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What I’m Reading Now, Twitter-Style

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Written by: Kelly on October 13, 2011.

A few of my recent reads in 140 characters or less.

 
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Smoothly-written sci fi that uses the titular fairy tale as a springboard for something more unique. I especially love the world-building.

When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen

I’m interested to see if the story – a fantasy about wild magic a girl’s death calls up from the sea – can save the book from its cover.   

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Interesting premise (girl wakes up after accident unscathed, but two friends are dead), messy execution. Also: wtf prologue, icky boyfriend.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

This book had the opposite problem – beautiful writing, boring story (the title is basically the whole plot). I’m in the minority opinion.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
My second listen. Everything about this Full Cast production is perfect, and the story remains as incredible as it was when I first read it.

Comments

  1. Listening to the His Dark Materials trilogy is the only way to go. The full cast is amazing and I have a hard time reading the book now because I like the lushness of the story with the audio.

  2. I think you are in the minority about The Near Witch. I thought that the beauty of the writing was enough to carry the otherwise standard fairy tale story, but more than that, I kind of thought this was the sort of book that's perfect for those middle readers — the ones not quite ready to tackle young adult titles and the ones who are too old for middle grade.

    Cinder sounds so good. As soon as my head is above water in reading, I think that'll be my treat. Sounds way up my alley.

    And ugh, yes, that Red Sea is Rising cover is…something.

  6. I'm getting more and more disinterested in Mara Dyer with every passing review. Although, I have to say that I may have to read it just to see where I fall on the scale. I am, however, excited to read Cinder. I've heard great things about it and knowing you feel there is good world building makes it all the more appealing.

What I’m Reading Now, Twitter-Style

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Written by: Kimberly Francisco on August 3, 2011.
Most of these won’t be released until later in the year, but I like to give our readers a taste of what I’ve been reading lately. Look for longer reviews of some of these closer to publication date.

Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn

Lady Julia & Brisbane investigate a murder within the March home. Second book in series takes 200 pages to get going, but when it does, it’s just as good as the first.


Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

Third book in series finds Lady Julia dropping in on Brisbane for a surprise visit at his new home and stumbling upon a murder on the moor. Lots more romance in this one!

Tankborn by Karen Sandler

YA SF about humans grown in “tanks” and used as slaves by natural borns. From the first crop in Lee and Low’s new YA imprint – the story is good and the cover is a standout.

 
Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Saba is on a quest to find her kidnapped brother in a future wasteland. I’m struggling with the dialect & lack of punctuation, but I’m told it’s excellent so I persevere.

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

Five-star SF about a girl left in stasis & awakened 60 years later. So many delicious secrets & Rose is a great protag. This is the book Across the Universe wanted to be.

The Shattering by Karen Healey

Keri, Janna & Sione’s siblings all committed suicide, but they’re convinced it was murder. Slow-burning book that builds into something moving & utterly fantastic.

Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

This MG has EIGHT POVs, all told in different ways (letters, diary entries, traditional narration, etc.). Result: no character development. Sadly disappointing.

Comments

What I’m Reading Now: Twitter-Style

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Written by: Kelly on July 28, 2011.

Summer hasn’t been my best reading time this year, it seems, but I have been enjoying a lot of different kinds of books. Here’s a peek at my small stack of current reads, Twitter style! If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear what you think.


Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson: This fairy tale retelling set in India is one of the two books in my bracket for nerds heart ya judging. Slow and a bit overwritten for me.

American Wasteland by Jonathan Bloom: Adult non-fiction to satisfy my obsession with eating healthy and well. I love these sorts of books, but I fear they make me more obsessed.

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley: This contemporary debut ya came out earlier this spring and slipped my radar. Set in the south, this coming-of-age tale sounds up my alley.

Hooked by Catherine Greenman: I haven’t read a story about a pregnant teen in a while. This debut looks good. Preg stories are becoming popular again. Hate the cover.

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart: One of my teens recommended I read this one, and since I send her home with piles, I can at least read one of her choices.

Can I See Your ID? True Stories of False Identities by Chris Barton: False identities fascinate me. This teen non-fiction is a new release and one I hope to book talk this fall. Lots of built in appeal.

Comments

  5. @Beth and @Pam I am so glad I am not the only one not feeling HOOKED's cover. I mean, it's just too gratuitous.

    @Miss K and @Reading I am pretty excited. Everyone's said I'll love it, so my anticipation is high!

  8. I've always really liked the Where Things Comes Back cover. I immediately recognized the woodpecker on the front because if the birdwatching topic EVER comes up in conversation around here, it has something to do with that bird. 😉 Glad to see you've rated it high on Goodreads.

    That Hooked cover? Gah. I don't even. Geez.

    I have heard WONDERFUL things about the E. Lockhart series. Will be looking forward to reading your thoughts about it. I really enjoyed her Frankie book.

What I’m Reading Now, Twitter-Style

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Written by: Kimberly Francisco on December 30, 2010.

Welcome to another edition of reviews Twitter-style: a brief description of my current reads in 140 characters or less (sometimes I fudge a few characters, but you can forgive me).

Print Books

StarCrossed
Elizabeth Bunce

By the author of the first Morris winner, so I’m giving this one a shot, even though I didn’t really care for her first book. Magic, complex world-building, and a plucky heroine.

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Depressing but also eye-opening account of women in the poorest areas and worst situations. I look forward most to the sections on how people like us can help.

Fables Vol. 14: Witches
Bill Willingham

The latest in Willingham’s comic book series doesn’t disappoint, with a focus on a few of the more interesting characters (the witches). A bit too much exposition, but still satisfying.

Red as Blood, or Tales From the Sisters Grimmer
Tanith Lee

A collection of re-told fairy tales from one of my favorite authors. Edgy but not true horror (so far). The source material is sometimes difficult to determine, but I enjoy seeing how Lee re-works the familiar stories.

Wither
Lauren DeStefano

Another dystopia. Another trilogy. Girls die at 20, boys at 25. Girls sold into marriage and forced to pop out babies. Weak world-building and a too passive heroine weaken the tale, but it will satisfy diehard fans of the genre. 

Audiobooks

Before I Fall
Lauren Oliver

Mean girl dies and re-lives the same day over and over again, a la Groundhog Day minus the comedy. Terrific narrator, excellent writing, I’m actually enjoying a contemporary YA!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie

Yes, it really is as good as everyone says. The story – Indian boy leaves reservation to attend a white school – is a bit slight at times, but the narration (by Alexie himself) is wonderful and it’s full of real humor.

Comments

  1. I'd argue that Before I Fall isn't contemporary 🙂 When you finish, I think you'll agree.

    and Alexie! ALWAYS as good as people say. When you finish listening to it, you should flip through the print copy for the drawings.

  2. I love the Twitter-style reviews!! Before I Fall and The Absolutely True… are both FANTASTIC.

    And PS: I have finished Before I Fall, but I'm not sure why it wouldn't be considered contemporary?!

  3. @Katie: I think that it crosses out of contemporary because of the time play issue — that's more fantasy, the reliving over and over.

    Kind of an interesting book to think about in terms of genre, period. If this is what happens, then definitely fantasy. But if this is all in the character's head…maybe it's contemp. It's not entirely clear cut.

    I'm on the fantasy side of the fence.