Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita

Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita (Secrets of My Hollywood Life)

Publisher: Little, Brown

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Story: Teen star Kaitlin Burke is back, but Family Affair, her long-running TV show, is finally coming to an end. As Kaitlin works toward the final episode, the pressures of finding her next job, family demands, estranged friends and potential new frenemies pile up, stretching our heroine to the limit. Thank goodness for hottie boyfriend Austin and Kaitlin's own sense of self-worth, or our favorite teen star might be in a world of trouble.

Thoughts:
Once again, Jen Calonita delivers an entertaining story set in the glitz and glamour of the life of a Hollywood A-lister. BTW, from me, 3 out of 5 stars is a good rating. The book isn't outstanding, but it's a fun solid read that continues the story nicely and is just plain fun. Kaitlin's exploits as she acts out against the pressures are a little on the tame/safe side, as if the author can't bear to drop Kate Kate into too much trouble, but Kaitlin does stay true to character and the story rings true. I would have pushed for more risk in her actions and the consequences (why not have Lauren and Ava get caught stealing while Kaitlin's there--get her caught in some scandalous crossfire!--or have one of them make a move on Austin, or get Kaitlin drunk in public, or...the possibilities were endless). The conflict with BFF Liz makes sense. I also would have liked more romantic conflict--Austin is his usual sweet self, but no tension in this book, alas. But overall, it's such fun to feel like you're part of "the scene" and go along on set with Kaitlin, I'll definitely be back for her Broadway debut in 2010.

Appealing heroine? Check! Entertaining setting? Check. Fast-paced plot? Check. Romantic tension? Not so much. Edgy? Again, no. But, worth the $$.

--Lincy

Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters...part 1

This is just a brief not to say, I'm eager to read and review Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters--I loved Generation Dead and have been waiting for this sequel--but, despite its May 12 release date...it is nowhere to be found in stores near me. Barnes and Noble and Borders, the main ones, list it as available online and report it is in their warehouses, but, it isn't in the stores yet. Why??? I'm feeling irritated with the bookstores, and that's no good. I love bookstores. I almost ordered it on Amazon, but, I'd rather just pick it up. But I can't. Argh!

Anyone out there have this problem? I know, only one person has found my blog so far...hope to make some blog friends soon. And then perhaps I'll hear from somebody. Oh well, guess I'll keep pestering the stores til it shows up. Stay tuned!

--Lincy

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Harper Teen

Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Story:
After moving away from her isolated farm near the woods, Laurel is going to public school for the first time. It's surprisingly easy to make friends, but just as she's settling in, a strange lump begins to grow on her back--a lump she's afraid to show anyone, even her parents. When the lump transforms into something she's certain no one will ever believe or accept, Laurel begins a journey that will lead her to love, danger, and the truth about who she really is.

Thoughts:
I bought this book based on the front cover--not because of the beautiful image, which is indeed a strong selling point, but because of the quote from my very favorite author, Stephenie Meyer, whose recommendation of Eva Ibbotson brought that incredible author to my shelves.

However, I'm sad to say that Wings did not live up to my expectations. I put the book down many times, and would not have finished it if I hadn't wanted to include a review of it. I wanted to love the story, which is told in the author's gentle style and with lovely imagery that she brings to life. Yet, the story suffers from some basic editorial weaknesses. First, the opening is too slow to draw me in. And not just the opening--the first half of the book remains slow, even with the revelation of why Laurel has a strange lump growing on her back (though I knew what was coming--the title kinda clues you in, right?). There is no drive to the story. Second, the plot hinges on a past twist with no motivation, making for a contrived feel to the whole premise. SPOILER ALERT*** As a young faery, the heroine was placed with her parents by the faeries to be sure they focused on her and stayed on the land instead of trying to sell--and this land is of huge importance to the faeries--and she was left there with all her memories erased. For...no revealed reason. ??? Yes, she had to act much younger than her age. yes, she needed ot keep the faery secrets. But, erasing her memory created much of the problem, and, given that faeries are mature/intelligent and she would have known to act younger and like a human, and that being a plant is something that's important for her to know--especially when a huge flower blossoms out of her back--what was the point of erasing her memory? It seems to have done no good, and since no motive is revealed for it, the book feels manipulated.

Other issues--the dialogue doesn't feel authentic, and some secondary characters are problematic. David in particular felt unrealistic. He doesn't act or talk like any teen boy I've ever met--he's too good to be true, in an almost martyrish way that doesn't allow for any personal conflict in his relationship with Laurel. There is no tension--she can have him any time. The antagonist is a stereotype, all evil, though of course that works for many stories--but here, just seemed trite. And Tamani, the more interesting love interest, goes off alone to fight four trolls...why? Wasn't backup coming soon?

I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't get lost in it. I hope others enjoy it more than I did, and will tell me what they liked or didn't.

Appealing heroine? Not for me. Unique mythology? Check. Compelling plot? No. Strong supporting cast? No. Strong author voice? Check. 2 of 5.

--Lincy

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow; futuristic

Rating: Five of five stars

Story: When Marcus and his friends skip class to play an Alternate Reality Game (ARG), they are caught near the scene of a terrorist attack on San Francisco and taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security. Jailed, interrogated, scared half to death, Marcus is shaken and relieved to be released--and angered by the way he and his friends were treated. One friend is still missing. Using his mad hacker skills, Marcus fights back and becomes the Internet Robin Hood of future times, rallying teens against all odds by refusing to give in to unfair treatment and the loss of the freedom this country was built on.

Thoughts:
This book made me feel so smart and stupid all at once (stupid, because I know next to nothing about how digital technology works, and Doctorow made it seem accessible-and yet I still don't get it!); it was a brilliant roller-coaster ride of a high-tech thriller. Marcus is the ultimate martyr hero, one who does what he believes in against the odds without developing that annoying, self-sacrificing martyr attitude that often comes with the territory. He's a seventeen year old boy with a strong moral code and the guts to do what's right. The author builds the tech world for the reader without condescension and without over-doing it so much that the story bogs down in detail; Doctorow keeps the plot moving and entertaining. A fun romantic thread develops midway through the story and flows to a satisfying conclusion as well. Little Brother made me want to stand up and cheer, for Marcus and friends, for what our country was, is and hopefully will be again, and for being a helluva read.

Great hero? Check. Compelling plot? Check. Good romantic element? Check. Strong supporting cast? Check. Strong story voice? Check. Five for five!

--Lincy

Intro blog

Hello! This is my first blog, created as a personal space to do something I love--review books. Teen/young adult books, in particular, though others will creep in from time to time. I wanted a space to express, respectfully, opinions on books I'm reading and, I hope, to hear from others about what they think, too. You don't know who I am, and I hope you never will. In this space, you and I should never have to defend our opinions or hold back on them to spare someone's feelings or to protect ourselves. This is not a place to bash a book or undeservedly praise one--it is a place to tell the truth about what you think. Respectfully.

In other words, no cursing. No saying something is awful instead of discussing specific weaknesses. No calling others names for having a different opinion from me or you. Celebrate the variety of book choices we all have, and share the joy of finding a truly terrific read. Thanks for coming!

--Lincy