Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade has gotten a lot of buzz, but it's also gotten a lot of flack because it's a "werewolf book." The main character, Calla, finds herself on the brink of making a new pack with another alpha, Ren. But she meets a human and finds herself questioning everything she's been told about her life.

It's funny that what's considered the most popular genre in YA currently - paranormal - also gets the most, in what I've seen, criticism.

I was staying in a hospital when a nurse comes in to check my vitals and sees it sitting on my nightstand, and asks the obligatory: "Oh, is that another Twilight book?" (That's italicized not because it's the name of the book, but because of the nasal-y emphasis it was said with.) He was a nice guy, but I noticed the snark and judgment in his tone. I shrugged my shoulders and read it proudly. I mean, I could have easily put him in place with a Meet the Parents comment, but I was on drugs and much nicer than I usually am. It really, really irks me when people make closed-minded generalizations, though. Not just about the cover of the book, which is only what he saw, but that teens would only be interested in reading Twilight. And the generalization that all YA, or all paranormal, is the same standard.

Because, I mean, this book is good. It's not just that it's entertaining - but for a writer, it's a complete lesson in worldbuilding. Andrea Cremer took a myth that's been done before - werewolves, in this case called Guardians - and made a new history for it. It was completely fascinating the way she set up her world and the relationships in it. The idea that these Guardians had to mate based on their superiors - The Keeper's - choices, was a kind of ancient idea, which matches the ancient lore that this is based on. Arranged marriages were regular in many cultures and even still in effect today, chosen based on the best logical matches for both parties. In the kind of deranged "family" that the wolves are, it's the same way. But, as we all know, if people are repressed enough, there will be rebellion. It's an interesting back-and-forth, these Guardians and their Keepers, and it's incredibly interesting to read. Not just because lore interests me, but because the politics behind these paranormal packs was absolutely enthralling.

It was a very different take, and you could tell the author spent a lot of time building this world. All the characters had distinct personalities, the plot was well-paced, and the bonus creatures were sufficiently creepy. It's a very enjoyable read and it's done well. No, it isn't gourmet literature, but that doesn't mean it deserves an upturned nose. I wouldn't scoff if someone told me they were going to see a pure action movie, like Mission Impossible, so I shouldn't have to deal with snark when there's YA or paranormal in the label. Some of those commercialized action movies surprise you with their plotting and acting, and some of these books will definitely surprise people who go in expecting a simple, light read with no merit. I would definitely give this book to anyone naysaying paranormal because I love proving people wrong.

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker - Launch Party

The Liar Society starts with an email - from the main character, Kate's, dead best friend. And, from there, it's straight mystery. Who sent the email, and why? And was Grace's death innocent or something more? And the coolest part? It all takes place at a boarding school. The school, Pemberly Brown, is fully brick and mortar: you could almost walk into it inside the pages, it's so present. And one of the members of the supporting cast, Seth, is my favorite. He's this nerdy scrawny guy who eats everything he can get his hands on and has way too many conspiracy theories. I'd like to see him write a book, because I would so read it. He's my favorite character, understandably, because he's just so freaking quirky. Overall, it's a very fast, very cute read.

I was able to go to Lisa and Laura's launch party earlier this month, and authors really know how to throw those things, let me tell you. They had a lot of cookies and there must have been something in them because everyone was ridiculously energized and happy. There were A LOT of people there, too, many of them sporting pink hair - like the Nancy-Drew-style main character.

It took place at The Learned Owl, which was set up like the Bahamas, with flamingos EVERYWHERE. Seriously, I thought they were going to attack me. I'd turn around, and BAM, flamingo. Aside from the killer flamingo's (which were awesome), it's a really cute, quaint indie bookstore - it even has a golden lab that clomps around while you're bookshopping. He helps me pick out books when I go.

I met a ton of awesome people, like writers Erica and Melanie, and we obviously talked about the imminent zombie apocalypse. I should have worn my zombie-stomping shoes. (They have zombie brains on them.) We all went to dinner afterward (with L&L and their family, as well as authors Leah Clifford and Scott Tracey and really freaking amazing mini cupcakes.) I found out they made their own book trailer, which is fantastic and you can watch here at their stylishly chic website.

I find it so awesome that Lisa and Laura can write a book together, because if I tried to cowrite a book with anybody from my family, I'd probably give up two sentences in. Their writing seems to flow really well together, though, and the resulting product has gained a lot of fans. I'm looking forward to seeing what these two write next!

You by Charles Benoit

I really loved the idea behind You: a book whose main selling point was the unique perspective. It's a second-person narrative, so while you're reading it, you feel like you're the character. It's a very interesting read for that reason - and I'd almost argue that reason, alone. It's hard to grasp in the beginning, but once you get into the flow of the book, the writing is sharp and stark, jolting you because of how off-putting it is.

The main storyline is a typical thriller book. It Quention Tarrantino's you - where the beginning of the book is the end, and the rest of the book is finding it's way towards it. That approach, in general, can spin a new outlook onto a novel: it's almost like reading a book or watching a movie that you've already read/seen, and, knowing what happens in the end, you look for all the tiny clues that lead you there. It can be done very well or very badly, and I haven't decided in which case this one is.

I question whether this would still be a highly interesting and talked-about book without the difference in writing style. It was unique because of it, but the plot on it's own didn't stick out to me. It's a thriller. It'll make your palms sweaty. It's a nice, fast-paced read. But it's not something that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

But it's definitely worth reading because of the perspective - I'm a huge fan of different writing styles, and this is one I haven't come across a lot. It's a fast, different book that will hit you in the gut a little bit. It makes you question and analyze characters: it's one of those books where you want to piece apart every action (or maybe it's just me, because I'm ridiculously analytical.) It challenges conventional writing and it makes you think, I would just be interested in seeing the same perspective approach applied to a different genre. It packs a punch in a thriller book, but I think it could be very artistically done in other genres, as well. I can't really say a lot of negative things about a book that makes you think, so I'm ending with a positive intention. You was like a sharp, stabbing pain that runs up your rib cage: it's jolting and it gets some adrenaline pumping.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

I usually talk more about Young Adult here, but this book has a lot of crossover appeal - half of it is told by a fourteen-year-old protagonist - and it's so good I couldn't not write about it.

What I love so much about this book is that it's about how much a book can change people's lives. And the irony is that this is the kind of book that stays in your life, that creates a history itself. It's the kind of book you want to keep on your bookshelf because when you look at it makes your heart warmer.

Leo Gursky, the main protagonist, is an old man who makes tapping noises every day to let his neighbor know he's still alive. He's quirky, but not in an overtly strange way, because what he does is rooted down to basic human feelings: a fear of death and of not being remembered. You learn more and more about his life as the book progresses, as well as Alma's - the other protagonist, a 14 year old girl who's on a search for the character she was named after - and how their stories eventually collide.

The thing that really makes this book so fantastic is the writing. The story is a quiet but beautiful one, yet the writing makes every simple scene shine. It's absolutely phenomenal and heartbreaking and it has the kind of connection to life not every writer can grab hold of. I don't often stop reading to write down quotes - I can only pull myself away from the story to do that if it's something I want to remember for the rest of my life. But for The History of Love, I had to stop myself from copying the entire book. Here are three of the ones I had to write down:

"When I got up again, I'd shed the only part of me that had ever thought I'd find words for even the smallest bit of life."

"So many words get lost. They leave the mouth and lose their courage, wandering aimlessly until they are swept into the gutter like dead leaves. On rainy days you can hear their chorus rushing past: IwasabeautifulgirlPleasedon'tgoItoobelievemybodyismadeofglass

I'veneverlovedanyoneIthinkofmyselfasfunnyForgive me... "

"I forced myself to picture the last moments. The penultimate breath. A final sigh. And yet. It was always followed by another."

Understand why I love this book so much? The words are just so strong and brave and terrifying. It's a book I didn't really see coming, but I'm so glad I read it - it was on the recommendation of a friend, and I'm going to pass that recommendation on to you. Because this book is something special. It's not new or shiny or exciting. It's soft and silent, but in the quiet way that sits behind your heart. I just want to liquefy it, pour it into a cup, and drink it.

The Secret Year Giveaway

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard is a fantastic book - I reviewed it a long time ago here, and now that its paperback release has hit bookstores, it has a gorgeous new cover and the same awesome content.

Jennifer Hubbard is generously giving away a copy of The Secret Year here on Coffee & Cliffhangers, so if you want to read this fantastic book, all you have to do is fill out the form below.

If you don't already know, here's what it's about, pulled from my review back in January '10:

Julia had a boyfriend, but that didn't stop her from having late-night trysts with Colt, the narrator of The Secret Year. Julia was free and wild and their nights together were intense. Neither of them knew what their relationship was - it was something deep yet light, emotional yet distanced, real yet secret. And then Julia died. And Colt got his hands on her journal.

*This contest will run until March 13th and you must be 13 years or older to enter and have an address in the US or Canada.

Contests & Music Books

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know there's a contest for a copy of my book, RAE, as well as an interview, here. Just comment over at that post to enter! :)

Also wanted to put out a call for music books. YA (preferably) or Adult or whatever you can think of. I've been making a list, because I love music, and wanted to do a huge blog feature once I finish reading some of them. Have you guys read any books with music as a theme? The ones I HAVE read have been fantastic - Stephainie Kuehnert's books, Audrey, Wait!, and others. But I haven't read a lot. And I want to change that, because I love books and I love music.

I'm planning on implementing some week-long features that focus on one topic of books (like my recent Egyptian craze) soon. I've done themed weeks and months before and it's a lot of fun, but I'd like to make it some form of regularity. I'm hoping to get this started this summer, so these "recommend me books!" pleas will become well-placed, instead of desperate random calls. But, basically, your help would be seriously appreciated.

If you guys can recommend any music books, I'll check a bunch out and hopefully put some posts together soon. Thanks!