Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
published May 2011 by HarperCollins
496 pages (hardcover), YA

Dystopian Chicago. Need I say more?

That's all I needed. Perhaps you require a little extra.

Beatrice is at that delicate, life-changing age, 16, when she needs to decide what to make of herself. Which of the five factions of the city (Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, Erudite) will she choose to dedicate her life to? She was brought up in Abnegation, with her selfless parents and brother, but she's never quite fit in. She's curious, asks too many questions, and doesn't always think of others before herself. So, at her choosing ceremony, Beatrice gives up her family ties and joins the daredevil Dauntless. But to prove herself to this new faction, Beatrice, now Tris, has to go through a series of trials that will truly test her strength, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Plus she has a BIG secret to hide. And a budding love interest with one of her trainers. And the possibility that she will die before she proves herself as a member of Dauntless. Woo!

I can't hide how much I loved this book. Picture this - a Thursday after school. No errands to run. No lesson plans to write. No new shows on the television. Time! Time to read! Curled up on the couch with my very own copy of Divergent (which I've had since the summer; yes, shame on me). I start reading and can't stop. A tweet, quick dinner, and six hours later, the book is finished, and I'm thoroughly sated. Time for bed! That, my friends, is what I call a luxurious evening at home. I haven't had one in a long while and was so happy to share it with this wonderful book.

Lots of people have compared Divergent to The Hunger Games, and okay, I guess I see that. They're both dystopias. They're both rather violent. But the world in Divergent appeals to me much more. Maybe because it's set in Chicago. Maybe more because although it's a dystopia, there's SO MUCH HOPE. I don't know how Veronica Roth made me feel so hopeful, especially in the depths of Dauntless (which is definitely not the faction I would choose :shudder:), but she did. Tris is one strong female, and I believe she can change the whole system. The factions were originally created to play on the good, to have people specialize in these ideal character traits so that they could rid society of all the bad. But over the years it has turned into a competition instead of collaboration, and what used to be good about each faction is now lost in the struggle to remain relevant and most of all, powerful. It's all so complex and political, and I love it.

I'm really late to the conversation about this book (hey, I was in Italy! and then work took over my life...), but if you honestly haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? Easily one of the best books of the year. School Library Journal says so too.

Four purple crayons for a new dystopian trilogy that I can't wait to keep reading! Insurgent comes out in May 2012!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
published February 2011 by HarperCollins
441 pages (hardcover), YA

In the near future, the borders of the United States have been completely closed, borders to individual states and cities similarly regulated, and the greatest threat to society is the disease amor deliria nervosa - or what we know simply as love. Fortunately, a cure has been found for this vicious disease and is administered to most teens when they turn 18.

Lena can't wait to get the cure, to finally be rid of rumors and whispers about her mother, who committed suicide because the cure just didn't work on her - she didn't want it to. But Lena has always believed in the dangers of the disease and the safety of her controlled life. Until she meets Alex. He first shows up unexpectedly at her Evaluation (which will determine her choice of mate) then again as she is running with her best friend Hana and they stop to explore a restricted area. She's never really talked to a guy before - there are strict rules about segregating uncured boys and girls - and she feels strangely around Alex. Luckily, he's already been cured, so it's safe for them to talk. Safe. Right. Suffice to say, it's a classic case of boy shows girl how sheltered her life really is and how different it could be.

I love this book. You know me, I can't resist a YA dystopia, and neither can you, I'm sure, but that's not why I love this book. I love it because it doesn't have to be a dystopia. This story is all too familiar - teenagers with their reckless abandon and intense emotions get what life is all about, while adults slug on by, devoid of that spark of life they once had. This quote says it better:

Most of us won't see one another after graduation, and even if we do it will be different. We'll be different. We'll be adults--cured, tagged and labeled and paired and identified and placed neatly on our life path, perfectly round marbles set to roll down even, well-defined slopes.

I don't think I'm reading too much into it when I think about how some adults in today's society completely shed any sense of adventure, curiosity, passion, art, or anything interesting at all about themselves once they outgrow their teens (and maybe now twenties) and enter "the real world." As if there's something magical and carefree about being young that can't be carried through to adult life. Sure, we have more responsibilities and most of us choose professions that require us to keep a schedule and live a certain, stable way, but all is not lost! There's too much beauty in the world to get bogged down by work and responsibilities. Yes, that's a friendly reminder to myself. And a tangent, I know.

Back to the story - Lena goes through many changes in this book. She has a carefree spirit that sometimes peeks out, but she is usually cautious and afraid. I loved reading about her childhood, those brief moments with her mother when they would sing and dance in their home (with the blinds shut, of course), in comparison to her current life of daily routines and anticipation of the cure. Some have criticized her character as not being believable because of this stark contrast, but it makes perfect sense to me. Her mother's life (and death) serves as a cautionary tale, and even though she still has those warm, fuzzy feelings of the past, she knows they need to stay hidden for fear of triggering the disease. Well, you know, until Alex turns her world upside down. That's when Lena's character gets real interesting, but I won't go there.

This is a book to be read and shared and discussed. Which is why it's hard for me to write about it. So, I'll leave you with another of my favorite quotes:

One of the strangest things about life is that it will chug on, blind and oblivious, even as your private world - your little carved-out sphere - is twisting and morphing, even breaking apart. One day you have parents; the next day you're an orphan. One day you have a place and a path. The next day you're lost in the wilderness.
And still the sun rises and clouds mass and drift and people shop for groceries and toilets flush and blinds go up and down. That's when you realize that most of it - life, the relentless mechanism of existing - isn't about you. It doesn't include you at all. It will thrust onward even after you've jumped the edge. Even after you're dead.

 

Also reviewed by:

YA Reads ; Bookworming in the 21st Century ; Becky's Book Reviews ; Fantastic Book Review ; Confessions of a Bibliovore ; Candace's Book Blog ; The Neverending Shelf ; and many others

Across the Universe by Beth Revis + Giveaway!

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
published January 2011 by Penguin
416 pages (hardcover), YA
2011 Debut Author Challenge ; YA Reading Challenge ; Dystopian February
*reviewed from ARC

This book begins as Amy and her parents are being frozen, to be awakened in 300 years when the starship Godspeed will land on a new inhabitable planet. Unfortunately, Amy wakes up about half a century too early, as her block of ice is rolled out of its freezer to thaw. Luckily, the doctor on board and future leader Elder are able to save her. The story shifts between Amy and Elder, as they try to figure out who wanted her dead and who is continuing to sabotage the cryogenically frozen people on board the Godspeed.

Elder is a leader in training, under the guidance of Eldest, who has the responsibility of keeping the 2,000+ person society on the Godspeed safe and peaceful. The ship is on autopilot, but the people need someone to watch over them. The society functions smoothly, with clearly defined generations (mating is only allowed during the Season) and jobs. People work in fields, genetics labs, and other parts of the ship out of necessity. Although they may not all live long enough to see the Godspeed land on Centauri-Earth, they have hope that their children will. The back cover of the ARC calls this book Titanic meets Brave New World, and I say that's about right. But I can't tell you why!

Others have already said this, and I will agree that the first half of this book was slow. I took frequent breaks because I just couldn't get into it. But then there's a whole lot of action and secrets revealed all at once, and I was flying through it to see what would happen next. I thought the story was lacking at first - I'm a Star Trek fan, I know how these things work. But this is no ordinary science fiction or dystopia - we have murder mystery as well, and tons of twists and turns. There were quite a few "didn't see that coming!" moments that I was rather happy for. Overall, a solid debut and a refreshing dystopia - what can I say? I'm a fan of space travel. Three purple crayons from me.

Reviewed elsewhere:
Becky's Book Reviews ; holes In My brain ; The Story Siren ; Candace's Book Blog ; A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust ; La Femme Readers

GIVEAWAY

Though the book is out already, I do have an ARC to give away. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! 

XVI by Julia Karr + Giveaway!

XVI by Julia Karr
published January 2011 by Penguin
272 pages (paperback), YA
Debut Author Challenge ; YA Reading Challenge

Nina is fifteen, going on sexteen. In 22nd century Chicago, for a girl, turning 16 means getting tattooed with XVI on her wrist, broadcasting to the world that this gal's ready for sex, anywhere anytime from anyone. They all want it anyway, right? Well, Nina doesn't. She's not completely brainwashed by the Media. She wants to be a Creative, go to art school, and have a life. But then her life spins out of control, with her family in danger and her views of the world shattered, and what begins as a simple dystopia quickly turns into a murder mystery.

I was initially attracted to this book because of the setting - I'd love to know what Chicago looks like in 2150 in someone else's imagination. I was disappointed that it didn't seem so different from today. I understand that's plausible, I suppose, but I wanted a little more fancy. The technology jargon is different, but the devices are familiar. And the society? Well, we only get glimpses into the government, but what is made very clear is that the Media runs the show.

Nina and her friends have designated themselves private investigators and protectors (of each other). It's not safe to talk unless in a Dead Zone (can you hear me now?), and they have much to puzzle through. What if the government is lying to them? What if Nina's father is still alive? What if embracing life as a sexteen isn't all that it's advertised to be? If I'm not making sense, good. There's not much explanation I could give without retelling the story. If you're intrigued, give it a whirl. It should be a quick read.

For me, I read this book at the wrong time. I forced it, and I shouldn't have. I may have liked it better had I not just read The Sky is Everywhere. But still three purple crayons for an interesting story.

Reviewed elsewhere:
Forever Young Adult ; Fiktshun

GIVEAWAY!

I bought this book with the intent of passing it on to one lucky winner. All you have to do is fill out the form! Contest ends Monday, January 24, 2011. Open to U.S. only.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
published December 2008 (c2005) by Mira
416 pages (paperback reprint), YA/adult

Yelena is in prison for murder. In Ixia, an eye for an eye rules the land, and Yelena merely awaits her eventual execution. Until she is afforded a choice - either she can die for her crime or she can become the new taste tester for the Commander. The choice is simple, and so she begins her training with Valek, the Commander's right-hand man, learning to identify poisons by smell and taste. Her life depends on it. She begins her new life in the castle with no friends or money or much hope for escape, and she is burdened by demons of her past. Perhaps a quick death would have been preferable.

I left out a lot from that description because although quite a bit happens in this book, ultimately, it is driven by Yelena's character. She is a survivor. Orphaned at an unknown young age, she is brought up with other children by a General. One whose kindness led to the murder of his son, which is how we learn Yelena came to be in prison. Was she justified in her actions? I do believe so, but you can disagree with me if you wish. She is strong in mind and body, and she is continually forced to make impossible decisions. Living in the castle, as a murderer, is no easy task - many would love to see her dead. And a few do try.

It's no surprise then that I loved this book. But loved it in a way that's reserved for the kind of literature that's painful to read because its content is disturbing and rather unpleasant. Milder than others of a similar nature (I'm very sensitive), it explores a world where right and wrong are absolute, and the consequences of disobedient actions are non-negotiable. Hmm, I've been reading a lot of dystopias recently. Nonetheless, this is a trilogy I would add to my favorites, and I haven't even read the next two yet. Magic Study is next, and I can't wait. Oh, did I forget to mention that there's a bit of magic too? :)


Others wrote:
GreenBeanTeenQueen; Read Into This!; Parajunkee's View; Dear Author; Grasping for the Wind; Reading Rocks; The Story Siren + many more

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
published January 2010 by Penguin
448 pages (hardcover), YA

Incarceron is a prison, an experiment to create the perfect world gone wrong. While the world Outside believes that Incarceron is paradise, the Prisoners form gangs and cults and resort to violence and thievery to stay alive. Finn awoke in Incarceron some three years ago with no memory of his childhood, but with the rare ability to see - a Starseer - visions of the past and of Outside. He needs to find a way to escape. And then there's Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, privileged and educated living in a castle Outside, but in a world governed by Protocol, stuck in the past with no hope of technological (or any) innovation. But Claudia is completely oblivious to the truth of Incarceron until she steals a key from her father's study, a key that enables her to communicate with Prisoners inside of Incarceron, which is how Finn and Claudia come to know one another and the truth about their world.

What can I say? I didn't love it. At times, I didn't even like it. I was confused most of the time, and then, finally, at the end, when everything seemed to be coming together, it was over. I don't like to wait until the end of a book for the pieces to come together. That's just not my preference. Some people love it, but it drives me crazy. The concept, though? I do quite enjoy it, and I will definitely read Sapphique. Because I want to know more! There was a very slow build-up, but now that I'm into it, over 400 pages later, I'd like to know how this world came to be and whether or not it will be fixed.

What was most jarring/unappealing/annoying to me in this book was the constant switching of perspectives - the story alternates between Claudia and Finn, but it happened too quickly for me. I didn't feel like I stayed with either of the characters long enough to get to know them or their stories. Again, personal preference. I'm also one of those people who can't stand large casts of characters.

So, no glowing review from me, even though I did like the book.

Others who liked it better:
One Librarian's Book Reviews; A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy; Teens Read and Write; Presenting Lenore; Reading Rants!; Guys Lit Wire; Fantastic Book Review

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
published October 2009 by Random House
384 pages (hardcover), YA

He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air.

Metal ground against metal; a lurching shudder shook the floor beneath him. He fell down at the sudden movement and shuffled backward on his hands and feet, drops of sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air. His back struck a hard metal wall; he slid along it until he hit the corner of the room. Sinking to the floor, he pulled his legs up tight against his body, hoping his eyes would soon adjust to the darkness.

With another jolt, the room jerked upward like an old lift in a mine shaft.

Harsh sounds of chains and pulleys, like the workings of an ancient steel factory, echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls with a hollow, tinny whine. The lightless elevator swayed back and forth as it ascended, turning the boy's stomach sour with nausea; a smell like burnt oil invaded his senses, making him feel worse. He wanted to cry, but no tears came; he could only sit there, alone, waiting.

My name is Thomas, he thought.

That... that was the only thing he could remember about his life. (p. 1)

When Thomas is discovered, he finds himself in the Glade, surrounded by boys his own age who went through the same disorienting experience of waking with no memories in a metal box. He's the new guy, Greenbean affectionately, and he has a ton of questions about this place. The Glade is a self-sustaining community, almost utopian, except for the fact that there is no way out. Just outside the Glade, surrounded by a high, ivy-covered, retractable wall, is the Maze - the only hope for discovering an escape route. For two years, the eldest of the Gladers have been searching for an exit, with Runners to map out and try to solve the Maze. When Thomas arrives, everything changes. He's different, and everyone knows it. But without any memories, it's impossible to know how or why.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I tore through the pages and was constantly surprised by unexpected plot twists and turns. Really, the whole book was unexpected. Although I liked being in the dark like Thomas was, I was anxious to figure it all out and hopeful that they would find a way out. What I didn't think too hard about was the state the world might be in if/when the boys did escape. After all, who sends a bunch of teenage boys to a happy little trap of an environment with an unsolvable Maze? Oh, and did I forget to mention that there are Grievers, terrifying monsters I'd care not to envision, out in the Maze with the sole purpose of killing anyone who attempts to stay in the Maze past dark? Suspenseful, action-packed, and a little mind-boggling.

As much as I loved this book, I have to gripe a little bit. Let me show you how this book concludes:
END OF BOOK ONE
Really? Really?! That's it. I'm reading the last page before I start another book. I cannot handle another series/saga/trilogy. I'm just tired of it. I can't keep them straight. And I can't wait. I'm not the most patient of gals. And chances are, I will forget this book by the time the next one comes out. I read too much to remember them all. But even more, none of my questions were answered in this book! Where did these boys come from? Will they eventually remember their old lives? Who is responsible for their sad fates? In a nutshell, what in the world is going on?!

So, if I knew (and I should have known) that it was going to be a trilogy, I would have waited to read it until they were all published. Maybe then I wouldn't be so frustrated. But if that's the only criticism I have of the book, then that must mean it was a pretty darn good one.

Read-alikes: The House of Stairs by William Sleator, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Other reviews:
Presenting Lenore, Guys Lit Wire, Books at Midnight, Pure Imagination, Book Crazy, Jen Robinson's Book Page, My Friend Amy




P.S. What is it with Utah and awesome YA authors? Is there something in the water?

Fahrenheit 451 adapted by Tim Hamilton

Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaptation by Tim Hamilton
published July 2009 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
160 pages (paperback), YA

I loved this graphic novel but dread writing this review.

This adaptation stayed very true to Bradbury's original. Obviously, the text is sparse, but the story still flows rather well. And really, the artwork stands out in this book. But artwork is not something I know how to evaluate! It reminded me very much of Ex Machina, a series that I devoured last summer. The blues and greys and greens dominate most spreads, except for the fire scenes in bright oranges, reds and yellows. The mood of the story comes directly from color choice and the dark, shadowy figures, which is what attracted me the most about this graphic novel. Second would be passage choice - I don't know how much of the text comes directly from Bradbury's original, but it definitely evokes the same tone and style. I also enjoyed the introduction by Bradbury, where he describes his experiences of letting inspiration flow and stories evolve in their own time.

I think fans of the original will appreciate this adaptation, but moreso, this graphic novel makes the classic accessible to those who would not normally read it. Reluctant readers, yes. But also superhero comic fans, as the style is somewhat similar. It can be a gateway to reading Bradbury's original, or even stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to most high school students.


Others said:
Lesa's Book Critiques: "[...] Hamilton's illustrations provide an appropriate stark background for the story of Guy Montag [...]"
Reading and Rooibos: "[...] I find it genuinely exciting that the graphic novel format will introduce this story about the dangers of censorship and the power of critical thought to many readers who may not have already encountered the novel."