The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (a nonreview)

The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
Publisher: Dutton
Released: January 10, 2012
Genre: Contemporary
Pages: 312
Source: Bought

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

“...books so special and rare and yours

that advertising your affection feels like a betrayal.”(33)

This is more of a reaction post than anything because a) I can't dream of ever finding the words to describe the heartbreaking beauty of this novel and b) I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's experience with even the most minuscule descriptions. And although I feel as if I should heed the quote's advice, I also feel like I must say something about this novel: if not for my readers, then as a thank you to the author.

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep:

slowly, and then all at once."(125)

This book is no Hunger Games. The pace is much more relaxed, slowly building up until the very end. The Fault in Our Stars is heartbreakingly honest and poignantly brilliant. This book absolutely slayed me in the best way possible. John Green has such a way of making the unfunny humorous and the painful beautiful. I am forever grateful for his words, his stories, and, especially, for Hazel and Augustus.


Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Dutton Books, 2011. Print.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Jessica Rules the Dark Side
Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's
Released: January 10, 2012
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: ALA

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

I read Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side back before there was news of a sequel. I loved Jessica and Lucius so much that hearing there would be a second book pretty much made my life. Jessica Rules the Dark Side was a satisfying follow-up to one of my favorite paranormal tales. I knew I loved Jessica, but I had forgotten just how much.

Fast forward past the wedding and the first few months of marriage and Jessica finds herself feeling out of place in her own castle. Apparently Romania isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Jessica faces embarrassment after embarrassment as she is unable to fulfill her duties as a ruler. Soon she is on her own when Lucius is accused of murdering one of the elders. Jessica is forced to follow the laws she and Lucius put into place by sentencing him to solitary confinement until his trial. Jess must not only find evidence to clear her husband's name, but also preside over his trial and dole out his punishment should she fail at redeeming him.

While Jessica certainly made some impressive moves in Dating on the Dark Side, she really didn't think past marrying Lucius. So when she finds herself expected to attend trials and make actual decisions, she's immediately overwhelmed. Losing Lucius to what must be a set-up nearly leaves her immobilized. I've already mentioned my love for Jessica, and it did not falter in this sequel. I was always sympathetic and really wanted to give the poor girl a hug at times. But, in true Jessica fashion, she rose to the occasion when it counted and really made me proud.

Several characters introduced to us in Jessica's Guide make repeat appearances. Mindy and Dorin play major roles along with a few new characters. I loved the supporting cast before, and in the follow-up they really have a chance to shine. The story is told from four points of view - Jessica, Lucius, Mindy, and Raneiro. Like last time, we see into Lucius's mind through emails and written letters, this time addressed to his cousin and confidant Raneiro. Included are Raneiro's responses, and we also get Jessica's best friend Mindy's take on things. There may be a lot going on in this novel, but it is all tied together beautifully.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side was a fabulous follow-up to a novel I dearly love. Jessica's Guide is one of my go-to recommendations, and I am so glad to have a second book to shove at readers. Beth Fantaskey did an incredible job with this novel. Some series feel like they are written into several books just for the sake of being a series. Jessica's Guide could have certainly been left as a stand-alone, but Fantaskey sets up a believable plot and captures the reader as she did with her debut. I can only hope that she thinks up a few more obstacles for my favorite vampires as I'll be sure to read them.

In My Bag (38)

In My Bag is my version of the weekly meme, In My Mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren, and it explores the contents of my mailbox or shopping bag on a weekly basis.

Bought:

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

(Bargain bin for $4 - Score!)

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

(An advantage to working for your local indie... Eep!)

Won:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

(Thanks, Sash & Em!)

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

(Thanks, Random Buzzers!)

I already read and loved Wintergirls - I can't wait it's taken me this long to read it. I'm really excited about the books I won, but obviously the real gems this week are Tuesday's releases. I am so freaking scared of both of these books. What'd you guys get this week?

Reflection and Resolution

I know I'm a few days late, but I'd like to officially wish everyone a happy new year. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday season and found yourselves with stuffed bellies and piles of new books. Last year had its share of ups and downs, beginning particularly low when I lost a dear friend. The rest of my year certainly wasn't as desolate, but that event seemed to hover over the rest of my year. I struggled a lot with work, didn't meet my reading or blogging goals, and had a hard time staying organized.

But 2011 saw a lot of triumphs, as well. John Green commented on my blog, I shared a cab with David Levithan, and Ellen Hopkins told me I rock. I met countless bloggers, authors, and book lovers from New York to New Orleans. I read fifty-nine fantastic books written by phenomenal authors, and I gained a ton of new followers I appreciate every day. Blogging can certainly be time-consuming and stressful (and believe me, Josh still searches for the paychecks...), but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences with one of the most supportive communities out there. I am forever grateful to be a part of it.

Now that 2012 is here, I want to make a few conservative goals.

• Read fifty books, with at least ten being historical fiction and at least twelve by debut authors
• Blog at least once a week, not including WoW or IMM
• Read what I want when I want without feeling "committed" to things I didn't commit to

I desperately feel the need to tone things down while still being productive and efficient. It's so easy to get bogged down by review copies and release dates, but there are so many books and so many bloggers. What fun is it to see the same books being reviewed over and over again? I have a plethora of books I own but haven't read, and my book buying is not likely to cease. I'd like to spend more time "catching up" on the books and review copies I already have and less time feeling like I have to read this right now. We've all, at times, questioned why we do this, but I think the general consensus is because we enjoy it. And the second it feels like work, most of us will quit.

In addition to reading and blogging, I also want to spend an adequate amount of time with my family, my friends, and my side projects. And until someone wants to pay me to read and review*, I also must dedicate forty-plus hours a week in exchange for a paycheck. I should also mention that the first half of the year will be particularly low-achieving while I prepare for the best day of my life thus far: the day I marry my better half**.

*I'm looking at you, NYT! You know you want me!

**You thought I was talking about meeting John Green, didn't you? Believe me, it was tough to choose, but Josh won out...barely ;)

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt
Released: February 1, 2009
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 368
Source: Library

The undead can really screw up your senior year...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn't fit into Jessica Packwood's senior year "get-a-life" plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth - and he's her long-lost fiance. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war - and save Lucius's soul from eternal destruction.

I picked up this book because after reading Beth's second novel, Jekel Loves Hyde, I heard most people preferred her debut. Based on the synopsis and my opinion of the aforementioned title (which I enjoyed, but didn't love), I expected Jessica to be a light-hearted, fluffy read. It was anything but! Jessica's Guide was a surprisingly well written, plot-driven adventure.

When Lucius Vladescu shows up at Jessica's school claiming to be her long, lost betrothed, Jess doesn't exactly take him seriously. Who would? Unfortunately for Jess, Lucius happens to be right: she really is a Romanian vampire princess. Jessica, of course, denies this as best as she can and tries her best to ignore Lucius. However, Lucius is determined to show Jessica who she really is and eventually make her his queen. While the developing relationship between Jessica and Lucius is certainly important, just as important is Jessica's journey of self discovery and self acceptance. We may not all be vampire princesses, but I think most readers can relate to Jessica's struggles.

Jessica and Lucius are obviously the focus of this novel, but one of my favorite aspects was the development of the supporting characters. Jessica's best friend Mindy is fiercely loyal and provides frequent comic relief, and Jessica's vegan parents are just the right mix of cool yet protective. They all are obviously an important part of Jessica's life, and it shows on the pages.

Fantaskey's debut hooks the reader with smartly written characters and keeps them turning the pages with an incredibly original story. Jessica and Lucius are one of my favorite couples in all of YA, and Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is by far my favorite vampire novel. Readers tired of the slew of vampire novels should really give this one a try. The only thing that glitters in this novel is the fantastic (pun intended) writing.

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It features upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week's pick is...

The Académie
Susanne Dunlap
Coming April 10, 2012 - Preorder it below
Indiebound | Amazon | BN

Historical Fiction is something I crave in today's world of YA. Sure I'm usually a contemporary girl, but when it comes to far off lands and mythical creatures, give me princes in 1800 Paris any day.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy
Released: January 2, 2012
Genre: Contemporary
Pages: 256
Source: Requested

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

I don't recall when or where I first heard about this book, but I do remember it had me at the title. Add in the cute cover and adorable synopsis and I was on the bandwagon. Personally, this title was near the top of my list for last summer's conventions, right up there with Lola and The Future of Us. I was totally bummed when I didn't snag it at BEA, but I was bound and determined to get a copy at ALA. Sadly, Little Brown did not have copies there - only request forms. I filled one out, not expecting to be important enough to get a copy, and moped my way back home. A few months later the neighbor stopped by with a package delivered to her house instead of mine, and I swear it was Christmas. I had lost all hope of getting an early copy, but thankfully this came to me just as I hit the bottom of a reading slump. Needless to say, I did nothing else that day and had it finished by that evening.

I love airports. I love to travel, I love people watching, and there's just something about an airport that's magical to me. Jennifer E. Smith takes that magic and crafts it into a story where anything can happen. Hadley meets Oliver as she's literally and figuratively falling apart at JFK. She's late for a wedding she doesn't even want to attend, and the thought of sitting in a terminal for the three hours until she boards her plane is suffocating. Oliver is, of course, attractive, British, and offers to help Hadley with her bags. They wander around the airport until it's time to board their flight - of course they're on the same flight, and of course their seats are next to one another.

Obviously there is some insta-love going on, and everything just seems to magically fall into place. But that's what this story is all about. Smith creates this magical world within reality where anything can happen - even love at first sight. Hadley is an easily likable character (her snarky comments to her dad in the first chapter gave me insta-love), and Oliver is perfectly flawed and holds just enough back to keep the reader wanting more.

I know it's extremely early to say this, but The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight will easily be one of my favorite contemporaries of the year. This novel oozes adorableness, and I wish I could read it over and over again. Smith's writing is lyrical and her characters are some of my new favorites. I can't believe I missed out on her two previous works; she is definitely now on my auto-buy list.