Mini Reviews: CRASH INTO YOU, JUMPING OFF SWINGS, and THE PULL OF GRAVITY

So, it's been a super long time since I've written a book review. Because of that, I have A LOT of books to talk about. Instead of writing my wordy reviews, I'm going to start keeping them short and sweet (you're welcome). I'll give the Goodreads summary of the book, my brief thoughts, and my overall recommendation. Without further adieu, here are a few books I've read over the past months:

 Crash into You by Katie McGarry

Goodreads Summary: The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life—that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

My Thoughts: This book came to me at the perfect time! I was in somewhat of a reading slump, trying to read too many deep, profound texts (not great summer reading). I needed something fast and fun - this book is  both! I know this is the third book in the series (didn't know until I finished it), but it's really a standalone. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, so I didn't feel like I was lost or missing anything. The characters are great and extremely rootable for (not a word, I know, but you get it). Although it looks like a thick book, the story moves really quick, sucking you in from the very beginning. It's a great romance story with that bad-boy edge to it. I definitely recommend it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Fans of Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry) need to check this series out right away - you'll love it! 

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Goodreads Summary: One pregnancy. Four friends. It all adds up to a profound time of change in this poignant, sensitively written YA novel.

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

My Thoughts: Jo Knowles has been on my reading radar for awhile, but for some reason I've never picked up one of her books. After many of my female students read and loved this book, I figured I might as well jump in (not off...sorry for the lame pun). I like this book, I do, but it didn't wow me quite like it did some of my teen readers. I really enjoyed the different perspectives; I felt like the voices of all four characters were real and well-defined. The story wasn't just about teenage pregnancy either; it really was a story about barriers and how growing up with different backgrounds can shape a person. And, not only was the story engaging, but Knowles writing really is beautiful. Although this isn't my favorite book, I want to read more by her. Plus, I can see why my teen readers loved this book, and I will continue to highly recommend it to them. 

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

Goodreads Summary: While Nick Gardner’s family is falling apart, his best friend, Scooter, is dying from a freak disease. The Scoot’s final wish is that Nick and their quirky classmate, Jaycee Amato, deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to the Scoot’s father. There’s just one problem: the Scoot’s father walked out years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. So, guided by Steinbeck’s life lessons, and with only the vaguest of plans, Nick and Jaycee set off to find him.

Characters you’ll want to become friends with and a narrative voice that sparkles with wit make Gae Polisner's The Pull of Gravity a truly original coming-of-age story.

My Thoughts: I loved the characters in this book, particularly Jaycee and the Scoot. They are witty, funny, and optimistic in such a unique way (even the Scoot, who knows he's dying). I also really enjoyed the journey aspect of the story. Nick and Jaycee literally go on a journey, but it seems like every character is on some important personal journey (it actually reminded me a lot of John Green's Paper Towns in that way). As an English teacher, I liked the role Of Mice and Men played; if you teach Steinbeck's novel, you should consider using this as a companion piece, or at least highly recommend it. This is another quick read with an engaging story and beautiful writing that, in my opinion, appeals to a wide variety of readers. 

Top Ten Reads of Last School Year (Late, Of Course)

Last school year I finished 49 books...woohoo! I read A LOT first semester, but for some reason my pace really dropped off during the second half of the year (probably something to do with coaching soccer and being pregnant). This year, I'm off to a SUPER slow start (babies really slow down the reading). I enjoyed almost all of the books last year - there were a few duds in there - but I really loved the following ten. I had a hard time narrowing it down, but these are my top ten reads of last school year, in order of favorites (I know this is a weird time to post this, but I just discovered the draft never published):

1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - I cannot wait for the last book in this trilogy; I am in serious need of some more Noah Shaw! I had a hard time getting students to pick this book up, but once they did, they were as hooked as me. There’s just something so different about it, and again, did I mention Noah Shaw (one of the greatest fictional boys of all time).

2. Winger by Andrew Smith - A funny book with one of the most poignant, meaningful endings I’ve read in a long time. Ryan Dean is a character that will stick with you - I haven’t let him go in the 8 months since I read the book.

3. Reality Boy by A.S. King - A book similar to Winger, in that it has a funny (yet, very angry) male protagonist with a super powerful message. I loved the twist on our reality tv-laden culture and what it’s actually doing to people. Plus, I find that it appeals to a lot of my angry boy students - their anger isn’t something to be ignored and this book clearly shows that.

                   

4. Wonder by R. J. Palacio - I read this aloud with one of my more difficult reading classes this year - there was anger, there was compassion, and there was a newfound sense of kindness about them after finishing this book. I shared excerpts of Palacio’s story every chance I got, because really what’s more important than choosing kindness. This should be on the top of every single person’s reading list.

5. I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga - As a fan of the TV show Dexter, this novel could not have been more perfect. I have a sick infatuation with murder stories (Snapped is one of my favorite guilty pleasures), and this book featured just the right combination of grisly details, great characters and an intriguing storyline.  

6. Champion by Marie Lu - I hesitated putting this book on my list since it’s a conclusion to a series, but it’s one of the absolute best concluding books I’ve ever read. Oftentimes, trilogies get worse with each book (in my opinion), but the Legend series only got better. Lu could not have chosen a better ending - loved it!

 

7. Pivot Point by Kasie West - I enjoy a great romance as much as the next person, and when an author throws in a bit of the supernatural, even better. I picked this novel up intending it to be a fluff read, and instead I became completely engrossed in the story. And, as a sidenote the sequel, Split Second, is just as great.

8. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black - I know it’s not Halloween season yet, but if you want a creepy read, check this one out. It’s a vampire story, but I promise it is the farthest thing from Twilight. It features great characters, a great storyline, and plenty of action to keep the reader turning the pages as quickly as possible.

9. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys - besides the unfortunate title (stupid 50 Shades of Grey), this is a fantastic tale of historical fiction. It made me wish all history classes were taught through novels like this. The imagery used helped portray an entirely different side to WWII than most people are familiar with, but definitely a side that should not be forgotten.

10. One for the Murphy's by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - the tearjerker on my list of books this year. I don’t know if it’s my growing maternal instincts, but my heart just gave out for the main character, Carley. Months after finishing this book, I’m still angry about the ending; I understand it, but I’m not happy about it.

Top Ten Titles on My Spring/Early Summer TBR List

This past winter I fell into somewhat of a reading slump, which is quite unusual for me. I had a hard time finding books that kept me awake (eeek). As soon as I started reading, I would fall asleep on the page...I felt like some of my students. As the weather improves and the weeks pass, I’m finally getting back into the swing of things. To keep me going, I want to make sure that I have a great line up of books ahead of me. These are ten titles I plan to read as the school year winds down and summer begins:

                              

1. The One by Kiera Cass (released May 6th)

2. Of Neptune by Anna Banks (released May 13th)
3. Perfect Lies by Kiersten White  

      
4. Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
5. Killer Instinct by SE Green (released May 6th)
6. Split Second by Kasie West  
7. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi  

   

8. The Paradox of Vertical Flight by Emil Ostrovski  

9. Enclave by Ann Aguirre
10. Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Any other titles I should add to my summer reading list? I need to start building up my library hold list!

Top 8 Authors New to Me this Year

I’M BACK! It’s been a long hiatus, but I either had to cut back on writing or on reading, and obviously reading wasn’t a viable option. I’ve done a lot of reading the last few months (although not as much as usual) and I’m a bit overwhelmed by the reviews I need to write. Good thing summer will be here before we know it...I hope!

To get back into the swing of things, I’m going to post a few lists. As you’re looking for good summer vacation reads, I hope you find some inspiration here.

This week’s list is Top Eight Authors New to Me; these are authors I’ve discovered in the past year and fallen in love (or obsession) with. I can honestly say, I would read anything by any of these authors and know that I’m going to love it (or at least really like it).

                

1.Rainbow Rowell- LOVE HER! Eleanor & Park is hands down my favorite book of the year and one of my favorite books of all time. Everyone I’ve recommended it to - parents, students, friends - all agree. Plus, as a person she seems so down-to-earth and real (as if I know her personally). Here are some titles to check out: Eleanor & Park and Fangirl.

2. Andrew Smith - Another author with one of my favorite books of the year: Winger! I haven’t yet visited any of his other works, but if they are anywhere near as good as Winger, then I’m in. He’s funny yet poignant, which is so difficult to do in young adult literature. Titles to read: Winger, Grasshopper Jungle, and The Marbury Lens.

                             

3. Cassandra Clare - I know she isn’t a new author, but last summer she was new to me. As soon as I read the first Infernal Devices book, I was hooked. Her mix of fantasy and darkness with real characters sucked me in (in fact, she’s made me aspire to be a shadowhunter). I’ve worked my way through all of the Infernal Devices series and most of the Mortal Instruments and haven’t regretted a single read. Series starters: City of Bones and Clockwork Angel.

4. Michelle Hodkin - She’s only written one series (and it’s not even complete yet), but that’s all I needed to completely buy in to her as an author. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - it’s fresh and completely different from the YA trends that are out there. Plus, Noah Shaw - need I say more? If you haven’t already, start this series immediately: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

                  

5. A.S. King - I am so grateful to have discovered this author last summer. Ever book she writes carries such depth and meaning and yet her stories are told in an engaging way - I still think about Reality Boy, moths after finishing it. My students really connect with her characters and learn from her words. A beautiful, much-needed writer. Titles to read: Reality Boy, Ask the Passengers, Everybody Sees the Ants, and Please Ignore Vera Dietz.

6. Kiersten White - If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read, check out anything by this author. I’ve read and enjoyed all of her young adult titles. There’s romance, there’s humor, there’s drama and there’s usually a hint of mythology or paranormalcy - all make for a great story. Books to check out: Mind Games, Paranormalcy, and The Chaos of Stars.

                            

7. Ruta Sepetys - Historical Fiction has never been my go-to genre, but if it’s written by this author, I’m in. The stories she tells transport the reader back to another time, in a period filled with heart-wrenching characters. Whether or not you like historical stories, I recommend both of her titles: Out of the Easy and Between Shades of Gray.

8. Cat Winters - Admittedly this author only has one released title, but I loved it, so she’s making my list. Her writing conveys an eeriness that left me sleepless many nights in a row. Ghost stories are not normally my forte, but the way she tells stories makes them hard to resist. Add to your TBR list:  In the Shadow of Blackbirds.

Any authors new to you this year? I’m always looking for new reads as summer approaches!