Summer is here (or almost here for some of you!) and that means breaking out the fun, beachy reads. You know – chick lit, young adult, etc. Who can focus on a tough read when they’re at the beach and there is so much scenery to take in? And by scenery, I mean half-naked men playing beach volleyball and rolling around in the sand. For days like this, I turn to my favorite YA and chick lit authors, and lucky for me, Meg Cabot has just released a new book that totally fits the bill.

Abandon is the story of Pierce Oliviera, a 17-year-old girl who has been moved to Isla Huesos, her mother’s hometown off the coast of Florida. She’s had some issues at her previous school and her mother has decided that the best thing for her is a fresh start. However, Pierce’s past and one mysterious boy, John, seem to be following her to Isla Huesos and making the whole “starting over” thing a little bit impossible.

Pierce met John the day the she died. Yes, you read that right, Pierce has died before. She was eventually revived and lived to tell the tale, but her run-in with John forever changed her life. Like the myth of Hades and Persephone that this novel was loosely based on, John wants Pierce to live with him, in the underworld. I know, it seems kind of cheesy and weird if you’re not familiar with the myth, but I appreciate Cabot’s efforts to pave a new way in the bogged down genre of paranormal young adult fiction. It’s not about vampires (thank god), but instead draws on ancient Greek religion (really interesting stuff) and I really respect her effort.

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Emma Forrest’s “Your Voice in My Head” was just released on Tuesday. This book is a memoir and, as Emma perfectly put it, a duet. Emma has struggled with mental illness since her teens, but isn’t diagnosed until she winds up on Dr. R’s doorstep after a failed suicide attempt. She credits Dr. R with her recovery, but when he suddenly passes away from cancer, she realizes how little she knows about this man who saved her life.

Emma sets out to write a biography of Dr. R, but along the way she weaves in her story and discovers herself. She takes the reader through her life as a teenage journalist in Britain, her struggle with mental illness and recovery through Dr. R in New York and, of course, relationships along the way, including falling in love with one of the world’s biggest movie stars (who she calls her Gypsy Husband). All make for not only an interesting and engaging read, but one that really pulls at the heartstrings.

There aren’t enough positive words in the English language to describe this book. Staggering, beautiful, a true work of art. Every time I picked Your Voice in My Head up, I felt like I was catching up with up with an old friend. When she told about funny things, I laughed. And I cried when I shared in her sorrows. The candidness with which Emma wrote the memoir really makes it so wonderful and easy to get attached to. It’s not often that I’m genuinely sad when I finish a book, but I was when I had to put Your Voice in My Head on my bookshelf.

Everyone should read this book. I think college-age girls (or people of any age, really) will gain tremendous insight and perspective into the important things in life. Emma is wise beyond her years and so strong, and I think we can all learn some from this exemplary woman!

I was lucky enough to interview the lovely Brit about the book and her interesting life. Check it out! Read More »

As the holiday season is upon us and most of us bookworms have time to indulge in something non-school related, I decided to give into a guilty pleasure that has been collecting dust for the better part of a year. You don’t have to read this exact book, but I encourage you to delve into something non-fiction that is NOT what you’re studying in school! A well-rounded education means learning things outside of the classroom and sometimes on your own, people!

“Nicholas and Alexandra” is a whopping non-fiction history book, totaling 640 pages (including appendices, so it’s a bit shorter!). If you aren’t interested in history, Nicholas was the last Tsar of Russia. Okay, hopefully that triggered something in your subconscious. You’re thinking of Anastasia? The princess who is rumored to have survived the tragedy? Or perhaps Rasputin, the mystic who essentially dissolved the monarchy? And if this is all sounding Greek, let me back up a bit.

Long story short, Nicholas was the last Tsar and a Romanov. The Romanov’s ruled Russia for around 300 years when Nicholas took the throne. He was married to Alexandra, a princess of Hesse and Rhine. They had 5 children: daughters Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, and then finally, a son, Alexis. Because of the Pauline Laws imposed in Russia, only a male could be heir to the throne. This made Alexis essentially the prized possession of not only his family, but all of Russia. If Nicholas and Alexandra had not produced a son, Russia could have fallen into the hands of many greedy countries who believed they had a rightful claim.

However, there was one problem: Alexis was a hemophiliac, meaning that his blood didn’t clot properly, along with a slew of other symptoms.

Nowadays, hemophilia isn’t as life-threatening as it was back in the beginning of the 20th century. Every time Alexis so much as tripped, it could mean death. Empress Alexandra was constantly worried about Alexis, but on one particular occasion that worry was somewhat settled. Alexis had an accident and was basically on the brink of death when Alexandra’s friend, Anna, suggested that she call in a man named Gregory Rasputin. Eventually, Rasputin had such an effect on Alexis that Alexandra believed him to be the only thing keeping her son alive. She truly believed him to be a direct conduit to God.

And that is the beginning of the end for the Romanovs. Read More »

Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers! My Thanksgiving happened over a month ago, but I still want to wish you all the best! And I hope that you scored some deals at your phenomenal Black Friday sales.

And now, onto the book!

“Clockwork Angel” by Cassandra Clare is the first in her new trilogy, titled “The Infernal Devices.” However, the setting and paranormal world that she incorporates into this novel is actually from her first trilogy “The Mortal Instruments.” I’ve never read any of her work before, but apparently fans will recognize family names from the original books in this new one and also some characters. However, the best part is that you don’t need to read “The Mortal Instruments” before you read “Clockwork Angel”; they are complimentary series, but not about the same stories. With these novels, Clare has created an entire world, referred to as the Downworld, in which demons, vampires and the like all exist. The Downworld is common between the two trilogies and is essentially what ties them together.

The book starts out in1878, with our main character, Tessa Gray, a 16-year old American girl who has traveled by ship to London, England in search of her brother. He was working in London and invited her to come live with him. However, when she arrives she is kidnapped by two women who call themselves the Dark Sisters who are associated with the mysterious Pandemonium Club. They trap her in their home and teach her that she herself is a Downworlder with a very curious ability - she can change into another person. They make her practice this skill in preparation for her marriage to a man who is only referred to as the Magister. Just before the wedding, Will Herondale, a Shadowhunter, rescues Tessa and takes her to the London Institute, where he lives with other Shadowhunters. Using Tessa’s ability, they begin to investigate both her brother’s disappearance and a strange series of murders related to the Pandemonium Club.

Yeah, that’s a lot to take in, but it grips you right from the beginning. Clare wasted no time getting right to the action of this novel and with 478 pages, it’s a whole lot of action. As complicated as the short synposis may seem, with all the new terms, an understanding of the Downworld comes quite quickly to the reader and really enhances the experience. The mystery is completely riveting and I really found this one hard to put down! I also really liked the historical aspect. Even though it was seldom referred to, I just really enjoyed reading a book about a bunch of Victorian paranormal-fighters! Read More »

I know, I know. I’m a total book hypocrite. I used to make fun of women who read boatloads of Jodi Picoult and look at me now! This is the 4th. book of hers I’ve reviewed for CC! (“My Sister’s Keeper,” “The Pact,” and “Plain Truth.”) But, I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – she is GREAT for entertaining reading. This woman can write, which probably explains why she is so darn popular.

“Change of Heart” starts out sad. So sad, in fact, that I actually debated even reading it. June’s husband Jack passes away in a car accident and she is left all alone with their two-year-old, Elizabeth. Yes, that is how the book starts.  But I’m not surprised because, after all, I’m reading Jodi Picoult. Begrudgingly, I continued on. June falls in love with the police officer who broke the bad news of Jack’s death to her, Kurt Nealon, and they marry. Then June becomes pregnant. And then Kurt and Elizabeth are murdered by a handyman June hired to help out around the house.

Yes, it does come out of nowhere. And yes, three of the main characters die within the first 25 pages.

When I got to this point, I once again considered putting the book back on my bookshelf for good, but decided that Jodi Picoult would have to revive the story and it was probably worth reading. And luckily, I was right!

The handyman who killed June’s family is suddenly at the forefront of the novel. His name is Shay Bourne and he is definitely simple-minded. He is tried and sentenced, where we meet another character in the novel, Michael. He is on the jury that decides to invoke the rarely-used New Hampshire death penalty sentence and is so upset over the whole ordeal that he joins the seminary and emerges as “Father Michael.” Read More »

Since I’m elbow-deep in midterms, I’ve found myself reaching for young adult fiction recently. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: it’s entertaining and relatively easy to read, making for a relaxing break from my many textbooks.

My boyfriend actually bought “We Were Here” for me last Christmas. I know, it’s terrible of me to let a gifted book sit on my shelf for so long, but I wasn’t feeling it until recently (sorry, bf!). The main character of “We Were Here” is Miguel. We meet him just as he is being sent to a group home for nine months for a crime. He is very tight-lipped about the crime, which gives the whole novel a bit of suspense that I really enjoyed. Another part of his sentence requires Miguel to keep a journal of his time in the group home, which gives us the narration of the story.

While incarcerated, Miguel meets Rondell, an African-American teen who suffers from extremely violent outbursts and some mental delays, and Mong, a mysterious Asian boy who Miguel really can’t get a handle on. One evening, Mong tells Miguel that he plans to escape from the group home and head for Mexico and invites Miguel along. Rondell overhears this and, soon enough, they plan to break out. The escape is actually successful and after it, you get into the real “meat” of the story, as the teens travel up and down the California coast.

Perhaps it’s because I’m a psychology major, with a particular interest in forensic psychology (study of criminals, basically), but I was hooked on this one right from the get-go. Learning about the group home residents and their individual crimes was totally fascinating and fairly accurate. I also really liked the “journal perspective” style of writing. It allowed the reader to get a good grasp on Miguel and his demons and also allowed me to play psychologist and analyze him a bit! But, trust me, you don’t have to be a psych fanatic to enjoy this one. Read More »

As any loyal reader of my reviews (I like to dream, okay?) knows, I’m a book snob. I turn my nose up at the “Recommended” table at my local bookstore and never look twice at the bestsellers list on Amazon. However, I’m learning that I’m not always right – a huge step – and giving in to those recommended reads, often with great results.

Which brings me to my current position curled up in bed, my latest read lying next to me (which is next to an empty pudding container): “Water for Elephants.” Since this book was published in 2006, I’ve yet to hear a bad comment about it. Somehow, I managed to avoid it for the past 4 years but with it being turned into a movie (with RPatz!), I thought it was time to give it a whirl.

“Water for Elephants” tells the story of Jacob Jankowski. It flips back and forth between the present when Jacob is ninety or ninety-three (he is a little unsure and doesn’t really care) and when he was 23. The modern-day Jacob lives in a nursing home, where he is far from happy and very aware of his gradual, but inevitable demise. One day, the circus comes to town and sets up close to the home. This triggers memories in Jacob that he has tried to suppress and so begins the switching between the 1930′s and modern day.

In 1931, Jacob is just finishing up his training at Cornell Veterinary School when his parents perish in a car accident. Distraught and broke, Jacob leaves in the middle of finals examinations and eventually finds himself on a the train of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a traveling circus. Initially, the members of the circus aren’t too happy to have a stowaway, but when they find out he is essentially a vet, they are thrilled and he is hired. Jacob works hard at caring for the animals and through his work, meets Marlena, the beautiful star of the show. Of course, she is already married, to August, the horrible and unpredictable Equestrian Director. Along with Uncle Al, the deranged head-honcho, Rosie, the elephant, and a few other characters, the cast is rounded out. Read More »

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of reincarnation. Ever since I learned of the concept in a world religions class in high school, I’ve enjoyed learning more about this ancient idea. If reincarnation is true, then there is no need to fear death; we just keep coming back until we get it right. I think the eternalness of it all appealed to me.

Oh, who am I kidding? I have always gravitated towards the paranormal and downright weird.

Lately, I’ve noticed a stream of novels based on reincarnation, two of which I’ve already reviewed (The Reincarnationist & My Name is Memory). Just like vampires dominated the fiction landscape a few years ago (thanks, Twilight), I think bookstores are soon to be chock-full of reincarnation. “The Eternal Ones” by Kirsten Miller is the latest in this flood and I was eager to get my hands on it.

The protagonist of the novel is Haven Moore, a teenage girl who longs for New York City. Growing up in Snope City, Tennessee, she’s always been an outcast, especially after the other children found out about her visions. Haven’s been having visions of New York and a boy named Ethan since she was young. These visions aren’t received well by the local, Christian folk, including Haven’s strict grandmother, and she is sent to see the local preacher, Dr. Tidmore, to get them under control. After years of peace, when she is just about to graduate from high school and finally escape Tennessee, she begins having visions again. However, this time Haven’s mother decides to help her daughter and tells her that her father believed that she was reincarnated. Haven also learns of something called the Ouroboros Society, which is also in New York, and aims to bring together those who remember their past lives. Once Haven learns this, there is no stopping her and the adventure begins as she sets out to find Ethan. Read More »

A few months ago I was introduced to The Hunger Games. I’d seen the first book fly off the shelves and although I was intrigued, I never indulged. I read the back and wasn’t totally convinced. However, my co-worker wouldn’t stop raving about the first book, so I decided to give it a go.

‘The Hunger Games’ trilogy consists of ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Catching Fire’ and, the latest and most-anticipated installment, ‘Mockingjay.’ The story is set in a dystopian North America known as Panem, divided into 12 districts (formerly 13) and controlled by the Capitol. The citizens of Panem are extremely hard-done-by; the Capitol provides them with just enough to barely get by and constantly reminds them who is in charge. District 13 doesn’t exist because long ago, the districts decided to rebel against the Capitol and as retribution, 13 was destroyed.

Another event that came to be as a result of this failed rebellion is the Hunger Games. Every year, 2 “tributes,” a boy and a girl, from each district are sent into an arena and must battle to the death. Only one survivor remains. It’s horribly brutal, but serves as a great reminder that the Capitol is in total control and can choose to do with its citizens what it pleases. Our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, is a headstrong 16-year-old. Ever since her father perished in the coal mines of District 12, she has had to illegally hunt and sell game to feed her mother and sister. However, her life changes when her sister, Prim, is called to compete in the Hunger Games. Without blinking an eye, Katniss volunteers to take Prim’s place and is thrown into the world of the Hunger Games. Along with Peeta, the other District 12 tribute, she navigates the games and begins to unravel the mysteries of the Capitol. Throughout the other two books, Katniss works with the cast of characters in discovering the truth about the Capitol and Panem in general, all while working towards the greater good.

I’m not going to say any more than that on the content of the trilogy. The books are great and I don’t want to spoil anything! Read More »

Anyone who reads my posts knows that I’m a fiend for science non-fiction. I know it sounds scary, but I’m not reading “A Brief History of Time,” although I sometimes toy with the idea. My science is fresh, fun and most importantly, SO interesting! Even if you’re not a biology major, you will love books like Mary Roach’s. I was so thrilled when I heard that she published another non-fiction book and dove right in.

Like her other 3 books, “Packing for Mars” focuses on one realm of science. This time, it’s outer space. Of course, Roach doesn’t actually get to fly like an astronaut, but she goes through many components of training and testing that real astronauts endure. She delves into not only the hardcore physical science, but also the politics and psychology of space travel. As a psych major, I was beyond thrilled with the chapter on Space Psychology and spent a bit of time researching it afterward. There are even college programs dedicated to it! I also loved the chapter on motion sickness as I am a sufferer and found the physical causes fascinating (your eyes and inner ears aren’t perceiving the same thing). Roach is a meticulous researcher and always includes fun anecdotes along with hard facts. Almost every page has a hilarious footnote to further explain a point!

What I love most about Roach’s books is her ability to make science fun! I know it sounds totally cheesy, but it’s true. She is the Bill Nye the Science Guy for adults. Her narration is charming and she almost has an innocent quality to her curiosity about the world of science. Her books never fail to put a smile on my face, all while I’m learning. To be honest, I’ve always been terrified by space and space travel and the only reason I even picked this up is because Mary Roach wrote it. After reading, I have such a new found respect and admiration for the men and women that work at NASA and all other space organizations. They are risking so much to further science and it was nice to gain a new perspective on the subject.

If you’re looking for a warm-up for the impending school year, pick up “Packing for Mars” by Mary Roach. Not only will it jump start your brain, you’ll totally enjoy it. I recommend this and all of her books to everyone!