In My Mailbox (71)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to share what books you received for review, purchased, or checked out from the library during the past week.

For review:

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I was thrilled to get this through the Amazon Vine program. I am a big fan of Sophie Kinsella and though the Becky Bloomwood series is my favorite, I think I will enjoy this book too.

Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

I requested this book from NetGalley and I hope to read it soon. It sounds really interesting and the author is currently working on a guest post for my blog. 

Purchased:

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

I am looking forward to reading this since I loved Across the Universe. Hopefully I will get to read it this month.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I originally got this from NetGalley but once I started reading it, I knew I had to have my own copy so I bought it. Cinder is my first 5 star read of 2012. 

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

It has been such a long time since I read Clockwork Angel that I don't remember much of what happened. Hopefully it will all come back to me when I read Clockwork Prince. I may even find that I like this prequel series more than the original!

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

I am eager to read this one. I've already read an excerpt and as I am a fan of her other fantasy novels, I know I will like this one too.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

I bought this on a whim when it was on sale for Kindle. It has been years since I read Frankenstein but I have heard excellent things about this novel of Victor Frankenstein's youth.

Entwined by Heather Dixon

This is yet another retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I enjoy fairytales retold and this has been well reviewed so I bought it (it didn't hurt that it was only 99 cents!).

The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick

I've never read any of Elizabeth Chadwick's historical fiction but I've heard she is fantastic. Since Sourcebooks had this on sale for Kindle, I thought I'd give it a try. Plus I am interested in this time period and haven't read any Medieval fiction in awhile. William Marshal sounds like a real life hero and I can't wait to find out more about him.

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kim

This is another book I bought on a whim when it was the Kindle Deal of the Day. It features the Medici family (Lucrezia di Cosimo de Medici).

The Other Guy's Bride by Connie Brockway

This is the first book I've read by Connie Brockway. It received really positive reviews including a starred review from Booklist. When it was the Kindle Deal of the Day, I decided to go ahead and buy it. While it started out well, in the end I was disappointed. I think when it comes to historical romance I should stick to Julia Quinn.

From the library:

Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees

This sounds like a fascinating historical mystery about Mozart and featuring his sister Nannerl as the main character trying to investigate his possible murder. 

The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons

I first came across this book through the Amazon Vine newsletter and thought it sounded interesting. What increased my interest is the blurb saying that fans of Downton Abbey will adore this book. While it is not set in the same time period, the main character is a wealthy Jewish girl who flees Nazi occupied Austria to become a parlor maid in England. I think it sounds like an Eva Ibbotson novel (The Countess Below Stairs) and I have high hopes that I will love it!

Sita's Ramayana by Samhita Arni and Moyna Chitrakar

I've already read this graphic novel adaptation based on the Ramayana by Valmiki. I have read parts of the actual Ramayana and this graphic novel takes an interesting approach to the story by setting it through the view of the heroine rather than the hero, Rama. I also liked the illustrations that remind me of classical Indian art.

The Kite Runner Graphic Novel by Khaled Hosseini, Fabio Celoni, and Mirka Andolfo

I loved The Kite Runner and for me it was an emotional and gripping reading experience. I don't know if the graphic novel will live up to that but I will give it a try anyway. 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

Did you find something on this list that sounds good to you?

2012 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres so when I decided not to participate in the Outlander challenge after all, I decided to sign up for this challenge instead. Last year I had no problem reading 20 historical fiction novels so I will be aiming for the "Severe Bookaholism" level of 20 books again.


The Historical Fiction Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry.

Review: Lovetorn

Lovetorn

By Kavita Daswani

Publication date: January 17, 2012

My review:

Shalini's future has been mapped out for her since her third birthday when she became unofficially engaged to Vikram, the son of her father's best friend. Shalini is sixteen now and she has grown to love Vikram. When her dad accepts an exciting new job in the U.S., Shalini is devastated to be parted from Vikram for the next two years. Her dad and younger sister Sangita are thrilled about their new life in California but Shalini and her mom struggle to adjust. Then Shalini begins to make friends and she meets Toby, a boy who could make her forget all about Vikram. Which path will Shalini choose-the careful one laid out for her by her parents and culture or the exciting unknown?

Lovetorn on the surface sounds like a romance with a love triangle however the novel focuses more on Shalini and her family than on romantic relationships. Toby doesn't even appear until more than halfway through the story. When he does show up, he does not make enough of an impression. Readers who pick up this book solely for the romantic aspect might find themselves disappointed but I am glad that the author chose to spend so much time on other things. The portrayal of the culture shock and the adjustments her family must make are well portrayed. I liked seeing how Shalini grew and changed from the dutiful girl she was in India to someone who makes her own decisions. 

Readers may not agree with arranged marriages for children but the author does a good job of making sure it is written with sensitivity. I also liked how Vikram was not painted as a bad option. He genuinely cares for Shalini and loves her. The immigrant experience is central to the novel and I think it was depicted believably with both the exciting opportunities as well as the fears and the struggles to fit in. I was also pleased with the ending which felt realistic. The one weakness of the book is Shalini's relationship with Toby. It might serve as an important catalyst in Shalini's growth as a person but it seemed like instant infatuation and I didn't like seeing Shalini become so boy crazy for Toby after months of pining for Vikram. Thankfully the strengths of the novel outweighed the weaknesses for me. I would suggest this to fans of Neesha Meminger, Anjali Banerjee, and Mitali Perkins. 

Readalikes: Jazz in Love by Neesha Meminger, Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Sheth, Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger, Maya Running by Anjali Banerjee, Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

Note: I read an ARC of this book courtesy of Around the World ARC Tours in exchange for an honest review

Waiting on Wednesday (79)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week, I'm waiting on:

Partials by Dan Wells

Publication date: February 28, 2012

Description from Goodreads:

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out. 

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic in training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws threaten to launch what’s left of humanity into civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will discover that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there. 

Dan Wells, acclaimed author of I Am Not a Serial Killer, takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our humanity is both our greatest liability and our only hope for survival.

The synopsis reminds me a little of Wither with the mandatory pregnancy laws and it reminds me of Cinder because of the virus that is killing people. I think this book has the potential to be an excellent dystopian novel!

What are you waiting on this week?

End of Year Book Survey

This fun survey is hosted by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner


1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

If I had to pick just one, it would be Divergent by Veronica Roth but since I am not limiting myself...


MG:
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu


YA
Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Fantasy: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Paranormal: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
Contemporary: Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger 
Historical: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys


Adult
Fantasy: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Contemporary: The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
Historical: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Classic: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott


2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan


As far as books I finished, I was most disappointed with Forever by Maggie Stiefvater because of the really slow pacing, annoying characters (Grace and Sam because of their inaction for much of the book), and ending that lacked closure. After loving Shiver and becoming a fan of Maggie's writing, I just expected more from the final book in the trilogy. Still I gave it 3 stars because she is a good writer. 


I was also very disappointed by Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith and Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. Both failed to live up to my expectations and received only two stars from me on Goodreads. To its detriment, Kiss Crush Collide was compared to books by authors like Sarah Dessen, John Green, and Simone Elkeles. When you compare a debut novel to works by major YA authors, then people have higher expectations for it.  Starcrossed started out well but lost my interest and annoyed me with its lack of originality in the end. Another book that disappointed me was When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. A lot of people loved it and it started out well but finished poorly with the protagonist acting out of character. Still I liked Hillary Jordan's writing style enough to want to try Mudbound, which I've heard is an excellent book club pick.


3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott


With The Girl of Fire and Thorns I think I wasn't quite sure what kind of story to expect. I thought it would be like a lot of other YA paranormal or fantasy I'd already read. What surprised me was the plot and how much I loved it. With Little Women, I was surprised at how thoughtful the book was and how much depth there was to what I'd always believed was a children's classic. Even though I knew the outcome (thanks to watching the film) I was in for a treat with the book.


4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

  

Soulless by Gail Carriger (read in 2010), Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson




5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

The Lady Julia Grey mystery series by Deanna Raybourn and the Raised By Wolves series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?


Susanna Kearsley, Deanna Raybourn, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Veronica Roth, Rae Carson, Jael McHenry, Beth Revis


7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Across the Universe by Beth Revis


I don't usually read science fiction and when I first heard of this I wasn't sure I would like it. Thankfully I did and I am eagerly anticipating A Million Suns which releases today. After reading Across the Universe, I find myself open to reading more science fiction-ish books like Cinder (which I'm currently reading now) and Dragonflight which I hope to read later this year.


8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Divergent by Veronica Roth


9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare


10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel


11. Most memorable character in 2011?


Jo March from Little Women, John Thornton from North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Brisbane from Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn, Minnie from The Help


12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry, Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (reread), Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott


13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?

The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson


14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?


The Help by Kathryn Stockett


15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?


I can't really think of anything at the moment...


16. Book That You Read In 2011 That You Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?

Divergent by Veronica Roth


17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!


The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson


Looking Ahead...




1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

Legend by Marie Lu 


I actually started reading this but put it aside to read Cinder instead because I just couldn't concentrate on it. Hopefully I will enjoy it more at a later time...


2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

Insurgent by Veronica Roth


3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?


I hope to be able to keep up with my reviews. If I don't review a book soon after I read it, I sometimes forget what I thought about it and struggle to write the review. Some of my favorite 2011 books were not reviewed...

Review: The Things We Cherished

The Things We Cherished

By Pam Jenoff

Publication date: July 12, 2011

My review:


Charlotte Gold is surprised when her ex-boyfriend Brian Warrington stops by to visit her at her law office and requests her help on a high profile case. The case in question involves Roger Dykmans, the brother of Hans Dykmans, a hero who saved the lives of countless Jews in WWII. Roger is being accused of collaboration with the Nazi government, an act that led to his brother's death and that of many Jewish children. Charlotte reluctantly agrees to help with the case and she chases leads to Poland and Germany. Working on the case with her is Brian's older brother Jack. Charlotte and Jack clash over how to handle the investigation but she finds herself falling for him as they travel across Europe together to prove Dykmans' innocence.


The Things We Cherished combines mystery, history, and romance into a page turning story. I enjoyed reading the historical chapters as we learn about the history of the anniversary clock and its importance to the plot. There was also plenty of suspense as characters were involved with the resistance or hiding from the Nazis. The contemporary story was not quite as fascinating though I did like both Charlotte and Jack. Their romance echoes that of another love story in the book which I thought was a nice touch.


While I couldn't wait to find out what happened, in the end I was a little disappointed. Some of the characters seemed to disappear from the story and it felt sort of anticlimactic. The romance between Charlotte and Jack became a little too important or central to the plot than it should have been. It would have been nice if the focus remained on solving the mystery. I also had issues with Roger's actions and that particular romance. Still, I liked The Things We Cherished and found myself pulled into the story. Fans of Sarah's Key might enjoy this because of the mix of historical and contemporary elements though The Things We Cherished is not such a gritty or emotional novel. I was also reminded of People of the Book because of all the different threads of a story tied together by the same object. The Things We Cherished may have some flaws but I liked it anyway and I will be trying other books by Pam Jenoff.


Readalikes: The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. There is a new subject each week and this week's topic is "Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012". 

1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth


Considering that Divergent was my favorite book of 2011, this is the book I am most anticipating for 2012. 


2. The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson


I can't wait to see what happens next for Elisa after the surprising events in The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

3. A Million Suns by Beth Revis


I know this is going to be a suspenseful story and I am glad I don't have to wait much longer for it...

4. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter


This is such a fun series and I am glad there is going to be a new book this spring. I like the Gallagher Girls books more than the Heist Society ones maybe because I like the idea of a school for spies :)

5. Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins


Demonglass ended with such a major cliffhanger that I am eager to read this book to find out what happens.

6. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead


While Bloodlines didn't live up to the Vampire Academy series, I still enjoyed it and the return of a favorite character for The Golden Lily makes me want to read it more.

7. Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves


I am looking forward to Ripper because I love historical fiction and because I know the author (she was a college classmate). I think the idea of combining Jack the Ripper and the paranormal is an interesting premise.


8. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan


I loved The Son of Neptune and Rick Riordan's books are always fun to read. The Mark of Athena brings Annabeth and Camp Half Blood back into the picture along with Percy so I have a feeling this will be a page-turner!


9. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel


I was very impressed with Dearly, Departed so I am excited about the sequel. Bram and Nora are fantastic characters and I can't wait to read more!


10. Taken By Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


I have become a fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and this series in particular so I know I will enjoy Taken By Storm. While I'm waiting, I should go back and try some of her older books!


Honorable mention:

Timeless by Gail Carriger
Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
Hidden by Sophie Jordan
The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

What do you think of my list? 

What books are you excited to read this year?

Page to Screen Reading Challenge Wrap Up

This is the wrap up post for the 2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge.. To be eligible for the prize drawing (a book of your choice worth up to $15 from Amazon or Book Depository), you had to read 5 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows.


I only managed to read three books for this challenge so it is a good thing I'm not eligible for the prize :)


I hope you had much better luck! Please enter the link for your wrap up post in the Linky below (you will have until January 30, 2012 to do so and then I will draw a winner on January 31st):

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (91)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


Happy 2012! While I am not a big fan of the whole "New Year" holiday, I hope you have a wonderful year :)


Last year, I read 121 books and this year I hope to read even more. With the holidays, I haven't had as much time to read because I've been busy spending time with my family!

Books read:

The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Books reviewed:

Come Sunday by Isla Morley

Currently reading:

Legend by Marie Lu

What I plan to read next:

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

What have you been reading lately?