Hey all my amazing followers!
I'm just here doing a quick update post to inform you about the delay of my giveaway! Unfortunately, I have been extremely busy getting ready for DragonCon this week and starting school. Because of this, I wasn't able to get my giveaway post ready for all of you! (I don't even have a computer here!) When I get back on September 3 I will post the giveaway and I'm going to extend the giveaway to make up for the tardiness!
Thanks for being great readers, and DFTBA!!
8.27.2012
The Selection (Review)
Author(s): Kiera Cass
Edition: ARC, 327 pages
Source: Won in giveaway
The Summary
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For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined
(Goodreads)But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined
My Opinion
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The Selection by Kiera Cass was an interesting book to read. On the one hand, I really enjoyed it, and finished it really quickly. But on the other hand, there were some characterization issues, and the ending was too abrupt. Luckily, the pros far weighed out the cons. It was such a fun book to read, and I can't wait until the next one in the series.America is our protagonist. She lives in a society where everyone is divided into a certain caste ranging from Ones at the top to Eights at the bottom. Everyone Four and below get subsequently poorer, while Threes and above are the wealthiest, culminating in Ones being royalty. America and her family are Fives; this is the Artisan caste. Each person in the caste must do some sort of art to make a living, and there isn't much co-mingling among the castes. It is heard of for someone to marry up, but almost never for someone to marry down. And this is where the trouble begins. America is love with Aspen, a Six (a servant). If she were to marry him, she'd move down in status. I think this adds a layer to their relationship. Based on this information, it really shows how deeply she loves Aspen, and in return how deeply he loves her. Willingly moving castes is something one only does for love, and that isn't always enough.
In addition to the caste system, there is "The Selection", where 35 girls are picked from each district (they may still have states, that's never made clear) of the country to compete to win the hand of Prince Maxon, and become the next queen. I liked the idea of "The Selection". It isn't just a simpler Bachelorette premise; there is a very real reason to choose from the populace, giving the entire thing an underlying political menace. Also, just by taking part in the process, all the girls are elevated in caste and their families are compensated for the entire length of the girl's stay. So not only does the girl gain a better life, but so does her entire family, forever. Even more impactful is the fact that the chosen girl and her family are immediately bumped to Ones (royalty). This fact, with the monetary gain and stability, makes winning the competition more serious.
This is just one of the interesting parts of the society in which The Selection is set. While not all aspects are clear or even defined, there is a great outline for an interesting dystopic society. It is a mix of the United States that the readers now, and a country torn apart by war and remade. There is so much potential, which I hope Cass explores in the next books.
The characters were pretty good; America was my favorite. I really felt for her. I'm sure some readers found her whiney or over-reactive, but for two years she was in love with and planning to marry Aspen, only to have that destroyed. Then she's pushed into a strange place with girls she doesn't know who are all fighting to gain the attention of a guy she has no interest in. I'd be emotional as well. But I like to think she doesn't just roll over and become like all the others. America is tough and does stand for what she believes in; being more than first impressions might show. Prince Maxon also turns out to be more than he seems. I felt he was a really fair and heartfelt guy, but as prince he must do as is expected. Every time he did something kind for America, I loved him a little bit more.
The ending is the part that I disliked the most. I understand that this is a series, but where Cass ended the story was so abrupt. It was even a true cliffhanger, and left me feeling very unsatisfied. The book doesn't even complete the entire selection process, which would be fine if I ended up caring about who was winning, but it was a let down. I felt that many parts were dragged out and the most important, who would win, was just halted in order to increase sales. Of course if that was the case, it worked because I need to know! Tricky!
Overall, I did really enjoy the book. It might not have been the strongest in the execution, but the concept is really interesting. I wanted more when I closed the book, and I hope to get it in the next book. I think Keira Cass has a good start to the series in The Selection, and I look forward to reading more from her!
Extras
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Book Trailer
Final Rating
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Book Trailer
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 5/5Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 8.5/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Overall: 41/50: B-
Recommend A... (12)
This week's prompt is: Recommend a Book with a Character that Plays a Sport
Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports
Alden R. Carter
March 1, 2006
Today I'm bringing you a collection of short stories all revolving around Argyle High School and it's football team. I wasn't sure I would like this book, but Alden Carter does an amazing job of creating a true high school experience. Humor, drama, heartbreak, anger, love: it's all within these pages.
Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports
Alden R. Carter
March 1, 2006
A book written in short stories, Love, Football and Other Contact Sports follows the life and times of the Argyle High School student body. Featuring the football team to the social outcasts, each character interconnects in the way that only surviving high school can do. Be it a conflict between a pacifist and a hothead or a feminist and a Neanderthal tradition, each story shapes the experiences of the Argyle High students that teenagers will relate to immediately.
Cover Spotlight: Timeless by Michelle Madow
Today, I want to show off the new cover for the last book in the Transcend Time Saga! Timeless is the last book in this amazing trilogy by indie author Michelle Madow. I'm so excited to post about this new book because I adored both Remembrance and Vengence, the first and second book in the trilogy (check out my review of Remembrance/interview with Michelle).
Oh my god, isn't the cover absolutely gorgeous? I love the difference from the first two! I can't wait for November 20 to be able to read what happens next to Lizzie, Drew, and Chelsea!
If you haven't started the Transcend Time Saga, then you can check out the first book, Remembrance, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo. It's $2.99, and so worth it!
BUT in addition to that Michelle is hosting an awesome giveaway over at her blog. you can enter to win: a signed copy of Remembrance, a signed copy of Vengeance, a signed copy of Timeless (to be sent after Timeless releases), three signed Remembrance bookmarks, a mask that looks like the one on the cover of Remembrance, and a mention in the acknowledgments section of Timeless. The best part is that the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! So go, run, enter! Hopefully you'll win, and if not you still found out about an awesome trilogy that you need to read!
8.26.2012
500 Followers Giveaway!
As soon as the giveaway goes up on September 1st, I'll post a link here and on the front page of my blog. I really would love any suggestions you all have, and please know I appreciate you so much!!
Thank you for sticking around, and always being awesome!
8.23.2012
Trailer Thursday (28)
Today I'm bringing you the trailer to a great contemporary book dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. I really think this book is going to be tons of fun, especially with the aspect of the main character "fighting back" against being dumped!
by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Published Date: August 21, 2012
Current Favorite Reads
I've decided to start a new feature here on Eli to the nth. I think sometimes books deserve a little more TLC than a review. With that in mind, I've decided to highlight my "Current Favorite Reads". This might be for the last couple weeks, for a whole month, or even just for a few days. Please join in if you want!
I have four awesome books to share with you all! One middle grade, three young adult, and ALL amazing! Let me know what your favorite current reads are and if you've read any of mine!!
8.22.2012
Cover Reveal: PERCEPTION by Lee Strauss
Today I have the pleasure of showing off the new cover of a new sci-fi series from Lee Strauss!
by Lee Strauss
Publish date: September 12, 2012
Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans.
Her brother Liam is missing.
Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.
Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.
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PERCEPTION is a ( SF/mystery/romance) Young Adult novel that takes place in the not too distant future in a world changed by climate extremes, natural disasters and impending wars, and where scientific breakthroughs cause class divisions—both financially and philosophically. It explores the clash between faith and science and how differences can separate us as enemies or ally us together. And in some cases, even in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there’s room to fall in love.
The first book in a planned three book series, I think PERCEPTION looks awesome!
To find out more about the book and about the author, check out my author interview and chapter excerpt!
Author Interview & Chap. Excerpt: PERCEPTION by Lee Strauss
I had the opportunity to reveal Lee Strauss' cover for her new book, PERCEPTION! In addition, Lee agreed to let me interview her and post the first chapter of her book!
A really awesome sci-fi, PERCEPTION will grab you and hold on until the very end! Check out the cover reveal here, and read on to learn more about Lee Strauss, as well as read the first chapter of the book!
MY INTERVIEW WITH LEE STRAUSS
Eli: What was the inspiration for PERCEPTION?
Lee: I watched a documentary a couple years ago on the quest to extend the human life span and one of the segments was on genetic science.
Eli: In both PERCEPTION and the Clockwise series, the protagonist is a female teenager; what attracts you to this type of character?
Lee: I love to write YA, which mandates that the protagonist is a teenager. I'm not sure why I'm driven to this age group. I like dealing with "firsts."
Eli: Have you always had an interest in the "otherworldly"?
Lee: I guess I have, though I hadn't categorized myself until recently. I was a fan of the X-Files, Star Trek and Back to the Future.
Eli: What authors have influenced you in your life?
Lee: Jane Austin and Susan Grafton
Eli: What is one piece of advice you'd give to beginning writers?
Lee: Read a lot, write a lot, and study the craft.
If you want to know more, you can check out PERCEPTION on September 12!
Elle Strauss writes time travel and merfolk chic-lit, light SF and historical YA fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with friends and family, and sometimes traveling. To ward off writer's butt she does a bit of hiking, biking and yoga. Elle is married with four children and divides her time between British Columbia, Canada, and Germany. She writes upper/mature YA (historical and science fiction) under the name Lee Strauss.
BOOKS/BLOG/FACEBOOK/TWITTER
A really awesome sci-fi, PERCEPTION will grab you and hold on until the very end! Check out the cover reveal here, and read on to learn more about Lee Strauss, as well as read the first chapter of the book!
MY INTERVIEW WITH LEE STRAUSS
Eli: What was the inspiration for PERCEPTION?
Lee: I watched a documentary a couple years ago on the quest to extend the human life span and one of the segments was on genetic science.
Eli: In both PERCEPTION and the Clockwise series, the protagonist is a female teenager; what attracts you to this type of character?
Lee: I love to write YA, which mandates that the protagonist is a teenager. I'm not sure why I'm driven to this age group. I like dealing with "firsts."
Eli: Have you always had an interest in the "otherworldly"?
Lee: I guess I have, though I hadn't categorized myself until recently. I was a fan of the X-Files, Star Trek and Back to the Future.
Eli: What authors have influenced you in your life?
Lee: Jane Austin and Susan Grafton
Eli: What is one piece of advice you'd give to beginning writers?
Lee: Read a lot, write a lot, and study the craft.
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PERCEPTION
by
Lee Strauss
PART ONE
ZOE
Chapter 1
I balanced on my surfboard, right thigh burning and salt water stinging my eyes, while the best wave of the early morning carried me like a goddess on a pedestal to shore. My older brother Liam and I shared a friendly competition, and it gave me a certain, blissful satisfaction to catch the same wave and to get to shore first.
“Beat ya!” I shouted over the noise of the crashing surf.
Seagulls flocked and circled over us, squawking loudly, adding to the cacophony.
The sun glistened off Liam’s damp blond curls as he shook them out. His eyes sparkled as his lips tugged up into a grin. “I let you win.”
“Did not!” I smacked him playfully on the arm. “One more ride?”
Liam unzipped his wetsuit letting the top half fall down past his waist. He was in fine form, and I understood why all the girls raved about him. He was responsible for a long list of broken hearts.
“I gotta get going,” he said, lifting his board.
I fell into stride beside him, my feet sinking into the cold, wet sand. “So soon?”
He nodded, the glint leaving his eyes. My lips tightened into a frown “You’re taking off with Jackson again?”
Jackson was my boyfriend but lately he’d been spending more time with my brother than he had with me. It was starting to tick me off.
Liam stared straight ahead. “Lab stuff.”
“What are you working on?” I rushed to keep up with my brother’s long, strong strides. He flicked his head, tossing the hair out of his eyes but didn’t answer.
“Come on,” I knocked into him sideways. “Tell me!”
“It’s just stuff.”
“Just stuff? Like what? Top CIA stuff? I know you’re smart but I think the government has been doing a good job without your help.”
I meant it as a joke, but Liam huffed. “It’s just stuff, okay? So leave it.”
I stopped short shocked that he’d snapped at me.
He turned around and exhaled, “Zoe, I’m sorry.”
“Fine. If you can’t tell me, you can’t tell me.”
We resumed our trek along the beach, and I pushed back my frustration. Liam used to include me in everything. It was always him and me against everyone else. Him and me against Alison and Paul, aka our mom and dad. Him and me against the surf. We were a team. When did we start keeping secrets from each other? Rather, when did he start keeping secrets from me?
I re-adjusted my board under my arm. Maybe I could get Jackson to unzip his lips. Especially if I helped him. He could be easily persuaded if I poured on the charm. I hated to go behind my brother’s back for information, but something about all this--this, whatever it was that Liam was doing--made me uneasy. I couldn’t pinpoint why, it just did.
We reached our home, a massive glass box with two floors of windows facing the Pacific Ocean. It was built after the San Andreas Fault shifted and triggered the Big Quake that, along with the subsequent tsunami, wiped out ten miles of shoreline.
A nearby white-stucco storage shed housed all our water toys. We stopped there to hang up our wetsuits to dry.
“Thanks for surfing with me today.” Liam said, smiling at me, back to his jovial self. “I know it was a sacrifice for you to get up so early.”
I smiled in return. “No problem. It was fun.” Surfing with Liam was one of my most favorite things to do.
“You’re back for dinner?” I asked.
Liam didn’t know it, but once he left, I’d be spending the rest of the day preparing for his surprise birthday party. He’d turned twenty-one yesterday and had celebrated at a bar with his friends. I couldn’t go because I was underage, and it irked me that Jackson went and that he and Liam had once again shared a significant moment without me. I took consolation in the fact that Alison and Paul gave me free reign to plan this party. My heart beat with excitement, and I couldn’t wait to see his face when he got home and found the house full of his friends.
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he answered.
I bit my cheek to keep my voice even. “Good.We’ll see you, then.”
Our property tiered twice before connecting with the sandy beach. Three glass doors slid open disappearing into the corner and creating a wall-less view of the stone patio that encased an eternity pool. Its waters slipped over the far edge into a waterfall that was collected again on the second tier.
Liam strode into the house, through the living room and down the hall to his bedroom at the back, his wet shorts dripping on the glossy white tiles.
I tightened the towel around my waist and climbed the open-slat staircase to my room.
As I passed the maid, Saundra something, her brown face blanched. She stumbled slightly before grabbing the rail and catching herself.
“Excuse me,” she said softly at my astonished look.
The woman really didn’t look well, and I was thankful for my enhanced immunization. I was glad I didn’t have to worry about diseases brought in from the outside.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She nodded weakly, and proceeded to clean the rails. I’d requested extra staff to get the house ready for Liam’s party.
A trill of anticipation reclaimed my thoughts. I couldn’t wait for tonight.
The door beside my bathroom opened into a second room, a walk-in closet big enough to house another bedroom set. Racks of clothes and shoes lined the walls, a well-lit mirror station was located near the sky light and a cushioned leather bench was placed in the middle for sitting. I stood in my closet and stared at the rows of sundresses, blouses and shorts.
What to wear?
I settled on a lace blouse and cotton shorts, then went to take a luxurious shower, rinsing the sea water out of my long, blond hair. I leaned into the built-in seat that was designed specifically for my body height and shape. Laser lights mapped my head and twenty-eight silicon fingers reached out to massage my scalp while shampooing and conditioning my hair. Most days I had to watch or I’d doze off, but today I was excited. I commanded the water to turn off as soon as the rinse was done.
When I was dressed and my hair combed out and tied back, I slipped my platinum Communication Ring onto my left middle finger. I tapped it which produced a holographic image of my phone apps on my palm. I touched the clock icon and holographic digital numbers appeared in the air.
Ten already? Where did the time go? That was the thing with summer holidays; every hour ran languidly into the next.
I imagined the cook and her crew were busy preparing for the party in the kitchen. I’d requested fresh sea food and simulated roast, fresh fruit and vegetables, an assortment of fancy chocolates and baked items plus a three-tiered, surfer-themed birthday cake.
I skipped down the stairs to check on the progress, but in my hurry to the kitchen, I slammed into a body.
“Sorry,” a male voice said.
I stepped back agitated. I recognized the dark-haired boy wearing the white tunic my mother made the male staff wear. He was the maid’s son and I guessed he was part of the extra staff. He held a wet mop in his hand, and I figured he’d been cleaning up Liam’s spotty water trail.
He stepped politely out of the way, but the expression on his face was stoic. Even though he was clearly from the outside and the help, I still expected some small sign that what he saw when he viewed me was pleasing. A twinkle in the eye, a slight upturning of the lips. These were the responses I got from all the boys. The straight ones, anyway.
He wasn't especially attractive but I didn't see people with his appearance very often. He had eyes the color of imported coffee beans and skin like caramel candy. His nose was wide and his jaw-line sharp. I was suddenly intrigued by him and surprised myself by thinking he looked exotic.
“Excuse me, what was your name again?” I asked.
“Noah.”
Right. I remembered now. I waited for him to say something, but he stayed quiet.
Footsteps echoed from the hall above. My parents spoke together, their muffled voices floating across the high ceilings.
“Do other maids send their sons to do their work?” Alison's voice had a brassy tone that carried through the cavernous space.
I felt a flare of red creep up my neck when I realized Alison was talking about Noah. My eyes darted to his, but he kept his averted.
“He does a good job,” Paul responded. “That's the main thing. Besides you know they need the money.”
“So we're charity now?”
“What's wrong with a little charity? Besides, they're not just anybody.”
“I don't care. I still don't trust him.”
I was mortified. My feet felt cemented to the floor and I didn’t know what to say. Anything would come off as trite since nothing I could say could undo what Noah had heard.
“Did you know the Pikes have a household robot now?” Alison, again. “Apparently it’s very efficient, and at least Mary doesn’t have to worry about things going missing.”
Noah’s jaw tightened and he turned his back to me. He attacked Liam’s dried and dusty water spots aggressively and soon had disappeared around the corner.
“Zoe?” Alison click-clacked down the wooden stairs. She wore a pale yellow pant suit and high heels even though it was Saturday. She was in-between careers now, having spent the last fifteen years in law. She barely looked thirty years old and with lots of time ahead of her, she could do anything. Probably several things.
“Mom! You have to keep your voice down. How many times do I have to tell you your voice travels in this glass box?
“Oh.” She looked mildly shaken. “No matter. Is everything coming together to your satisfaction?”
“I’m just checking in on things now.”
“Your father and I are meeting people for lunch. What time is the party again?”
I blew a frustrated breath. She could at least pretend she cared enough to remember details I’d told her a dozen times already.
“Seven.”
“Right. We’ll see you at seven.”
Things proceeded throughout the day as planned and I was pleased with my ability to pull off an event like this on my own.
The decorators showed up at 1:00 as promised.
The band arrived to set up at 3:00.
I got dressed at 4:30, having bought a thigh-length mini-dress that sparkled with tiny crystals just for the occasion.
My hair and makeup girl arrived at 5:00.
I tapped my ring and called Jackson at 5:30.
“Where are you?” I said to the three-inch holographic image of him that popped up above my palm. “You said you’d help.”
“Sorry, Zo. Got tied up at home.”
“Are you okay? You don’t sound so good.”
It was odd. No one in Sol City ever got really sick, but it wasn’t unheard of to get run down if you pushed yourself too hard. Jackson had been working a lot lately.
“I didn’t sleep well last night. Uh, spent most of the day in bed.”
I felt a little panicky. “You’re still coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course. I’ll be there soon.”
Alison and Paul arrived at 6:30 along with all of mine and Liam’s friends.
I hushed everyone at 6:55, giving instructions on when to shout “Surprise!”
It was all a wasted effort.
Liam never showed.
If you want to know more, you can check out PERCEPTION on September 12!
BOOKS/BLOG/FACEBOOK/TWITTER
Waiting on Wednesday (51)
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.
Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:
by Cory Doctorow
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
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Trent McCauley is sixteen, brilliant, and obsessed with one thing: making movies on his computer by reassembling footage from popular films he downloads from the net. In the dystopian near-future Britain where Trent is growing up, this is more illegal than ever; the punishment for being caught three times is that your entire household’s access to the internet is cut off for a year, with no appeal.
Trent's too clever for that too happen. Except it does, and it nearly destroys his family. Shamed and shattered, Trent runs away to London, where he slowly he learns the ways of staying alive on the streets. This brings him in touch with a demimonde of artists and activists who are trying to fight a new bill that will criminalize even more harmless internet creativity, making felons of millions of British citizens at a stroke.
Things look bad. Parliament is in power of a few wealthy media conglomerates. But the powers-that-be haven’t entirely reckoned with the power of a gripping movie to change people’s minds….
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I love Cory Doctorow. Little Brother, his first YA novel, was such a creative story, and I enjoyed it immensely. With this new book, Doctorow again explores a modern dilemma, with it's roots right in our own present. The crack down on copyright, especially within the video/youtube realm has become intense. I'm really interested to read more about this world where creating these very things is illegal. I love these kind of dystopias because it feels so possible for this to become reality.
What book are you waiting for?
8.21.2012
The Raft (Review)
Author(s): S. A. Bodeen
Edition: ARC, 231 pages
Source: Once Upon a Twilight Book Tours
The Summary
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Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft.
And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.
And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.
My Opinion
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I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC tour for The Raft by S.A. Bodeen through Once Upon a Twilight Book Tours (Yara always has awesome tours going on)! The plot of the book is what really made me interested in reading it. It reminded me a lot of the movie Castaway, but for the teen perspective. Survival stories are always so filled with emotion, and I can count on some memorable events. The Raft was no exception.Robie starts out as your typical teen. Hanging out in Honolulu with her Aunt is a far cry from Midway Atoll where she lives with her scientist parents. Naturally Robie wants to do the normal things (go shopping, tan at the beach, get a piercing, dabble in Henna), and when her Aunt has to leave early for work on the mainland, Robie takes advantage. Eventually she gets too scared being by herself and hops an earlier flight on a supply plane. Little did she know that this would lead her to an even more frightening experience.
There is significant growth in Robie by the end of her journey. She has to overcome extreme obstacles without any real knowledge on how. Stuck on a raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, without water, food, or any way of contacting help, Robie has to rely on herself in order to survive. in her crafting of Robie's character, S.A. Bodeen is able to tap into human will to survive, and show the overwhelming difficulty Robie faces with each new struggle. Robie goes from bratty teen to enduring survivor through the course of the book, and in the end her outlook on life and what it means to live are forever altered.
However, Robie is not entirely alone during this horrific event, and is in fact saved by the co-pilot of the plane, Max. He is the one who initially pushes her out of the plane so Robie may survive. Together they are able to grab the only life raft and hang on. The reader does not learn much about Max except what little he tells Robie verbally and through his journal. The pieces that the reader does find out serve to highlight the struggles Robie is going through by juxtaposing Max's own struggles. The lack of any other characters besides Max for the majority of the book allows the reader to become entirely focused on Robie, becoming part of the struggle she is going through.
S.A. Bodeen crafts an intensely realistic story, capturing the desperation, terror, and strength that an ordeal like this creates within a human. There is a fine mix of physical and psychological, with each battering at Robie's spirit. As both Max moves in and out of consciousness, Robie is often left alone with only her terror to keep her company. The resulting psychological tricks are the true terror in the book. Each response comes from a place of honest reaction, and the reader cannot help but pray that Robie survives intact, both bodily and mentally.
The Raft is one book that will really stick with the reader. It raises questions about mortality, personal limits, and the instinctual push to survive. The best and the worst of people come out when they are put into desperate situations, and S.A. Bodeen tackles that reality head on. The ultimate question of the book is "What is one willing to do to survive?", and the reader may be surprised at the choice Robie has to make. Pick up The Raft by S.A. Bodeen at you local library or bookstore.
Final Rating
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Book Cover: 4/5Book Title: 3.5/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Overall: 47.5/50: A
Top Ten Tuesday (27)
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.
The topic this week is:
Top Ten Favorite Books Read During the Lifespan of My Blog!
Instead of writing a blurb about why these books are my favorite, I've linked my reviews to each book in the title. Please read them, and find out EXACTLY why these books ROCK!
Instead of writing a blurb about why these books are my favorite, I've linked my reviews to each book in the title. Please read them, and find out EXACTLY why these books ROCK!
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Zombies VS Unicorns edited by Holly Black & Justine Larbalestier
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Teaser Tuesday (51)
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following!
- Grab your current read.
- Open to a random page.
- Share a few teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
- MAKE SURE NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (you don't want to give too much away and ruin the book for other readers)
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Publication Date: July 5, 2012
The night before Amelia Anne Richardson bled her life away on a parched dirt road outside of town, I bled out my dignity in the back of a pickup truck under a star-pricked sky.
(Pg. 1)
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This whole book is haunting. I mean that first sentence just punches you, and urges you to read more about the narrator and poor Amelia Anne Richardson. I am so excited to start reading this book! I feel like it is going to be one that I won't forget.
8.20.2012
Past. Present. Future. (12)
PRESENT:
FUTURE:
If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!
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