Ramblings of a Bibliophile

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 327
Pub. Date: October 13, 2009
Series: N/A

Reading Challenge: Young Adult, Local Library

My Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 5 stars
Goodreads: 4.11 (Average)

Recommended For: Young and old, tall and short, plump and skinny...basically, everyone.

Book Summary:

You are what you eat...

Cat smart, sassy, and funny — but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living and eating like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this new found male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice...

My Thoughts:

There are so many great things I could say about this novel! In short, I loved it. Fat Cat is a rich tale combining morals, science, humor, and romance that mixes together to form an immensely enjoyable read. It provides laughter in all the right places and gives the brain some much needed food for thought. While the title suggests that the main focus will be on the "fat girl" and weight issues, it is so much more than that. It's also about friendship, loving people for who they are on the inside, and just being true to yourself.

I loved reading Cat's daily notes as she keeps track of her progress not only for her research project, but for herself. Cat's determination and transition as a character is inspiring. The constant bit of humor, provided by both Cat and friends, is a refreshing aspect that keeps the novel light, all while focusing on some real and important issues. Cat's voice and the secondary characters (her family, best friend, and romantic interest) really drive the book to a new level of authenticity.

On a more personal note, Fat Cat really got me thinking about the kind of food I've been including in my diet and the changes that need to be made (and have been made). It's very rare when a book makes such an impact on me long after I read it. But this novel made an impression not only as a quality read, but in my life as well.

Overall consensus: Fat Cat is a sweetly rich book in all the right ways. It's as real as you can get in contemporary fiction. I felt like I knew the characters, that I could relate to them in many different ways, and that just fueled my enjoyment as a reader. It's refreshing to read about a young female protagonist who enjoys science and things considered "uncool". And what truly makes this book shine is the quality and honesty with which it is written. I have a feeling it'll be a novel I will long remember and recommend to anyone of all shapes and sizes. A book worthy of seconds! ;)

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Speculative Fiction - Alternate Reality
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 324
Pub. Date: October 13, 2009
Series: N/A

Reading Challenge: Young Adult, Local Library, Speculative Fiction

My Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 3.5 stars
Goodreads: 3.15 (Average)

Recommended For: Fans of dystopian novels. YA readers.

Book Summary:

It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena

Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him...

My Thoughts:

Girl in the Arena was mostly girl, without the arena. I have to be honest, the initial summary really grabbed my attention. Neo-Gladiators? In an alternate reality resembling contemporary times? Count me in!

But what it surprisingly lacked, was, in fact, gladiators and the action that came with the word - or at least what I was expecting. An intriguing story from the standpoint that the world Lise Haines created is truly bewildering with the super-advanced technology and twisted idea of entertainment (makes you wonder if something along these lines isn't too far off...) but most of the action that I was expecting was packed in towards the end.

Girl in the Arena is primarily about a girl whose life was always a gamble. Lyn never really had a choice in where her life was going and finally had enough of it. Always having to follow the rules laid out by the GSA (Gladiator Sports Association) because of a contract her mother signed to be a gladiator's wife. A future she too was destined to follow. But that wasn't the kind of future Lyn wanted. She wants to take back what is hers and live a life under her own terms. And that means fighting the man who murdered her father. The man she is required by law to marry.

There were a few anecdotes tossed in that contributed to the story on an emotional level, such as Lyn's struggle to be her own woman and keep her family together. That in itself conveys a strong message, but there was not much else. And it was a bit disappointing.

Overall consensus: Girl In The Arena started off well, continued in a mediocre stupor, and ended with a tiny bang. My complaints are few, in all honesty. A little on the slow side and the format was a bit confusing and choppy at times, but if you don't mind a fairly steady read with little action and some tension here and there, then this is just what you're looking for.

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 408
Pub. Date: September 1, 2009
Series: N/A

Reading Challenge: 2010 YA + 2010 Support Your Local Library

My Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 5 stars
Goodreads: 4.23 (Average)

Recommended For: Everyone.

Book Summary:

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.

My Thoughts:

The first word that escaped my lips the moment I finished Hate List was: "Wow." How do you sum up a book as powerful as this? It was like the words were living, breathing, and Valerie's pain was real. Truly an amazing novel from start to finish.

Hate List is an emotionally charged novel that tugs at your heart strings. Valerie, at a loss for how to move on with her life after the shooting, is constantly at war with herself, her family, and her school. So much to take on at one time, it's pushing her to a place she's never been before. You won't find any diluted plot twists or surprise endings - this novel is pure emotion - focusing more on Valerie and her growth as a character. And we get to experience the journey right with her.

Uniquely woven at the beginning of a few chapters are newspaper clippings, depicting the events of the shooting from completely different points of view. Certainly an original idea that really gives the book an authentic and fresh dynamic.

Jennifer Brown did a wonderful job at capturing such a unique voice in an ultimately realistic way as we read how Valerie struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Drifting from the past to the present, we get to read about Valerie's life before and after the shooting. The doubts, the heartache, the longing - it's is all there, front and center, for the reader to experience. It's not often that I cry at the end of a novel, but I did for this one.

Overall consensus: Hate List is a compelling read that may leave you with a bit of a heavy heart but a completely satisfied feeling. The prose is a bit angsty at times, but not mired in it. It depicts raw emotion and will certainly have you deep in thought by the end. A book not easily forgotten!

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary - Music
Edition: Hardcover; Library
Page Count: 304
Pub. Date: November 1, 2009
Series: N/A

Reading Challenge: 2010 YA + 2010 Support Your Local Library

My Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Amazon.com: 5 stars
Goodreads: 3.87 (Average)

Recommended For: Everyone - especially YA readers, anyone who loves music.

Book Summary:

Music is in Sammy’s blood. His grandfather was a jazz musician, and Sammy’s indie rock band could be huge one day—if they don’t self-destruct first. Winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band’s compromises and reassure Sammy that his life’s dream could become a reality. But practices are hard to schedule when Sammy’s grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend.

When everything in Sammy’s life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together?

My Thoughts:

Forewarning: major musical geeking out is about to take place. I kind of feel like a babbling baboon (say that 5x fast, I dare you) Anyway!

Music is such a big part of my life, even considering the fact that I can't play an instrument to save my life. But reading this book reminded me why I love it so much. Like reading, it transports you to a different place. When nothing else can seem to get me grounded, music has what it takes to give me that push.

Struts & Frets reverberates in my brain; like listening to a song at maximum volume with the biggest headphones that eyes could ever see. I may not be able to tell you what cord-C or cord-D sounds like or looks like on paper, but the passion for music was just flowing as I was reading this. And it's always amazing when life combines two things I love, reading and music, and provides another outlet that I can get lost in. That is why I absolutely adore this book.

And then you add in everything in between. Sammy Bojar, the main character, is a 16 year-old boy who has a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve and just wants to make music. So much so, that he is willing to keep his band, Tragedy of Wisdom, together despite the fact that the lead singer scares the crap out of him. But through the journey of surviving high school drama, family woes, dealing with a band made of opposites, taking risks, and finding love - he is discovering that life is messy and complicated, but it's also full of promise and potential.

In this tale of love, loss, and discovery, Sammy's adolescent voice rings true and honest. Complete with insecurities, doubt, and the awkwardness that comes with the territory of growing up. But never once does he cross that line into whiny, self-absorbed angst. And the other characters are just as easy to love. Jen5 (called such because all the other Jennifer nicknames were taken) is a fun, competent girl who provides Sammy with the solidity that his life is lacking and challenges him to break out if his shell. Jon Skovron really put authenticity and a well-versed sense of reality into his writing. Never once does he skirt the heavier issues of growing up, instead embraces it while adding that extra dose of humor that creates a very cool read.

And while I realize that not everyone will feel that same musical buzz that I did, I can only hope that you at least give it a chance. It may not be the best book ever written, but the impact it had on me is what made this book so great. Anyone who has ever felt that musical pang in their chest when listening to a song, or even those who have ever felt like an outsider because of a passion or an ideal, can - and will - take something away from this book. Or maybe you'll find that inner musical geek within yourself.

Overall consensus, Struts & Frets is a book to be enjoyed by everyone. And any book that can make The Pixies and Shakespeare work together to form a great story like this has my highest recommendation. Whether you're a music fiend or just looking to get lost in a good story, this is a book to read. Press play and enjoy the beat! :)

Links: Author's Website

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog

There are four levels:

• The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.
• Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.
• Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.
• Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.

(Aim high. As long as you read 25 by the end of 2010, you are a winner.)

Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – any book as long as it is checked out from the library count. Checked out like with a library card, not purchased at a library sale.

*Crossovers from other reading challenges count.*

Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

(No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.)

If you sign up, make sure to link your post in the Mr. Linky!

I'll be keeping track of all my reads through this post along with a special tag/label and I'll have a link in my sidebar for easy access for those of you who are curious.

My goal: The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.

o1. Struts & Frets by Jon Skovron (Review)
o2. Hate List by Jennifer Brown (Review)
o3. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
o4.
o5.
o6.
o7.
o8.
o9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

So I caved. I was only going to do one challenge next year (YA Reading Challenge) but I figured this would fit perfectly in my schedule since I do check out a TON of books. Seriously, I'm always reserving books online (or perusing the catalog) so the library doesn't even call me anymore to let me know my books are ready to be picked up. They know I'll come, haha.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to this!

P.S. Feel free to link to your challenge post below so I can refer back to it. I'd love to be able to discuss how you're doing and see which books you're checking out. :)