BOOK BAG - FEBRUARY and MARCH MAYBE?

It has been literally months since I updated my book list.  It would be easy to just say forget it, but I do like having some type of record of what I read every where.  The list below is one I started writing in April.  This means that I'm guessing I read most of these in February and March 2014.
All of these are books checked out from our local library.


Blackout by Wells, Robison / YA / **1/2

1. Teenagers are starting to develop strange abilities. The government starts rounding up all young people, telling the public they are testing for a dangerous virus. Outside groups are at work to overthrow the government.  This is one of those books that you are left pondering if the government is trying to help by protecting the citizens or is really seeking power by claiming free citizens and using them as tools.  I thought I would like that this book was based in Utah, but instead it kinda threw me off. Not sure why.

2.,3.,4.

Ruby Red (The Ruby Red Trilogy) by Gier, Kerstin and Anthea Bell / YA / ***1/2

Sapphire Blue (The Ruby Red Trilogy) by Gier, Kerstin and Bell, Anthea / YA / ***

Emerald Green (The Ruby Red Trilogy) by Gier, Kerstin and Bell, Anthea / YA / ***

This Young Adult trilogy has it all... a realistic but flawed heroine, her faithful nerdy sidekick, a storybook-worthy love interest, and a narrative arc full of adventure and mystery. It involves time travel, an evil villein, and great clothes! The first book was the the best one. I was disappointed with the abruptness of the ending... it seemed very anti-climatic to me. Despite that, it was a good read.

5.

Fangirl by Rowell, Rainbow / YA / ****

Rainbow Rowell is a new rising star in the world of young adult literature. Her characters are so real, her dialogue is brilliant, and she delivers the right amount of emotional punch.  Her writing celebrates the ordinary, the quirky, and the flawed.  I am a fan.

Inside Out and Back Again by Lai, Thanhha / YA / ****

6. This is the story of a family that escaped Vietnam during the fall of the government to communism in the 70's.  It is a story of a broken family in a new country with new customs. It had light-hearted moments telling cultural mistakes made and overcome, as well as tender moments as we are introduced to people who see the value of every member of the human family regardless of color of skin or country of origin.   I sat down and started this book during my lunch hour and then couldn't put it down until I was done.  This book joins a list of great literature that educates as well as inspires.

Just Listen by Dessen, Sarah / YA / ****

7. Another great story by Sarah Dessen.  The title, "Just Listen" refers to a  disc made for the main character, Annabel, by her new friend Owen. To me, the title should instead be, "Just Speak" as the story focuses on how the unsaid thoughts and needs carried by different characters affect not only themselves but those around them.  I like how the author Sarah is not into immediate results in her books, meaning that she understands and shares that healing takes time.  Relationships take time.  People take time. 

The Moon and More by Sarah, Dessen / YA / ***

8. This one was not my favorite of Sarah Dessen's books but I appreciated the message that in life, people let us down and disappoint us, but we can still love and appreciate the good things they have to offer.   

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies) by Lore, Pittacus / YA / ****1/2

9. The is the second book in the Lorien Legacies (the first being, "I am Number Four").  I am really enjoying this series. The foundation of the story is that ten aliens escaped their conquered planet to hide on earth until they can come into their powers and seek retribution.  The actual story is so much more than that, and is very character driven.  This series is one that I devour each book in one sitting.

The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies) by Lore, Pittacus / YA / ****

10. This is the third book in the Lorien Legacies (see above).  The story continues as Four and Six work together to find the other members of their group scattered across the globe while trying to avoid capture by their alien enemies.  

Rapture (Fallen) by Kate, Lauren / YA / *

11. In February I wrote that I had read the first three books of this series and really hated them. Don't ask me what I was thinking by reading this fourth and final book.  There should be a word for the level of stupidity required to continue to read something you know you are going to hate. 

12.,13.,14.

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by DeStefano, Lauren  / YA / ***1/2

Fever (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by DeStefano, Lauren  / YA / ***

 

Sever (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by DeStefano, Lauren  / YA / ***

I don't remember a lot of the details of this one... I remember it was a post-apocalyptic world... and that experiments had been done to make a perfect race had only worked on the original generation.  All children born after the genetic changes only lived until age 20 for women and 25 for men.
Because of this, society is in chaos.  Orphans are everywhere. Crime and poverty are persistent. Those alive have a live-while-you-can mentality.
 
The main character was kidnapped off the street and forced to be one of the multiple wives of a rich man working to have multiple children to continue the species.  His father (one of the original citizens with long life) has an ulterior motive that is dark and sinister. 

I remember liking the books but thought the first one was by far the best. One of my pet peeves is implausible coincidences and this series was full of them.