Bookanista Review: Shut Out

So, I've been fighting a head cold all week, which sucks. But the good news is that with all the laying low I've been doing, I've had a lot of time to read! Nothing more comforting than an awesome book when you're stuck in the house all day!

And this week's book was a fabulous read! SHUT OUT by Kody Keplinger

A little about the book:

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...

My Thoughts

This is Kody's second book. I remember reading her first, The DUFF, and being a little surprised...it had more language and sex than any other YA I'd read (yes, I'm a sheltered YA reader!) and that took some getting used to for me. BUT I ended up loving The DUFF and Kody's engaging writing style and characters.

SHUT OUT was no different. In fact, I think I might actually have loved it even more! Lissa, the main character, was well developed and easy to relate to, and I enjoyed watching her progression throughout the book. The story was really well paced and kept me turning the pages more and more quickly. Which, as I'm not a habitual reader of contemporary, is pretty huge! :-)

But my absolute favorite part of this book was the conversations between the girl characters about sex. The story begins with Lissa (and most of the other girls) feeling insecure and uncomfortable talking about sex...whether they've done it, or not. Whether they like it, or not....And throughout the book the different perspectives and stereotypes regarding sex were addressed in a way that felt very authentic to me. I loved seeing the girls realize that there *is* no "normal"...and, in turn, start to respect and empathize with each other more. To me, that was the single strongest element of the book because it was so real and so affirming for girl relationships. 

That isn't to say, however, that the romance wasn't satisfying, because it definitely was. It also felt real to me, full of the confusion, vulnerability, and sexual tension I remember in high school...the push and pull of expectations and assumptions, and most of all...how difficult it is to let someone *else* witness your vulnerability. 

SHUT OUT is a book for mature readers, especially those who enjoy a great romance, great female relationships, and a frank exploration of varying attitudes and assumptions about sex.

I hope you enjoy it!

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Here's what the other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Christine Fonseca  interviews PIECES OF US author Margie Gelbwasser

Carolina Valdez Miller adores WANDERLOVE - with giveaway

Megan Miranda celebrates SLIDE – with giveaway

Jen Hayley takes a shine to STARTERS

Stasia Ward Kehoe discovers THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Tracy Banghart  gives a shout-out to SHUT OUT

Jessica Love wonders at WANDERLOVE

Bookanista Review: Born Wicked

I'm a little late posting this blog as I'm still recovering from my big REAL birthday yesterday! WHOO HOO! Later this week I'll do a full birthday recap (with pictures!) but in the meantime, here's this week's review!

BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood

First of all, how gorgeous is that cover, right? I love the curling typeface they used for the book title. Seriously cool. This is a book I picked up straight from a display at the bookstore, no other recommendation needed. The cover drew me in, and I loved the idea of a historical with witches!

My Thoughts

Boy was I NOT disappointed. I loved, loved, loved this book. The writing is lovely and reads effortlessly. It's descriptive without being dense, and detailed without being TOO heavy on the details. I fell right into Jessica's world and could easily picture the settings and characters she painted so carefully with her words.

The main character, Cate, has a strong, distinctive voice and is a character I immediately related to. It's established early on that she has a secret she's been sworn to protect, and the only thing more important to her than upholding that promise is keeping her sisters safe. She doesn't always do the right thing to protect those she loves, but it's obvious she *wants* to and is struggling to navigate the complexities of her world and situation. She's a flawed, real character, and I liked her all the better for it. Also, I particularly loved Cate's interactions with her two sisters, Maura and Tess. The three of them had realistic relationships with one another and unique personalities. 

The romance in Born Wicked was wonderfully refreshing. In the first few chapters I expected it would follow a traditional "love triangle" path, but it ended up being much more satisfying and complex than that. Jessica did a great job of letting her setting and the rules of her world create its own conflict and obstacles for the characters. It made the story feel genuine and the stakes real.

That was probably one of my favorite elements of the book. Like JULIET IMMORTAL, the stakes for Cate and her sisters were established quickly and increased as the story progressed. I loved the pace at which the true danger was revealed, and the set up for the second book in the series was fantastic. 

The witch-y elements were great too - I loved that the fact that Cate's being witch is a huge part of her identity and central to the conflict of the book, and yet the magic itself isn't used as a crutch or a plot device. The story isn't so much about WHAT magic she can do, but what it means to be able to do magic at all, within the society Jessica created. Having said that, I do think the "what magic" question will be important, probably in the second book. And I can't wait! :-)

I found this book entirely satisfying and beautifully written, and I highly recommend it!

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Here's what the other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Elana Johnson is crazy for CASSAFIRE

Christine Fonseca  falls for EVERNEATH

Katy Upperman highlights some fab new 2012 release covers

Tracy Banghart  goes wild over BORN WICKED

Stasia Ward Kehoe announces an author visit giveaway

Gennifer Albin  is givin’ some cover lovin’

Jessica Love wonders at WHY WE BROKE UP

Bookanistas Review: Catching Jordan

Hey y'all! Sorry for the radio silence on the blog this week. Did a little traveling with MAJOR HOTSAUCE and tried to fight the siren song of the Internet for a few days. But I'm back...and ready to talk about a wonderful, entertaining read!

This week I read CATCHING JORDAN, by Miranda Kenneally

From Goodreads:

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

My good friend Shari recommended this book on her blog, so I decided to check it out. It had been on my radar for a while: I remember reading Miranda's blog when she announced the sale and it stuck in my mind because I love football.

My Take

There were lots of things I absolutely loved about this book: the character development, the relationships between characters, the pacing, particularly of the second half of the book (I stayed up late to finish it, reading the entire second half in one sitting), the football...how fun to read a YA book about football! Geek moment, but I loved that I recognized all of the real football players the main character refers to.

But most of all I loved that this is a story about a girl distinguishing herself in a field/sport that is traditionally male only. As a teenager, I was definitely someone who felt held back sometimes by the fact that I was female. I often felt like I wanted to "prove them all wrong", that I was just as strong or as fast or as cool as the guys. It's one of the reasons short, little blond Buffy Summers appealed to me so much...I loved every single scene where an arrogant guy (or vampire) underestimated her...right before she kicked his butt. CATCHING JORDAN totally tapped into those feelings for me and even though I have never before played football or tried out for a male-dominated sport, I could still totally relate to the challenges Jordan faces in getting the respect she so desperately wants.

I have to admit the girl quarterback thing felt a little like wish fulfillment to me. I never fully bought into the idea of a high school team being so supportive of a female quarterback, even while I reveled in the protectiveness and respect Jordan's teammates feel for her. It all felt a little like a fairy tale...a story I *wanted* to believe but wasn't *quite* sure I did. Having said that, I think if I'd read this as a teenager, I would have been much less skeptical. In fact, I think I would have been 100% engaged with and inspired by this book. As I said...I was a girl who was reminded all too often that I couldn't do the same things as the boys. And, much like Buffy, Jordan totally kicks those boys' butts (at least on the football field!). :-)

Speaking of boys, there are some seriously cute ones here! I loved how the romantic entanglements reveal themselves throughout the story, beginning subtly and building into some really compelling conflict. There were many sweet, romantic moments that had me swooning. 

Caveat

There was one thing in the book that rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn't a dealbreaker for me - I obviously loved the book - but it would be dishonest not to mention that the scene with Jordan's first kiss and its aftermath bothered me. I didn't have any issues with the casual sex in the book or the promiscuity of the characters in general (or rather, the fact that that was an element in the book - I'm not advocating sleeping around! ;-))...but I remember my very first kiss. And I just can't imagine anyone going from that fraught, intense, exciting, insecure, emotional moment...straight to where Jordan went. In my opinion her character development to that point didn't support what happened, and the moment was glossed over way too casually. Maybe it's because I related to so much of Jordan's character, her insecurities and desire for respect, that that moment didn't work for me. We all project ourselves into what we read, so I fully acknowledge this probably had more to do with who I am as a reader than any fault in the story.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I highly recommend CATCHING JORDAN! Like Kody Keplinger's DUFF, I'd say it's most appropriate for older YA readers, given the swearing and sex, but I think any girl, young or old(er), who has ever been patronized or not taken seriously because of her gender, will love Jordan and this book. :-)

Oh, and totally unrelated sidenote...I got bangs! ;-) (sorry for the pink "mood lighting"!)

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Now, check out what the rest of the Bookanistas have been up to!

Christine Fonseca  interviews author L.K. Gardner-Griffie

Corrine Jackson announces Change Write Now: Round 2 signups are open

 Carolina Valdez Miller adores UNDER THE NEVER SKY - with giveaway

 Jen Hayley has a passion for PARTIALS

 Jessica Love shares some TIME BETWEEN US cover talk

 Tracy Banghart jumps for CATCHING JORDAN

 Stasia Ward Kehoe contemplates middle grade series

 LiLa Roecker is enthralled with THE NIGHT CIRCUS

Shelli Johannes-Wells visits with author Elle Strauss

Bookanistas!

I didn't have time to do a review this week, my bad! But you should check out what the other Bookanistas are up to! :-)

Christine Fonseca surrenders to THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL

Corrine Jackson delights in CHOPSTICKS

Stasia Ward Kehoe  presents a Stunning Seconds interview with A MILLION SUNS author Beth Revis

Jen Hayley gives a shout-out to the classics

Debra Driza celebrates CINDER – with giveaway!

Katy Upperman raves over JELLICOE ROAD

Hilary Wagner is all about LEXAPROS AND CONS – with giveaway

Carolina Valdez Miller talks about the cover of TEN

Jessica Love has high ratings for THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Bookanista Review: Silver Phoenix & Fury of the Phoenix

Hey y'all! Today is a double whammy of awesomeness!

I'm going to be talking about Cindy Pon's magical SILVER PHOENIX and its even more marvelous sequel, FURY OF THE PHOENIX, which I just finished. I discovered this series through a wonderful review Robin McKinley wrote on her blog (for the link, go to Cindy Pon's website, link at the end of this post). On the basis of that endorsement, I picked up SILVER PHOENIX, and I'm so glad I did!

on the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--ai ling discovers a power welling deep within her. she can reach into other people’s spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams…and that’s just the beginning.

ai ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor’s palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. she must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. and then she meets chen yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend.

My Take

This is one of the most cinematic, beautifully written books I've read in a long time. Pon's descriptions of food in particular are mouth-watering...and also add to our understanding of Ai Ling, a wonderfully strong, independent girl...who happens to have an appetite and appreciation for good food (which I really loved about her, as I am ALSO a fan of yummy food! ;-)). 

The story is a sweeping adventure in the same vein as some of my favorite fantasies, like On Fortune's Wheel by Cynthia Voigt and The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, but it takes place in the Asian/China-inspired mythical Kingdom of Xia...and is all the more engaging for its vivid setting. 

In addition to the lush writing, I particularly loved Ai Ling's character. She was aware of her duties and role in her world's society, but also independent, resourceful, and powerful. She was strong enough to make tough choices. And she was real, sometimes making mistakes. She had passions, fears, regrets...all explored through a complex, interesting story.

And Chen Yong isn't just a pretty face. He's just as interesting and complex a character, with his own quest and his own strengths and weakenesses. They have great chemistry, and watching their relationship develop while they dealt with the challenges of their journey as well as the strictures of their society, was both wonderful and bittersweet. Theirs is not a relationship with easy answers, and I loved that about it.

And let me just say, this is a book with one hell of a villian. SO. AWESOME. :-)

Today I finished the sequel, FURY OF THE PHOENIX, and while I don't want to say much about it, so as not to give anything away, I WILL say that I think I loved it even more than SILVER PHOENIX, if that's possible.

FURY OF THE PHOENIX is just as beautifully written as Pon's first novel, and the exciting story will keep you turning pages until well after you should have been asleep (take it from me!). I loved the way Pon delved deeper into the histories and mythologies of her characters, and how both books follow Ai Ling on a quest...while keeping those journeys different and fresh. I love books with adventure, romance, gorgeous scenery...and these books have all of those things in spades!

I highly recommend this series...and, for more info and a taste of the author's beautiful artwork, check out her website! 

UPDATE: Wanted to share that Koko's tumor turned out to be Stage 1 and the vet got it all, so she has a clean bill of health! YAY!!! :-)

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Check out what the other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Christine Fonseca  takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS

Carolina Valdez Miller falls for FRACTURE

Jen Hayley surrenders to THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED

Stasia Ward Kehoe is dazzled by DARK COMPANION

Nikki Katz wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Debra Driza is overwhelmed by UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Jessica Love gives a trophy to BEAUTY QUEENS

Shelli Johannes-Wells takes you on a tour of The Reading Room

Tracy Banghart has double-love for THE SILVER PHOENIX and FURY OF THE PHOENIX

Hilary Wagner is in the grips of THE GATHERING STORM