In My Mailbox (33)

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:

Jane by April Lindner

I was really excited to get a copy of this. I love Jane Eyre so I'm sure I'll enjoy this modern retelling.

From the library:

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

I am looking forward to reading this. I love the cover!

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook

A Year of Programs for Teens by Amy Alessio and Kimberly Patton

Teen Programs with Punch by Valerie Ott

These last two will hopefully have some great ideas that I can use as a new teen programmer.

What did you get this week?

Review: Juliet

Juliet

By Anne Fortier

Publication date: August 24, 2010

My review:

When her Great Aunt Rose passes away, Julie inherits a plane ticket and a key to a bank box with the cryptic message that her mother Diane had found a treasure in Italy before her tragic death years ago. Julie also discovers that her real name is Giulietta Tolomei and that she is named after an ancestor on whom Shakespeare’s Juliet is based. The Tolomei family and the Salimbeni family were mortal enemies for centuries although now they are supposedly at peace. Eva Salimbeni has even befriended Julie and tries to encourage her to date her handsome godson Alessandro. As Julie searches for clues she is followed by danger and she can’t help but wonder if there really is a curse on her family and if the Salimbenis are involved.

Juliet combines mystery, romance, and Shakespeare to produce a tale that is entertaining if a little uneven.  The idea that Romeo and Juliet were a real young couple who lived in Siena was intriguing. The story switched back and forth between Julie’s story in modern Siena and Juliet’s story. The details of life in Siena were fascinating and I enjoyed reading about the various places that Julie visits.

I found the main characters to be likeable, particularly Giulietta, and I thoroughly enjoyed the modern romance even if it was predictable. Of course with Romeo and Giulietta the outcome is well known but there were a few surprises. Julie could be a little frustrating at times when she did not see the obvious but I still liked her character. What bothered me about the characterization was the strange way in which one of the modern characters seems to undergo a drastic change in behavior without explanation. I also thought the pacing plodded along at times. Still I found this to be an interesting take on the story of Romeo and Juliet and there definitely a few twists I wasn’t expecting. The combination of romance, history, art, and mystery will likely appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Readalikes: O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell, The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips, the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

"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 am waiting on:

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

Publication date: July 2011 (UK)

Although the release date is a long way away I decided to feature Shadows on the Moon in honor of the recent cover reveal on the author's website. Isn't it gorgeous? I don't know much about the book other than that it is an Asian inspired fantasy. I loved Zoe Marriott's other books so I am sure this one will be fantastic too. Find out more about the book and read an excerpt at The Zoe-Trope.

Review: Tell Me a Secret

Tell Me a Secret

By Holly Cupala

Publication date: June 22, 2010

My review:

Miranda grew up in the shadow of her older sister Xanda. Xanda was the "rebellious" daughter while Miranda always tried to do the right thing to please her mom though her mom didn't notice. Miranda decides that she wants to be just like her cool sister when she grows up but Xanda's life is cut short tragically in an accident as she is attempting to break away from their controlling mom. Now Xanda is never mentioned and Miranda feels lost while her mother pretends their family is perfect. Miranda leans on her boyfriend Kamran and her new best friend Delaney. Her plans for art school are coming together and she is now on the path to achieving her dreams when everything is derailed by an unexpected pregnancy.

At the beginning of the book, Miranda seems to make her decisions based on what Xanda would do. Even her boyfriend Kamran bears a resemblance to Xanda's boyfriend Andre. She also allows Delaney to control her, viewing Delaney as a substitute Xanda. It is only after Miranda finds out that she is pregnant and experiences the fallout that she begins to become her own person. Miranda's mom is a major player in the story. Image is very important to her and she tries to shape her childrens' lives. She could have been portrayed as just a villain but instead she has depth as a flawed character with reasons for the way she is. Although Xanda has passed away by the start of the novel, we read about her in Miranda's flashbacks. The three women on the surface are very different but deep down they are more similar than they realize.

Tell Me a Secret is not just another book about a pregnant teen. It is a far more meaningful look at identity and family relationships. Fans of Sarah Dessen will savor this moving story.

Readalikes: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen, Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott, Wish by Alexandra Bullen

It's Monday What Are You Reading (34)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Books finished:

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene

Books reviewed:

The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Currently reading:

Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

I started reading A Memory Between Us awhile ago but then I put it aside to read Clockwork Angel and never got back into it. I like the book but it isn't calling me at the moment. I do need to finish it soon as I am participating in a blog tour later this month.

What I plan to read next:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I really can't wait to start on this one after reading a fantastic review of it. Anything to do with Poe is perfect for October!

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman

In My Mailbox (32)

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.

From the library:

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

After reading Amelia's review I can't wait to read this one!

Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills

A Shore Thing by Julie Carobini

Simply Handmade: 365 easy gifts and decorations you can make

This is for a program I am planning for teens at the library so they can make Christmas gifts for their friends and family. I am hopeful it will have some great ideas. 

Purchased (free download):

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I was excited to see that this was a free e-book download on Amazon.com. I loved Outlander although I still haven't read all the books in the series.

What did you get this week? Anything you are really excited about?

Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel 

By Cassandra Clare

Publication date: August 31, 2010

My review:

Tessa Gray arrives in London expecting to meet her brother Nicholas at the docks. Instead the Dark Sisters are waiting for her with a note from Nicholas saying that he can trust them to look after her. The Dark Sisters however have other plans for Tessa and she finds herself their captive. They claim that she has special powers and they train her against her will to use these powers to change shape at will. Tessa finds out that the Dark Sisters plan to hand her over to their master, The Magister, but she escapes with the help of Shadowhunter Will Herondale. Will takes her to the Institute, where she is protected by the Shadowhunters while they try to stop the Magister and find her brother.

Clockwork Angel is set in the same world as the Mortal Instruments series but in Victorian England rather than modern day New York and featuring a steampunk twist. I was worried that the characters in this series would be exactly like those in The Mortal Instruments but that was not the case. Tessa Gray is distinctly different from Clary Fray, the heroine of City of Bones, etc. Tessa is a Downworlder who had no idea that she was anything other than an ordinary human until she crossed paths with the Dark Sisters. Tessa’s perspective allows readers new to Cassandra Clare’s fictional world to understand the key players. I found Tessa to be a relatable character. She is someone who has survived painful loss and she may not be a warrior but she has her own unique strengths. It is fascinating to read about her abilities and try to figure out the mystery surrounding who she is. The two main Shadowhunter characters are Will and Jem. They are a contrast to each other and both are potential love interests for Tessa although it seems obvious that she will end up with Will. Will is cocky and adventurous but he has a troubled past. Jem is more sensitive and he appears to have a physical illness as well as serious secrets of his own.

While Tessa and Will have great chemistry, their romance lacks some of the intensity that was present between Clary and Jace in The Mortal Instruments. I found that to be refreshing and I felt that it reflected the Victorian time period. I enjoyed the romance but I equally loved the mystery. I did not figure out some of the big revelations so I found myself pleasantly surprised. The ending left me eager for the next book. Clockwork Angel is the excellent first book in what is sure to be an entertaining and well planned series. It more than measures up to The Mortal Instruments although it has a different feel to it. Fans of The Mortal Instruments will be glad to be back in the world of the Shadowhunters and new readers will find it a great introduction to Cassandra Clare’s series of fantasy novels. I would also suggest this to fans of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series and to those who enjoy the blend of paranormal and historical fiction.

Readalikes: The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle, The Agency series by Y.S. Lee (not paranormal but a YA mystery set in Victorian England)

Thanks to Around the World Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

"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:

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Publication date: January 1, 2011

Description from Goodreads:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single guy in his spring semester at Pemberly Academy must be in want of a prom date. After winter break, the girls at very prestigious, very wealthy, girls-only Longbourn Academy are suddenly obsessed with the prom, which they share with the nearby, equally elitist, all-boys Pemberly school. Lizzie Bennett, who attends Longbourn on scholarship, isn't exactly interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London. Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance, but less than impressed by Will Darcy, Charles's friend, who's as snobby and pretentious as his friend is nice. He doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. It doesn't help that Charles doesn't seem to be asking Jane to be his prom date, or that Lizzie meets George Wickham, who tells her that Will Darcy sabotaged his scholarship at Pemberly. Clearly Will Darcy is a pompous jerk who looks down on the middle class--so imagine Lizzie's surprise when he asks her to the prom! Will Lizzie's prejudice and Will's pride keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? From Elizabeth Eulberg comes a very funny, completely stylish prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions.

I loved Elizabeth Eulberg's debut novel, The Lonely Hearts Club and I have a feeling I will enjoy this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. 

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: The Juliet Club

The Juliet Club

By Suzanne Harper

Publication date: 2008

My review:

After her boyfriend dumps her, Kate swears off love for good against the advice of her friends. When she wins a spot at a summer Shakespeare seminar in Italy, Kate accompanies her dad who will also be teaching at the seminar. The class will be studying Romeo and Juliet, answering letters written to Juliet, and putting on scenes from the play. Kate is cast as Juliet and Romeo is played by the flirty Giacomo, an attractive Italian boy she can’t stand. They trade delicious barbs and when Kate overhears the plot of others in the class to get them to fall in love she and Giacomo play along, pretending to like each other. Can practical Kate survive the summer in Italy without falling in love while studying Shakespeare’s most romantic play?

Kate and Giacomo share good chemistry as the lead couple. They are not star crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet. Instead, they are more like Beatrice and Benedick, a quarrelling couple from Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s comedies. The side characters are entertaining, particularly Sylvia, a sullen Italian teen and Benno, Giacomo’s comedic sidekick. I loved how the book echoes the format of Shakespeare’s plays as well. The Juliet Club is a fun little book and it reads like a love letter to Shakespeare. There are references to several of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets but you don’t have to be familiar with the plays to enjoy the book. If you are looking for a lighthearted summer romance, give The Juliet Club a try.

Readalikes: Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors, A Field Guide for Heartbreakers by Kristen Tracy, The Espressologist by Kristina Springer, Pretty Face by Mary Hogan

It's Monday What Are You Reading (33)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!


I am still without Internet access at home and my computer crashed last weekend. Thankfully it is now up and running and I am hopeful that I will soon have the Internet set up. Needless to say I was only able to post one review last week.

Books finished:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Books reviewed:

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

Currently reading:

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

What I plan to read next:

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman


What does your reading week look like?

In My Mailbox (31)

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. 

From the library:

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene

What did you get this week?

Review: Someone Knows My Name

Someone Knows My Name/The Book of Negroes

By Lawrence Hill

Publication date: 2007

My review:

Aminata Diallo is kidnapped by slavers at the age of eleven and taken on a terrible trip overseas to the Carolinas where she is sold to the owner of an indigo plantation. She is later sold again to a Jewish indigo inspector. Eventually Aminata escapes and is given the chance to work for the British, recording names in their Book of Negroes, a list of slaves who are freed by the British for their service during the war. Someone Knows My Name tells the story of a courageous and intelligent woman who never gives up on her dream of freedom and returning to her homeland.

Aminata is a fantastic character. She suffers so much but she is brave and resilient. I loved her determination and strength and how education was so important to her. It was particularly hard to read about the horrors of the crossing in the slave ship, to imagine what it would be like to be ripped from your home and to survive that ship and then be sold into slavery. Reading about these events through the eyes of a child made a powerful impact.

There is a lot of historical detail in the novel from the depictions of slavery to the making of indigo dye. Real historical figures like William Wilberforce add to the narrative. The abolition movement and the various arguments and setbacks are also discussed. The Book of Negroes was a real historical document that listed the names of freed Loyalist slaves who were given transportation to Canada. The colonies of freed slaves described in the book were also real. The novel is published in Canada as The Book of Negroes and later published in the U.S. as Someone Knows My Name. It is a well written and incredibly moving novel and Aminata is an unforgettable heroine.

Teaser Tuesdays (26)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read 

Open to a random page 

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


My teasers this week:


"Just then did the lid of the coffin swing open, and its tenant-a young woman whose wild hair and flaming eyes made her look like an angel of vengeance-sat up with all signs of consternation. The mere sight of her was enough to make the bandit drop his knife in horror and turn completely ashen."

Juliet by Anne Fortier

p.54

I have heard so many fantastic things about this book and so far it is living up to my expectations.

Cleopatra's Daughter Giveaway Winner

There were 32 entries in my giveaway of Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran.  The winner, selected by Random.org is:

 Beverly at The Wormhole!

Beverly, be sure to check your inbox and reply to me within a week or I will have to select another winner. Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you to Michelle Moran for the opportunity to have this giveaway.

It's Monday What Are You Reading (32)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books. I always enjoy seeing what other people have read and reviewed over the past week. It is also a great way to find new books to add to that ever-growing TBR list!

Books finished:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (reread)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (reread)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (reread)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper

Books reviewed:

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Sea by Heidi Kling
Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

Anahita's Woven Riddle by Meghan Nuttall Sayres

Currently reading:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

What I plan to read next:

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares