Blogs

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the chapters being narrated by Tris and Tobias. The big step they made toward keeping their relationship intact was their promise not to lie to each other anymore. Tobias really comes across as a character in love with Tris and she makes him feel more secure and a better person, even though they argue and agree to disagree as well. Tris is still more obstinate and very sure of herself- her way of thinking and reactions are so much different than Tobias'.
I loved how they showed much more affection for each other and kiss in front of their friends and they are definitely ribbed about it (but they don't care). There are many upheavals with the factions (more history about before the factions), continued drama with Tobias' parents, and Tris' brother, Caleb. I liked the Old Chicago and New Chicago and the aspects of the truth serum and the ambiguity they feel about using them. I never expected the surprise end, but you will have to read the book. I love Roth as a writer and these 3 books were some of my favorite dystopian novels.

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Rainbow Rowell- her characters, her plot, her dialog and all the dysfunction in families, with friends, etc. I LOVED Eleanor and Park and I Loved Fangirl!!! They both have an insecure main character in Eleanor and Cather. They both have an adorable male protagonist in Park and Levi. But Rowell has crafted a totally different story and gratifyingly absorbed me the whole time I read this engaging, humorous, and ultimately GREAT, GREAT, GREAT story of growing pains, tremendous insecurities, and fearsome love (for family and friends and boyfriends). Cather is a freshman in college and her twin, Wren (who has been her staunchest ally up to freshman year)is not her roommate and out partying hard and drinking and not returning Cath's calls. Cath has a scary roommate, Reagan (I loved her- she totally grows on you)and with Reagan comes her boyfriend, Levi. Cath has so many hangups and they are even more pronounced since Wren has ditched her and Cath isolates herself in her room, writes fan fiction about Simon and Baz (and has a huge readership). Rowell reveals all of Cath's insecurities in her dealings (or not) with her roommate and Levi, not eating in the cafeteria, and not going to parties. But the reader likes and roots for Cath- that she will throw off the blanket of fears and anxieties she has cocooned herself in and participate in life, college, and love. I love how characters don't give up on Cather, how Levi and her Professor work with Cath at her halting pace and how, in Cath's own crippling way- she achingly blooms. Please read this book; it is great writing, dialog, and characters trough and through. If you have not read her other book, Eleanor and Park - then read that after- I promise, you will not be disappointed. Her books and characters ring true (she gets family dysfuction, teens, and best of all romance)

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To Be Perfectly Honest: A Novel Based on an Untrue Story by Sonya Sones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am rally not a fan of unreliable narrators and in this novel in verse, Colette is an unreliable narrator, liar, fibber; it is just a part of her personality. She can't help it, and when you are the daughter of a famous movie star, well, many people just want to be your friend because your mom is famous, good looking, funny, etc. As Colette look forward to spending her summer in France with her friends, her hopes (and friendships) are dashed when her mom takes her on the set of her latest movie and makes her babysit her little brother, Will. She meets Connor and falls for him especially when he really seems to be interested in her....only problem, she has to babysit Will often. Colette (who is only 15) does have problems with consummating her relationship with Connor and it is only when "illness" becomes involved that Colette "almost" changes her mind. I love Sonya Sones; her characters are real and the games Colette plays may just catch up to her...Read this book and see what you think of Collette's problem with telling truth- she really does have an imagination!

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The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie Stiefvater has pulled me in once again with her wondrous world of the Raven Boys searching still for mythic King Glendower through ley lines. But oh this story has added depth with the dream thieves, that is right- dream thieves are able to take things "out of" their dreams like keys, boxes and did I mention- "night horrors" can escape from thei dreams into the real world. They are scary, big and black apparitions with beaks and teeth and claws that can and will kill. Ronan's dreams have shaped his life, his personality, and his outlook. If you remember Ronan from the first book, The Raven Boys, he was not really likable, mean, but very handsome. I like his bird, Chainsaw and his brother, Matthew. Blue Sargent's family of seers is much more involved and expanded in this 2nd book. The Gray Man is a new character (and Kavinsky) and I will not say too much about them other than to say - read the book!!! The characters of Blue, Gansey, Adam, Noah, and Ronan experience much, grow a lot and the reader just really revels in their trials and tribulations. As the search continues for Glendower, the world of Henrietta and the living quarters of the Raven Boys and Blue's home of 300 Fox Way become entangled in solving the mystery of the Cabeswater and what is sapping its strength. It requires many of the characters working feverishly
toward the stunning climax. I can't wait for Book 3!!! An incredibly, gripping read---love, love, loved it!


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