Review: The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib

The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib 

Release date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pages: 384

Reading level: Adult

Genre: Contemporary

Source: Netgalley

Links: Author • Goodreads • Amazon

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars 

The chocolate went first, then the cheese, the fries, the ice cream. The bread was more difficult, but if she could just lose a little more weight, perhaps she would make the soloists’ list. Perhaps if she were lighter, danced better, tried harder, she would be good enough. Perhaps if she just ran for one more mile, lost just one more pound.
Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears – imperfection, failure, loneliness – she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day.

Review: 

THE GIRLS AT 17 SWANN STREET followed 26 year old Anna as she fought with anorexia. The only other books about eating disorders I have read have been young adult, focusing on teenagers dealing with anorexia or bulimia. Yara Zgheib's novel demonstrated that eating disorders do not just strike the young, but can impact you at any age. Anna is happily married, but an injury left her unable to pursue her career as a dancer in Paris and her husband has a job offer in the United States. I can only imagine how difficult this transition was for Anna.

Anna was a character that I had a bit of a hard time connecting with. We got glimpses of her internal struggles, but as a whole, I felt a lot of what led up to her eating disorder was a bit rushed. The book was over 300 pages, but it went by very quickly. One of the biggest issues I've seen about the book is the writing style. The lack of quotation marks, the random aside chapters... and this actually didn't bother me much. There were a few times I had to reread a scene to ensure I knew who was saying what, but as a whole I think it made the story a little more engaging.

The other girls at 17 Swann Street all were dealing with their own body image issues. I found it interesting, although terribly sad, to see how the program worked at turning these girls' lives around. Although, I'm not sure how accurate this depiction of a recovery center is. Anna learned a lot about appreciating what she has by her interactions with Emm, Valerie, Julia, and the other residents of the center. One thing Anna could not complain about was the dedication her husband showed her throughout her time in treatment. This book really showed was how important a support system is for someone dealing with an eating disorder.

I flew through THE GIRLS AT 17 SWANN STREET and found it to be a uniquely told story that discussed a difficult topic. I only wish that I had more time to connect with the main character and that certain parts of the story were not so rushed. Although the story took place over several months, it seemed to be much less. This is a book to be read more for the subject matter and writing style, not necessarily the characters as they were not fully fleshed out.

Review: Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Release date: January 23, 2007
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Pages:256
Reading level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads • Amazon

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

Call Me by Your Name is the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents' cliff-side mansion on the Italian Riviera. Unprepared for the consequences of their attraction, at first each feigns indifference. But during the restless summer weeks that follow, unrelenting buried currents of obsession and fear, fascination and desire, intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them. What grows from the depths of their spirits is a romance of scarcely six weeks' duration and an experience that marks them for a lifetime. For what the two discover on the Riviera and during a sultry evening in Rome is the one thing both already fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.

Review: 

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME is easily one of the best books I have ever read. André Aciman is a wonderful writer and the two characters he brings to life in this book are so vivid and memorable. Full disclosure, I saw the film first. When I first got my MoviePass in April I realized some of the Oscar Winners were still out, so I decided to go see which ones I could. I had little to no idea what CALL ME BY YOUR NAME was about, much less that it was based on this book. Hopefully more people realize that and go buy the book if they loved the film like I did! So, I did things a little backwards, but nonetheless this book was incredible. The writing brought a whole new dimension to these characters I had become so attached to on screen and I finished this book in one evening.

I was lucky enough to attend an event here in Washington, DC where André Aciman spoke about the novel and the film and answered audience questions. What a great guy! Andre had such wonderful antidotes about the writing process and if you get a chance to see him speak I highly recommend it. Andre is extremely eloquent and made me realize things about the book I may not have even picked up on. While this is one of the rare occasions that I think a film so perfectly captured the essence of a book, I highly recommend reading this for yourself.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME follows Elio and Oliver through one passionate summer in the Italian countryside. These two characters were so different, and yet they connected and fell in love. It's not often you read about a relationship like this where you can literally feel every awkward moment and every spark as Elio and Oliver figure out where they fit in each others lives. Both heartbreaking and beautiful, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME will make you think about life, death, love, and so much more. I reread the final pages several times. I'm grateful that the film introduced me to this book and I know that Elio and Oliver's story will stay with me for a long time. 

Review: Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1) by Kevin Kwan

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Release date: June 11, 2013 

Publisher: Doubleday 

Pages: 527

Reading level: Adult 

Genre: Contemporary 

Series: Book 1 

Source: Purchased 

Links: Author • Goodreads • Amazon 

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars 

When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor.

On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.

Review: 

I admit I wasn't too interested in reading this before I saw the awesome trailer for the upcoming movie. I am so excited to see it! Since I always like to read the book first, I quickly ordered this online and devoured it in only a couple of days. CRAZY RICH ASIANS was a delightfully fun read with a meaningful heart. Rachel and her boyfriend Nick live in New York and are comfortable with their normal routine. Rachel is surprised, but excited, when Nick invites her to a wedding in Singapore where she can finally meet his family. Little does she know is that Nick is one of the most eligible bachelors among Singapore's rich and famous.

Some people might be embarrassed about their guilty pleasures, but I will readily admit to loving the Kardashians, the Bachelor, and Gossip Girl. All of the drama, gossip, and romance makes these kinds of shows and books easy to consume. The only aspect of CRAZY RICH ASIANS that made this a little more of a complicated read was all of the different characters and their alternating chapters. While I enjoyed getting to see things from these varying perspectives, it did confuse me a bit at first. Lots of new people to keep up with and I had no idea who was related to who and who hated who. There was a family tree at the front but I usually forgot to reference it. I'm not sure how the author could have introduced all of the other characters and built-up their various backgrounds without the alternating chapters, though. There was also the added mystery of Nick's mother investigating Rachel's background.

Surprisingly, I literally knew nothing about Singapore. While I can't say I know too much more about it after reading this book, I did like the inclusions of descriptions of the native food and use of non-English words. Kevin Kwan relied heavily on footnotes so be prepared to have to look down fairly often. He did his best to make them humorous, but I did find myself skimming over them or skipping them entirely.

The ending was interesting and a lot of surprises were revealed about several characters. I am not particularly eager to rush off and buy the next book, but I will probably pick it up eventually. What I am most excited about is seeing this crazy world brought to life on the big screen. I can only begin to imagine the intricate fashion, huge mansions, and elaborate gatherings that filled the pages of CRAZY RICH ASIANS so it will be a ton of fun to watch this all come to life. Rachel was a very realistic and endearing heroine and this book was not all fluff. There were a lot of serious incidences and Rachel has to deal with a lot while in Singapore as she learns about her boyfriend and herself. 

Review: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Release date: July 15, 2014

Publisher: Atria Books

Pages: 337

Reading level: Adult 

Genre: Contemporary 

Source: Purchased 

Links: Author • Goodreads • Amazon 

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn't walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations.

Review: 

A MAN CALLED OVE has been on my radar for quite awhile. It's always being displayed prominently at bookstores and on many suggested reading lists I've come across. I found it at a used bookstore and brought it along for a long plane ride. A MAN CALLED OVE was heartwarming and just an overall delightfully enjoyable book.

Ove (I keep pronouncing this as "ohv" in my head, I realize it is actually "Ovey" or something similar?) is a grumpy older man who lives in Sweden and has followed the same routine for years. He likes to follow the same schedule everyday, drive the same cars, and keep the neighborhood running the same way it always has. Everything changes when a young couple and their children move in next door and impact Ove in ways he never thought possible. I loved reading about Ove. He was such an untraditional character and everything about A MAN CALLED OVE was just very real. The characters seemed like people any one of us could know and Ove, especially, was incredibly layered. For all his grouchiness, Ove is easy to get attached to and I loved reading about his interactions with the neighbors and the cat.

Fredrik Backman created a wonderful cast of characters in A MAN CALLED OVE. I enjoyed getting to know them all and seeing how their lives had intertwined with Ove's over the years. At times sad, this book will leave you feeling ready to share a smile with a lonely stranger or speak to a grumpy neighbor. There is always so much more to a person than the persona they give off, and I loved that Parvana (Ove's new neighbor) was not afraid of Ove and knew just what he needed.

I am eager to check out more of Backman's books and highly recommend A MAN CALLED OVE if you have not already read it. 

Mini-Reviews: Breathe and The Fault in Our Stars

Here are some more mini-reviews of books I read awhile back, but never got around to fully reviewing! Let me know your thoughts if you've read any of these!

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Breathe by Abbi Glines
Release date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 333
Reading level: YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Book 1
Source: Publisher
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads 

Overall: 2.5 out of 5 stars

In the shore town of Sea Breeze, Sadie discovers that fame is nothing in the face of passion. A steamy read from bestselling author Abbi Glines.
Sadie White’s summer job is at the beach, but she won’t be working as a lifeguard. Since her mom is pregnant and refuses to work, Sadie will be taking over as a domestic servant for a wealthy family on a nearby island.
When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie were normal—if she hadn’t spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house—maybe she’d be excited about working for a rock star. But she’s not.
Even though Sadie isn’t impressed by Jax’s fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax, but he fights his attraction: Relationships never work in his world, and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. Yet as the summer stretches on, Jax’s passion leaves him breathless—and Sadie feels like the only source of oxygen.
Can their love overcome the disparity in their lifestyles? One breath at a time, they’re going to find out…

Mini-Review:

For some reason this book didn't draw my attention at all until it showed up on my doorstep. Unfortunately, I almost wish it stayed that way because I really did not enjoy this book. It definitely had promise- a summer romance on a sunny island between a normal girl and a popular teen musician? Sadie lives with her single mother and works as a maid in nearby mansion- mansion home to Jax Stone a hot teen rocker who is a famous heartbreaker. Sadie doesn't care about Jax's fame, though, and that makes her all the more appealing to him. The plot was interesting and I didn't put this book down because it was such an easy read. The characters and writing were what frustrated me. They didn't talk like teenagers at all and the relationship between Sadie and Jax often seemed forced. I wanted to believe in their relationship, but I never felt a good connection with the characters. Apparently this is the first in a series about other characters introduced in Breathe and I may be interested in checking those out to give Abbie Glines' a second chance. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, I can see why so many people love it- there's a hot romance, a beautiful setting, and teen drama, something a lot of readers enjoy. Unfortunately that wasn't enough for me to truly enjoy this book.

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The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Release date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pages: 318
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Purchased
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Mini-Review:

So this review has been burning a hole in my schedule for months now- how do I put into words my love for one of my now all-time favorite novels? The Fault In Our Stars was a beautifully written and heartbreaking new novel by John Green. I am ashamed to admit that I have not ready many John Green books, but The Fault In Our Stars 100% cemented him on my top authors list. Hazel was a kick-ass main character who didn't let her cancer bring her down and Gus... what a guy. Watching the relationship between these two sarcastic, adventurous, and beautiful people develop was such an experience and I was completely drawn into their stories from page 1. This book has spread like wildfire around the world and if you haven't read it yet- DO IT NOW! Even though the movie is out, and it is actually just as tragic and wonderful, read the book first! Writing this mini-review is already making me yearn for a re-read because this book was just so impactful and amazing. 

Review: Lies My Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Anne Peters

Lies My Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Ann Peters
Release date: June 10, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Pages: 256
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

When Alix's charismatic girlfriend, Swanee, dies from sudden cardiac arrest, Alix is overcome with despair. As she searches Swanee's room for mementos of their relationship, she finds Swanee's cell phone, pinging with dozens of texts sent from a mysterious contact, L.T. The most recent text reads: "Please tell me what I did. Please, Swan. Te amo. I love you."
Shocked and betrayed, Alix learns that Swanee has been leading a double life--secretly dating a girl named Liana the entire time she's been with Alix. Alix texts Liana from Swanee's phone, pretending to be Swanee in order to gather information before finally meeting face-to-face to break the news.
Brought together by Swanee's lies, Alix and Liana become closer than they'd thought possible. But Alix is still hiding the truth from Liana. Alix knows what it feels like to be lied to--but will coming clean to Liana mean losing her, too?

Review:

This is my second book by Julie Anne Peters and it certainly won't be my last. Lies My Girlfriend Told Me dealt with a lot of heavy subjects, but it never felt like an "issues book" to me, something that I was very happy about. For example, there was no need to make a big deal about the sexuality of the main characters, they were who they were and that was that. Family, death, and love were just a few of the topics explored in this latest offering from Peters and I would recommend it to any fan of contemporary YA with a grittier feel.

Alix's girlfriend, Swanee, dies tragically and it is only after this that Alix discovers the truth about the girl she thought she loved. The biggest plot element was Alix discovering her late girlfriend had been cheating on her with a girl named Liana. I liked Liana's character and she brought out a new side of Alix. Unfortunately Alix is hiding something from Liana and this might tear them apart forever.

Alix was a complex character. She seemed to be struggling to find herself and didn't always know the right thing to do. I liked how big of a role family played in this book. Alix's parents and younger brother were key players in the story and I especially enjoyed watching Alix's relationship with her baby brother develop. Alix also interacts with Swanee's family and it was interesting to see how different Swanee's family life was from Alix's and how that shaped them individually.

While I liked this book overall, I did have a few issues. First off, I sometimes felt frustrated with Alix's character and wanted her to be more independent and confident. I also wish we got to see more of Swanee before she died so I could better understand who she was.

Contemporary YA is one of my favorite genres and Julie Anne Peters has written a unique read that many readers can relate to in some way. She faces the struggles of being a teenager head on and I will definitely be reading more by her in the future. There are not a lot of young adult books out that feature LGBTQ characters and while Lies My Girlfriend Told Me wasn't perfect, I would still recommend it to fans of contemporary reads.

Waiting on Wednesday: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios 
Release date: February 3, 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt BFYR
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads 

If seventeen-year-old Skyler Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage-months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.
Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings them together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper. Gritty, romantic, and ultimately hopeful, I'll MEET YOU THERE explores the complicated lives of an unforgettable cast of characters. This is the story of teens outside the picket fence. It doesn’t soften the edges of adolescence or the individual consequences of war; it’s life on the fringes—maddening, weirdly endearing…and completely screwed up.

I have a strange obsession with contemporary YA of late and I'll Meet You There sounds like a heart-breaking blend of young love, broken dreams, and tragedy.

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Love, Lucy by April Lindner 
Release date: January 27, 2015
Publisher: Poppy
Reading level: Young adult
Genre: Contemporary
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food...and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician. After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her "vacation flirtation." But just because summer is over doesn't mean Lucy and Jesse are over, too.
In this coming-of-age romance, April Lindner perfectly captures the highs and lows of a summer love that might just be meant to last beyond the season.

I adore contemporary romances, but what makes this one even more special is the setting: Florence, Italy.

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Review: Fault Line by Christa Desir

Fault Line by Christa Desir 
Release date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 240
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Publisher (ARC)
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads 

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars

Ben could date anyone he wants, but he only has eyes for the new girl — sarcastic free-spirit, Ani. Luckily for Ben, Ani wants him too. She’s everything Ben could ever imagine. Everything he could ever want.
But that all changes after the party. The one Ben misses. The one Ani goes to alone.
Now Ani isn’t the girl she used to be, and Ben can’t sort out the truth from the lies. What really happened, and who is to blame?
Ben wants to help her, but she refuses to be helped. The more she pushes Ben away, the more he wonders if there’s anything he can do to save the girl he loves.

Review:

I have had Fault Line sitting on my to-be-read shelf for a really long time now and I finally decided to dive into it this summer. I was in the mood for a gritty contemporary read and from what I have read about this one it would definitely fit the bill. While I am impressed with how Desir tackled such a dark subject, I didn't get as much out of this debut as I had hoped to.

Ani is the new girl in town and she quickly attracts the attention of popular swimmer Ben. I liked how this was told from Ben's point of view. It's not often I find a contemporary YA written from the male's perspective. The reader was able to see Ani through Ben's eyes and understand how much he liked her. The only problem was I was left with so many questions about Ani and her life. Ani was such a mystery and we find out so little about her old life, why she moved, and who she really is. I liked how independent and sarcastic she was, but I think it would have helped a lot if I had been able to connect with her more.

Everything changes after Ani goes to a party without Ben and is raped. She's, understandably, a completely different person and Ben has to struggle to make things right. From the party onward was definitely difficult to read. No one should have to go through what Ani did and to have to face the torment and jibes by kids at school made it so much worse. It was admirable how Ben stayed by her side and dedicated to her, but I wondered why he didn't tell his parents or her mom right away. This definitely would have allowed Ani to get more help and not spiral downward like she did.

This was a fast paced read that brings out the emotions. I felt for Ani and Ben, but there was just something missing. What exactly happened that night? There were so many unanswered questions. Ben and Ani are two of the most unique characters I have read about in a long time and their story did share some important lessons. It opened my eyes to how one night can change everything and how rape not only turns the victim's life upside down, but the lives of everyone close to them as well.

Overall, Fault Line was not the book I had hoped it would be, but it did tackle an important, and dark, subject matter. The ending also felt very sudden and cut-off. I wanted to know more! I will be reading more by Christa Desir in the future because I can tell she has a lot of promise and isn't afraid to write about difficult, real-life issues.

Review: Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
Release date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 300
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Pretty and popular track star Marijke Monti is confident about almost everything – she’s got great friends, a great family, and she’s on her way to the State Track Championship. In fact, the only thing Marijke isn’t confident about is her relationship with Tommy Lawson.
Lily Spencer has spent her entire high school career preparing for the future – she’s participated in every extracurricular activity and volunteer committee she could. But, at home, she watches her mother go on date after date with dud-dudes, still searching for “the one.” Lily realizes that she’s about to graduate and still hasn’t even had a boyfriend.
While they live on each other’s periphery at school, Lily and Marijke never seemed to have much in common; but, after a coincidental meeting at the movie theater, Lily gets an idea – why can’t life be like a movie? Why can’t they set up their perfect romantic situations, just in time for their senior prom, using movie techniques?
Once the girls come up with the perfect plans, they commit themselves to being secret cohorts and, just like in the movies, drama ensues.

Review:

Summer is the perfect time for books like this; fun, entertaining contemporary romances. Just Like the Movies was my first book by Kelly Fiore and it most definitely fit the above description. With well-developed characters, a fast-paced plot, sweet romance, and awesome movie references I highly enjoyed Just Like the Movies.

Marijke and Lily were the two main characters and their stories were told through alternating chapters. Marijke is the popular track-star with the golden boyfriend, while Lily is the quiet girl with no friends and a secret crush. While these two girls were very different in personality, they had a lot in common when it came to two things: boys and movies. I think my favorite aspect of this book was watching the friendship between the two girls develop. It may have been an unlikely pairing, but it worked. Together, the girls plan to make their lives "just like the movies".

Family played a key role in this book as well. Both Marijke and Lily had personal issues going on at home and this only brought them closer. Lily had to play the role of parent to both herself and her younger brother, while Marijke's parent's perfect marriage was not at all what it seemed. I've been pleasantly surprised at how large of a role family has played in some of the books I've read lately and Just Like the Movies was no exception.

While the plot often seemed a bit repetitive, I enjoyed watching the girls come up with plans and try and win over the main guys in their lives. This was an overall fun and light-hearted summer read that showed the importance of friendship. I'm looking forward to reading more by Fiore in the future!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne
Release date: March 17, 2015
Publisher: Dial
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Links: Goodreads

When Kate Quinn’s mother died a year ago in a tragic car accident, Kate assumed that the secret of her father’s identity died along with her. She never expected that she’d learn anything at all about him—especially not from a mob of screaming reporters.
But after a New York Times reporter discovers that the sixteen-year-old Kate is the illegitimate daughter of Senator Mark Cooper, presumptive Republican nominee for President, the press descends—and with it, the Cooper campaign. When Kate agrees to join the Coopers on the campaign trail as part of a desperate attempt at damage control, she’s plunged headlong into the cut-throat world of politics, hoping to both forge a connection with the family she never knew and find some answers about the mother she’s so recently lost.
Billed as The American President for teens, SPIN features Kate's journey along the presidential campaign trail, in a story about romance and betrayal, politics and scandal, friendship and family, and what it means to truly belong.

This sounds awesome! I am fascinated with politics and campaigning, so I can't wait to see what this debut is going to be like.

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Review: Wildflower by Alecia Whitaker

Wildflower by Alecia Whitaker 
Release date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 320
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

The best songs come from broken hearts.
Sixteen-year-old Bird Barrett has grown up on the road, singing backup in her family's bluegrass band, and playing everywhere from Nashville, Tennesee to Nowhere, Oklahoma. One fateful night, Bird fills in for her dad by singing lead, and a scout in the audience offers her a spotlight all her own.
Soon Bird is caught up in a whirlwind of songwriting meetings, recording sessions, and music video shoots. Her first single hits the top twenty, and suddenly fans and paparazzi are around every corner. She's even caught the eye of her longtime crush, fellow roving musician Adam Dean. With Bird's star on the rise, though, tradition and ambition collide. Can Bird break out while staying true to her roots?
In a world of glamour and gold records, a young country music star finds her voice.

Review:

Alecia Whitaker has written a heartfelt novel about family, music, and staying true to your roots. I requested this one on Netgalley because I was intrigued by the idea of reading about a rising country music star. What I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy this sophomore novel. While Wildflower wasn't perfect, it had heart and that's what I liked the most about it.

Bird Barrett and her family have spent the last ten years traveling in their RV, playing bluegrass together. The family dynamic was terrific in Wildflower and it was great to see how involved Bird's family was with each other. Things did get a little tense, though, when Bird gets a record deal and leaves the family performing group to take on the bright lights of Nashville.

All of the characters were very developed and while some of the industry people's names blurred together for me, I definitely enjoyed getting to know Bird's family and close friends- particularly Adam and Stella. While there was a romance, it wasn't in your face and wasn't the focus of the story. Bird's relationship with her best friend Stella played a more important role and it was a refreshing break from some of the romance infused contemporary reads I've encountered later.

The plot was very fast-paced, sometimes a little too much in my opinion. I would have liked to watch Bird's career grow more slowly, rather than seeing her go from unknown to celebrity status in a matter of chapters, but that was really one of the only flaws for me.

Bird was such a realistic and likable protagonist and I was sad when I turned the final page in her story. She was a normal teenager with an incredible talent and she never let it go to her head. I admired Bird for sticking up for what she believed in and for not getting sucked into the more corrupt side of the music industry. I only wish I knew more of what happens next for her!

Contemporary YA has definitely been a win for me lately and I am eager to check out more by Alecia Whitaker. I adored the southern charm and family vibe in Wildflower and am so glad I decided to check it out!

Review: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
Release date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pages: 279
Reading level: Young adult
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Trade
Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.

Review:

Leila Sales has been one of my favorite authors ever since I fell in love with her debut, Mostly Good Girls, a few years back. If you're looking for well-written contemporary novels with strong, female characters then her books are definitely for you. This Song Will Save Your Life was unique in so many ways and I will be recommending it to everyone I know!

The characters were what made this book for me.  Elise Dembowsi is a character I think every teenager can relate to in some way. She was bullied and tormented by her peers and she has no idea what it takes to be "popular". Elise doesn't know what to do to make people like her and she is close to giving up. It was sad to see how desperate Elise was for a friend and how not one person would be that for her. Luckily, she found a secret warehouse party and finds a place where she actually belongs.

Elise makes her first real friends at Start, the underground dance party, and they show her a side of herself she never knew existed. I liked how independent the two girls Elise befriends at Start are. Pippa and Vicky show Elise how important it is to be free and not worry about what other people think. The disc jockey is the one who truly turns Elise's life around when he helps her uncover her love for DJing.

I have always been a fan of old music and I loved hearing about Elise's knowledge of bands and artists that most teenagers wouldn't ever be able to recognize or appreciate.  On the other hand, DJing is something I knew nothing about. It was fascinating to read about how challenging DJing is and about what each DJ brings to the table. Elise is a fast learner and I loved seeing how passionate and dedicated she was to DJing.

This was a fast-paced and engaging read and it has easily earned a place on my favorites list. This Song Will Save Your Life has a ton to offer and it stands out from some of the more light and fluffy contemporary reads I've encountered lately. Elise experiences real issues and faces realistic situations when it comes to boys, school, and family. I am eager to see what's next for Leila and I definitely recommend everyone go out and read this book if you haven't already!

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Review: Wild Cards (Wild Cards, #1) by Simone Elkeles

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles 

Release date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers 

Pages: 342  

Reading level: Young Adult 

Genre: Contemporary 

Series: Book 1 

Source: BEA (ARC)

Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

Review:

Simone Elkele's is a name almost synonymous with young adult literature, so it is probably surprising that this is only my second book by Simone. I read Perfect Chemistry a couple of years ago and loved it, but for some reason didn't get around to reading anything else by her until Wild Cards--her latest release. While I definitely enjoyed Wild Cards, it won't be joining Perfect Chemistry on my favorites shelf.

Wild Cards was told in alternating points of view between Derek Fitzpatrick and Ashtyn Parker; two characters that initially seemed like complete opposites. Derek was the sarcastic bad boy while Ashtyn was the withdrawn football player. Both of them had been through a lot and after random circumstances bring them together, neither of their lives will ever be the same. I enjoyed getting to know both Ashtyn and Derek through their own points of view, but I found myself liking Derek over Ashtyn. She tried to portray herself as the closed off, tough girl but she was much more weak and emotional than she wanted others to believe. Derek was more to the point and didn't play games-- he said what he thought and didn't let anyone tell him what to do.

This was a fast-paced read that I had a hard time putting down, not only because the chapters were short. While I always enjoy a good fantasy or historical fiction read, contemporary is my favorite because the characters and situations they encounter are often very relatable. Although I can't say I've ever played high school football.

The characters in Wild Cards had me feeling a bit mixed. I liked Derek a lot and almost looked forward to his chapters more than Ashtyn's. I didn't feel for her like I had hoped I would and her personality was a bit frustrating at times. I appreciate a girl who doesn't take crap from anyone and who can take care of herself, but sometimes her standoffish attitude was more annoying than admirable. The secondary characters often had a bigger impact; from Derek's stepbrother to Ashtyn's teammates, I liked getting to know them and to see how their relationships with the other characters developed.

All in all, this was another passionate and complex read by Simone Elkele's with relatable characters dealing with real issues. I would definitely recommend this to any contemporary fans, and while this didn't live up to my love for Perfect Chemistry, I am looking forward to seeing what's next for Derek and Ashtyn in the sequel.

Review: Hung Up by Kristen Tracy

Hung Up by Kristen Tracy 

Release date: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages:282

Reading level: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary

Source: Publisher

Links: Author's Website/Goodreads

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars

Can you fall in love with a voice? This witty romance, told entirely through phone calls, chronicles the tale of a wrong number gone right.
It all started with a wrong number. The voicemails Lucy left on James’s phone were meant for someone else—someone who used to have James’s digits. But then when James finally answers and the two start to talk, a unique bond forms between the two teens.
Gradually Lucy and James begin to understand each other on a deeper level than anyone else in their lives. But when James wants to meet in person, Lucy is strangely resistant. And when her secret is revealed, he’ll understand why…

Review:

This was my first book by Kristen Tracy, and also my first told entirely through phone conversations. Surprisingly, I highly enjoyed this book and was able to finish it in just a few hours, but I also finished it feeling way too unsatisfied. Hung Up was entertaining and original, but also lacked the depth and sense of completion I was hoping for.

After Lucy continuously leaves messages meant for someone else on James' phone, he calls her back and what results is a deep friendship... all over the phone. It was a little strange how comfortable they were with each other and how the calls just keep coming, but I soon forgot that because I so enjoyed their sarcastic bantering. The only problem was we never really got to know the characters beyond what they told each other in their conversations. I enjoyed both Lucy and James' personalities and it was refreshing to witness conversations so honest, but it wasn't enough.

The plot moved surprisingly fast for a story told over a series of phone calls and while there wasn't a lot of room for character development, there were definitely a lot of twists that surprised me. Each phone call revealed something new about both James and Lucy and the ending was definitely not something I was expecting. Although some "surprises" of the plot did seem a little forced to me.

All in all, I enjoyed Hung Up because it was a quick read that kept my attention, but I wish we got to witness more than just the phone conversations. The ending was a particular disappointment because I would have loved to know what happened next. If you're not a fan of books told over text/email/etc I might suggest giving this one a shot because of the witty and fast-paced dialogue, but there were definitely a few downsides.

Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg 

Release date: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Point

Pages: 276

Reading level: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary

Source: Publisher

Links: Author's Website/Goodreads 

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.
For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.
Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?
From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

Review:

It has been a few months since I've been able to read anything but textbooks and articles for school, so this was the perfect title to help me ease my way back into personal reading. Elizabeth Eulberg had quickly become one of my favorite contemporary authors with her first two titles: The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom and Prejudice, and Better Off Friends only further proved her knack for getting into the heads of teenagers. The boy/girl best friend trope has been used time and time again in young adult literature, and it can often lead to a predictable and anticlimactic ending. Luckily, Eulberg's latest offering was not only unique in that aspect, it was a heartfelt and utterly enjoyable read.

Macallan and Levi became best friends in middle school, and the reader gets to watch their friendship grow and develop over the years. This is an aspect I hadn't realized I was missing in other books that focused on an old friendship-- the ability to experience the friendship from its earliest stages. When I first began reading Better Off Friends I was surprised that the characters were only in middle school and was a little worried about how I would be able to relate to the characters. Luckily, this was not the case because it only helped me get to know them better.

I highly enjoyed Better Off Friends and would definitely recommend it. Some of the highlights for me included the banter between Macallan and Levi, how strong Macallan was, and the inclusion of issues such as death, love, mental illness, and unfaithfulness in relationships. At times the plot did seem a bit packed; there were a lot of sub-plots that didn't always seem necessary, but since this did take place over the course of several years it makes sense.

Better Off Friends alternated perspective between Levi and Macallan and this allowed the reader to get into both of their heads and see what they were feeling before the other knew. This was an overall entertaining and warmhearted read, with just a few minor flaws. I am eager to read more of Eulberg's novels and to see what she will write next.

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