TCL Call number: YA BEAUDOIN S Stephanie’s rating: 3.5 stars
It's 2013...zombies, zombie-apocalypse, zombieland, zombie babies?...of all the movies and...moreTCL Call number: YA BEAUDOIN S Stephanie’s rating: 3.5 stars
It's 2013...zombies, zombie-apocalypse, zombieland, zombie babies?...of all the movies and science fiction books published you'd think we'd seen it and heard it all. Ehh...Sean Beaudoin says otherwise. "The Infects" is 17 year olds perspective on the flesh-eating uprising. Note this kid may have been the one that started the pandemic…and it may have started with chickens :/ In any case, Nero (the protagonist) and his degenerate posse find themselves in the thick of it. He needs to make it home and save his sister, but how when at one end there is a deranged high school football team gorging on anything that has a beating heart, and on the other side the lackadaisical cheerleaders are chomping away with their pom-poms still in choreographed action. To make it a bit more dramatic the kid is in love! How is this all possible?! Can he make it out alive, save his sister, and save the to-be girlfriend all in one day?! (less)
Madeleine - 4 stars This was an interesting read. Totally dissimilar to anything else I've picked up in Teen Fiction recently. I l...moreTCL Call#: YA Revis B
Madeleine - 4 stars This was an interesting read. Totally dissimilar to anything else I've picked up in Teen Fiction recently. I loved the inability to anticipate what was going to happen. Did not like: That she called her mom Mom but her dad Daddy. Really? Was quite off putting. And creepy. That there's a potential rape scene. That's OK. What's not is that the author makes a point of describing how one particular guy is giving Amy the creeps, then we have the potential rape, and then that guy falls off the radar. As in is literally never mentioned again. Huh? (less)
Christy - 3 Stars I really enjoyed this novel about two young English women during World War II, best friends. One's a pilot, the o...moreTCL Call#: YA Wein E
Christy - 3 Stars I really enjoyed this novel about two young English women during World War II, best friends. One's a pilot, the other a spy, separated but both trapped in occupied Northern France on a mission gone awry.
This isn't based on an actual story and takes some historical license, but it gives you an idea of the sacrifices made and risks taken by so many during that time, and many so young. The prose didn't quite work for me at times--it's supposed to be free-form, written by one of the girls. Nevertheless, I was gripped by this story! A fun friendship and an adventure. Recommended. (less)
Madeleine - 3 stars Whoa. Totally dark book. Absolutely nothing cheery happens. However, it's fascinating and I blew through it...moreTCL Call#: YA Dashner J
Madeleine - 3 stars Whoa. Totally dark book. Absolutely nothing cheery happens. However, it's fascinating and I blew through it in a night. It's not formulaic which is exciting in Teen Fiction these days when I find myself feeling prophetic with every book - knowing what's coming next. Because of that novelty I gave the book 3 stars. Because of its annoyingly stereotypical emotional teens that seem to only know to storm off or fight I gave it 3 stars. The writing could have been stronger as well but it was refreshing to have something new.(less)
Hautman and Mary Logue started out co-authoring this funny little look at love as a teen, and Hautman finished it. It’s re...moreTCL #: YA Hautman
D-3.5 stars
Hautman and Mary Logue started out co-authoring this funny little look at love as a teen, and Hautman finished it. It’s really about navigating relationships and negotiating all the things that happen in both friendships and love relationships, specifically from a teen perspective. The narration goes back and forth between the female and male protagonists, which paints a funny picture of how the two genders come away from situations with two very distinct perceptions. Lita writes a blog, and Adam writes a ‘self-help’ book, and both are hilarious. The characters are funny and even though they’re a little exaggerated, they still retain enough realness to be totally believable.
If you picked up this book because you loved other apocalypse books, I’m guessing you will not like it. Although it is abo...moreTCL#: YA Hautman
D- 2.5 stars
If you picked up this book because you loved other apocalypse books, I’m guessing you will not like it. Although it is about a dystopian future, it’s more supernatural than science fiction. There is some interesting stuff about native American mythology, and the characters are likeable enough, but it is probably a book more specific to certain tastes. I found it somewhat slow and continued to wonder when the action would begin. Additionally, after waiting for it to begin, I felt it ended somewhat abruptly. Not my favorite book, and I typically love things written by Hautman. (less)
As usual, Pete Hautman delivers a winner. If you are into outbreak, apocalypse, or hilarious books, this is a little of al...moreTCL#: YA Hautman
D- 3.5 stars
As usual, Pete Hautman delivers a winner. If you are into outbreak, apocalypse, or hilarious books, this is a little of all three. Rash illustrates a future where everyone is afraid of almost everything, so although this is funny, it’s also an interesting look at what would happen if people took safety to the extreme. This book is (in classic Hautman form) interesting, quick, accessible, and fun. (less)
Madeleine - 1 star Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! I loved the first book. I actually stopped reading this book at page 80 out of pure irritation...moreTCL Call#: YA Roth V
Madeleine - 1 star Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! I loved the first book. I actually stopped reading this book at page 80 out of pure irritation. It so did not work for me. And it had lots of holds. So back it goes to the library and I shall try it again later. For what it's worth, the 80 pages killed me. Tris grated in the way teen genre authors love to make their characters - questionable decisions (I'm sure she'll learn from them later, however she should not have been that stupid to begin with) and sliding morals. I absolutely hate when teen authors do this. You can almost hear them saying to themselves "these are formative years where a youth is resolving the self" blah, blah. It could ring true if the "set ups" weren't so obvious to where I want to say "the pig doesn't jump over the moon, silly, it's the COW".(less)
Marisa's rating: 2 stars I liked the way this book was written. "The Fault In Our Stars" kept my attention with the witty dialogue...moreTCL Call#: YA GREEN J
Marisa's rating: 2 stars I liked the way this book was written. "The Fault In Our Stars" kept my attention with the witty dialogue and cute love story. The voice of the main characters, Augustus and Hazel, however, talked a bit too intellectual/adult for their apparent age group. In the end though, the book was quite the tear-jerker. (less)
Marisa's rating: 3 stars The story begins with the narrator and main character, Min dropping off a box to her former boyfriend. In...moreTCL Call#: YA HANDLER
Marisa's rating: 3 stars The story begins with the narrator and main character, Min dropping off a box to her former boyfriend. Inside she chronicles all the items she is returning to him, post break-up. Each item tells a story of the relationship and is also accompanied by a dynamic painting. Daniel Handler is able to capture of the voice of a teenaged girl incredibly precisely. While the story becomes sad of course, what struck me was how much teens see the events of their lives as critical -- there is no big picture zen-ness. I loved how much Min felt when her and her love interest break up as well as her ability to look back at the past and see the ultimately flaws in their love story. "Why We Broke Up" is an interesting foray into YA literature that is stimulating for adults too.(less)
A book about teenage suicide might seem like a tough read, but this is really about so much more. When Clay receives tap...moreTCL CALL#: YA ASHER
D - 4 stars
A book about teenage suicide might seem like a tough read, but this is really about so much more. When Clay receives tapes from Hannah, his fellow student who committed suicide, he's forced to listen to what part he took in her decision to end her own life. What is absolutely interesting about this book is not the morbid look into the mind of the person who committed this act, but rather, the secrets we keep, the effect our actions have on others, and the way our interactions shape the people and the world around us. My only complaint would be that the message is under a somewhat thin veil, but it's important enough to think about and the story is intricate enough to make up for it. Universal purchased the rights to produce a film in February 2011, so now is the time to read this book before it hits the big screen.(less)
With so many religions in the world, how can a person know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the religion they foll...moreTCL CALL#: YA HAUTMAN P
D- 4 stars
With so many religions in the world, how can a person know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the religion they follow is the "right" religion? It's such a constantly relevant topic that Pete Hautman writes in an undeniably readable fashion. In some ways it may seem like commentary or even an attack on the undesirable nature of religion, particularly organized religion, but Hautman captures the pitfalls of both blind faith and lack of faith. It's title may initially be off-putting, but this one is definitely worth a try for a reader who has had even the slightest doubt in the faith or the morals with which they were raised.(less)
Yes, count them, all five stars. Rare is the occasion I'd rate a book this high, but John Green does it right most of...moreTCL Call#: YA Green J
D - 5 stars
Yes, count them, all five stars. Rare is the occasion I'd rate a book this high, but John Green does it right most of the time, and certainly does it once again here. The first chapter title is "one hundred thirty-six days before." Before what, you ask? Ah, the genius of this novel is that you aren't just driven by the need to know what happens in 136 days, but the characters are incredibly likeable and believable. Miles is the protagonist and our narrator who has a peculiarity for famous people's last words, a quick-wit, and a dark sense of humor. He leaves home to attend a boarding school several states away, where he desires to seek the "Great Perhaps." It is here he meets Alaska, a beautiful and self-destructive girl he quickly falls for. We follow these and a few other characters as the novel continues to count down to an unknown event. This book really has it all: humor, hazing, romance, great characters, and a quick-moving plot. It's a, "just one more chapter" kind of novel that deserves a rare five star rating. (less)
Madeleine - 2 stars Definitely a more tweener book than teen. Think first kiss. It's a fun premise where the girl lives in a fa...moreTCL Call#: YA Mantchev L
Madeleine - 2 stars Definitely a more tweener book than teen. Think first kiss. It's a fun premise where the girl lives in a fantasy theater and all that entails but it gets a little ruined by the cop out trend in teen lit where the teen starts bratty and then learns how to control herself to get what she wants/needs therefore becoming an adult. It's so transparent that only the most obtuse kid would miss the lecture. And it's tiring to imagine a kid being so tiring to start off. If you get to this age and still have tantrums and don't understand the effects of you truly off the chart behavior you might need mediation. Just saying. Oh! And this story also relies on the “Teen Literature Technique” of having two hotties perusing the main character – one good and, wait for it, one bad but oh so handsome. Whatever will she do? Still, it was a fun read what with the set changes and the host of characters. Beware though, following another “Teen Literature Technique”, it's a series and so ends on a cliff.(less)
Madeleine - 4 stars An apocalypse book based off the Yellowstone Caldera blowing? Bring. It. On. Kind of gave me the giggles thoug...moreTCL Call#: YA Mullin M
Madeleine - 4 stars An apocalypse book based off the Yellowstone Caldera blowing? Bring. It. On. Kind of gave me the giggles though, because the quote on the cover says "The scariest apocalypse is one that could really happen." And while that's true, it's also probably true that the scary can get sucked right back out when broken down into a series of mindless unimportant inanities. Here's an example of sucking out the scary: There was a semi twisted across the First Street bridge, blocking it, so I continued north on Main across Cedar River into Waterloo. I turned right, east, on Lincoln, figuring I'd skirt between Waterloo and the airport. I needed to get to Highway 20, but I also wanted to get out of town as fast as possible. If I went straight to 20, I'd have to pass through most of Waterloo. [page 89] Now, if you can train yourself to skip over the above you will have a rather good read (and a quick read). My only other comment is that at times, I thought this author was writing more for Tweens but then he’d toss in some very Teen-ish events. The main character seems both a Tween and a Teen which is odd since he’s 16. (less)
Madeleine - 4 stars Yay! Finally a good read in new teen fiction. Although Roth wobbles perilously close to the edge a few times wi...moreTCL Call#: YA Roth V
Madeleine - 4 stars Yay! Finally a good read in new teen fiction. Although Roth wobbles perilously close to the edge a few times with the talented but misunderstood outcast teen stereotype, she pulls it back with solid character development and intriguing storytelling. Four comes off fabulously (the boy) and the setting is original and interesting. This was definitely a book I found myself staying up just a few more pages for which is refreshing. My only problem with it was a listed above - the flirting with the "typical" teen heroine - and the end of which all I'll say is why would you shoot the zombies but aim to injure the ones responsible. If you're a good enough shot to purposely wound a wanker you could wound a zombie. You'll see. (less)
Madeleine - 2 stars This novel seemed rather rote and formulaic. We’ve got the supernatural only this time she’s part angel. Part a...moreTCL Call#: YA Hand C
Madeleine - 2 stars This novel seemed rather rote and formulaic. We’ve got the supernatural only this time she’s part angel. Part angel means she is gorgeous, can understand any language, excels at all things scholastic and athletic, can fly, glows with “glory”, etc. Only somehow she still plays dumb at math and ends up sitting with the outcasts at lunch. Sigh. So you can be “blessed” with every quality you could possibly want but still be incapable of fitting in. Just doesn’t work that way, author. On the “saving” side of this book, it’s a good read if you live in or visit Jackson Hole. The author clearly states where events are happening (almost name dropping) and it’s fun to be living where the book is happening. (less)
Madeleine - 1 star (acutally 0 stars - a black hole of suckiness) Blech. Could not get past 77 pages. This was so cliche and tri...moreTCL Call#: YS Godbersen
Madeleine - 1 star (acutally 0 stars - a black hole of suckiness) Blech. Could not get past 77 pages. This was so cliche and trite it was insulting to girls. We have our main character who's blonde, beloved by all, fits into society and "good". We have our "bad" girl who is brunette, plays at being blonde's best friend and is considered outside society. Yes, I'm sure at some point this book will jar us all awake with its surprising twist when we find out that all is not as it seems but you'll be slogging through a lot of awefullness to get there. Catty, bitchy and all that is the worst about female lit. Stay away!(less)
Madeleine - 4 stars Card is back with a parallel novel to the Ender series, this time following Bean. It seems like a shadow novel of...moreTCL Call#: YA Card
Madeleine - 4 stars Card is back with a parallel novel to the Ender series, this time following Bean. It seems like a shadow novel of the original as we once again have a hyper-capable undersized kid with a good but frozen heart but Card is so good at storytelling that it's still a pleasure to follow along.(less)
Madeleine - 4 stars This was a fun book. Enough self-depreciating humor to lighten it up, fun main character, a talking head. Good...moreTCL Call#: YA McBride
Madeleine - 4 stars This was a fun book. Enough self-depreciating humor to lighten it up, fun main character, a talking head. Good stuff. Plus it felt like a teen book - not an adult writing what they think teens are hip to. (less)
Madeleine - 5 stars I haven't looked at this book since I read it way back in the day. Absolutely plowed through it in one day rece...moreTCL Call#: YA Hinton
Madeleine - 5 stars I haven't looked at this book since I read it way back in the day. Absolutely plowed through it in one day recently and it was just as good now as when I read it as a teen. It's even more mind blowing to know it was written by a 16 year old girl. A must read.(less)
Madeleine - 1 stars I quit half way through. This felt very much like an adult writing what they thought the kids were going through...moreTCL Call#: YA Smith
Madeleine - 1 stars I quit half way through. This felt very much like an adult writing what they thought the kids were going through now a days but let's add in some supernatural 'cause it's hot right now. We even have the runaways living in the woods near Portland. With the drug dealer spin. So edgy.(less)
Madeleine - 1 stars Thank GOD teens are not like this anymore. I read this book because it was recommend...moreTCL Call#: no copies (I interlibrary loaned it)
Madeleine - 1 stars Thank GOD teens are not like this anymore. I read this book because it was recommended as "appropriate" teen literature in an article by the Wall Street Journal that was upset by the quality of contemporary teen offerings. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001... The article had a side panel entitled "Books We can Recommend for Young Adult Readers" (I love the CAN part of it) and out of all the suggestions this one seemed like I might enjoy it as I'll admit that I like post-apocalyptic stories. Boy was I wrong. The main character is beyond passive. She thinks she's maybe the last person alive as she's climbed to the lip of her valley and seen H-bomb destruciton all around. She's lived by herself for a year with no signs of life outside the valley. Then one day a human appears. What does she do? Does she investigate? No, she hides. Because, of course the stranger will see her green valley and move right on by. Wait! He moves into her house? No way. He eats her food? No way! She continues to watch from afar and even lets this possibly only other human left on earth take a bath in a river she knows is deadly. 'Cause she's watching, see. Well then he gets sick. Only then does she come down. Ugh. Then the dude becomes seriously unstable and what does she do? She hides again. You know you live in probably the only place around that can support life and you are unwilling to defend it? Come on! It only gets worse from there where she avoids reality even to the end of the book. Thank God for today's teens who are not so passive or so willfully stupid. BTWs - this is an excellent rebuttal to the WSJ article: http://io9.com/5809588/why-the-wall-s... (less)
I found this graphic novel intertesting. A poet is thrown into the world of a sailor's life. During his...moreYA Graphic Novel Weing, D Kay's rating: 4 stars
I found this graphic novel intertesting. A poet is thrown into the world of a sailor's life. During his time on the ship he continues to believe that this was a mistake...until his poetry starts to come naturally. It brought a smile to my face toward the end of the book when he passes by a young book reading a book on a pier and asks him "Interesting Book?" and the boy replies, "I like it okay." The poet expresses "That's fair." It's a quite read, but well worth the time.(less)
Madeleine - 4 stars I think the best thing about reading this was that the entire time I kept waiting for the guy to reveal his...moreTCL Call#: YA Perkins S
Madeleine - 4 stars I think the best thing about reading this was that the entire time I kept waiting for the guy to reveal his paranormal qualities and he didn't. But all the way to the bitter end I expected him to say his dad was a vampire or something. Ha! But it was a good read none the less.(less)
Loading...
