Audio Book Review: World After by Susan Ee

Title: World After
Author: Susan Ee
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/Skyscape
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Rating: 3/5

Cover Impressions:  The cover works very well with the one for the first novel.  I love the difference of the bat wings this time and am hoping that is an indicator that we will get lots of Raffe this time around as well.

Review:
World After picks up directly where Angelfall left off, with Penryn back with her family - but paralyzed and left for dead.  As she begins to stir, the member of the resistance are shocked to find her alive and wary of both her, her taser wielding mother and her stitched and strange baby sister.

When the hunger drives Paige to unspeakable acts, a mob chases her away and Penryn sets forth once again to reunite her family.  This time, without Raffe.  Her search takes her deeper into the Angel's territory and reveals their nefarious plans for human beings and the world.

The world, this time around is especially bleak.  I couldn't seem to find any hope that the human race is going to survive and it is made the book a little difficult to get through.  There were very few moments of triumph or even simple success, compounded by the fact that any gains made by the human race in the last book are quickly revealed to have had no impact whatsoever.

This novel is incredibly dark and has some really disturbing scenes of violence.  I found it particularly difficult, as a mother, to listen to the scenes involving parents being separated from their children.  About halfway through, another blogger mentioned that this series is meant to be 5 books.  I am entirely sure that I could handle this level of hopelessness for that many more novels.  I feel like the battle between angels and humans is like a man and a mosquito and I seriously need a win on the human's side before I die from frustration.

Despite its darkness, or perhaps because of it, the plot is quite exciting.  There is very little downtime between action scenes and Penryn continues to be a no-nonsense, get-it-done kind of girl, so that whining about Raffe's absence is kept to a minimum.  That being said, he doesn't REALLY show up until quite near the end of the book.  This allow time for Penryn to develop as a character and for the author to explore the new relationship between the two sisters.  However, I did miss that element of sexual tension which provided at least a momentary break from the bleakness and violence of the situation.

I really enjoyed how the sword became like another character and how she had a real impact on the plot.  She shows Penryn dreams and visions which not only allow Raffe to be present in some form and to reveal his history but also serve as a very clever way to have Penryn learn to use the sword proficiently in a rather short period of time.   

I would like to note that this is not a novel for the faint of heart.  It has some truly horrific scenes of violence that can be incredibly disturbing for some readers.  There are unwanted and unnecessary surgeries, violent riots, dismemberment, disembowelment and cannibalism.

There are scenes where angels are the monsters but also ones where humans are.  I would certainly never recommend this series for anyone on the young end of the young adult spectrum but it may be right up the alley of a reader who already enjoys a serious touch of gore.

In the end, it didn't really feel like World After accomplished much.  Paige is back, again.  Penryn and Raffe are back together again.  A few of the Angel's secret plans are revealed, but it doesn't feel like anything really changed from the last book to the end of this one.  We are left just as uncertain about the fate of the human race and no real battle was fought.  At the end of Angelfall we had a huge explosion at the Aerie.  It was big, loud and brightened the mood of the reader rooting for the downtrodden humans.  This book had not such pay off and I actually found myself questioning whether or not this book was necessary.  I get it, the whole point was allowing Penryn to grow and accept Paige and for her and Raffe to find one another again, but I can't help wondering if this could have been accomplished in a novella instead.  As it is, this book just felt like unnecessary filler.

I will definitely stick around for at least one more book but I can't say that I have high hopes of finishing all 5.  The bleakness will probably do me in long before the conclusion. 


Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Swordplay, Gunplay, Knifeplay, Violent Riots, Dismembering, Disembowelment, Cannibalism, Kidnapping, Torture, Unwanted Surgeries, 
Inappropriate Language: Bastard
Substance Use/Abuse: None

Audio Book Review: Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Title: Such Wicked Intent 
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Brilliance Audio)
Release Date: August 21st, 2012
Rating: 4/5

Cover Impressions:  This cover works really well with that of the first in the series.  I love the font treatment and how the author's name is incorporated.  The muted colors are reflective of the tone.  I am really happy that Elizabeth is also featured on this one and the pose suggests familiarity and closeness without leaning to romance. 

The Gist:  Having failed to save his twin brother from the clutches of death, Victor Frankenstein is ready to leave the world of the occult behind but, it seems, the fate is not quite finished with him.  He stumbles upon a portal to the spirit world and finds his brother in a strange, in-between state.  With his new found power and confidence, Victor, Elizabeth and Henry promise to bring Konrad back - by any means possible.  Even if it means dabbling in dark forces that they may not be able to control.

Review: 

Such Wicked Intent tells the story of Victor Frankenstein's first steps on the path to creating one of the most feared and villified creatures in the literary world.  Victor is an incredible character who is both magnetic and repulsive.  The reader cannot help but root for him, even when he shows the most vile characteristics.  He is accompanied by is friend, Henry who, in this installment, shows some depth of character and begins to step out from behind the shadow of the Frankenstein twins.  While the other characters were interesting and complex, can someone please explain to me the draw of Elizabeth?  Is she the only teenage girl that these boys have been exposed to?  Why does EVERYONE fall in love with her?  In the first half of the book, she was shrill, annoying and nauseating in her piousness.  It is not until the spirit world begins to reveal the cracks in her perfect persona that I begin to even be able to tolerate her.  I often found myself rolling my eyes or even yelling at her for her actions (a common practice I have developed with irritating characters in audio books).

The creatures in this book are pretty terrifying.  One in the very obvious, deep down gut kind of terror and the other in the much more sinister, there's something wrong but I can't quite put my finger on it kind of way.  I absolutely loved the treatment of the butterflies and the crucial part that they played throughout the entire book.  I couldn't help hearing the voice of Bart Simpson in my head "Nobody ever suspects the butterfly..."  The world building in Such Wicked Intent was incredibly detailed.  The laws behind the Spirit World were clear and the possibilities that this setting opened up were endless.  It was clear from the beginning that the power held there would be far too tempting for Victor's own good, but it was also interesting to see the impact that it had on the other characters.

The pacing of this novel was spot on.  The darker aspects of the character's nature lend well to the sense of building tension.  There are some true moments of excitement and terror as we watch the characters explore the new world that has opened itself and battle the monsters that it has breathed forth.  I do hope that any further books will take the story beyond the halls of Chateau Frankenstein.  One could suspend disbelief at it having secret passageways, staircases and libraries but to now add a mysterious cave filled with dark and dangerous drawings - eventually the teens are going to have to search beyond the ancestral home for their next adventure.

I did have a few issues with the narrator for this audio book.  His voices for the young male characters were a little too close for easy understanding, but it was his female characters that were downright laughable.  They always came out oddly breathy and over-dramatic.  I was very glad that there were not more of them and that, other than Elizabeth, they didn't have much to say.  

I actually enjoyed Such Wicked Intent much more than the first in the series - a feat that happens very rarely.  I have not yet seen anything to indicate that there will be a third book, but I certainly hope that this is the case. 

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 13 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Fist Fighting, Swordplay, Attempted Rape
Inappropriate Language: None
Substance Use/Abuse: None

Audio Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Rating: 4/5

Cover Impressions: Definitely interesting.  Stands out from the typical YA cover.  Love the font and the red shoe.  Will fit nicely with the cover for Scarlet, can't wait to see the covers for the two after that.

The Gist: In this updated re-telling of the classic Cinderella story, Cinder, a cyborg, lives with her horrid adoptive mother and two sisters.  Her city of New Bejing has been decimated by a mysterious plague and no one can find a cure.  When a chance encounter with the sought after Prince Kai and a brush with the plague brings Cinder under scrutiny, she begins to learn about who she was before her surgery and the important role that she may play in the country's security.

Review: 
I don't normally go in for Sci Fi novels.  Which will explain why I didn't get around to this book until a year after the release date.  I was finally tempted by the great reviews and the fairy tale aspect.

The character of Cinder is interesting, if occasionally infuriating.  She refuses to believe that she is anything special and has a lot of difficulty standing up for herself.  She has a tendency to talk herself out of taking any action and this often drove me to distraction.  At the same time, she is clearly a caring individual (in a world seeming to be populated with the most unfeeling of citizens) and with wonderfully sarcastic wit.  Her step-mother, Audrey was cold and calculating, but at times came off as bit too cartoonish in her hatred.  I loved the addition of a sympathetic sister and cheered Marissa Meyer on in being able to make some difficult choices as to the fate of her characters.  I truly enjoyed Prince Kai and could feel a real spark between him and Cinder.  I really was rooting for them to finally get it together (ie for Cinder to stop fighting the inevitable) and was horrified by the unwanted advances of Queen Levana. 

The plot was fairly predictable and I really hope that Meyer didn't intend the final big revelation to actually be a big revelation for the reader.  I did enjoy the unexpected twists on the Cinderella story and the reversal of the plot (ending with the ball instead of starting with it).  It allowed the book to be based on the fairy tale, but with enough originality to be given its own life.  I especially liked the tidbits that alluded to future characters and allowed me to wonder where this might lead in future novels. 

The ending was a little unsatisfying.  I kept seeing the minutes tick away and thinking "she can't possibly end it without more resolution".  I guess I was hoping for some emotional or romantic payoff - all that chemistry for nothing!  I can deal with the cliffhanger ending this time, but I really hope Meyer doesn't make it a habit. 

For those interesting in the audiobook, it is voiced by Rebecca Soler, who is wonderful.  Her pacing is good, her voice is fantastic and she is able to pull of a number of accents throughout the book. 

Bring on Scarlet!

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 12 and up
Gender: Female
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Mind Control, Gunplay
Inappropriate Language: None
Substance Use/Abuse: Drinking
Other Issues: Descriptions of Medical Procedures

Audio Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Recorded Books
Release Date: January 1st, 2008
Rating: 3/5

Cover Impressions: Yuck.  The colors are horrid.  The image is bland. 

The Gist: Chronicles a year in the life of Arnold Spirit as he attempts to reconcile his life as the only Indian in a white school and the only traitor on his reservation. 

Review: Books like this are particularly difficult to review.  These are the books that tend to get glowing 5 star reviews and are frequently listed as one of the Top YA books of ALLLLLLL time.  I tend to find myself disappointed in these books.  While I enjoyed this book I did have some issues that would stop me from either recommending it to my students or using it in my classroom.  It was certainly well written and I can see the raw nature appealing to young readers.  The character of Arnold was amusingly self-deprecating and honest.  He did not shy away from embarrassing topics and was very frank on some touchy issues.  His relationships were flawed, but felt very real.  A great deal of the plot centered around basketball - which I will admit, bored me a little simply because I do not like sports.  At all.  But, I can see how this would appeal to (particularly male) students.  

I did feel uncomfortable at times with what I couldn't help but think of as Indian bashing (though I am sure some other readers will wholeheartedly disagree with me).  It seemed that Arnold painted nearly all the Native Americans on his reservation as drunken and violent.  It bothered me that he was so easily accepted and loved by the white students at his new school, while he was still seen as an outcast on the reservation.  The deaths in the story came very abruptly and, as we had spent very little time with those characters, did not have the emotional impact that they could have. 


From a teaching standpoint, I had a problem with the very casual use of some very strong language, particularly, of homophobic slurs in every day speech.  I realize that this happens, I realize that it is a realistic portrayal of the way that many teens speak.  However, I do not feel that this is something that should be treated as mainstream.  If we continue to treat this behavior as "normal" how can we ever expect it to stop? 

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: Kissing, Talk of Masturbation
Violence: Fist-Fighting, Death by Car Accident, Death by Gunfire, Death by Fire
Inappropriate Language: LOTS!!!
Substance Use/Abuse: Alcohol Abuse

Audio Book Review: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Publisher: Caedmon
Release Date: Aug 22, 2006
Rating: 4.5/5

Cover Impressions: Meh.  Boring imagery - doesn't do the book justice.

Review: What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said?  I was never forced to read it while in school (or university), but it has remained on my list of classics to read.  To be honest, I knew very little about it prior to starting, but I can now see why it has become a staple in so many classrooms.  The writing style is fluid and prose beautiful, without being inaccessible for today's students.  The historic setting transports the reader to a slower time that is often looked upon with nostalgia and longing.  However, the subject matter soon turns and reveals the dark underbelly of this society.

The part about this novel that I truly loved was its characters.  Scout has an incredible voice and she interjects a wonderful sense of humor to a plot that would otherwise have gotten far too serious for young readers.  The author managed to write a child that is precocious, innocent and most importantly - believable.  The adult characters are also wonderfully drawn, with strengths and flaws

The audio version of this book was fantastic for my traffic-ridden commute.  The pace was slower than many of the other books I have listened to and the prose flowed like smooth chocolate - which worked very well to keep me calm, I must admit.  Sissy Spacek was an great choice as narrator and she did a wonderful job of embodying the voice of Scout.

I truly enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird, and it has inspired me to seek out other classic YA in audiobook format.

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 15 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: None
Violence: Gunplay, Knifeplay, Discussion of Rape
Inappropriate Language: None
Substance Use/Abuse: None

Audio Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Listening Library
Release Date: Dec 2, 2010
Rating: 2/5

Cover Impressions: The cover is cute, but pretty typical of YA romance novels.  Not something that would grab my attention on a shelf. 

The Gist: Anna has been sent to Paris against her will.  Her father has signed her up for a year at the School of America in Paris.  There she meets Etienne, suave, charming and ... taken.  As they grow closer, Anna learns about friendship, desire and love.

Review: Anna and the French kiss is one of those books that everyone seems to love.  It was remarkable 1) how many of my Goodreads friends had read it and 2) how many of them raved about it.

I was not able to join them.

The writing was great.  The romantic scenes were sweet and exciting.  You cannot beat a setting like Paris.  However, I hated both Anna and Etienne.  When characters or scenes annoy me, I have a tendency to skip or skim over them.  But while listening to the audio book, I wasn't able to do that.  Instead, I found myself yelling at both Anna and Etienne for being idiots.  They were both hypocritical and got angry at each other (and the other characters) for actions that they themselves committed earlier or later.  They danced around each other for an entire book and were constantly doubting the other's feelings.  Etienne was the "beautiful boy" that every girl wanted and Anna was the girl that every boy immediately lusted after.  Come on.  No girl is so hot that every male within sight falls at her feet and she HAS NO IDEA!  This called for some serious eye rolling.

I read several reviews that claimed that this book was HILARIOUS.  I did not get that.  The only humorous passages that I can recall were where Anna was being a complete klutz (I hate the typical pretty, klutzy girl character) or acting like a moron - which annoyed me more than they amused me.  The other characters only served to move the plot along and/or reveal information and did not really get a life of their own.  

I could rant and rave about all the nit-picky things that I didn't like about this book BUT I can completely understand why teens love it.  It was cute and romantic (even though I only wanted the characters together so that they wouldn't force their special brand of idocracy on anybody else).
 

No more Stephanie Perkins for me.  I am far too cynical for this type of book.


Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up
Gender: Female
Sex: Kissing, Talk of sex
Violence: Physical fighting
Inappropriate Language: Dick, Bastard, Shit, Prick, Fuck, Slut, Bitch
Substance Use/Abuse:  Underage drinking

Audio Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

Title: Beautiful Creatures
Author: Kami Garcia
Publisher: Brown
Release Date: Dec 1, 2009
Rating: 3/5

Cover Impressions: The cover has some beautiful elements but, for me, it feels like it is missing something.  The script is stunning, the trees create a fantastically creepy atmosphere, but I keep looking for something else to rest my eye upon and there just isn't anything.  If I were designing this cover - I would have added a full moon so we at least had a focal point. 

The Gist: Ethan Wate is counting down the days until he can escape the small town of Gatlin.  He spends his days barely tolerating his classmates and his nights struggling to hold on to a girl that he has never met.  When Lena Duchannes arrives at Stonewall Jackson High School, everyone can tell she is different.  Ethan finds himself seeking her out and will soon discover that they have a mysterious and powerful connection.

Review: 
I have encountered this book (and the others in the series) off an on throughout my forays through the world of YA.  In reading the synopsis, however, the whole mysterious romantic connection turned me off from picking up the book.  Then I encountered the trailer for the movie to be released in 2013 and it looked so good I just had to give the book a shot and decided to try the audio version.

Let me tell you, it was loooooooooong.  Normally, I find audiobooks make my commute better and make dealing with traffic a heck of a lot easier (just more time for the book!).  But this one left me frustrated.  I found myself yelling at the characters as they whined about their lives.  Boo hoo, my home town is boring (Ethan) Wah Wah my life is weird and full of magic (Lena).  I swear, if I heard Lena say "I am going to go dark" one more time I was going to throw my ipod under the wheels of a semi.  It was even more irritating because the underlying plot was great.  It had lots of mystery, great settings and interesting characters.  But it seemed that just as I was getting some answers and seeing the plot progress, we would revert to moody Lena, queen of complaining.  I really wanted to shake her - you have super-fun powers, DO SOMETHING WITH THEM!  While Beautiful Creatures had a wonderfully creepy setting and some fantastically exciting scenes, there was just too long in between them and I got tired of waiting.

I was not a huge fan of the narrator, though he was competent enough.  However, at one point, the narration switches to Lena and a female voice.  I did not like her at all!  This new narrator displayed little to no emotion and it completely pulled me from the world that the author had created.  Because this occurred during a particularly important and action-filled section of the book, it was incredibly jarring and ruined those emotional moments for me.

This book is also guilty of perpetrating one of my pet peeves: the uncaring school.  As a teacher, I take a real offense when I encounter books that feature teachers and administration who turn a blind eye to the blatant bullying that occurs in their school.  I take a special offense when the teachers and administration become and active part of the problem.  Yes, there are bad teachers out there.  Yes, there are bad principals out there.  But the majority of us did not get into this profession so that we could ignore the obvious distress of our students. 

The ending of Beautiful Creatures left me unsatisfied.  There were just too many questions left unanswered and, while I want the answers to them, I am just not willing to read/listen to the next book just yet.  Especially as other reviewers have noted that it is even more angsty than the first.

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 13 and up
Gender: Female
Sex: Kissing
Violence: Fist-fighting, Magical attacks, Stabbing
Inappropriate Language: Bitch, Piss (there may be others but I forget)
Substance Use/Abuse: Underage drinking, cigar smoking

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Publisher: Recorded Books
Release Date: Feb 1, 1999
Rating:  4/5

Cover Impressions: Meh.  Not a fan.  The color is awful and clashes grossly with the "Recorded Books" bands.  I am not a fan of the all small letter title and author name, nor of the odd picture in the corner.  It all feels a little hipster to me and I'm not sure that I am cool enough for it.

The Gist: Charlie is starting his first year of High School.  Feeling more than a little scared, he begins writing letters to a mysterious reader and chronicles the life of he and his newfound friends.  His letters are filled with astute observations and a frank openness that allows a rare glimpse into the mind of a sensitive, damaged, and troubled young man who is struggling to find himself. 

Review:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower was one of those books that I think I enjoyed more as an audio book than I would have as a physical book.  The narrative is told through the letters that Charlie writes to a mysterious reader.  This format would appear to be rather limiting but it actually works quite well in allowing an in-depth glimpse into the mind of a very intelligent, but damaged young man. 

Charlie does not view the world the way that an average 16 year old would.  He feels things and notices things that others would simply pass by.  He is also maddeningly selfless, to the point where he allows others to hurt him, rather than speak out against their actions.  Below the surface, however, lies a font of anger and the possibility of violence.  Charlie is the type of character that you want to hug.  Entering is world makes me wonder about my own students and what issues they might be dealing with that we can never see. 

The other characters were so fascinating and compelling that I am a little disappointed in never being able to see their side of the story.  I would actually be very happy if Chbosky were to write two companion novels chronicling that one year of high school but from Sam and Patrick's points of view.  The reason I chose to finally read this book, was because of the trailer and the casting of Emma Watson as Sam.  Having finished the book, I can now say that I am very much looking forward to seeing the movie and I hope they do these wonderful characters justice.

I would like to note that this is not a book that I would place in my junior high classroom.  There are many instances of drug use, sex and violence that would make me recommend it for an older audience. 

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up (AT LEAST!)
Gender:  Both
Sex:  Masturbation, Rape, Molestation, Heterosexual Sex, Homosexual Sex
Violence:  Fighting, Rape, Suicide
Inappropriate Language: Fuck, Queer, Faggot, Pussy
Substance Use/Abuse: Marijuana use, Smoking, Underage Drinking, Use of LSD

Book Review: A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

Title: A Vintage Affair
Author: Isabel Wolff
Publisher: Random House Audio
Release Date: September 7, 2012
Rating:  5/5

Cover Impressions: I really like this cover.  The colors are muted but eye-catching.  You get just enough of a feel for the setting of the book and I LOVE that the cupcake dresses are featured.

The Gist: Phoebe Swift has suffered a terrible loss.  Riddled with guilt and regret, she removes every trace of her old life and sets up Village Vintage, a vintage clothing shop, in the hopes of burying herself so fully in her business that she does not have time to dwell on the past.  In sourcing clothing for her shop, Phoebe encounters Therese Bell, an elderly woman with painful past of her own.  Through the tale of a child's blue coat, both women will come to a new understanding of love, loss and regret.

Review:  In moving to a new school this year, I found myself in the thick of traffic for the first time since I started working.  In an attempt to circumvent the frustration of the bumper to bumper drive, I turned to the audio of A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff.  The narrator, Violet Mathieson, had a wonderful voice couple with a beautiful accent.  She was also quite skilled in creating voices and accents for each of the characters.  A Vintage Affair so enraptured me that I actually looked forward to getting stuck in traffic as it ensured me a few more moments in that world.

The characters themselves are almost all deeply flawed and beautifully broken.  The pain of both Phoebe and Mrs. Bell was palpable, as was the love for their lost friends and their regret at not having made different choices.  Supporting them, was a cast of men and women who all had issues of their own and who evoked in the reader a sense of understanding and sadness.  There are no villains here.

The descriptions in this novel made me long to walk into Village Vintage, to hear the bell tinkle overhead and to trace my hand along some of the beautiful fabrics that were sure to greet me.  If you have not developed a love of vintage clothing already, A Vintage Affair will certainly set you on that path.  I, personally, have fantasies of a deep purple cupcake dress.

While this novel is not exactly fast paced, it doesn't lag either.  The stories unfold themselves in intervals and, more often than not, the readers sneaking suspicions are proved correct.  The true beauty in this novel lies in the underlying humanity behind the characters' actions and the pain and regret that is so relatable by anyone who has suffered a loss. 

I highly recommend a venture into the painful and poignant world that Isabel Wolff has created.