Paper Covers Rock (Review)

Title: Paper Covers Rock
Author(s): Jenny Hubbard
Edition: Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Source: Won from Random Buzzers
Buy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Inkwood Books

The Summary

At the beginning of his junior year at a boys' boarding school, 16-year-old Alex is devastated when he fails to save a drowning friend. When questioned, Alex and his friend Glenn, who was also at the river, begin weaving their web of lies. Plagued by guilt, Alex takes refuge in the library, telling his tale in a journal he hides behind Moby-Dick. Caught in the web with Alex and Glenn is their English teacher, Miss Dovecott, fresh out of Princeton, who suspects there's more to what happened at the river when she perceives guilt in Alex's writing for class. She also sees poetic talent in Alex, which she encourages. As Alex responds to her attention, he discovers his true voice, one that goes against the boarding school bravado that Glenn embraces. When Glenn becomes convinced that Miss Dovecott is out to get them, Alex must choose between them.

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard has a high literary tone.  It reminds me of Catcher in the Rye or The Dead Poet's Society based on the characterization and quality of writing, as well as the incorporation of other literary works within the story.  While I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure it would appeal to a large number of readers.

The story is paralleled extensively with Herman Melville's Moby Dick.  The protagonist, Alex, uses it as a guide to express himself and deal with what has happened to Thomas, one of his friends, as well as using poetry to express his guilt.  As I was reading, all I could think that this was an English major's book.  The imagery and prose is beautifully crafted utilizing literary references and self-reflection to a create a story within a story.  Like Ishmael, Alex is fighting to find his place after feeling alienated, and this is where the book transcends YA to Adult fiction. 

Now I'm not saying that teenagers wouldn't enjoy this book, but I think it would be a small demographic and most likely older teens from 17-19 (Juniors and Seniors by grade).  This is due to the elaborate plot and duality of narratives.  Alex's exploration of what happened within his journal and the physical events of the story mix together to create a layered reality.  Adding to that, there are illusions of a sexual relationship with Alex's English teacher, Miss Dovecott.  While never acted upon, the fantasies are very specific and lend a slight predatory tone to the story.  This works well for the story, but increases the maturity level of the book.

Overall, this is a beautifully written narrative with some gorgeous poems interspersed, which are meant to be "written" by Alex.  It is not a "contemporary story", but a realistic story, one that will capture the book lover and mystery lover alike.  But don't take my word for it, check out Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard for yourself!

Extras

Final Rating

Book Cover: 4/5
Book Title: 4/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 44/50: B+

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Waiting on Wednesday (80)

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:

Battle Angel

by Scott Speer

Publication Date: August 28, 2014

It's going to take a lot more than fame to save the Immortal City in its darkest hour. . . .

With Maddy torn between two loves, Guardian Jackson and heroic pilot Tom, and Angels and humans on the brink of an epic war, the Immortal City is more vulnerable than ever. And when demons descend upon Angel City with the intent to destroy, the humans don't stand a fighting chance without the Angels on their side. 

Will Jacks find the strength and forgiveness to enter the fray and fight the demons as a stronger-than-ever Battle Angel? Or has the damage been so great that the Guardians will set off for the next place, abandoning Angel City in its darkest hour?

It all comes down to love-wrecked half-Angel Maddy and the strength of her bond with Jackson in this game-changing, thrice-as-sultry series finale that blends beautiful themes of redemption and renewal with heart-pounding action scenes and jaw-dropping twists.

I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH IT IS NOT EVEN FUNNY!  Seriously, the first two books, Immortal City and Natural Born Angel, are so great!  I can't wait until I find out what happens to Maddy and Jackson; will their love survive the battle threatening to destroy Angel City?  If you haven't read this series, start now, so when August rolls around you are prepared!!!

What book are you waiting for?

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The Romeo Club by Rebekah L. Purdy [Book Blitz & Giveaway]!

Excerpt:

     Video game explosions sounded from the family room downstairs, followed by several voices. Great. My brother’s friends, otherwise known as The Nerd Herd were here. Not that I should be surprised. They probably spent the better half of their lives in my basement.

     “Please tell me someone didn’t eat the last slice of cheesecake?” I hollered as I tossed my bag on the kitchen floor and searched the fridge.

     “Sorry,” C.C. yelled. “But I was hungry.”

     Ugh. Of course it was him. C.C. Porter IV, whose real name was Clyde Cornelius. I ought to take his red afro and use it to mop up Jimbo’s grossness from our lawn gnome.

     “Seriously? You guys are pigs.” With a groan, I stomped downstairs to find all four guys seated in front of the TV, game controllers in hand. “I thought I told you yesterday, the cheesecake is off limits.” C.C. grinned, his mop of red curls poofed up like five small poodles taking cover on his head. “Aw, does that mean you’re gonna punish me? Because I could use a spanking.” He stretched his long legs out in front of him.

     My brother shot him a quick look and mouthed the words don’t start.

     “Yeah, come on over here, because I think I’ve got a foot I can shove up your ass.” My eyes narrowed.

     “Okay, how about we talk about something else before this turns into World War Delyla.” Trey, Drake’s best friend intervened.

     “He’s right.” My brother flipped off the video game. The other three muttered obscenities and whined. “Besides, I need to talk with her about a few things.” He glanced at them as if threatening bodily harm to the next one who opened their mouth.

     I moved closer to the stone fireplace at the back of the room, careful not to bump into the mantel where my dad’s antique toy trucks were displayed. Uneasiness settled over me as my shoes sunk into the plush, burgundy carpet. What the heck was going on? My gaze rested on Trey who, even I admitted, was kind of hot—in a nerdy way. Dark brown hair, blue eyes that made you envision summer pools and all that Shakespearean stuff. Not that I’d tell him of course. We’d grown up next door to one another and he, Drake, and I had been best buds since they were two and I was one. We practically lived at one another’s houses.

    The Nerd Herd grew quiet as they stared at me. “Okay, you guys are weirding me out. What’s going on?”

     “I want a cross between Princess Leia and Wonder Woman,” C.C. blurted.

     At the same time, Kevin said, “Maybe someone like the chick from Dark Invaders IV.”

     “Um—hold on, what are you guys talking about?”

    “Quiet down.” Drake held up his hands then turned to me. “Here’s the thing. I kind of told them about you helping me land Chloe.”

     “I thought you wanted to keep it a secret.”

     “Yeah, about that.” He gave me a sheepish smile.

      Oh hell. What did he do? “Drake?”     “All right. They want you to help them out too. I mean, you did such a good job with me. Besides, you’re already popular and have an in. You could teach them the ropes.”

      “Whoa. Are you crazy? How am I supposed to do that? Besides they want some Princess Leia, Wonder Woman, and a Battle Worn hybrid. And in case you didn’t realize, this is reality.” Holy balls. This wasn’t quite what I expected when my brother said he had something important to discuss. Because on my scale of one to important this ranked like a negative ten.

The Romeo Club

by Rebekah L Purdy

Release Date: 04/08/14

YA Contemporary/Romance

THE ROMEO CLUB is Hitch meets The Secret of My Success.

What happens when you agree to help your brother “de-nerdify” so he can catch the attention of the popular Chloe Anders, and to everyone's surprise, he actually lands her?

And what if his equally geeky friends come running with girl wish lists of their own, offering money for your services?

Well, if you’re sixteen-year-old, Delyla Denson, then you start The Romeo Club. A secret club where she’ll teach these guys how talk, act, and be cool around girls. It’s a win-win situation.

She’ll get enough money for the awesome prom dress she’s had her eye on, and the guys, well, they’ll get dates and maybe learn how to do something other than beat the next level on their video games.

There are only two problems with this plan. One, her quarterback/track star boyfriend is getting jealous of how much time she’s spending away from him and decides to try and figure out what’s going on. And two, Delyla is kind of falling for her brother’s BFF, Trey who she’s been hanging out with a lot more. And who thanks to her help, has caught the attention of the beautiful, perfect, and popular, Portia Rickard. With Portia and Trey heating up, Delyla realizes that maybe the person she’s meant to be with has been in front of her all this time.

But falling for Trey means she’ll have to take drastic measures including sabotage, with a capital S.

Available from:

Amazon * Amazon UK

About the Author
Rebekah Purdy grew up in Michigan, where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. When not hiding at her computer and getting lost in her stories, she enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games and hanging out with her kids. She loves the unexplainable like Bigfoot, the Dogman, and the Loch Ness Monster (lots of good story material)! She admits to still having all the books she bought throughout her childhood and teen years, and she may or may not have an obsession with anything chocolate…

Author Links:

***GIVEAWAY***

1 ebook of The Romeo Club + $10 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by:

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Celebrating The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare by MG Buehrlen [Guest Post & Giveaway]

One of our own (as in fellow book blogger), MG Buehrlen, has made her authorial debut with the release of The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare! So excited for her, and in love with the concept behind her book!  

To help spread the word and celebrate the release I have a lovely guest post from MG talking about how blogging helped her get published, as well as a giveaway for one lucky winner!  Please check out the post, and check out the book because it is a must-read!

5 Ways Book Blogging Helped Me Get Published

Guest post by M.G. Buehrlen

When I started running YABooksCentral.com (a book review site and social network for book lovers) five years ago, I was a struggling writer with a stack of form rejections under my bed. I had already finished my first novel, but I had no idea what to do with it. I didn’t know how to write a compelling query letter, I didn’t know how to find the right agent for my work, and most importantly, I didn’t have a mentor who could look at my manuscript and tell me if it was actually worth pursuing.

I’ve dreamed of being an author since I could put pencil to paper, but that dream was going nowhere fast. Once I immersed myself in the book blogging world, however, all that began to change. Within three years, I had my dream agent. Within four years, I had a publishing deal.

Here are five ways I believe book blogging helped take my career to the next level:

Community
There is nothing more important than a solid writing community. Book blogging put me in touch with authors all around the world, authors who quickly became my friends and who have mentored me through countless revisions, queries, synopses, all of it. They’d been through the wringer and knew the drill, and they were sweet and kind enough to show me the way. (They’re still mentoring me, because I don’t think you ever stop learning in this biz.) I never would have gotten the insider advice I did if I hadn’t plunged into this amazing book-loving community.

Knowing What’s Out There
In order to keep YABC up-to-date with all the latest titles, *I* have to be up-to-date on all the latest titles. That means reading every book that crosses my desk. Back when I first started, I read a book a day to keep up with the huge stack of advanced copies publishers sent me each week. To sell a novel, you have to do your research. You can’t pitch something that’s already out there. Book blogging gave me a front row seat when it came to which books and genres and storylines were on popping up on the shelves, and which books were making readers foam at the mouth for the sequels.

Knowing What’s Selling
Book blogging also gave me the insider scoop on book deals as they happened in real-time. When a book deal is made, publicists send out the good news so book bloggers can spread the word and help drum up early excitement. This helped keep my finger on the current market trends. Not that I advise writing to trends, but knowing the current trends can be an advantage. Sometimes, when the market is too saturated with one certain trend, working on a book idea that’s outside the box could get you noticed by publishers. Conversely, if you have a manuscript that fits the trend, and you’ve got a unique spin on it, publishers might be more apt to sit up and take notice, too.

Name Recognition
Another way book blogging helped was name recognition. If you’re respectful, diligent, and professional, publishers will take notice. And if you’re in it for the long haul, that dedication will shine through. People will remember your name, not just your blog’s name. They’ll learn what you’re about, see how hard you work, and see how passionate you are about getting that first book deal. Book blogging helped me build a name for myself in the industry long before I signed my first contract.

Critique Group
The most important thing I’ve gained as a book blogger are the writer friendships I’ve made along the way. Through this job, I’ve met kindred spirits, best friends, and trusted advisors. I built a critique group of authors who know my writing style, know what I’m trying to say, and can help point me in the right direction, creatively. Having a good critique group is so important, especially for newbies like me. I can learn more about the craft in one phone call with a critique partner than I can reading a dozen how-to books. And the inspiration and encouragement they give is unlike anything else, from anywhere else.

I’m not saying book blogging was a direct line to getting my first novel published. A great deal more went into it than that, but I do believe my book blogging experience sped up the process for me. Who knows where I’d be if I hadn’t started running YABC five years ago. I don’t think I’d have my first book on the shelf so soon. I might have even given up by now if I hadn’t plunged myself into this industry and devoted every waking moment to learning the ropes.

Book blogging wasn’t (and isn’t) just a hobby for me. It was a crash course in publishing, one I’m so glad I stumbled upon. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be involved with an amazing site like YABC and the amazing group of book reviewers who run the site with me. And I’m happy to stand side-by-side with incredible blogs like Literary Rambles and all the others I’ve come to know and love over the years.

The online book community is the absolute best.

Title: The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare

Author: MG Buehrlen

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Release Date: March 4, 2014

One girl. Fifty-seven lives. Endless ways to die.

For as long as 17-year-old Alex Wayfare can remember, she has had visions of the past. Visions that make her feel like she’s really on a ship bound for America, living in Jamestown during the Starving Time, or riding the original Ferris wheel at the World’s Fair.

But these brushes with history pull her from her daily life without warning, sometimes leaving her with strange lasting effects and wounds she can’t explain. Trying to excuse away the aftereffects has booked her more time in the principal’s office than in any of her classes and a permanent place at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Alex is desperate to find out what her visions mean and get rid of them.

It isn’t until she meets Porter, a stranger who knows more than should be possible about her, that she learns the truth: Her visions aren’t really visions. Alex is a Descender – capable of traveling back in time by accessing Limbo, the space between Life and Afterlife. Alex is one soul with fifty-six past lives, fifty-six histories.

Fifty-six lifetimes to explore: the prospect is irresistible to Alex, especially when the same mysterious boy with soulful blue eyes keeps showing up in each of them. But the more she descends, the more it becomes apparent that someone doesn’t want Alex to travel again. Ever.

And will stop at nothing to make this life her last.

(Goodreads)

Buy the Book!

Book Depository/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Inkwood Books

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RULES:

• Open oInternationally!  
• Must be 13 years old to enter. 
• ONE winner will win a finished copy.
• Winner will be contacted by email to inform them they won.
• Winner has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or a new winner will be chosen. 
• NO PO BOXES as prizes tend to be lost when sent there.
• I claim no responsibility for lost prizes.
• Once recipient has received prize, all personal information is deleted.

Meet the Author

When she’s not writing, M.G. moonlights as a web designer and social media/creative director.

She’s the current web ninja lurking behind the hugely popular website 

YABooksCentral.com, a social network for YA (and kids!) book lovers. 

The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare is her debut novel. M.G. lives nestled away in Michigan pines, surrounded by good coffee and good books, with her husband and son and three furbabies. 

Check her out on the web!

Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr/Pinterest/Website

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