Review: Hope and Other Punchlines

Hope and Other Punchlines
by Julie Buxbaum

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: May 7, 2019

Julie Buxbaum’s newest novel, HOPE AND OTHER PUNCHLINES, tells the tale of resilient Abbi Goldstein. Abbi is fifteen years old and is desperately trying to get out of the shadow of the “Baby Hope” photo, taken of her on her first birthday, September 11th, as the Twin Towers collapsed in the background. The photograph, invented by the author, became very famous and was seen as a portrait of hope in times of despair. In an attempt to shake off this legacy that has become too much to bear, Abbi decides to be a summer camp counselor where she hopes no one will recognize her. Alas, her summer might not go the way she wanted. Medical concerns, family trouble, blackmail, turbulent friendships, and a boy all stand between her and her perfect summer of anonymity.

This book was a very quick read for me. The dual perspectives of Abbi and fellow camp counselor Noah keep things moving and provide alternate outlooks on the same events. Buxbaum does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life in a very realistic way, and I found myself truly caring about what happened to them. All together, HOPE AND OTHER PUNCH LINES is a poignant and meaningful novel about moving on, accepting your legacy, and the importance of hope. While this was not my favorite book, there is a lot to like about it.

Review: Watch You Burn

Watch You Burn
by Amanda Searcy

Publisher: Delacorte
Publication Date: October 23, 2018


WATCH YOU BURN by Amanda Searcy is about a girl named Jenny who experienced a traumatic childhood event which sparked her obsession with fire. She moves to New Mexico to live with her dad and to get away from the fire investigation happening in her home town. A series of wildfires in the nearby forest and the tingling feeling that someone is watching her have Jenny on edge. I had a fun time reading this book. It was fast paced and filled with unexpected turns. One thing I liked in particular was the characters. They were developed nicely throughout the novel and the back stories came together well.

Review: We Were Liars

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: May 13, 2014

When my friends ask me for book recommendations, I’ll often direct them to WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart—it’s one of my favorite YA books because of its combination of suspense, character development, and lyrical writing. The premise is simple: an extremely wealthy family spends its summers on a private island off the coast of Massachusetts. However, the relationships between the characters (specifically, the four teenagers on the island) make the story unforgettable. Lockhart’s writing style is metaphorical, but she maintains a matter-of-fact tone that is genuinely fun to read. Anyone who likes novels with unreliable narrators (think A CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME ) and hasn’t read this book definitely should.

Review: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
by Kiersten White

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: September 25th, 2018

Ever since she was young, Elizabeth has been in the care of the Frankenstein family. Sold by a woman who beat and starved her, Elizabeth knows she will be returned to that horrid existence if she fails at her task: becoming the friend of the solitary and strange Victor Frankenstein. And she succeeds, soon becoming his closest friend, and is forever glued to his side. But as the years pass, Elizabeth’s survival depends on her ability to manage Victor’s temper and satisfy his every whim, no matter the price.

This book was not at all what I was expecting but was still very interesting. Diving into it, the reader expects to be taken through the life of Elizabeth as she grows up, but they are actually brought in when Elizabeth is older and in the middle of looking for Victor. But this does not mean that they never get to see their relationship as it grows. The author shows glimpses of the past several times throughout the book, allowing the reader to watch Elizabeth and Victor's growing relationship while growing uneasy as they see the disturbing actions of Victor as a young boy. Including these bits of the past also worked great in building Elizabeth’s character. Though it might be revealing too much to say exactly what happened in these flashbacks, I loved how much insight they gave into Elizabeth. The reader is able to see exactly what motivations she has and why she makes the decisions she does.

Another amazing part of this book was the setting: 19th century Europe. The author took us through many of the places characters go to in FRANKENSTEIN. From the murky slums of Ingolstadt to the vast mansion in Geneva and the harsh winters of Northern Russia, the reader is instantly immersed in the scenery flowing from the author’s pen. Reading the book, I felt shivers down my spine as the characters went through each of the locations. These places were also true to the original book, which I thought was pretty cool.

Lastly, the main part of the book that I enjoyed the most was the tone. Dark and mysterious, it rang true to the original insanity that was such a big part of the classic. Elizabeth, for example, constantly ignores Victor's evil in order to stay with him and live a peaceful life. Even when he cuts open animals to examine them, she doesn’t say a thing so he can remain happy. I enjoyed parts of the book that discuss this because it almost felt like a psychological analysis of the character of Elizabeth. As I said, this was only one example of it, but as we see Elizabeth do crazy things at great lengths just to please Victor, we are able to see more of her psyche then we were able to in FRANKENSTEIN. Originally, Shelley wrote her as more of a side character in love with Victor. But in this book, we are able to dive further into what makes her, her. There was even a mention later on about how Victor kept a diary where he wrote his own version of the events that happened between him and Elizabeth. Readers who have read the original will be happy about this because it connects the two works in a whole new way.

If you love dark, psychological thrillers, this book is for you. For those who have never read FRANKENSTEIN, no worries because you need no prior knowledge in order to read this. As the PENELOPIAD was to the ODYSSEY, so THE DARK DESCENT OF ELIZABETH FRANKENSTEIN is to FRANKENSTEIN. It brings to light the woman’s part of the story that is often given less attention in great works like this. I would recommend this book for older teens because of numerous mentions of maiming and violence throughout the book.

Review: The Window

The Window
by Amelia Brunskill

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: April 3, 2018

When Jess’s twin sister, Anna, dies suddenly, everyone from her parents to the police are all too willing to write it off as a tragic accident. But Jess knows something else was going on that night. Jess knows she is being lied to. She decides to investigate the night of Anna’s death herself. As Jess learns more about the truth, she begins to question if she really knew Anna at all. 

THE WINDOW traces the sickening downward spiral of a teen girl whose demons are invisible to everyone else in her life. The plot is steeped in sex, drinking, rule-breaking, and general teenage recklessness. This guarantees that readers won’t be able to put it down. Although the author resorts to the occasional clichéd turn of phrase, the thrilling, rapid-fire plot twists more than make up for it. Ultimately, THE WINDOW ends up as more of a soap opera than the layered psychological thriller that Brunskill was going for; but it’s still certainly worth reading for anyone in the mood for a novel with secrets, melodrama, heartbreak, and sinister undertones. 

Review: The Last Girl on Earth

The Last Girl on Earth
by Alexandra Blogier

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: January 23, 2018

THE LAST GIRL ON EARTH by Alexandra Blogier is about a teenager named Li. She is a human living on an alien planet with beings that look just like humans but aren't. These beings have killed all other humans. Li must struggle to survive.  

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At first I thought it seemed very cheesy. But as I got into it, I started to really enjoy it. I really liked the plot and the author did a good job of keeping the book moving. There were plenty of plot twists and I couldn't put this book down! 
  

Review: Genuine Fraud

Genuine Fraud
by E. Lockhart

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: September 5, 2017

GENUINE FRAUD is a book full of lies. Two murders, three bad romances, two girls. One is Imogen Sokoloff. The other is arguably also Imogen Sokoloff. One Imogen is the murderer, one Imogen is the victim. Both Imogens have gone missing. Both Imogens refuse to give others what they want. One of the Imogens is named Jule West Williams. And she is a runner. The plot is one big spoiler. The novel goes backwards until the very end and tosses you around like a rag doll.

I loved GENUINE FRAUD. While I am unlike both of the main characters in nearly every way--murder is simply not for me--they resonate with me, because ambition and fear are things I understand very deeply. E. Lockhart makes this roller coaster of a book feel slow enough and clear enough to shock you in a different way than you were expecting. But never does it become too confusing for you to catch every little bit: no, you stick to her writing style like fly paper and everything soaks in. It is unsettling and wild and wonderful.

        

Review: Antisocial

Antisocial
by Jillian Blake

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: May 16, 2017

ANTISOCIAL by Jillian Blake is about a senior named Anna Soler who gets dumped by her boyfriend and finds herself without any friends. One day an anonymous hacker starts hacking all of the most popular people's phones and exposes their darkest secrets. Anna must save the people she cares about from getting exposed. I really enjoyed the book. It was a little confusing because of the texting but it became clear after a while. I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed and I felt connected to them. I liked the plot and the writing style. It is a solid debut novel. 

Review: Windfall

Windfall
by Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: May 2, 2017

WINDFALL by Jennifer E. Smith is a story about luck and the rearranging of one’s life after a “windfall.” When Alice buys her best friend and first love, Teddy McAvoy, a lottery ticket when he turns eighteen, she has no idea of the repercussions that will follow. When Teddy wins big, Alice is wary of the choices he will make now that he has more money than he could ever have imagined.

This novel is essentially about acceptance. Alice is trying to accept herself after both of her parents have died, and trying to accept her friends into her life rather than keeping them at a distance. I enjoyed this book because of the struggle Alice has with herself and those around her, attempting to heal a wound that seems impossible to mend. Despite the premise, the story is quite upbeat and fun. Throughout the book, there isn’t really an antagonist: each character has ups and downs and they sometimes take it out on those around them, but it's clear they all love each other. I especially enjoyed the ending, which was satisfying and gave closure to the story. This is a good book to read if you're looking for a light-hearted, romantic story.

Review: The Whole Thing Together

The Whole Thing Together
by Ann Brashares

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: April 25, 2017

Ray and Sasha live in the same house, share the same room, and sleep in the same bed...but they've never even met each other. Sasha's dad was once married to Ray's mom, but a bitter divorce has left the families splitting the same beachfront property (on alternating weekends) and three older daughters, but not much else. Their older daughters are determined to change this and bring the families back together, and Sasha and Ray are caught in the tidal wave of change that follows.

Back after her acclaimed SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS series, Ann Brashares pens a beautifully poignant novel about family, sorrow, and forgiveness in THE WHOLE THING TOGETHER. Each character is unique and well-crafted, every interaction powerful and distinct. While reflective and incredibly rich in both detail and depth, this novel still manages to be bright, funny, and engaging, making it unquestionably one of the best books of this year.

Review: The Heartbeats of Wing Jones

The Heartbeats of Wing Jones
by Katherine Webber

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

Fifteen-year-old Wing Jones is shocked and devastated when she learns her older brother, Marcus, was the drunk driver in a crash that killed two people. He’s fighting for his life in the hospital with a coma, leaving Wing to deal with the wreckage he’s caused. Her family is grieving, their house is under risk of foreclosure, and her bullies, armed with the news of Marcus’s accident, have become intolerable. Wing begins to cope with her stress, anger, and sadness by running. When her crush spots her on the track one night, he’s astounded by her incredible pace. She is one of the fastest young female runners in Atlanta, but when the opportunity arises to sprint professionally, she’s plagued by self-doubt. Does she have what it takes?

This gripping novel explores the issues of coming-of-age and self-discovery. The author succeeds at creating incredibly realistic and touching characters. The romance is masterfully weaved in; it’s not the point of the book and it’s not overdone, but the scenes that include it are written perfectly. Katherine Webber’s crisp, conversational style is engaging.

Review: Dead Girls Society

Dead Girls Society
by Michelle Krys

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: November 8, 2016


Michelle Krys, author of HEXED and CHARMED, writes a heart-pounding mystery-thriller that’s a combination of “The Breakfast Club” and “Panic” in her most recent release, DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY. Hope Callahan is sick, with a condition called cystic fibrosis— which has forced her to drop out of school and all things social; she instead spends her days getting treatments from her mom, and watching reruns on TV. So when she’s invited by the mysterious Society to an abandoned warehouse, she decides to finally take a risk and break free of her sterile confines. From there… things get complicated. DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY manages to capture high school life amidst its faced-paced action and intriguing mystery, whilst never skimping on its characters. Personally, I can’t read a novel if I don’t root for at least one character, and I managed to root for nearly every character in this book. Each person has their own motives and reasons behind every choice they make, and practically everyone isn’t who you initially think they are. If you like Mystery-Thrillers with a bit of YA-Romance, and real, genuine characters— be sure to pick up DEAD GIRLS SOCIETY.

    

Review: The Sun Is Also A Star

The Sun Is Also A Star
by Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: November 1, 2016


THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon is a gorgeously written young adult romance. Even though this isn’t the type of book I usually seek out, Yoon’s writing ability is incredible. The characters are flawed, funny, and completely believable. While the plot was far fetched at times, part of the magic of this book is that the characters themselves recognize the rare circumstances of the story and continually question the legitimacy of “love at first sight”. The novel focuses on the intertwining stories of two teenagers, Natasha and Daniel, in a twelve hour time period. Natasha is preparing to be deported and is fighting to remain in America, while Daniel is facing harsh parental pressure. While this story is first and foremost a romance, it offers many brief but powerful insights into more minor characters, touching on themes such as suicide, depression, and racism. Ultimately, the events that occur over the course of these twelve hours change the lives of almost everyone involved.

  

Review: The Third Twin

The Third Twin by C.J. Omololu
Publication date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte

As children, Lexi and her twin, Ava, made up a third twin sister, Alicia. Alicia was constantly blamed for the small mischievous wrongdoings that the girls would do. If something broke, if the cookies got eaten, Alicia was always to blame. Now the girls, as seniors, use Alicia in a completely different way. Alicia is their way to date boys that they would never date as themselves. But suddenly, one of Alicia's boyfriends has turned up dead. Lexi is ready to stop being Alicia altogether, but Ava insists on continuing the game and that nothing is wrong. Coincidences start piling up, and DNA evidence of the murder points to one suspect: Alicia; a girl who doesn't exist. Is Alicia real? Or could Ava be a killer?

This book is a total page-turner. The murder mystery and suspense constantly keeps you wondering and curious. The characters are all very interesting, and I like how the narrator is one of the twins. I think that it would have been even better if the book switched perspectives between the twins. I think that this could have increased the suspense and deepened the mystery of the story. Other than this, though, I think the plot and writing are great overall. I would recommend this book for people 14 and over, as there are sexual scenes and references throughout the book.

Review: For Real

For Real by Alison Cherry
Publication date: December 9, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte

Claire has always lived in her older sister Miranda’s shadow. While Miranda loves adventure, parties, and people, Claire feels more at home with watching that on reality TV. However, when Miranda finds her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her right before they graduate from college, it’s Claire who saves the day with a plan. The sisters will get revenge on Samir by winning “Around the World,” a reality TV show where competitors participate in a race around the globe in order to win a million dollars. But when shy, careful Claire finds out the show has a twist, she’s not sure that she’s as ready as she thought she’d be.

Reading FOR REAL was like watching a TV show! It is paced well, and I was pleasantly surprised at the many plot twists. I also really enjoyed how different Claire and Miranda are. In the beginning of the novel, their differences cause problems between the girls, but by the end, they learn to use their differences to support one another. The romance aspect of the book was definitely unexpected, and it was interesting to find out where things ended up! Overall, I would recommend this for girl’s ages 12/13 and up.

Review: Trust Me, I'm Lying

Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer
Publication date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte

TRUST ME, I'M LYING by Mary Elizabeth Summer is the epitome of an adventurous mystery, packed with action, riddles, and a heated love interest. Julep Dupree may seem like your average sophomore attending the prestigious private school of St. Agatha, but this is far from the truth. This average school girl persona is only one of her many disguises. This of course is common for a con artist like herself and a skilled grifter. But when out of the blue, Julep comes home to a ransacked apartment and a missing father, her world is turned upside down. She must now use the con artists skills her father taught her to solve the clues left blatantly behind. Julep Dupree must now manage the chaos in her life, upgrading from harmless school scams, to finding her missing father before its too late.

TRUST ME, I'M LYING is a remarkably clever book that will have the reader playing detective from start to finish. With an unexpected plot and an array of hidden clues, Summer’s book is bound to intrigue. Manipulation, deception, and trickery are hefty tools used in the story to add to the great suspense. The novel manages to keep a fast paced rhythm throughout the story, never failing to be eventful or thrilling. This well sought out mystery is packed with riveting action and a hint of romance to appeal to a large range of crowds. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate a good mystery and challenging riddle. Summer does an outstanding job giving her character, Julep, a both youthful soul, but wise and intelligent outlook on life. As the reader, you will find yourself growing attached to the main character and experience her journey first hand. I believe this book is appropriate for ages twelve and up.

Review: We Were Liars

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Publisher: Delacorte
Publishing date: May 13, 2014

WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart is an astonishingly simple, yet sophisticated story about a wealthy family and their dire attempts to keep the prestigious title their family name holds. Behind the abundant wealth, the private islands, and the perfect blond-haired, square-chinned heirs, life is nowhere near so simple. Despite “living the dream,” not everyone in the Sinclair family is satisfied with all the world’s riches and money, including Cadence Sinclair. In fact, when a traumatic accident sends Cadence into a world of medical disaster and lost identity, it is up to her cousins, and a summer romance to help her heal the physical and emotional wounds, and find out what really happened the night of the accident.

The novel, WE WERE LIARS, is a well written, suspenseful story that is simple in context, but packs a meaning greater than the sum of its parts. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that will keep them at the edge of their seat, always wanting more. Not only is the story an easy read due to the simple text, but it is a book you will want to sit and think about after you have finished. Constantly the plot line changes, venturing to new and exciting places, full of anticipation. E. Lockhart’s novel teaches the reader that sometimes perfect images can be corrupt, and love and strong bonds overthrow the value of wealth. I would recommend this book for ages thirteen and up due some brutalities, and a certain age is required to understand the larger meanings.