Follow Friday - January 30

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Question of the Week: Hard print (real thing) or Kindle/Nook, which is your favorite? - Suggested byThe Realm of Books
Honestly, I LOVE reading from cover to cover with a REAL book that I can hold in my hands.  Unfortunately, because my time is limited to commuting and whenever I have the opportunity, I lean more towards reading on my phone right now.  Its more convenient and I can sneak in a chapter or 5 at lunch, or on the train rather than hauling a hardcover in my purse (although...if I cleaned out my purse I might have room...)- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

In Case You Missed It - The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Published: September 2010

Publisher: Little Bown/Poppy

Pages: 280

Copy Provided by: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Review:
Have you ever picked up a book only to be much more entertaining than you ever thought it would be?  The Duff was one of those books for me.  I'm sorry to say this but I was expecting something a bit shallow, easy to read and quick. Instead, I found it to be rather thought-provoking.  I enjoyed the characters and I'm sorry that I waited so long to read this title.

It spoke volumes of the stigmas attached to some of the names we give one another, especially in school as we are trying to discover our own identities.  DUFF was just a nickname, or so Wesley thought.  But to Bianca, it meant something different. She took it to heart and began acting in a way to reflect that name. Perhaps Wesley did as well.  When his grandmother assumed he was a womanizer, he started to act in a way that reflected this.

Bianca went on a journey in The Duff and I was glad to be a part of it.  Although...I wish she would have talked to her friends (Casey and Jess MUCH sooner).  True friends don't care about the labels and they would have squashed Bianca's insecurities quickly without a second glance.

In high school, during adolescence when there are so many cliques and people at trying to figure out who they are, this book is particularly relevant.  It addresses issues of self-identity, peer pressure, sex, friendships and self-image.  Looking back, I do think that this title would make an excellent ISU and I would go so far as to suggest it be required reading material for a pre-teen/teen audience because I feel that many students could identify with the characters presented. 

What I love is that The Duff is coming out as a film this year.  That is what prompted me to read this title (which has been on my TBR list for 4 years).  The movie is coming out next month and it looks pretty good.  My only reservation in seeing it is Ken Jeong. That guy drives me nuts...and not in a good way.  The movie plays up the funny references in the book which could take away from some of the more serious topics in this title.  In the end, what if we gave ourselves and others more positive identities, nicknames and values?  Would we live up to those images?  My take on The Duff?  I'd read it again...and of course recommend it to just about every teenager that I know....



Waiting on Wednesday - All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

 

 

Summary (by Goodreads)

 

Grace can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay - in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.

 

I love a good mystery...and although I haven't finished up my series wit Ally Carter, I have usually enjoyed her story-telling and sense of humor!  Looking forward to see how this one turns out!



In Case you Missed it - The Selection by Kiera Cass

Published: April 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 336

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

Review:

I believe Special K did a review of this title a few years back but for the life of me, I cannot find the review to point you to her opinion.  I do remember her loving the girly dresses though. :)

The Selection has been on my radar for quite awhile now.  Not only are the covers gorgeous (I am such a book snob....I wonder what kind of shoes she has under that gown?) but the story sounds fascinating.  Let's review...

So a new society has been divided into a numbered caste system.  You can be in caste One through Eight.  If you are a One, you are royalty. If you are an Eight, you are homeless.  When the Prince comes of age to be married, eligible girls between a certain age can apply to be a part of The Selection.  They are entered into a draw and each province will send one girl to the Selection process where they will spend time with Prince Maxon and eventually he narrows his choice down to the last girl who will become his princess.  

At first, I wasn't so sure of this system.  It's a little bit like The Bachelor (crossed with the Hunger Games)...but with a bigger prize of ruling the kingdom and marrying into royalty.  I like the idea that The Prince will be considering all castes and marrying someone from his own country rather than someone from another for political ties.  However, I wasn't sure whether to be horrified or intrigued that The Selection is like a glorified high class televised game show.  Good thing I decided to be open-minded about it because I REALLY enjoyed The Selection.  The storyline for book #1 was a tad predictable and there were moments when I wanted to shout loudly at America through the pages but I enjoyed it so much that I have started telling people about the series...I only hope that Book #2 and 3 are as good.

 

Spoiler alert because I need to rant -

 

Celeste is horrible.  How is she not kicked out of this competition by the end of book #1??  She is the epitome of mean girls everywhere, manipulating every situation so that they can outshine their competition rather than shining because of her own merits.  During one scene, Celeste tries to bully America into switching dresses and then rips America's gown right before The Report.  Yet America does not tell Maxon about their encounter.  Was that a classy thing to do or stupid?  What would you have done?

 

OK, the spoiler is done.  Sorry, mean girls who bully drive me mental....

 

Besides Celeste, most of the characters in The Selection are fairly likeable.  Granted, America has a few qualities that seem to constantly get her into trouble but it keeps her spunky and definitely makes her stand apart from the crowd...in a good way.  All in all, I loved the Selection.  I was a little concerned that it would be more surface than substance but Ms. Cass did a good job at creating the foundation for some great characters and a recipe for a good storyline.  Looking forward to Book #2!

 

 

Stacking the Shelves

 

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

 

Summary (by Goodreads)

 

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance.
On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

 

I went to the local library this week and came across The Peculiars.  It is a couple years old and I don't remember hearing about it before but the summary sounds fascinating so I thought I'd give it a try.  Maybe its and elusive diamond in the rough?

- Christinabean



Friday Follow

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Question of the Week: Do you post your reviews anywhere besides your blog? Where else do you post reviews? - Suggested byA Great Read
I used to try and post my reviews on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon and the Chapters Indigo review area but after awhile it gets too hard to track.  Plus I forget where I've posted.  I have a tough enough time updating the blog with a busy schedule sometimes. 

- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Published: October 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 305

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia. 

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

Review:

Kami Garcia is one half of the super-team who wrote Beautiful Creatures.  While the movie did not do this series justice, it remains on my top 10 most beloved YA series.  So Kami and her co-author Margaret Stohl parted ways to write their own titles.  Unbreakable is book #1 in The Legion series.

The initial feeling of Supernatural meets Da Vinci Code is the precise interpretation that I have of The Legion series.  A couple of the main characters - Jared and Lucas remind me of a younger version of Sam and Dean...although perhaps just a wee bit less rugged and good looking in my mind .  :D  But the references to certain secretive organizations is fascinating to me.

Although I am enjoying the main character, Kennedy, I feel like the love relationships starting to form are not convincing as a reader.  I understand where Ms. Garcia is heading but there was a lack of electricity between Kennedy and Jared for me. It did not feel believable (Sorry Kami).  I just didn't feel the chemistry as I did with Lena and Ethan in Beautiful Creatures.  

There was one scene in particular which was a little disturbing to me.  The well scene...it brought back images of The Ring.  If you have a good imagination and like adventure and some horror books, this might be a good title for you.  Once this Scooby Doo team unites and begins their quest, there are quite a few obstacles they face in order to complete their mission.

Action, adventure, mystery, secret organizations and an ending that I was not anticipating....all a fantastic start to a new series.  Oh, and there is not enough romance to make it icky for boys.  ;)  Bring on Book #2!!