Flip the Switch : Teens aWake » Emily Ruth

10 Quick Reads

Emily Ruth — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:59:11 +0000

Christmas season: the best and worst season of them all. Parents think they have it bad, but at least they have money to buy presents, and they don’t have exams to study for.

When Christmas/exam season comes around, most of us sadly stack away our 300+ page novels, and watch them longingly every day, wishing we had time to read one–time to read anything.

Yes? Well, I have an idea. Some authors have gladly gifted our world with shorter novels. Or, if you want something even better: children’s novels. Here’s a list of some of the best of both of them:

(Click the title to go to the Wake County Library page to read the description and request.)

1. Lips Touch (Three Times) : While this book is above 200 pages, it qualifies because it is broken down into three short stories, each one tantalizing and page-turning. Wrought with original dialogue and beautiful description (plus BEAUTIFUL pictures at the start of each story), LTTT is definitely a good choice. Seriously. My favorite book right now.

2. Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances : Like LTTT, this is broken down into three shorter stories, and it’s Christmas-themed, so how could you not pick it up? I actually haven’t read this one (though I’m planning to), but it’s received good reviews, and is written by best-selling authors John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.

3. Genesis This 150 page novel is about a girl named Anax, who uncovers information that forces her to contemplate the nature of consciousness and the rights of humanity in the face of complex artificial intelligence technology. Whew, but wow! REALLY good response from this book (and a beautiful cover, which of course means a lot).

4. The Graveyard Book: Classic Neil Gaiman. Won tons of awards. You can’t go wrong. Okay, well its 307 pages (so I guess I’m cheating), but it’s a middle grade book (large font, wide spaces) with illustrations so it’s not really that long.

5. Wake: 210 pages, a quirky writing style that you’ll either love or hate (but either way it flies by), and a story about a girl that controls dreams—you can’t pass on that, can you? Written by Lisa McMann.

6. Living Dead Girl*: This short, emotional read about a girl who is abducted and abused is only 170 pages but arguably more powerful than many of the other books like it out there.

7. Skeleton Creek: This book/movie mystery by Patrick Carman is creepy and LOADS of fun. You read some of the story (aka Ryan’s Journal), then the book gives you a password for a video online (aka his friends video journal). It’s really cool, and… guess what? Yeah. 185 pages.

8. If I Stay (This 195 page page-turner about a girl in a coma, who can see what is going on around her and must decide whether or not to stay (much more exciting than that pitiful summary) is quite possibly the sweetest book I have ever read, and I’m certain will be one of your favorites.

9. Me, the Missing, and the Dead: Just over 200 pages (201 pages), this book by Jenny Valentine contains a urn that speaks to a boy, and a boy whose father disappeared a long time ago.

and of course there’s always

10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: 217 Pages. Brilliant. Enough said.

Enjoy your holidays!

*this book may contain material unsuitable for some people, so please use discretion.

Book Review: Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Emily Ruth — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:14:10 +0000

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Summary: Micah has been a liar her whole life, and now she’s going to tell you about it. She’ll tell you about the murder at the school, her family, her history, her life. And this time, she’s not going to lie. But can you trust her?

Review: I couldn’t put Liar down. Micah’s voice is compelling and addictive; her stories quirky and original. You feel like there’s something you’re not grasping, and that keeps the story going. It started out fantastic. A quick read; a sure success. About half way through Micah gets a little boring (it is a good length book), and Larbalestier must know that because suddenly we’re back up and down another roller coaster of events. I must say, I didn’t see any of the twists and turns in this book coming. Looking back, I can see some hints, but I totally missed them. Most books you can kind of predict what’s going to happen, but with Liar, you think you know where it’s going, and then you’re surprised. FANTASTIC. The characters were starkly realistic, and I almost felt like I was intruding on Micah’s mind. She made me uncomfortable, sorry, surprised, and more. My only two complaint was the language. I felt like the book could have been fine without it. There was also some mention of homosexuality which was explained, but still just awkward.

Overall, an excellent book with strong characters and a brilliant plot, but some unnecessary language that could turn away some readers.

Click here to request this book from your nearest Wake County Library!

Book Review: Forest of Hands and Teeth

Emily Ruth — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:03:30 +0000

Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Summary: Mary never questioned the Sisterhood or Guardians that kept her town safe from the Unconsecrated–those that used to be people, but now gnaw at the gates of the village for blood. Until now. When Mary is forced to join the sisterhood because no one offers to marry her, she comes across things she never imagined–particularly a woman from the Outside, named Gabrielle.

But that was before Mary’s village was attacked by the Unconsecrated, and before exploring things like this meant death.

Review: In a word, creepy. It’s like a mix of The Village and I Am Legend, in book form. But it’s really cool.

Mary’s story instantly draws the reader in, and the love triangle keeps the plot moving forward. Carrie Ryan has it all planned out. There’s this huge tantalizing background story (that gets confusing sometimes), which circles around a kind of Catholic church theme (which was really cool as well and added to the creepy feel), of which Mary’s story is the center. I must admit, the story starts out a tad slow and is kind of confusing for the first part of the story, but once you get into the action it gets much better.

Mary was a good protagonist– she struggles with things, but is overall still pretty strong. There is some pining after a boy, but it never gets too bad. There was not a lot of development in the other characters until the end, but it’s not too noticeable because of the excitement of the plot.

Overall, Forest of Hands and Teeth is very good book, with an awesome ‘wow’ factor. The ending was fantastic. I would really recommend this book if you aren’t faint-hearted and like creepy stories with blood and mystery. Some have complained about it being too graphic/bloody for them, but I really didn’t feel it was too graphic except in one part. Even then, it wasn’t graphic, it was just horrible to imagine. Ryan doesn’t linger.

4 Stars.
Click to request this book from your nearest Wake County Library!
Check out this awesome trailer!

Book Review: Savvy

Emily Ruth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:31:11 +0000

by Ingrid Law

Click here to request this book from your nearest Wake County Library.

Summary: The Beaumonts have always been special–it’s in their blood. It’s like this: whenever a member of the family turns 13, that person gets their “savvy”. The savvy can be humane (i.e. perfection) or terribly dangerous (i.e. moving mountains).
Now it is Mib’s 13th birthday, and she knows her savvy is going to be great. Especially since one of her brothers creates hurricanes and the other controls electricity. But Mibs wakes up to find her father in a coma, no savvy in sight, and no ride to the hospital. Well, no ride until the bus comes along.
And then the bus heads in the wrong direction–away from the hospital.

Review: A delicious mixture of innocence, fun, and creativity, Savvy was to me a book like no other. I adored all the characters and development (such incredible development for a children’s book!). And can I talk about the creativity again? WOW. It had me from the first page.
Savvy is a book teens and children will enjoy, if you like the genre.
Obviously, there were some things I could think of that wouldn’t make sense if it was real, but I thought it was wonderful how Law brought together the whole idea that everyone has a kind of ’savvy’, everyone has something they do especially well- be it kindness, humility, cooking a wonderful cherry pie, etc. etc.
If you’re looking for a book to make you feel better and cheer you up, THIS IS IT. I’m positive I’ll reread it one day.

Plus, look at that cover…

Heads Up, High School Writers and Editors…

Emily Ruth — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:16:13 +0000

If you like writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, and you’re in high school,(you don’t have to like high school), visit PolyphonyHS.com. It’s a literary magazine written and run by high school students. You can submit up to 3 pieces at a time, and whether you are accepted into the magazine or not, you’ll get your entry critiqued. Which brings me to the next point.

If you happen to be great at editing or want to give it a try, you should look into being a first reader. The First Reader reads some of the entries and makes comments, then sends it on to the Second Reader. Any high school student can be a first reader, and it’s a lot of fun! For more information (and a better explanation) click the link above.

Seriously. It’s awesome. Give Polyphony HS your full attention… NOW.

Book Review: Bones of Faerie

Emily Ruth — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:12:18 +0000

Summary: Liza has been told of the war with the faeries that destroyed the human world. She’s been told, like everyone else in her town, to cast out anything that shows remnants of faerie magic. But Liza is haunted by the memory of her sister, cast out and left to be eaten by wild animals as a newborn because of the color of her hair. That was the night before her mother left. Now Liza is seeing things, and knows she, too, has been tainted. If she is to keep the rest of her town from harm, she must flee.

Review: Bones of Faerie is the best faerie story I’ve read in a long, long time. No shallow characters, no stupid love triangles, no lumps on a girl’s back turning into wings, no girl who is really gorgeous that thinks she’s ugly… No, this book is real. This book is cold and sharp. We aren’t told much about the War, which some reviewers have said annoyed them. But while it did make me wonder what really happened, I felt like it left something open for me to wonder about. And I like a book where EVERYTHING isn’t known and tied in a perfect bow by the end. Liza was very realistic. You could see the attraction between Matthew and her, and Simner didn’t make that too cheesy. She just let it flow. Kudos! There were no really ‘big’ revelations, but there were some small ones that kind of surprised me a little. The book wasn’t a mystery novel though, so I wasn’t expecting a big turnaround. Simner’s writing was elegant, somewhat simplistic, but perfect for this story. I couldn’t stop reading it. I was planning on just reading a little every night, but that just.. didn’t work out. I had to read it during the day too and finished it in two days. I liked that there wasn’t much focus on the faeries, but that Simner focused on the character Liza and her problems. But the faeries were still worked in. All the imagery around the plants was incredible, too. And making the plants evil in their own way was just wonderfully imaginative. It’s a very quick read, and pretty short, too.

So in all, I strongly recommend this if you’re looking for a good faerie story, and not another cheesy love triangle. Also, if you want a nice, quick, satisfying read.

Available at your local Wake County Public Library!

Review: Watersmeet

Emily Ruth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:30:59 +0000

Summary: Abisina has been an outcast since birth because her dark skin, dark hair, and green eyes are so different from the Vranille ideal–blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. Children like her are thrown outside city gates to die, but Abisina was spared because her mother, Sina, is the village healer. But the life she lives is disparaging, and when a legendary ruler comes back, Vranille turns on Abisina and other outcasts.

Before Abisina escapes, her mother gives her directions to Watersmeet.

And to her unknown father.

Review: Watersmeet is a bit slow at the start and a tad long, but man is it worth it! Abisina’s tale is unique and imaginative, in the fashion of Lord of the Rings. Centaurs, dwarves, fairies and more light it up brilliantly, and the human characters are delightfully woven in. I really have not read a book this imaginable in a long time.

Abisina’s time in Vranille was touching and realistic. I felt what it was like to be her, and could easily see the cruelty of the town and the love of her mother, all the while sense the mystery lying behind everything. Abisina battles what she’s been taught to fear against the reality of her fears.

The climax is well developed, not too short or too long, and just complicated enough to keep me guessing. The story nicely builds throughout and finishes with a content flourish.

Watersmeet is entirely clean, but still written brilliantly.

You can find Watersmeet at your local Wake County library.

5 Stars

341 Pages

Already Released

Sarah Dessen Signing!

Emily Ruth — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:47:35 +0000

Hey, all you Dessen fans! There’s a signing at Quail Ridge Books on June 18. Here’s the info:

Time: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:30 p.m.

Location: Quail Ridge Books & Music

Title of Event: SARAH DESSEN–With ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Bestselling author Sarah Desssen debuts ALONG FOR THE RIDE, a new novel for young adults. Fans of LOCK AND KEY, THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER, and Sarah’s other novels will love RIDE.

Come early; each time Sarah visits, the turnout grows!

Can’t make it? To request a signed or personalized copy, call 828-1588 or 1-800-672-6789 or contact orders@quailridgebooks.com (at least 48 hours in advance for email) to check availability.

Quail Ridge is an awesome independent book store, and the signings are great there. So come join us!

Review: Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Emily Ruth — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:35:42 +0000

When twelve princesses turn up every three mornings with worn-out dancing slippers, and no evidence they left their rooms, what’s a king to do? No matter how much he pleads and searches for an answer, he can’t find one. So he invites other men–princes–to do it for him, in return for the hand of a princess in marriage.

Another character, Galen, comes back from the war to find his mother’s sister, the only family he has left. On the way home he gives food to an old lady, who in return gives him some rather surprising gifts. She says he’ll need them, but what for?

A chance encounter with Princess Rose in the garden where Galen works sets things in motion. But there’s still the fact that he is now a gardening boy. Kings don’t let gardening boys find out princesses’ secrets.

Delightful! The Twelve Princesses was always one of my favorite fairy tales, and Princess of the Midnight Ball, by Jessica Day George, was a perfect adaptation. This fairytale retelling is true to the bone. I loved the insight into Galen’s life. We only get to know one of the princesses, Princess Rose, well. I didn’t mind because it kept the whole “The Twelve Princesses” feel.

I couldn’t put it down, it was so exciting. Even though everyone knows the ending, I wanted to know how Galen solved it all! If you haven’t read The Twelve Princesses, you will still find the book well-plotted.

I haven’t had this much fun reading a book in a while. I have no more to say. Read it. To request it from the Wake County library, click here.

Rating: 5 Stars

Clean?: Completely.

Length: 272 Pages

Most like: Spindle’s End (which I loved)

What are your favorite fairy tale retellings?

Script Frenzy: April!

Emily Ruth — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:51:59 +0000

Remember my post about NaNoWriMo? Well, NaNoWriMo has a sister site called Script Frenzy. Here’s the info from the website:

THE INFO

Who: You and everyone you know. No experience required.

What: 100 pages of original scripted material in 30 days. (Screenplays, stage plays, TV shows, short films, and graphic novels are all welcome.)

When: April 1 – 30. Every year. Mark your calendars.

Where: Online and in person (if you want!). Hang out in the forums, join your fellow participants at write-ins, and make friends by adding writing buddies online.

Why: Because you have a story to tell. Because you want a creative challenge. Because you’ll be disappointed if you miss out on the adventure. Because you need to make time for you.

How: Sign up. Tell everyone that you are in the Frenzy. Clear your calendar. (US participants: Get your taxes done now!) Start some wrist exercises. Have fun!

THE 5 BASIC RULES OF SCRIPT FRENZY

1) To be crowned an official Script Frenzy winner, you must write a script (or multiple scripts) of at least 100 total pages and verify this tally on ScriptFrenzy.org.

2) You may write individually or with a partner. Writing teams will have a 100-page total goal for their co-written script or scripts.

3) Script writing may begin no earlier than 12:00:01 AM on April 1 and must cease no later than 11:59:59 PM on April 30, local time.

4) You may write screenplays, stage plays, TV shows, short films, comic book and graphic novel scripts, adaptations of novels, or any other type of script your heart desires.

5) You must, at some point, have ridiculous amounts of fun.

For more information, visit the website by clicking the link at the beginning.. There’s free software and tons of help at the website available if you’re worried about how to format everything, and of course, there will be Pep Talks (which were hilarious and very supportive during NaNoWriMo in December; you don’t want to miss them!)

And feel free to friend me My username is lovemily. Perhaps if we can get enough people from the Wake County area, we can do some get togethers at a library or somewhere…