Book Thoughts - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
336 pages
published 1/10/12

Synopsis from publisher -

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

My thoughts -

I think my high expectations hindered my enjoyment of this nearly universally well-loved novel. I am aware that there is a strong John Green Lovers Anonymous (or perhaps not so anonymous) club out there in the blogging world, and I've read a LOT of raves about this novel. I was fully prepared for it to be The.Best.YA.Novel.I've.Ever.Read.

And it was good. Hazel and Augustus were charming and heartbreaking in equal parts, and rooting for their doomed love affair (at the Anne Frank house, no less!) was easy. Hazel's parents were not, as seems to be the latest trend in YA novels, absent or bumbling, but smart and appropriately involved in their daughter's life. Serious topics were introduced and handled with grace, and grief was faced in an incredibly realistic way.

And yet, something just didn't quite ring true. I'm not even sure I can put my finger on it, but there was never a moment where I truly LOST myself - I was always very aware that I was reading a book - a very good book, but a book nonetheless. (And then there was the whole weird side plot with the author from Amsterdam - was that just a ploy to get them to the Anne Frank house? Because otherwise....)

I didn't NOT like it - I just didn't feel enraptured by it. I will certainly read more by this author, but I think I will go in with more realistic expectations in the future.

Finished - 2/15/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - PG-13 for language and some "adult" situations
My rating - 7/10

Book Thoughts - Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
published 4/31/12
386 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

The school is on fire. Her children are inside.
Grace runs toward the burning building, desperate to reach them.

In the aftermath of the devastating fire which tears her family apart, Grace embarks on a mission to find the person responsible and protect her children from further harm. This fire was not an accident, and her daughter Jenny may still be in grave danger. Grace is the only one who can discover the culprit, and she will do whatever it takes to save her family and find out who committed the crime that rocked their lives. While unearthing truths about her life that may help her find answers, Grace learns more about everyone around her — and finds she has courage she never knew she possessed.

My thoughts -

This novel almost became my first DNF of the year. I thought the idea behind the book was quite good, and initially was very intrigued by the mystery. Lupton's use of second person narration was also an interesting choice, and I found it heightened the sense of intimacy I felt with Grace. 

Unfortunately, about halfway through the novel I really started to struggle. For me, Lupton was not able to keep the momentum of the novel moving forward  - everything just felt like it was stalling out. I started to feel irritated with Grace, with the inept police force, with the inability of every character in the novel to DO anything or FIGURE ANYTHING OUT.

I was, however, invested enough with the characters - mostly Jenny and Adam - that I decided not to quit. And for the most part, I think the ending was satisfying. 

So, would I recommend it? That's a tough question. I think I would recommend the author more than the novel - I can see the talent that Lupton brings to the table, and though this novel fell short for me, I would definitely read more of her work.

Finished - 2/11/13

Source - South Side library

MPAA  rating - R for violence, adult situations, and language

My rating - 6/10

Book Thoughts - The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin

The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin
published 5/31/12
440 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

The city burned beneath the Dreaming Moon. In the ancient city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Upon its rooftops and amongst the shadows of its cobbled streets wait the Gatherers - the keepers of this peace. Priests of the dream-goddess, their duty is to harvest the magic of the sleeping mind and use it to heal, soothe . . . and kill those judged corrupt. But when a conspiracy blooms within Gujaareh's great temple, Ehiru - the most famous of the city's Gatherers - must question everything he knows. Someone, or something, is murdering dreamers in the goddess' name, stalking its prey both in Gujaareh's alleys and the realm of dreams. Ehiru must now protect the woman he was sent to kill - or watch the city be devoured by war and forbidden magic.

My thoughts -

Boy, this novel just made me happy from start to finish. There is not much I love more than a fantasy novel with an interesting, complex world and strong characters, and this had both in spades.

Jemisin's world is like nothing I've ever read before. She says it has influences from ancient Egypt, but there is so much more than that going on. The psychology and theology of this world are brilliantly executed, and so much more complex than one novel can encompass. I'm happy that there is another novel set in the same world, but I have a feeling even after reading that one I still won't be able to completely understand everything Jemisin has conceived for Gujaareh.

"The shadows of Ina-Karekh are the place where nightmares dwell, but not their source. Never forget: the shadowlands are not elsewhere. We create them. They are within." (p. 256)

Jemisin's characters are flawed and honest, and the relationships between them one of the strengths of her novel. Allowing the reader to see things from multiple perspectives gives a much more rounded view of the events that take place, and make the typical "good guys" and "bad guys" difficult to delineate. 

One of my favorite parts of this novel was the ending  - as in, it has one. Fantasy novels that are part of a series are notorious for leaving the reading hanging at the end of a particularly awful cliffhanger. Jemisin gives her book a conclusion - it's one that leaves the reader wanting more, but it is also satisfying and allows the book to feel like an entity in itself.

If you are looking for a new fantasy author to get lost in, I'd encourage you to give Jemisin a try. She would be a great choice for Aarti's More Diverse Universe reading tour (which I certainly hope we will get to participate in again in 2013!). Also, she was born in Iowa City, so I have to give the local girl some love! I enjoyed this novel from start to finish, and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

Finished - 2/1/13

Source - South Side library

MPAA rating - PG-13 for violence and adult situations

My rating - 9/10