YA Book Review: Top Ten Clues You're Clueless

I recently (within the last year) joined an online book club.  Our June book is "Top Ten Clues You're Clueless" by Liz Czukas.  It's technically a YA book that's being read by a group of adults and it doesn't come highly rated on Goodreads.  The cover art was reminiscent of John Green's "The Fault in our Stars" but had it's own ginger spin.  I didn't love the story but I wanted to.  The characters were lovably weird.  We had plenty of time to meet each of them personally.  However, the weird font and make it a really fast read.  We had a four hour car ride and I finished it with plenty of time to chastise children who were too rowdy in the back seat.  I could see Gabby enjoying this book in the near future-- she was certainly interested in the cover.

From the back cover: Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers... even if one of them is Tyson.  But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe's list of Top Ten Moments.

Chloe was a hit.  She was the perfect outcast.   I loved her and all of her coworkers.  Who doesn't have coworkers that are weird as fuck?  It made me laugh.  I loved the unrequited love.  What I didn't love was that I saw the ending a mile away.  Maybe it's just because of being a grown up and reading too many Jodi Picoult books that have a hook and a twist 2/3 or 3/4 of the way in.  I may read Liz Czukas other book.  I've added it to the list but hopefully it's just as fast as this one.

Review: The Inheritance Cycle

Before I started this, I knew that a trilogy was three but I really didn't know that four books made for a cycle.  Seems confusing and not very cyclical.  I would have called it a series but I'm not a literary expert.  I am, however, a  great lover of all things fiction.  Probably two years ago, I started reading all the books on my bookcases starting with A-- books are alphabetized by author and then title unless found in a series (or any selection of books where they should be read in a specific order).  Not perfect but it works for me.  I ran into a copy of Eragon by Christopher Paolini before Christmas.  The note inside stated that I purchased this book for myself sometime while in college.  I graduated in 2009 so it's been on the shelf for a while.  Finding the first book in a series (read: cycle) meant that the others had to be ordered from the library -- a few quick moves on the laptop and that was set into motion.  2,835 pages and a month later, I can say that I'm finally finished.  Nearly died of exhaustion and excessive eye rolling but I'm finished.

Before I get too far into this, I must say that I love the reviewers of Goodreads.  I have a terrible habit of reading reviews (often with spoilers) before even opening a book.  I regularly find myself laughing because so many of these reviews could be written by me.  They get me.  Conveniently, there are rarely surprises.  I hate surprises.

I read all of the books of this cycle in order and while I know that the books are more or less a fan fiction of Lord of the Rings, I found myself plowing through all four without giving up-- the same can't be said for LOTR.  I can't say that it was my favorite but it certainly wasn't the worst.  Eragon was likeable enough as were most of the other characters.  His feats and journey were exaggerated but it is fiction and loosely LOTR.  The author (who was only 16 when the first book was published) spent entirely too much time admiring his own writing.  However, he was 16.  At 16, I think we all rather enjoyed ourselves and thought we were quite special-- I can imagine a book deal would go to one's head.

Do I recommend this?  Yes and no.  It's not for the faint of heart, but it is for the fantasy readers.  I suggest, read at your own risk.  If, at 50 pages you can take it, discard.  Otherwise, plow on but if you're like me you're in for a really long plow through session.

Excuse me while I go rest my eyeballs now.

Review: It's Good to be Me! (Children's Book)

The key word in Suzy Liebermann's It's Good to be Me! featuring Hugo the Happy Starfish is appreciation.  Hugo finds himself to be unhappy with himself and focuses solely on his looks in this underwater children's book.  The Magic Manta offers 6 wishes to his friend in an attempt to make him happier.  Hugo changes his eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and grows larger but when he looks in the mirror, he's more disappointed with himself than he was before.  He uses his last wish to turn himself back to himself.

You can purchase your copy of this book here.  This is by far my favorite of Suzy Liebermann's books.  I think this is probably the most important message that she sends: you're beautiful the way you are.  My little one certainly struggles with image issues which is horrifying to me given that she's eight.  We read this book and discussed the importance of appreciating what you have.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: The Secret to Happiness (Children's Book)

The Secret to Happiness by Suzy Liebermann is a children's book about Hugo, a small starfish.  He's sad and disinterested in his life and goes looking for something that makes him happy.  After a few attempts at fleeting happiness, Hugo discovers with the help of a friend that the secret to true, lasting happiness is to share with others without expecting anything in return.

I think in today's society, this is not something embraced by our children.  Our children are spoiled and expect something in return.  We are trying to teach Gabby to be responsible and respectful and have to bribe her with the promise of  a pet.  For her, it keeps her on track and gives her a goal.  I think this book has an important message that is gently taught with a sweet story and cute pictures.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.