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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Sara Gundell has commented on (17) products
Girl in the Tower
by
Lisa Schroeder
Sara Gundell
, March 24, 2016
A new fairy tale for a new generation of readers, The Girl in the Tower by Lisa Schroeder will charm you with its big heart, sweet story, and enchanting writing. Full embracing the classic ingredients of a good fairy tale, Schroeder weaves a lovely and charming story about a small girl with a big spirit, and how her kindness and courage help her to change her fate and save a kingdom. Remember that beautiful quote from Disney’s live action Cinderella movie last year? “Have courage & be kind.” I think that’s the kind of message that Violet’s mother would pass onto her, just as Cinderella’s mother did. Schroeder has lovingly captured the spirit and heart that makes so many classic fairy tales so beloved after all these years. The Girl in the Tower is sure to become a classic for future generations of readers.Nicoletta Ceccoli’s beautiful illustrations help bring Schroeder’s story to life. The truly enchanting result of this combination is that not only does The Girl in the Tower make for an excellent book for middle grade readers on their own — it’s also an excellent read aloud story for younger readers and their parents to share together. Clearly a labor of love, Schroeder’s passion for this story shines through every page.
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Betting Blind
by
Stephanie Guerra
Sara Gundell
, January 19, 2015
A gritty story about one troubled teen, and the extreme measures he’ll take to find happiness and success in life �" and the consequences of those actions, are the highlights of Betting Blind by Stephanie Guerra. Guerra has a real knack for capturing the gritty details of her teen protagonist’s life, and giving plausible, realistic reasons for his not-so-great choices. The book takes unexpected and daring turns, so even if you think you know where this is going, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised. The story is left without a final resolution �" so readers will have to wait for the sequel (due out sometime next year) to find out the rest of the story. But Betting Blind is certainly compelling enough to warrant that next book �" and readers will want to know what happens next, and see how the rest of Gabe’s story unfolds.
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Hooks Revenge
by
Heidi Schulz, John Hendrix
Sara Gundell
, October 28, 2014
Peter Pan is kind of a jerk, and there’s no one better to let you know why than Jocelyn Hook, the daring (and, let’s admit it, much more kind-hearted) daughter of none other can Captain Hook. Her saga of surviving (and escaping) finishing school, and her quest to avenge her father’s death against the Neverland’s tick-tocking crocodile make up the rollicking adventure, Hook’s Revenge by Heidi Schulz. Schulz has captured all the joy and magic of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan story, and reconfigured Neverland for an all new set of adventures through Jocelyn. Schulz writes with a witty tone, her cantankerous narrator imbuing the story periodically with even more color and humor �" as Jocelyn navigates the trials and tribulations of finishing school, pirating, and revenge. There is much to say about Hook’s Revenge, but I’ll start with this: it’s a delightful story, filled with charm and wit, endearing characters, imaginative plot twists, and plenty of humor. Schulz’s charming storm is lovingly enhanced by John Hendrix’s wonderful illustrations �" each one filled with action, emotions, life, and all the tiny details that bring moments from the text to life. Hook’s Revenge is simply a delight to read. Funny and charming and magical �" everything a book should be.
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Deadly Delicious
by
K. L. Kincy
Sara Gundell
, July 24, 2014
One spunky heroine. A dash of romance. A sprinkle of magic. And one horde of cake-craving zombies. Those are the winning ingredients to K.L. Kincy’s charming and delightful new middle grade novel, Deadly Delicious. I was charmed right away by Kincy’s voice in Deadly Delicious �" with a slow drawl inside my head as I read the narrative of young Josephine. I was transported to the South �" hearing the cadence and rhythm of people’s speech, feeling the clammy heat, and soaking up the atmosphere. Every time I picked up this book to continue reading, I found myself happily whisked away to Josephine’s world. The whimsical storyline is also equally enchanting, and it’s fun to see how Kincy has crafted this particular brand of magic �" using recipes to conjure spells. A colorful cast of supporting characters add to the magic of Deadly Delicious, and really bring Josephine’s story to life. At first, I wasn’t 100% sure the romance was necessary to the story �" and it certainly takes a backseat to the main plot, and Josephine’s growth as a character. But the blossoms of first love, as Kincy has so lovingly captured them here, add a nice finishing touch �" like the frosting to the cake that is the rest of the story. And while younger readers may not connect to this aspect of the story, there’s nothing that will stop them from enjoying Deadly Delicious on the whole.
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Ask Me
by
Kimberly Pauley
Sara Gundell
, April 14, 2014
I didn’t plan to read Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley in a single sitting. I didn’t plan to stay up until midnight finishing the last page. I didn’t plan to race through all 293 pages in the same day. But what’s that saying about “The best laid plans” … well, needless to say, I did read Ask Me in a single sitting. In the same day. And stayed up until midnight to do so. Because sometimes a book is so captivating, the characters so engaging, and the plot so enticing that you can’t just put it down and go to sleep. Such was the case with Ask Me. Ask Me hooked me from the very first page, as a mysterious narrator describes hitting and killing a man with his car on purpose. The narrator is so casual in this description, so blase about the whole matter. It’s shocking �" and yet the narrator’s demeanor so calm. As a reader, I immediately wanted to know more �" only to have this twisted, murderous, captivating narrator taken away from me on the very next page. Then we meet Aria �" who is just as captivating in her own, less murderous way. Sure, she’s an angsty teen �" but with a damn good reason for her angst. She’s an oracle, after all, and can’t help herself from responding to questions (any question) with often mysterious answers. This “gift” has made her something of a social pariah �" but as she fights to unravel the mystery of her friend’s death, Aria blossoms as a character. We see growth, development, strength. And even though I figured out the identity of the murderer before the actual “reveal” �" it didn’t matter. There was still so much mystery layered into the story, that I had to keep reading. I had to know more. Motives and reasons and emotions were all at stake, and these questions kept me turning the pages of Ask Me until the whole truth was revealed. Perfect for fans of Kimberly Derting’s The Body Finder series, Ask Me is a masterful new addition to the YA shelves. Pauley weaves together the thriller and paranormal genres, tossing in a dose of romance and the charm that is an earmark of all her books, creating a story that is wholly engaging and delightful to read. It’s not an easy feat to combine a toe-curling romance with edge-of-your-seat thrills, but Pauley does so masterfully. And though it appears Ask Me is (for now, at least) a standalone novel �" I would gladly, happily read more adventures featuring Aria and her friends.
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Wise Young Fool
by
Sean Beaudoin
Sara Gundell
, August 08, 2013
Rock `n' roll. Teenage delinquents. And the overarching question: who IS Ritchie Sudden? That's the premise behind Sean Beaudoin's wildly hilarious and brilliantly plotted new novel Wise Young Fool. Beaudoin writes with his usual signature style, putting his stamp on every page of this story that -- in a tongue-in-cheek intro -- is credited by the editor to the mysterious teenager Ritchie Sudden. (WE know Beaudoin is the author - but hey, let's go with the theory that a teen really wrote it. That makes the journey a heck of a lot more interesting to read.) Through Ritchie's narrative, and Beaudoin's quick-wit writing, the reader experiences a teen who is big on dreams and even bigger on inner turmoil. If you'll excuse my language, Ritchie has some #%@*! going on in his life and he hasn't quite figured out how to deal with it. (Not that we expect him to; he's a teenager. Duh.) As the story of Ritchie's tumultuous journey to juvie unfolds, Beaudoin shows us a teen in pain -- struggling to overcome, move on, and have just a few things go his way. It's a raw, honest journey -- but mixed in with Beaudoin's rock `n' roll sensibility and sharp-tongued humor, Wise Young Fool is an utter delight to read. Every single page. Just delightful. I can easily see Wise Young Fool finding a home on the bookshelf next to Catcher in the Rye (though Ritchie would probably hate being compared to Holden Caulfield, but DEAL with it, Ritchie. Deal with it) and in the hands of teenager readers who want a book that just screams "THIS IS MY LIFE AND IT DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A CONDESCENDING ADULT WROTE IT." Huzzah.
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Aether Chronicles 01 Innocent Darkness
by
Suzanne Lynne Lazear
Sara Gundell
, August 01, 2012
Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear is a beautiful blending of Steampunk originality, faerie lore, and historical fiction with a heavy dose of action and romance. Lazear’s brilliant blending of genres is a winning success. Not normally a fan of faerie stories, I was completely swept away by her original twist on this classic lore. Equally engaging is the creative license she takes with real-life events. The alternate history and Steampunk technology creates a world that is unique all on its own. When Lazear combines this world with her own take on faerie lore, she creates an in-depth, layered universe for her characters to populate. Innocent Darkness is also chock-full of smoldering romance and intense sexy chemistry between Noli and her two potential paramours, V and Kevighn. Readers, much like Noli, will have a hard time choosing between the two unlikely suitors. Though slow at times, Innocent Darkness is a complex story with plenty for readers to devour: Noli’s hardships at reform school, her discovery of the faerie realm, V’s quest to save his best friend, and the challenge of saving herself without destroying an entire world. Fantasy, romance, history, and the oh-so-magical world of Steampunk collide in this delightful debut novel.
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Night Circus
by
Erin Morgenstern
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
The dark and whimsical world of a mysterious, magical, turn-of-the-century circus comes to life in Erin Morgenstern‘s debut novel, The Night Circus. It’s a story that will suck you in from the very first page, and won’t let you go even after you’ve finished. The Night Circus tells the story of two “magicians,” entwined in an on-going battle of wit and skill �" all taking place behind the scenes of Le Cirque des Rêves. They’ve been destined to face off against each other within the confines of the Night Circus for years, in a wager set forth by each of their magical mentors. But what neither mentor expected was for their progeny to fall in love with each other. But there’s more at stake than just their duel; than just the possibility of their romance. The fate of the entire circus, and everyone in it, hangs precariously in the balance. While the love story is a critical element to this book, the majority of the story really lives up to the title. Because more than anything else, The Night Circus is really about the circus itself. And while the story of Celia and Marco is a lovely one, it’s the circus itself that really draws you in. The circus, and the many intriguing characters who make it up. Celia and Marco are hardly the only interesting figures featured in The Night Circus, and you’ll find yourself drawn in by the many individuals who make-up the circus and its followers. Much like some of the characters in the book, as the reader you become a fan of the Night Circus. It’s not hard to picture yourself wandering amongst the many whimsical tents and displays set forth, or sampling the many treats, or inhaling the fragrance of the popcorn and sweets. The world of The Night Circus is one I want to revisit again and again. It’s a story that will sweep you up and refuse to let you go; it’s a literary kidnapping you’ll be happy to accept.
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After Obsession
by
Carrie Jones, Steven E Wedel
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
If you like a heavy dose of creepy with your paranormal romance, then check out After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel. Jones and Wedel team up nicely �" writing alternating chapters, with Jones taking Aimee’s POV and Wedel taking Alan’s. The pairing works well, and each narrative voice is unique �" while the story itself flows evenly across both narrators. They’ve also created a great mood with their setting. It’s also refreshing to see Jones and Wedel give a fresh take on the paranormal genre. After all, there are so many books in this genre hitting store shelves these days, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd �" but they definitely do so with After Obsession. It’s a nice mix of demonic possession, magical abilities, and Native American folklore. Jones and Wedel also do a good job of creating sparks between Aimee and Alan. The chemistry feels natural, not forced, and they make their speedy teenage romance work in a way that doesn’t feel awkward or manipulated for the sake of the story. It’s also nice to see a teenage romance portrayed as loving �" yet without the “I’ll die without” melodrama so often conveyed in YA. (And while, in some cases, is still highly enjoyable �" it’s nice to see a teen romance portrayed without that element here!) However, I do have two minor complaints. The first is this: if you’re going to name a character Alan Parsons, you simply cannot wait until page 128 to make any sort of joke or reference to the Alan Parsons Project. Even if most teen readers might not get the reference, you can’t let it sit that long … us older readers will sit there staring at the early pages going, “Really? He’s named Alan Parsons? Really?!” Make the joke sooner, get it over with, and move on. The second has to do with the cartoonish portrayal of TV news journalists in the book. Now, I’ll be clear here, I work in TV news, so I’m particularly sensitive to these misrepresentations. However, as a reader, I’m also a bit insulted that (a) Jones & Wedel seemingly did no research about how reporters actually behave or that (b) they simply chose to ignore reality and use this stereotyped portrayal to further a minor plot device. Couldn’t you have been a bit more clever in finding a way to make Aimee sleep over at Alan’s hosue? Does it have to be this cartoonish idea of TV reporters, lurking like vultures outside her home, waiting to pounce? Because I can assure you: TV reporters never behave this way in real life. Despite what you might have seen in movies, that’s just not the case. At all. Ever. Like I said, my two complaints are really rather minor �" and shouldn’t detract you from checking out After Obsession for yourself. Because they didn’t stop me from enjoying the book itself, either. Also, bonus points because the book is quite clearly a STANDALONE �" something so rare these days in YA, particularly in paranormal romance! I love being able to wrap things up in one book sometimes, and I really appreciate the effort Jones and Wedel made to do that with After Obsession.
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Warm Bodies
by
Isaac Marion
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
When you hear “zombie book,” the next logical categorization isn’t usually “romance.” But that’s exactly what you’ll find within the pages of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion �" a heartwarming zombie romance. Really. The book follows R, a zombie with no memory of his past life and a conscious that battles with his innate need to feed on human flesh. His shuffling existence is changed irrevocably, however, when he experiences the memory of young man while feasting on his brain �" and ends up rescuing the dead guy’s human girlfriend. This decision sparks a series of events that will change not only R and the girls’ life, but maybe the whole zombie-infested world. Warm Bodies is an unbelievably sweet story, written beautifully. At times, it is equally charming, funny and sad. The writing itself is impeccable, and at times, I found myself simply marveling over Marion’s gift for phrasing, with passages such as: I am dead, but it’s not so bad. I’ve learned to live with it. Or: I long for exclamation marks, but I’m drowning in ellipses. Likewise, Marion masterfully makes a character who feasts on human brains sympathetic and lovable. R is unlike any other hero I’ve encountered in fiction, and it’s delightful getting inside his head and following his determined steps towards something more. He’s not what you’d expect from a romantic lead or a hero, but that’s what makes his story all the more compelling. Isaac Marion has shaken the foundation of what it means to write a story about love and a story about zombies. Warm Bodies is a genre all its own. Between the brilliant writing, characters with rooting for, unexpected twists and turns, and a heartwarming message, this book will have you cheering R along from start to finish.
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Drink, Slay, Love
by
Sarah Beth Durst
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
I’m always a sucker (ha ha, pun very much intended) for campy, quirky vampire novels �" and Drink. Slay. Love. by Sarah Beth Durst more than delivers. The book follows 16-year-old vampire Pearl, who suddenly becomes able to venture into the sunlight after she’s stabbed in the heart by a unicorn. (Yes. A unicorn.) Her vampire family agrees this is the perfect opportunity for her to immerse herself incognito into the local high school so as to lure the student body to a party for the vampire king’s upcoming feast. On the menu? The student body. The only problem is, along the way, Pearl discovers she can do more than just not burst into flames in the sunlight �" and she’s developing a nagging conscious that’s starting to tell her this whole “make the students a feast” plan is a bad idea. But what can she do? Go against her family, or betray her new human friends? As with any vampire novel these days, a good author has to know how to (a) distinguish their vamps from others out there and (b) find a way to fit their vamps into the pop culture plethora out there. Durst does this in aces and spades, writing her own unique twist to the vampire mythology, and taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to certain pop culture vampire references. These range from the subtle to the outrageously obvious (and hilarious). It’s a self-conscious approach to writing a vampire story, and it works brilliantly here. It’s also a challenge sometimes to write about a character who does bad things (like, you know, killing and eating people) and still make them likable, but Durst does so here. Despite her murderous tendencies at first, Pearl is definitely a character you can root for �" especially as you witness her reluctant transformation from killer teenage vamp to something else (post-unicorn encounter). But Pearl isn’t the only interesting character. From her vampire family, to the kids from different cliques at school, to the mysterious, handsome and always-ever-so-helpful Evan. (And speaking of those cliques at school �" kudos to Durst for writing them in a fresh, believable, and not cliched way. This was a great aspect of Drink. Slay. Love.!) And while throwing in the outrageous concept of unicorns (and, er, more �" but I won’t say for the sake of avoiding spoilers), Durst manages to make this wild ride of a novel work. She takes some ridiculous scenarios and, within the context of the book, makes them work. Though it seems as if Drink. Slay. Love. was written as a standalone (and certainly wraps up neatly enough), it still leaves room for a potential sequel �" something I’d definitely be open to reading! Drink. Slay. Love. is a quirky, charming twist on the vampire tale told with heart, humor and sass.
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Ashes 01
by
Ilsa J Bick
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
Take elements of Stephen King’s The Stand, Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and Moira Young’s Blood Red Road, mix in a unique, compelling new voice in YA literature, a new twist on the apocalyptic zombie story, a healthy dose of original characters, and combine … the results will be Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick, a stunning and suspenseful new novel well worth the pre-publication hype it’s been receiving. What grabbed me first about Ashes was the wonderful narrative; Bick has a gift for writing that is both beautiful and compelling. But it was the unfolding story that really sucked me in. It had a feel very much like King’s The Stand, and being a fan of that book, I was instantly hooked. But Bick takes you on a journey that is a far cry from anything you’ve read, giving a completely new spin to the concept of the zombie apocalypse. She draws on the finest elements of horror, without slipping into the realm of the gratuitous. And just as you think you have an idea of where this book is going, Bick takes you in a whole other direction �" weaving in an unexpected twist about half-way through that changes the entire scope of the novel. At times, the elements added in by this twist seem like a strange addition, and can be difficult to follow, but they all start coming together by the book’s grotesque and stunning last page. Though not advertised prominently, I think you’ll find it helpful knowing that Ashes is not a standalone book �"but rather the first in a series ( a trilogy, I believe). So don’t expect everything to be tied up neatly by the end. Though engaging on its own as a novel, in many ways, Ashes is simply setting the stage for what’s to come next. Besides the compelling narrative and creepy storyline, Ashes is successful on a whole other level with its engaging cast of characters. Alex is a fresh, new voice in YA �" with a unique outlook on life that will both frighten and compel readers to understand her better. Alex is by no means a perfect person, yet you understand where she’s coming from and you are there to root her on along the way �" especially as she encounters the likes of young Ellie and Tom, the young Army soldier with some dark secrets of his own. This rag-tag group is so lovable that it’s painful, as the reader, to see them torn apart by the events of the book. If I said anymore, I’m afraid I’d start spoiling the book �" and that’s a large part of what makes reading Ashes so enjoyable: is not knowing where it will go next. It’s truly an edge-of-your-seat, twisted story of both horror and hope.
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City of Orphans
by
Avi
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
If Newsies had a YA/MG literary cousin, then City of Orphans by Avi would be it �" an historical fiction that takes you to the gritty streets of New York City circa 1893 through the eyes of a young Newsie. I’ll confess, I’ve long loved the movie-musical Newsies, so that aspect of City of Orphans had me hooked before I even started reading. But Avi’s unique writing style draws you into the story and puts you in Maks’s shoes as he navigates the children’s New York City of 1893 �" a notably different New York City than the one navigated by adults at that time. The narrative voice is perfectly suited to the time period of the story, and draws you into the text and the world within. Avi does a brilliant job of weaving in facts and historical tid-bits into the texture of his narrative, without making it obvious. The result is not only an informative as well as entertaining read �" but a book that’s accessible for both younger readers and older readers alike! (City of Orphans would certainly be appropriate for younger middle grade readers, as well as teens and adults.) Likewise, the interwoven plotlines and series of mysterious unfold organically �" giving the reader a chance to play detective along with Maks and Willa, while still leaving room for some twists and surprises. City of Orphans is a rollicking adventure through Newsie-era New York City, that is engaging, entertaining and compelling from start to finish.
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Fateful
by
Claudia Gray
Sara Gundell
, September 21, 2011
Whether or not you’re a fan of Claudia Gray’s Evernight series, you will find plenty to love in the author’s new standalone novel, Fateful. Fateful is a thrilling paranormal story set on the Titanic. It follows Tess Davies, as she sets out on that fateful voyage in 1912 with the family she’s been working under for most of her life. But Tess has a secret plan. When the Titanic gets to America, she’s leaving the family. She’s going to take her meager savings and strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a charming first-class passenger who confuses her in every way �" right down to the secrets she knows he’s keeping. But Tess can’t stay away, and she soon finds herself at the center of a an ongoing battle for power amongst werewolves. In the midst of werewolf drama and falling in love, Tess’s plans for freedom are also crumbling. And then, the Titanic hits an iceburg, and Tess isn’t sure if she, Alec or anyone else will make it to America at all. Gray is already a master of writing difficult romances and paranormal adventures, and her skills shine in Fateful �" as she weaves together mystery, intrigue, romance, werewolves, and the most infamous voyage of all time. The result is a fast-paced story that’s simply fun to read. What’s really so spectacular about Fateful is that it offers SO MUCH within its 300 some-odd pages. There are so many elements that Gray could have easily written three or four different books, yet she weaves them together so perfectly that what you have is a lush, multi-layered book. Every aspect of this book works: the romance, the story of social struggle, the fateful voyage of the Titanic, the werewolf saga. This seamlessly woven together saga is held together nicely by a wonderful cast of characters. Tess and Alec alone are characters worthy of following �" yet, there is a whole cast of characters worth caring about. From Alec’s well-meaning father, to Tess’s colorful and spirited roommate on board the Titanic. Even the less savory characters are intriguing and engaging. Fateful will quickly and easily sweep you up. And while I enjoy the rare treat of a standalone paranormal novel, part of me wishes there was more. What happens after the voyage on the Titanic? Well, that’s what our imaginations are for, aren’t they? (Well, imaginations … and fan fiction.)
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Revenant
by
Sonia Gensler
Sara Gundell
, August 21, 2011
Mixing genres can be a risky business, but Sonia Gensler proves she is a master literary chef with her debut novel, The Revenant �" a sweeping historic thriller, with elements of your classic ghost story and Victorian romance. The Revenant tells the story of 17-year-old Willie, who runs away from a home she can’t fit in with, and assumes a stolen identity to become a teacher at the Cherokee Female Seminary. But life in Indian Territory is not like anything Willie expected. She struggles to teach students who come from wealthier backgrounds than her own, while also fighting a growing attraction to one of the young men from the neighboring boys’ school. Then there’s the troubling matter of strange happenings that everyone else believes are linked to the ghost of a student who drowned in the river the year before. Willie’s not so quick to believe in ghosts, but as more strange (and increasingly perilous) events begin to transpire, even she can’t deny that something nefarious is at work. What struck me so much about The Revenant is how Gensler stays so true to her characters and the time period in which the story is set. As a modern reader, it’s tempting to want your characters to just “go for it,” but in a book that takes place in 1896, there are societal expectations that just can’t be ignored. Gensler brilliantly stays true to the historical aspects of her setting, while at the same time building complex and dynamic relationships between her characters. She is a master of the Victorian courtship, and every stolen whisper and light touch of the hand is imbued with as much chemistry and sexual tension as that infamous “leg hitch” scene in Eclipse �" so much so that you forget how chaste the interaction really is. Gensler also brilliantly weaves in the history of the Cherokee Seminary School without once sacrificing an element of the story. Little bits of fact are sewn into the text seamlessly, offering a world that is all the more vivid for her efforts. Willie’s experiences simply wouldn’t be the same without such a lush historic backdrop as the one Gensler provides. What’s more, her characters are multi-faceted and engaging. Not only does Willie have an intriguing story, but so does Eli �" that mysterious young man from the boys’ school; Dr. Stewart, the charming young widower; Olivia, Willie’s fellow teacher and confidant; and even Fannie, the student who seems out to get her teacher at any cost. Not one character falls into the trappings of caricature or stereotype. In truth, Gensler could easily write a library of companion novels to The Revenant, each one chronicling the stories of these other interesting characters.
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Day Before
by
Lisa Schroeder
Sara Gundell
, August 13, 2011
Last year, after reading Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder, I declared it to be my favorite book of hers to date. But I think she has outdone herself once again. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder is nothing short of perfect. The book (written in verse, like Lisa’s three other YA novels), tells the story of Amber, who escapes from her family and friends for a day all to herself at the beach. Her life is spiraling out of control, and she needs just one day alone; to live for herself and no one else. While there, she meets Cade �" who seems in search of his own day. Together, they agree to spend 24 hours, living in the moment �" no questions asked. But the more time Amber spends with Cade (and the more their connection seems to grow), the more she feels the need to know exactly what’s wrong in his life and how she can help. If she can help. Amber and Cade are two of my new favorite characters in fiction Amber, with her dyed-hair, jelly bean obsession and rock girl attitude �" and Cade, with his skinny jeans, and oh-so-adorable references to movies like “Say Anything.” And while Amber and Cade carry the story, they are not the only ones worth loving in The Day Before. Amber’s parents each have small moments to shine, as does her sister and her best friend. A brief appearance by Cade’s friends give you a tiny glimpse into his world beyond this single day. As always, Lisa’s writing is beautiful. She chooses her words so carefully, and it comes across in each beautiful verse of the novel. On each page, Lisa beautifully captures the emotions and feelings of her characters �" anger, melancholy, the tingles of first love. Likewise, her descriptions will whisk you away to the Oregon coast. Reading The Day Before made me wish I was there, with the sand and the gray ocean and the cloudy skies and the saltwater taffy that makes a day on the Oregon coast oh-so-perfect. In small ways, The Day Before is almost a little love letter to these perfect places. But I think what I loved most about The Day Before was seeing the whole story come together as pieces of the mystery are revealed. Lisa peels back the layers of her story so delicately �" giving you just enough to satisfy, yet not quite enough so that you simply must keep reading. What’s even more, is that Lisa manages to avoid becoming predictable. Even if you think you know where the story is going, you’ll find yourself surprised. What’s more is, The Day Before will leave you filled up with hope and happiness. It’s a story about accepting one’s fears, and moving on even when that fear remains.
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Need So Beautiful
by
Suzanne Young
Sara Gundell
, June 02, 2011
In a world where stories of the supernatural and paranormal are crowding book store shelves, it’s always remarkable when one stands out from the crowd. This summer, A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young is that stand-out book. It’s one of the most original ideas I’ve seen in fiction (not just YA, but ANY fiction) in a very long time. A Need So Beautiful tells the story of 17-year-old Charlotte, who finds the people in her life are slowly forgetting her. Her best friend thinks Charlotte’s psychic, and her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But the truth is, Charlotte is one of the Forgotten �" a special type of “angel” who feels the Need to help people on earth. But each time Charlotte gives into the Need, a little bit more of her disappears �" and soon, it will be as if she never existed. But Charlotte doesn’t want to disappear. She wants to stay and help her best friend, whose life is unraveling. She wants to keep up the comfortable banter of her adopted family. And more than anything, she wants to stay with her boyfriend, Harlin. So Charlotte must choose: to give in to the Need and disappear forever, or fight the urge and risk an even greater consequence. This book is incredibly brilliant and mind-blowing in so many ways. The story itself is so powerful, beautiful and unique it will linger with you long after finishing the last page. It’s the type of story that wraps itself around you and makes your insides melt and go all gooey. And Suzanne’s characters will stick with you, too. They’re the type of characters you can recognize as people you might know in your real life. They are each so incredibly vibrant and extraordinary �" Charlotte, Harlin, Sarah, Monroe, Alex and all the rest. As a reader, you just want to surround yourself amongst these people Suzanne has created. A Need So Beautiful is the type of book that you’ll race to finish, then linger over, spending days haunted by this beautiful, unique, heartbreaking tale. The story is unique and original in a way I didn’t think was possible in fiction today; it will surprise you at every turn and keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last sentence. I am beyond thrilled that Suzanne agreed to write a sequel (which was not her original intent). I eagerly anticipate the day when I can once again immerse myself in Suzanne’s world and surround myself with these characters.
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