2011 and 2012

First of all, Happy New Year everyone!

Second, I just met author Sarah Alderson - she is really nice! And I love her writing - look forward to a review soon!

Also, I am really excited about next year, with lots of cool new books coming out and of course, I can finally get around to reviewing these books that I have read, but not reviewed:

1. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey.
2.  Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson.
3. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.
4. Hush, Hush  By Becca Fitzpatrick
5. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson 
6. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
7. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Look out for all of their reviews and more in January!

Some books that I am really excited about for next year:

- Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
- The Shiny Guys by Doug Macleod
- Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

- The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
- Dark Eyes by William Ritcher
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth

- The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight  by Jennifer E Smith
-  Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
- The Flappers: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
- The List by Siobhan Vivian
- The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

- The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
- The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
- Above by Leah Bobet


Look out for more posts coming to The Book Slooth next year. Lots of reviews, teasers, sneak peeks of upcoming books, quotes to entice you into reading and of course - competitions!

Happy New Year,
Isme

Anna and the French Kiss playlist

 

Here is the playlist that accompanies Anna and The French Kiss, compiled by author Stephanie Perkins here.

P.S. It's the spoiler-free verison, so if you're thinking of reading Anna, then get in the mood with this playlist without ruining anything. 

Read my review of Anna and the French Kiss Here.

Author's Book page here & here

Goodreads Page here.

REVIEW: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Downing Cherry Cokes and watching her two best friends hoof it out on the dance floor of the local teen club doesn’t make 17-year-old Bianca Piper feel good about herself. Especially when high-school man-slut Wesley Rush tells her she's the Duff, her friends’ "designated ugly fat friend," and tries to cozy up to her in order to get into her friends’ pants. Later on, somehow, someway, Bianca finds herself drawn to Wesley, and before she knows it, they’ve created a complex, enemies-with-benefits relationship that the YA market has never seen before. Their encounters are heatedly frank and full of humor, anger and rage, and soon the two learn they have more in common than they could ever have expected. Kirkus Reviews


Being a fan of Keplinger's Sophomore novel, Shut Out, I picked up The DUFF expecting a fun, fluffy, adolescent "chick lit" read. It was great.

One of my favourite aspects of Keplinger's writing is the frankness of it. She doesn't beat around the bush with mysterious and eluding adjectives and odd metaphors. Now that doesn't mean that she goes into plain, clinical detail about every little aspect of the book in a meticulous manner; she doesn't.

In fact, Keplinger's writing is enjoyable to read and easy to absorb, not having you needing to re-read sentences in confusion. She gives you details; enough to keep you at exactly the right perspective; it's not an under detailed or "oh my gosh, I can't believe that you just went into that much detail" type of novel; Keplinger has skillfully covered the topic of sex well in both her books. To put it simply, it's not weird or awkward.

I loved the concept, great fun, something that is a topic among teenagers and was well addressed by Keplinger. The book has a fluffy top layer, but if you choose to read into it, it does have some themes that appear in the end such as friendship and relationships, honesty, the social "norm" and, of course, sex.

An escapist, summer read, The DUFF should be on your to-read list. If you're female, 12 or older, then  trust me, you won't put it down!

"...Keplinger scores a first for a genre in which vampires and dystopian futures rule. Her snarky teen speak, true-to-life characterizations and rollicking sense of humor never cease in her debut. Teen readers will see both themselves and their friends in Bianca's layered, hostile world."
   — Kirkus Reviews

"Kudos to the 18-year-old Keplinger for writing a heroine whose complicated relationship with sex is honest and heartbreaking. This for-more-mature teens novel deftly illustrates how even consensual sex can be emotionally destructive, and captures thoughts about self-image and the many different types of relationships. Expect to be recommending The Duff to friends for years to come."
   — Romantic Times Top Pick, 4 Stars

"I really appreciate what The Duff stands for as a book.  For me, that is really what makes it such a recommended read.  There isn’t enough YA that combines a fun tone of voice with serious discussions on sex positivity."
   — dearauthor.com

The Authors Website here and her blog here

Other Reviews:
@ Belle's Bookshelf
@ Persnickety Snark
@ YA Reads
@ Dear Author

Miss Peregrine's - The Making of a Trailer

This short film is fascinating look at the abandoned houses and castles that author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs and his Dutch urban explorer guide found while scouting locations for the book trailer.

I have just started reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children  and I love it already, can't wait to delve into it.

Enjoy!

REVIEW: Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.
 
But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .
 
Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?
 

The First two things on my mind:

1. I love the flower on the cover - it's soo pretty!

2. Sandmen! Seriously! Are you kidding me? That is so cool! 

Anyway, now to the serious stuff...

I loved the premise of Sleepless, how often do you come across a novel about Sandmen? A highly untapped market, Balog executed the concept well and finished with a novel that weaved the everyday into the supernatural.  Cue The Chordettes.

In my opinion, the plot was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable. It might just be me who's psychic, but I found that at sometimes, I let out a sigh of relief when the character did something that I wanted them to do already!

I enjoyed Sleepless and if you're female, 13-16, looking for a good read that is peppy, will keep you interested and occasionally laughing, then Sleepless is your man. (So to speak).

Embrace Cover Shoot

I came across the Embrace Cover shoot, at The Story Siren, and loved the video. It's really nice to be able to see behind the scenes and see what goes into the making of a cover.

Here's the video:



Here's the final cover:

Go Away, I'm Reading...

 

REVIEW: Fly on the Wall by E Lockhart

 I have loved E Lockhart ever since I read The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks, so I was excited when I saw one of her recent books that had a great concept - someone turning into a fly on the wall - I had to read it!


Gretchen Yee attends the Manhattan School for Art and Music, where everybody seems to have some sort of amazing talent or cool defining feature; like smoking out of a pipe or a blue beard. But Gretchen is just a normal girl who loves to draw in cartoon form; which is constantly getting her in trouble with her art teacher. 
Gretchen admires Titus from afar, studying him like a statue. But she know that she will never be able to talk to him as he is one of the most popular guys in the school. When a wish goes a-rye and Gretchen finds herself a fly trapped in the boys locker room, she learns a lot more about the guys at her school than she ever wanted to. 


Three words can describe this book - short and sweet.

It was great, I haven't read or heard of a book with the same concept before, (unless you count Kafka!? - which was, coincidentally what Gretchen was reading!) so it was great to experience something like it for the first time. The lack of supernatural and just funny wish/ coincidence aspect of Gretchen being turned into a fly was refreshing and gave it that touch of reality that made it so much funnier.

The story was great, it wasn't afraid to poke fun at it's semi-indie settings and people. It also had a great development; each part was divided equally enough that you were satisfied with the introduction, the action and the conclusion.

The action during Gretchen's fly times at the Manhattan School of Art and Music were the funniest parts of the novel. Lockhart handled the whole boys locker-room thing really well, the whole thing not just focusing on the guys and their bodies, sure, there was that stuff at the beginning, but it also delved into the social dynamics between them, the social norm, relationships and how men and women view each other so differently.

A really entertaining, original and quick read (182 pages) , Fly on the Wall is great if you're 12-19.


Also reviewed at:

Anna Reads

Cover of the week - Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson

I don't know what it is about this cover; maybe it's because it's bright and fresh, maybe it's the props that I like. Either way, this cover is definitely this week's favourite.
P.S. Sorry about the small image, it's the biggest I could find!

Read the review for the first book in the Scarlett series, Suite Scarlett here. 

And here are some of my other favourite covers of this week...

Penguin Deluxe Classics

I am smitten with Penguin's line of re-covered classics. I know it might seem that I'm a bit behind as they have been out for a while, truly, I have NO EXCUSE!

Without further a du, The Penguin Deluxe Classics!

Becca Fitzpatrick in Perth

Just a note, this is for PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA RESIDENTS ONLY.

REVIEW: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention 

Then Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. But what Lissa never sees coming is her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling...


I liked the stance that Keplinger took on the whole teen sex thing. Considering that the novel was about a sex strike, I think that she executed the whole thing really well, not coming across as preachy or as if she was promoting it. She presented a variety of aspects, from both sides of the field (get it?!).

The novel also tackled a lot of views about sexuality and expressions of, something that makes you think, but not in an "ugh! philosophy and decisions are hard!" sort of way. I also think that it is also really brave of Keplinger to write a book about sex, as most authors wouldn't have the heart to attempt it.

I did like the characters, especially Lissa. It was refreshing to see a heroine who wasn't strong all the time. I think that her idiosyncrasies were what helped bring her alive, and it really worked.  Also - I LOVED Cash and Chloe, they were hilarious at times and just seemed perfect for their roles at other times. The dialogue was enjoyable and really made the novel that bit more realistic.

I thought that some aspects of the novel were a bit predictable, but I guess that not everything can be a surprise.

Shut Out is based on the Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, and I think that Keplinger does a great job portraying it; it was converted well for a modern audience.

Shut Out is a novel that you should definitely read, don't be off by the sex talk, it doesn't go into detail.
It's a great, light read and you'll really enjoy it if you're a girl ( just awk-ward if you're a guy) 13-17 or so. Maybe (you know, just maybe) because of the feminine perspective and about girls not having sex with guys.

P.S. Here are some good reviews that explain it more - I really suggest that you read a few of them at least - it's worth it!

A great way to put it, found at jessicalawlor.com 's review:

"The concept of SHUT OUT comes from the Greek myth LYSISTRATA; so clearly while I wasn’t paying attention to classics and Greek myths in high school English class, Kody Keplinger was buzzing with fantastic book ideas. But seriously, the idea of this book fascinated me. I love how Keplinger was able to take a concept from such an old story and completely breathe new life into it. The rivalry had me intrigued from the beginning, and when the girls rallied together against the boys, I was completely hooked."

Other Reviews
Girls In the Stacks Vlog
@ The Story Siren
@ Shana Talks
@ The Reading Fever

Blog of the Week

The blog of the week is something I decided to do to acknowledge all the hard work that goes into blogging. All  the hours shackled to a desk, typing furiously to get that review just right, just working yourself to the bone in general. (you know what I mean.) Oh! and don't forget the long hours that the slave master forces you to read for...

This week I would like to acknowledge Rebecca of Reading Wishes  , she's a newbie to the blogging world and she has plunged in with her head above water, producing reviews better than I did when I started and just having a good looking blog in general!

Congratulations, and all those who haven't visited Reading Wishes before - check it out. And all those that have - Make sure to visit again (insert evil laugh here)!

I present you, Rebecca with a badge of honour (in my books at least!)

What a great banner too!

Book Trailer Love

Congratulations Sharli!

Thank you to those who entered and Luisa Plaja for sponsoring this competition!

Isme

REVIEW: The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

How are we supposed to be partners? He can’t see the cards and I don’t know the rules!

The summer after junior year of high school looks bleak for Alton Richards. His girlfriend has dumped him to hook up with his best friend. He has no money and no job. His parents insist that he drive his great-uncle Lester to his bridge club four times a week and be his cardturner—whatever that means. Alton’s uncle is old, blind, very sick, and very rich.
But Alton’s parents aren’t the only ones trying to worm their way into Lester Trapp’s good graces. They’re in competition with his longtime housekeeper, his alluring young nurse, and the crazy Castaneda family, who seem to have a mysterious influence over him.

Alton soon finds himself intrigued by his uncle, by the game of bridge, and especially by the pretty and shy Toni Castaneda. As the summer goes on, he struggles to figure out what it all means, and ultimately to figure out the meaning of his own life.


Louis Sachar returns with an amazing novel that everyone of all ages will love; witty, insightful and  refreshing addition to the YA world, The Cardturner is a definite MUST READ.

I loved the main character of Alton, probably one of the best characters from all the books that I have read. He's sarcastic, genuine and well written, he had the depth of a real person, you felt yourself aligned with his emotions, actions as well as laughing at his attitude to towards his ex-girlfriend and best friend.
The other characters were all unique and each contributed to making the novel the fantastic story that it unquestionably is.

The novel is straightforward, while in non-bridge gibberish (I'll explain in a minute), The Cardturner is extremely easy to read and has a light-hearted mood that makes you feel content, happy. However, the whale that is presented to most people while reading this book is what happens when the little picture of a whale appears (don't get scared now!) Optional to read, the text that comes after the whale is an explanation of what is happening in the game in bridge terms - lessons for bridge if you will. Now, don't stress, at the end of this part, there is a few sentences in a box that explains what has happened in very simple, non-bridge terms.

Another aspect that was great about the book and also widens the audience is that it is narrated by a guy, and about a guy (mostly!). It's really invigorating to read a book centered around a male main character as it is quite rare.

As you may have noticed from my ranting from how much I love every aspect of this book, I suggest that you get a copy of this book ASAP or sooner!

You will find that Sachar has done it again and that's why I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12, (12+),  male or female. Enjoy!

Other Reviews:

@ Guardian.co.uk Teen Books
@ Daisy Chain Reviews
@ The New York Times
@ Helena Pielichaty's Diary of a Children's book writer
@ Wake County Library

Fun Fact: Louis Sachar also wrote Sideways stories from Wayside School, the children's series.

Truth & Dare Giveaway

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the late notice, but the Luisa Plaja Truth and Dare Giveaway closed yesterday.

Good luck to all who entered, the winner will be contacted and announced soon.


Isme

Layout Problems

Hi Everyone,

As you may have noticed, I have been having problems with my blog lately, with only one post on the main page.

I am working to fix this, and in the mean time, I hope that my temporary template is okay!

Thank you,

Isme

Au Revoir Crazy Night Circus...

I love the look of these books, they sound original and have refreshing plot lines (by the look of it). And don't forget the covers, of course!

THE NIGHT CIRCUS 
by Erin Morgenstern 

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. 

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. 

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus 
 per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

 
AU REVOIR, CRAZY EUROPEAN CHICK
by Joe Schreiber 

Perry Stormaire is a normal high school senior– he is busy applying to college and rehearsing with his band –until he agrees to go to the prom with the Lithuanian exchange student who is staying with his family. It turns out that Gobi Zaksauskas is not the mousy teenager that she seems but rather an attractive, confident trained assassin. Instead of going to the prom, Perry finds himself on a wild ride through the streets of New York City as Gobi commandeers the Jaguar his father lent him for the prom in order to take out her targets. Perry learns a lot about himself – and ends up with some amazing material for his college application essays.


And here are some great pictures from the purely pictures of books tumblr, book lovers never go to bed alone.