We're an Open Book
 |
| Between 2013-2014 I attempt to read a large selection of David Levithan novels. See the full list here |
We are kind of skipping around in publication order because I think these two Levithan novels have a lot in common as they are both love stories written in nontraditional prose.
…
I discovered the page 69 theory from the Books on The Night Stand podcast, but I guess it’s been circulating the bookternet for while. The theory states that the litmus test for if you will like a book can be found by reading page 69. Well, challenge accepted.
…
- U.S Release Date: November 12, 2013
- Genre: Thriller
- Pages: 384
- Publisher: Bloomsbury
At Book Expo America last summer, Hostage Three was all the buzz at the Bloomsbury booth, so when I saw it on NetGalley I decided to give it a try.
…
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
I’ve reviewed a few sequels this year and though I usually have a pretty good idea of what to expect but Maggie Stiefvater really surprised me with her approach to The Raven Boys sequel.
The Dream Thieves is the sequel that’s not trying to be a sequel (and I guess it’s not since it’s the second book in a four book series.) It wasn’t trying to set up for an overarching plot or wrap up loose ends from book one, it just told a story. The complicated and dark story of The Raven Boys resident bad boy Ronan Lynch.
…
 |
| Join Kat as she reads the works of YA author, David Levithan from his debut novel to his National Book Award shortlisted novel, Two Boys Kissing. See more here ! |
I’m pretty sure David Levithan has more “and” credits than any other YA author. He has co-written with popular YA authors including; Brian Selznick, John Green and Andrea Creamer. I’ll be exploring these books in the next few weeks, but I’m starting with his most frequent partner in crime; Rachel Cohn, a veteran YA author herself.
Cohn and Levithan write stories that are all about romance and love, but their unique storytelling methods bring something new to the genre. Their writing aesthetics work wonderfully together and I really hope we see more from them in the future. This week I have reviewed the audiobook versions all of their collabs.
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2006)
…
Audiobook : The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Jim Dale, infamous for narrating the Harry Potter audiobooks, brings dynamic performance to The Night Circus. This is my second time encountering this story of a magical circus told through the eyes of a romance. Once you get away from the idea of “main characters”, this book has so much to offer. The Night Circus has a way of breaking down the usual
fantasy elements; magic, glamour, spells, and clairvoyance and lets them shine in a new light. While probably not historical accurate once you step into the settings and watch Morgenstern perform her storytelling, you might just be ready to run away with the circus. –★★★★
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
It’s sequel time! Honestly, I wasn’t sure Insurgent could hold up as a sequel, but Insurgent is an action-packed novel with plot twists and surprises around every corner. I read this book over the course of a few months and I was able to easily get back into the plot each time. I enjoyed how the relationship developed between Four and Tris. I found them to be the only characters in this book who I could really care about. There were so many side characters I couldn’t remember who was who. Either way the stakes are higher in this novel and I officially can not wait for Allegiant! – ★★★★
How To Ruin A Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
Amy Nelson’s summer vacation has been ruined. Instead of attending tennis camp, she will be spending three months in Israel with her estranged father to meet her paternal family for the first time. Like most American teens all Amy expects to find nothing but deserts, guns and bombings but what she finds instead is love, family, and respect. Amy’s narrative is snarky, headstrong and carefree as she deals with the culture shock. This book has a few good moments that touch on the difference between American and Israeli teenage life, but overall the book keeps a light tone with little conflict. I found Amy’s voice a little less charming and in the middle of the book and at some point she came off as a bit ignorant. The romance was sweet but overtly predictable. ★★