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By: Meg Artley,
on 11/6/2013
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Even in a slowly recovering economy, Americans are still givers, donating over $316 billion last year (an increase of 3.5% over the previous year), with the vast majority of that money coming not from companies or foundations, but from individual donors.
At First Book, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help put new books into the hands of kids in need. But we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about where your money will be used most effectively.
Which is why we’re pleased to share some great news: for the third year in a row, First Book has been awarded four stars — the highest rating possible — by Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America.
Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations to provide donors with reliable data about the impact, efficiency and fiscal health of the organizations, and their online rankings are visited more than all other charity ratings groups combined. So we’re pleased to earn this distinction and proud that we’re using your gifts effectively to help children in need.
When you donate to First Book, 97% of your donation goes directly to putting brand-new books into the hands of educators serving kids in need — not to administrative and fundraising costs.
If you have any questions about how First Book operates, or exactly how your donations are used, we’d love to hear them! Get in touch through Facebook or Twitter, or send us an email.
Click here to see First Book’s profile on Charity Navigator.
The post Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use? appeared first on First Book Blog.
By: Meg Artley,
on 11/6/2013
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Even in a slowly recovering economy, Americans are still givers, donating over $316 billion last year (an increase of 3.5% over the previous year), with the vast majority of that money coming not from companies or foundations, but from individual donors.
At First Book, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help put new books into the hands of kids in need. But we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about where your money will be used most effectively.
Which is why we’re pleased to share some great news: for the third year in a row, First Book has been awarded four stars — the highest rating possible — by Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America.
Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations to provide donors with reliable data about the impact, efficiency and fiscal health of the organizations, and their online rankings are visited more than all other charity ratings groups combined. So we’re pleased to earn this distinction and proud that we’re using your gifts effectively to help children in need.
When you donate to First Book, 97% of your donation goes directly to putting brand-new books into the hands of educators serving kids in need — not to administrative and fundraising costs.
If you have any questions about how First Book operates, or exactly how your donations are used, we’d love to hear them! Get in touch through Facebook or Twitter, or send us an email.
Click here to see First Book’s profile on Charity Navigator.
The post Are My Charitable Dollars Going to Good Use? appeared first on First Book Blog.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 5/7/2012
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Release Date: May 8, 2012
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
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A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”
Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.
Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?
In Honor by
Jessi Kirby is a bittersweet look at family, loss and growing up. From the first page, Kirby powerfully evokes Honor's complete devastation in the wake of her brother's death. Without Finn, Honor is lost at sea, not knowing which way to turn. Even before readers really get to know the heroine, their hearts will break at the hopelessness of her situation -- as orphans, Finn was not only Honor's brother, but also her father figure and friend. Without him, she feels utterly alone. In a desperate attempt to find meaning in a senseless tragedy, Honor sets off on a cross-country road trip to fulfill Finn's final wishes. Unfortunately, Finn's estranged best friend Rusty is along for the ride -- drunken stupor and all.
It's hard to know what to do with Rusty. He's drunken and abrasive, crass and a bit of a jerk, intruding his own issues on Honor's grief. At times, readers will wish that Honor would call Rusty out on his attitude, but as Kirby gradually reveals their long and complicated history, they will begin to see that his brashness comes from a dark and painful place. It takes a while, but ultimately Rusty becomes a sympathetic and even charming character. Honor's voice is clear and strong, though
We’re proud to announce that First Book has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible ranking from America’s premier charity evaluator.
“We’ve been putting new books into the hands of children and teachers for twenty years. The work that we do helps transform the lives of kids in need, and we’re delighted to be recognized by Charity Navigator. We want our donors to feel confident that we’re putting their hard-earned gifts to good use, and this rating proves that.”
– Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book
Charity Navigator rates nonprofit organizations to provide donors of all levels with reliable data about the impact, efficiency and fiscal health of the organizations.
At First Book, we work hard to make sure we’re creating the greatest possible impact as efficiently as we can, and we’re proud to have earned this distinction. We’re grateful to all of you for supporting our work, and we’re glad to show you that we’re using your donations responsibly.
Click here to donate! 95 cents out of every dollar donated to First Book goes directly to putting news books into the hands of kids in need in communities across the country.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/19/2011
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Release Date: September 20, 2011
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
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Elisa is barely sixteen, but already she is the secret wife of a king whose country is on the brink of war and the latest in a long line of God's chosen ones -- it's a lot for a teenage princess to handle. The Godstone she bears brings her comfort and warning in times of danger, but it also places a heavy burden on her young shoulders -- a burden she's not sure she's fit to bear. As Elisa is drawn into a secret revolution, where traitors lurk at every turn and no one can be trusted, she must learn to embrace her destiny and face her fate -- even if that means an early death.
In
The Girl of Fire and Thorns, the starkly different realms come to life through
Rae Carson's vivid descriptions. Both the language and the landscape are influenced by Spanish culture, with the sandstone walls of Brisadulce seeming to grow organically from the vast desert of Joya d'Arena. The Spanish phrases enrich the text without confusing readers, and the lilt and rhythm of the prose is mesmerizing. This world features a rich history, mythology and religion, with only the barest echoes of our own. The mythology of the Godstones is fascinating, a history reaching back for generations and usually boding ill for the bearer. Elisa has been kept in the dark for much of her life, and readers will delight in discovering the enigmatic powers of the Godstone, and the ominous fate of God's chosen, alongside the young heroine.
Though God and the Godstone are at the heart of this story, it is not a sermon. Carson takes a thoughtful and honest look at the religion of her world, drawing insightful parallels to our own. Every faction of the war believes they are doing "God's will," and what that means depends entirely on which side of the line they stand on. Elisa is honest about her own doubts and utter lack of understanding of this inscrutable God, despite being the bearer, which prevents her from seeming self-righteous and makes it easy to cheer for her success. Though she's a princess and a chosen one, she's utterly relatable -- just the sweet and sensitive girl-next-door.
This is truly Elisa's story, and her growth is the highlight of this epic tale. The secondary cast is large, and the characters are vibrant and unique, not mere plot devices but a network of confidantes and enemies, friends and family for Elisa to depend on, who carry her to the brink of destiny. It's clear from the start that Elisa has the potential for greatness, saving the life of a king even before her journey of self-discovery -- she need only recognize it. When the novel opens, she is very young, both in age (16) and in experience. She is timid and self-conscious, always treated like
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 8/22/2011
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Bridget Liu is just a typical teen -- when she's not banishing demons, that is. As if hearing the voices of hellspawn isn't bad enough, her mysterious new powers appeared not long after her father's brutal murder. All Bridget wants is to reclaim her normal life, one without exorcisms or murder trials, visits from the Vatican or annoyingly persistent sons of the local police sergeant. Unfortunately for Bridget, that's not going to happen anytime soon -- because the forces of Hell have a message for her, and they'll stop at nothing till she heeds their call.
In
Possess, debut author
Gretchen McNeil blends ancient legend with unearthly horror to create a striking demonic mythology -- a fresh look at the other side of the angel coin. Bridget's adventures in exorcism are spine-tingling, and every chilling encounter will leave readers trembling -- especially the particularly hair-raising scene in a doll shop (shudder). Her strange new powers and a string of unnerving warnings from demonic messengers give the novel a streak of mystery, and readers will eagerly piece together the puzzle -- trying to stay one step ahead of Bridget as she learns the truth about the legions of Hell.
Bridget is an admirably independent heroine, determined to fight her own battles and carry her own crosses. Though she's more than a little damaged by the loss of her father and the discovery of her alarming new abilities, her flaws give her an honest, raw edge that will resonate with readers. Many of her relationships are rough around the edges, but the mutual adoration between Bridget and her little brother Sammy jumps off the page. Bridget is like a mother to Sammy, and her never-ending patience with his 8-year-old antics is endearing -- showing a softer side to balance her usual tough-as-nails veneer. Bridget tends to be one of the guys, and I would have loved to see more attention given to her best friend Hector, who is the perfect storm of sass and snark and insecurity.
This paranormal horror story is part murder mystery, part romance -- but unfortunately, the romance falls a little flat. Matt is a nice enough guy, if a little cliche -- the All-American, popular jock who falls for the school outsider. Yet, his constant "caretaker" attitude is cringe-inducing, especially since Bridget can clearly hold her own (probably better than Matt can). The fact that Bridget finds his overbearing behavior appealing is rather disappointing after her robust determination to remain a lone wolf. If ever there was a heroine who didn't need a hero, it's Bridget Liu. There is something not quite right about Matt -- but only time will tell if this is intentional foreshadowing by the author, or just a lackluster love interest.
Possess is a dark and edgy paranormal thriller, and McNeil doesn't shy away from creepy blood rituals or crazed demonic victims. There are clearly unknown depths to explore in this eerie new world, and readers will be eager for more of its infernal history and lore.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.This novel hits shelves today! Click here to purchase Possess by Gretchen McNeil.Part of the
8 Comments on Review: Possess by Gretchen McNeil, last added: 8/25/2011
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/25/2011
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***Contains spoilers if you have not read Nightshade***Calla Tor never thought she'd find herself in the Searchers' lair -- her sworn enemies and supposedly vicious killers -- and she definitely never expected them to make her an offer she couldn't refuse. As Calla finally begins to accept the truth about her masters and the only world she's ever known, she's faced with a crucial choice, one that will cost precious lives, define her destiny and alter the course of the ancient Witches' War.
In
Wolfsbane,
Andrea Cremer introduces readers to a new facet of her rich mythology, as well as a whole host of new characters. The Searchers' magic is a perfect complement to the world that began in
Nightshade, and it is thought-provoking to contrast them with the Keepers. Though they are less cruel and vicious than their counterparts, there is still something a little unsettling about the Searchers, with their vague explanations and miltaristic hierarchy.
However, it is fun to watch their family-like and much more lighthearted banter, and a huge relief to see women in power rather than brutally repressed. The world of the Searchers could not be more different from that of the Keepers, and it is fascinating to see the two halves blended into one complex, spellbinding whole. The Keepers truly bare their ugly fangs in this installment, making it even darker than its haunting predecessor. Cremer holds no punches as readers are thrown headfirst into a centuries-old war.
Several familiar faces make an appearance in
Wolfsbane, including our heroine Calla. Though Calla is still a fierce alpha in battle, she seems more timid and much less self-assured in life. Her self-doubt and guilt cause her to waver back and forth, rather than being the confident, powerful leader we met in
Nightshade. Though it's understandable, considering the massive shift in her worldview, it is still frustrating to see her brood over things that clearly weren't her fault. Several other characters also seem to have lost their way, making surprising and sometimes heartbreaking choices.
Shay, on the other hand, really comes into his own -- no longer the meek and weak human, but an assertive hero. If Calla can once again find her place in the world, the balance of their relationship will be perfect and enduring. Cremer really cranks up the sexual tension, and Calla's heart is wrenched in two even more forcefully now that her fate is in her own hands. However, I personally find Ren's appeal baffling. His troubling behavior from book one escalates to a crisis level in the sequel, and I'm nervous to see how Cremer ultimately resolves his plotline.
Though the narrative drive is less clear than the march toward Samhain in
Nightshade, there is plenty of action in this second installment, as well as a lot of crucial history. The thought and care that Cremer put into the backstory of the Witches' War is what makes this series so compelling. The Searchers' cryptic comments and drawn-out explanations are exasperating for the first half of the novel, but when the intricate history finally falls into place it is stunning. Still, Cremer leaves readers with more than a few questions. It is clear that a vast universe of history and lies, magic and secrets lies at the heart of these novels, and its many mysteriou
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/10/2011
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Sam and Grace have defied all odds to be together. Unfortunately, the euphoria of their triumph over fate hasn't even worn off before the universe once again conspires against them. Sam is having trouble filling his role as the pack's new caretaker, Grace's parents have suddenly decided to be a concerned presence in her life, Isabel is wracked with guilt over her brother's second death, and a new member of the pack threatens the secrecy they've so carefully cultivated. If only those were the least of their worries -- but something darker and more deadly is brewing, threatening to tear them apart from the inside out. It's just another winter in Mercy Falls.
In
Linger,
Maggie Stiefvater weaves another heartfelt tale of passion and desperation. Her lyrical prose and stark imagery create a magical reading experience where emotions run high and nerves are tightly wound. A constant sense of dread hangs over the novel, keeping readers in suspense from page one as they wait for the other shoe to drop on the star-crossed lovers. Stiefvater is a master at tugging on readers' heartstrings, making their hearts ache and stomachs drop as the angst and impossibility become increasingly intense. Thankfully, moments of humor provide much-needed breaks from the emotional turmoil Stiefvater so powerfully evokes.
Sam and Grace's relationship feels strained in this installment compared to their perfect fit in
Shiver, as they're both in denial about the cruel twists of fate that still threaten their tenuous security. The narrative drive is less clear and the central conflict almost falls away into the background, so studiously do Grace and Sam ignore it. However, seeing them from an outsider's point-of-view brings their profound connection back into focus and assures readers that the two teens are truly meant-to-be. Though Sam and Grace are young and haven't known each other that long, Stiefvater somehow makes readers believe in their love. After everything they've been through, and the old souls that lurk inside their young bodies, it's like they've known each other a lifetime. They are complimentary opposites, bringing out the best in one another. I love the perfect balance of their dynamic -- they need each other equally, a rare and wonderful thing in modern YA relationships.
Isabel and Cole really steal the show, though. Their deeply damaged souls, hidden behind sarcastic masks, evoke sympathy in readers even as it pushes them away. They are characters of contradiction, and a perfect foil for the profound understanding between Sam and Grace. Their banter is sharp and snappy, and their rough edges feel real to anyone whose life isn't picture perfect. Stiefvater's characters are nothing if not complex, and the humanity she brings to Cole's sardonic shell is endearing, making him a fascinating character in a complicated life. Isabel also has a refreshing way of cutting right to the truth of things -- something all of the characters desperately need to hear. Despite her cold protective exterior, she is surprisingly insightful and self-aware.
One minor character demands a special mention -- Rachel. I would read an entire book about Rachel. She provided much of the comic release in this novel, and was a fabulous best girl friend for Grace. She has so much to offer, and it would really round out Grace's character to spend more time with someone not wrapped up in the pack madness.
In Mercy Falls, love is a struggle. It can never be e
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/5/2011
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This book is a sequel, and the review contains spoilers if you have not read Personal Demons.Just when things are looking up for Luc Cain and Frannie Cavanaugh, with their newly saved souls and Luc's fresh mortal shell, all Hell is unleashed upon them -- literally. With Gabe gone (in an attempt to save his wings from Frannie's wiles) and only a newbie angel standing between them and utter damnation, a whole host of infernal monsters arrive -- including Lucifer's right hand and possibly the most dangerous demon of them all. The Prince of Darkness won't rest until he lures them all into the abyss -- and unfortunately, not everyone is above the temptation.
In
Original Sin,
Lisa Desrochers invokes new facets of the Heaven and Hell mythology and takes her series in a surprising new direction. Characters new and old make an appearance, with varying degrees of success. Luc is sexy and snarky, as always, but his new-found humanity softens his edges and gives him an endearing vulnerability. His and Frannie's relationship is also as hot and heavy as ever, and Desrochers ratchets up the tension without Gabe around to distract our heroine. Their dynamic is winning, as Luc struggles to accept his new limitations and Frannie refuses to let him forget that she can thoroughly thrash him with her Judo moves. The alternating perspectives of the young lovers ring true, with incredibly genuine teenage voices despite the supernatural slant of the story.
Readers will sorely miss Gabe (even Team Luc fans like myself), especially since his replacement, Matt, is maddening. His hypocrisy and selfishness will make readers seethe, as will Frannie's extreme willingness to forgive his interference. Fortunately, this seems to be Desrochers' intention, and she once again proves herself a master at investing readers in her characters, evoking gut-wrenching and heart-pounding emotions. This novel made me laugh, swoon and scream in frustration -- sometimes all at once.
The villain of the piece is magnificently manipulative, macabre and just plain insane. The somewhat obscure mythology is fascinating, and Desrochers adds her own flair to create a unique paranormal romance that stands out among the masses. Like
Personal Demons,
Original Sin is hormone-driven, playing out like a soap opera with intensity, passion, betrayal and bliss that will leave readers breathless. However, the angst becomes a little overwrought near the end of the novel, when Frannie once again begins the waffling act that exasperated me in book one, and Luc exhibits one of the more frustrating paranormal hero behaviors (you'll see what I mean).
The truth also becomes obvious to the reader midway through the story, making the characters' sluggish realization agonizing and rather forced. Nonetheless, the nonstop drama is gripping and the final twist stunning -- it is nearly impossible not to read ahead. The cliffhanger conclusion will leave readers eager for their third and final taste of this cosmic love story, as both Heaven and Hell hang in the balance.
Note: This novel is recommended for mature teen audiences.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of Original Sin at BEA. This did not affect my review in any way.
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 6/13/2011
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London Lane can't remember yesterday -- but she knows what will happen tomorrow. It's a lot for a teenage girl to handle, especially when her "memories" of the future take a turn for the terrible. As if dealing with a gorgeous boyfriend she can't remember -- either in the past or in the future -- weren't enough, now London must change the course of history if she wants to avert the dreadful vision of future horror that haunts her nightmares.
In
Forgotten,
Cat Patrick crafts a fun, playful tale that is a perfect summer read. London Lane will win readers' hearts from the start (and not just for her awesome name). The poor girl is afflicted by a very unique memory condition -- forgetting the past each night, but "remembering" the future -- but she doesn't let that tarnish her shining personality. London is sweet and sassy, with a narrative voice full of so much spunk that readers will be laughing on nearly every page.
London's best friend, on the other hand, does not shine quite so brightly. Jamie is
that girl -- the one boys love to ogle, and girls love to hate. Though she is a vivacious character who leaps off the page, it's a bit of a mystery why she and London are friends. Jamie seems spoiled and selfish for most of the novel, abandoning London when she needs her most. The story would have been more balanced if London had a reliable female friend, rather than being isolated from everyone except her new boyfriend.
Speaking of her new boyfriend -- the romance between Luke and London was simple and sweet, innocent but with the dash of passion we all remember from our teen years. Luke is charming and handsome with a hint of vulnerability, and the perfect boy to bring home to Mom. However, he is perhaps a little too perfect. Luke practically worships London, which drains any contentious spark from his personality. A character needs flaws, and too-perfect boyfriends can become dull after a while.
London's condition throws a wrench in all of her relationships, and it is fascinating to watch the unexpected ways her memory problem complicates her life. It also brings darkness to an otherwise bright and breezy novel -- London can see not only the good things, but death and horror as well. With her characteristic optimism, London sets out to change a tragic future, revealing the truth about her own past along the way. Cat Patrick doesn't shy away from harsh reality and her straightforward approach adds depth to the novel, raising
Forgotten out of the realm of fluff and making it the perfect blend of light and dark to while away the summer hours.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy from the publicist. This did not affect my review in any way.This novel is available now! Click here to purchase Forgotten by Cat Patrick.Part of the
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By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 5/15/2011
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Deuce has grown up without the sun. Hidden deep within the ancient city sewers, the enclave survives on rules and fear. Though her home is stalked by the flesh-eating freaks, it is still better than the horrors that await Topside -- or so she's told. No one has ventured Topside in years. No one, except Fade. Fade was found wandering the sewers, mysterious and feral, after surviving on his own for years. Everyone in the enclave fears the bizarre boy, so when Deuce is partnered with him as a Huntress she's prepared for his eccentricity and hostility. What she doesn't expect is a devastating secret that threatens the only life she's ever known.
In
Enclave, the archaic rules and rituals of Deuce's underground world create a primal atmosphere and unsettling cult-like quality that bring the stark reality of this post-apocalyptic future to life. Like her society, Deuce lives by a rigid code of "daggers and determination"* that may seem unsympathetic, but is also fascinating and realistic in the context of her dark, dank world. She has grown up in the ferocity of the sewers and she knows how to survive. She's a girl and she's fierce and she makes no apologies. She has a will to succeed and a drive to prove herself.
Though she can seem stiff, it meshes well with her militant upbringing, and it's endearing to see her thaw over the course of the novel as she rediscovers her flickering humanity.
Ann Aguirre puts herself completely in Deuce's shoes, portraying her reaction to the state-of-nature Topside with impressive care and imagination. Deuce is amazed by things we take for granted, and her encounters with the Topside gangs are brutal. However, I was troubled by Deuce's attitude towards the gangs' treatment of women. In this instance, the pragmatism instilled in her by the enclave makes her seem heartless.
Aguirre is unflinching in her presentation of this bleak future, where life is empty service to the survival of the whole. Living underground, away from life and sunlight, has slowly stripped the enclave of their humanity, until individuality is a sin and independent thought a crime. The ruthless, animalistic survival instinct makes the remaining humans alarmingly similar to the zombie-like Freaks they fear -- except for Fade. Fade slowly awakens the spark of spirit that still burns far below Deuce's rough Huntress exterior. The code of honor and deep-rooted trust that is crucial to their Hunter partnership builds slowly but strongly, allowing readers to believe and triumph in the ultimate romance.
Enclave is rawer, wilder and more visceral than many of the dystopians that came before, and fans of the genre will relish it.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher. This did not affect my review in any way.Click here to purchase Enclave by Ann Aguirre.
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Gomez Porter is just a typical guy, but when he becomes a participant in an experimental drug trial things take a turn for the bizarre. First of all, there's the aspiring novelist next door, who demands that Gomez read his manuscript -- or he'll drill tiny holes in his floor and boil salamanders on the balcony in the middle of the night. Then there's the strange man in the sombrero who has an unhealthy interest in the old tax forms of his struggling antiques store, and his agoraphobic assistant who will only agree to sweep the already pristine floor. As if that isn't bad enough, when one of the trial participants turns up dead, Gomez begins to suspect a conspiracy. Can he solve the mystery before he winds up dead himself -- or is it all just part of his drug-induced hallucinations?
No Hope for Gomez is a truly one-of-a-kind novel. The story moves along at a brisk pace, with the blog entry format lending itself nicely to short and snappy sentences.
Graham Parke's narrative voice is dryly witty, and perfectly suited to the tongue-in-cheek narrative. The novel bizarrely blends absurd scenarios with intriguing philosophical questions, sucking readers into Gomez's unusual mind until the illogical seems plausible. Parke cleverly constructs his story so that readers are drawn deeper into the conspiracy, until even they are uncertain where reality ends and madness begins.
Despite the seemingly random stream-of-consciousness in Gomez's mind, he makes some resonant points that will pique readers' curiosity and make them think about the world in imaginative new ways. There is also a surprising mystery element -- about the true nature of the drug trials and the identity of his girlfriend's stalker -- that will keep readers in suspense until the final page. It's impossible to know what's coming next in this topsy-turvy world.
No Hope for Gomez is populated by quirky characters and laugh-out-loud scenarios that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy from the author for an honest review. This did not affect my review in any way.Click here to purchase No Hope for Gomez by Graham Parke.
Come back tomorrow to see my author interview with Graham Parke!
Vi has always been a rebel, ever since They took her sister away. She stopped plugging into the mandatory brainwashing transmissions years ago, and she's not afraid to break a few rules: Good girls don't touch boys, good girls don't walk with boys, good girls don't cut their hair and dye it black. Yet, she never intended to end up banished from the Goodgrounds, her only home. When Vi finds herself sharing a cell with an odd boy from the Badlands, she knows there's more going on than meets the eye. What she can't fathom is why the government will stop at nothing to get her on their side.
In
Possession,
Elana Johnson constructs a rich world of power plays and tenuous trust. The utter vulnerability of the human mind is terrifying -- Vi cannot trust anyone, not even her own feelings, when the entire world is open to manipulation. Readers will find themselves enthralled by this psychological struggle for free will and personal agency. Johnson launches readers straight into the fight, setting a brisk pace without pausing for breath. At times it can become confusing, but there is never a moment's boredom.
The most compelling aspect of this world is Vi. She is sharp and sassy, full of fight and fierceness. She is strong, but she wages a complex internal battle between duty and death, good and bad, love and hate. It is easy to get lost in the densely packed plot, but Vi and Jag's relationship will keep readers entranced. Their bickering bond is hilarious and adorable. Though they fall in love rather quickly, it still feels real because they are both so self-sufficient and strong. For once, a teenage couple is on equal footing, butting heads whenever one crosses the line. Their banter is reminiscent of Beatrice and Benedick (my favorite Shakespearean duo) and adds spice to the novel, while their romance is absolutely seductive. Jag's cryptic comments can be frustrating at times, but his lack of bravado and willingness to be vulnerable will enamor readers.
The final pages of this novel sent me reeling. Unfortunately, there is no sequel planned for
Possession and I am aghast at the open-ended conclusion after falling so completely in love with these characters and their story. Yet, despite this parting blow, the chance to meet Vi and Jag was worth the every step of the journey.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance galley of this novel from the publisher. This did not affect my review in any way.This novel hits shelves June 7, 2011. Click here to preorder Possession by Elana Johnson.
Tansy Piper should be used to haunted houses. It comes with the territory when your mom's a horror writer. Yet, there's something different about her new Texas home. When Tansy discovers an old journal filled with haunting poetry, she finds herself increasingly drawn to its author -- a mysterious boy who committed suicide decades ago. As Tansy immerses herself in Henry's troubled mind, she begins to see his world through the lens of her camera...and the more time she spends there, the less she wants to come home.
Through Her Eyes is beautifully written, in language that is subtle enough not to distract from the story. The contrast crystallizes the moments of poetry sprinkled throughout and makes them all the more striking. The atmosphere of the novel is haunting but not scary, creating a romantic tale rather than a horror story. Tansy's forays into Henry's world are mesmerizing, and
Jennifer Archer's creativity is on display in her use of color and photography as she weaves their tangled tale.
Tansy's self-sufficiency and determination to be strong are winning, though she can occasionally be angsty. Archer deftly manages her flirtation with madness and shows her instability with a precise hand. Likewise, Henry is a deeply troubled young man and his pain is portrayed with poignancy. However, it is hard to see his romantic allure when his behavior is so manic.
Bethyl Ann, Tansy's lone friend in Cedar Canyon, is the most vibrant character in the novel. Her Shakespearean quips and girl genius persona are a breath of fresh air in the somber story. Yet it is Tansy's relationship with her ailing grandfather that is the emotional center of the novel, giving shade to her motivations and complexity to her character. In
Through Her Eyes, Archer weaves a tale of love and friendship, poetry and past mistakes that will enthrall readers with its edge of Gothic menace.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this novel from the author. This did not affect my review in any way.Purchase the newly released Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer.
Part of the
2011 Debut Author Challenge.
Don't miss Jennifer's guest post on the making of her book trailer, and
enter to win a SIGNED ARC of Through Her Eyes! G
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I have this in my pile and I am SO excited to read it. Loved Moonglass!
I am not certain that I will like Rusty as a character but I'm glad that you eventually liked him. I did like Moonglass a lot so I will give this one a try.
As both a sucker for Texas and road trips, I love the sound of this one. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Stephanie @ Read in a Single Sitting
I loved this book a lot. Even more than Moonglass. I loved Rusty from the very beginning, but I might be bias because he's based on Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights and OMG I LOVE Tim Riggins. :) Fabulous review, Casey!
Oh, have you ever watched FNL? It's one of the Best Shows Ever! Really, it's amazing. :)