Another round-up of mini-reviews for you, my darling readers! First up, a YA contemporary that I really wanted to love, but it just felt under-developed. Second, a classic YA novel by one of my favorite authors, but I've never read before. And third, an NA novel from an author who makes me laugh and swoon with her stories.
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: June 16, 2015
Source/Format: Edelweiss (Thanks!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the opinions in my review.]
Between the Notes simply wasn’t my cup of tea, though a few elements were appealing. It seems like these contradicting feelings of like and dislike apply to all the elements that come to mind. I liked Ivy, because she wasn’t perfect as she faced her struggles and for her passion for the piano. But her choices weren’t great, and it was also hard to really connect with her. I liked the family aspect, because the dynamic (particularly with her little brother) felt real. But I felt like it was also underdeveloped. I liked the friend aspect, because it’s interesting how friendships wax and wane with the circumstances and how they form unexpectedly. I liked the romantic aspect, because it’s set up to end well. But I didn’t like all the frustrating things that happened before we get there. Because my feelings were so fickle, it affected my overall opinion of the novel, and not for the better. Though I do think this novel might work for others, this one just wasn’t for me.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Publication Date: February 9, 1998 (orig. 1989)
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Paperback
If you're looking for a children's classic to add to your library, look no further than Number the Stars. While it's a quick read, the punch it packs will hit you right in the heart. I never knew about what the Danish people did for the Jews during World War II, and it was really eye-opening to learn about it. It's such a simple story - that of Annemarie, her friend Ellen and their families as their world is subjected to the effect of World War II and Jewish discrimination. It's a story of fear and a story of bravery; a story of friendship and of true goodness. I hugged the book when I finished, so warmed by the knowledge that, in the midst of all the terror and turmoil of World War II, hope and goodness and decency still prevailed. If you've yet to read Number the Stars, whether you're an adult, young adult or a child, definitely take the time to go and grab a copy.
Wait for You by J. Lynn
Series: Wait for You #1
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle -ebook
I honestly love that there is such a wide variety of new adult novels out there that I get to experience for the first time. It's a classification of books that I've been dabbling in more and more since midway through last year, and reading stories that are as funny and sweet as Wait for You is totally worth it. I really liked Avery; she reflects my personality in a few key ways, and I latched on to that immediately. Plus, the secrets she's been hiding and the pressure that threatens to throw her life into upheaval? Made my heart hurt because I liked her a lot. But really, the starring character in this novel is Cam, who is completely endearing with his sass, sweetness and strength. The progression of their relationship was definitely something I loved reading about, and I would gladly revisit some of their moments together again in the future. Wait for You is a fun start to a new adult series, and I'm certainly curious which other characters will be getting their own story.
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Publication Date: February 9, 1998 (orig. 1989)
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Paperback
If you're looking for a children's classic to add to your library, look no further than Number the Stars. While it's a quick read, the punch it packs will hit you right in the heart. I never knew about what the Danish people did for the Jews during World War II, and it was really eye-opening to learn about it. It's such a simple story - that of Annemarie, her friend Ellen and their families as their world is subjected to the effect of World War II and Jewish discrimination. It's a story of fear and a story of bravery; a story of friendship and of true goodness. I hugged the book when I finished, so warmed by the knowledge that, in the midst of all the terror and turmoil of World War II, hope and goodness and decency still prevailed. If you've yet to read Number the Stars, whether you're an adult, young adult or a child, definitely take the time to go and grab a copy.
Series: Wait for You #1
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle -ebook
I honestly love that there is such a wide variety of new adult novels out there that I get to experience for the first time. It's a classification of books that I've been dabbling in more and more since midway through last year, and reading stories that are as funny and sweet as Wait for You is totally worth it. I really liked Avery; she reflects my personality in a few key ways, and I latched on to that immediately. Plus, the secrets she's been hiding and the pressure that threatens to throw her life into upheaval? Made my heart hurt because I liked her a lot. But really, the starring character in this novel is Cam, who is completely endearing with his sass, sweetness and strength. The progression of their relationship was definitely something I loved reading about, and I would gladly revisit some of their moments together again in the future. Wait for You is a fun start to a new adult series, and I'm certainly curious which other characters will be getting their own story.
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