Book Blogger Hop (13)

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer from Crazy-For-Books and is now hosted by Billy of Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.

This week's question is: Do you sneak a peek at the number of views your posts have gotten?

My answer: I mean, I see the numbers when I'm looking at my post list sometimes, but generally I don't care. I don't blog in a way that really makes you popular these days, or gives you really high view counts. I'm slow and steady, and I hope high-quality (which isn't to say that other blogs aren't high quality, just that, you know, 1300-word long reviews take a while to write) and I'm okay with that being my niche.

Don't stress the stuff you can't control, you know? I can work on my content, and I can work on maybe trying to get a review onto goodreads once in a blue moon (shaming myself so hard here), but I can't control how many people click over to my blog, or anything like that. Better to focus on the things that are under my control than what isn't.

Dang, I should eat dinner. I'm getting all weird, lol. What was your answer this week?

Peace and cookies,
Laina

Can't Wait Wednesday (26)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, which was created by Jill Breaking the Spine.

Where She Fell by Kaitlin Ward

Release date: October 30th, 2018
Amazon / Book Depository / Indiebound

Summary (from goodreads): Eliza knows the legends about the swamp near her house—that people have fallen into sinkholes, never to be seen again, maybe even falling to the center of the earth. As an aspiring geologist, she knows the last part is impossible. But when her best friends drag her onto the uneven ground anyway, Eliza knows to be worried.

And when the earth opens under her feet, there isn't even time to say I told you so.

As she scrambles through one cave, which leads to another, and another, Eliza finds herself in an impossible world—where a small group of people survive underground, running from vicious creatures, eating giant bugs, and creating their own subterranean society. Eliza is grateful to be alive, but this isn't home. Is she willing to risk everything to get back to the surface?

The part where I talk: Gosh, but YA is coming out with some unique premises this year. Also, I'm always down for female protagonists with interest in STEM fields.

Also, this is a nifty cover.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Peace and cookies,
Laina

YA Review: After the Fire

Dang, I missed these! With the end of QSR and getting sick, I haven't written a review in a while. I assume I still remember how to do it, so let's get going.

After the Fire by Will Hill

Published: I believe it was first released in 2017 in the UK, but its North American debut will be October 2nd, 2018 from Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Contemporary YA
Binding: E-arc
Page Count: Goodreads says 464
Part of a series? No.
Got via: I requested it on Edelweiss.
Amazon / Book Depository / Indiebound

Summary (from goodreads): Before, she lived inside the fence. Before, she was never allowed to leave the property, never allowed to talk to Outsiders, never allowed to speak her mind. Because Father John controlled everything—and Father John liked rules. Disobeying Father John came with terrible consequences.

But there are lies behind Father John's words. Outside, there are different truths.

Then came the fire.

Review: Not gonna lie, I find cults fascinating. I know it's kind of awful to say that, but I also know I'm not alone, or there wouldn't be so many documentaries and books and TV shows and movies and what-not about them. I bet there's a fair few of you who are right there with me in reading the summary of this and being instantly intrigued, because cults.

Normally I wouldn't mention this in a review because it's not the book's problem, but in this case it's actually shows how much I liked the book - my e-arc of this was fairly messed up. The formatting is kind of a disaster, with no paragraph indents, no real indication what's a break like between scenes or whatever, sentences jumping around from where they should be. And honestly sometimes if I'm not that into the book, I'll give up on it if the formatting's really bad because it just gets annoying and I already read slower on Kindle.

I read this in a day. While that's about average for me with a hardcopy book, Kindle books usually take a couple days. This was really, really good.

Plot Talk: This is told by our main character Moonbeam after a fire has ravaged her home, a property that would be most effectively called a compound, though she hates that word being used to describe it. She's in the hospital in a closed psych ward to be treated both for the physical effects of the fire, and for the obvious trauma of having been raised in a cult. As the book goes on, it tells about her daily life and the events that lead up to the fire, with also a fair amount of focus on her recovery and the criminal investigation into the cult. It's not entirely told through flashback, which I really appreciated. I thought what was happening afterwards was just as interesting.

Characters: This has a fairly large cast and mostly manages to use them in really interesting ways. Moonbeam is a great narrator. She's observant enough and curious enough that we get really good looks at the other characters and dynamics going on, without her personality disappearing, or being one hundred percent objective. It's a lot more interesting than her being a blank narrator to see her start to think about people she's known all her life and realizing they did bad things.

Which leads me to something else I liked a lot - the way people were presented talked a lot about the idea that people that Moonbeam grew up with, people she cared about deeply, people that she considered good people - could do terrible, abusive things. And it was very interesting to see it examined how people could get into a situation like this, and how one bad person could essentially trap them. Not all of them, but a lot of them.

I also liked the people at the hospital and the agent questioning Moonbeam. It's interesting to see them contrasted with other adults who had been in her life, as they react to things that have been normalized for her. And especially as they open up a little, and relax a little. It's a very good dynamic.

Also, props for the lack of romance in this book. Moonbeam has a crush on an older dude, but nothing ever, ever happens between them, and his feelings for her are like those you'd have for a younger sister. With how messed up Moonbeam is, honestly, it's nice to see the book kind of avoid that whole area, as it probably wouldn't be very healthy for her at that time. And I honestly did like the book saying it was fine for Moonbeam to have a crush on an older person, but it was his responsibility to not return those feelings, or do anything inappropriate or anything like that. She's allowed to have those feelings, and she isn't doing anything wrong. Nice to see that in YA.

PG-13 stuff: Trigger warnings for sexual abuse, sex shaming, slurs, religious abuse, child abuse, and abuse in general, fire, guns and gunfire, ableism (from the cult), suicide (the method of which is describe bluntly, but Moonbeam does not witness it or anything), physical violence, alcohol and drug abuse mentions, and murder. There's a lot going on.

Cons, complaints, bad stuff, etc.: This is a really white, straight, abled book. Sexual orientation is mentioned once by Moonbeam's doctor, but there's not really much of anything for diversity. And I get that cults might be a little bigoted, but there's enough time outside of the cult that the author could have included a bit more. I think her psychiatrist is possibly Latino, but that's only judging by his last name. As far as I noticed, he's not physically described very much.

I also think this lacked women a lot of the time. Moonbeam's main nurse is the only real positive female character besides her, and she doesn't get a whole lot of screentime. I see no reason either the Agent or her doctor couldn't have been a woman, or her nurse could have been more developed beyond asking how she's doing and hugging her once.

There's also a running thread of fatmisia. There's like no positive fat characters. There is one large man, but he is described only that way, as large, and it's implied more he's very tall and strong. Since he's (mostly) a good character (and Moonbeam cares a lot about him), he's described positively. Meanwhile, there's a bad character who is very manipulative and abusive, and whom Moonbeam hates, and he's, of course, fat. And him being fat is mentioned every single time he shows up, and usually in terms like "hugely fat". It's clearly meant to be another reason he's meant to be seen as a bad character, including looking "rat-like" or whatever.

Cover comments: I could take it or leave it. It works for what the book is about, but it doesn't wow me. It's fine.

Conclusion: While obviously I had a few complaints, I found this fascinating and couldn't stop reading it. It's a great premise, and I think over-all it's handled really well. I do really like therapy in YA, and I think it's really important that almost everyone who treats Moonbeam is kind to her, and recognizes that she's had a very traumatic experience. With so much mental health care in media being depicted as evil or bad in general, it's important to see positive examples. All in all, I'd really recommend this one if you're into media about cults. Four out of five roses, with a half rose off for lacking diversity and the fatmisia.



Other notes:

- Whenever Luke talks, I just hear Isaac from the Children of the Corn movie.

- The book opens quoting my favourite Johnny Cash song that I used to use in playlists for school a ton. It's such a good tone-setting song.

Peace and cookies,
Laina

Book Blogger Hop (12)

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer from Crazy-For-Books and is now hosted by Billy of Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.

This week's question is: Do you like to finish one book before starting the next or do you read several at once?

My answer: I read one book at a time like anyone who isn't a heathen.

No, I'm completely kidding. I don't care how other people manage their reading, but I can only deal with reading one book at a time. If I read more than one, I lose track of what's going on where. Having to read multiple books for school was always something I disliked. Plus I'm too impatient to find out what's going to happen, lol, and can't stop reading easily.

How about you all?

Peace and cookies,
Laina

Can't Wait Wednesday (25)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa of Wishful Endings. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, which was created by Jill Breaking the Spine.

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth

Release date: October 23, 2018
Amazon / Book Depository / Indiebound

Summary (from goodreads): Five years ago, Evelyn and Philippa Hapwell cowered from air strikes in a London bomb shelter. But that night took a turn when the sisters were transported to another realm called the Woodlands. In a forest kingdom populated by creatures out of myth and legend, they found temporary refuge.

When Ev and Phil finally returned to London, nothing had changed at all—nothing, except themselves.

Now, Evelyn spends her days sneaking into the woods outside her boarding school, wishing for the Woodlands. Overcome with longing, she is desperate to return no matter what it takes.

Philippa, on the other hand, is determined to find a place in this world. She shields herself behind a flawless exterior and countless friends, and moves to America to escape the memory of what was.

But when Evelyn goes missing, Philippa must confront the depth of her sister’s despair and the painful truths they’ve been running from. As the weeks unfold, Philippa wonders if Ev truly did find a way home, or if the weight of their worlds pulled her under.

The part where I talk: First of all, the summary on goodreads has a link to content warnings on the author's website, and I love that. It's really nice to see that from mainstream/traditionally published books, as I see that way more from indie authors.

Second, I love this kind of premise. I have a deeply burning rage about Susan Pevensie, and I feel like this is totally going to satisfy that rage. *vibrates* My body is ready!

Anyways, what are you all excited for?

Peace and cookies,
Laina

Things I've Read Recently (79)

If you're new around here, Things I've Read Recently is a series of posts I do that are basically mini-reviews of books that I either forgot to review, didn't have enough to say for a full review, or just didn't want to do a full post about for whatever reason.

Three Sisters by Norma Fox Mazer

Published: January 1st, 1986 by Scholastic
Genre: Contemporary YA
Binding: Paperback
Page Count:
Part of a series? Nope.
Got via: Library reject.
Amazon / AbeBooks

Summary (from goodreads): All the talents in Karen's family were taken up by her older sisters: Liz is the beautiful one; Tobi is a talented artist. And Karen - she's just the little Freed girl.

The only one who takes her seriously is Scott, Liz's almost-fiance. He helps her find a summer job. He lets her take care of him when he's sick. He understands how she thinks, who she is. And when he kisses her, Karen is sure she's found someone who thinks she's special.

Funny how wrong a little sister can be.

Thoughts: This is a weird book. The voice is strange. Maybe I'm just not that used to reading third person these days, but it was very removed. Surprisingly, despite being written in the peak of the 80s, it's not technology or fashion that dates this book the most, but the attitude. Because I am sorry, but if you are 21, and the guy you are dating, who is your age or older, comes onto your fifteen year old sister and kisses her, you do not get mad at HER. You get angry at him, and possibly murder him and bury his body in the woods where no one can ever find it.

Seriously that boggled my mind. Honestly, it's no wonder that YA started having overly-perfect and idealized male characters. Every dude in this book besides their dad is a creep! And even their dad is kind of bland. Karen's boyfriend won't spend 5 minutes without pushing her for sex she's not ready to have, or interested in having, he can't say anything nice about her but "she's okay", and he immediately starts dating her best friend after they break up. Liz's "almost-fiance" is, again, a 21 year old who thinks it's okay to kiss a 15 year old and then pretty much blames her for it. Tobi's boyfriend is a 35 year old professor (with a 14 year old daughter) dating his 18 year old student, and physically and emotionally abuses her.

The weirdest part of this is it's kind of a dull book. Not a ton happens and the plot is really slow. I dunno, it was just kind of boring. My copy is also really beat up and I actually had to tape it back together to be able to read it, so I'm just gonna pass this one along. Not one I'd reread. This was re-released as an ebook in 2015, and I can't say I'd really recommend it, even though I've enjoyed other books by the author.

Do You Want Fries With That? by Martyn Godfrey

Published: It was released in 1996 from Scholastic Canada.
Genre: Contemporary MG
Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 153 plus an About the Author
Part of a series? No.
Got via: It's a library weed.
AbeBooks

Summary (from goodreads): Brittany and her best friend Laura are all ready for a great spring break. Florida, Disney World, MGM Studies - it's as if someone has taken their order for a dream vacation! And meeting the drop-dead gorgeous star of Do You Want Fries With That?, their favorite TV show, would be the perfect dessert.

Too bad the order is delivered by Brittany's overprotective father. "Talk to him," Laura advices. But he still treats her like a little girl.

Just when Brittany thinks she's had all she can take, things start happening. Before you know it, dessert arrives - complete with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top!

Thoughts: A few years ago I reread a childhood favourite by this author, There's a Cow In My Swimming Pool, which actually shares a couple of traits with this one. The girls in this one have only been friends for a couple months, just like that one, it's set over a school holiday, and the character types are pretty similar. Looking at the author's goodreads profile, I think I managed to find two of the most similar books he's written, among some pretty varying premises like historicals and fantasy, which I find amusing.

Honestly I liked this one more than I expected. It's cute. Very wish fulfillment, but there's nothing wrong with that. And this kind of "child actor celebrity has a harder life than you'd think and wants to be normal sometimes" plot was actually pretty common during this time period. I think the Baby-Sitter's Club had a book with a very similar premise. For some reason, it was a thing for a while.

I still liked the dynamic of the girls only having known each other for two months and still figuring each other out, and the subplot of Britt dealing with her dad treating her like she was a very small child was good, especially because the book pointed out when they were both not acting their best, and when he was actually right about things. Also, Britt is Latina and biracial, and the author doesn't overstep in my opinion. It's mentioned at the beginning, and then the book isn't about that, which I think is probably the best choice for a white dude in the 90s, you know?

All in all, I liked this fine. Plus it's a pretty slim book, so it's not gonna take up a ton of shelf space when I keep it, which I do believe I will. Also, props to the cover artist for really nailing an actual scene in the book.

Fun trivia time: The show in this book is a comedy show set in a fast food restaurant. Where apparently a 13 year old can get a job and work the fry station so, some lax labour laws in this world. There was actually a Canadian teen sitcom called Fries With That? in 2004, although it was based on a Quebecois show, and totally unrelated to this book. I just find that amusing.

Who Let Girls in the Boys' Locker Room? by Elaine Moore

Published: This edition was released in 1994 by Rainbow Bridge, which is an imprint of Troll.
Genre: Contemporary MG
Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 144
Part of a series? Yeah, there's a sequel. I'll... go into that.
Got via: I think a yard sale or something. There's no library marks or anything.
Amazon / AbeBooks

Summary (from goodreads): Smidge, Skye, and Keisha are three very different girls with one thing in common: they love to play basketball. So when budget cuts eliminate the girls' basketball team, they accept Jefferson Junior High's offer to join the boys' team!

But playing with the boys is more of a challenge than the girls expect. The boys won't accept girls on their team - or in their locker room! As the big game against Jefferson's arch-rival approaches, the girls must prove themselves to be an important part of the team. And the boys must face a tough question: Can boys and girls ever be teammates - or friends?

Thoughts: Hey, can we talk about this school's sexism? Because this school has a sexism problem, before any of the plot even starts. Budget cuts mean that the school no longer has the funds to have two separate basketball teams. The book doesn't necessarily call it "the boys' team", I will give it credit for that. The summary is off there. It's the only team. But why is automatically majority boys? There's 8 boys on the team and 3 girls. Originally 9 and 2! That's kind of messed up. Why aren't the boys trying to join the girls' team?

Anyways, this is quite dated. Like, what eleven-year-old carries a purse at school? And it's just not amazing by any mean. It's very average. I also think the premise of the second book sounds transmisic and offensive. I would not recommend searching this one out, honestly (although I liked other books by the author as a kid) and I'm gonna be passing it on. I wish I had more to say about this one, but there just isn't a lot to it. Props for the food descriptions, though. The girls have a sleepover at one point and it made me want pizza so badly.

Veronica the Show-Off by Nancy K. Robinson

Published: Goodreads says it was published in 1982, but my copy has the copyright date as 1986. Either way, it's from Apple Paperbacks, which was a Scholastic imprint.
Genre: Contemporary MG
Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 128 pages
Part of a series? There are actually four book in this series. I used to own one of them as a kid, but I don't think I ever read it.
Got via: It's a book from a library, but not one I've ever been to. It's from a public school in Regina. Totally random and no idea how I ended up with it.
Amazon / AbeBooks

Summary (from goodreads): Veronica is starting a new school. She wants to make friends. She tells everyone about all the wonderful things she has... even if she doesn't really have them.

Soon everyone at school is tired of Veronica the Show-off. But then a very odd girl named Hilary and a mystery at the library teach Veronica something new: When you're busy being a friend, there's no time to worry about finding one.

Thoughts: What a strange book. I dunno, I think maybe this one is just one you'd need to have more nostalgia for to really enjoy, because for me I just found Veronica a little annoying. Maybe more than a little. And because the book is so short, it doesn't do a whole lot to grow Veronica's character or give us insight on her feelings or anything like that.

Like honestly she gets a little stalker-ish, and if her actions were seen in today's world, they'd seem very creepy indeed.

Also, there's some casual racism towards Native American people, ableism including a slur for little people, and fatmisia from Veronica's mother. So that would definitely keep me from recommending this one. All in all, I just wasn't that impressed by this one and I think I'm just going to pass it on. Short review because there's just not that much to this one. Sorry!!

This was an interesting round! Do you know any of these books? What are your thoughts?

Peace and cookies,
Laina

Book Blogger Hop (11)

The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer from Crazy-For-Books and is now hosted by Billy of Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.

This week's question is: What author do you not read and why?

My answer: Hehe, I have a lot. I have a goodreads shelf of that. Mostly it's about the author's behaviour. There are only so many books you can read in a lifetime. I really do try not to read a lot of books that I know I won't like, and I'm giving myself permission to DNF or pass on more books as I get older.

And that's true of books where I just don't click with the writing style, but it's especially true of books I find offensive. If your book, or your behaviour, tells me that you think I'm less than human, or that something's wrong with me for being the way I am, why would I want to spend time reading your book and then writing about it on my blog? I'm not going to support books from authors who hate ace/aro people, and I'm not going to support any author who writes fat hate books.

Plus I'm not going to put support behind books or authors that are, like, violently racist. I don't think I need to say why, huh?

On a very serious note, I'm also not going to read any author that has been outed as an abuser. I won't read their books, and any books I have read will eventually have their reviews edited or star ratings taken away on goodreads. (Eventually. I'm so behind, unfortunately.)

Yeesh, this got sad. What's something lighter I can add to this? Is there like a funny version of this answer? Um, I don't read a lot of books by dudes?

Oh well, that's the best we're getting today!

Peace and cookies,
Laina