Library Book Review > This Song Will Save Your Life

By:  Leila Sales
Published By: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Published Date: Sept. 17th 2013 
Pages:  288 hardcover
Tags: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Stand Alone, Music 

Source:  Community Library (Save A Tree)

There is a raw and powerful story to be had in between those covers. Once the Mad Scientist embraced This Song Will Save Your Life, MS could not stop devouring.

Starting late into the night, my tea went cold twice and the minutes ticked by yelling at my hard head that the sun would rise in a few hours. A scientist I maybe but a lady should never have bags under her eyes so I stubbornly buried myself under the duvet closing my eyes. Only to wake up as the sun was rising to read till the book was done!

Elise is the one person who never quit belonged with a particular group of kids at school.  Oh, how kids can be cruel. She was a special girl who tried her best at whatever she wanted to learn. However, she found out being special or good at something is just uncool.

Planet & Book Love <3

Lonely is what Elise was determined not to be any longer. She researched being cool and tried so hard to find a friend. Desperation turned into the consideration of suicide. Awe, my dear Elise, MS just wanted to crawl into the book and hug you. Let us just say thank you to the gods above for she did not go through with it.

"Sometimes you just have those days where everything goes wrong. But sometimes, and totally unexpectedly, something can go right."

Now Elise finds herself going through the aftermath of the situation. Soon after the scare she stumbled around late in the night near a business district trying to ward of her wound up nerves. Even in such a unseeming area Elise ran into Vicky & Mel, whom befriended her. Leading Elise into the teaming hectic world of an underground dance party. Music thumps through her body and soul, she is someone else here. The music loving self, not the unpopular HS self. Elise gathered strength from her new friends to survive and recover.

Elise takes it upon herself to learn how to DJ. The young and dashing lad, Char, the leading DJ of the night was needed elsewhere. Taking the reins of the dance party with her efforts and knowledge of music she easily rules the dance floor. Char, takes Elise under wing when realizing she is talented and different. Learning all she can, Elise becomes the hottest DJ in the area! 

Surviving high school surrounded by friends and music, Elise learned that it is alright to stay true to the person you want to be and can be. 

Undoubtedly my favorite Quote!

"I was smiling like a crazy person because I had just made a hundred people dance, I had just made a hundred people scream, I had just made a hundred people happy. I, Elise, using my own power, had made people happy."

Source

Here is how I picture Elise: 

Many lovely groups and songs are mentioned throughout the novel, in which the playlist from within can be found and thoroughly enjoyed at Spotify. As MS developed this mad review the sounds whirled around my skirts and rattled my pinned up hair.  

"I believe that a person's taste in music tells you a lot about them. In some cases, it tells you everything you need to know."

** Thanks to the Oneida Community Library and Inter-Library Loan! All Mad thoughts are presented in the right mind of a twisted brain of the Mad Scientist!**

It was so extremely good I kissed it everywhere & licked the spine.

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

Library Book Review > Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By:  Benjamin Alire Saenz
Published By: Simon & Schuster
Published Date: Feb. 21st 2012
Pages:  359 hardcover
Tags: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Stand Alone, GLBT 

Source:  Community Library (Save A Tree)

Honestly, the Mad Scientist was even more clueless as to what to read when I went to library after being out of the US of A for nearly 6 months. (Explored Thailand, Malaysia & Laos.) What is a Mad Scientist to do?  With having so many literary awards on such a beautiful cover MS just felt like she could not go wrong.  Besides I think everyone of us could us a few secrets of the universe.  Walking out of the library with book in gloved hands MS just did not know what she was getting into with Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.  

"My mother and father held hands. I wondered what that was like, to hold someone's hand. I bet you could sometimes find all the mysteries of the universe in someone's hand." - page 140

Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is told through a very young angry loner, Aristotle aka Ari. Ari & Dante met when the were 15 during one of those boring summers where you wait for something amazing to happen. It was a friendship they both seemed to bumble and stumble through with such little grace you could not help but wonder and smile at them.  It was a friendship were they spent days & nights laughing at each other, looking at the stars, experiencing sexual struggles & trying to navigate through cultural identity.  Of course, we also had bits and pieces of questioning the universe. 

Now the Mad Scientist is not one to cry over a book.  We wouldn't want to get rusty, now would we?  However, once I finished this particular book... I did.  The romance that I did not see or expect at all just jarred me which in turn made MS cry.  A few perfect tears, the roll down the cheeks kind. The jealous & strong emotions of Ari wanting to protect Dante at any cost had my heart. Dear boy!


Here is how I picture Ari & Dante: 

Source

Truly one of the best GLBT books MS has had the pleasure to read! Even if it was unexpected!

Benjamin Alire Saenz wrote the book in such a way that it is hard for MS to describe it in any other way then being beautiful.  The heavy handed issues about self identity and coming to age were managed with class & great writing that made it beautiful to read.  The writing, the characters, the story, the relationship was just too beautiful. 

"You could smell the rain in the desert even before a drop fell. I closed my eyes. I held my head out and felt the first drops. It was like a kiss. The sky was kissing me." - page 293

The awards were greatly deserved and MS is so happy to have spied this beauty on the shelf. Congratulations Benjamin! It was a great welcome back to the US of A & regular reading.

** Thanks to the Oneida Community Library and Inter-Library Loan! All Mad thoughts are presented in the right mind of a twisted brain of the Mad Scientist!

It was so amazing I kissed & licked every inch of the book!

Originally Posted at Steampunkery & Book Reviews.

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (Second Review!)

The Lipstick Laws
By Amy Holder
Publisher: Graphia, 2011
237 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 11/6/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her. For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity. But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Sitting near Darci Madison on the schoolbus is enough to put anyone with woman-sprout issues over the edge."
~Last Line: "And with that, I go to bed a proud Lipstick Lawbreaker and an ex-bra-stuffer."

Review: Talk about an awesome book! I really didn't expect it to be that good! It sort of showed me what high school could be like this upcoming year (I doubt it'll be anything like this book, but anything's possible, right? :D).

The main character, April Bowers, is a sophmore in high scool -- with no friends. Her best bud has moved away to Kansas, and somehow, on the first day, April manages to be accepted by the most popular girl in school. Things are amazing for her so far, even though her best friend warns her to stay away.

The plot was really awesome. You could tell that Amy seriously (maybe not too seriously) thought about the best way to write the characters and what happened throughout the 237 pages of the novel. Everything was just so teenish, and the reader can relate to April and her friends so weel. It all just sort of seems real!

The Lipstick Laws was most definitely an ahmazing book. I wish that it was a series, though. I've heard that they are thinking about making a tv series off of it. Hope that follows throught! :)

and a half :)

Quotes from the book:

"No girl wants to hear that she needs a makeover. I know I'm not a supermodel, but c'mon, I'm not a wilting weed in desperate need of Miracle-Gro, either."

" 'Ah, to be a teenager again . . . when noon is morning and midnight is going to bed early.' "

"I get the tortellini alfredo. It's to die for. Technically, I guess it really could be to die for . . . hence my father's nickname for it: heart attack on a plate. Regardless of its artery-clogging qualities, it's delicious."

"Mr. Stuart jumps in horror when he sees me. 'Holy smokes, April! What happened?'
'Tennis balls are hazardous weapons,' I respond cooly.
The class laughs. I'm happy that others find humor in my suffering."

________________________________________________________

And now I have an awesome interview with Amy herself! :D Enjoy!

1. What made you want to be an author?
I've always loved to write, and I dreamed of being an author when I was little. However, it wasn’t until after college that I really started thinking about pursuing it professionally. I studied psychology in college and once I was out in the real world working in the field, I realized I wouldn’t feel completely fulfilled unless I was able to do something I truly adore. Writing is that something … and I feel very lucky to have accomplished my childhood dream.

2. What gave you the idea for The Lipstick Laws?
The idea for the book was very character driven. April, the main character, was the first aspect of the story that came to me. I always knew I wanted to write a fun story about the ups and downs of high school, but the whole plot evolved by free-writing in April's voice and putting her character into what-if scenarios.

3. Would you say that you’re a Lipstick Lawlord, or a Lipstick Lawbreaker?
I'm a Lipstick Lawbreaker through and through! I could never follow the Lipstick Laws... especially Lipstick Laws two, three and four!

4. What can we expect from you in the next couple of years?
In the next couple of years, I'm hoping to have another book or two out. Also, The Lipstick Laws was recently optioned for TV, so there's a chance that it may go to production at some point -- fingers crossed. There are still many steps that would have to happen before it gets to that point...but the possibility is exciting regardless.

5. Who are your favorite authors of all-time?
The authors who sparked my love of reading and writing at a young age will always have a soft spot in my heart. Those authors are: Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Madeleine L'Engle. I also adore Sophie Kinsella, J.K. Rowling, and Charles Dickens. And I may be biased, but I think my fellow 2011 debut authors are pretty amazing as well!

6. Do you enjoy eating asparagus?
Haha! This may be one of the most random questions I've ever gotten in an interview.... but, yes, I do enjoy eating asparagus. Thanks for asking. :)

7. What are some of your hobbies when you’re not writing?
I love art, photography, anything that makes me laugh, baking, shopping, going to plays, spending time with family/friends...and I'm a huge animal lover, so I like spending time with my pets and/or getting involved with animal rescue groups.

8. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! In fact, I'd love to be a holiday elf - even just for a day. Preferably the day would be Christmas Eve....because dressing like a holiday elf in the middle of July would probably be a little creepy.

9. How can my followers and I stay in top of what’s happening with you and your books?
You can find me at the following links (please don't hesitate to say hi!):

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amyholderbooks
Website: www.amyholder.com
Blog: amyholderbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amyholderbooks
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amyholder

Also, if you'd like to meet me in person, check out my news and reviews page for information about upcoming events: amyholdernews.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for the interview, Zakiya!

Thank YOU, Amy, for participating!!! I really appreciate it :p

Review: Perfect (Impulse, #2)

Title: Perfect (Impulse, #2)

Author: Ellen Hopkins

First published on: September 13th, 2011

Page total: 622

Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction

 

What can I say? If you're looking for encouragement to try this book, well, then you haven't read anything by Ellen Hopkins yet, I assume. And you should have at least read Impulse to consider this book. So go read. And come back.

Powerful, emotional, realistic. Hopkins' so right. This book is for everyone who has looked into the mirror (either literally or figuratively) and thought "I'm not good enough." Because, not good enough for who? Yourself? Why should you make yourself suffer? Living in a world where love is getting rare, you should have at least one person you can rely on: yourself. Love yourself. Be yourself.

I noticed that Hopkins has gotten more optimistic in the past few years when I look at the endings of her books. Clearly, Tricks, Fallout or even this one have more hopeful endings than her earlier works.
What bugged me a little in this book is that the attention was kind of focused on Cara. I mean, it has four protagonists, but at the end, she's the one who has taken the courage to be herself. And maybe Andre, but we never know what will become of him, or of Kendra or of this jerk Sean.

For those of us looking forward to Tony and Vanessa's cameo in this book (as I did), don't get your hopes up too high because their cameo is brief at the end of the book.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Hate List

By Jennifer Brown

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2009

405 pages, paperback

Date Finished: 24/5/2011

Genres: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Some Action

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "The scene in the Garvin High School cafeteria, known as the Commons, is being described as "grim" by investigators who are working to identify the victims of a shooting spree that erupted Friday morning."
~Last Line: "And I'd gone home and packed, leaving the suitcase open on my bed, next to the horses in the wallpaper, which were -- as they'd always been, of course -- completely motionless."

Review: The first time I heard of this book was when my bestie Leanne got it from the library and loved it. She recommended it to me and gave it to me as a birthday present. I'm very glad she did.

The main character, Valerie, wasn't exactly the most popular girl in school. She was far from it. Between being called "Sister Death" by her peers and having to listen to her parents' constant arguing, her only escape is her boyfriend Nick. Until Nick is the shooter in a shooting spree, and takes his life last.

The novel was just soo good. There were a lot of times where it was just too sad, and you couldn't help but feel sorry for Valerie. She definitely went through some tough times that school year. Some of the people she despised even became some of her best friends after the incident.

You're probably wondering exactly what the Hate List is. Well, whenever something happened that Valerie or Nick hated, they added it to the Hate List. They added people, things, anything. Some of the people that Nick killed and injured during the shooting were on the Hate List.

All in all, this novel was so real i nmy eyes. Valerie had so much to go through after the shooting. You really can't help but feel bad for her. A story that definitely touched my heart time and time again. I wish Jennifer Brown would write a prequel to it! :)

{ARC} Book Review ---> Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Wanderlove

By:  Kirsten Hubbard

Published By:   Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published Date:  March 13th 2012

Pages:   Hardcover 335
Tags:  Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Travel, Central America, 

Why the Mad Scientist read this book:  Mad Scientist's first major hobby is travel right next to reading.

Day 1:   As soon as I see the blond girl bouncing down the aisle, I know she's heading for the empty seat beside me.

Concoction of a Review:

Wanderlove is the BEST book of 2011 & since it is not out until 2012 I have to say it will be the BEST book of 2012 as well!!!  As least for the Mad Scientist! 


Caution:
I am already full of Wanderlove but this book had me hit priceline and hostel.com before I was even done with the book just to see how much I had to save up for a month of hiking through Belize!  I have no doubt it will have you in deep desire to travel!!


Backpacking through any country is for the adventurous or someone looking to move on in their lives.  For Bria she is looking for a bit of both.  She recently turned 18 & was accepted into a fast track program for a renowned art school located in California, however, it is not the art school she had her heart set on.  Drawing is her passion yet she is at a impasse due to her crooked cross of an ex Toby.  *Grr* 


They did speak of traveling the world together.  Bria decided since she wasn't going with Toby she would travel with her two friends.  Except they backed out.  She is determined & books a herself a trip to Guatemala with a group through Global Vagabonds. *Cheers for Bria* 


Get ready for forest bugs, hostels, chicken buses, & rules to travel.


Bria runs into backpacker Starling and is envious of her way of travel.  Oh, so was the Mad Scientist.  Later on in a market her swoon worthy brother Rowan invited Bria to ditch her stuffy scheduled hand holding middle aged group to cross the lake and have dinner at a hostel.  Oh, the boy and his tricks.  Bria caught the last boat in so she was stuck at the hostel for the night.  From there it just unravels.  In Bria's favor I might add.  She needed some spontaneity in her trip!  *grin* 


Now that she is has thrown away 80% of what she brought to Central American but opting to keep the "gutterwater" colored crisp windbreaker.   *What are you thinking face!*  Next step: ditching the suitcase for a used with love backpack she hits the road with her new tour guides, Starling & Rowan.


Could you use just a backpack to get around?  As you can tell Kristen is a traveler of the world.  Only a person who has been on a water taxi would know to wrap it up... Otherwise risk smelling like wet moldy fish water.   Mad Scientist does not feel like a seasoned traveler but I know I want to cart the smallest amount of junk with me.  My one month in China... I only had a backpack.  It can be done my dears.  

Rowna's first travel rule: "The smaller the backpack, the bigger the ego."   --- I agree!


Here is how I picture Rowan:  As Samuel Larson...

Rowan is exactly the type of guy I run into on the road.  Well rounded and not perfect.  He makes a small amount to survive on by teaching scuba diving.  I don't know about you but I find that amazing!  Throughout the book he is reading all kinds of books, that alone should make any book lover fall for the long haired boy.  


Wanderlove is so easy to read.  It was smooth and had beautiful descriptions of the area. Character driven plot made me crave to know where and what would be next.  


An epic travel tale of friendship, culture shock, & self discovery is to be had in these pages.  Oh, & it is a escapist travel novel as well.  


 Mad Scientist really wants another book to follow this.  The end just makes me curious to know about their next travel adventure!   (Do I smell a series???  I might be dreaming.)  Even if their is not another destination I am ready to re-read this and relive Guatemala and Belize all over again!

*Free ARC from Netgalley which did not impede on my Mad Review.  It is completely honest and full of my thoughts on the book. *

5+ Kisses--->  A Proper Book Indeed!

I Recommend to Everyone!  LOVED this epic travel tale!!