YA fiction: best read yet

Sea of Tranquility 

Katja Millay

Atria Books, June 2013

To add any further acclaim to the responses this novel has gathered would be redundant, at best. I'm glad this blog considers what's different about the books I review -- because that is a much more entertaining consideration than looking for fresh ways to say that this is the best book I've read in a long time.  I don't particularly go for teen angst, and the dark, brooding and self-destructive characters aren't usually my type. But in this novel, they work and they work extremely effectively.

Millay self-published this book in September this year, and the response in the few months since has been amazing -- so much so that Simon & Schuster/Atria contracted with Millay to re-release it in June 2013.  

The book cover on Millay's first release was that of coins in a fountain -- so much more meaningful and aesthetically "right" than the black-and-white version from Atria's release.

But readers have much to be thankful for: that Millay even wrote the book, that NetGalley has been able to provide advance digital copies, and that eventually there will be print copies available.

So, what's different about this book?

An easy question to explore, because I simply had to ask, What really made this story special to me? The strongest quality was the instant and abiding connection between the two main protagonists:  both wounded, both emotionally fragile, yet both strong characters that were even better when they were together. 

The writing is so beautifully crafted that there was never a point during the read when I was aware of reading through someone's authoring. Character development was skillful and effective; and the actions of the characters within the plot line were spot-on. 

One thing different from most books I guide my readers to: the strong, explicit language. To a certain degree, the profanity and potty language add authenticity to the teen voices. But at a few points, the language detracts by drawing the reader's attention away from the story. 

What I'll do now that I've read the book:

Aaargh.  This is the great frustration with this particular work:  I have to wait until JUNE 2013 to share the print edition with my students. Too cruel: I know of at least 7 students for whom I would immediately buy a copy and put it in their hands. 

I can share with my patrons who have their own e-reader devices, but I have a problem with questions of equity: Why should only patrons who can afford e-readers have access to a great book?

So yes, I'll buy print copies for my school library collections -- and I'll hope I still can still connect the book with the readers that need it by next August when school starts. 

And for my patrons with e-reader devices, and for my libraries that actually circulate such devices pre-loaded, we'll be pushing this title for the great read it offers.

And I have yet to read such a PERFECT ending sentence to any book as this novel offered. Way to go, Katja!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ebook series: Encounters with Jesus

The Skeptical Student 

Tim Keller

2012, Penguin Group / Dutton 

In author Tim Keller's works, I listen for the transcendent: where does he speak truth that is unexpected and counter intuitive to most Biblical teaching? Sermons and books are made of words: where are those that are just too predictable, and where are those that are life-changing?

In this first in the "Encounters with Jesus" series of essays, Keller is challenged by two obstacles: a largely unbelieving audience and the brevity inherent in a speaking / essay format.

Despite these limitations, the familiar experience of Keller pulling me out of my complacency continues. There is truth to be heard in this essay that defies the ephemeral nature of the ebook format planned for the publication of his 2012 Oxford, English lectures.

What's different about this item? 

Keller is noted for his straight talk, his reasonable thinking, and his balanced awareness of the perspectives of both "believers" and those who do not accept the traditional Christian line. This short work continues those qualities: both believer ad skeptic alike will be able to follow Keller's story and logic and consider a response.

What will I do now that I have read it?

Without fail I find Keller's work (whether written or spoken) to be of great benefit to Christians examining how they live. This particular essay, and probably those that will follow in the series, are equally compelling. But while I would purchase a print copy for my libraries in a heart-beat, I still have to work out the logistics of e-book materials in a lending library situation. 

I do think the essay length of this work will draw readers, who might hesitate to take on a full-length work. A solution for ebook circulation continues to be a quest.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Tragedy Paper

The Tragedy Paper 

by Elizabeth Laban

2013, Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0375870407

This is Duncan's story, but it's told through Tim's story of the previous school year. Irving is a top-notch private school where both boys share the story of their senior year, and of the senior project, a composition that must provide evidence that students have grasped the concept of tragedy and what it looks like.

This is a solidly-crafted story line with an intriguing plot and exceptional interaction between characters.  But those characters are less-well developed than the reader would want in order to understand the implications of the plot developments.  

I happened to be reading a book by Gary Schmidt (First Boy) at the same time I was reading this book -- and the contrast between the depth and development of that plot and its characters, and the details of Tragedy Paper was striking.  Duncan and Tim's stories are less compelling, less engaging, though more dramatic more of the time.

What is different about this book 

The over-laying of Tim and Duncan's stories (and of their common friends and experiences) makes for a skillful tale that many young adult readers will enjoy.  The points of sameness, though from two different lives, makes for a very good story.  Foreshadowing is skillfully woven into the action and thoughts of the protagonists. And there is tragedy, of course, but not earth-shaking tragedy. I think young adult readers will like this story.  And I appreciate that the book includes a protagonist that is different.

What I'll do now that I've read this book 

The marketing and publicity for the book will probably put it on the radar for most libraries and book stores, and I think it will have a moderate success.  I will be purchasing this for my school library patrons, and I'll enjoy finding a match between the story of Tim and Duncan and my readers who will enjoy that story.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Taste of Grace

A Taste of Grace: Christianity Without the Religion

by Greg Albrecht
Plain Truth Ministries
Pub November 2012

The title grabs both traditional Christians as well as those disenchanted by the church and religiosity:  Christianity?  Without the religion?  What new heresy / hope is this?

Greg Albrecht starts his small book with a metaphor that grabbed my attention:  God's grace ... flows to low places, responding favorably to the spiritual gravitational pull of humility.  

The Forward to this book was compelling: The kingdom of God is impervious to all our works and wiles to win acceptance. The author correctly and wisely contrasted "the kingdom of religion" where God is trying to fix us, with the kingdom of God where our Creator's purpose is our complete transformation. 

The kingdom of religion is all about paying your dues and making your own way.  It's all about earning and getting what you deserve.  Christianity without the religion is all about God's unmerited favor-- it's called grace!

The problem came in the first chapter, though, when Albrecht argued convincingly that only God's work can make us acceptable. Then he interpreted a passage of Scripture (Matt. 22:14), saying that few are chosen means "few choose to respond to the invitation, and thus many are not chosen."  

What? In that passage Christ clearly says that God chooses man, not the other way around.  But Albrecht's interpretation of those words stated that man's own volition to "choose" God is a required part of being in the kingdom: the very antithesis of the author's argument. 

It can't be both ways: either God chooses his children, or men are able to choose (or not) Him. Albrecht's take on this issue represents a centuries-old division, as well as a significant divergence from historical Christian thought.

There were other similar moments in the book when Albrecht interpreted Scripture slightly differently from the clear meaning of the Bible's words. Usually when this happens, an author explains the paradox or the conflict, but Albrecht made no notice of the juxtaposition. 

What's different about this book 

The overwhelming impression of this book is its strong claim for God's sovereignty and man's inability to earn acceptance. It is a strong voice that I believe God honors and which is not commonly found.  I was encouraged and strengthened by reading it.  However it contains doctrinal strands that do not align with traditional Christian thought. 

What I'll do now that I've read this book 
This book provides a valuable perspective on the exigency of God's grace. We need to hear these truths, and many who are resistant to or confused by religiosity will be moved forward by reading this book.  But a librarian's purchasing and adding a title to a collection is a tacit approval of that book.  This will be a title I recommend, in situations that merit it, rather than something I add to our library.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Farfalla

Farfalla, A story of loss and hope

by Vanita Oelschlager, illustrated by Kristin Blackwood

VanitaBooks, LLC

September 2012

ISBN: 9780983290407

This attractive book bears a just-right touch for helping young children realize that not all metamorphoses and births result as planned. 

One day young Beetle and his mother find a neighborhood of caterpillars in the blueberry bush, and Beetle finds some pleasant neighbors ... until the caterpillars disappear, the cocoons appear, and Beetle's mother has to explain that there are changes in store and beetle must be patient. 

When a particular cocoon doesn't produce Farfalla the butterfly that Beetle has named, planned and waited for so long, mother must again explain that not all butterflies make it out of the cocoon, and she consoles Beetle about the loss.

This book would be a supportive and straight-forward read to help children understand miscarriage as well as deaths of pet and other babies they see in nature around them. The illustrations and text hit just the right note of access without patronizing the child reader, though the solution to Farfalla's non-birth is less than satisfying.

What's different:

The text is neither so blatant nor so soft that the child misses the message. The illustrations support and extend the message with just the right touch of appeal. 

Parallels from butterflies to babies can be made easily, and the story and emotions set by the drawings will be comfortable for repeated readings.

Now that I've read it:

This title will be a good one to add for my school library. The message of life after death does not help with my particular theology, so I won't be adding it to the church library.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules

Blood of Eden: Book I

Julie Kagawa
Harlequin, 2012
ISBN: 9780373210510

I knew Kagawa's reputation as a compelling story weaver because my young adult readers are avid readers of her Iron Fey series. The fact that Harlequin publishes that series and this first book in a new series tells me that there will be an engaging plot, some reasonable character development, and romance.

Seems like Kagawa + Harlequin is a great match. There is action but not at the cost of plot development. There is romance, but not at the cost of weak plot. And the young adult attribute seems to keep it all within bounds.

And the title? A nicely complex one, indicating both the preeminence of the vampires in this world, as well as Allison's learning the "rules" of vampireness.

What's different about this book:

The best thing about the book, from my point of view, is seeing the over-done vampire story from the point of view of empathetic vampires. The books starts with Allison as a human, and there is an excellent development of the post-apocalyptic world she lives in, and the amazing challenges she faces.

Then she gets into danger, gets a-l-m-o-s-t killed, and is Turned by a vampire that is different. So as Allison goes through the adjustment, the readers does too -- and somehow all those other vampire books make more sense as I come to understand Allison's perspectives. Yes, vampires are monsters, but each decides what kind of monster s/he will become. And thus a new tension arises for the protagonists in the vampire vs. human conflict: how will Allison keep her humanity despite being a vampire?

Yes, it's another Vampire story. But it's a fresh one. That sounds like an oxymoron, but trust me: this book is worth your time.

What I'll do now that I've read it: 

  This is definitely a To Buy for my young adult readers and the library through which I serve them. Great story, nothing sensationalist or inappropriate, and it's all embedded in an enjoyable read. Looking forward to having this series to offer my readers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Stuttering Tattoo

The Stuttering Tattoo

Author and Publisher: Greg Logsted

Imprint TKA Distribution

ISBN 9781937776213

This is a very "guy" book: young adult male readers will find a lot to empathize with and enjoy.

As a librarian for young adults, I appreciate that. But I see a lot of unpolished writing here. The plot line is great, but the construction and the composition need work.

Steven thinks in ponderous, existential big ideas. To the reader, he SOUNDS the way a 17-year-old male speaks -- but I don't think they really think that clunkily. There are some great, profound thoughts, though, coming from a 17-year-old.

I still haven't made up my mind about the always-present-tense verbs approach. Sometimes it didn't work for me.

But the plot development: wow. So much action and intrigue! And I loved Carlos who always had Steve's back. The characterizations were full and interacted well with each other.

But toward the end of the book as I was reading along, I suddenly had to do a double-take: the high point of the plot was just ... there. Abruptly. Was I the only reader who didn't realize the story line was building ... until the climax was past?

I'm curious about the TKA (Keyword Academy?) Distributor imprint: how much help did the author have to polish and strengthen the work? Apparently this is a self-published book, which might explain lack of community and breadth in the creative process. It also means a whole lot more time and effort invested by the author.

Regardless of publisher, however, this book had a KILLER cover, which many big-time publishing companies fail to achieve. My kids do pick their books by the cover.

In conclusion, I applaud Greg for his initiative and for his growing work. Keep writing, guy: I'm pulling for you!

What's different about this book:

 There's a whole lot of action, and a serious plot (people die!), and an appropriately and realistically functional family (whose is completely functional??), along with an honest male's appreciation of the female body (still kept clean -- thanks!). I figure these values (the great author's eye for a story) outweigh the lack of experience or editorship and bode well for Greg's coming works. 

And my guys who read it won't care about the editing.

What I'll do now that I've read it:

If I could get it in print, I'd pass it on to my junior and senior high school students. Since it's digital only, this book probably won't make it through our extremely narrow stream of Kindle books for our smallish collection of Kindles or other e-reader devices. But I'll keep my eye out for future Logsted works.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Book of Lost Fragrances

The Book of Lost Fragrances: A novel of suspense

by M. J. Rose

published 2012 by Atria Books

A complicated and intriguing book.
What would I tell my best friend, whom I want to read this book? It's about the magic of perfumery and the life threads that fragrance triggers. It's about the soul's travel through the centuries, and about reincarnation, and about how our daily lives can be envisioned through past experiences.

But enough ethereal vapors -- this is a darn good mystery  suspense novel too. Somehow the threads of author Rose's plot manage to run through ancient Egypt, revolutionary France, and modern-day New York and Paris. Riding on those threads are the lives of Jac (short for Jacinthe) and her Griffin, Marie-Genevieve and her Giles, and Iset and her Thoth. There's murder, and miracles, and modern mayhem. Yet despite the complexity, the author cleverly maintains the clarity of the threads, and the reader's engagement in them, across the centuries.

What's different about this book

It's an engaging suspense story all mashed up with reincarnation and romance. The characters are engaging, the problems compelling, and the solution is an act of unexpected selflessness.

What I'll do now that I've read it

This is a good one, a book to buy and loan and borrow. And to read again! So my high school library readers will soon have this available on their shelves. And my friends may receive copies as well, just for a good read.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hidden Witch

A Hidden Witch, Bk 2 of A Modern Witch series
by Debora Geary
published 2011 by Fireweed Publishing

Over the Christmas holidays I got hooked into this series by a reading friend. Yeah, yeah, yeah, witches and magic and who needs it?

But because I love this friend, I gave the first book a try. The plot line was compelling, the approach to magic and the supernatural was fresh and human-centered (i.e. it's all for good, family, and community), and there was a touch of romance, a good amount of surprise and novelty, and a whopping dose of problems solved with loving, supernatural abilities generously mixed with ingenuity and creativeness.

"Creative" may be the best word for the series, and for this second book, Hidden Witch, as well. There is a winning combination of popular characters from the first book and new and engaging figures in the second.

It's fun reading; unrealistic (not just for the magic but for the absence of bad, evil people -- which I love!); and the story line keeps moving. I was afraid, at one point, that the second book would not be as compelling, but again the sense of community and the creativity with which these witches work their magic is indeed magic. A very satisfying read.

What's different about this book:
The approach is fresh, and the story itself is fun. Not what I read during my school term, but great for the in-between breaks. And the authoring craft is at its best here: to conceptualize all this stuff is an entirely different craft, and it's done as well as the writing itself. Great job, Debora.

Evaluation, or what I'll do now:
This is not something I'll use for my school or church libraries (and there's no issue of it being inappropriate for "spiritual" folk -- it's just made-up, like Santa Claus).

But it is the best reading I've had in a while to recommend to friends. Thanks, Mary Frances!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *