an evil genius who has built an empire making him the third-richest person in the world.  Josh Lieb, one of the producers of the DAILY SHOW, is the creator of this fun young adult title. 

What is great about this book is that kids will love the idea of Oliver being an actual evil genius.  While children often feel impotent and unable to do the things they want to do, Oliver offers the chance for them to live vicariously through the life of the most powerful kid in the world.   Oliver is content to live quietly as an evil genius while tricking the people around him (including his parents) into thinking is a fat simpleton. When the opportunity presents itself to run for class president, Oliver sees the chance to get his father's attention and get a little revenge in the process.

Much of this book will be over the heads of younger readers.  As an adult, I found many moments to be laugh-out-loud funny. The black and white photographic plates scattered throughout the book are an extra bonus.  Oliver is not an entirely likeable individual. He reminds me a great deal of Stewie from FAMILY GUY.  However, there is an unexpected component in the book about a boy trying to get validation from his father that is very sweet.  Even evil geniuses need their dads.

This book will be released in October 2009 and has been optioned for a movie.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended for older young adult readers.  A fun spin on the young adult genre that adults may enjoy as well.

Parent Advisory:  Only one possibly objectionable word:  "jackass."  Lots of scatalogical humor. Some sensuality. Plot devices of kids getting the best of and making fools of adults.

HUSH HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick

I received a copy of this Young Adult title through Barnes and Noble's First Look program. The premise of the book intrigued me.

Bookish Nora Grey leads a quiet teenage life until bad boy Patch shows up in school one day. When Nora and Patch are partnered up for health class, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him in spite of herself. When Nora is subjected to a serious of bizarre and frightening encounters, she begins to suspect that Patch is more than he seems. Nora finds herself caught in a battle of immortals and fallen angels and she doesn't know who she can trust.

While this book will probably draw inevitable comparisons to the TWILIGHT series, I think the subject of fallen angels is a creative and fascinating one. Fitzpatrick draws on apocryphal material to engage readers and create an interesting take on an old topic. While some of the characters may come off as stock, the story is action-packed and the ending is clever and leaves the reader wanting more.

This young adult title will be released on October 13, 2009.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. While older readers may not find enough content in this book, it is a quick entertaining read and a good recommendation for fans of TWILIGHT who are looking for something new to read.