A story that wraps you up

Lingering Echoes
Erica Kiefer
Clean Teen Publishing

Officially a "new adult" novel (set out of high school, into the college age), this great story hooks you in with a great pitch, and leaves the reader satisfied with the development and conclusion.

Getting started in the story isn't so great, however.  I measure an actor's ability to convince me by whether or not I'm aware of him or her acting the role.  I measure maturity of an author by whether I'm aware of him or her writing the story.  At the first of this book, I was put off by the rough start, the jumping from scene to scene, and the lack of immediate engagement.

What's different about this book 
Despite some beginning stumbles, the story rewards those readers who stick with the plot development and the conclusion.  And the author does a skilled job of covering the jumps with in-text explanations that fit right in.

The characters do slowly become fully-developed individuals, and by the last half of the book, I found myself really caring about what would come of each of those characters.  A crucial literary quality of parsimony fails to apply here: There are a variety of characters and events that are introduced but ultimately do nothing to advance the story  line.  But this was a great read, if not one that hooks the readers in immediately.

And I *did* appreciate the "clean" story line;  the novel manages to be realistic and engaging, without the language or graphic sex that often characterize young adult and new adult books.  Yet at the same time, the story and protagonists are completely believable.   It's a "clean" that doesn't diminish the reading pleasure or feel fake.

What I'll do now that I've read it
 We'll be purchasing this title for our high school libraries.  In particular, our readers that enjoy romance, as well as adventure (some throw-back from gang life), and realistic fiction will enjoy this novel.  A good addition to our genres in multiple areas of the library.

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Shovel Ready: A Novel

Shovel Ready: A Novel
Adam Sternbergh
Crown Publishing
Jan 2014

This read may not be what you think it is.  
You may have heard some talk or read some blurbs: post-apocalyptic, murder-mystery, romance.
Nope.

On the other hand, if you've  heard gritty, dark, violent, and masterful, then you may be closer to what this offers.

What's different about this book
For a debut novel, this reads like it was written by an old hand at authoring.  The characterization is cohesive and compelling; the plotting is tight and fast; and the resolution is satisfying -- and comes very quickly.  There are two different voices from the same narrator, the spademan: One is the terse, cryptic but (largely) understandable voice that sounds like a person actually in this situation would sound like.  Then there is the voice that comes when narration and dialog are given: full sentences, clearly understandable thoughts, and smoother to read.  One might think that the author chose the voices based on how much he wanted the reader to understand at particular points in time.  Great crafting.

I enjoyed this adult dystopian novel, perhaps because the entire United States hadn't died, just Times Square and the New York City area.  The post-dirty bomb setting is well described, and the contrast between the "dead" zone and the "normal" world outside makes for a great read, particularly for someone who has not read a lot of dystopian novels.

What I'll do now that I've read this book
This will be a great sell to my adult library patrons who want grit and reality -- but still enjoy the not-quite-real setting in their novels.  I'm glad I've read it -- and I'll share with others who will be equally entertained.

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A Treasure of Intrigue

An American Spy (Milo Weaver, #3)
by Olen Steinhauer
2013, St. Martin's Press

Somehow the start of this trilogy slipped by me, and that was a significant loss.  

Working with libraries has its advantages, though, and one of them is hearing about great books from patron requests.

Beginning with the first Milo Weaver book, The tourist, I settled in for a pleasant Christmas break read, and then found myself compelled to jump into book two, The nearest exit.  The first book was compelling -- how did I miss it? But the second was better than the first. And it's amazing but true that An American spy, the third, was the best of the series.

What's different about this book? 
Characteristic of all three of these titles is the deft authorship: immediately-engaging characters, a quick-to-jump-into plot, and a sophisticatedly nuanced story.  Wow.  

The crowning touch in these three books, though, is the opening perspective of this third book:  Ironically, the title of American spy refers not primarily to Milo Weaver but to ... Well, that would be giving away too much.  Milo Weaver is my new best hero.

I consider the investment of time to read this trilogy to be one of the most rewarding choices this Christmas break.

What will I do now that I've read the book? 
One library I work with has the trilogy already, thankfully.  I had ordered the set by request and had no idea I would be one of its greatest fans. (All the awards and notables should have been tip-offs.)

So I'm ensuring that my other libraries consider these titles for their collection, and I'm personally encouraging friends, librarians, and readers I speak with, to give Steinhauer's trilogy a chance.  

I love the intrigue and stories of Clancy, Coben, Child, and top-notch authors in this style: Steinhauer and his Milo Weaver can take their place next to the best of those. 

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Interesting concept: A year’s worth of novellas

A January Bride: A Year of Weddings Novella
Deborah Raney
Zondervan, Dec 24 2013

This title was part of an interesting concept: "A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed." 

And this novella was just the right length: It allowed a intriguingly woven plot and textured characterization, and I was able to read it all in one (long) sitting. A great read.

What's different about this book? 
It was the perfect read for me at just the right time: end of semester, ready to throw off heavier more involving reads.  And short enough to match my shortened attention span. 

The hook for me, though, was an unusual plot line: an author and a professor thrown together but without meeting. And something interesting develops.

What I'll do now that I've read it? 
From Zondervan, the series (judging from this first novella) offers "Christian fiction," wherein the Almighty God is part of the action and plot line.  No apologetics, no controversy, no wrenching conflicts of faith.  This book provides a comfortable entertainment that makes for a pleasant read. For my church libraries and community-of-faith readers, this may be a perfect offering for those seeking an escape from life's moments of conflict and controversy.  We'll add this one to our collection.

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Fresh new YA vampire series -- Action!

Rival
Lacy Yager
Aspendawn Books
Dec 2013

A new approach to a young adult vampire story: The focus is on action, and the story engages the reader fairly quickly.  With a great kick-butt female lead (expert in martial arts) and a likeable male lead who is equally compelling, the story sets off quickly and develops the scene for the plot quickly.  Family figures strongly in the equation, and the reader will be pulling for --and empathizing with-- the characters drawn by the authors.

What's different about this book 
A fresh approach to how vampires and humans co-exist (or don't) in Yager's world.  While the conflict in this story shows only the Chasers killing vampires, the series itself involves good and bad within both the human and vampire communities.
      The novella format serves to introduce the reader quickly to the Unholy Alliance context while providing an entertaining short story from that context.  This will be an easy sell to young adult readers who appreciate action and drama, but don't need the angst or extreme language.  There's a clean but convincing romance that tops off this enjoyable, strong plot-driven story.

What I'll do now that I've read the book 
The dilemma for series books often is the Kindle-only novella that adds information about the series. My libraries don't use Kindles, but we'll advertise the availability of this addition when we book talk the titles in the Unholy Alliance series.  As a result of my opportunity to review these titles, we have purchased the print titles in the series and look forward to sharing these with our readers. I predict high demand.

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Short stories for Christmas -- and more books to come

A Christmas to Remember
authors Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano, Kristen Ashley, Jill Shalvis
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
December 2013

It's snowing outside, cold, and in the shut-down of the day, this compilation of short romance stories was a quick and pleasurable read.  The NetGalley version that I read also served to promote some full-length books soon to be released.

What's different about this book?
Anthologies are always fun -- you get some reading you like, some you love, and new authors you didn't know. 

What struck me as different was the promotion of the new books coming: a chance to read excerpts of the authors' new titles (Pappano, for example, has her new book coming out in February).

What I'll do now that I've read this
I'll move on to the next book in my to-read list.  Nothing here for my various libraries, so this reading was more a personal pleasure read. Great if you like themed collections of stories.

 

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A fun children's read: a strong heroine who finds she has magic!

Rose
by Holly Webb
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky

September 2013

I always know a book is exceptional when I find myself anxious to return to it as soon as my chores are done. Rose is one of those outstanding books.

The story involves an admirable and empathetic heroine, who knows her place (rare these days) but who understands the responsibility that may come with her gifts.
A great story line provides creative tension and a challenge that echoes with the reader who will readily engage with the characters.

What's different about this book

Rose is an orphan -- but she isn't an object of our pity. She cares for those around her, and she makes her way forward in the world, confident that working hard and doing what is right will get her where she wants to be: just normal.

The Victorian setting --but in a world where "magics" are a fact of life-- makes Rose's tale all the more intriguing. The author deftly develops a realistic, straight-forward plot that has Rose discovering her own powers in a tingling, fun read.

With enough dramatic build-up to entertain and engage older elementary-aged children, this is an accessible and engaging read that all we adults can readily recommend to our readers, reluctant or not.
 

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

This is definitely a library priority purchase. I will have copies in all my elementary libraries, and I will encourage a lot of my middle-graders to enjoy it as well. A fun, just-right, intriguing read. Thank you, Ms. Webb, and thanks to SOURCEBOOKS for the opportunity to enjoy this! (I understand this may become a series? Very cool.)

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A sweet story -- but there are better

The infinite moment of us 

by Lauren Myracle
ABRAMS / Amulet Books 

August 2013

This is a gentle tale of decisions about life made upon graduation from high school.  The usual terms apply:  coming of age, learning of sexual intimacy, making one's own choices in the face of parental disapproval.

What's different about this book

I'm always hooked when the male protagonist is hopelessly in love with the female lead from the very beginning. Charlie loves Wren and always has.  And Wren is the perfect gentle, wants-to-be-good high school graduate.

But this is not a powerful plot line, and there are no transcendant ideals that would inspire young adult readers. Graphic sexual relations may put off some readers, and the lack of a compelling purpose to Wren and Charlie's lives leave this a pleasant book that doesn't really go anywhere.  I would have loved to see Wren's instinct to make a difference to others in important ways be developed into something great -- rather than serving as a bump in the road to the romance.

The theme of family is a strong one: Charlie's experiences with foster families makes the unquestioning support and love  from his current family a meaningful and encouraging element of this story.  Steadfast love is a rare quality, and this element of the book allows this portion of the story to shine.

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

I always tell my readers not to settle for good: there are too many excellent books out there.  This particular title is a good read, but not a must-read.  I appreciate Abrams offering me the opportunity to read this in advance, so I can be knowledgeable in speaking with my young adult readers. 

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Excellent historical perspective on early Christian period in Palestine

Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
by Reza Aslan
Random House, 2013

This new book brings a vivid and fresh perspective on a time period that few of us are really familiar with.  The bibliography alone is a treasure: wide and expansive resources offer more information than any single book could hold.

What's different about this book 

My understanding of the nuances and contexts of the early church and the first century in Roman-occupied Jerusalem grew amazingly.  The narrative is engaging and the perspectives are fresh and enlightening. An excellent historical read.

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

Having fully enjoyed the historicity of the book, I can not support it for spiritual growth. Author Aslan has done meticulous research and offers both an ending chapter with his discussion and an extensive bibliography. But in conclusion, what he offers is his personal collation of a variety of opinions and conclusions. An excellent resource I can recommend to individuals who already hold a mature and examined spiritual stance, but not something I will offer to those seeking to grow in their spiritual faith.

I am grateful to Random House Publishers for allowing me an advance look at this resource.

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Old and New together

Far Far Away
by Tom McNeal
Random House Children's Books
June 2013

Think Grimm's fairy tales: Hansel and Gretel, long ago, far away, ghosts and murder, definitely anachronistic.

Now think today's young adult literature: coming of age, making your way, establishing identity, and getting the girl.

Spin those two perspectives together, and you get an intriguingly distinct read that combines a contemporary setting (set in some time similar to today, and definitely in the United States) with the intrigues and dangers of Grimm's sterner European tales. 

Fun!

What's different about this book?
I've read young adult books with ghost stories, and I've read historical suspense, but I've not come across such a skillful and effective blending of the Grimm perspective with contemporary teen fiction. The story is somewhat disorienting at first, but the end result is a charming read about protagonists who are winsome, realistic, and good -- and facing evil as old as time. 

What will I do now that I've read this book?
This title definitely goes on my purchase list for my school libraries.  I can't wait to try to explain its setting and plot to my patrons. This is a fun read that invites mental engagement to cross the incongruence in periods of time and perspective.

I'll also be sharing it with my Summer Reading groups:  the local public library, the local schools' staff reading challenge, and my own #bookaday reading. Great stuff -- fresh, compelling, and intriguing.

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