Book Review: SEE YOU AT HARRY'S

Author: Jo Knowles
Number of Pages: 310
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: May 8, 2012

Fern just wants to live an ordinary life. She doesn't want her father to paste the family picture on ads for their ice cream shop. She doesn't want kids at school to bully her ninth grade brother, Holden, for being gay. She doesn't want her mother to spend the rest of her life meditating in her office. Really, all she wants to is hang out with her best friend Random and to have her family act like a family again. But with one life-changing event, all hopes of this are shattered- or are they?

I really liked this book. It was simple, but in a heart-wrenching, oh-my-gosh-that's-so-incredibly-sad kind of way. I thought it was really cool how Fern and siblings were named after characters in books. (For example, Holden is from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.) It's little details like that that really bring a book to life for me.

I've never experienced intense grief or loss like in this book, so I can't really be the judge as to whether or not the emotions in this book were realistic. However, they seemed like they were to me. Fern and her family all went through ups and downs, and while the ending of this novel ended on a happier note, it wasn't fairy-tale happy. It was more bittersweet. I think that's really the best way to describe this book.

See You at Harry's was an easy, quick read. It wasn't one of my favorites, but I did enjoy reading it. \

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes.

Later,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: NEVERMORE

Author: James Patterson
Number of Pages: 368
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Release Date: August 6, 2012

In this eighth and final installment in the Maximum Ride series, Max is struggling with a lot of things on her plate. How do you juggle saving the world, wondering if part of your flock is dead or alive, and trying to get a grasp on your feelings for both Fang and Dylan? On top of it all, time is running out before the end comes. Who will come out on top? Will it be the end of all life on Earth, or will the new advanced species of humans conquer all?

Okay. So even though I read this book a few weeks ago I'm still trying to sort out my opinion of it. Everything seemed to happen so quickly in this novel that by the end my head was spinning and I was like WHAT? THAT'S IT???? I won't go into depth about the specific events of this book because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who wants to read it, as it is the last book in the series so the outcome is pretty important.

As always, I enjoyed Max's snarky and sarcastic humor, even if it is a little over the top sometimes. I mean, no teenage girl really talks that way all the time in real life, right? But it adds a little fun to her character, which I like. And of course I loved Fang. In my opinion, FANG + MAX = LOVE AND AWESOMENESS, so I was happy with the abundance of Fang in this book. The roller coaster-like twists and turns kept me alert and curious throughout the entire book, right to the very end. James Patterson's writing is quick and fast-paced in this series, so it's easy to get caught up and keep reading and reading and reading and reading- which is exactly what I did.

However, I have to say that the ending of this book was disappointing. It left so many questions unanswered that I was left wondering about even more than when I started the book. I know that endings aren't supposed to answer everything, but I don't think that they should leave everything to the reader's imagination either. When I read the ending of a book- especially the ending of a series- I expect to feel a sense of finality and, to some extent, satisfaction that everything is coming to a close. Because this series is so long (eight books!) I thought that the author would have more than enough time to write a well thought out ending that makes sense and that is a balance between leaving questions unanswered and leaking out some information. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about Nevermore. While I did enjoy the depth of the characters and their constant changes in relationships, the ending left me feeling like another whole book could be written.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) 3 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: I would. But they would have to read the rest of the series first, because it would be way too confusing. Despite my disappointment in this last book, I do think that Maximum Ride is a series worth reading.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: ALICE IN CHARGE

Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Number of Pages: 336
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Release Date: June 15, 2010

In this installment of the Alice series, Alice is forced to deal with the usual issues facing a high school senior- college applications, getting ready to leave home, worrying about dates for the dance- as well as a group of Neo-Nazis that just happen to be the very teenagers surrounding her at school.

At this point, I'm really starting to wish this series would just end. I was convinced that this was the last book in the series, but alas! it is not. I don't know how many more there are. I'm not really sure that I care.

This book was basically Alice whining page after page about her busy life. She was like: "OH MY GOSH I'M SO BUSY WITH MY EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT I HARDLY HAVE ANY TIME FOR ANYTHING ELSE, EVEN THOUGH I MAKE A POINT TO CALL MY BOYFRIEND (WHO IS IN COLLEGE) EVERY MINUTE OF MY LIFE."

Hold the phone there, Alice. Okay, so you're busy. Well, I am too, and so are a lot of people. GET OVER IT. Maybe, if you didn't spend so much time wallowing in your self pity about your boyfriend not being there to hold you at every moment you desire, you would have some time to- oh, I don't know- MAKE SOME DECISIONS ABOUT COLLEGE.

As you can probably tell, I've pretty much had it with Alice.

A lot of people seem to really like these books (according to some reviews on Goodreads.com). I can totally see the potential for this to have been a great series, but it's just too stereotypical and Alice is just too whiny.

My Rating: :0) :0) 2 our of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Sorry Alice, but no.

Thanks for putting up with all of my complaining!!!!
Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: AMY AND ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR

Author: Morgan Matson
Number of Pages: 344
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: May 4, 2010

"Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself."
                                                                                                       - Goodreads.com

I love books that are about road trips. There's something about driving miles and miles that seems to bring about the most fun events, as well as great depth in characters. While I may not have loved this book, I certainly enjoyed it.

One thing I really liked about this book was the "scrapbook" additions to it. Every time Roger and Amy went to another state or experienced something big, there would be a page about it that looked like a scrapbook. It's sort of hard to explain. In my opinion, it added a lot more depth to the story. Also, I liked how this road trip wasn't just a random sequence of events strung together to make a book. Things seemed to happen for a reason and everything seemed relevant to the plot.

Roger was probably my favorite character in this book. He was just so down to earth and he cared so much about the people around him. He was also quirky and had an awesome sense of humor. Although there were some things about him that annoyed me (JUST GET OVER YOUR EX-GIRLFRIEND ALREADY!!!!!!) I still really enjoyed reading about him and watching him change over the course of the novel.

One thing I didn't like about this book was how predictable it was. Like most romance novels I've read, I could accurately predict who would end up with who pretty quickly. Other than that, this was a good read.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes.

Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON

Author: Daniel Keyes
Number of Pages: 324
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Release Date: January 1, 1959
Flowers for Algernon is the story of a mentally disabled man named Charlie Gordon who undergoes an operation that is supposed to raise his IQ. This operation has never before been done on humans, and the most successful case in animals is a rat named Algernon. As Charlie changes from a man who can barely read and write to a man beyond the intelligence of those who created his operation in the first place, he watches Algernon change as well. When Algernon's condition goes from better to worse, Charlie can't help but wonder one thing: Will the same happen to him?
This novel has been on my to-read list for quite some time. It looked interesting enough based on summaries and reviews I had read, so I decided to give it a try. I was actually very surprised at how much I liked it. Flowers for Algernon is written entirely in the form of these Progress Reports that the professors make Charlie write to keep track of his feelings throughout the process both before and after the surgery. The way the author adjusts his writing style as Charlie's IQ changes really makes you believe that the person writing it is going through a life-changing event.

It's mind-blowing to think that this book was written in 1959, when technology wasn't nearly as advanced as it is today. I don't even think that this surgery could be accomplished now, never mind back then. To think that the author had the creativity to think this surgery through and to come up with a logical sequence of events as to what might happen is amazing. That's one thing I love about old science fiction.

There were definitely some parts that were slow and that I didn't care for, but overall this was a good book. Even if it isn't one of my favorites, it is still a thought-provoking novel that is worth reading!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes, especially someone who is fond of science fiction.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

Another word

The man down the road updated his sign again. This time the word is:

YAWP

to utter a loud, harsh cry; to yelp, squawk, or bawl.

-Dictionary.com

Always,

NutFreeNerd

Book Review: CITY OF ASHES

Author: Cassandra Clare
Number of Pages: 453
Publisher: Margaret k. McElderry Books
Release Date: March 25, 2008

WARNING: For anyone who hasn't read the first book in this series, City of Bones, this review may contain spoilers.

In this sequel to City of Bones, the adventures continue as Clary, Simon, Jace, and the whole gang struggle defeat Valentine and his clever, cruel plots. More of Luke's history is revealed, as well as a deeper look into Downworlder life and the mercilessness of the Clave. Will Clary and Jace come to terms with each other now that they know they are related? Will Clary's mother wake up from her "coma" or will she continue to puzzle not only mundane doctors but the Shadowhunters themselves?

I have to say, so far this series is AMAZING. With multiple plot lines going at once you never get bored, and all of the details and events come full circle in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied. My favorite character is probably Luke. He's just a likable guy who can put things into action and who is always there for those that he loves. Also, he runs a bookstore, so that's a big plus. :)

I've been reading a lot of reviews of this series on Goodreads and other websites, and quite a few people say that Cassandra Clare is ripping off J.K. Rowling. I guess she's using J.K. Rowling's writing style....????? I don't really see that. As a matter of fact, I think that their writing styles are pretty different from each other. So if you're worried that this might be another Harry Potter rip off, don't worry- in my opinion, it definitely isn't one.

There was a MAJOR cliff hanger at the end of this book, so I can't wait to read the next one!!!
My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) 5 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: ABSOLUTELY! But you have to read the first book first. (obviously.)

Yours,
NutFreeNerd

New Books!

I took a trip to the used bookstore the other day and came back with these books:

October Sky by Homer H. Hickam Jr.

Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

Can't wait to read them!!!

Yours,

NutFreeNerd

Book Review: GEEK FANTASY NOVEL

Author: E. Archer
Number of Pages: 320
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Release Date: March 29, 2011

"What happens when a science geek and magic collide?

Be careful what you wish for. Really. Because wishes are bad. Very bad. They can get you trapped in fantasy worlds full of killer bunny rabbits, evil aunts, and bothersome bacteria, for example. Or at least that's Ralph's experience. He's been asked to spend the summer with his strange British relatives at their old manor house in order to set up their Wi-Fi network. But there's much more to it than that, of course. It's just that nobody told Ralph. He's a gamer, sure. But this game is much stranger--and funnier--than anything to be found on his xbox."
                                                           - Goodreads.com

I saw this at my town library and thought that it looked like a mildly funny/entertaining book, so I grabbed it. However, I was slightly disappointed when I finished reading it. It's not that it wasn't mildly entertaining, because it was. This novel just sort of fell flat for me. I could see the potential it had to be a really funny, really enjoyable book, but it just didn't play out right. Sometimes the plot was too random, yet at other times I was correctly predicting what would happen next. It was sort of all over the place.

Although I do have to say that the characters were very likable. They all had their own personalities (my favorite was Cecil), which made the story a bit more interesting. I also really liked how the narrator would interrupt the story at times and interact with the reader a bit. And the twist at the end of the book with the narrator was really clever.

Overall, there were good things and bad things about this novel. The framework for a great story and an awesome book were there, but it just didn't happen.

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) 3 out of 5 smileys.

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Maybe. Probably not, though.

Always,
NutFreeNerd

Book Review: BITTERBLUE

Author: Kristin Cashore
Number of Pages: 563
Publisher: Dial
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Bitterblue is the queen of a kingdom that had previously been ruled by her cruel father, Leck, for thirty five years. Leck was a Graceling, and he had the ability to manipulate minds. He cast a shadow over the kingdom so that no one was out of his reach. He killed many innocent people and mentally scarred even more. Now it is up to Bitterblue to get this kingdom back to the way it was before Leck's horrid reign, before everyone was brainwashed into thinking that nothing was wrong. But even though Leck is gone, the impact of his reign still runs strong throughout the kingdom.

Bitterblue is the sequel to Graceling, and it is also the companion novel to Fire. Honestly, I think you can read these books in any order and still get the full affect of the story. They are interconnected, but they are separate stories, so it's almost like they are all companion novels to one another.

One thing I really like about Kristin Cashore's writing style is that everything is very detailed. The characters all have background stories and so many things are happening at once. However, a consequence of all of this detail is that sometimes the plot moves slowly, because you are just reading about Bitterblue's complex emotions for a few pages, or a new setting is being described. Also, it is easy while reading these books to get caught up in all of the detail and not see the bigger picture of what is actually happening as far as the plot goes.

All in all, this book was very good. The ending was satisfying and I love the cover- it's so pretty, and the keys play an important role in the book. I don't know if Kristin Cashore is going to continue with this series, but I hope she does! This is the type of fantasy that you can really get swept away in. Great read!

My Rating: :0) :0) :0) :0) 4 out of 5 smileys. (Due to the fact that some parts of it were rather slow and dragged on, and sometimes the details are distracting.)

Would I recommend it to a friend?: Yes. And even though this was the sequel to Graceling, I really think that you can read these books in any order.

Yours,
NutFreeNerd