Kippa Picks: All Things Different by Shawn Underhill Book Review

Late in the summer of 2005, starkly independent Jake Thornton was on the verge of turning 16, expecting little more than his driver’s license in the fall, and the continuance of the quiet life shared with his father. So when 14-almost-15 year old Sara moved in next door and began vying for his father’s attention, Jake wasn’t exactly thrilled, and couldn’t quite understand his father’s motives for allowing it. But certainly he never anticipated the dramatic shift their lives would take as a result. As the summer fades and autumn takes over, friendship between the two teenagers begins blossoming into a bond, until fate steps in once more, threatening to tear them apart as quickly as they’ve come together. The decisions that follow, and the emotive tale that results, opens Jake’s eyes to the simple yet life altering truth, a truth that Sara has understood all along: that love—not the feeling but the action—is the most powerful force in the world. -Amazon 

Review Copy Provided By The Author 

 All Things Different  by Shawn Underhill, is a novel that has surely taken me by surprise. I could never have predicted that I would be so emotionally connected to its characters, or that they would have experienced all that they did. All of these things came together for a fantastic reading experience.

All Things Different is the story of a sixteen year old named Jake, who's life with his father is knocked on its head when 14 going on 15 year old, Sara, moves in with her mom. Jake is, at first, challenged by Sara's presence, and how she has managed to sneak into his father's heart so quickly, but there is only a matter of time before she awakens his heart both to love and demons that no child should encounter.

I can't tell you how much this novel grabbed hold of my heart. Firstly, Shawn Underhill is a beautiful writer. The way he evokes Jake's relationships and how they grow through scenic descriptions of the land around him is beautiful. There were only some instances where I found passages to be overly descriptive, nevertheless, I have a weakness for beautiful description. This novel is told, mostly in Jake's POV, and it put me in mind of a host of iconic heroes like Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, who longed for the peace of a lone raft in a lake.

In terms of Jake and Sara's relationship, Underhill practically coins the notion that less is more. Observing Jake open his heart to Sarah over the course of the novel is delicate, realistic, and organic.

Sara is a lovey character to experience as well. She is lively, and girly, as any young woman of this age, but she also carries with her a haunting maturity because of her experiences. Underhill effectively depicts Sara's more hesitant, vulnerable side so believably. There were moments that were uncomfortable to read, as Sara reveals her fears to Jake, and this is a testament of Underhill's talent of evoking emotion powerfully. I also enjoyed Jake's father, and his tender relationship with Sara and her mother. He's such a wonderful example of who a father should be.

Bare In Mind: All Things Different contains slight profanity, and disturbing scenarios (allusions to assualt).

All Things Different is such a delightful surprise. It's refreshing, and also heavy at times, but its depth will grab you. It will take you through a coming of age journey of love, healing, and growth.

I give All Things Different by Shawn Underhill 5 out of 5 mason jars of sweet tea under the shimmering night sky.

Kippa Picks: What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn Book Review

Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together. And then he falls in love… With the last girl he would expect… Totally not in his game plan. Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig. But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.

-Amazon

What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn was a fun and entertaining read. Sebastian Hawkins (Bastian), is that guy we all knew in high school, who is all swag and ego. The guy that makes you bristle a bit on the inside, bit also tilt your head in consideration because you know you love it. But, being the character masochist I am, I absolutely love when authors turn this kind of guy on his head, and place them in situations that they could've never prepared for.

As What A Boy Wants progresses, we see Bastian fall for his best friend, Aspen, and what a beautiful fall it is. I found I loved his character more and more as the novel progressed, because we see his protective nature for his mother, and his best friends. I loved Bastian's relationship with Aspen, they were wonderful best friends. Aside from all of the 'Hook-Up Doctor' 'cocktastic' banter, he is a lovely guy at heart who learns that there is a bit more to love than merely a formula. Although it was mainly lighthearted, there were moments of heaviness that balanced it all out. Bastian shows his more vulnerable side as the novel progresses, and I couldn't help but melt for him!

Dawn has a talent for creating characters that you want to hang out with, and who remind you of your own friends. I fell in intrigue with Bastian's good friend, Jaden, and I need to know what happens between him and their friend Pris in What A Boy Needs.

Bare in mind: This novel contains profanity, and sensuality.

What A Boy Wants is a fun novel filled with entertainment, drama, and the ups and downs of being smacked in the face by love.

I give What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn 4 out of 5 cups of Pepsi (Because lets face it, these kids aren't drinking Earl Grey ;-).

Kippa Picks: Barely Breathing by Rebecca Donovan Book Review

Kippa Picks is a segment of Novel Days where I highlight Kindle novels that have been Self Published. 

Warning: There will be SLIGHT spoilers in this post, as it is the sequel to Reason to Breathe.

Emma’s struggle with an abusive home life came to a heart pounding conclusion in the final chapters of Reason to Breathe. Now everyone in Weslyn knows Emma’s secret, but Carol can’t hurt Emma anymore. Some are still haunted by the horror of that night, and some must face the repercussions of their choices. Fans of Rebecca Donovan’s debut novel will discover there’s still much to learn about Emma’s life.

-GoodReads

Rebecca Donovan has done it again, ladies and gentlemen. She never fails to plot her novels in such a way that readers will have no choice but to fall in love with everyone involved, break as they fall, and scream, "No!!!!!!," as it crescendos to an incredibly gut-wrenching cliff hanger.

Barely Breathing opens in the aftermath of Emma (Emily's) tragic experience with her Aunt. She now lives with her best friend Sara, and tries to start over with her incredibly supportive boyfriend, Evan. Emma takes on the opportunity to live with her mother for the first time since she was a child. Donovan has captured an abuse of a different sort in a way that is that is unsettling, and heartbreaking, but realistic. As I stated earlier, it is impossible not to feel for every single character in this novel, even Emma's mother, Rachel, who has succumbed to various rejections in a self destructive manner that leaves all those who have open themselves to help her at risk. Donovan further mixes the plot up a bit by the introduction of a new character, Jonathan, Rachel's proposed love interest, who grows closer to Emma than the two of them were prepared for. Jonathan is very intriguing, and easy to trust, which may prove to be wonderful, or regretful. In the midst of everything else happening, I found myself wanting to peel back his layers to understand his journey.

Once again, Donovan has a magic with characterization that is entirely believable. Nothing ever seems overdone, or underwhelming, but just right in leu of the circumstances. I found myself wanting to get frustrated with Emma towards the end of the novel (for reason's you'll understand when you read), but I couldn't even blame her. Sara, Emma's best friend, is also very much the supportive friend, and sister, jumping into the trenches when Emma needs her most. She even finds time for bits of romance on her own, which I was definitely excited for! Evan...one can't help but fall in love with him within his first few words. Donovan brings to light the challenge/risks he faces in being with Emma, how her actions affect his own, and his family. It was great to observe these challenges as they made me further relate to his character, and fall more for his patience and tenderness towards Emma.

The ending had me screaming in a crowded train car. In that moment, I didn't know whose side to take, or how even to speculate what could happen next. There is one person I felt so heartbroken over, and you'll find out...when you get to that place in the novel!

Barely Breathing is pretty much everything I love in a novel, realistic drama, heartfelt vulnerability, and even a  bit of fun/comedy. It will take you, as cliche as this sounds, on an emotional roller coaster, send you hurling towards the edge, and then leave you gasping for the next installement (which Ms. Donovan is hard at work on called, Out of Breath!).

I give Barely Breathing 5 out of 5 cups of Irish Breakfast Tea (this book deserves a stronger brew).

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral Ipad Edition Book Review

All Images are Copyright Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral ©2012.

After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As we flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, we see a girl on the precipice of disaster. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to an artistic new boy, Frank, who moves in next door. The farther she falls, the deeper she spirals into madness. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks."

But nothing is what it seems, and Glory's reality is not reality at all. In this stunningly moving novel told in photographs, pictures, and words, it's up to the reader to decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along....

-GoodReads

One thing that can be said of reading Chopsticks is that it is one of the most unique reading experiences that you will ever have, be it through electronic or print editions. Why? Because it changes the concept of what a novel is. Chopsticks is made up of photographs, old newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and playlists, all telling the haunting story of the young Gloria Flemming (Glory), a musical prodigy who falls in love with Frank and suddenly goes missing right as her world begins to turn upside down.

The photography in this novel is so fantastic. It truly captures the haunting/nostalgic essence of tone and mood that Anthony and Rodrigo seek to portray. One thing differs in this iPad version: Interaction. This version places you smack dab in the middle of the story, allowing you to pilfer through old family books, tap for hidden surprises, watch instant message conversations as they happen, and hear every single song passed between the two characters. I loved being able to actually listen to the songs from mix tapes that Glory and Frank give each other.

As far as the story goes, on first read, I could feel the haunting nature of the situation. I could understand how helpless Glory's father felt as he pushed her from one performance to the next, and Glory's own descent as she's forced to leave the one she loves, to endure such performances. However, I'm not sure by the end, I felt as connected to each character as I would've liked. Perhaps I should re-experience it. But I expected to never want to end this love story, and I expected the ending to be truly obscure and genius, and awesome. By the end, it seemed a bit obvious to me what happened, and maybe that's because I have a positive outlook on things like this, but I'm not quite sure I grasped the disastrous ending.

All of that said, if you've read Chopsticks, I would love for you to comment your reviews! Regardless of my misgivings about the story, I feel it is totally worth reading, if only for the experience of something fresh, and new. It's definitely one of those books that should be owned in its original print version to keep and treasure!

I give Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral 4 out of 5 cups of Earl Gray.

Sugar Cube Reviews: Beautiful Disaster | Cross My Heart | Return to Paradise

Sugar Cube Reviews are a feature on Novel Days where I offer short and sweet reviews on a group of novels. The idea was inspired by Juju of Tales of Whimsy!

Beautiful Disaster by Jaime Mcguire was a very entertaining novel that I enjoyed reading. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure to watch Abby and Travis fall in love, and engage in angsty moments that I'll admit I couldn't stop reading. I will say that at points the relationship seems strained by Travis' behavior, as he became a bit too clingy for my own taste. As I read, I wondered if it would become a story about abuse. Nevertheless, It was an entertaining read, well-written and believable. (Contains: Sensuality, Profanity, Violence)
I give Beautiful Disaster by Jaime Mcguire 4 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey!



Cross My Heart by Katie Klein was such a great read. Klein's portrayal of the good girl/bad boy theme was very well done! I loved watching Jaden and Parkers relationship progress, they, especially Parker, were very intriguing to observe! I also loved watching as Jaden discovers that she no longer needs to live by her 'perfect' persona. Surprise ending, guys! Never saw it coming! (Contains: Profanity, Violence).
I give Cross My Heart by Katie Klein 4 and a 1/2 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey!



Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles returns to find Caleb protecting a secret that has the power to set him free, and Maggie doing her best to move on. However, once they're forced on a Summer trip, they have no choice but to face everything that both tried to get over. Elkeles paints a wonderful story of redemption, and rekindled love. She gives us the tension needed to keep our eyes glued to every page. I loved the myriad of characters introduced by way of the Summer trip, and Caleb's own friends from the detention center. I will say that I loved Leaving Paradise a bit more, but it's by no means a reason to pass up on this. (Contains: Profanity, Slight Violence, Sensuality)
I give Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles 4 and a 1/2 out of 5 cups of Ear Grey!

Kippa Picks: My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking Book Review

Kippa Picks is a feature on Novel Days where I highlight Kindle novels that have been Self Published.

Teenager Alice Bonham's life feels crazy after she meets Jack. With his fondness for pink Chuck Taylors and New Wave, he's unlike anyone she knows. Then she meets his brother, Peter. Even though he can't stand the sight of her, she's drawn to him. Falling for two guys isn't even the worst of her problems. Jack and Peter are vampires, and Alice finds herself caught between love and her own blood.

-Barnes & Noble

One of my great writer friends, Venita Johnson, recommended that I look up Amanda Hocking, as she is known for the phenomenal success of her e-books. After looking her up, I thought, I can't pass up the opportunity to see what all the raving is about.

My Blood Approves  by Amanda Hocking, is pretty much your usual supernatural romance about vampires. Hocking weaves her story in a way where you definitely want to continue on and see where the character's will end up. I found that I liked Alice's personality, and her journey to discovering that her newfound friend, Jack, and his family, are vampires. I detested Peter, a bit. I had no sympathy for this brooding vampire, contradicting himself with every chapter...he hates her, but no not really...he likes her right now...but no not really. Jack is the more reliable character; He's charming, fun, and refreshing.  Ezra and Mae were really wonderful characters, and though some facets of their background is shown, I wanted to learn more about their lives.

This novel, however, did share a lot of similarities to other vampire series' that we know and love, and so it kept me from fully engrossing myself as much as I would have liked. There would be moments where was fully tuned into the story, and then something would pop out at me that I felt sure I've seen in other stories.

This being said, I have purchased the second novel in this series, Fate, and I'm interested to see how this story will further play out. I would like to explore more of her work. Overall, I did find My Blood Approves to be an entertaining read. I simply wished there were more moments of originality, but in a genre of over-vamp saturation, that would be the challenge.

I give My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking 3 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Kippa Picks: Reason To Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Kippa Picks is a segment of Novel Days where I highlight Kindle novels that have been Self Published.

"No one tried to get involved with me, and I kept to myself. This was the place where everything was supposed to be safe and easy. How could Evan Mathews unravel my constant universe in just one day?"

He knows there’s something more to the girl sitting in the back of the class the moment he sees her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and athletic – but she slips quietly through the crowded halls, trying not to exist. Determined to get to know the elusive girl, Evan soon discovers…

Emma Thomas is hiding a terrible a secret. 

Reason to Breathe is an electrifying page turner from start to finish, a unique tale of life-changing love, unspeakable cruelty, and one girl’s fragile grasp of hope.

-Barnes & Noble

"In the uneven balance of my life, I experienced love and loss, more loss than I thought I could handle. But the love was unexpected. I almost missed out on it, too afraid and uncertain to give it a chance."

-Rebecca Donovan, Reason to Breathe

To start off my first Kippa Pick with a bang, I thought I'd review a novel that still has my jaw scraping the ground. Reason to Breathe is the story of Emma (Emily) Thomas who's guarding a secret that could destroy her, and Evan Matthews the guy who takes notice when all she wants to do is fade away.

I found the synopsis of this novel compelling, but I had no idea the impact it would have on me. I cannot praise Rebecca Donovan more for being courageous enough to take on the unsettling subject of abuse with gusto. At first I found her portrayal a bit extreme, but as the novel progressed I couldn't help but admire her for immediately thrusting us into Emma's world and cutting out the middle man. I found myself wondering at this situation, and how many people have to endure this type of home life everyday that go unnoticed. Donovan's portrayal is haunting, timely, and needed.

Emma Thomas is a young woman who is trying her best to survive. She is a 4.0 student, and a champion athlete, but in the midst of this she does not welcome connections with most people save her best friend, Sara McKinley. Emma believes she is fine living life numb to feeling until she meets Evan who causes her to wake from her trial induced slumber. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her metamorphosis into the woman she becomes by the end of the novel. I cheered with her in every victory, mourned every heartbreak, and raged against her with every denial. 

Evan Matthews. I smile as I type out his name because he represents the one guy that can always get beneath our skin. He is one of the most refreshing portrayals of a love interest that I've read in a while. He's humorous, sarcastically witty, and able to match Emma play for play. Most importantly, he is unwilling to back down from Emma no matter how many obstacles she tries to throw into the mix. To read this novel is to experience and process of a relationship. I applaud Donovan for portraying a mutual attraction from the start, but allowing Emma and Evan to go through the natural process of growing together as friends first. It's so refreshing to experience a relationship in a novel that isn't overly flowery, or inconceivable, but as right as breathing. Donovan doesn't spare Evan and Emma from the challenges that are natural of any relationship, Emma's family life adding to the challenge. In the midst of everything, Evan becomes one of the facets of this novel that filled it with hope. I soaked in every single moment of theirs and appreciated each encounter!

Emma's best friend, Sara also shone a light that Emma's character so needed. Sara's fiesty, fun, and protective as a sister. I loved how she always pushed Emma to experience life and relax a little bit! Their relationship battles the storm but emerges victoriously.

At times the plot seemed to jump around a lot. There are some scenes that the characters speak of that never actually end up in the novel, but Donovan is kind to us, and includes them on her website as outtakes.

As I write this, I'm still shaking my head about it. The ending. That ending! It's so profound and haunting, yet carries a promise of hope. I get the feeling that this story is not finished, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a sequel in the future.

I can't recommend this novel enough! Kindle/E Book Readers, pick this one up! You will laugh, cry, and be flipped inside out by the time the journey is finished. Not to mention it's awesome value of $4.99! If you purchase from Barnes & Noble Nook or Amazon Kindle you also get the opportunity to lend it out to other friends! 

I give Reason to Breathe 5 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey. Who am I fooling? I give it the whole pot!

"My name is Britta, and I now own a Kindle."

Of course I had to add this novel, what with the new Breaking Dawn trailer that's out. 

I've written this article expecting stones to be thrown from every angle. As a bibliophile, the purchase of a Kindle could seem a kind of betrayal. After all, I've been voracious in the fight to keep the printed word on the shelves, tagged my websites, and engaged in many a testy dialogue on how E-Readers are blasphemous to the written word! And then I moved to the UK, and realized I purchased more books than I could possibly bring home with me. The solution? A spanking new Kindle 3G, or Kippa Middleton as I affectionately dubbed her.

I couldn't stop the exhilaration flowing through me, as new gadgets are always fun! I purchased it right before making a London trip, thinking I could test it out, and see how it fared against beautiful binding. 

Pros

3G Network/Memory: The thing that truly boggles my mind is knowing that I have close to 60 books tucked into my purse...but in a neat little slab. I think every bibliophile would agree that they've tried to fit entire libraries into their bags, and as awesome as it is to have them all, it's hefty and hard on the shoulders. Adding more to the obsession, Kindle 3G is connected to a network which allows perpetual access to the Amazon marketplace. If it's a novel you simply cannot wait for, especially if you were going to order it online, the Kindle satisfies the impatience!

Glare-Free Screen/Seamless Page Turning: Before I purchased a Kindle, I believed that the screen would have the glare of a computer screen. I normally have no problem reading on the computer, yet over time, it can tend to pull a whammy on your eyesight. The invention off E-Ink has changed me. Once you get over the discomforting thought that comes with not reading a physical book, you sink right into the Kindle. Its' page turning buttons are placed at a comforting reach on each side. Before you realize it, you've fully immersed yourself into the world of the novel, rather than being taken up with binding.  I, for one, was surprised at how easy it was to transition. 

Notes: One of the greatest features on Kindle 3G is Notes/Highlighting. I'm one of those people who not only underlines every line that sparks an emotion, but fills any white spaces with notes and jottings. Originally, I was put off by the Kindle, believing I wouldn't have the same luxury. But Amazon went and added a note taking feature, which allows you to Highlight whole passages. For those of us who love to share, it allows you to share your recent notes and highlights via Twitter and Facebook. Even more fascinating is the nifty feature which allows you to view the most popular highlighted passages of any book that other's have noted. Of course, if you're a reader who hates little notes left in by past graffiti artists, then it can be turned off!

Experimental Prototypes (Music, Internet, Text to Speech): It was awesome to discover that the Kindle allows you to surf the net. Is it the smoothest running browser? No, but just the fact that it's included makes me feel like I'm getting more for the dollar. Do you like to listen to music while reading? Kindle also has a feature which allows you to download MP3's and listen while you read, surf, or browse the Amazon Marketplace. Text to Speech allows you to rest your eyes, and listen to an automated voice read passages. That feature definitely came in handy during my 5,000 word essay on Wuthering Heights.

Battery Life: With the 3G network turned on you can read for as many as ten days. With it turned off, you can read for as long as a month. Sounds pretty good to me!

Skins/Covers: Kindle has some of the coolest covers and skins! If you love to beautify your gadgets, one can get lost on Etsy or Amazon searching for slip covers! It helps you to personify your portable library!

Cons

Eau de Novel: I believe most bibliophiles read books for the entire experience: its binding, the kind of paper it's printed on, its smell (be it new or old) and its overall allure. I, for one, love used novels because it seems entire lives are imprinted on to them, especially worn paperbacks! Unfortunately, with a computer device, one cannot appreciate these little additions. Amazon sees it as becoming immersed  in the words themselves instead of aesthetics. What's you're take on that?

Battery Power: It's very weird to think your novel could lose power, and you'll have to race to an outlet/usb port to continue reading. Although, I've never allowed mine to lose power, but I'm currently testing it out.

Book Shops: If you make too much of a home with your Kindle, it could easily stop you from venturing out to bookshops, having a cuppa, and sharing in the beauty of a wonderful marketplace full of books. I couldn't really imagine not making trips to bookstores and taking in the ambience of literary excitement.

Kindle Book Prices: As a standard, most books are $9.99, but it can go as high as $15 depending upon the publishers set price. Can you see my face, eying them with disdain? I'm paying nine dollars and ninety-nine cents for a novel that has neither binding, nor glue, nor fanciful pages to bend or highlight. What am I paying for exactly? A file sent by Whispernet (Amazon's wireless network). Files should be no more than $5 dollars. And then the publishing world wonders why so many would rather pilfer the file from google than to overspend...on a file! In one particular occasion, I wanted to purchase Young Hearts Crying by Richard Yates, but was put off by the astounding price of $11.99. I still haven't purchased it to this day. To spend this much, it must come with all the fixings (perhaps like the Barnes & Noble Nook): Full color screens, video footage, and writer interviews on their processes...something that reminds me it's not just a mobile file.

Overall

I've discovered that I love my Kindle about as much as I love lugging books around. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say it replaces books. There is no replacement to a lovely book cover, binding, and enchantment of browning pages or musty fragrances. But this causes me to choose certain books wisely. There are some books that unfortunately aren't worth having in solid forms (This doesn't mean they aren't good!). Some are completely fine to download and keep in your awesome slab collection. While others, must be collected, savored, read again and again without the fear of a dwindling battery. 

What say you Bibliophiles? Kindle or no?

Source: We Heart It 1 | 2