Book Review: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Title: Ashes

Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Series: The Ashes Trilogy
Pages: 454
Publisher: Egmont USA
Year Published: 2011

“The air was a welter of odors: Ellie’s fear: that charry, sweet stench: her own peculiar perfume of sweat and anxiety; and that dead-meat stink that pillowed through the woods like ashy, gray smoke.

  Slowly, carefully Alex dropped to her knees, the cold earth biting through her hiking pants. Ellie didn’t move a muscle. Wordlessly, Alex followed the girl’s horrified gaze and then her blood turned to slush.

  No, she thought. No, please, God, I’m not seeing this.”

My Rating: 5/5

I wasn’t sure what this book would be about but the title and front cover caught my eye as I was scanning over young adult covers at my library. A terrific read! I could hardly put it down, not even to get some sleep and finally once I did all I could think of was what was going to happen and how terrified the characters must feel. Ilsa J. Bick paints a horrifying but realist  portrait that easily can be visualize by the reader. In my opinion, that is the part of the book that makes it a 5, the amazing attention to detail. This is so tricky because I don’t wanna give it away! I would recommend this book to teens who enjoy horror and gore.

THANK YOU ILSA J. BICK FOR PAINING A BRUTAL YET BELIEVABLE FUTURE!

 

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Holy crow was this an epic book! I try not to use the word epic often but it describes this book in one word. I’ve read a lot of books about the end of the world, but this one hits me the hardest. Ashes takes place during the “apocalypse” instead of after. IT shows what happens and although not all is explained in this first book, the reader can witness it. And if witnessing it isn’t frightening, I’m not sure what is. All in all, this is a fantastic book!

 

♥Characters♥

♥Alex-I never thought a girl with a brain tumour would be one of the strongest female character I’ve ever read about, but hey life is full of surprises. In some ways I admire Alex she is strong enough to take her cancer by the balls and then manages to live through the end of the world (as she knows it). I was happy when Tom and her got together. Somehow it just felt right, even throughout the madness. And taking care of Ellie together was one of the sweetest things. But when she got to Rule an went with Chris I was slightly disappointed. I mean he’s nice enough and if she hadn’t met Tom first I might agree with it but the whole idea of dating in Rule in practically not existent. You don’t date you get Chosen and have babies. I can never resist a good love triangle though.

♥Ellie- Okay, let’s face it, she’s spoiled but she’s also been through a lot for a kid so young. No excuses though! Huge mixed message, my apologies. I was so upset when she was stolen away, more than I thought I would be considering how snotty she acts through parts of the book. What kind of people even steal children? I can’t help but think of what kind of person I might be and what my friends might turn into in a serious life or death situation. I like to think that I would be like Alex, strong and caring for those around me and not turn into a villain. Anywho hopefully Mina manages to keep Ellie safe, at least till book 2.

♥Tom- Ok, love this guy! Tough, but sweet, you know what I mean? The kind that makes me go all gushy. He was great with Ellie even when she would freak out/ have a brat attack. I especially love that he honestly seems to want to take care of Alex and Ellie above all else. I’m a sucker for that kind of stuff. I do wonder what he was doing in the woods though. Suspicious

♥Brett, Majorie, Harlan- I’m sure there would be plenty of these in this kind of life altering event but why would you turn to a criminal? If you’re evil I’m certain that people are going to be far less likely to help you. I may have yelled during they’re time in the book. Once or twice.

♥Chris-I suppose in other circumstance I might have loved Chris, not Tom but really in a place like Rule he just gives me the straight up creeps. But it really irks me cause Tom could be out there anywhere just slowly dying and withering away. I bet he hasn’t just jumped on to another companion. I know I’m taking sides, but in a love triangle what else are you supposed to do? If you have a different opinion please feel free to state it in the comments as I am curious about what anyone reading thinks. Anyway, I hope he follows Alex or she dies, but if you think about it, what if he does what she did and just jumps to the next pretty young thing that makes her way to Rule? Oh my awful sense of justice has done it again. Thank god it’s fiction. I do wonder as well about Lena, the settlement raids, etc. But hopefully this is cleared up by the second book or during it.

♥Jess-What the hell is she play at??? Maybe she realizes that eventually the ‘Changed’ will come to Rule. Speaking of which this town is so messed up. And from the sounds of things it was this screwed up before the damn Zap anyways. Not to mention the whole “I’m Chris’s grandma thing” kinda freaked me out right before the real sketchy events took place. Can’t wait to read more!

 

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 188

“’It’s like when I showed you how to work the gun. It’s just in case.’

 ‘Yeah, yeah,’ Ellie grumbled, ‘if it’s for just in case, how come you guys look like you’re going to war?’

 No one had an answer for that.”

 

♥Pg. 260

“One pair of large crows squabbled over something in the snow. At her approach, they fluttered off, and she spotted what she thought as a fat drop of blood- only to realize that she was staring down at a woman’s disarticulated big toe, the nail still painted a bright, cheery, fire-engine red.”

 

♥Pg. 354

“’If what you can do gets out, then somebody else just might decide they’ve got a super-sense too. In other words, they would lie. Even with the Council and the Rev to say otherwise, things could get pretty nasty. See what I’m saying? We could have our little version of the Salem Witch Trials, and we got no time for that kind of crap.’”

 

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Book Review: First Impressions

 

Title: First Impressions

Adapted by: Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns
Series: Everwood
Pages: 228
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Year Published: 2004

“Ephram Brown has a pretty good life in New York City- great friends, a gift for playing the piano, and a really cool mom. The only thing he doesn’t have is the best relationship with his dad, famous neurosurgeon Dr. Andy Brown. How could he when the great Dr. Brown is too busy saving lives to spend any time with him?

 Then Ephram’s mom dies suddenly in a car accident. And, as if things couldn’t get any worse, his father loses his mind and decides to move the family to a time town in Colorado called Everwood. There are good things about living in the sticks, though. Well, one thing, anyway- Amy Abbott. She is beautiful and cool and Ephram falls for her immediately. The catch? Amy has a boyfriend who’s in a coma- and Ephram’s dad, ironically might be the only one who can save him…”

My Rating: 4/5

  First off, this book is based on a tv show so it was harder one to rate. Not because I’ve watched it but rather because I had to remember that this book was adapted from scripts.

  I think for the time this is a good book. I feel as though the characters could easily be real and while there is over stated drama, there is some of the normal teenage drama as well. My favourite part of this book has got to be the setting. Being from a small town, I can totally connect with the small town life described in this book. How everyone knows about each other, either based on what you’ve left or in some other cases what your parents have left for your name. I can definitely relate with the latter. I also loved the small high school thing, definitely reminds me of home. That’s something I can surely visualize better than New York. Having grown up in a similar scenario.

THANK YOU GREG BERLANTI (creator) FOR ZONING IN HOW SMALL TOWN LIFE WORKS!

Thank for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

 

 

Spoiler: First Impressions

As I mentioned above this book is adapted from a tv series, not one that is currently playing, at least not that I could find. I think the point of the series is to show not only what grief can do to you, but what being thrown out of your element can do. There are so mangy things that change for Ephram Brown so quickly first losing his mom and then a new town. All so quickly, but maybe that the way to do change, all in one go.

 

♥Characters♥

♥Ephram- As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough it seems as though he goes from doing ok to a ship wreck and who can blame how he reacts to all of this. He lost his confidant, his mother. Moving isn’t easy normally, but after a traumatic event, that must be ridiculously difficult. But I think in the end he’ll make it through. It sucks about Amy though, but really they’re fifteen, nothing but time to figure out they’re lives.

♥Andy- I think he’s not the best father cause he’s never actually had to be the parent. He was always kind of the figure head. He’s trying his best I think but he wasn’t prepared for the responsibility.

♥Delia- a cute kid, I feel awful that she lost her mother so young and I imagine that will affect her further in the series.

♥Amy- I think she fell for Ephram just as he fell for her, but after she kind of played him to get to his father. I don’t understand how she can pretend she didn’t kiss him and run back to a boy who apparently doesn’t even love her.

♥Bright- In the long run he’s trying to look out for his littler sister and his best friend. It’s gotta be a tough position to be in, he just doesn’t go about it the best way.

 

♥Moments to Remember♥

♥Pg. 52

“ ‘No, she’s not my girlfriend,’ he told her.

   Delia’s grin stretched wider than Ephram would have though possible. ‘But you want her to be.’

   ‘You’re this close to knowing pain in a form you’ve never known before,’”

♥Pg. 76

“‘When you guys come up with these traditions, are you still high on the crack, or are you just coming down?’”

 

♥Pg. 100

“‘What is that?’ he demanded, nodding toward the lawn where the deer was tied.

  ‘A doe,’ Ephram said trying to sound light-hearted. ‘A deer. A female deer- ‘”

 

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny xoxo

 

 

Spoiler: Hanging On To Max by Margaret Bechard

To repeat myself I thought this was in general a good book, I loved the message I got from it, but as usual there were a few things I didn't care for. The message I got from this book was 'What is easy isn't always right, and what's right isn't always easy.' Being a parent in general is hard job, nevermind being a teenager yourself and parenting. I can't imagine, but this book show's readers a glimpse of what this bumpy road is like. Now for the part I didn't like. The timing in this book was all over the place. I couldn't tell how time was passing. It bother me, especially at the end, before the reunion. To short of a book as well, in my opinion.

Characters:
♥Sam- I think that Sam is brave. being a single parent isn't easy, especially not during high school . Watching him struggle is difficult, but I think I was disappointed when he gave Max up for adoption. But he wasn't able to give Max everything he deserves.

♥Claire- She's a confusing character for me. I think the fact that she thinks parenthood is so simple makes her more than a bit naive. She has help where many people don't. As well she seems to want to act like a big happy family with Sam, but they're still kids themselves.

♥Brittaney- we don't actually meet this character but she seems to have aharder time than some might believe.

♥Sam's Dad- I think he's too tough on Sam. Sam took responsibility for his action. He tries his best, but maybe it was for the best to let Max go. Not to mention how hard he was on him for taking the SATs, when Sam had every right too!


A Moment to Remember:
♥Pg. 96
"'He's bilingual,' Claire said. 'He talks duck.'
 'Bap!' Max shouted louder, and just for a second, the ducks all shut up."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Hanging on to Max by Margaret Bechard

Title: Hanging on to Max
Author: Margaret Bechard
Pages: 204
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2002

"Sam's senior year should be a breeze. Parties, football games, pep rallies, and, oh yeah- a baby.
 It's Sam Pettigrew's last year of high school. And he's spending it figuring out how, at age seventeen, he is supposed to care for his baby son, Max.
 Max wasn't part of the plan. he wasn't even part of the backup plan. But he's here now, and Sam is attending an alternative high school with other teen parents like himself. Talk about a wake up call. But Sam is determined to make it work, to show everyone- his dad, his new girlfriend, himself- that he has what it takes  to be a good dad.
 Trading footballs for diaper bags, and college brochures for feeding schedules, Sam gives fatherhood his best shot. Only no one told him it would be this hard. What if his best isn't good enough?"

My Rating: 4/5

I picked this book out because of the interesting subject matter and main character. Not only have I not read a book strictly about teenage parenting but one from a teenage father's perspective? Now that has to be rare. And it was a good book. There were things I liked, as well as things I didn't. The reason this bookd didn't pull a 5 is because of the timing.
I think this book was to short for the important story it was telling and in the story it was difficult to understand how much time was passing.
But I think the main message comes through crystal clear.
THANK YOU MARGARET BECHARD FOR GIVING US INSIGHT TO A HARD PATH!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Pages: 550
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Year Published: 2005

"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. 
 By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she pick up a a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burngins, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.
 But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in theif basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.
 In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time."

My Rating: 5/5

 This book is a very interesting form of historical novel. not only did the subject matter grab my attention but as I read so did the narrator. to have taken a risk to use Death as you're narrator/speaking voice will either pay off or make you fall on your face. It most certainly paid off for Markus Zusak. He did a tremendous job of playing Death's role. The use of words makes this book come alive (well as alive as Death can get). As well as a great narrator, I was thankful for a different storyline. I have read quite a  few books about the Holocaust, and  while those books are true history as well, this book is the story of someone inside Germany at the time, as a day to day citizen.
Finally, although I wouldn't call myself a history buff, I love historic books and this is up with the best of them.
THANK YOU MARKUS ZUSAK FOR SHOWING THAT WAR IS OFTEN SIMILAR NO MATTER THE SIDE YOU LIVE ON!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

As I mentioned above, this book is a historical novel and since a friend gave it to me, I couldn't very well not read it. I'm so glad that I picked it up off my shelf because this book is a life changer.
After learning about WW II, which ever way you did learn about it. I think we all wonder how an entire nation can stand by while tragedy stuck. This book helps explain the  use of words during Hitler's rise to power. That's how Hitler operated, using the power of words. we also see many of the things seem wrong (parade of Jews, lack of freedom, constant fear, etc.) no one wanted to put themselves at risk. The Nazis lifted people at first, making them feel like they were someone special, important and later made them fear for there freedom.

Characters:
♥Liesel_ We see this helpless girl grow into a strong young woman throughout the course of this book. Although she loses so many people, from each person she learns an important lesson. I won't lie, I cried as Liesel lost her parents and so many others in the bombing that flattened her home. But when she found Max, now that was truly unexpected and heartwarming. A fantastic main character who goes from not knowing the tortures of the Jews, to helping them. Gives me hope in the world.

♥Papa(Hans)- a great father, although not her real one, he does a fantastic job of raising Liesel, especially during such difficult times. He teaches her love and the difference between right and wrong. Not to mention the important of keeping your promises. I also thought it was strange that he was so lucky during both world wars, but died in a bombing when he was not in battle. I suppose you can only out run death for so long.

♥Mama(Rosa)- Although she has an unusual way of showing it, you can tell she truly loves Liesel. As though she was her own daughter. This character really grew on me throughout the story.

♥Rudy-A best friend like this is what every girl needs. Reliable, funny, and agreeable. I'd say for years he felt more than just friendship towards Liesel and if it hadn't been for the times, and his unfortunate death, it is likely they would have married.

♥Max- My heart goes out to those who suffered so greatly during Hitler's reign. Max was lucky to live and mainly because of Hans Hubberman (Papa). He also left his mark on Liesel, showing you can't always go with the flow. And that although there is good, humanity can do awful things.

♥Rudy's Father- Hopefully he is there for Liesel and she is there for him in such a devastating time. I imagine in a way, they would grow to need each other.


♥Moments to Remember♥
♥Pg. 52
"                                           ***THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN***
                                                         A BOY WHO HATES YOU
                                                              A boy who loves you.                                                             "

♥Pg. 144
"'Saukerl,' she laughed, and as she held up her hand, she knew completely that he was simultaneously calling her a Saumensch. I think that's as close to love as eleven-year-olds can get."

♥Pg. 219
"Liesel held her face in her hands. Once uncovered again,' she asked the pivotal question. 'Did you tell Mama?'
 'Are you kidding?' He winked at Max and whispered to the girl, 'You're still alive, aren't you?'"

♥Pg. 334
"'Liesel?' He moved slightly to the right. 'I'm afraid,' he said, 'of falling asleep again.'
  Liesel was resolute. 'Then I'll read to you. And slap your face if you start dozing off. I'll close the book and shake you till you wake up.'"

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: The Right & The Real by Joelle Anthony

Title: The Right & The Real
Author: Joelle Anthony
Pages: 281
Publisher: The Penguin Group
Year Published: 2012

"Seventeen-year-old Jamie should have known from the beginning that something was wrong with the Right& the Real Church, but she was too caught up in her feelings for Josh- a handsome jock and the son of a church elder- to care. She's never had the most stable life, what with a drug-addicted mother and a recovering-alcoholic father, but her relationship with Josh may have driven her life completely off the rails. Her father is now a full-blown member of the church, and for refusing the join, Jamie's been kicked out, onto the streets. She even lost Josh- well, sort of. He can't see her in public, but he will definitely sneak around with her- at his convenience, of course.
 Heartbroken, and with her life in upheaval, Jamie doesn't know who to trust. When she forms an unlikely friendship with an ex-con he might just be her saving grace. But then her father finds himself in serious trouble, and she will have to handle that too. Jamie may be ready to rescue him, but will she be able to forgive?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book is a make you wonder kind of book... What if this happened to you? What side would you be on? What would you do? So on, and so on. Mainly it made me think about other things I have read/heard about cults. Some people have no problem with them. And I suppose maybe there are good ones (not that I've heard of but maybe). Wait are there good cults? I guess what I'm getting at is religion is a blessing and a curse. great things have come about because of beliefs, but there have been wars based on it as well.
Let's end that rant there. I think this book was intriguing because of the subject matter, but throughout it seemed to stray from the subject. I also found the main character was fairly generic. Nothing special.
THANK YOU JOELLE ANTHONY FOR SHOWING A CULT STORY!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Spoiler: The Right & The Real by Joelle Anthony

I feel like this book strayed from what I originally thought I was going to read about. It made a decent recovery, but I felt that I could relate to the characters. The main character's personality was generic and although her aspiration was not generic, I couldn't take her seriously.

Characters:
Jamie- I think she's just kind of naive. Just because you makeout with someone in a closet doesn't mean you're in love with them. She should never let Josh act like she's useless. As well she should have told her friends ASAP, oh well. Live and learn I suppose. I hope Trent is a better guy.
Krista- a great best friend for a future actress. Dramatic, but there no matter what.
Liz- Reminds me of tv ballerina, someone who is serious about their craft.
La Von- My favorite character because he isn't afraid to embrace who he is, past and present. Plus, he's hilarious.
Trent- Funny and flirty. Seems like a decent guy. Plus they met in a coffee shop.
Josh- Scum. Seems to think he's all that and so much more, but if you're with someone you shouldn't always talk about yourself.
The Teacher- Crazy, dictatorish man. Gives me the major creeps.


♥Moments to Remember♥
♥Pg. 137
"'Load me up with organic hot chocolate,' he said, handing me a stainless steel travel mug.
 'Sure. With whipped cream?' I chirped.
 'Hell, yeah, I want whipped cream,' he said. 'Do I look like I'm on a diet?'"

♥Pg. 145
"'Hell,' he said, 'if I came to my own door, I'd call the cops. You don't have to be no bigot to be scared of me.'"

♥Pg. 167
"'I know I did the right thing,' I said. 'It just, it just-' I let out a shuddering sigh, 'It just kind of ... sucks.'
 'It does,' Krista agreed. 'It totally does. But that's why they make chocolate.'"

♥Pg. 258
"La Von pulled out a huge pair of pink rubber gloves. 'Don't give me any shit,' he said, when we laughed. 'Only color they had.'"

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo