Waiting on Wednesday #36: The Sun is Also a Star

The Sun is Also a Star, by Nicola Yoon
Publication: November 1, 2016, by Delacorte Press
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 384

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.
Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.
The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

The Sun is Also a Star has the prettiest cover ever, and it is written by a debut author of 2015 who stunned me so much with her debut. Nicola Yoon writes with such depth and perfection in her words that I am so sure that this will also feature the same that her first book introduced. When I saw the cover for this and realized who it is by, I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD FREAK. This is beautiful.

What is your most anticipating book this week? Have you read Everything, Everything?

Where You'll Find Me by Natasha Friend // Practically a Perfect Middle-Grade

Where You'll Find Me, by Natasha Friend
Publication: March 8, 2016, by Farrar, Straus and Giroux BFYR
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 272
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

The first month of school, thirteen-year-old Anna Collette finds herself…
Dumped by her best friend, Dani, who suddenly wants to spend eighth grade “hanging out with different people.”
Deserted by her mom, who’s in the hospital recovering from a suicide attempt.
Trapped in a house with her dad, a new baby sister, and a stepmother young enough to wear her Delta Delta Delta sweatshirt with pride.
Stuck at a lunch table with Shawna the Eyebrow Plucker and Sarabeth the Irish Stepper because she has no one else to sit with.
But what if all isn’t lost? What if Anna’s mom didn’t exactly mean to leave her? What if Anna’s stepmother is cooler than she thought? What if the misfit lunch table isn’t such a bad fit after all?
With help from some unlikely sources, including a crazy girl-band talent show act, Anna just may find herself on the road to okay.

My Thoughts:

Never in a million years did I imagine that when I'm a teenager, I will be reading pure middle grade fiction. And you know what? Middle-grade fiction is honestly a beautiful genre. Many authors capture moments in a protagonist where they still carry that childlike innocence where nothing is important except having fun, being a kid/girl and/or eating popsicles. That's the honest, evident part of MG fiction and is some of the reasons why us bloggers choose to read these books. Once in a while, I like to splurge on the books that I know my sister would read/eventually read. I honestly meant to give this one to her, but I hogged it anyways because I requested it. Har-dee-har-har. Natasha Friend's stories have always been with me through thick and thin when I was a tween, full of attitude and no good decision-making skills whatsoever. 

With Anna's character and the way Natasha chose to portray her character in a bundle of 300 or so pages, I took a flashback back to the years where I was a tween. There were many instances in this book where I felt that I was reading about my younger self and the awful things I did or said. That's life, quite frankly. Where You'll Find Me is a story of self-discovery, deciding what you want to see yourself doing in a few years and how you would like to see yourself acting. Anna was the perfect, most splendid protagonist to showcase the perfect role model for little girls like herself. There are many, young or old, who could relate to her misfits and struggles of fitting in or doing the right thing(s).

"It's hard to describe how it feels up there. The whole space is ours, and, even though the words aren't really ours, we own them right now. We've put them together in our own patchwork way. We are brave, we are rebels, we are dreamers who dare to dream. Our voices are pure and strong and open and defiant." (231-232)

Anna is a thirteen year old, who is honestly stuck in a messy situation. Her mother is recovering from a suicide attempt, she was recently dumped by her best friend for years, and her father is remarried. Did I mention the fact that she has a baby sister? She's second guessing everything, making doubts and thinking that everything occurred because of her, which is what children always end up thinking at one point of time.

Where You'll Find Me is actually heartbreaking. It could tear the heart of anyone, letting them know that there is a little girl (many of them) out there who are dealing with the same emotions and situations that Anna dealt with throughout this story. My heart felt for Anna and she was just so adorable. She had a mother-like personality, independently trying to do things and being so understanding, showing love for everyone around her, even if they didn't show it back. I feel like this is a book for every little girl out there. Everyone needs to grab a copy of this beauty and showcase it in their shelves with a big giant trophy stating, "Best Middle Grade Book Out There. For All." Y'all need to add this on your TBR lists right this instant. 

Natasha Friend has blown my mind with this beauty. Little girls, or any woman or man, if you enjoy coming-of-age stories, this one cannot be beat. I'm sure that the beautiful, sweet cover has already captivated you enough. Anna will speak to you through her words as if she's right in front of you, telling you her story and making dreams come true. This was exquisite.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is your favourite middle grade story? Do you know any MG stories that deal with suicide themes?

Stacking the Shelves #56: April 10

-Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme by Tynga's Reviews
where us bloggers share our latest hauls and goodies!-

This Week's Headlines:

Hello! It has been a loooooooong time since I have actually posted a StS post and shared my latest reads with you all! It's been a real long time since I have been caught up with blogging and reviewing, too. That's something that I need to manage better! (As well as commenting. That's always a struggle). What have all of you been doing lately? I have been gearing up (slowly) for BEA in Chicago and counting down the days! 20 more school days and one actual month left today to when I leave for the Windy City! 

I am so excited to go to Chicago. I love exploring new cities and I was extremely fortunate to experience New York City's BEA last year! Anyways. I have been receiving so many assignments and tests in the last week that I literally was ready to blow up. I hate having more than one thing due in a day! This week hopefully will die down. Next Saturday I'm heading over downtown to a Math conference, so that'll be interesting, hopefully! I'm currently reading The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee. It's soooo good!

How was your week? How are you?

My Book Haul:

I didn't receive this all this week, but I have accumulated all of these beauties in the past little while!

Ten Thousand Skies Above You is now in my shelves! I am still in shock over this. More than a year ago, I fell in love with Claudia Gray's story and I kept anticipating the sequel. When I was coming home from a March Break trip to Mexico (which I have to give a recap about), I spotted a paperback copy at the airport! In case you did not know, this was just released so there's only hardcovers around. This fit my budget (LOL) and was the most recent book I actually purchased!

I received Complicit, The Hidden Twin and The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem thanks to St. Martin's Press! THEY LOOK SO INTRIGUING AND MY TYPE OF READ. I'm sure that I'll be satisfied!

Twenty Questions for Gloria, The Glittering Court and Lab Girl all came to my door in a huge package a few weeks ago. I was shocked! THEY ARE GOING TO BE BOTHERING ME UNTIL I READ THEM. I am so angry that I have a huge TBR pile! *laughs* Thank you Penguin Random House Canada!

Recent Posts:

• The Sister Pact by Stacie Ramey // The Most Powerful Messages I've Seen in a Long Time
• Release Day Review: The New Guy by Amy Spalding // Just as Good as Spalding's Other
• Bone and Bread by Saleema Nawaz // This Needs to Win Everyone's Debate
• The A to Z of You and Me by James Hannah // Was I Missing Something?

How was your week? What have you been reading lately? 

The Sister Pact by Stacie Ramey // The Most Powerful Messages I've Seen in a Long Time

The Sister Pact, by Stacie Ramey
Publication: November 3, 2015, by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Suicide
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

A suicide pact was supposed to keep them together, but a broken promise tore them apart.
Allie is devastated when her older sister commits suicide - and not just because she misses her. Allie feels betrayed. The two made a pact that they'd always be together, in life, and in death, but Leah broke her promise and Allie needs to know why.
Her parents hover. Her friends try to support her. And Nick, sweet Nick, keeps calling and flirting. Their sympathy only intensifies her grief.
But the more she clings to Leah, the more secrets surface. Allie's not sure which is more distressing: discovering the truth behind her sister's death or facing her new reality without her.

My Thoughts:

Stacie Ramey literally stunned the heck out of me with this gorgeous, light but heart-felt story that confronts the problems of the aftermath of a suicide in a family. We read about a suicide pact, two sisters who have completely different personalities and secrets, betrayal, romance and problems in a teenager's life, which seems rather general but beautiful. This is the realest story of the real. I cannot help but freak out and wish that there are many more contemporary stories out like this one. You know, I have read many suicide stories about a teenager (and her friend or sister) who is undergoing so many problems and battling some kind of mental illness. Stacie Ramey, with this precious story, decides to take a different route and remind readers of traditional feelings that are kept inside of a person. There's no therapy sessions, no cyberbullying or bullying in general. There's so much depth through this and I want to hand it to everyone like a heart of gold.

"What's the easiest thing to paint? Still life. The words come to me. Not from Leah but from my mind, like it's taking over for me in this chess match. Still life. Still alive. Leah. It always comes back to her." (92)

The Sister Pact is about two sisters who lost each other. Allie is living and Leah is gone. They promised to do it together if they ever wanted to, but Leah left before Allie could even say goodbye. Allie is trying to move on, trying new things, maybe kind of falling in love and trying to deal with everything, all on her own, in a way.

I recommend this beautiful story to everyone. It touches the heart in many ways—different ways for each person. A reader who even cannot relate to Allie's situation feels a connection somehow. We all undergo our dark moments where we feel like we have nothing left. Allie felt that, and throughout the work, she tries to configure her future and see where and how she will move on afterwards. Allie is the kind of person that you want to be friends with. She has a selfless personality where even though she undergoes so much in her life, she puts her parents and friends first. She's such an interesting character. It's easy to wish something great to occur for a character, but for Allie, I felt like I was in this journey with her.

What a transformation, too. This whole novel was formed and crafted together beautifully. I couldn't stop reading when I began, and it all turned into one sitting. It's a story that grows with you as you read, and it could come into your life at any season, month or day of the year, whether you feel depressed or not. NICK AND ALLIE FOR LIFE. *shakes* There may or may not be a love triangle included. Just saying. Beware. I was okay with it, at least.

The Sister Pact is such a charming story. There's a touch of romance, a touch of touchy-feely stuff and context that will make your heart squirm and wish for more from this new debut author. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, MY FRIENDS.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

What is a recent good suicide book you have read? What about books that feature sisterhood? 

Waiting on Wednesday #35: Heartless

Heartless, by Marissa Meyer
Publication: November 8, 2016, by Feiwel and Friends
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 416

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.
Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.
At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.
Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

THE QUEEN OF HEARTS? MARISSA MEYER? ALICE IN WONDERLAND? RETELLING? Those are just some of the things that initially intrigued me when I set my sneaky eyes on this cover. THIS LOOKS JUST SO GOOD. Marissa Meyer is the author who introduced me to good fantasy fiction with Cinder (I have not read Winter yet! Ugh!), and I just want to continue reading good fantasy. I hope that I'll see this pretty at BEA! ONE. MORE. MONTH. I can handle this!

What are you anticipating the most this week? Are you excited for Marissa Meyer's newest?

Release Day Review: The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions) by Amy Spalding // Just as Good as Spalding's Other

The New Guy (and Other Senior Year Distractions), by Amy Spalding
Publication: April 5, 2016, by Poppy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

A ridiculously cute, formerly-famous new guy dropping into your life? It's practically every girl's dream.
But not Jules McCallister-Morgan's.
I realize that on paper I look like your standard type-A, neurotic, overachiever. And maybe I am. But I didn't get to be the editor of my school's long-revered newspaper by just showing up*. I have one main goal for my senior year-early acceptance into my first choice Ivy League college-and I will not be deterred by best friends, moms who think I could stand to "live a little," or boys.
At least, that was the plan before I knew about Alex Powell**.
And before Alex Powell betrayed me***.
I know what you're thinking: Calm down, Jules. But you don't understand. This stuff matters. This is my life. And I'm not going down without a fight.
----
* Okay, I sort of did. But it's a sore subject.
** I mean, I guess everyone knows about Alex Powell? Two years ago, you couldn't go anywhere without hearing about viral video boy band sensation Chaos 4 All. Two years ago, Alex Powell wasfamous.
***Some people think I'm overreacting. But this. Means. War.
Filled with romance, rivalry, and passive-aggressive dog walking, Amy Spalding delivers a hilariously relatable high school story that's sure to have you falling for The New Guy.

My Thoughts:

A year ago, I was fortunate to receive a review copy of the beautiful, memorable debut novel by Amy Spalding: Kissing Ted Callahan. I was mesmerized by the plot, and how music spoke to the author and the characters of the story, bringing all musical lovers together into a story that had a bittersweet, but fluffy ending. A year later, I discovered that Spalding is going to release another bittersweet, funky story of her own that I knew I'll enjoy just the same as the one with Ted Callahan, or even more, possibly. My fingers smacked my phone screen when I requested it for review, and voila: THIS WAS THE PERFECT PLANE READ THAT A GIRL COULD ASK FOR. Being able to perfectly relate to a main character is difficult, difficult for many authors to conquer because at the same time, they don't want their characters to seem boring and bland. (Not that readers are boring and bland! I hope you all know what I secretly, inwardly am trying to say).

The New Guy was focused on so many concepts and themes. This was not just about Jules' romance with a pop-star-turned-ordinary-teenager. Amy Spalding played with modern, diverse issues that YA fiction needs more of. Jules has two moms, which plays an interesting role into how she seeks help with her relationship problems with Alex. She also has big dreams (as I do) to get into Brown University and be able to conquer the world. She becomes the editor-in-chief for her school newspaper, which turns into a battle once a weekly podcast on the school's televisions begins by her mortal enemy, Natalie. Just when things could not get worse, there is a romance to worry about, impressing her teachers for good letters of recommendation, and friendship-related issues that she needs to keep in mind in order to save her friendship with her best friend. Sounds like every teenager, right? Just kidding, everyone is different! I do kind of see myself in this chick. Overachievers rule!

There were little to no issues with this book. I fell in love with the story from its first page, which I had begun the night before an airplane trip back home from my relaxing vacation. I had a night flight, and finished it in one sitting. Everyone on the plane was sleeping, while my row was the only one with the light on. (Okay. That's a little over-exaggeration). I know that a book is good when I'm that addicted to it. Jules especially captivated me with her sweet, innocent but wicked voice. Wicked as in amusing, of course. She and Alex made a perfect power couple, and I love how Amy Spalding always incorporates music culture into her stories. I can tell that she is a HUGE fan of boybands. That's adorable! Spalding adds that extra quirk into contemporary fiction that many authors do not have; the lyrics to the songs that she makes up are hilariously catchy!

Alex was such a hottie. Although his and Jules' relationship seemed rushed and very instant-ty, I am a big fan of Julex, or Ales, or whatever ship name you decide to pair the two with. They instantly clicked, bonding over dog walking and the cute things in life. That's a kind of man I need. Another fictional boyfriend to add to the list? I do think so. 

In a rush, here are fifty reasons why (I wish), eight reasons why The New Guy would be perfect for you:

•This could help persuade you and cure your senioritis. Not that I know what that feels like.

•Jules has the quirkiest attitude ever. A reader cannot help but adore her personality and life mottos!

•It is a chick-lit, but encounters so many more YA issues that need to be explained. A hint of LGBTQ, a hint of gorgeous friendships, a hint of music... this is absolutely stunning.

•It gives you a perspective of what it's like to be an overachiever and have dreams... without procrastination. Jules' life shows that you could make time for everything at any time. It's crazy. 

•Alex and Jules' relationship is so, so sweet. They go on and off within the story, for reasons that make sense. They are a strong, power couple.

•The humour! I had so many laugh-out-loud moments with this story, which doesn't happen often.

•The pacing. I read this in a jiffy and I cannot help but yearn for it again. Who knows? Maybe once my TBR pile weakens (NEVER. BEA IS COMING) I'll give it a go again! It's too good.

•I say it's good. You know, you should all trust me some more.

I think that I have more than enough convinced you to buy this. IT'S RELEASE DAY, GET YOUR BUTTS MOVING. *giggles*

What is a good contemporary YA story that has to do with music? Do you like the vibe of this story?

Bone and Bread by Saleema Nawaz // This Needs to Win Everyone's Debate

Bone and Bread, by Saleema Nawaz
Publication: February 26, 2013, by House of Anansi Press
Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 445
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ½

Beena and Sadhana are sisters who share a bond that could only have been shaped by the most unusual of childhoods -- and by shared tragedy. Orphaned as teenagers, they have grown up under the exasperated watch of their Sikh uncle, who runs a bagel shop in Montreal's Hasidic community of Mile End. Together, they try to make sense of the rich, confusing brew of values, rituals, and beliefs that form their inheritance. Yet as they grow towards adulthood, their paths begin to diverge. Beena catches the attention of one of the "bagel boys" and finds herself pregnant at sixteen, while Sadhana drives herself to perfectionism and anorexia.
When we first meet the adult Beena, she is grappling with a fresh grief: Sadhana has died suddenly and strangely, her body lying undiscovered for a week before anyone realizes what has happened. Beena is left with a burden of guilt and an unsettled feeling about the circumstances of her sister's death, which she sets about to uncover. Her search stirs memories and opens wounds, threatening to undo the safe, orderly existence she has painstakingly created for herself and her son.
Heralded across Canada for the power and promise of her debut collection, Mother Superior, Nawaz proves with Bone and Breadthat she is one of our most talented and unique storytellers.

My Thoughts:

I was originally captivated by Saleema Nawaz's Canadian-born story after hearing so many positive things about it because of the Canada Reads debate. Sadly, SPOILER ALERT, it didn't win the debate, but it was pretty great anyways. Bone and Bread is a story that not only intrigues readers and keeps them going, but shares so many themes that every reader would love to see in any contemporary story. This is about two sisters who deal with their own problems as young children, but years later, one is left and readers see problems for Beena: she lives with grief for the rest of her life. This is such a beautiful, beautiful story that I cannot forget about.

Bone and Bread. Think about that title and what do you actually think of? I know that I see a dog bone in the middle of two slices of bread. That's it. That title has so much more depth to the story than readers realize. One of the sisters is bone, the other bread. This has so much sense to it. Saleema Nawaz does not create a story that is just about the characters, though. I really enjoyed this one because it kept me hooked. We readers are kept in a story that features a fast-paced plot in a beautiful city, Montreal. I haven't read a Canadian story in a long time, that's for sure. 

One gif. That's all.

Looking back at my experience, it could have been better when looking at the grief part of things, but I enjoyed it either way, you know? I felt like I was underwater, trying to swim for the surface at times. I wanted to grasp that extra inch of goodness, but it never came towards me, that last fish. I enjoyed the flashbacks back and forth to the sisters' childhoods and back to where Beena stays on her own. And then of course, there is the mental illness factor that everyone is obsessed with. I'm not complaining. That is the best thing that an author could add to put the puzzle pieces together.

Bone and Bread deserves every piece of hype that it has gotten, but of course, only the good hype. The fabulous author provides readers a beautiful relationship of a sisterhood that ended too quickly, and an amazing character of a girl who has to undergo grief, living in a beautiful city, understanding her demons. This is a must-read for every teen, adult, mom, sister, daughter out there. Right now. 

What is another really good Canadian novel? Does this intrigue you? What are other good mental illness stories?

The A to Z of You and Me by James Hannah // Was I Missing Something?

The A to Z of You and Me, by James Hannah
Publication: May 3, 2016, by Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 

He has all kinds of everyday joy in his life -- he's young, he's in love, he has friends who promise to stand by him if life ever goes wrong.
Then one day, life does go wrong.
He makes a mistake, and it's big and unforgiveable. Now time is running out, and his life is falling apart. But he's going to put it back together again. His own way.
This is a story about how far love must stretch to gather a life in pieces -- and about how a strong friendship never dies.

My Thoughts:

The A to Z of You and Me originally had the potential to become something unique, somewhat indie and fresh for an adult audience. James Hannah, a tremendously talented author, seemed to captivate me with the cover of his story and the plot. I thought that because there was a misuse of information in the summary, the actual novel would provide more clarity towards the whole situation and the story would go into more depth about the main character's issues and how he battles his own personal demons. Honestly? This was one of the strangest novels that I have ever read, to be clear. James Hannah wrote this novel with every chapter starting a different letter of the alphabet, and the main character, Ivo, uses each letter to name a body part that begins with that letter. It's pretty complex.

Why The A to Z of You and Me didn't work out so perfectly for me (and maybe for you, too):

•The confusion I felt with the plot. For me, there was no clear point to this story. Readers were just put into the life of a man who is in his 40s, and feels sad. I liked Ivo as a character, and found the variety of the adventures that he experienced prior to his hospice situation are totally relatable and enjoyable to read about. I just could not see the main point of the story. Other reviews found this to be extremely lyrical and poetic, while I plainly saw a man retell bits of his life story while feeling sad, naming different letters of the alphabet as a sort of therapy lesson. Eeek? I guess that I only enjoy stories about depression when they are YA. Not Adult. Sorry fellas!

•Confusion equals mass boringness. I wasn't too interested in this book after I realized how much it would drag and lean out of my interest zone. I liked the parts where we readers got the chance to discover who Ivo was really addressing this whole story to—and especially, the girl's name. This story has its perks, and negatives, as I have come to conclude. 

••••••

Do not suspect that this is horrible or nasty of any kind. James Hannah is a great writer—his ideas are expressed through an interesting character who has different problems than adults in other fictional stories that I have read. But at the same time, this story is real. So real. I cannot help but squirm when I think about other people in reality who have had to deal with something that Ivo had to deal with. This was great in some moments, after all!

The A to Z of You and Me is a deep story that may or may not touch the hearts of readers. I found it particularly slow and a little out of my league, you know? What was really catchy for me is the romance. It's kind of a mystery, but you'll see for yourself if you ever decide to give James Hannah's newest story a try. Beware the plot twists and weird chapter names. Other than that, I'm sure you're good. *thumbs up*

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*

Have you ever read a story that has weird chapter names? What is the most confusing book you've read?