In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was created by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Heartless by Sara Shepard

In picturesque Rosewood, Pennsylvania, neighbors gossip over picket fences, and gleaming SUVs sit in every crushed-granite driveway. But recently, friendly smiles have been replaced with suspicious glares and accusatory whispers—and it's all because Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer just can't keep their mouths shut. . . .

First they claimed they found a dead body in the woods behind Spencer's house, only to have it vanish without a trace. Then when the same woods went up in flames, they swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the ashes. And even after all that, the pretty little liars are still playing with fire.

Hanna's trading in her Dior trench for a straitjacket. Aria's trying to contact the dead. Emily's dumped her boyfriend and is skipping town . . . again. And Spencer thinks someone in her family has gotten away with murder.

The friends insist they're telling the truth about what they saw, but all of Rosewood thinks they're simply out for attention—and nobody likes a girl who cries wolf. So when the big bad killer comes after the girls, will anyone believe them . . . or will they be the next to disappear?

Sisters in Sanity by Gayle Forman

FOR SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Brit Hemphill, it's hard to know who she can trust. Convinved she's out of control, her father has sentenced her to Red Rock: a center for supposedly rebellious teens, where the therapy consists of name-calling and the girls who get privileges are the ones who rat out their peers.

But then Brit meets V, Bebe, Martha, and Cassie—four girls who keep her from going over the edge. Together, they'll hold on to their sanity and their sisterhood despite the bleak Red Rock reality.

-Amanda

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

The book that I am waiting on this week is...

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can't hear what's going on, but he's a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will's interested in more than just murder . . .) Those who prefer their heroes to be not-so-usual and with a side of wiseguy will gobble up this witty, geeks-rule debut.

-Amanda

Along for the Ride UK Cover

I'm pretty sure we all loved Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride Cover. Well, a different cover is being released in the UK on February 4th. I think it looks really cute. It goes along with the other UK Sarah Dessen covers. I still prefer the other cover more. But that's just my opinion. What do you think?

-Amanda

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 96/100
Grade- A

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when an asteroid knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove. In her journal, Miranda records the events of each desperate day, while she and her family struggle to hold on to their most priceless resource--hope.
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This book was extraordinary. You all know how much I love dystopian books, right? Well this one is about to go to the top of my favorites. There was so many different things going on it was just amazing.

First let's talk about what's going on. The moon is closer to earth and that's making things go all out of wack. Luckily Miranda's mom got them to go buy a whole bunch of food. This saved their lives. Her mom reminded me a lot like my own. She would be preparing just in case something were to happen. Food plays a big part in the book. I could feel my stomach growling even though I just ate. The feeling was so real and scary I had to put the book down for a minute.

It seemed like every time you were about to run out of hope something would happen that would keep you rooting for Miranda and her family. The whole family was amazing. They all had their moments when I wanted to smack them but I could see why they were acting that way.

The ending was a real tear jerker. It was very unexpected when the worst was thought to come.

The creativity and urgency of they entire novel was phenomenal. I laid awake at night thinking about this book. Overall I would say that Life As We Knew It was a very original and exciting read that had me believing this could really happen.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was created by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

The Dead and The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

An asteroid knocks the moon closer to Earth, and every conceivable natural disaster occurs. Seventeen-year-old Alex Morales's parents are missing and presumed drowned by tsunamis. Left alone, he struggles to care for his sisters Bri, 14, and Julie, 12. Things look up as Central Park is turned into farmland and food begins to grow. Then worldwide volcanic eruptions coat the sky with ash and the land freezes permanently. People starve, freeze, or die of the flu. Only the poor are left in New York—a doomed island—while the rich light out for safe towns inland and south.

-Amanda

A Look Inside: Catching Fire

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

Today's book is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

"So it's you and a syringe against the Capitol? See, this is why no one lets you make the plans. "

"Gale is mine. I am his. Anything else is unthinkable."

"I really can't think about kissing when I've got a rebellion to incite. "

"If I feel ragged, my prep team seems in worse condition, knocking back coffee and sharing brightly colored little pills. As far as I can tell, they never get up before noon unless there's some sort of national emergency, like my leg hair."

-Amanda

Waiting on Wednesday: Lies by Michael Grant

The book that I am waiting on this week is....

Lies by Michael Grant

Release Date: May 4, 2010

I can't find a summary but it is the 3rd book in the Gone series. I really love books like this so I hope it continues to be as amazing as the first two. You should really check these books out.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

Nothing this week.
I am going book shopping soon though!

-Amanda

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 9/10
TOTAL- 91/100
Grade- A

Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him — something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.
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This is my favorite kind of book! I really enjoy books that bring a whole new idea into YA literature, and for me that's dystopian books. It's fun to read something that you have no idea what will happen next because most of the ideas are new.

Instead of having some long boring get to know you time with Todd, we were submerged right into the action. The day we first meet Todd is the day his life changed forever. Eventually we did get to know him, but it happened gradually throughout the book while he got to know Viola.

I really liked the idea of everyone hearing each other's thoughts. It added a whole new level of danger to Todd's journey. I'm used to things like this only happening to one person and it being a huge secret, but for the New World everyone had this disease.

This book was just so fun to read. The entire time I was on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought things were getting better and they were finally safe things got all out of control again. I almost screamed "Just kill him already!" several times.

I began to love Todd. At first I thought the accent and bad grammar in the book was annoying but it grew on me. Now I think it sounds cute. I love me some country boys. He was so conflicted about everything. I could feel his frustration when he found out a lot of his life has been a lie. Unlike other books I didn't flip flop between whose side I was on. I was team Todd all the way.

Overall I would say that The Knife of Never Letting Go was a crazy ride with so many creative points I couldn't get enough of it. I recommend this book for anyone who likes action and freaky things.

-Amanda

A Look Inside: My Sister's Keeper

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

Today's book is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

"You dont love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not"

"Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them."

"...seeing her sitting there unresponsive makes me realize that silence has a sound."

-Amanda

Waiting on Wednesday: The World We Live In

The book that I'm waiting on this week is...

The World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Release Date: April 1st, 2o10

It's been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth’s climate. For Miranda Evans life as she knew it no longer exists. Her friends and neighbors are dead, the landscape is frozen, and food is increasingly scarce.

The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda’s father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda’s complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever.

-Amanda

The Glass Cafe by Gary Paulsen

Originality- 16/20
Characters- 16/20
Remembrance- 6/10
Quote-ability- 6/10
Entertainment- 16/20
Ending- 7/10
Recommend to read- 6/10
TOTAL- 73/100
Grade- C

Tony’s mom, Al, is a terrific single mother who works as a dancer at the Kitty Kat Club. Twelve-year-old Tony is a budding artist, inspired by backstage life at the club. When some of his drawings end up in an art show and catch the attention of the social services agency, Al and Tony find themselves in the middle of a legal wrangle and a media circus. Is Al a responsible mother? It’s the case of the stripper vs. the state, and Al isn’t giving Tony up without a fight.
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This book was pretty funny. Even though the issue that it addresses and the problems that are going on are pretty serious, it doesn't feel that way. Since Tony is only 12 he doesn't realize how serious the situation is.

I expected this book to go all deep and emotional but it didn't. The description of the book makes it sound like a huge court thing. Really half of the book is Tony talking about himself and his life. The other half wasn't nearly as serious as it was made out to be.

The story was interesting though. It makes you think how some things can get totally out of hand. It also brings up several issues on parenting and what is appropriate. Innocent drawings of women spark the attention of social services. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand the pictures weren't very dirty, and did look more like art than porn. On the other hand, should a child be allowed in the back of a strip club? Is it right for him to be exposed to things at such a young age? These are some of the things that this book addresses.

I wish the book was longer but overall I was happy with what it gave me. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a little controversy.

-Amanda

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 14/20
Remembrance- 6/10
Quote-ability- 5/10
Entertainment- 15/20
Ending- 5/10
Recommend to read- 5/10
TOTAL- 68/100
Grade- D

Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world’s darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just when their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen…one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into the Shadowland. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source…a surfer named Jude.

Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She’s always believed Damen to be her soul mate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them, Ever’s connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before…
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This series just keeps on disappointing me. Evermore had some great ideas and Blue Moon still held on, but Shadowland was just depressing.

First, the whole karma thing. I believe in karma to a certain extent but Damen made it annoying. He allowed the idea to swallow up everything and wouldn't believe it wasn't true. That's one more thing that annoyed me, it was as if everyone blamed themselves for all bad things that happen. Ever is allowed to feel bad about whatever she wants but if Damen blames one thing on himself, it's not okay.

Ever is grating on my nerves. She seems to think she is right about everything. Here's the kicker though; she's usually wrong. She knows that when she doesn't listen to anybody, she makes the wrong decisions, but she still refuses to listen.

I still like the idea of manifesting, being immortal, summerland, and the shadowland. Beyond that, all of the drama and plot is just a huge convenience. Me and my friends have a term we use when characters try to get all matriarchal and try to do something for the "greater good" no matter how the other feel about it. We call this being Bella-retarded. Unfortunately, Damen does this when he thinks it's a good idea to let Ever choose between him and Jude. You'll find out why in the book. Damen breaks up with Ever even when she begs him not to. Does this ring a bell? *coughsbellacough*

The ending was too far fetched for me as well. I could see how it happened but not why. Once again it was too convenient.

Overall I was very sad that the series didn't become as awesome as I thought it could. I'm not even sure if I'm going to read the next book. It's just way too frustrating. But if you like the creative points, and have enjoyed the series so far, go on and read it. Maybe I'm just crazy.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. In My Mailbox was created by Alea and turned into a meme by Kristi.

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options. Yet even as suspicious neighbors stockpile food in anticipation of a looming winter without heat or electricity, Miranda knows that that her future is still hers to decide even if life as she knew it is over.

-Amanda

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 16/20
Remembrance- 6/10
Quote-ability- 6/10
Entertainment- 17/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 6/10
TOTAL- 76/100
Grade- C

When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door, Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn't so awful after all -- until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something -- something magical -- is up.

With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can't seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don't always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she's soon besieged by requests from girls -- both friends and enemies -- who want their lives magically transformed -- just in time for prom.
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This book was very different. With all of the paranormal stuff going on in other novels it was nice to read something that was rooted more in history and ancestry. I really like the Victorian age so I was familiar with the flower language. I really liked how White explained the strong scents and feelings that Laurel felt.

Laurel seemed like the perfect balance of wanting to learn more and experimenting with her powers and being wary and confused about them. At times it did seem like she should of just said no to people asking for flowers, especially when things started to get a little crazy. As a character Laurel was pretty average. She didn't stick out in my mind or grow enormously. She was just there.

I didn't even get a read on the other characters since the story is mainly focused on Laurel. There were some mean girls and her friends. Oh and of course her crush. The romance part of the book didn't stand out very much. It was there, but didn't add a lot to the story.

Like I said before it was the story that kept me interested, not the characters. The whole idea that flowers are more than just a pretty thing to look at was really fun. There was enough drama, action, and information to keep me from getting bored. The ending was really nice as well, it made me all happy inside. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes flowers or Victorian history.

-Amanda

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 17/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 7/10
Recommend to read- 7/10
TOTAL- 83/100
Grade- B

When we first meet 14-year-old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. This was before milk carton photos and public service announcements, she tells us; back in 1973, when Susie mysteriously disappeared, people still believed these things didn't happen.

In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death, and her own adjustment to the strange new place she finds herself. (It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swingset.)

With love, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie watches her family as they cope with their grief--her father embarks on a search for the killer, her sister undertakes a feat of amazing daring, her little brother builds a fort in her honor--and begin the difficult process of healing.
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I had very high expectations for this novel. They were mostly met except for the conclusion, but I'll get to that later.

The entire novel was heartbreaking. I felt the pain of every single character and it tore me to pieces. Though the story is taking place through Susie's eyes, we only get to know her though other people and flashbacks. Every character dealt with the loss of Susie in very different ways. Kids of school gossiped, her Dad tried to make sense of it, her sister ignored everyone, and her mom tried to move on without letting it sink in.

The whole concept of the novel was really amazing. To think that there is an "in between" place where you can watch your family and even have a little bit of contact is amazing. Every situation was heightened because we knew the dangers that were coming. We got the emotions of every character one at a time and Susie on top of everything. I have to admit, at times it became a little overwhelming.

One of the most unexpected character for me to feel bad for was Susie's murderer. We got to see some of his past and get to know him as a person instead of just a killer. Of course I hate him still, but I don't see him as a cold hearted person.

I expected the ending to be different. Of course there was no way for it to be entirely happy since Susie was still gone, but at least some emotional issues were resolved. Even as I finished the last page I wished that it was different. I wished that Susie could be alive. I wished for closure. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of suspense and a good cry.

-Amanda

A Look Inside: Geektastic

A Look Inside is a post where I give you a couple of quotes from a book that I've read and enjoyed!

Today's book is Geektastic by Various Authors

"I make a little hand gesture that is supposed to mean "drunk" but Probably looks more like "I'm a loser."

"Someday, I'll be the world's greatest paleontologist. Because I am patient like nobody's business."

-Amanda

Waiting on Wednesday

The book that I am waiting on this week is....

Gone by Lisa McMann

Release Date: February 9, 2010

Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves--she has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life--and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...

-Amanda

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Originality- 19/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 87/100
Grade- B

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?
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The third book to The Mortal Instruments Series definitely lived up to my expectations. For some reason the book made me feel all cozy inside knowing that the Downworlders and Shadowhunters were working togther against Valentine.

But that is just about all the cozy there was. Just like in City of Ashes there is a lot of betrayal. To this day I pretty much hate the Clave. They seem totally power crazy and think they know how to handle everything by torturing people and putting them in jail. I mean poor Simon. He didn't even want to go to the City of Glass, and now is being punished for what he can not control. Another not about Simon, I'm glad he wasn't as whiny about Clary in this book. It was becoming a bit annoying.

There was just so much information and action packed into this book I couldn't stop reading. I can't tell you much more because I might spoil some surprises and false identities....but I really liked this book. The ending was very well done and made sense. You know why everything happened and why. It was nice to get some sort of explanation to our unanswered questions. If you haven't checked out these books yet, you should!

-Amanda

Tempted by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 16/20
Remembrance- 7/10
Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 17/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 7/10
TOTAL- 81/100
Grade- B

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul?
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This one was surpisingly better than the rest in the series. I usually found almost all of the characters annoying because they were always hiding things from each other for the worst reasons. In Tempted they became honest and oh my gosh, the book didn't explode. Also a plus on the character front- Zoey cussed!

The action and information became a little overwhelming which I guess is better than the book boring me. I was constantly trying to put all of the information together while still getting more. I was glad that there was always something to think about, and my mind could never rest and just figure it all out. It's nice to have a little bit of mystery.

The relationship between Kalona and Zoey is getting more depth and maybe even truth to it. I'm on the fence just like Zoey. I'm not sure if Kalona is exactly evil, but I know for sure that he can't be trusted and I don't like him.

The ending was incredible. Not only was it semi unexpected it gave the entire series a huge turn. I think that the following books will have more to live up to, and I'm very eager to read them. I'm just very happy that things are actually happening now. There was just something about Tempted that kept me reading.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

After Dark by Nancy A. Collins

What good is a designer dress if someone puts a stake through it?

It's the most important event of the season in New York's upper-crust vampire society. The Rauhnacht Grand Ball has everything you need for a night of scandal and intrigue: gala dresses, stolen boyfriends, forbidden love . . .

Then a team of vampire hunters shows up and ruins everything! The surprise attack by Van Helsings is the worst gate-crashing ever.

In the aftermath, half sisters Lilith and Cally scramble to regain their footing at the exclusive Bathory Academy—and in the world of high fashion, where both have star potential. When new suitors turn the romance up a notch, it's almost enough to make the half sisters forget their intense rivalry. Almost. But shared blood between vampires is not easy, and before long Lilith and Cally find themselves face-to-face again.

-Amanda

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 9/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 87/100
Grade- B

What happens when you do all the right things for all the wrong reasons? As an assistant district attorney in York County, Maine, Nina Frost prosecutes the sort of crimes that tear families apart. She helps clients navigate their way through a nightmare – even though the legal system is not always the faultless compass they want and need it to be. She learns that the easiest way to cross this devastating minefield time and time again is to offer compassion, battle fiercely for justice, and keep her emotional distance.

But when Nina and her husband Caleb discover that their five-year-old son Nathaniel has been sexually abused, that distance is impossible to maintain. The world Nina inhabits now seems different from the one she lived in yesterday; the lines between family and professional life are erased; and answers to questions she thought she knew are no longer easy to find. Overcome by anger and desperate for vengeance, Nina ignites a battle that may cause her to lose the very thing she's fighting for.

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Just like all of Picoult's books this one was extraordinarily written. The story was told by several different people including Nathaniel. It broke my heart when he would stop speaking and blame himself for the abuse, and everything else that was going wrong. I just don't know what it is about these books, they're able to talk about a touchy subject and make me feel like I am in each person's shoes.

The characters as usual were wonderful. The whole book was mostly character development which let me down a little bit. I found myself getting a little bored and hoping that something interesting was going to happen. Don't get me wrong, plenty of crazy stuff happens but there were several gaps. Thankfully they didn't last too long and I got pulled right back into the story.

My heart not only broke for Nathaniel but also his family. The family dynamic is so close and comforting it's hard to think about something so bad happening to them. There are so many twists in this book I was kept guessing until the very end. I wish I could tell you more but I don't want to spoil anything.

The ending was completely amazing. I felt like I could walk away from the book happy and realizing that Nathaniel wouldn't be hurting forever. I would recommend this book to anyone that has family problems to see that it could be so much worse.

-Amanda

New Years Resolutions

Here are some of my goals that have to do with the blog!

1. Post everyday. I really want to be able to keep up with my blogging.

2. Write longer and more detailed reviews.

3. Comment on other blogs.

4. Schedule blog posts.

5. Redo my blog to a semi permanent design.

-Amanda