House of Ivy and Sorrow by Natalie Whipple

 

Published: April 15th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 352

Copy: Edelweis

Summary: Goodreads 

 

Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

 

 

Ms Whipple has created a complicated witchy mythos that is complete and well though out.  There is a complete back story that is revealed in easily believable portions and the actions of the characters make sense.  However I must add that if you are expecting something really dark then you might be disappointed.  The writing, while interesting and compelling, is not gritty and seemed geared more to a slightly younger teen - perhaps the 12 - 16 year olds as opposed to the 16 and up.  Now this didn't bother me at all, but it might others.

 

 

There was lots of mystery, great spells - I loved the opening of doors, or portals, from one location to another - great family dynamics and a neat love interest.  House of Ivy and Sorrow was a real pleasure to read.  I'm coming to the conclusion that I enjoy books more when I start reading with no pre-conceived expectations about them.   That was the case with this new title by Natalie Whipple.  The only thing I new was from the blurb when I requested it, and it sounded intriguing.  I was right.

 

who i kissed by Janet Gurtler

Published: October 1st, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 312

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Samantha didn’t mean to hurt anyone. She was just trying to fit in…

And she wanted to make Zee a little jealous…

But now things will never be the same unless she can find a reason to start living again.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with books like who I kissed.  I love the fact that  you can so quickly become involved in the characters lives that the story makes you cry - and I hate the fact that they make me cry.  Who i kissed made me cry - twice!  I picked the book up this morning because I didn't feel like doing housework, and 4 hours (and 2 loads of laundry) later I was sitting in the chair with the book finished and blowing my nose and wiping my eyes.  You get the picture?

Who i kissed is a short, quick contemporary read that deals with accidental death and guilt. It also deals with the pettiness of human nature and the thoughtlessness and cruelty of teenagers.  Sam, Zee, Casper, Taylor, etc are all very real, very normal teens and Ms Gurtler manages to make them very 3 dimentional.  It was easy to get involved with their lives and live the tragedy.  There are some very strong adult characters in the story too, which was nice.  It's a sad story, that spotlights a relevant and controversial topic, but does so well and without being preachy.  A good read.