Book Review: Pieces of Us by Maggie Gelbwasser

SUMMARY:

Two families. Four teens.

A summer full of secrets.

Every summer, hidden away in a lakeside community in upstate New York, four teens leave behind their old identities…and escape from their everyday lives.

Yet back in Philadelphia during the school year, Alex cannot suppress his anger at his father (who killed himself), his mother (whom he blames for it), and the girls who give it up too easily. His younger brother, Kyle, is angry too—at his abusive brother, and at their mother who doesn’t seem to care. Meanwhile, in suburban New Jersey, Katie plays the role of Miss Perfect while trying to forget the nightmare that changed her life. But Julie, her younger sister, sees Katie only as everything she’s not. And their mother will never let Julie forget it.

Up at the lake, they can be anything, anyone. Free. But then Katie’s secret gets out, forcing each of them to face reality—before it tears them to pieces.


OPINION: 4 STARS

This is a rough book, hard even for me to stomach at times. With four different characters, all of whom have some pretty hefty stuff they're dealing with, it can feel almost overboard at times. In truth, this is a book that left me emotionally damaged for a few days, a book that I had to really mull over for a few days before I was okay with it. It is definitely not a book for everyone, but it's one that I feel people need to at least try, because once you get past the feeling of being utterly eviscerated it is, truly, stunning.

All four of the characters narrate various chapters, so at one time or another, there is nothing held back from the reader for each... including Alex. He is not a character that you are meant to root for, and like, and side with. He is misogynistic, degrading, and infuriating. It is uncomfortable to be in the mind of someone like this, to see the world how they do. Yet without his direct perspective, this would have been a very different book because honestly? I got him. At least, mostly. I could see how his motivations kept him going, even if they made no actual sense to me, even if I did not in any way agree, I understood how he believed them. How he could put a girl up on a pedestal for being a virgin, then hate her for giving it up, even if she loved the guy. How he could do some of the things he did, and seem to feel no remorse, yet then seem to be kicking himself harder than anyone, just quietly. I can't say I loved Alex's character, but I loved the execution of his character. And in truth, I don't think I have ever hated a character with such vitriol as I did Alex, which is really a mark of how well Gelbwasser has done his characterization.

Katie is a different story, a character to definitely get behind and root for. While some of what happened with her didn't quite make sense - the way she kept everything so quiet especially - I think her overall storyline is so well done, however gutting it may be. Watching her fall from the top, rescind into herself, and all but give up on everything was horrendous to watch, especially being stuck in her mind for much of it yet also seeing it through the others' eyes too. I love this character, from the way she has a backwards progression to the way everything plays out in the end with her. Rivaling that is her sister Julie, who also has a backwards progression of sorts, and a character who most definitely left me with mixed feelings. As well done as her sister and Alex, Julie plays a vital role in the book even when it seems like she's extraneous.

Then there's Kyle, Alex's younger brother who is, in my mind, the biggest victim of them all. His story shattered me in a way that others didn't. I wanted nothing more than to hug this boy, and protect him from the world. His characterization is so strikingly well done, so enamoring, that it cannot easily be summed up. I held no ill will towards him, only sorrow and a deep drive for him to find something better in his life. Does he make mistakes, stand back and let some awful things happen? Yes. But do I understand why, did I get angry at him? Not a single time, because Gelbwasser weaves in his motivations and mindset so strongly that it's impossible for me not to understand him.

This is a very character and emotion driven book, centered around these four. The ways their stories intersect and split off again, the timeline that can easily be followed of catalysts up to the bigger events... it's all so well done. Gelbwasser holds nothing back in this book, from the rough language to the various levels of abuse, both sexual and emotional, this book is pure grit. It can be overwhelming, and it's definitely not an easy book to get through, but it has a beautiful story in the pain and fabulous writing to go with it. From Alex's degrading mindset to Julie's shifting view of the world, Gelbwasser nails every one of them, with a distinct difference in each voice and a flowing narrative between them.

My biggest issue with this book was in the depth of silence Katie held, and the way it seemed as though not a single person really noticed what was going on with her. I had to wonder how it never occurred to her that some of the things would repeat themselves, and though I do understand that she wanted to just forget what happened, it still made me raise an eyebrow. Hitting just a tad on potentially unrealistic there, everything else about this book had a stellar execution. This is a book that I will probably never be able to read again, but definitely one that will always stay with me, and one that was well worth the rough ride.

Details:

Source: Netgalley 

Reading level: Ages 14 and up 

Paperback: 336 pages 

Publisher: Flux

Publication Date: March 8, 2012

Mini Reviews: Pushing the Limits, Timepiece, and The Space Between Us

It's that time again, gushy mini reviews of books I've read recently that won't be out for awhile, but that I think are amazing and everyone needs to know about them! So let's get to it:

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry: This one is so intense and emotional, but with some seriously sweet and tender romance mixed in. There is a great momentum to this one, with plenty of mysteries and questions to drive it forward. Echo is an amazingly done character, softly broken with a strong determination in her. Then there's Noah, sexy and sweet, the kind of rough on the outside and mushy on the inside that will have you melting. This book had me hooked the entire time, and is so well written with a great mix of sorrow and wit in it.

Timepiece by Myra McEntire: Kaleb. All Kaleb. He is so hot, and sexy, and sweet, and amazing, and... yay. This book is much more emotional than Hourglass, and not just because of Kaleb's whole empathy thing but just because of the situations, the writing, and the focus. There is a big drive towards the overall main picture, with a ton of character focus and development on the way. The entire story is so brilliant, and well put together, and stunning. Though there isn't a for sure third book right now, this reader is all kinds of hopeful the publisher picks one up because this is a world I want to spend more time in. Plus, Kaleb. Holy hotness.

The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez: I loved Jessica's debut, Virtuosity, but I think I might love this one even more. The emotions are so much more amped up, not just because of the natural way a writer improves but because of the situation and the characters. Amelia is a stunning character, one who is definitely flawed, and in some ways, can be selfish, but in light of what's going on, it's so easy to understand why she's reacting like she is. There is so much depth and emotion to this one, intensity and intricacies, and I couldn't put this one down. With several gutting twists on the way, and an awkward and sweet underlying romance, this book has so many amazing elements.

In My Mailbox

This week's IMM will be dog-less. Toby had surgery on Wednesday to have a mass removed off his foot, and he's currently in one of those cone collars. Though it *was* tempting to try to situate the books in the cone, I gave the guy a break. He's frustrated enough having it on. He's recovering fantastically, and is back to running around like a maniac (giant cone and all), and though I'm still waiting on the pathology results to make sure the mass wasn't malignant, I'm immensely relieved just to have the surgery behind us.

So first the books, then some Toby pictures.. because yes, I did document his cone of shame...

For Review:

The Space Between Us by Jessica Martinez (Seriously fantastic! So emotional and breaking)

Never Enough by Denise Jaden (Also awesome!)

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

(Huge thanks to Jessica Martinez, Simon Pulse, and Henry Holt)

 Won:

Fair Coin by E.C. Myers

Personal Effects dogtags from E.M. Kokie

Bought: 

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley (Such a cute romance)

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

So that was my week in books, and now this is my week in Toby:

This is what it was before the surgery. That lump grew in about 3-4 weeks. 

And post surgery, so much smaller, despite the stitches and stuff. 

 Toby in his cone collar. That thing is basically a satellite, and yes, he has serious issues trying to get around in it sometimes. He also kind of sort of broke one of my stand lamps, when he knocked it over trying to walk behind it. He also trips over the collar sometimes, when he catches it on stuff on the floor. But, only one more week and he's out of it. 

So that was what went on around here this week. What books did you guys get? 

IMM a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Event Recap: The Dark Days of Winter + Swag Pack Giveaway

The Dark Days of Winter tour hit up Dallas this week, featuring Courtney Allison Moulton, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows. The event was fantastic, so much fun, and hilarious. These ladies talked about pretty much everything, from getting started writing to editing to struggling with the 2nd or 3rd books in their series. Then there was the more off topic stuff, that are what make these events even more awesome for those there.

But before I get things kicked off, I have the winner for the Dark Days prize pack that went up last week: Amanda Marie. Congrats, and you've been emailed!


I was lucky enough to interview these ladies before the event started, and since anyone who regularly follows my blog knows I tend to ask questions that are more... random... well, these ladies were subject to the same craziness. So here's the interview, then check out the pictures from the actual event!


If you were fighting Voledmort, which character from any of your books would you want with you?

Jodi: Ellie.

Courtney: Will - he can just chuck his sword before Voledmort can Avada Kadavra him.

Cynthia: Will.

Brodi: Cole - if he can get close enough, he can suck all of Voldemort's emotions out and render him useless. (And after she pointed this out, we all agreed this would actually be an improvement for Voldemort.)


If your main character was a tribute in The Hunger Games, what would their token be? 

Jodi: Butterfly.

Courtney: Ellie's wing necklace.

Cynthia: Feather.

Brodi: Poker Chip.


Who is your YA Book Boyfriend: 

Jodi: All the boys. I can't pick just one. (I then informed Jodi we'd have to battle about that later. Good thing *I* have pretty much all the boys locked away in my Boy Closet...)

Courtney: Tucker from Unearthly, because he likes horses.

Cynthia: Ren from Nightshade.

Brodi: Sam from Incarnate.


If you could give any answer to the "inspiration" question, that isn't the actual story, what would it be? 

Jodi: A ferret whispered it.

Courtney: It's an autobiography.

Cynthia: Random neurons firing in my brain.

Brodi: The stork.


And now for some pictures.... because those are always awesome!

 The book table when you first walk into the store. So much prettiness. 

The table set up, before the event started. 

 Getting started!

 Courtney kicked things off, talking a little about her book then reading from it. 

 Next up was Jodi, who told us how Incarnate came to be... and said it was her 17th finished manuscript.

 Then it was Cynthia's turn, who talked about how the idea for Hallowed just kind of hit her, and her craving for writing came back with it. It took her just six months to write the first draft. 

 Finally it was Brodi's turn, who read us a quick scene from the book... after some audience debate of Cole vs Jack (I wanted Cole, but Jack won). It was a good scene though... 

And here's me with all four of them at the end of the event! 

It was a fantastic night, and if you ever have a chance to see even one of these ladies, make sure you go. I hit up The Cheesecake Factory afterwards with them, though I didn't take any pictures there... but there were appetizers, talking, and cheesecake. Who needs pictures?

So there's a little look into the DFW stop for The Dark Days of Winter! If you missed it but are in the area, there is signed at the store.

Make sure you guys also check out Mundie Moms tomorrow for their event recap and interview of the Austin stop, and Once Upon a Twilight on 2/24 for the Houston stop!

I've also got a swag pack for one lucky winner, which includes Incarnate stickers, Angelfire/Wings of the Wicked bookmarks, an Everneath guitar pick necklace, and a Hallowed bookmark!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you. Contest is US only, and ends February 25.

Author Interview: Melissa Jensen

Hitting up the blog today is debut author Melissa Jensen, the lady behind the charming romance The Find Art of Truth or Dare, to talk about her book!


What museum would you want to play Truth or Dare in?

My very fave museum is the National Portrait Gallery in London. Love it there. It’s literally the face of British history. Henry VIII and his uncomfortable-looking wives. Shakespeare with his earring. The one confirmed picture of Jane Austen’s face. Byron looking Byronic. Queen Elizabeth with her corgis. Lucien Freud by…Lucien Freud. Okay, I really really want to be in London. Right now.

What language were you dying to study in high school, whether it was offered or not?

I studied French. I was actually pretty fluent when I was seventeen. Now? I’m really good at using my iPhone app to translate. I tried learning Gaelic a few years ago. Impossible language. I can read some signs in Ireland. Best if they have pictures. Like I’m pretty confident I could find my way to the hospital versus, say, the zoo.

If you could pair Ella and Alex with any character from any book, who would you pick for each?

For Ella, I tried to think of an artist. But most literary artists are kinda depressing, aren’t they? Joyce’s Stephen Deadalus, Maugham’s Philip Carey, Irving Stone’s Van Gogh… I like Ella too much for that. So I decided on Neville Longbottom. Sweet, likely to bring her really good flowers, and he’d put himself between her and a Dementor without thinking twice. Do comic books count? I would pair Alex with Catwoman or maybe Elektra. He would be delighted. And I’ve pretty much just expended my knowledge of interesting female comic book characters.

You're dropped into a room full of Death Eaters with your characters! What happens?

We’d probably end up stupefied, at best. Actually, Alex would likely make a decent wizard. He’s good with sticks (plays lacrosse) and remembering words (fluent in French). Ella tends to be conflict averse, but she would probably enjoy a good piertotem locomotor spell. Personally, I would hope for Harry, Ginny, or Neville to show up. Or McGonagall. She’s awesome.

What kind of shoe would you describe yourself as?

I’m an Alexander McQueen ballet flat: sensible, classic, dependable at the core, but with a definite dose of quirk.


Thank you, Melissa, and congrats on the release! The Fine Art of Truth or Dare is on shelves now, so be sure you check it out! There's kissing, and art, and other sweet stuff.

Book Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

SUMMARY: Just before her 16th birthday, Brie Eagan literally dies of a broken heart after her boyfriend tells her he does not love her. She then must go through the five stages of grief, while watching her friends and family try to cope with her death, before her faith in love is restored and she can move on to the afterlife.


OPINION: 4 STARS

With an interesting concept that is woven together in a great way, The Catastrophic History of You and Me puts a new twist on life after death and navigating the territory. Very realistic in feeling overall, despite the fact that the main character is dead, this is a book that will appeal to both contemporary and supernatural fans. Adding to the depth this book holds is the way Rothenberg incorporates the five stages of grief, with Brie going through each one yet not always in the most obvious of ways. 


Brie was an interesting character, one who goes through a tremendous amount of growth and development. Though bratty at times, she also has moments of clarity, bravery, and selflessness that will twist readers and do a number even on herself. Definitely a character that is easy to root for, and someone who readers will mourn the fact that she's dead, Brie has a certain endearing element to her that helps drive the book forward. 


Small overall in cast, the other important character is Patrick, a guy who is rather cheesy and bordering on lame, yet charming and sweet as well. Garnering several eye rolls throughout the book, but having a very memorable nature and role, Patrick serves not only as a guide but a potential love interest for Brie as well. The feelings between them had a constant sweetness underlying the frustration and forced distaste that was there, and Rothenberg does a marvelous job of building the romance into the bigger picture. 


Smoothly written, and done in a way that makes readers feel everything Brie does, Rothenberg's debut is both memorable and poignant. Though there is a small level of predictability with this one, there are still a few shocking and unexpected twists that pull it through and keep readers engaged and gripped. Very centered on Brie and what she's going through, yet pulled back enough to give readers a bigger picture idea as well, The Catastrophic History of You and Me is a great debut and a fun read.

Details:

Source: ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review 

Reading level: Ages 12 and up 

Hardcover: 400 pages 

Publisher: Dial

Publication Date: February 21, 2012