BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL By Trish Doller *Plus a Bonus Review*

A few days after I signed up to review SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL Netgalley approved me to read Trish Doller's next YA contemp, WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE. Now that I've read both books I don't think I can simply talk about one. I apologize if this post turns into an all-out love fest for Trish Doller, but I really can't help myself.

First things first. Here's the Goodreads description of SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL:

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

I don't read a lot of books with male protagonists. I think the last one I read was LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green. It's not that I don't enjoy them, I just find that I can relate more with female characters. Go figure.
In SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL we begin with Travis returning home from Afghanistan. He is emotionally broken after losing his best friend and not quite sure what to do with himself. There were moments I wanted to slap Travis, keep him from making some of the choices he made, but never did I lose interest in him. He was far too engaging. And the relationship that grows between Travis and Harper is sweet and raw the way it should be. Every romance should be based in reality, I say, otherwise it is no longer believable. And Trish's books are real in a way that makes you feel something whether the protagonist is male or female.
I highly recommend you check this one out. I promise you will fall in love with Travis. He will steal your heart for sure.

And as a added bonus I just have to share my thoughts on Trish Doller's next YA contemp, WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE, coming September 24, 2013. 

Here's what Goodreads says about it:

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

This was definitely one of those stories you will think about long after you've finished the book. It is as though the characters live and breath in real life.

From the very first scene you are captivated. I didn't know anything about Callie, but I was worried about her. Uncomfortable. As the the book continues we do learn about Callie through emotional flashbacks that piece together what her life has been like up to this point. And we get to know what she is capable of. She is heartbreaking and yet inspiring. There is such a genuineness to Callie that makes you think she has to be real. This book was emotional and heartfelt and raw. I usually consider a book a success if it can make me feel something while reading it. Whether it's anger or frustration with how the book is progressing, or if it simply makes my heart flutter. This book nearly took my breath away. Truthfully, I just found it beautiful. This is definitely a book I will recommend to anyone looking to read something amazing. It is a book I will read again and again, if only to appreciate the sincerity behind the writing, the true-to-life quality of the characters, and the raw emotion threaded throughout the story.

But please don't take my word for it. You should all just read it for yourself.

~~

See what the other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Lenore Appelhans  wonders at ALL YOU NEVER WANTED by Adele Griffin

Tracy Banghart embraces IMPOSTOR by Susanne Winnacker


Shelli Johannes-Wells  delights in Cory Doctorow’s LITTLE BROTHER and HOMELAND

Nikki Katz gets the shivers for 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

Stasia Ward Kehoe, Carolina Valdez Miller & Debra Driza  sing out for the cover of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO

Jessica Love raves about ROAD TO TATER HILL by Edith M. Hemingway

Katy Upperman celebrates THE SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Katja Millay – with giveaway!




 

A Bookanistas Relaunch Party - With Giveaways!!

As May draws to a close, we're celebrating the start of summer and another great beginning: THE RELAUNCH OF THE BOOKANISTAS! New members, new logo, new website design and a whole lot more of the book love we all adore!
 

I am so super excited to join this group! Reading and talking about the books I love has always been important to me. Check in most Thursdays to find new reviews of some of my favorites. 

 

Enter the Bookanistas amazing new website here.  It looks fabulous! 

While you're there make sure to enter the giveaway!!

  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/87642b0/

 

And don't forget the prizes!! 

 

THE WINNER OF THE BOOKANISTA RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY OF AWESOME WILL RECEIVE

Signed copies of these Bookanista-authored books…

IF I LIE and TOUCHED by Corrine Jackson PLUS ARCs of JUST ONE DAY and SPEECHLESS

LET THE SKY FALL by Shannon Messenger

BY BLOOD by Tracy Banghart

POSSESSION, SURRENDER and ABANDON by Elana Johnson

TOUCHING THE SURFACE by Kimberly Sabatini (plus a swag surprise)

BAD TASTE IN BOYS by Carrie Harris

AUDITION by Stasia Ward Kehoe

THE GIRL GUIDE by Christine Fonseca (plus sweet swag)

MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

LEVEL ONE by Lenore Appelhans

 

AND A SECOND WINNER WILL GET A BOX FILLED WITH Bookanista-beloved reads including DITCHED by Robin Mellom, JELLICO ROAD by Melina Marchetta, TAKEN by Erin Bowman, CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare, MONSTROUS BEAUTY by Elizabeth Fama and SPARROW ROAD by Sheila O’Connor.

 You can find lots more Bookanista Relaunch Book Love at our sites around the interwebs: Carolina Valdez Miller, Carrie Harris,  Christine Fonseca, Corrine Jackson, Debra Driza, Elana Johson, Jessica Love, Katy Upperman, Kimberly Sabatini, Lenore Appelhans,  Nikki Katz, Rebecca Behrens, Shannon Messenger , Shelli Johannes-Wells, Stasia Ward Kehoe, Tracey Neithercott , Tracy Banghart  

 

 

The Bookanistas Review: The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

Here is the official blurb from Goodreads:

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

 Things I know about Reece Malcolm:

1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.

L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.

But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?

Cute cover, right? So, yeah.

When I purchased this one I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It sounded interesting, and somewhere along the way someone compared it to a Stephanie Perkins novel, which was really all I needed to hear, you know?
What I didn't expect was how real the characters were, or how completely wrapped up in the story I would become. 
I loved that Devan was all into show choir. Seeing that side of her high school experience — especially since the book takes place in a performing arts high school in L.A. —was like being sucked into a My-So-Called-Life-hijacked episode of Glee. Except even more awesome.
And then there's Devan's relationship with her mother, Reece Malcolm. Each chapter begins with a few more entries on the Reece Malcolm list, the list of things Devan is compiling as she slowly gets to know her mother.

This book is real in a way that effected me, romantic in a heart-melts kind of way, completely addicting because I had to know what would happen next and it definitely left me wanting more. Like seriously. I could have read a few more books worth of this story.

So. Go check it out. I think you'll like it. I freaking loved it.

Well, Hello!

So...
It's been awhile.

I must apologize for the blog-silence. Apparently I got a bit distracted.

But! I'm back and ready to talk books and stuff. And what better time to announce that I've joined The Bookanistas!! 

Want to know more about us?

We are a group of writers in various stages of the publishing process who have banded together to recommend/review the special books of our peers.

Combined, we reach over 10,000 followers

We recommend and review all kinds of children's books, but focus mainly on YA, middle grade and now, picture books. (yes picture books too! Shocker!). As fellow writers, we have decided to only recommend books we absolutely LOVE, therefore, we do not post anything negative!

Yes, that's right! We give nothing but love! There's enough negativity in the world.

We post every Thursday covering a variety various book topics– upcoming ARCs, books we love, diamonds in the rough, classics, and even dish out some cover love from time to time.

Come join us on Thursdays and you can be be fashionable, too.

Because The Bookanistas think books are the new black!


How fabulous is that? 

So thanks for sticking around. I promise there will be a whole lot of book talk and writing talk to follow. And possibly some pictures of my cats. You never know. It could happen.

Girls Rock

Are you ready to read some awesome books?! Well... that's fabulous 'cause I've been reading a lot lately and I'm completely in love with these next three books.
I know I shouldn't be reading as much as I have been, especially since I'm in the middle of a new WIP. But I find that reading really helps. Sometimes I just need to escape into another story, you know? At least it works for me.

And these next three books all have something in common: a strong female protagonist.


Slide by Jill Hathaway
I read this book a while back but since it hit the shelves on Tuesday, I figured I'd remind you.
From the moment I started reading this book I was completely sucked in. Vee is such a great character. You feel for her and relate to her and even though she's struggling with a lot of things in her life, you kinda want to be her. Well, I did. Mostly because I've always wanted to be Nancy Drew or Veronica Mars. And when Vee witnesses a murder, that everyone believes to be a suicide, she is forced into solving the crime.
Vee Bell is selfless and strong and as a character she is completely believable. I can't wait to read the next one!


Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

I have always loved Robin Hood. But I think this retelling of the story is my favorite so far. Seriously. I LOVED THIS BOOK. There's adventure and romance. And the relationship between Robin and Scarlet ... WOW. Did I mention that in this version Will Scarlet is a girl? And she is pretty much amazing. She is the perfect mix of vulnerable and yet strong, independent as well as loyal. Please, please, please let there be a sequel! I BEG YOU!





Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

I have to admit, I'm not really into dystopian books even though I loved The Hunger Games and I'm a huge fan of Susanne Winnacker's The Other Life. I just don't enjoy the darkness that usually surrounds post-apocalyptic stories.
But I got a teaser of this book and after reading a few chapters I was hooked. I went in expecting one thing and soon realized I'd stumbled into a beautiful love story. And as much as I appreciated Aria's strength and determination, Perry won my heart. This book was breathtaking and different, the kind of book I will read again and again.

All three books get five stars from me! Go check them out!

Waiting

Last night I bought my tickets for The Hunger Games movie. I know. I can't believe it either. It's finally here. I feel as if I've been waiting for this movie to come out for years and years and... well. I have. We all have.
As I was waiting in line I started thinking about when I first heard about the book. Long before it hit the shelves I read about the awesome that is The Hunger Games on some editor's blog. I don't even remember who it was. And then it popped up on an agent's blog and then another and I thought, hmm... this book doesn't exactly sound like something I'd like to read but maybe I'll pick it up anyway.
And I did.
The day it came out I was there in the bookstore staring down at that black cover with the golden bird pin thinking... this doesn't really look like a book I would read.
But I bought it anyway.
And I didn't read it right away. It sat on top of my TBR pile and I even cheated and read a few books before it because, really, it's not a book I would read.
But while I was in Utah visiting family I got sick. It began with a cold that later turned into morning sickness (don't worry, most colds don't lead to a baby) and since I was lying around anyway I picked up that book with the black cover and the golden bird and I started reading.
And I swear the first chapter in I was thinking about the movie because that's what good books do, they make you see them, imagine them in your mind. And once those images are floating around in your mind the next obvious step is to see it all play out on a big screen while munching candy from a box.
The funny thing is before I was even a fan of Suzanne Collins I was a fan of Suzanne Collins. While I was reading The Hunger Games and telling everyone who would listen how freaking amazing the books were, my daughter had already fallen in love with the Little Bear and Oswald cartoons. Did you know she writes them? Of course you did.


So, yes. I'm very excited for tomorrow when I finally get to see this book through Gary Ross's imagination. I hear he's been respectful. I hear they all have been.
I finally get to see Katniss and Peeta, Prim and Gale and Rue. These characters I have read about will be moving around in front of me while I grip my husband's hand tightly and try not to cry, because you know I'm going to. Good writing does that to me.

Let's Talk About Books

So lately I've been reading. A lot. You see, January was a big month for new releases and Apocalypsies debuts. And with edits behind me I've been in book heaven.

Here's what I've been reading:

Fracture by Megan Miranda

*Apocalypsies!

I read the first two chapters of this book before it came out and I was sooo excited to read more. It did not disappoint. I was on my way to her book signing, finishing the book on the train, and it nearly brought me to tears. I love when paranormal books have depth and emotion. I can't wait to read more from Megan.



Slide by Jill Hathaway

*Apocalypsies!

Funny thing is... when I got home from Megan Miranda's book signing this ARC was waiting for me!! I was so excited, I started it that night. I loved this book. I loved Vee. She's strong and kind and I genuinely liked her. I keep reading reviews for paranormal books where the reviewer loved the book but hated the main character. I have to admit, that has also happened to me. But Vee Bell is not in that category. Not only is she strong, she has heart. She was pretty much awesome. I can't wait for Slide 2!!



The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Okay. So. I don't usually read books that I know will make me cry. But the new book I'm writing has a touch of the sad so I've been reading sad books and listening to sad music. I'm basically a ball of fun to be around. And I probably should have warned my husband when I started reading this book because he didn't know whether to comfort me or medicate me when he came upstairs and found me sobbing with my Kindle. Good thing the pharmacies were all closed.
This book is beautiful and lovely and real. And when it was over my heart was a bit broken. But in a good way.



Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Here's another Apocalypsie book that I've been waiting FOREVER to read. The cover is eye-catching and I'm such a fan of Brodi's blog. She always makes me laugh. So when I read how dark the premise was I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Let me just say, not once did I laugh out loud while reading this book. Not even a little. But it definitely gripped me. And the ending was beyond intense. Loved it.



Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Have you read Unearthly? Have you??! If you haven't, go do it now. And then when you're done you'll see why Hallowed is so amazing. Truly. It's rare that I love the second book in a series more than the first. Or maybe I shouldn't say that because where Unearthly was love and Tucker and wow, Hallowed was sad and beautiful and strong. So I'm not sure I can compare them. They were each my favorite.




Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

*Apocalypsies!

So last night I wasn't supposed to be reading but my husband was watching one of those the-world-is-going-to-end-and-the-planets-are-crazy-big-and-strangely-colored shows and all I wanted to do was watch an episode of 30 Rock that we'd missed but he was so into it that I opened my Kindle and decided to start reading.
And... it has been a really long time since I started a book and finished it in one sitting. I'm a big reader but I have two kids and a husband and, oh yeah, a book I'm supposed to be writing and if I'm up late at night while everyone else is sleeping it had better be because the book is flowing. But. Ahem. That wasn't the case last night. I started reading Catching Jordan and I couldn't stop. No really. At some point I thought to myself, why am I not tired yet? And then I realized it's because this book is too dang good. So. For someone who doesn't like football and doesn't read a lot of contemporary YA you totally hooked me, Miranda Kenneally! This book is going up next to my other two favorite contemps: Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door. The three of them can hang out on my bookshelf and talk about how awesome they are.

Happy reading!!

Writing

This weekend I spent a lot of time writing. And also a lot of time staring out the window. I find in order to get a story down I need to do a whole lot of both.
I'm not sure how other writers work but for me I need solitude, which can make for a very lonely day. Sure my characters keep me company but in the beginning we're in that awkward getting-to-know-you stage and sometimes it feels like I'm deleting more than I'm saving.
My husband keeps encouraging me to try writing in a cafe or a coffee shop and I have to say I'm always intrigued by writers who can do this. But I'm pretty sure I'm not one of them. I'm too easily distracted. Here's how it would go:
Drive to Starbucks
Find a seat where there's little risk of someone spilling liquid on me or my laptop
Turn on laptop and while it's doing its thing immediately notice the couple to my left who appear to be on some kind of date
Decide that she's not as into him as he appears to be
Text husband with update: This is great. I'm glad I left the house.
Go back to subtle observation of Starbuck's date
She keeps shifting away from him. Bad sign.
Glance back at screen and find I haven't even opened Word yet
Open Word
While Word is doing its thing notice two teenage girls texting while eating
Wonder why people text when they're out with other people
Text husband: Why do people text when they're out with other people?
Husband's reply: Are you getting any writing done?
Me: Tons.
Open new book project
Notice that keyboard is rather dirty under the Starbuck's lights
Get up and look for napkin
Return to laptop and find that Starbuck's couple is now leaving
Watch as he holds the door open for her
Notice how she doesn't seem impressed
Text from husband: Are we out of peanut butter?
Me: Don't bother me, I'm writing. =)Kisses!

<-------- I think I should stick to my own little writing corner. Less distractions.

This weekend when I emerged from writing I found that my children smelled different. They usually smell like maple brown sugar oatmeal, strawberry yogurt or peanut butter. But after spending the weekend with their Mima and consuming an entire bag of ginger snaps they now smell like the inside of a health food store.
I have to admit, it keeps throwing me off.