After posting yesterday, I thought of a new take on this subject. Since I don't have much time right now, I'm going to have to keep this post brief, so let's get right to the point.
What if I just prefer novels that are, in essence, character studies?
I like plot, but it's always character that has me in the beginning, the middle and the end. So, if a lot of YA fiction is plot driven, is it possible that I feel less connected with it for that reason?
I think this topic has a lot of room for expansion, so I'll definitely come back to this later. But, for the moment, I'll leave you with a question.
What do you look for in books?
Showing posts with label YA fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA fiction. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Confession Time
Today, I have a story to tell you -- one that ends with a confession.
Once upon a time, I wandered into the YA fiction section of the bookstore and I never came out again... figuratively speaking, that is. It was there that I discovered fresh voices that were sharper and more in tune with everything. There were new stories about some pretty weird stuff, and genres mixed without divide. In some ways, it was like a little kid being set free in a toy store and told they could have anything they wanted. Time after time, I was enraptured with new characters and new story lines. I bought more books than I probably should have, considering the fact that I didn't have a job and was living off of holiday/birthday money gifts.
It was fantastic.
But these days? Well, let's just say that my gaze has taken to wandering once again.
The truth is, I've grown sort of bored with YA fiction.
A couple of months ago, I was going through the books in my room and I realized that there was one I had forgotten to finish reading. It was a YA fiction book that I had bought the year before and, almost immediately upon starting it, I grew very attached to it. In fact, I remembered raving about how much I liked it while I was reading it before. So, I decided to finish it up. There were only fifty pages or so until the end and I couldn't believe that I had left it alone in the first place.
Thirty minutes later, I was done with it and I was confused. Was that boredom I felt? Why didn't I care? A few months ago, that was one of my favorite books, so where were the amazing characters I had raved about? Where was the story line that had me hooked from the first page? Why did the ending -- the most important part of this particular novel -- feel like nothing more than sand slipping through my fingers? What, exactly, had I loved so much?
I couldn't answer those questions. So, I decided that I was having an off day and I put the book back on my shelf. Wrong time to read that, I thought. But then I looked at another YA book I had read earlier on, and I realized that I couldn't remember what it was about. I vaguely recalled a bossy secondary character and a club, but that was it.
From that point on, I made a point to observe what I felt after reading new YA novels. And, after another novel or two, I began to think that what I had felt and noticed that day was a fluke. I read new novels and I liked the characters and I felt empowered at the end of the book. But then, I noticed something new that I had overlooked before. A few days after I read the newest novel I had purchased, the details were getting fuzzy. I couldn't quite remember the character's voice and that great feeling I had after I read it had dissipated. My friend wanted to discuss the novel with me, and I found myself flipping through it just to find what chapters I had really liked. Only, what I really found was that nothing in particular had really stood out to me when I went back through it.
There were no lines that made me laugh. Not like the first time I read it. There were no characters with enough depth for me to really comment on. And the story line that I thought I loved when I first read it, well, that felt rushed and sort of flimsy. I am a little lost on what to say now, because the more YA novels I read, the more I'm finding that I have this reaction a few days later.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all YA fiction has gone down the hole (There are still plenty of YA fiction books that I adore. For example, there's Sabriel by Garth Nix and Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block, both of which I will probably end up reviewing on here at some point.), but there is something in the YA market that is really losing me these days, and I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
If I had to take a guess, I would probably say that YA books tend to move a lot faster than other types of fiction. I think part of that is meant to keep the attention of the audience and to keep them wrapped up in the story, but I'm getting the feeling that these fast-paced, compact stories aren't capturing the weight of the plot, the characters and the details.
Of course, there's a chance that this is all just a phase for me. Granted, I haven't had any reemerging feelings of fondness for the books that have lost my interest so quickly -- even after several months pass -- but there's still a chance, and I'm willing to hang onto that for a while longer. Maybe in a couple months, I'll be back with a perplexed look on my face and a totally different opinion on this matter. But, for the moment, I am not sold.
PS: I'll still be finishing the 2011 Debut Author Contest. But after that is over, I think I'll be taking a break from reviewing YA books. I've got some wonderful other books that I would like to review for you, and I can only hope that you'll find enjoyment in other types of reading, too.
PPS: I have not reviewed books that are falling under this category of thought, so those authors whose books I have reviewed on here should not feel this is directed toward them. And, likewise, if I haven't reviewed a book that I said I bought, you can probably assume that I'm just busy and I haven't read it yet.
Once upon a time, I wandered into the YA fiction section of the bookstore and I never came out again... figuratively speaking, that is. It was there that I discovered fresh voices that were sharper and more in tune with everything. There were new stories about some pretty weird stuff, and genres mixed without divide. In some ways, it was like a little kid being set free in a toy store and told they could have anything they wanted. Time after time, I was enraptured with new characters and new story lines. I bought more books than I probably should have, considering the fact that I didn't have a job and was living off of holiday/birthday money gifts.
It was fantastic.
But these days? Well, let's just say that my gaze has taken to wandering once again.
The truth is, I've grown sort of bored with YA fiction.
A couple of months ago, I was going through the books in my room and I realized that there was one I had forgotten to finish reading. It was a YA fiction book that I had bought the year before and, almost immediately upon starting it, I grew very attached to it. In fact, I remembered raving about how much I liked it while I was reading it before. So, I decided to finish it up. There were only fifty pages or so until the end and I couldn't believe that I had left it alone in the first place.
Thirty minutes later, I was done with it and I was confused. Was that boredom I felt? Why didn't I care? A few months ago, that was one of my favorite books, so where were the amazing characters I had raved about? Where was the story line that had me hooked from the first page? Why did the ending -- the most important part of this particular novel -- feel like nothing more than sand slipping through my fingers? What, exactly, had I loved so much?
I couldn't answer those questions. So, I decided that I was having an off day and I put the book back on my shelf. Wrong time to read that, I thought. But then I looked at another YA book I had read earlier on, and I realized that I couldn't remember what it was about. I vaguely recalled a bossy secondary character and a club, but that was it.
From that point on, I made a point to observe what I felt after reading new YA novels. And, after another novel or two, I began to think that what I had felt and noticed that day was a fluke. I read new novels and I liked the characters and I felt empowered at the end of the book. But then, I noticed something new that I had overlooked before. A few days after I read the newest novel I had purchased, the details were getting fuzzy. I couldn't quite remember the character's voice and that great feeling I had after I read it had dissipated. My friend wanted to discuss the novel with me, and I found myself flipping through it just to find what chapters I had really liked. Only, what I really found was that nothing in particular had really stood out to me when I went back through it.
There were no lines that made me laugh. Not like the first time I read it. There were no characters with enough depth for me to really comment on. And the story line that I thought I loved when I first read it, well, that felt rushed and sort of flimsy. I am a little lost on what to say now, because the more YA novels I read, the more I'm finding that I have this reaction a few days later.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all YA fiction has gone down the hole (There are still plenty of YA fiction books that I adore. For example, there's Sabriel by Garth Nix and Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block, both of which I will probably end up reviewing on here at some point.), but there is something in the YA market that is really losing me these days, and I can't quite pinpoint what it is.
If I had to take a guess, I would probably say that YA books tend to move a lot faster than other types of fiction. I think part of that is meant to keep the attention of the audience and to keep them wrapped up in the story, but I'm getting the feeling that these fast-paced, compact stories aren't capturing the weight of the plot, the characters and the details.
Of course, there's a chance that this is all just a phase for me. Granted, I haven't had any reemerging feelings of fondness for the books that have lost my interest so quickly -- even after several months pass -- but there's still a chance, and I'm willing to hang onto that for a while longer. Maybe in a couple months, I'll be back with a perplexed look on my face and a totally different opinion on this matter. But, for the moment, I am not sold.
What are your thoughts on this? Anyone else in the same boat?
PS: I'll still be finishing the 2011 Debut Author Contest. But after that is over, I think I'll be taking a break from reviewing YA books. I've got some wonderful other books that I would like to review for you, and I can only hope that you'll find enjoyment in other types of reading, too.
PPS: I have not reviewed books that are falling under this category of thought, so those authors whose books I have reviewed on here should not feel this is directed toward them. And, likewise, if I haven't reviewed a book that I said I bought, you can probably assume that I'm just busy and I haven't read it yet.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Book Review: Angelfire
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton - (2011 Debut Author Challenge: 2 of 12)
"Now she must hunt. Ellie has power that no one else can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember." (Cover blurb on book).
Before I joined the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, I found an interview with the author of this book on a web page. The cover and the cover blurb caught my interest immediately. When I found the 2011DAC a few days later, I knew I had to sign up. What better excuse could I possibly find to buy more books? And once I registered, this book was added to the list without a second thought.
After finishing it, I have to say that I'm glad I read it. From what I've heard, a lot of people are writing angels these days, but this is the first book I've read in a while including that kind of subject matter. It was a nice change from vampires, which are okay, but I've read a lot of those recently. Besides, this book also deals with reapers, which are pretty awesome if you ask me.
The main character was realistic. Her voice had a nice flow to it, and I found myself reading a lot faster than I wanted to... because I like to make my books last at least two days. The side characters all had their own voices and Ellie's friends all sound like teenagers, which was good. Of course, like always, my favorite character was a side character and a villain.
Over all, I found the storyline to be engaging. The overarching plot line was interesting and I found myself wanting to find out more about Ellie's character, as well as the world of the reapers. And while all of this supernatural-big-picture stuff is happening, there's the part of Ellie that is desperately clinging to her old life, which makes it easy for the reader to relate to her.
On the whole, I genuinely liked this book and I'm looking forward to the second book.
This book can be found in stores and online:
Angelfire
Happy reading!
PS: I think I'm doing away with the rating system from here on out. I'm finding that it's really difficult to determine what sort of rating I would give a book, when my opinion tends to change on a day to day basis. If you would like to see the rating system continue for book reviews, let me know! I'm willing to keep it if it's important to you.
"First there are nightmares. Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.
"Then come the memories. When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street corner at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the keys to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.
Before I joined the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, I found an interview with the author of this book on a web page. The cover and the cover blurb caught my interest immediately. When I found the 2011DAC a few days later, I knew I had to sign up. What better excuse could I possibly find to buy more books? And once I registered, this book was added to the list without a second thought.
After finishing it, I have to say that I'm glad I read it. From what I've heard, a lot of people are writing angels these days, but this is the first book I've read in a while including that kind of subject matter. It was a nice change from vampires, which are okay, but I've read a lot of those recently. Besides, this book also deals with reapers, which are pretty awesome if you ask me.
The main character was realistic. Her voice had a nice flow to it, and I found myself reading a lot faster than I wanted to... because I like to make my books last at least two days. The side characters all had their own voices and Ellie's friends all sound like teenagers, which was good. Of course, like always, my favorite character was a side character and a villain.
Over all, I found the storyline to be engaging. The overarching plot line was interesting and I found myself wanting to find out more about Ellie's character, as well as the world of the reapers. And while all of this supernatural-big-picture stuff is happening, there's the part of Ellie that is desperately clinging to her old life, which makes it easy for the reader to relate to her.
On the whole, I genuinely liked this book and I'm looking forward to the second book.
This book can be found in stores and online:
Angelfire
Happy reading!
PS: I think I'm doing away with the rating system from here on out. I'm finding that it's really difficult to determine what sort of rating I would give a book, when my opinion tends to change on a day to day basis. If you would like to see the rating system continue for book reviews, let me know! I'm willing to keep it if it's important to you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Book Review: Paranormalcy
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
"Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
"Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
Rating: 4/5
I picked this novel up at a bookstore a couple of days ago (a story I'll tell you later, because it's sort of long and I would rather review this right now), but I only got around to reading it today. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White was recommended to me a couple of weeks ago and, when I saw it on the table, I thought I would add it to the stack of books I was already purchasing. Once I realized how much my books were going to be, I almost put all of them except for the debut novel back, but I really couldn't help myself... and I'm glad I spent the money.
Let me start by saying: This book is a page turner. Seriously. I just read it all in a few hours, only breaking for dinner and coffee. I kept reading even when my beautiful kitty somehow swindled me out of most of my chair. But, page turning does not turn this into a proper review, so onward we go.
First off, I'm a sucker for faerie novels. So the fact that there were faeries in this novel? Automatic plus. But, with or without that aspect, I loved this book.
Characterization, in my opinion, was definitely one of the stronger points in this novel. The main character, Evie, was light and relatively cheerful, despite the rather dark situation. She was well developed and she moved the story along with ease. She made everything interesting, even simply traveling down the hallway (in a rolling chair). And I really appreciated the fact that she wasn't just a lay-down-and-take-it character, even though she had been fairly sheltered up until things started going wrong.
And Raquel - a woman who was, in many ways, Evie's parental figure - was exceptionally expressive, as well as being a very private individual. Even the smallest characters in this book had their share of personality, which was wonderful to see.
The only thing that kept me from giving this a five out of five was that, at times, I really didn't feel the relationship between Evie and some of the other characters. While all of the characters had personality, I was only told how Evie felt about them. And, to sell me completely on a book, showing versus telling really is key. Still, I thought it was excellent and I expect some of that will even out later.
Some of the plots remain unresolved by the end of the novel, but I suspect that has rather more to do with the coming sequels than a lack of attention paid to each point. I'm really looking forward to those, in case you couldn't tell already.
This book can be found in bookstores or online:
Paranormalcy
Happy readings!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Book Review: XVI
XVI by Julia Karr - (2011 Debut Author Challenge: 1 of 12)
"Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist -- sixteen. They say they're there for protection.
I went shopping yesterday or, perhaps, I went wandering and just so happened upon a bookstore. The point is, I ended up spending and hour and a half trying to decide on the perfect book instead of drinking coffee and writing as I had originally planned. I came home with one... this one (I know, an hour and a half to find one book is a little bit sad, but I might have just been enjoying the new book smell and absorbing the atmosphere).
When I saw this on the shelf, I recognized the title from the list of novels debuting this month and I thought I would give it a go. I started reading at 5:30 yesterday and I read for an hour or so. Then I picked it up again after school today and finished just a little bit ago... kind of watching movies in between chapters. I think I should clarify something right now. I did receive the book that was in the mail and I have started reading that, but this one just caught me.
XVI is a dystopian novel and an addicting read. Set in the year 2150, things have changed. Everything is ruled by the Governing Council and people literally fight to survive in a world that is supposed to be perfect. But that's just the thing, no one thinks anything is wrong. Media is pounded into their heads day after day and there's never enough silence to think for themselves, which is where Nina's journey begins.
I really enjoyed this novel. For a debut, I think it's impressive. The characters were engaging - even the ones I didn't like - and the plot kept me turning pages more rapidly than usual. Nina was a strong lead and her point of view offered the perfect mindset for this story. The only thing that really caught me off guard was the pacing. It seemed to be going along at a nice rate until I got toward the end and I realized there were ten pages left to wrap up everything. I became doubtful, but it turns out that I didn't need to be.
The ending didn't quite feel finished to me at first and the pacing still seemed off, but after looking it up, that's because it isn't finished and some of this is carrying on into the next book. According to the author website, there's supposed to be a sequel coming out at some point (wish I knew when), and this is news that I'm genuinely glad to hear. I'm not done with this world or these characters just yet.
So why the four out of five?
Well, I really was expecting a bit more action regarding the tattoo. I felt there was a lot of build up for what little came of that, but that plot wasn't necessarily the main one - as it seemed in the beginning - and perhaps it'll show up in the sequel.
There was one scene that really kind of threw me off too, but I won't go into that since I don't want to spoil anything for you.
Also, I caught a few typos, which was kind of weird. I've never seen those get through before, but maybe I'm just not usually paying attention.
But, overall and those things aside, I would have to say that I loved this book. I'm interested to see more from this author, and not just the sequel to XVI. For the moment, though, I offer my congratulations to Ms. Karr on a great debut and I recommend this book to any of you interested in YA dystopians.
This book can be found in stores and online:
XVI
Happy reading!
PS: This book is probably best for ages 14 and up.
"Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist -- sixteen. They say they're there for protection. "Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.
"Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal life is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help -- and he may just hold the key to her past.
"But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure... for Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet." (Cover blurb on book).
Rating: 4/5
I went shopping yesterday or, perhaps, I went wandering and just so happened upon a bookstore. The point is, I ended up spending and hour and a half trying to decide on the perfect book instead of drinking coffee and writing as I had originally planned. I came home with one... this one (I know, an hour and a half to find one book is a little bit sad, but I might have just been enjoying the new book smell and absorbing the atmosphere).
When I saw this on the shelf, I recognized the title from the list of novels debuting this month and I thought I would give it a go. I started reading at 5:30 yesterday and I read for an hour or so. Then I picked it up again after school today and finished just a little bit ago... kind of watching movies in between chapters. I think I should clarify something right now. I did receive the book that was in the mail and I have started reading that, but this one just caught me.
XVI is a dystopian novel and an addicting read. Set in the year 2150, things have changed. Everything is ruled by the Governing Council and people literally fight to survive in a world that is supposed to be perfect. But that's just the thing, no one thinks anything is wrong. Media is pounded into their heads day after day and there's never enough silence to think for themselves, which is where Nina's journey begins.
I really enjoyed this novel. For a debut, I think it's impressive. The characters were engaging - even the ones I didn't like - and the plot kept me turning pages more rapidly than usual. Nina was a strong lead and her point of view offered the perfect mindset for this story. The only thing that really caught me off guard was the pacing. It seemed to be going along at a nice rate until I got toward the end and I realized there were ten pages left to wrap up everything. I became doubtful, but it turns out that I didn't need to be.
The ending didn't quite feel finished to me at first and the pacing still seemed off, but after looking it up, that's because it isn't finished and some of this is carrying on into the next book. According to the author website, there's supposed to be a sequel coming out at some point (wish I knew when), and this is news that I'm genuinely glad to hear. I'm not done with this world or these characters just yet.
So why the four out of five?
Well, I really was expecting a bit more action regarding the tattoo. I felt there was a lot of build up for what little came of that, but that plot wasn't necessarily the main one - as it seemed in the beginning - and perhaps it'll show up in the sequel.
There was one scene that really kind of threw me off too, but I won't go into that since I don't want to spoil anything for you.
Also, I caught a few typos, which was kind of weird. I've never seen those get through before, but maybe I'm just not usually paying attention.
But, overall and those things aside, I would have to say that I loved this book. I'm interested to see more from this author, and not just the sequel to XVI. For the moment, though, I offer my congratulations to Ms. Karr on a great debut and I recommend this book to any of you interested in YA dystopians.
This book can be found in stores and online:
XVI
Happy reading!
PS: This book is probably best for ages 14 and up.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Book Review: The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I was hesitant to read this book originally -- mostly because someone had full-out convinced me that it was about cannibalism and I wasn't totally sure I wanted to read on that topic. It's not. When I finally purchased The Hunger Games, I was pleasantly surprised to find a blend of adventure (survival of the fittest) and sort-of romance in a dystopian setting.
Katniss is a strong lead, and she's got what it takes to keep this novel alive. She's not the sort of person to let anyone walk all over her, even when the odds are against her, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her knack for survival starting in the first few pages let the reader know that she was by no means to be considered helpless, and she didn't break down just because she was in a bad situation.
Emotional involvement isn't difficult to achieve with me when I'm reading; even a terrible work of fiction can keep me hooked until the end, if only so I can have closure. But it takes a decent plot, connection to the characters, and a pretty good writing style to keep me singing praises after a few days have passed.
By the end of this novel, I was ready to go fight my own battles. And even after several weeks had passed, I was still interested in the characters, so I bought the second book (which I have yet to read). While it probably isn't for the weak of stomach, this series has my praise.
The Hunger Games has captured my attention. I won't bash you over the head with it and tell you to read it or else, but I definitely recommend it to readers looking for a thrill ride.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
The Hunger Games
Happy reading!
"Could you survive on your own in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't see the morning?
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
"Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love." (Cover blurb on book).I was hesitant to read this book originally -- mostly because someone had full-out convinced me that it was about cannibalism and I wasn't totally sure I wanted to read on that topic. It's not. When I finally purchased The Hunger Games, I was pleasantly surprised to find a blend of adventure (survival of the fittest) and sort-of romance in a dystopian setting.
Katniss is a strong lead, and she's got what it takes to keep this novel alive. She's not the sort of person to let anyone walk all over her, even when the odds are against her, and I enjoyed her spirit. Her knack for survival starting in the first few pages let the reader know that she was by no means to be considered helpless, and she didn't break down just because she was in a bad situation.
Emotional involvement isn't difficult to achieve with me when I'm reading; even a terrible work of fiction can keep me hooked until the end, if only so I can have closure. But it takes a decent plot, connection to the characters, and a pretty good writing style to keep me singing praises after a few days have passed.
By the end of this novel, I was ready to go fight my own battles. And even after several weeks had passed, I was still interested in the characters, so I bought the second book (which I have yet to read). While it probably isn't for the weak of stomach, this series has my praise.
The Hunger Games has captured my attention. I won't bash you over the head with it and tell you to read it or else, but I definitely recommend it to readers looking for a thrill ride.
This book can be found in bookstores and online:
The Hunger Games
Happy reading!
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