[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #72--You Killed Wesley Payne?

By Sean Beaudoin

Dalton Rev is a private investigator. When one of the smartest, most popular kids at school mysteriously commits suicide, Dalton is called in to investigate. But this school is unlike any other–the staff is sneaky, the kids play dirty and there’s a girl who’s always on his mind…

Honestly, this book was incredibly painful to read. It was basically like some wet dream/fan-fiction written by a thirteen-year-old. It took itself too seriously for you to laugh at it and tried too hard to make the main character a cool, loose-canon type. But Dalton only managed to be annoying and emotionally stunted. This book was essentially what every middle schooler assumes high school will be like. And additionally, the sniper gang of students that hang out the roof to “maintain order” in the school? That was grotesquely insensitive! Who thought that would be a good idea with all of the school shootings that have happened recently? You get the sense that it was supposed to be some kind of edgy commentary on gun laws in America but it was just infuriating. Over all, this book was nothing special and your not missing much by not reading it.

***Start your summer vacation right with Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of Your Fist by Sunil Yapa***

[iheartyabooks]

A very cool animated trailer for a fun noir read. It kind of reminded me of the movie Brick, which I loved.

[readthelines-blog]

"We do not exist. Our nonexistent selves dreamed up our nonexistent god to make our lack of existence more palatable."

-You Killed Wesley Payne, Sean Beaudoin

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #71--Big Sur

By Jack Kerouac Jack Duluoz has unintentionally inspired a generation. After reading his previous works, he now finds himself being hunted down by his dedicated fans. In addition to running from the fame afforded to him, Jack is attempting to fend off his drinking problem, alternating between long periods of binging in San Fran and then longer periods in Big Sur. But Jack is not the man he was and the party lifestyle is starting to take its toll. Considering how famous this book is, there isn't a lot to say about Big Sur. Somehow, Jack Kerouac manages to make everyday slang beautifully. He also captures the rhythm of thought in a way no one else has. The use of dashes rather than traditional punctuation demonstrates how fleeting thoughts are and show his mental deterioration, as moments become more like snapshots. Overall this novel, though sad, was also quite beautiful and well-written. The beat of the book will stick with the reader long after the back cover is closed. ***A review of You Killed Wesley Payne? By Sean Beaudoin is headed your way this April!***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #70--Crooked Heart

By Lissa Evans

Shortly after the passing of his dear godmother and guardian, Mattie, Noel finds himself carted out to the countryside to escape the steady rain of bombs on 1940s London. There, he finds himself under the care of the scheming widow, Vee. Although at first Noel is nothing more than extra rations in Vee’s eyes, the two soon become partners in crime. But as the WWII escalates, Vee and Noel will become more imperative to each others survival than ever imagined.

Evans’s first official release in the US is an absolute hit! Although the story is a bit simple and somewhat predictable, the story is absolutely engaging and will draw the reader in. A lot of the plot relies on coincidence but otherwise is well-paced. This, paired with powerful imagery and lovable characters, makes for a charming novel with old-world flair, perfect for a rainy day. Part of what made the characters so likable, was Evans’s ability to explore both the good and bad traits of a person–resulting in some fairly complex characters. One will be astounded at how easy it is to find sympathy for a selfish, money-grubbing criminal and her arrogant orphan sidekick. The coziness of this oddball adventure story is perfect for a rainy day or just for getting out of one’s own head.

***Kick off your new year with a review of Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur on January 7th!***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #69--A Visit from the Goon Squad

By Jennifer Egan Aging punk rocker, Bennie Salazar, and his kleptomaniac assistant, Sasha, have been in the music business long enough to know how ugly it can get. How the system can chew you up and spit you out. How the industry can change a person. How the same washed up people keep cropping up. How authenticity isn't a virtue anymore. Although this novel was equally engaging and well written I think it was clearly aimed at an older crowd. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable to read for a younger individual--the descriptive language and unique story-telling methods throughout the story will rope in any audience. An entire chapter was written in PowerPoint slides! It was also a unique narrative in that everyone who made a significant impact on Bennie or Sasha or someone they new personally at some point in their lives got their own chapter from their perspective. These characters often featured in two; one to show what they were like when they were young and another appearance to show how they had been altered by the hardships of their lives. Between that and a prevailing nostalgia for 80's music, however, it's clear it was written for another generation. One that remembers an era without iPhones and polished studio music. It's this same generation that I also believe has more to gain from this book. But at any rate, it's an engaging text that truly stands out to the crowd and I highly recommend any music lover to at least give it a shot. ***Don't disappear on us! On October 24th a review of You Killed Wesley Payne? by Sean Beaudoin will be released.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #68--Everything Leads to You

By Nina Lacour

Every career path comes with many trials and tribulations, especially as a young and untrained individual working in that field. So Emi Price, a budding set designer, is understandably ecstatic about being able to design a room of her very own in a high-budget film. Even if that means working side by side with her ex-girlfriend, Morgan. But after discovering a mysterious letter at an estate sale, Emi and her friend Charlotte find themselves tracking down Ava, the descendent of a long dead Hollywood star. However, as the trio unravels Ava’s lineage, Ava and Emi find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other…

For many reasons, Everything Leads to You was the perfect summer read. Although it was not the best writing I have ever read, it was very nice and had a good flow to it. The mystery aspect of it was also very light and digestible but still entertaining–something that can be difficult to do. However, it was probably how the LGBTQ+ aspects of the novel were dealt with that made this novel stand out to me. In most novels centering around LGBTQ+ youth, the novel focuses on their coming out experience and asserting their sexuality in the face of adversity. Although romance is also usually involved in these novel, it is more often made complicated by someone being closeted than emotions. This book however deals strictly with uncloseted girls and the aftermaths of their decisions to come out; a very welcome change. It also centers heavily on the romantic and emotional aspects of their relationships and reads more realistically and less like these are two LESBIANS in a very GAY relationship. In fact, their sexualities are rarely discussed specifically. Overall, I found the book both refreshing and enjoyable; I definitely recommend giving it a shot if it interests you.

***On October 10th, expect a review of Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #67--The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

Junior was born with a whole array of medical conditions, making him the outcast of the Spokane Indian Reservation–a community already sidelined by mainstream society. Junior has spent the whole of his life messing around the reservation with his best and only friend Rowdy. At least until he realizes that unless he manages to escape the rez, Junior is doomed to the same limbo of poverty and wasted talents as his parents and grandparents and great great-grandparents. Determined to shake the pattern, Junior starts attending school off the rez in a nearby, all-white school. However, this causes problems for him as neither community seems all that open to his choices.

I thought that this book, aside from being fairly entertaining with its engaging comics and sharp humor, brought up a lot of discussion points that are often glossed over in our society. Not only did it focus on a very real Native American boy, a culture rarely represented as anything more than a caricature of itself, but it described the kind of oppression that Native Americans face on a daily basis. The novel also dissected the very real cycle of poverty–how poor education can lead to a lack of opportunities to a lower pay-grade to a worse education for their children and so on. This is important to bring to the attention of teens and the public in general as it affects many families, regardless of race. Additionally, the book brought up the point that many societies are unaccepting of differences of all varieties; physical, advantageous, you name it. Overall, I thought the book was quite witty and smart but also brought up some very real issues often overlooked in today’s society.

***Check back in on September 26th for a review of Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #66--Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

By Ransom Riggs As a child, Jacobs grandfather spun yarns about the children's home he was raised in during WWII and its spectacular inhabitants--invisible boys, levitating girls, a shape-shifting care-taker. And although these stories and the pictures that accompanied them gave Jacob nightmares, they forged an unique bond between Jacob and his grandfather. As Jacob grew older however, his faith in the fables diminished and his grandfather, in a sick twist of fate, began to be more convinced they were real in his old age. Now Jacob leads a painfully boring life in his small, sleepy Florida town. He has one friend (out of necessity) and spends the rest of his summer days slaving away in a chain of his family's drugstore. Until one day, on a routine check in at his grandfather's house, he discovers his grandfather slashed to pieces in the woods behind his home--large, animal-inflicted gashes. And it's Jacob's grandfather's last words that will lead him to a truth he never expected, far from the reality he knows...and to the conclusion that not all stories are just stories. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is an eerie, well-written mystery and a homage to fables and old photographs alike. Not only is the plot absolutely riveting with its compelling characters and storyline, the whole experience is intensified by genuine vintage photos with a peculiar quality. They not only help bring the story to life but set the novel's dark tone. The Riggs also used two time-old fascinations of fantasy--bizarre children and time travel--to fashion an intriguing allegory for the Holocaust. Aside from a few issues, there was very little about the book that bothered me...except for the whole concept of time travel crafted in the novel. There just seemed to be a lot of unanswered questions. (SPOILER ALERT) For example, if the same day is going in a loop, does that mean anything the children do will be wiped from existence if the loop resets? Why doesn't anyone entering the loop cease to exist after a few hours of the children can't leave without aging? This just did not seem to be explained thoroughly. Other problems I had included HOW DID THE MAIN CHARACTER NOT RECOGNIZE HIS OWN THERAPIST, among others. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book and suggest to anyone who enjoys the perfect blend of internal conflict and a perturbing eeriness. Also, please let me know if you'd be interested in a review of the sequel, Hollow City. Time flys with a good book in hand: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***RETURN NEXT SUNDAY (3/15) FOR A REVIEW OF THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN BY SHERMAN ALEXIE.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #65--Tell The Wolves I'm Home

By Carol Rifka Brunt June has always considered her uncle Finn to be her closest and (honestly) only friend. They spent hours together, trying to separate themselves from the world. So when Finn dies of AIDs, June suddenly finds herself very lonely and distraught. That is until she discovers there might be someone who misses her uncle just as much--if not more. And although this mysterious man may or may not be responsible for Finn's death, June develops a unique relationship with this him, so that they can both cope with Finn's passing. But will June be able to cope with the secrets that come out in the aftermath. Tell The Wolves I'm Home was unique and truthful, quite frankly. Although it is mainly centered around the loss of a loved one, the book spoke more truths about love and relationships. Not only is the main character constantly frustrated because she "doesn't know who she is to people", but she struggles with the rightness and wrongness of her relationship with Finn. Although we have all been in that situation where we love someone who doesn't love us quite the same way, June takes it to a whole new level. June, after realizing that (SPOILER ALERT) she has fallen in love with her uncle (yes, like the incest way) struggles between denying her feelings because she knows she shouldn't love him 'that way' and acknowledging how she feels. This sets the scene for plenty of discussions about how many ways you can love someone and how there are different types of love. And although I don't promote any form of incest, this plot point made for a very interesting take on the traditional story of love and loss. Speaking of love...I absolutely loved the way that a same-sex couple was incorporated in to the text. Rather than the family disliking Toby because (SPOILER ALERT) he 'turned Finn gay', there was conflict because he gave him AIDs. And that was it. The family's contempt was rooted in the fact that they blamed Toby for Finn's death--it had nothing to do with either Toby or Finn's sexuality. And honestly, that was quite refreshing. The writing was quite good, although at times, the characters seem a little skimpy. For example, we hardly knew anything about Finn so it was hard to make a connection and therefore feel Toby and June's loss as deeply. I also felt like a lot of major plot points were never fully explained, like how (SPOILERS) Greta even managed to sneak in to the bank to deface the painting in the first place. Also, many things that were quite obvious were treated like some big surprise. This kind of came off like the author assuming the reader was less intelligent then they actually are. But regardless of whatever faults it may have, this novel was one-of-a-kind and absolutely charming--definitely up there as one of my favorites. The best way to say "I love you" is with a book: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***NEXT MONDAY (YES, WE ARE TRYING SOMETHING NEW) EXPECT A REVIEW OF MS. PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN BY RANSOM RIGGS.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #64--The Giver

By Lois Lowry The Community is a world unknown to us. A world without pain, fear, hunger, war. But it is also a place that celebrates conformity, rigidity, rules and, above all, precision. Children are born, placed in family units and then assigned jobs to perform in the Community. It's a simple life with few choices, but it's a blissful one. But one December, as a year of Twelves are receiving their assignments, Jonas is singled out to take on a new job...one that hasn't required a individual in over ten years. Jonas is to be the new Receiver of Memory--the one in the community responsible for protecting all of the community's collective memories of what life was like before the Community. Jonas begins to think that it isn't fair to bequeath all this pain and suffering to one person... The Giver is very interesting. Like many short, fairly well-written books, it provides a lot of insight. Although it is not a particularly enjoyable read for just the story, the insight between the lines is. I will admit that the world and characters crafted by Lowry are interesting and engaging. The word choice and purposeful feel to the book, however, makes it clear that this book is determined to make you think. The main point of this book, that although we all want a world without pain or suffering, there is no beauty or joy without that pain and suffering--or at least it doesn't feel as sweet. There is also something to be said about how human the characters are...specifically Jonas and The Giver. This also suggests that Lowry believes that we can't be considered human without experiencing pain and sorrow. Especially since no one else in the community has experienced it on their level. To be honest, this book covers so much ground, one could go on and on forever about all the differ bet lessons The Giver has to share. This is probably why for years this book has been used as a teaching tool in English classrooms across the board--unfortunately though, that's how it reads too. Like state-mandated reading material. So while it possesses a valuable moral and decently engaging plot and characters, there is also something to bland about it that makes it a little harder to enjoy to really enjoy. The way it deals with the painful reality that no realty is perfect and very human characters however, definitely explains how it has found it's way in to the hearts of many. Revolutionize your mind: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***NEXT SUNDAY (2/22) EXPECT A REVIEW ON TELL THE WOLVES I'M HOME BY CAROL RIFKA BRUNT.***

[lexiloveslit]

YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE A REVIEW OF THE GIVER THATS GREAT I'm sorry it's my fav book and I write like character analyses and headcanons about that book a lot sorry....

It's so great to hear how dearly you love this book! There is no greater love than that of a book and it's reader...(and yes, before you give the crazy look, I wholeheartedly believe that books can love you as much as you love them.)

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #63--The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky Like any normal teen, Charlie is scared beyond belief to start high school. But as a quiet wallflower and no friends, high school is exceptionally terrifying. So you can only imagine his relief when he is befriended by Sam and Patrick, two seniors who see the charisma beneath Charlie's quiet exterior. They bond over music, theatre and a sense of adventure. But as they will soon learn, there is no way to slow time and they will keep changing with it. This book is the ultimate coming-of-age novel. Not only are the characters well-written and developed but it is absolutely interesting. I found myself being cast under its spell of reckless youth and constant change. Speaking of which, the book also dealt with many difficult themes throughout the novel. Charlie is all brains and often muses on how who are parents are shapes us, something many teenagers feel constantly. Taking a stand for ones own wants and needs is openly addressed. The difference between rape and sex is brought up as well, and these are only a few. Not to mention that they are all tackled in such a natural and realistic way. This is only accentuated by the fact that the story is written as letters to a fellow wallflower--someone who can listen without judging. Overall I would say this is a must read for all--especially any freshmen! Get hooked on books: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***NEXT SUNDAY (2/15) EXPECT A REVIEW OF LOIS LOWRY'S THE GIVER.**

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #62--The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy

By Kate Hattemer Ethan is Luke Weston's bush-haired, hook-nosed, gerbil-loving right-hand man. When Luke needs someone to lean on, Ethan has always been right there beside him. So when Luke hatches a plan to kick a reality TV show out of their performing arts school, Ethan has his back. With their friends Elizabeth and Jackson, it looks as though the power of poetry might be all it takes. But when like turns his back on his friends once opportunity comes a-knocking, the Ethan, Jackson and Elizabeth are left to their own devices to expose the under-handed ways of high school staff. This novel wasn't exactly the best or most engaging novel I've ever read. Yes, the plot was clear. Yes, the writing was pretty decent. Yes, the characters were mostly well developed. Yes, the book could even be a bit funny at times. But the truth of the matter is, it's the little details--the ones that convince you the characters are real--is what was missing. For example, are we really supposed to believe that high school JUNIORS are going to shy away from dropping the "F" bomb? Especially when the dialogue is so believable in terms of what a high schooler should say. Also, Luke's obsession with tricolon is not only completely random and doesn't really fit in with his character, but it was often inconsistent. As a character quirk, it came across as way too forced. I will give the book points for it being written from the perspective of the main character's "side kick", so to speak. I will also give props for a mostly accurate description of the social aspects of high school. There was also an aspect to the novel that made it seem like it was trying so hard to be "underground" and "subversive" it was almost mainstream, ironically. It is clear that Hattemer remembers high school well, but maybe not what it was like to live it. Get out your comfort zone: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***THIS COMING SUNDAY (1/8) RETURN FOR A REVIEW OF THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER BY STEPHEN CHBOSKY.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #60--Panic

By Lauren Oliver Carp is a small, backwater town in New York that's about as easy to escape as quicksand. And although some teens have managed to escape by other means, there is really only one sure fire way to get out of Carp--Panic. Invented years ago by some unnamed senior, Panic is a test of bravery; whoever can make it through all of their challenges wins upwards of $50,000. And this year, three particular seniors are out to win the pot. Heather needs the funds to save her sister and herself from their drug addict, alcoholic mother. Meanwhile, her friend Natalie wants to use the cash to jump start her modeling career. And the loner, Dodge? He just wants to get even. But Panic will prove to be more than just a test of bravery--it will test friendships, relationships and sanity. Panic absolutely blew me away. I'm not exactly sure that I would call it the best book I've ever read, but it this novel did surprise me in a number of ways. Firstly, it was a lot more entertaining than I ever thought it would be. Not really because of the writing, which was a little flat in my opinion, although it did have it's moments, but because of it's amazing plot. Even though the plot was pretty straight forward and didn't throw many curve balls at the reader, it was by far the best part of this book and the reason for its success. There was a great motivation for the game to have begun in the first place and the characters were all well-rounded for the most part. These two elements made for a unique and riveting story that I had a hard time putting down. And in a sort of two-dimensional and simplistic way, Panic also dealt with difficult themes of forgiveness, betrayal and revenge. Over all, Panic is definitely worth the time and attention--you won't be disappointed! Pick a title, any title -- I DARE you! : http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***RETURN NEXT SUNDAY (2/1) FOR A REVIEW OF THE VIGILANTE POETS OF SELWYN ACADEMY BY KATE HATTEMER.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #60--The Body in the Library

By Agatha Christie Miss Marple is a small, unassuming woman keen on the gossip of the village. However, she also has a knack for sleuthing--specifically, drawing similarities where other's normally wouldn't. But this time, she might be a little out of her league because the victim isn't exactly a familiar specimen. In fact, the body discovered in the library of Gossington Hall isn't even from the village. But when this young dancer's murder could potentially be tied up with another in a near by town, detectives are at a loss as to how it all ties together. And so, Miss Marple and her impressive grasp on human nature is called upon again to sort the whole thing out. Agatha Christie isn't known as the Queen of Mystery for nothing. This novel was quite entertaining--a nice short read. It's plot was convoluted, but easy to follow, the characters were well developed and there was a plain-and-simple, very straight forward feel to the writing. To be honest, the writing style itself was quite refreshing, if a bit old-fashioned in style. To be completely honest, there were only two plot holes (***SPOILER ALERT***) that I really had a massive problem with. Firstly, why did Mark and Josie even need to kill a second girl to frame Basil? Aside from not interfering with Josie's work schedule, Pamela Reeves' death was highly unnessacary. Secondly, when exactly did Josie and Mark get married? Because that just kind of appeared out of the blue at the end of the novel to justify a bunch of stuff. I'm not exactly sure I bought it. Either way, this short little mystery makes for a nice read for a vacation or even relieve a little strain off the psyche. Come get the goods: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com ***NEXT SUNDAY (1/25) EXPECT A REVIEW ON PANIC BY LAUREN OLIVER.***

[lexiloveslit]

Book Review #59--The Secret Poems of Mary C. Landon

By Mary C. Landon Edited by Lee Manchester Mary C. Landon was your average teenager in the 30s. She eventually grew up to be a noteworthy historian in Lake Placid, New York. She was friendly, thoughtful and open. So as one can imagine, it came as a shock to discover that she had written 148 poems between the ages of 17 and 23. There is an undeniable air of mystery to these poems. Why did she stop writing? Why didn't she share them? This is proof that everything is not what it seems. Let's jump right in--the majority of the writing is mediocre. Although there are moments in her poems where you can tell she really was able to channel some flow to her writing, many of them lack this. Especially the earlier poems. Mainly because they sound like all the other poems written by angsty teen girls. But even if it's not all that good in terms of writing, the really interesting part is that it allows us to watch her grow through her poetry. The poems are arranged in as close to chronological order as possible. So as Landon grows emotionally and her observations become more profound, we see that growth. Almost like a literary "take a picture every day for three years". And it's for that aspect, to witness someone grow in such a personal way, that this collection of poems is worth at least a glance. Get personal with a book: http://www.bookwormbernardsville.com Also, I apologize for another delayed post. Work has gotten the best of me lately. Thank you for sticking with me through this, the patience is greatly appreciated. If this continues, posts might be moved to Mondays. Thank you ***GET SUCKED IN TO A BOOK BY THE MASTER OF MYSTERY, AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY, NEXT SUNDAY (1/18).***