I am not a big fan of YA. Oh, the books are fine, but as a genre label, YA is meaningless. Meant as a marketing ploy, I think this faux genre is just an excuse for lit snobs to be dismissive of some of the truly magnificent literature for young people. Unfortunately, The Distance from A to Z would not provide a great argument against the genre label. It’s totally YA. Abby is the storyteller … Continue reading The Distance from A to Z by Natalie Blitt →
The first thing that you should know about this book is that it is YA romance, which I didn’t realize when I signed up for it since it was under the “best first book” category. Abby and Zeke’s ages are never actually given, although their French professor ensures they are both over 17 due to some explicit course content. It is difficult to review it because certain things that are hallmarks of YA don’t work … Continue reading The Distance from A to Z by Natalie Blitt →
This book about a marriage of convenience almost works. I enjoyed it the first time through, but it didn’t benefit from a second reading. I usually don’t like modern day marriage of convenience plots. I just don’t find it believable that someone would require their child or grandchild to marry someone to inherit the family corporation or a trust fund. I’m all for suspension of disbelief, but my logical brain balks when it has to … Continue reading Once and For All by Cheryl Etchison →
Firstly, despite the very contemporary cover of 2 people embracing, this is an inspirational romance so physical displays of affection are very limited – 2 kisses over the entire book! Also I thought the cover appeared slightly young adulty. However, it is definitely a story with adult characterisation and plot. The book has a rather unique setting of a luxury tour of New Zealand aimed at Tolkien enthusiasts and is really quite charming. The heroine … Continue reading Close to You by Kara Isaac →
Trigger Warnings: suicide, rape, attempted rape, drug use, physical abuse I stopped playing the flute after sixth grade. As much as I enjoyed orchestra performances and placing in competitions, I hated practicing and it became clear this would not change. For that reason alone, musicians have always intrigued me. Their dedication to their craft and their willingness to practice for hours (HOW?!) is impressive and I enjoy novels that allow us to peek behind the … Continue reading Before Goodbye by Mimi Cross →
Although I used to mainline teen fiction like there was no tomorrow, I’ve largely taken a break for the last couple of years. This is partly because I spent the last two years reading 300+ adult fiction books while I served on a committee which I lovingly referred to as “My Crazy Ass Reading Committee” but which is properly known as The Reading List Committee. Reading Alterations, I was reminded of the other reason teen … Continue reading Alterations by Stephanie Scott →
First off, I am absolutely smitten with the heroine, Wil. She is pretty much everything I wish I was at seventeen. To be honest, she’s pretty much everything I wish I was today at twenty-seven. She is strong-willed and so incredibly clever and cheeky. Woods definitely has a way with providing so much of her character just through Wil’s incredible internal dialogue – I caught myself I giggling out loud many times. Butts aren’t meant … Continue reading Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods →
An astrology romance, how novel! Summer of Supernovas is a YA romance about astrology-obsessed Wilamena Carlisle trying to abide by what seems written in her stars. The book begins on top of the dilapidated town water tower with nerdy retro chic 17-year-old Wil (or Mena, depending) seeking perspective on her impending search for love. She is determined to follow the star chart that feels like her only lingering connection to her dead mother. By some … Continue reading Summer of Supernovas by Darcy Woods →
Cute but frustrating. Aubrey (Bree) Dunbar and Daniel (Danny) MacGregor were childhood sweethearts. With their parents living across the street from each other, it’s the idyllic hometown romance. After graduating high school they head off to college together, with Danny on a baseball scholarship. At the end of their Freshman year Danny flunks out and loses his scholarship. Danny’s way to solve the “what happens now?” problem is to enlist in the Army; unfortunately he … Continue reading Once and For All by Cheryl Etchison →
