Dusk Til Dawn Read-A-Thon

I decided that I would join the Dusk Til Dawn Read-A-Thon.  I spend alot of time reading anyway, and this sounded like fun.  You can find out more about it and signing up by clicking on the banner to the right.

I'm planning on trying to get through:

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

Like that will even be possible, considering I have to work too.  Sheesh, why couldn't I have been born independently wealthy.  I could spend my days reading and writing, and working if I choose to. ;o)  C'est la vie!  Check out the Read-A-Thon and join us.  It'll be a blast!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

I would say this book is geared toward younger teens, 13 and up. Here’s a bit about Hush, Hush from Ms. Fitzpatrick’s site: Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.


But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

I know that probably most of the free world has read this book already. I always tend to be lag a little on these things. I liked hush, hush, despite the fact that some of the characters grated on me a touch. I do realize that I’m an adult and am reading it from my adult perspective; in other words, teen girls can grate on my nerves at times.

I thought the storyline was interesting. And what girl (yes, even women) don’t like a guy with a bit of the bad boy in him. We can’t help it, we’re somehow drawn to this whole scenario. Vee drove me a touch crazy with all her funky antics, but we all know someone like this, don't we. I liked this book and actually read it in two days. I just couldn’t seem to put it down. The cover is lovely and I'm looking forward to Crescendo. I give it 3 1/2 roses.

The Sky Is Everywhere

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

I was looking forward to reading this book since I had heard so many great things about it. I was right to be excited! Lennon is a 17 year old who is mired in grief over the loss of her sister. She’s suddenly caught between her sister’s boyfriend and the new guy Joe Fontaine. Dealing with grief is hard anytime, but when you’re 17 it quel confusing. Will Lennie ever get it all figured out? Will she realize it’s okay to live without her sister? Will she come to grips with her mothers abandoning them 16 years before?

I want to say I love, love, LOVE this book. It made me laugh out loud, cry, and worry for Lennie. The characters are so vibrant they dance off the pages. Everything from Aunt Gooch (read it and tell me you didn't laugh out loud when you find out who that is) to the quirky little sayings and things they do.  I fell in love with this book.  Ms. Nelson is the type of writer I envy. Every word seems so well thought out, so necessary. Each scene a little jewel box that’s stuffed full of amazing things. If I could crawl into the pages and hang out with the characters, I wouldn’t hesitate.

This book makes me yearn to be a better writer. I can’t recommend it enough. My only word of caution is that there’s some talk of sex, not for tweens or young teens.