Book Review: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
480 Pages

When Cameron Post’s parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief she’ll never have to tell them that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl. 

But that relief soon turns to heartbreak, as Cam is forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and not making waves, and Cam becomes an expert at this—especially at avoiding any questions about her sexuality.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. To Cam’s surprise, she and Coley become best friends—while Cam secretly dreams of something more. Just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, her secret is exposed. Ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to “fix” her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self—even if she’s not quite sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

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Review:

All of my friends on Goodreads, who have read this book have raved about it. I was expecting one of the best books I've ever read. But I was not immediately wowed by this book, I got nervous. My interest was piqued, but I by no means was obsessed. I couldn't stop reading it - read it in one sitting, but that was because I was waiting for something big to happen. Something that would blow my socks off, but that something never came.

There was no "wow" factor for me. The pace was very slow and I never felt any real emotion from the narrator that I could connect with. I actually skimmed some parts of it, when I couldn't get into the book. I hate to admit to skimming because I feel like I'm degrading the author's work, but as my mind tired of some parts, my eyes wandered along.

I loved the idea of the plot and the set up for the story. Since it was split up into sections of Cameron's life, you were able to watch as she developed into a woman and into her sexuality. I only wish that she had someone to support her and understand the her sexual preference is not a choice. We love who we love and that is that. 

I love the friends that Cameron makes in God's Promise, which is basically a camp from unwanted people. There is a former drug addict and many homosexuals in attendance. Cameron's friends, Jane and Adam, are great characters. They add comedy and also are great friends for Cam. I truly connected with Jane and Adam and would've loved more with them, even though there was a lot!

I am a full supporter of gay rights and to see people so mistreated in this book because of there sexual orientation was horrifying to me. But so realistic. A friend of mine was actually sent to a camp like mentioned in this story. She hated it and it did nothing to change her. She knew who she was and I'm proud to say she was resilient. She and her partner have been together for three years now. This book does show the issues that homosexuals face(d) in the late twentieth century, that they are often still facing now. 

I was unsatisfied with a few things in the book. One: There was no closure with Jamie, Coley, Lindsay, Irene or even with Cameron's, the main character, family members. It is bothering me to not know what happened between them and if anything was ever resolve. Two: The ending. I didn't quite understand what was happening. Just where it left off. Before it left off, it was very moving and sad. I just didn't like where the book finished. It felt incomplete to me. I wanted more, I expected more. Three: The way the author introduces characters and makes them a part of Cameron's life only to have them leave and never be heard from again. It really bothered me. Even though they are in the story for long, I wanted more of them. I wanted Cameron to have someone to rely on and have constant support from.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't my favorite, but it was very good. The Miseducation of Cameron Post dealt with a very big and controversial issue in a regal and realistic way. Based on the content, I also recommend this for older, mature young adults and adults.

Follow Friday (12)

Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View!

Q. What is one thing that you wish you could tell your favorite author?

A. This is a toughy because I don't really have a "favorite" author. I don't really even have a favorite book - I pretty much call all authors and books my favorites, if I really enjoy them. And I ramble so it's more like: "what would you tell the author(s) that have impacted your life most in the span of one minute?"

The four authors who have affected my life with their work the most though are: Suzanne Collins, John Green, Veronica Roth and Stephenie Meyer (JUDGE ME).

To Suzanne: I fell in love with your books so quickly. The plot seemed so far-fetched, but believable. The Hunger Games has some of the greatest, most frightening action. Thank you for writing an amazing series that got me emotionally involved in the lives of the characters and in the plot, and thank you for starting the dystopian trend! You are brilliant and I need hope to see more from you in the future.

To John: I love you. Literally, if you weren't married, I'd jump on that. I loved you and your work before TFIOS, but that book... Holy crap, that book tore me to shreds. My mother has been struggling with cancer for seventeen years and I have never read a book from the perspective of someone fighting the disease. TFIOS is, honestly, one of the best books that I have ever read in my entire life.

I already have said a lot to Veronica... I met her on Wednesday. She's wonderful. I told her that she was so cute and that I wanted to put her in my pocket and I hugged her while giving my appreciation for not writing another freaking love triangle. So... I think that's about as embarrassing as I can be with her. But I forgot to tell her: IF FOUR AND TRIS DON'T END UP TOGETHER HAPPILY AND HAVE BABIES, I WILL NEVER FORGIVE AND NO LONGER TALK ABOUT HOW ADORABLE YOUR PUPPY IS.

To Stephenie: I'm sorry that no one spells your name right, even if they are fans of your books. That sucks. Also, thank you. Your book first book was what got me into reading in the first place. You got me through high school because I was able to discover what I want to do with my life and started reading more than doing homework. I became widely known to both classmates and teachers as: "that girl who reads all the time." But really, without you, I wouldn't be where I am, doing what I'm doing. I appreciate you even though you don't know I exist.

What would you say to your favorite author?

P.S. Shout out to Ali from Ali's Bookshelf - she's one of the featured blogs this week. I met her on Wednesday at the Veronica Roth signing and she's so sweet!

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway: Defy (Firstborn #1) by Raine Thomas

Today, Emily is happy to be a part of the Defy Blog Tour

hosted by YA Bound.

Find the other tour stops here.

Defy (Firstborn #1) by Raine Thomas

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: April 30, 2012

Publisher: Iambe Books

285 Pages

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

Check out the trailer!

Also check out the tour Home Page for the grand prize giveaway!

You can enter to win signed paperbacks of Defy, Becoming, Central and Foretold, swag and a custom hair piece that is valued at $100!

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

Defy captured my interest after the first few paragraphs. I am not a huge fantasy lover, but I found myself really intrigued by the happenings in this strange world that Raine Thomas creates. Everything about it was unique. I've honestly never read anything like it.

I love how the author is able to write from both an adult and an adolescent point-of-view. Some authors really can't pull that off, but Ms. Thomas does with ease. I barely noticed the transition. The writing is brilliant. Turning my kindle off for a bit to sleep, do chores or eat was an almost impossible feat. That's how good and addicting the writing was.

The characters in this book are awesome. Tate has a great sense of adventure. I love her perspective. She doesn't have the best patience or self-control, but that's how many teenagers are. She likes danger and doesn't want to be held back. She wants to get her wings - both literally and figuratively. Her father, Caleb, is another great character. He truly loves his wife and children and will do anything to keep them safe and healthy. My favorite character would have to be Zachariah, though. He's sarcastic, and fierce, and loyal. He really learns to care for Tate. THEY ARE JUST SO SWEET TOOGETHER. OMG, I'M SORRY FOR THE SHOUTY CAPS, BUT I CAN'T STOP. Characters like Quincy, Sophia, Skye, Tiege only add more… awesomeness… to the book.

The fantasy aspects in this story are great. I love the families and their names. For the most part, they all have very original names that only contribute to the fantasy. And as you read, you get so involved in the plot that you can't help but picture all of the scenes in your mind. I love when a book can really pull out your imagination.

I also enjoyed that even though the blurb really makes the book sound like it revolves around one character, there are multiple stories within. It was unexpected, but extremely intriguing. The ways it's done is phenomenal. I really enjoyed reading from multiple characters' perspectives.

My only "issues" with the book were that I didn't really like the cover. I was worried that because I didn't like the cover that I wouldn't like the content of the novel. Sorry guys, but while it fit with the book, I just didn't think it looked very good. Also, I found four big spelling issues. Most likely, they were just from a typing slip-up, but they really stuck out to me. There were also a few grammatical issues that should've been seen by an editor.

After stalking searching the author's profile, I've come to find that there is a series that prequels this one. It's great that this reads like a stand-alone series though. I really enjoyed it before I knew there were prequels. They are about the parents of the main characters in this series. I LOVE WHEN AUTHORS DO THAT. MUST READ THEM NOW. I'm literally going to go buy them as soon as I have money.

Even with my little squiggles, I loved this book. I couldn't put it down! Tate and Zachariah are a great pair that are sure to make people swoon and laugh. I cannot wait for book two!

I received a free e-copy of this novel from the author for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway Details:
1 Winner will receive an e-copy of Defy by Raine Thomas
Open Internationally
Ends 5/13/2012

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme held on... you guessed it, WEDNESDAY and it's hosted by the wonderful Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Unwholly (Unwind Trilogy #2) by Neal Shusterman

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
352 Pages

n a society where unwanted and troublesome teens are salvaged for their body parts, Connor, Risa and Lev continue to fight against the system that would 'unwind' them. Thanks to their high-profile revolt at the Happy Jack Harvest Camp, people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of so-called troublesome teens might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question and a new law passed. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests, not to mention the illegal 'Parts Pirates', that want to see it not only continue, but expand.

Connor, Risa and Lev each struggle to rescue as many AWOL teens as possible and offer them sanctuary. But life at the Graveyard is hard, rivalries bubble under the surface and the cracks are beginning to show.

And then there is Cam, a teen who does not exist. Made entirely out of parts from one hundred other 'unwinds', Cam is a 21st century Frankenstein, a rewound, struggling to find a true identity and meaning, and a place in society. But when a sadistic bounty hunter who takes "trophies" from all the 'unwinds' he captures starts to pursue Connor, Lev and Risa, Cam finds his own fate inextricably bound with theirs…

The first book in this series blew me away. I loved it (and need to get it as a hardcopy). It's a great dystopian novel that is sure to thrill you and inspire fear at the same time!

Prometheus (2012)

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

I want to see Prometheus because I'm a sci-fi junkie and I have to watch.

Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly Tuesday meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

The prompt for this week is Top Ten Books I'd Like to Made Into A Movie!

1. The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

- Even as I read the book, I kept thinking about how awesome of a movie it would be!

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

- This book broke my heart and repeatedly put it back together. I want someone to produce a movie that can do the same thing.

3. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

- I loved this book. It was phenomenal and I think it would make a great movie with the right director and cast.

4. Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

- GREAT book and it would make an awesome contemporary movie.

5. Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep

- I want this whole series turned into movies! I think the action, the world and the characters would be an addicting movie as the books are.

6. The Pledge (The Pledge #1) by Kimberly Derting

- Have you read this? If you have, you understand! It would be a thrilling movie that would keep us on the edges of our seats!

7. Feed (Newsflesh #1) by Mira Grant

- Zombies. There aren't even zombie movies and this would be a great one to start with. It's like a rollercoaster and to turn it into a movie would be a dream come true for me.

8. Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

-Beautiful book that would make a great, great movie. The new world that Ms. Taylor creates would be projected brilliantly on the big screen!

9. Lockdown (Escape from Furnace #1) by Alexander Gordon Smith

- Creepy and amazing. This would make a great horror film series.

10. The Thief (The Queen's Thief #1) by Megan Whalen Turner

- I love this series. It has the perfect pace and scenery for a movie.

What books do you want to see made into movies?

Teaser Tuesday: Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) 

 Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

-----------------------------

"I rest my cheek against the coolness of the glass window. I have been here so long that my cheek is frigid, even when I touch it with my already cold fingers."
Chapter 2, Page 17
Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin

-----------------------------

Book Review: The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Amulet Books
354 Pages

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

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Review:

Warning: This review contains girlish squeals, rambling and quite a few capitals. It probably won't make much sense.

I LOVE THIS WRITING. Sorry for the all-caps, but I cannot stress that point enough. Here, let me give you a tidbit:

"Her hands spidered out like daddy-longlegs."

I love creepy bug references. 

"It belched great sighs of steam in satisfaction."

And a little alliteration.

This book has the strangest names for people and places. It's so creative and really intriguing. I knew from the first chapter that I would love it. It's perfect. PERFECT, I TELL YOU.

Jimson is adorable and sweet and I want to hug him. He's quite naïve and always says what is on his mind, even if it's not the right thing to say. And he really grows as a person as the story progresses. Plus, HE WANTS TO BE A LIBRARIAN. He's the perfect man. He really cares for Lena and he's a great, enthusiastic and strange character. Jimson is really awesome. I loved the parts with him best.

I love Lena, too. She reminds me a lot of myself, though she is far less outspoken than I am. She loves to read, loves books in general, much like myself. She tends to shy from company, and though it is for different reasons, I do, too. She's so sweet and gives a observant perspective. Everything is so new to her that her descriptions make sense and aren't annoying.

THERE IS A CAT IN THIS STORY. Mrs. Mumbles. Oh goodness me. Another reason to love this book. Cats are my favorite animals of all time. So the story was made ten times more awesome just by Mrs. Mumbles' presence alone.

The most interesting character in this book is definitely Mr. Tobias Beasley. He is almost completely without hair, this includes eyebrows. He must paint them on. He's clever, smart and very brave, while maintaining a great sense of humor. PLUS, Tobias is one of my favorite names ever because the characters named Tobias are usual completely awesome. i.e. - Tobias Hankel from Season Two of Criminal Minds, and Tobias aka Four from Divergent. Need I say more?

Marshall Thomas Saltre is a character that you love to hate. Lena holds some interest in him, but I think it's mostly her naïvety and that fact that he compliments her. If I was in her position, I'd kick him where the sun doesn't shine and run away. He always seemed very creepy and condescending, in my opinion.

"Jack Sprat could eat no fat; his wife could eat no lean; and so betwixt the two of them they licks their platters clean."  - I love, love, love this little tongue twister that Lena gives us early on in the story.

Why did it take me so long to read this? WHY. Seriously. The writing is just magnificent. I am addicted to the author. I've never really read Steampunk novels before. I think in total, I've read two others, which were Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel and  Kady Cross's series. I enjoyed them, but this one was so much better - no offense, it's in completely different ways.

The writing is slow. I'll admit it, it does do some dragging, but it really works for this novel. There is a huge pick-up in the writing closer to the end of the book, when the real adventure begins. It all fits with the personality of the protagonist. This book has a lot of scientific discovery and discovery of Lena herself. 

The basic idea of this entire review is that I LOVE THIS BOOK. I think it's amazing. I know many others disagree, but if you open your mind and give it a shot, I think steampunk lovers of all kinds would love it, too!

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher from Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

ARC Review: Halflings (Halflings #1) by Heather Burch

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing
288 Pages

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

Oh, Halflings… What to say about Halflings…

To put it simply: I loathed reading this book.

I had high hopes. Many of my friends on Goodreads and in real life raved about it. I was amazed by how much I disliked it. There were so many issues with the novel for me that I didn't even get half way before skimming. Through the entire book, I questioned whether I should continue or stop before throwing my kindle across the room. My decision to keep reading made finishing the book a slow and unsteady process.

First, let me name the Good Things about this book:

*Raven, Vine and rarely, Mace.

-Raven was the hot bad boy. My favorite and my weakness.

-Vine, the sweet newbie. He's innocent and naïve.

-Mace was okay. I didn't really like him. He had a couple good lines, but he just annoyed me the rest of the time.

*The angst. There is some good angst towards the end that I actually enjoyed. I'm a sucker for angst.

*The last 15% - excluding the heroine.

Now onto the Bad Things:

*The main character, Nikki. She's just… annoying. I couldn't stand her after the first few pages, when she started talking about her recreational activities. Black belt in karate and has work in an art gallery? Please. The author was seriously trying to rush the character development.

*There are way too many metaphors and comparisons. And most of those are repeated… frequently.

*This girl, Nikki, drives a motorcycle. I don't know any girl still in high school that drives a motorcycle. Personally, my parents would've let me pierce my tongue before driving one. I'm in college and they still would throw a fit, if I tried to get a motorcycle license.

*Some words were too grown up for a seventeen year old.

-i.e. Garment instead of Dress

*The best friend. OMG, LIKE, LIKE, BOYS, LIKE, OMG, PUHLEASE, SHOPPING, BOYS, LIKE. Yeah, that's Nikki's best friend, Krissy in a nutshell. So obviously, I wanted to duct tape her mouth shut. 

*I felt like this book tried to shove religion down my throat. Maybe that's just because it's an angel book, but I think it's more the way it's written. There's so much religious talk and Nikki is almost persecuted for being a realist by the Halflings and angels. It was ridiculous.

*Love triangles. ANOTHER ONE. Oh, it's forbidden love, too. What a shocker. Nikki was so mean to both of them at first, too. Dude, if a chick was like that to me, I'd forget about her. MACE, SHE CALLED YOU A FREAK AFTER YOU SAVED HER LIFE AND KISSED THE BOY THAT YOU CALL YOUR BROTHER.

*There is someone named Suzy Carmichael in this book. Dude, this is not Rugrats. Come up with some more original names. Just because you spell the first name differently doesn't mean we won't notice. I, personally, didn't think it was cute, either.

*The names of the Halflings: Mace, Raven, Vine, Vegan, Winter, Glimmer. Really? Those are horrible and none of them make me think the character is a descendant of a fallen angel. 

Overall, I am not a fan. I most likely will not be reading the next book - I'll just scan some spoilers to find out which of the two boys she ends up with.

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.