Book Review: Crazy by Amy Reed

SUMMARY: He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.

Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.

As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain... but what if no one else can?


OPINION: 5 STARS

Visceral and stunning, Crazy is a perfect look at the spiraling into depression and mania, and the fear that comes with it. Readers will fall in love with the two central characters who are as similar as they are different. With an interesting writing style, told entirely in emails, and plenty of gutting moments, Crazy is a beautiful and thrilling book.

Connor is sensitive and sweet, the kind of guy who is quiet and not always noticeable yet a rock once he’s in someone’s life. Somewhat of an outsider, and mostly just too smart to fully connect to his peers, Connor understands Izzy in a way she isn't used to, yet also in a way that he doesn’t fully grasp either. With a stable home life, and a fairly typical but not completely stressed relationship with his mom, Connor has a lot going for him, but is smart enough to know it. Clearly in love with Izzy, and frustrated at times with her distance and responses, she tests him in ways he can’t always understand and react to.

Izzy is fun, wild, and volatile. Battling her own demons of sorts, and trapped in that limbo state of knowing she’s overreacting to things but being unable to stop it, the growing danger around her is palpable, gutting and realistic. Someone who pushes those close to her away in times of stress, and who admittedly treats Connor pretty badly at times, just how much she is really reaching out for help is infused in nearly every page in her perspective. Certainly bordering into crazy territory, but fighting it the entire way, Izzy’s character is easily understandable, even for readers who haven’t been personally in her situation.

While reference is made to Connor and Izzy’s friends and family throughout, there is no immediate contact for readers with them for most of the book, due to the email style. This direct electronic dialog adds a new level of emotion, making this book visceral and physically painful, with a different sort of intimacy to the characters about it because of the unflinching honesty in every email. From normal frustrations and wants to things that neither character can fully grasp, there is a huge range of emotions, events, and experiences in this book.

There is a steadiness to the pacing that will keep readers both acutely aware of the days that sometimes go by without a reply from one of the characters, as well constantly gripped and engaged in the story. With a direct look into Izzy’s mind as she falls further into the depths of darkness, the psychological aspect of this story is both thrilling and gutting. With a painful climax and a well done ending for the story, this is one of those books that readers will be unable to put down, no matter the late hours.

The writing is poignant and real, not so much a second person narrative style as just reading someone’s personal emails. With gaps between some of the emails, and a stunning sense of urgency embedded into others, the passing of time is easy to follow. Pulling readers in just as easily as if this was “normal” narrative style, Reed is a truly talented writer who is proving herself once again in a new way.

With some fun moments mixed into an otherwise painful background, and a desperation to both characters that is prevalent in their words, Crazy is stunning, bold and breathtaking. Pulling off the email style perfectly, and unflinching in every aspect, Reed is a truly talented author who shines with this book. Even those who don’t love contemporary fiction need to pick this one up, and they won't be able to forget it.

Details:

Source: Galley Grab 

Reading level: Ages 14 and up 

Hardcover: 384 pages 

Publisher: Simon Pulse 

Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Cover + Trailer Tour: Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble

I am so excited to be a part of the exclusive ANASTASIA FOREVER BLOG TOUR! Only a lucky few have the chance to debut this trailer, and I’m beyond thrilled to see where Anne’s dreams lead her in the third and final installment of the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series. Will she unlock the secrets of the past before they destroy her future?

Here’s the scoop on the DREAMING ANASTASIA Series!

There is so much to love about this series as Joy brilliantly blends Russian history, romance, magic and mythology into an enticing adventure.

In DREAMING ANASTASIA, Anne Michaelson begins to have unusual dreams and discovers that she is the only one who can save the daughter of the last tsar of Russia, Anastasia Romanov. Believed to be dead by the world, Anastasia has been kept captive all these years by the Russian witch Baba Yaga, and only Ethan, a handsome and mysterious 18-year-old, can help Anne free Anastasia.

Anne once again leaves behind her ordinary life in HAUNTED to join forces with the mysterious and gorgeous Ethan as the journey with the Romanov continues. This time she is haunted by classic figures from Russian mythology, a rusalka, , a Russian folklore mermaid with a malevolent streak – and a particular interest in Anne, who tells her that Anastasia is still alive. As she and Ethan team up, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets - including the true source of Anne’s powers.

Now in ANASTASIA FOREVER, having survived Baba Yaga and the Rusalka, Anne finds herself bound by the witch to undertake a journey into past, present, and future that will determine her destiny - and that of everyone she loves.

Catch a preview of the danger, romance, and magic await Anne in this exciting glimpse ahead of ANASTASIA FOREVER by taking a look at a special sneak peak with the first three chapters here!

Now check out the trailer



ANASTASIA FOREVER comes out this August, be sure to look out for all things Anastasia at Joy’s website joysnovelidea.blogspot.com.

Release Day Top Five + Contest: Something Like Normal

Today, Trish Doller's debut, Something Like Normal, is officially out on shelves. This book is easily one of my favorites ever, and as of right now, my favorite book of the year. This is one of those books that I wanted so, so badly, I was bordering on petulant waiting for my copy. It's also a book that just completely captivated me.

So to celebrate what I think is a truly stunning and worthy book, I'm giving you the guys the top five reasons everyone needs to get their hands on a copy of this one, and I'm giving you the chance to win your very own copy!

5. I totally cried. And I am not a crier. I can name several books that had most everyone in tears and other than maybe some misty eyes, nothing from me. But this one? Tears. More than once. Not really an ugly cry for me, but getting close to it. (Don't let the tears shy you away. It's a good cry.)

4. The writing is amazing. Seriously. There is something so to the point, yet also with some amazing descriptions, and an easy flow to it that just totally sucks you in. And since we all know writers only get better with time, considering how strong her debut was... we can expect amazing things from Trish down the road. (Which is why you all need to go buy the book, to ensure there are more books from Trish.)

3. The story. This is the best mix of romance, figuring your crap out, overcoming some pretty big things, and just learning who you are. Sure, Travis has been through a lot. And yeah, I'm not a boy, and I've never served in a war. But I still totally related to Travis. I got him, I got his struggles. This is a book that will heat you up and cool you down just as fast. It will tear your heart apart and stitch it back together. It will just get into every part of you, and stay with you for a long time after you're done. This is one of those books that is a painful journey, but one of the best ones you can possibly take. (And it's just silly to let yourself miss out on it.)

2. Harper. I have a total girl crush on her. She may not be the character's head you're in, but you still get to know her really well, even the parts of her that aren't blatantly stated or shown. She doesn't take crap, per say, but she also doesn't hold grudges longer than needed and doesn't just let things fester until it's too late. She can forgive, but she's not a doormat, and she is just, really, the kind of girl that we should all, at least in part, strive to be. (She also totally cracks me up. And saves baby sea turtles.)

1. Travis. Not only is this book male POV (And done amazingly, might I add), but Travis is just. Wow. He's that cocky, somewhat arrogant dude that you just want to punch in the face, but he's also that intense, caring, perceptive guy that you want to break through the front of and get to know, and he's that guy who is broken, but not so broken he's beyond repair. He is just an all around amazing, flawed, realistic, honest, loyal, true guy, and okay so I totally would do him, but I also would love to just know him. (Yes, he's totally that guy who you want to kick in the balls even while you hug him and protect him. Cue Melty Kari.)

Stole this from Trish's links. It's just perfect for Travis.

So there you guys go. That's just 5 of the numerous reasons why you should not let this book pass you over. Even if you're not so big on contemps... even if you don't connect as well to a male narrator... you NEED this book.

Which is why I am giving away a copy of this book, to one lucky winner.

To enter, just fill out THIS form!

This contest ends July 3, and IS international, as long as The Book Depository delivers to you.

No entries will be accepted through the comments, but you should totally leave a comment anyway. I mean, we ARE celebrating here!

New Cover Reveal: Taken by Erin Bowman

Okay, I normally don't scramble to post about a new cover right away. I know it can get kind of annoying when your reader feed is filled with the same post over and over. But, this time, I made an exception because, frankly, not only is this cover just totally gorgeous, it's for an author I think is seriously awesome and would love to meet in person one day, and for the book that is my number one most wanted right now.

So before I do some more gushing, I give you the cover for Erin Bowman's upcoming debut Taken:

Umm. Yeah. Is that not just a totally stunning, eye catching cover? I am so utterly enamored with this cover it's possibly bordering on ridiculous. This is totally a cover to make out with. Admit it. You know you want to.

I love the color scheme of this one, first and foremost. The dusky feeling, the hint of something bad to come, yet also the light that maybe is a bit hopeful? But more than that, I love the tree. Creeptastic! And the mirror effect of the tree on the ground, like it's trying to swallow the people up. Um. What? Not to mention, I love that the boy is looking back - especially mirrored down it's a great effect.

And really, I just love, love, love this cover.

I have been drooling for this book since last year. It is easily the book I want more than any others right now. And frankly, you should want it just as much as me!

And because Erin has, honestly, gone all out for her cover reveal, head over to Pub(lishing) Crawl to see not only her reaction to her cover (I mean, come on, that's always one of the first questions we ask authors) and the full jacket flap/summary, but also for an interview with the cover designer!

Also, make sure you stalk... I mean follow... Erin on twitter and let her know what you think of her cover. But I totally call dibs on slipping it tongue... Ahem. She is fabulous to follow, not to mention she runs #namethatbook on the first Thursday of every month which is just a kickass game.

You can add Taken to your Goodreads shelf here as well. You know you want to.

Congrats, Erin, and another awesome job, Harper! I totally cannot wait to get my hands on this book!

Book Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

SUMMARY: A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.    

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly.


OPINION: 5 STARS

This is very possibly my favorite of Jennifer’s books, so stunning in its characterization, original in some of the ways she twists things in, and all together just so well put together. With a great narrative voice mixed into the bold and fluid writing we know and love from Jennifer, Such a Rush is easy to fall into and impossible to put down. This is the kind of book I stayed up way too late reading, and then tried to sneak reads at work to be able to finish. Sexy at all the right times, and unafraid to bring in depth, emotion and pain, this one is the perfect mix of drama and romance.

Leah is an amazing character, one who has plenty of battle wounds that causes her to keep a barrier up against others, someone who is ashamed of the trailer park she lives in yet determined to have more in her life. Able to take care of herself, in large part due to her less than stellar and often absent mother, Leah is a bit of a firecracker but a great one. She’s intense, loyal and passionate, with this stunning strength to her, and yet the moments when that crumbles, letting the vulnerability shine through are some of the best in the book. With instances of self doubt, and even letting her own self worth drop, Leah is a very easy character to understand and relate to. While her specific situation might be different than many other’s, the way she reacts and takes everything isn't. Add in her love of flying and determination to be a pilot, and she is a very memorable character.

Grayson is an equally stellar character, a guy who has made some mistakes and suffering for it now after the loss of his father and brother. Feeling like he has so much to make up for, and suddenly trying to take care of his family, Grayson is a whirlwind of emotions and intensity that will leave readers breathless. Torn between what he wants and what he thinks is best, and seriously stubborn to a fault, Grayson is the kind of guy you want to hit as much as you want to hug. Like Leah, he has this rough exterior with a soft interior, and watching the moments when he softens, when he lets his feelings show through are poignant and enamoring.

One of the most notable aspects of this book is the realism, not only of the raw emotion infused so perfectly but the trailer park lifestyle Leah has always known. Ribbed on for being poor, spacing out one meal to last her two or three, and stuck without transportation beyond walking or the school bus, the very different way of life she knows compared to her peers is beautifully showcased without being stereotypical or offending. Using what she has to further herself, albeit at the expense of her reputation, Leah is hurt at the sexual way she is often viewed yet unwilling to tone it down (even though often times, she doesn’t fully realize how she’s coming across) if that means having nothing. Holding herself to a higher self worth than many of the people who live in the trailer park with her, and especially compared to her mother, Leah’s struggle and determination to break free is so gutting and poignantly done. Also steeped perfectly in realism is the pilot aspect of this, from learning to continuing to fly, and everything in between.

Though heavily focused on Leah’s struggles and the overall emotions, there is also a great plot mixed into this one. With plenty of unexpected turns, Such a Rush will keep readers gripped and engaged. Though sometimes heavy on the flight stuff, it’s woven in so smoothly and naturally that it feels fitting, rather than overbearing. While a few of the plot twists are a little predictable, it’s one of those things where the clues are given to let you predict it and yet, when it’s revealed, you still feel a little sucker punched. Testing the lines of love and loyalty, friendship and more, and doing it smoothly and with flair, Such a Rush is everything a contemporary should be and more.

Details:

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

Hardcover: 336 pages 

Publisher: MTV Books

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

Sun-Proof Fiction Contest: Win 1 of 3 Prize Packs from HarperTeen

HarperTeen is at it again, putting together some awesome promotional stuff. Now that summer is here, they're offering samples of nine of their (totally awesome) paperbacks, and calling it SPF9... you know, Sun-Proof Fiction. Because, really, books make great shade! Just picture yourself, lying out this summer, soaking up some sun, blocking said bright sun out with a book and getting lost in it.

So to celebrate, I've got 3 SPF Prize Packs up for grabs!

There will be three winners, one for each pack below:

PRIZE PACK ONE:

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

PRIZE PACK TWO:

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell

The Temptation by Alisa Valdes

Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrington

PRIZE PACK THREE:

Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mylnowski

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday

To enter, just fill out THIS form! 

There will be three winners. This contest is US only, and ends June 27.

And if that's not enough for you, HarperTeen has even more awesomeness going on all month long, and on their Facebook page, where you can enter right now to win 1 of 9 Prize Packs!

Did you know… books provide excellent shade? HarperTeen is giving you the chance to sample your very own Sun-Proof Fiction with nine of our most fantastic summer reads in paperback. During the month of June, we’ll be tweeting our favorite beach reading photos with #spf9 hashtag, giving away books and more on HarperTeen’s Facebook, and spreading the word that books can be better than sunglasses.