Crazy Beautiful!

Hey!  I know that I posted already today, but I just finished,

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and I thought I'd review!

Synopsis:


In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself. 

Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. 

But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering. 

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.

Wow... So this book was short.  I read it just today.  The cover is very mysterious, eh?  Can't help but wonder what those hooks must look like?

This book had some interesting connections for me.  At my school, I'm very involved in the Musical Theater side of performing arts.  Just a couple weeks ago, we finished our production of Beauty and the Beast which is what Crazy Beautiful is a modern re-telling of.  So that's the first weird part, but then within the story, *SEMI SPOILER* the characters are putting on a production of Grease which my director just announced to be the second show we're doing this year.  Crazy ironic right?!?!?!

So the plot is fairly simple, and follows the typical Beauty and the Beast storyline.  Do I really have to go into detail.  Beast is hideous.  Beauty lives with her father.  They fall in love, except that there is some second guy, who is bad, that also loves the Beauty.  He turns Beauty against Beast, but eventually Beauty returns.  The are together forever, yada yada.

(Actually, there is another reference, at least to the Disney movie; Aurora's last name is Belle.)

Anyway, although Aurora was kind of a typical "Beauty" the fact that her mother's death was explored more by Logsted can be greatly admired.  The fact that we added a fourth person to the love triangle made it a complicated love square.  ;)

Here is my diagram to explain:

Basically, Lucius and Jessup hate each other, Lucius and Aurora love each other, Jessup Loves Aurora, but she only kind of likes him.  While Celia loves Jessup.  Celia and Lucius become friends, and Aurora and Celia are friends.

How are my drawings?  Adequate?

I haven't read a good love square in a long time so I was pleasantly surprised, and pleased!

Also, just the fact that we were able to dive into Lucius' mind so much, was so refreshing.  Although he still had this dark and mysterious outlook, we learned more about him as a character, and as a rough base on the traditional Beast.

My favorite character, had to be Nick the Security Guard.  Just that side plot of Lucius helping him get into the NFL again was so, oh, I don't know the word.  Not pleasing, but almost, amazing.   It was a softer side to Lucius that doesn't show up right away, and certainly doesn't show up with the traditional Beast.  As for Nick himself, he was so human.  *SPOILERS* Just his embarrassment of hassling Lucius about the metal detector.  the moment that was the best for me was when he decides he doesn't care about hooks.  That's he's just going to like Lucius for who he his.  Reflecting on that decision later, he shakes Lucius' hook, in a gesture that must have been agonizing awkward for Lucius in the past.

My favorite moment with Aurora was her curiosity about Lucius and his amputees.  That raw feeling of un-bearability and helplessness she feels when reading stories from other double amputees.

The underlying theme that I want to point out so much, is the desire for human touch.  Also expressed in the stories from other amputees, but mostly expressed from Lucius himself, we discovered this tantalizingly painful feeling for not being able to feel someone.  The scene when *SPOILERS* Aurora and Lucius kiss just in his mind he wants to touch her.  And she wants him to touch her.  Ahhhhhhhh, it was unbearable even for me!  I can't even begin to fathom what it would have been like for them.

The more I analyze this book, the more I like it!  4.5/5 stars!

~Remedyleaf

A Corner of White

Hello!  Today I'm going to talk about an Unreleased book, called

A Corner of White by none other than my favorite author, Jacyln Moriarty!!!!  (Release: April 2013)

Synopsis:

Madeleine Tully lives in Cambridge, England, the World – a city of spires, Isaac Newton and Auntie’s Tea Shop.

Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms, the Kingdom of Cello – where seasons roam, the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar, and bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours.

They are worlds apart – until a crack opens up between them; a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter.

A mesmerising story of two worlds; the cracks between them, the science that binds them and the colours that infuse them.

A Corner of White is the first book in The Colors of Madeline trilogy.

Don't forget to read Moriarty's other series The Ashbury/Brookfield series, featuring one of my favorite books ever, The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie, which I'm currently re-reading!

Synopsis:

Bindy Mackenzie believes herself to be the smartest, kindest girl at Ashbury High. Unfortunately, she is alone in that belief.

To prove her likeability, Bindy decides to document her life in transcripts, essays, and e-mails. What this reveals is a girl who's funny, passionate, hilariously self-righteous...and in danger.

Someone wants to kill Bindy Mackenzie. The clues are in the documents. The detectives are the very students who hate her most. And time is running out.

Check out these links!

Jaclyn Moriarty's Website
My Original Review For The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie
Other Unreleased Books I'm Looking Forward To

~Remedyleaf

Nerdy!

As many of you know, I am a relatively nerdy person.  I mean, come on.  I seriously am nerdy!  Anyway, so I was thinking, is there any way I could become nerdier?  Is that even possible?

So I Googled it, and of course, Wikihow has a list of steps!
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Nerd

Here is what it says: (Note that I'm skipping stuff)

✔ Be Unique:  I don't think I need to go over this one.  I don't wear what everyone wears.  I don't talk like everyone talks.  I don't blow off school, like some do.  The list goes on...
✔ Be willing to commit yourself to commit yourself intensely to an interest:   Lets see... Blogging, Young Adult Literature, School, Movies, Books, Fandom, Comics, Cartoons, Video Games, Drawing, Music, Jokes, Writing...ect. again
✔ Read Everything:  Now what is this blog called?  Hmm?  Remedyleaf's what, blog?  Book and writing blog?  And what do you do with those two things?  You read them! ;)
✔ Read More Serious Books:  Classics?  Did I not just pick up a copy of Jane Austen's Emma today?  I think I've got it covered.
✔ Be Persistent and Focused on the Positives:  I'm an optimistic person.  I'm leaving it at that!

So I think I hit all those points, eh?  I'll keep you posted on my trek to become an extreme nerd!

Now for the Special today:  Books To Read

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Synopsis:


Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Now I know what you're thinking, How on earth has Remedyleaf not read this?!?!?! And to be honest, I have no excuse.  I just never got around to reading it.  So thought I'd start, and have recently requested it from the library.  So there.  I will be joining the fan-boat soon enough!!!!

Bye!

~Remedyleaf

Books To Be Re-Read

Here is a book I want to re-read.  I'm pretty sure the original review is on this blog somewhere! :D

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia And Margaret Stohl

Synopsis:

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Check out this link to the Beautiful Creatures movie! http://beautifulcreatures.warnerbros.com/
It is released on February 14, 2013!  Check it out!

Oh and Don't forget!

Boundless by Cynthia Hand was released today!

~Remedyleaf

Books From My Childhood

Today I'm starting a new feature on my Blog.  On Mondays, besides a regular post, I will discuss a book from my Childhood.

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Synopsis:


"Unless someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It's not."

Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty.

About Dr. Seuss:

Dr. Seuss, pseudonym for Theodor Seuss Geisel, is world renowned for his inventiveness and wit. His stories are instantly recognizable by their use of fantastic words, clever rhymes, and unusual creatures-drawn in his distinctive style.

In My Childhood:  When I was a kid, my father would read this book over and over again to me.  He used funny voices for the characters, and at some point I knew the story by heart.  This is my favorite Dr. Seuss book, and defiantly my favorite picture book of all time.

Don't miss the Movie Version:  "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" (2012)
I was personally surprised how much I liked it! 4/5 stars!

That's the Book from my Childhood that I wanted to Share today!

~Remedyleaf

Unearthly Book Two!

I'm SO stoked to be reviewing this book!  I only read it this morning, but have been mulling over this review all afternoon.  I'm ready!

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (Sequel to Unearthly)

Blurb:


For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Review:


To start with, I was pretty hesitant to start this book.  I wanted it to live up to my high standards, set by Unearthly, and I didn't want it to be one of those sequels that just wasn't that good.

Hallowed was delicious in a different way than Unearthly was.  It wasn't satisfying in that way many sequels are, because Unearthly didn't leave that many questions unanswered.  Hallowed really was a continuation of the story.  But with a different kind of plot.

*SPOILERS* There were several things going on throughout the book.  First, Clara has a second vision, one in which someone she loves is dead.  Originally it was thought to have been Tucker that dies, but it is later discovered that it is actually Clara's mother.  Also, it is discovered that Clara's mom knows a group of Angel bloods that go camping in this meadow where they meet and converse.  It is also revealed that Clara's father is actually AN ANGEL!!!! Crazy shock!!!!  So that means, that Clara is more than a quarter angel, she's 3 quarters angel.  More angel than human.  Which also means that she's more angel than Angela, who is seen in a vulnerable moment when she gets jealous.  Then there is the whole Love Triangle thing, where she has to choose Christian over Tucker.  I enjoyed this element, because we learn a lot about Christian and where he was coming from through out the first book.  While Clara loves them both, it is her strong love for Tucker to let him go, and live a normal life.  You can't forget about the whole dark angel in love with Clara's mom thing.  The same one that Clara beat up the year before, that comes back to haunt them again.  That was a big part.  Lastly, there is the whole thing with Jeffery that turns out he started the fire, and that it was his purpose to save Tucker.  Which got messed up when Clara actually saved him, instead of Christian, because Christian didn't actually need saving.

The biggest mystery at the end of the book, besides how everything turns out, is that Jeffery is gone.  Well, that and the looming war against the falling angels that seems to be brewing.  I feel this ring of Twilight here, eh?  We'll have to see...

I will conclude that I enjoyed Hallowed a lot.  Everything was exciting and well written and surprising, and was probably the best sequel that I've ever read.  I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third and final book, Boundless, to be released later this week.  1/22/13 to be exact.

I hope you all enjoy these wonderful paranormal reads by Cynthia Hand!  Check her out at: http://www.cynthiahandbooks.com

~Remedyleaf

The Probability of Miracles

Hi!

Last night I finished The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Blurb: Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

Let me come about just giving two quotes from the book.  I scrambled around for a sticky note so I would remember the passages.  I marked them both for different reasons, and I want to discuss them before I fully discuss the book.

Quote one:  As Cam hugged her mother and walked back to her room, she realized she'd be spending the rest of her short life making other people feel better about the prospect of losing her.  Pg.31

Why I chose this one:  I though that this passage really showed a raw, low moment, and it was in the beginning of the book!  Everything is still being set up, and we are slowly getting to know how Cam really feels.  It is a depressing moment to realize that you are more okay with your own death than anyone else is.

Quote two:  The sky was eerily dark, like someone had spilled black ink over the stars... Pg. 177

Why I chose this one:  First off, there is more to that sentence, but this phrase fascinated me.  It was like poetry.  Glorious and smooth and simple and true and descriptive and someday, I hope that I can write like that.  I also hope that all of you out there can understand the greatness of those slim 14 words.  In the scheme of life, or even in the book, they are not of any relevance.  But within the fantastic world of literature, they are extraordinary.

Now for the book...

I'll start by saying that this book broke my heart.  Into pieces.  The raw emotions and feeling of lostness and losing faith is so apparent, that it was terribly saddening to finish.  *SPOILER* As long as there were more pages, you knew that Cam was going to live.

All the characters in this book were so human.  Lily, wanting to live happily for the little time she had left.  Alicia, not wanting to give up on her baby girl.  Nana, for refusing to let Cam think about death.  Perry, for being the child she was and sometimes feeling jealous and angry that she had to give so many things up for the obstacles in Cam's life.  And Cam herself.  For having already given up, barely letting hope take her again, before *SPOILER* death actually did.

To be honest, this entire book was wretchedly human.  The Flamingo list, for instance.  Such a true reflection of adolescent dreams, some of which are not even admitted to themselves.  Although they are there.  True, but hidden within the folds and crevices of the subconscious mind.

The plot was sort of abstract.  We start with meeting Cam, and coming to understand her situation with the Cancer, and life at Disney, and her dad's death.  Then move to the part in Maine, where at first Cam is incredibly guarded, but eventually she lets her guard down, that's when Asher comes in.  For a while, she keeps her guard down, until her sickness interrupts.  ( *SPOILER* Although I will admit, even before she really gets sick again, Asher disappoints her.  I think that affected her will power.  And it's not like that hadn't happened before.  Back when she hadn't fully let her guard down yet, she had tried to kill her self partly because of him.  Even if she wouldn't admit it.)

I refrain from saying that this book was flawless, because nothing ever is.  But this was as close as you could get.  I will be eagerly awaiting anything else Wendy Wunder has to offer, and in the mean time, will continue to speculate and wonder about this glorious novel.

5/5 stars.  Please read it.

~Remedyleaf

Forget-Her-Nots

Hi!  Today I'm going to review

Forget-Her-Nots

By Amy Brecount White

Blurb:

Something--some power--is blooming inside Laurel.  She can use flowers to do things.  Like bringing back lost memories.  Or helping her friends ace tests.  Or making people fall in love.

Laurel suspects her newfound ability has something to do with an ancient family secret, one that her mother meant to share with Laurel when the time was right.  But then time ran out.

Clues and signs and secret messages seem to be all around Laurel at Avondale School, where her mother had also boarded as a student.  Can Laurel piece everything together quickly enough to control her power, which is growing more potent everyday?  Or will she set the stage for the most lovestruck, infamous prom in the history of the school?


Review:  *SPOILERS*  This book was very interesting.  I was surprised by how much I wanted to keep reading while I was reading.  Overall the writing was nice, nothing spectacular.  The characters were so-so, but manageable.  The plot is hard to grasp at, was it the on going learning about Laurel's powers?  The tussle-mussie fiasco? Her distant crush on Justin throughout the book?  The antagonist throughout the book was differing too... Tara?  Laurel's father?  Kate?  Rose?  Or the fact that there was so much that Laurel didn't know about her power?  The only ting that I think I can pick out from the outline of the story that actually is obvious, besides that Laurel is the protagonist, is that Prom night was the climax.  And it was an exciting climax at that.  The ending though, eh.  It was so Happy... Laurel's grandmother came to see her, the orchid had a second bloom, she got over her fathers new lady interest, Tara didn't win, and Laurel got Justin.

But the book wasn't satisfying.  I wasn't duped  until the ending.  There was no mystery to it.  Everything that happened was very predictable, which made me sad.  I didn't go into the book with high hopes, and I didn't come out being surprised.

Above I illustrate how I was surprised how much I wanted to keep reading.  I was surprised because I didn't really like the book, but the idea of a whole language of flowers was entirely enticing and fascinating.  I am bound to continue research on this, and might post a bit about it now and again.
Over all I'll rank the book 3/5 stars.  It was okay.  Read it if you want to know more about this Flower Language concept, but not if you're look ing for quality writing.

Now I'm off to read some more, dink around some other blogs, fix up my blog a bit, and anything else that pleases me.

~Remedyleaf

P.s.
Here are some links to some websites about this Victorian Flower Language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers
http://www.languageofflowers.com/
http://www.victorianbazaar.com/meanings.html

I recommend Google, if you're interested in more! ;)

Raina Telgemeier

I don't know if any of you have ever read any of Raina Telgemier 's graphic novels, but they are very good.  She also adapted and illustrated several of the BabySittersClub series...

You can Visit her at http://goraina.com

Anyway, today I read two of her Graphic Novels.  One of which was a New York Times bestseller.

(That one was Smile)

So I'll start by reviewing that one.

I don't remember the first time that I read Smile, before today.  I think that it was sometime in the last two years though, because I remembered it starkly and recommended it often.

Smile is a true story about growing up.  With friend, family, and school drama.  And something else a little more unusual.  Four and a half years of orthodontic treatment, some of which was made up along the way.  Mixed together it tells the story of a part of Raina Telgemier's adolescent life, all of which she provided illustrations for. :)

Today, when I read it, I was a little less impressed.  Maybe it was just because I knew the story well, or that I am older.  I guess after looking at it from a new perspective, I will say that Smile is geared for younger audience, one that I am no longer in. And that is sad.

On the bright side, I also read Raina Telgemier's newest graphic novel, called Drama.  (Published only this past September!!!!)

Drama is about a middle school girl named Callie, who is really involved with her schools musical productions.  But Callie is not in the spotlight, or performing on stage at all, she is part of the stage crew.  Specifically, she's the set designer.

Over the course of the book, Callie deals with drama from the musical, drama with her crush, drama with her stage crew friends, and drama with her two new friends, Jesse and Justin.  The drama with those two, however, tackles something not often sought about in Middle School age books.  Their drama involves being gay.

Needless to say, Callie solves her problems, helps people make some amazing personal discoveries, and  manages to solve problems to put on a fantastic show!

I much recommend this book, probably over Smile by a long shot.  The characters were developed and I don't think Raina felt as compelled to make things follow exactly as they did in her life, although a lot of the Musical and Stage  production element came from her own personal experiences.  She was able to let the characters stories flow out in a very pleasing way, and I am excitedly awaiting Raina's next work...

Au revior,

~Remedyleaf

New Year, New Post, New Blog

Okay, nothing about the blog is really going to change.  But it is a new year and a new post. ;)

I'm laying on the sofa typing this on my laptop; wearing my reading glasses with the chain so I can wear them around my neck.  It is a very nerdy, and kinda old lady look, but it works.  I misplace my reading glasses too often.

I want to just Conclude my favorite Book, Authors, Series, Love Stories, and Characters from 2012.

Favorite Books:

Guy2Girl by Terence Blacker
UltraViolet by R. J. Anderson 
The Twins Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz Logsted
The Girl With the Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti
Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen 
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan 
Lost by Jacqueline Davies 

Favorite Authors:
R. J. Anderson
M. J. Putney
Anna Godbersen
Rinsai Rossetti
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Cynthia Hand
Jay Asher

Favorite Series:

The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen
The Dark Mirror Series by M. J. Putney

Favorite Characters:
William Keller from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (Will is so easy and this dreamy hardworking farm boy.  *SPOILER ALERT* Later in the series, when he died, that scene made my heart drop.  It was a twist I did NOT see coming...)
Aunt Hellen from Lauren Baratz-Logsted's The Twin's Daughter.  (I loved her from the beginning, and *SPOILER* it was terrible to find out that Lucy was fooled until the very end about who was the dead, and who was the evil, twin...)
Elizabeth Holland from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (I just loved how she preserved so much throughout the series, and how much she grew. *SPOILERS*  And she did go through her fair share of men; Henry Schoonmaker, but they broke off their engagement, William Keller, but he was killed, Snowden Cairns, but Elizabeth killed him after finding out the dark agenda, and then Teddy Cuttings, who in my mind, was perfect for her all along.  My favorite moment was when she pushed Snowden down the stairs.  It was bad that she killed him, but only kinda.  It was such a strong moment for her!)
Penelope Hayes from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series ( Even though Penelope comes across as the  antagonist throughout the series, I somehow just understood her.  We had this weird connection in the end of the series.  That last scene when *SPOILER* she and Henry are sitting together after both having lost their lovers, although they are supposed to be married, and she just seems in such a raw state that it was as if everything she'd done previous in the series was erased just because of this vulnerable moment...)
Teddy Cutting from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (Teddy was the loyal boy that every girl should dream for.  He reminded me of a sick puppy at times, but *SPOILER* when he joined the army you finally see the man that he really was.  He's adorable and swoon worthy!)
Diana Holland from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (Just her whole responsiblity and the fact that *SPOILER* she went with her heart the entire time, and in the end, even though she loved Henry, she decided to go to Paris because it was what she wanted, and she wasn't about to let anyone do anything to change that.
Nick from M. J. Putney's The Dark Mirror Series (I just loved his character.  A loyal son living in WWII so willing to help his friends and so open to his magical abilities!  He was wonderful!)
Vera's Father from A. S. King's Please Ignore Vera Dietz (To quote myself, I loved 'everything that he did, and the way he did it.  He also had a great influence on Vera'...)
Sirius Black from J. K Rowling's Harry Potter Series (I loved Sirius when we thought he was bad, when we thought he was good, and when we knew he was good.  I was blindsided by his death and it broke my heart.  I think that I cried.  My highlighted moments are when he's mentioned or returns.  He was my favorite character in the series.)
Remus Lupin from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series (In the beginning I liked him, but in the end, I REALLY liked him.  The thought though, of leaving his son to Harry, it's sad.  Not that he left his son to Harry, but that he HAD to leave his son to Harry.)
Severus Snape from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series (I loved how we all were fooled until the very end.  I thought that Severus was such a tender hurt soul that reflects very real people in the real world.  I thought that he was softhearted when it came to Lily Potter, and it was one of the most painful stories of unfulfilled love that I've ever read.  He comes as a close second favorite character.)

Love Stories that I Loved: *SPOILERS*
William Keller and Elizabeth Holland from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (They loved each other, and it was really brought out when Will dies...)
Elizabeth Holland and Teddy Cutting from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (In my opinion, I liked Teddy better than Will, as a mach for Elizabeth.  Especially after he comes back from the war and marries her even though she is pregnant with someone else's baby.)
Penelope Hayes and Henry Schoonmaker from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (I loved their love in the beginning, the not-really-love in the middle and the love that they have in the end after realizing who they are supposed to be with.  And that person is truly right for them.)
Henry Schoonmaker and Diana Holland from Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (The lust of un fulfilled loved.  Getting it, then losing it, and throwing it away... It was a tough love story to read, but Diana's decision in the end is one that I support.)
Tory and Allarde  M. J. Putney's The Dark Mirror Series (They really got it in the end...)
Nick and Rebecca  M. J. Putney's The Dark Mirror Series (I admire that they pushed aside religion for the one that they love.  I just realized that I said that I admired a BOOK character...)
Cynthia and Jack  M. J. Putney's The Dark Mirror Series (Pushing aside social status.  It's great.  Tory and Allarde kinda had to do that, but not in the vastness that these two had to.)
Vera and Charlie from A. S. Kings Please Ignore Vera Dietz (Just the fact that Charlie is dead in the whole mix made the love story all the more appealing...)
Severus Snape and Lily Potter fromJ. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series (Although this story does not play out as much as I would have wished, it is one of the sweetest and tender stories that I've ever read.)
Harry Potter and Ginny Weasly from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series (I just liked Ginny's attitude towards their relationship.  And when Ron got mad.  THAT was funny...)
Ron Weasly and Hermonie Granger from J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series (I waited the whole series for this story to come about and when it did it was worth it.  I loved every drop of it.  When Ron leaves for that bit in the last book, and just watching-imaginging-Hermonie crumble...it was all touching.

So that's all folks!  I'll post more when I finish a new book! ;)

Shift

Listening to Queen.  Who doesn't love "Another One Bites the Dust"?

Anyway, I went through a folder of old writings, and I've got a really good feeling about one of them in particular.

I'll call "Full House" (which by the way, is also the title of one of my favorite shows on T.v ever.  I don't really watch a lot of T.v., so that's kind of saying a lot!

I've got another book review for you.

Shift By Em Bailey ("Somebody that I Used to Know") Shift is currently Em Baily's only YA book.

Olive Corbett is no longer crazy.  She takes her meds and stays under the radar at school.  But something about that new girl Miranda Vaile screws everything up.  And it manages to pull Olive in.  Someone's life gets taken over, and then they die.  Live soon finds her self in a similar situation.

As well as this book was written I wish that I could say that it was good.  But it wasn't.  It was extremely predictable.  I wouldn't recommend it unless you don't mind that.  I did, even though I finished it.  (Then again, I was stuck on a horrible bus ride, so...)

Do something scary this weekend.  I'm going to go re-do this blog.

Bye!

~Remedyleaf

Oh Dear

Peace Be With You!

I'm sorry for the few posts, I've just recently moved across several states, so I'm still settling in, making friends, ect.

I almost wish that I could change the name of this blog to just Remedyleaf.  I want this to be more about me and how I'm feeling, as well as about books and writing.

This is alright thought, I'm just going to post about a bunch of different things from now on.

Like to start, I've found this amazing Novel Writing Method that I want to share with you.  It's called the "Snowflake Method" here's a link:

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php

I've been vary pleased with the results.  :) Although it may not work for everyone, I'm enjoying the style.  Although I have had to cut out some steps.

I'm working on 4 major novel ideas right now. 2 of them are more priorities.  I'll call them (#1) Susan White,(#2) Rescuing Mac, (#3) Nellie is Dead, and (#4) What Shelly Taught Me.  "Susan White" and "Rescuing Mac" are the priorities, I would say.  *Note that these are not the real titles of what I am calling the projects.  If I ever refer to them on here, this is how I will refer to them.

Now don't think that I've just shut down, and am not knocking around other ideas as well.  Any of these projects could be shelved for later revisions if a new one feels more important.  Just like how old ideas can become fresh with a new review and outlook.

As well as novel writing, I've got some Free Verse Poetry that I'm working on.  As you may know from several past posts, Free Verse Poetry is probably my favorite.  I'm even considering submitting some of it to contests or magazines.  I'll be sure to post if anything major happens. ;)

Today's Saying: You only live once.

~Remedyleaf

Did you know?

Did you know that even if you think that your eyeballs don't grown, they do! An infant's eyeball is only 66% of an Adult eyeball!

I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting! I haven't really had time for reading, but I just took a trip to the library, so I think you'll be getting some things soon!

~Remedyleaf

All You Get is Me

Well, all you do get is me, but that's not what I meant up there. What I meant was, that's the title of the book I just finished. (Yes, I'm still reading The Hunger Games trilogy, but come on, I can have breaks from that, right?)

All you Get is Me by Yvonne Prinz is about Roar, 15 year old newly hatched farm girl who is struggling with living on the farm, her friend Storm's craziness, her secret relationship with Forest, which her father would not approve of, acceptance about her mother's problems, and the lawsuit her dad is stirring up for the death of an illegal Mexican worker. Let's just say her life is not easy.

When I first read the blurb, I will admit that I was none too drawn in. But I was in a hurry at the library and I wanted to at least get something. But as I get into reading it, I was surprised to see how much I liked it. So I kept reading, yada yada, until I knew the end was coming soon, and I didn't really want it to end. But when I did get to the end, I was not quite satisfied with how the author pulled it all together. Uh-uh. *Shakes Head* I think there were numerous other amazing endings that she could have gone with, and they would have been much nicer for the story.

On Roar's relationship with Forest. Okay, I will give Prinz that it did develop, and it was not just all-the-sudden. But I have something about the whole teenagers-I-love-you thing, so even when I see it in a book, it drives me crazy. I know, I know, "when it's with that special person..." yada yada. I don't think it's appropriate for any teenager, fictitious or real, to say "I love you" to each other "that way" (Whatever that means) Even if they aren't throwing it around, you still shouldn't be saying it like that. (Family and best friends don't really count. There is differences in "I love you"

I think overall was surprised, but then let down with this book and author. I will rate it 3 stars, and say, give it a chance if you want. But I wouldn't stress it.  Maybe you'll have a better time than me!

Adios amigos,

~Remedyleaf

The Hunger Games

With all the reviewing I've done, and especially after reading a modern day craze like Harry Potter, you all must be wondering when I would get around to such a current thing as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. But the truth is, even though the movie came out this year, and that's when the craze really started, I read the book all the way back in 2010. A few months after it was published. Anyone remember 2010? The year the devastating earthquake hit Haiti and those Coal Miners were rescued in Chile? (Almost ironic isn't it, District Twelve, Coal Miners...) Anyway, though, by the time the book/movie was "such a big thing" it was old news to me. Although I had read The Hunger Games numerous times, and enjoyed it, I was excited about other new and enticing books this year, and was annoyed that everyone was just now getting hyped up about it because a movie (And inaccurate one at that...) was coming out. (Or did)

So I ignored most of the "Hunger Games" drama in these past few months. Yes I did see the movie. Yes I did like it. No I don't think it accurately portrayed the book, as said above. And no, I have never read the sequels. Why? You may ask, well, here is the story.

It was probably right around the time Catching Fire came out. The friend of mine who had lent me The Hunger Games, was eagerly eating up the sequel. The summer after it came out, they lent it to me. And I started it to read it. I won't go into detail, but I will admit that I was bored. It was boring. So I quit reading it, and tucked the memory away until all this "Hunger Games" jazz came about and drove me crazy for a year.

Now, Remedyleaf. You ask. Why are you suddenly bringing this up now? Well, dear bloggies, the answer is that I have been meaning to get around to re-reading The Hunger Games, and then read the sequels for reviewers sake.

So this afternoon I picked up my mothers ipad and found the books. My brother had downloaded the whole series-in-one for a trip we were on, but I don't think he ever got around to finishing it. So I spent the rest of the afternoon, evening, and night up until now reading (and finishing) The Hunger Games. I doubt I'll start Catching Fire tonight, for I have other important books that I am reading, but you never know.

And also, I've decided not to review each of the books individually, then review the whole series like I did with Dark Mirror . I'm just going to to the latter; review the whole series. But I will say one thing about each book individually, and the thing I will say about The Hunger Games is that when I finished it, each and every time, and even when didn't know that there was going to be sequels, I was totally content with the ending. I didn't really need to see more from the characters. I thought the story was complete and done. Yes I might have fantasied about the characters lives after the book, but I do that with practically everything I read, so that wasn't a sign that I was looking for a sequel. That all contributed to my reluctance to continue with the trilogy.


Au revior,

~Remedyleaf

Dark Destiny and the whole Dark Mirror Sequence

Hello my blog followers, today I'm going to review the sequel to Dark Passage by M. J. Putney; Dark Destiny. Also I'm going to review the series as a whole afterwards.

Alright, Dark Destiny is the sequel to Dark Passage, and starts right where Dark Passage left off. The Irregulars have returned from France, and are on their way back to their Lackland. Their new friend Rebecca is staying with the 20th Century Rainfords, as in Polly, and Nick, and their mother. But time travel is not over for the Irregulars, or their 20 Century friends, and as a looming threat approaches, Rebecca promises to do all she can as repayment for the Irregulars past deeds.

What a lovely conclusion to a glorious series, that will be on my favorites list for a while. The writing was perfect for the end of the book, although a little confusing with too many she's and not enough first names to follow in certain occasions. But I managed.

The relationship development in the final book is interesting, Tory and Allarde make an inheritance altering commitment, Jack and Cynthia admit that they will push past the aristocratic differences between them, and then our new romance, Nick and Rebecca, is even more complicated. Although they do know they have feelings for each other, there is a barrier different than titles, one of faith and everything they believe. But don't worry, everything is happy in the end.

But don't take that as too perfect. Although they did seem happy, it wasn't like Ms. Puteny was implying that their lives would be happily ever after, I'm not quite sure she's done with our dear friends. ;)

4 and 1/2 stars for the final installment, (I think) of the Dark Mirror series.

Now to talk as the series as a whole. There may be spoilers, I'm not sure. Beware! Hisssss.... ;)

In the beginning, I was drawn into the story because of Tory's strong willingness to push past her sudden mageling-ness, and still be the Lady Victoria she new she was, or though she was...

Elsbeth and Jack were fabulous characters to work with through out the story. Even though they weren't front and center, they were still important, and you came to love them as well.

The time traveling WWII alter ego to the story shook me a bit, for I thought it would be a bit much, but by the end of the series, I disagree with my former feelings. The time traveling isn't more to the story, it is the story.

Cynthia is another thing of witch I want to speak of. Comparing her personality in the beginning of the series, to the end, is astonishing! She is a totally different person. This is something that you often don't, but should see in YA writing. Young people don't know exactly who they want to be, they may have an idea, but they are often in confusion and flip flopping all over the place. I thought that with Cynthia, this showed that towards the end, she knew who she wanted to be, and she was that well.

Throughout my individual book reviews, I have praised Putney for her wonderful skill of relationship development. Here, I will praise it again. Overall, the relationship between the Irregulars strengthens as they travel through time and almost get themselves killed numerous times. Next, the intimate relationship of Tory and Allarde progresses, falls back, and returns stronger than even in a realistic way.  Tory and Cynthia's relationship changes too. They are not just teenage girls forced to share the same room, they are friends. And really good friends at that. The relationship of Jack and Cynthia, persay? Their relationship blossoms, but has it's drawbacks too. In the end, they know where their feelings stand. (Together) The relationship of Nick to the Irregulars is interesting, for he becomes one of their strongest friends, just as they return the favor to him. I guess life or death situations bring people together? I'm kidding, I bet they do. Finally, for the last relationship to mention is the new development of feelings between Rebecca and Nick. Okay, maybe not new feelings for them, but new for the story. That relationship progresses differently, for they are apart for different reasons. Eventually though, (see, development!) their true feelings are let out, and they can finally admit they have a connection beyond words.

Well that's enough talk of relationships for one review, eh?

The historicalness works extremely well with the story, because back then, they really did believe in magic, mages, spells, and such. (Not that I don't now....) But it fits better than being an annoying fantasy gone Modern day. I'm glad that the setting was just the way it was.

 I rate this series 4 and 1/2 stars and highly recommend it to lovers of Historical Fiction, Romance, Or just a Good Story! I cannot wait to read more from Putney, and I'm excited to have found her as an author!

~Remedy

If this was RL, I think I would die.

Well, not really die, just be totally freakin out! ;)

So, anyway, I'm reviewing the book Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne. Monument 14 is the first novel by Laybourne, although the sequel is expected Summer 2013, and she did write a short story companion to the book called "Dress Your Marines In White" You can read it on Tor.com Link: http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/05/dress-your-marines-in-white 

Monument 14 is from the point of view of Dean, a high schooler who is stuck in a futuristic Supterstore with 13 other kids. 5 other teens. 1 8th grader. And 6 elementary school students. No adults. The world outside is waging with natural disasters. What could go wrong?

When I first read about Monument 14 I was totally excited to see this common RP (Role Play) plot be turned into a novel. 

The writing was lovely, not too wordy, and very to the point. Laybourne managed to develop the characters in a very strategic way. 

The beginning moved a little quickly for me, but all the characters were understandable soon enough. The ending was a little unclear and vague, making me crave the release of the sequel. (Come on Laybourne!)

There were several confusing and seemingly un-needed events and things throughout the story. *SPOILER*. What made Josie suddenly get better? Why did Astrid reveal her pregnancy? Who was the father? What was she implying by asking Dean to stay, because we all know it had nothing to do with their blood type? Why did Caroline and Henry come back?

I will praise Laybourne for keeping the story moving, there was never really any repetition, as you might expect with such an idea, and the plot worked great.

So I will rate this book 4 stars, great read, in the end still had a few unclear questions though.

Now, I'm going to review Dark Passage by M. J. Putney, sequel to Dark Mirror.

Dark Passage starts right where Dark Mirror leaves off. The Irregulars, (The group of Lackland students who embrace their magical ability in secret, vowing to help England) return safely back to 1803. Tory is very firm about not wanting to time travel again, although she and Allarde have a strange feeling that they will go again soon.

I must praise Putney, for her critical development of the characters relationships. First of all, Tory's relationship with Allarde. The pair knew in Dark Mirror that they would have to figure out their relationship after returning to their own time, and figure out they did. Sort of. Following Tory most of the way, the beginning of the book is heart wrenching, and my heart did not heal until towards the middle and end, when their true feelings and acceptance and in full fledge. Although throughout the story, their friends try to get them to talk and often joke about them making up. That was lovely ;) I am excited to be seeing their love flourishes (hopefully!) in the next book, Dark Destiny.

Another relationship that was interesting to follow was the one of Tory and Cynthia, (Tory's unruly room mate back at Lackland.) For a (good) change, Putney focused on Cynthia for numerous chapters, unlike in Dark Mirror where I'm pretty sure every chapter was centered around Tory. With this new point of view, you see into Cynthia in a way you didn't get to see in Dark Mirror, and it is very vital to the development of her relationships and budding personality.

The last relationship to examine is* SPOILER* Cynthia and Jack. In the beginning of the book, the obvious attraction Jack has to Cynthia is very noticeable, and with the new point of view, you get to see how crazily Cynthia reacts. Throughout the story, you see Jack try and try again, as Cynthia little by little starts to like him back. This shows how realistic relationships often bud, and bloom. Happily, in the end, they are a couple.

I have tried very hard, but I don't think that I can say one bad thing about this book. I tried to predict something, but the outcome was totally different. Putney totally nabbed me.

As I said above, I'm anxious to see the aftermath of the last and final book in the trilogy; Dark Destiny. That is the last book to my knowledge, I could be wrong.

Love ya!

~Remedyleaf 

La la la

Hey everyone!

Remember when I was reading As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott? Well, I finished it, so now it's time to chat.

As I Wake is about Ava, a high school student who woke up one night to not remember who she is. Or so she's been told. There is actually a deepness to the story of Ava's memory loss, and the things she does remember.

At first I was extremely excited to begin As I Wake; it was by an author I trusted, it seemed very intriguing from the blurb on the inside cover, and the first page was grabbing. But as I pursued through the book, I became frustrated, and had to take brakes with other books in between reading. The plot was very vague, the obvious climax was not a very high part of the story, and very it was confusing. The characters weren't all that developed either- excuse me, the main characters weren't developed very well. For some reason, back round characters had more depth than the main ones.

Although the middle and beginning of the book were bearable, the end was totally bizarre. I could barely follow enough to enjoy the end, as it was unclear and rushed.

I don't think that I would recommend this book at all.

Elizabeth Scott has disappointed me, I will hesitate before reading another one of her books or novels.

 And now I am going to review the book The Waters And the Wild by Francesca Lia Block. Block is the author of numerous other YA Novels, among them are The Frenzy and House of Dolls. (P.s. This is the first book by Block that I have read, so the review is crucial to if I'll read her work again)

The Waters and the Wild is about Bee, a struggling, loner, thirteen-year-old, lost in a world that is not quite hers. Join her on a journey to find herself, her true self.

I was very excited to begin to read this, and my excitement continued as I kept reading. I loved the idea, and fell head over heels for the characters. But don't think that it was all just great; the poetry experts and few stanzas of nonsense words were confusing, and didn't seem to fit into the story the way the author intended it to. Also, the switching of point of views was puzzeling, because I could go paragraphs, to even pages thinking I was reading about someone else, or just not sure.  The characters were very flimsy; not see thru, just flimsy. That was disappointing.

The ending was a bit crazy too, it was rushed, and a lot of different, unrelated things just suddenly changed. I did not enjoy that last transition.

I will rate it 3 & 1/2 stars.

That's it folks!

~Remedy

Dark Mirror

Last night I finished the novel Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney. M. J. Putney is Mary Jo Putney's YA alter ego.

Putney has written the two sequels to Dark Mirror completing the trilogy.

Dark Passage is about 16 year old, Lady Victoria Mansfield in 1803. She is the youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, and is likely to live a privileged life, enjoying her title.
But then everything changes; Tory finds out that she has magical ability, and chooses a life or death situation to reveal it.
Thus, she is sent to Lackland Abbey, the magical correction school. But there, she joins a group who secretly studies using their powers, instead of smothering them.
This group leads Tory on an amazing adventure, where they save lives beyond their wildest dreams.

Wow, what to say about this book? I will admit, that after finding out the crazy magical element, I was totally not prepared for what was to come. Although it was a great idea, it seemed a little much with the whole plot and everything.
The writing style was good, and I enjoyed how it was written. The characters were all a bit typical, nothing crazy original, but still alright.
I will disclose that I have the sequel in my possession, and am looking forward to reading it soon.

Loves and Hugs,

~Remedyleaf

Diary of a Witness

Hello.

Today, I am going to review the most traumatic book. Ever.

Diary of a Witness is by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Hyde has written numerous other YA and Adult books, her most recent YA; Jumpstart The World.

Diary of a Witness is about a high school boy named Ernie, who is overweight, and kinda an outsider. You're typical obese kid, (although he does like fishing, so that changed the story. A bit.) He has one friend, Will. But Will is not normal. Over the course of almost a year, Ernie finds out the true nature of Will, and it's not pretty.

Wow, this book... Hmmm, how do I put this? This book was hard to read. It was hard to read because if was traumatic and sad and I felt the loss of the characters harshly. Although the writing was fine, and the characters semi-developed (The author doesn't seem to know her characters very well. You should know who you're writing about as well as you know yourself.), this book was nothing special. Everything was a little expected, and being so dark didn't really help.

I think that I really only finished this book to see how it ended, and to make sure that Ernie was o. k. in the end.

I don't think that it was good work in at all, and I don't think I would recommend it to any reader, even ones who like dark stories.

I'm now reading As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott. Elizabeth Scott? The author of Stealing Heaven and Perfect You?  Yes, yes it is.

Au revior,

~Remedyleaf