Date Read - April 20, 2011
For Frances, a high school senior the two things that she needs to accomplish is to get accepted into UC Berkeley and becoming a doctor. But her plan (which is mostly her mother Gracie plans) is put on hold when Frances is enrolled in Speech class. As she finds out her new passion for public speaking, Frances must decide between the life her mother wants or what Frances wants for herself. Cara Chow's debut novel is something that has both captivated and moved me so deeply to the point of tears. The struggles against abuse, humiliation, and manipulation that Frances endures against her mother is something that the reader will instantly connect. I couldn't help but think about the luck I have that my own mother and I have a beautiful mother/daughter relationship. I strongly urge everyone to read this both bittersweet and beautifully written debut!
Shout out to Fire and Ice for the ARC of "Bitter Melon"!
Date Read- July 2009
Debut novels can sometimes make or break the author (not in all cases though). Lisa Schroeder's debut novel for young adults is nothing short of amazing! When Ava loses her boyfriend Jackson, her world has fallen apart. The guilt and pain of the day he died still weighs heavy on her soul. But on an ordinary summer's day, Ava feels a strange presence. Jackson. She can't believe that he has returned from the dead to show her that love can know no barriers. In all "I Heart You, You Haunt Me" is a painful and beautifully written free verse debut!
Check out my new interview page! I snagged me a sweet interview with a very well-known author...
Date Read - March 31, 2011
For many people, the French Revolution was a time of blood and re-birth. Jennifer Donnelly's new book is just that. Andi, a hardcore musician deals with a devastating loss by shutting out the world. When her Nobel prize-winning scientist father whisks her away to Paris, she is more determined to escape back to her solitary life. Amidst all this mayhem, Andi discovers the diary of Alexandrine, an aspiring actress who lived two centuries ago. Her story of her own role during the Revolution compels Andi to search for the fate of Alex and the tragic connection both of them have. Told from both Andi and Alex, "Revolution" will sure to leave readers spellbound, captivated, and in awe. I cannot tell you enough about this extraordinary, tragic, and beautifully written manifesto of the spirit and the revolutions within ourselves. (A shout out to my friend Mevurah for lending me her ARC of the book!).
