Graceling by Kristen Cashore

The debut novel by Kristen Cashore.
Summary: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.
She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more. (Summary found at http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/hmhbooks/graceling/)

Official Reviews: Unfortunately all of my Critique reviews that I usually research are hidden within the vast void that is the internet, and I returned my copy of the book to the library before having the chance to write down the reviews, so, here are some Awards and Nominations the book has received found on (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceling) :
Graceling was shortlisted for the ALA's William C. Morris YA Award, is an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, was a Cybils finalist (Fantasy/SF category), and was a finalist for both the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy (the SFWA's award for YA given concurrently with the Nebulas) and the Indies Choice Book Awards (Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book category). Graceling won the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance 2009 Young Adult SIBA Book Award. The book also was awarded:

• Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year 2008
• School Library Journal Best Books of 2008
• Booklist 2008 Top Ten First Novels for Youth
• 2009 Amelia Bloomer List
• 2009 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalist^]
• Nominated for 2010 Washington Evergreen Award
• Nominated for 2010-2011 Eliot Rosewater Award

Sue Ellen Beaureguard, author of Top 10 first novels for youth on audio of the Audiobook review, said that it had "[m]any layered fantasy adventures."

My Review: After reading "Fire" the follow-up book by Cashore, I'll admit, I was a little tentative to pick up Graceling. "Fire" was a book I wasn't able to get into easily, but I was pleasantly surprised after reading "Graceling". The story plot was very original (characters 'Graced' with certain abilities, the mix-matched eyes, the seven kingdoms, unlike anything I've ever read before), and I did enjoy the unfolding chemistry between the two main characters Prince Po and Katsa, though it didn't fully overpower the book. I would recommend this book for older readers however as it has sexual references in the book, and I'm pretty sure there are some mentions of alcohol. Probably more geared towards girls ages fourteen and up. Otherwise, a pretty good book that I would definitely read again.

You know how this goes, that's what I thought of this book, but I need to know what you think. Have you read the book? Do you have any questions? Tell me what you think. I need YOUR help to start the Reading Revolution.

Coming Soon: Expect reviews for the classic book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, and "Daniel X" by James Patterson author of the "Maximum Ride Series". Keep Reading.

Teen-Reads-Ref needs a new Icon Contest

Hello fellow bloggers. It has recently come to my attention that my icon for this site is amateur looking at best. 

I know a lot of people are good at making art on the computer, so I've decided to hold a little contest. If you are a fan of this blog (or not and just feel like entering a contest) you can create an icon that represents this site. You can create it however you want and once you have created it, you can post a link with your picture in it under the comment box and maybe just maybe, YOUR artwork will become the next Teen-Reads-Referee icon!

Rules of the Contest: (Yes there are rules.. Very few rules, but rules nonetheless)

#1 No porn. Nothing inappropriate. This is supposed to be a kid-friendly blog so let's keep the images that way.

#2 You can enter up to five images for the contest. No more than five though.

#3 The deadline for this contest will be December 31st 2011 at 11:59 pm. After that I will accept no more images.

I've always tried recognizing people for their work, so if you would like to be recognized, you can put your first name, or make up a   pen name. NO LAST NAMES OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION. I don't like sounding like a control freak or anything, but I want to make sure this contest is safe.

Well ladies and gentlemen so that's about it, start designing. I hope to see some awesome icons. Together we can start the reading revolution.

Thirteen Days to Midnight

If you could have one superpower... what would it be? A book by New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman.

Summary: YOU ARE INDESTRUCTIBLE. These are the words that transfer an astonishing power to Jacob Fielding... and they change everything. When Ophelia James, the beautiful and daring new girl in town, suggests they use the power to save others, Jacob readily accepts. But with every heroic act, the powers grows stronger and soon feels more like a curse. After all, how do you decide who lives and who dies?

Jacob has only thirteen days to harness this terrifying power... and to answer a chilling question: What if, in order to save the girl her loves, he has to kill her?

Official Review: "One of those rare books you will need to share with friends... Brilliant!" Michael Grant, author of the Gone series

"A twisty, dark, never-know-where-you're-going tale of suspense." Judy Blundell, National Book Award winner

"Produces serious chills." Publishers Weekly

"Patrick Carman is really, really good." James Patterson, bestselling author

My Review: This book I picked up for six dollars at a closing Borders, and loved it. It's a book you don't want to put down until you're finished. Though very dark, it did have its light and funny moments that made it enjoyable and not so scary that you can't read it at night without giving yourself nightmares. It was witty and the characters are all pretty like able so that's a plus. The only part that annoyed me was when, near the end of the book, Jacob the main character began reading a journal entry written in italics that was maybe three or four pages long. I found that bit hard to read due to italics. Otherwise a wonderful book. I'd recommend it for both boys and girls from ages 12 and up.

I know I've said this a million and one times before but I'm going to say it again until it sinks in, I can't due this whole reading revolution thing by myself. I NEED help. Have you read any of the books I've blogged about? Tell me what you thought of it! I may just end up posting it online in a post like this one. Maybe you have a book you'd like me to read and review, let me know! You can also share your thoughts with me on twitter @Teen_Reads_Ref. So come on, I know together we can join the reading revolution!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The first book in the thrilling series by J.K. Rowling.

Summary: Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley- a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry- and anyone who reads about him- will find unforgettable.

For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial spots, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

Official Review: "A Delightful award-winning debut from an author who dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl." Publishers Weekly

Catholic World Report criticised Harry's disrespect for rules and authority, and regarded the series' mixing of the magical and mundane worlds as "a fundamental rejection of the divine order in creation".

"I have yet to find a child who can put it down." The Herald

My Review: I've always been a fan of these books and the movies (though I found the last movie semi-disappointing). The writing style Rowling uses is very simple, it has none of the complexity of a book like I am the Messenger but it does help the conversations between characters run more smoothly. You can practically hear the characters talking, and I had to, occasionally, stop from time to time to pick up on what type of writing style she used (IE does the 'said' come before or after the character's name, how often is said used, how often are other adjectives used, etc.). The complexity of the 'Wizarding World' is phenomenal and it's hard to believe that Rowling came up with the Wizarding terms herself(such as muggle, quidditch, quaffle, Hogwarts, etc.). This book was the book that started the wizarding craze and I happily tip my hat to Ms. Rowling.  Wonderful job.

Did You Know... Scholastic Corp. bought the U.S. rights to the book in 1997 for US$105,000. They thought that children wouldn't like to read a book with the word "Philosopher" in the title and in 1998 Rowling suggested changing it to "Sorcerer". She claimed to have regretted this decision and would have fought had she been in a higher position at the time. Most famous book reviewers ignored the book at first and it wasn't until more specialist reviews (such as one by Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, which pointed out the complexity, depth and consistency of the world Rowling had built) attracted the attention of reviewers in major newspapers. In mid-2008 official translations were made in 67 languages, and due to religious controversy the series was at the top of the American Library Association's "most challenged books" list for 1999–2001.

Factoids found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Philosopher's_Stone.

I'm sure you all have heard of Twitter, so wanna have some reading info on the go? Follow us on Twitter. Also, I have said this once, and I'll say it a million times more, I can't do this on my own. I need help. See that little comment button? Click on that and send me some book ideas, or tell me what you thought of this book! It's not hard. Together I know we can start the Reading Revolution.

Looking for Alaska

Summary: BEFORE....Miles "Pudge" Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (Francois Rabelais, poet) even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything but boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into The Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

AFTER....Nothing is ever the same.

Official Reviews: "What sings and soars in this gorgeously told tale is Green's mastery of language and the sweet, rough edges of Pudge's voice. Girls will cry and boys will find love, lust, loss and longing in Alaska's vanilla-and-cigarettes scent." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The spirit of Holden Caulfield lives on." -KLIATT

"Miles narration is alive with sweet, self depreciating humor....Like Phineas in John Knowles's A Separate Peace, Green draws Alaska...lovingly in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light." -SLJ, starred review

“Compelling.” –Chicago Tribune

My Review: If you are familiar with the VlogBrothers on youtube (People Who Like Giraffes Who Like Giraffes), you probably recognize John Green as being a hilarious man with a gift for storytelling. However, not only does John Green have a sense of humor, but he also has a talent for writing. Yes, such a combination DOES exist. I loved Looking for Alaska. I picked it up at the store because I found the cover interesting (I’m a sucker for covers), and the words that rested inside that cover blew my mind. It was brilliantly written and had a lot of nerd humor, which I personally can appreciate. Green writes in a way that is at times introspective and at others laugh-out-loud funny. Alaska Young walks into Pudge’s average life and changes everything, and he is a new person because of her. She is an enigma at it’s finest form, and never ceases to surprise. With her big green eyes and vanilla-and-cigarettes scent, she is enchanting and brilliant. Looking for Alaska is more than just a coming-of-age-tale, it’s a story of awakening and of firsts. As Alaska would say, it’s the journey out of the, “labyrinth of suffering.” I couldn’t put this book down, and even after I read the final words they still echoed in my mind. Looking for Alaska provokes thought and touches on subjects that tend to be ignored. It’s not the kind of book that you have to struggle to get through and feel hollow inside after reading, it reaches inside of you and fills you with emotion. It doesn’t feel like reading a book, it feels like living one. As a teenager, I can say that I could connect with the characters and I feel that this is an important aspect of a book. Filled with unexpected turns and bittersweet truths, Looking for Alaska is a gem I recommend reading. This book does contain mature content, so read at your own discretion.

Side Note: (where I play the eager entrepreneur) If you liked Looking for Alaska, check out John Green’s new book The Fault in Our Stars when it hits a bookstore near you!

Second Side Note: (getting sick of this businessgirl yet?) Also, check out Teen Reads Referee on twitter!

Reading Revolution on Twitter!

That's right folks. I know a lot of teenagers go on twitter and seeing as this blog is aimed towards teens, I figure, why not have the Teen Reading Ref have a twitter so I can keep all of YOU informed on the great/good/and not so good books for those of you on the go! So, you can now follow me @Teen_Reads_Ref on Twitter. Come one everyone, I'm making it easier for you! Tell your friends, tell your family, tell your teachers, tell that annoying kid in your gym class, come on, I can't do this alone, I need help, but together I know we can start the Reading Revolution.

Th1rteen R3asons Why

Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Official Reviews:

...compelling reading -Booklist

This page-turner will keep you up all night, as Clay pops in cassette after cassette, to find out what his role is exactly in Hannah's death. Could he really be somewhat responsible? You won't regret reading this book, and it won't take you very long. It is a fast read and will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you read on to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Hannah's death. -Allen Review

This provocative tale touches on universal topics of interest, is genuine in its message, and would be a good choice for high school book discussions and booktalks. -VOYA

Hannah's story is a freight train of despair and suspense that picks up speed as it moves to her final undoing. Like the protagonist in John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005), Hannah is an animate ghost; Clay's bereaved voice bears witness to her tragedy. The episodic structure is nicely suited to reluctant readers, but the breakneck pace and dizzying emotion are the true source of this novel's irresistible readability at all levels.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

My Review: Thirteen Reasons Why was a lovely debut from author Jay Asher. It was a true page turner, and I found myself emerged in the plotline. It really got me to consider the significance of small actions, and how something seemingly unimportant to us can affect someone else. It was well written from start to finish. Also, the characters were likeable and memorable. Hannah Baker is witty and charming, and by the end of the novel you will be mourning her death and celebrating her life at the same time, a combination only a truly great book can provide. Through every mishap and bad experience that Hannah is forced to endure, I was wishing that I could’ve been the one to stop it and comfort her. This book makes you consider life for others after the suicide of a loved one, and what you can do to prevent one from happening. Clay Jensen was another memorable character. He struck me as being similar in personality to Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye, sweetly awkward and quirky. Jensen makes for an amusing ride. Overall, I would highly recommend Thirteen Reasons Why and I think we could all learn a valuable lesson about how we treat others.

Anonymous Review: I personally had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Its more of a 'girls' book and a teen-girls' book at that. I have a bit of trouble getting into books that are made for one gender alone. I'm not sure why.

So here, ladies and gentlemen, you can see that we have two different reviews of this book. So tell me, do you like this book, or did you find it kind of 'turn-offish'? Leave a comment and let us know! By doing so you could help start the Reading Revolution.