Review of One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: May 27th, 2015
Pages: 255

Short Sweet Synopsis: Alek is devastated when he learns his parents are forcing him to go to summer school to bump up his grades until he meets Ethan, skater boy extraordinaire.

One Man Guy is a fun book that tells the story of Alek, a 14-year-old gentleman (he literally walks girls to the door!), who is trying to find his identity. Yes he is Armenian, but he knows there is more to him than how his parents see him. When cool Ethan hijacks Alek into a forbidden day trip to New York, Alek discovers more than the secret to experiencing a day in New York with just $5.

If you haven't figure this out from the cover and title, One Man Guy is about Alek falling for Ethan. If realizing you are gay isn't difficult enough, Alek must figure out what this means in relation to his traditional Armenian family. This is the first book I have read about Armenian Americans and I enjoyed the family dynamics. I think Michael Barakiva created a good balance with blending in Armenian culture without feeling like I was being lectured. The recipe for stuffed grape leaves at the end of the book was a great addition; after all, food was an important ingredient in the book (I just couldn't resist!).

I really enjoyed reading One Man Guy. My minor complaint is that I wish we knew more about Ethan's family, but that is really just a personal preference. This is Alek's story, so It makes sense that the focus is on him and his family. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in first love, LGBTQ experiences, or a humorous book filled with family drama.

Review: Misdirected by Ali Berman

Misdirected by Ali Berman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: November 25, 2014
Pages: 288
*Received free digital ARC for review*

Short Sweet Synopsis: 15 year old Ben moves to a small town in Colorado quickly discovering that atheists are not tolerated by the conservative community. Will he be able to find a way to fit into a high school filled with students with such strong religious beliefs? 

Misdirected was a fast paced and enjoyable read. As someone from Massachusetts who was not raised in a religious household, I could relate to Ben. Although I grew up in a small conservative town so people did tease me because of it, but no where near what Ben faces in the book.

I liked that the characters weren't static, they were human beings that would make mistakes and many tried to grow from them. I was a bit worried that the book was headed in an anti religious direction at the beginning, but by the end it felt completely different. I was really impressed with how Misdirected handled the issue of religion in our country; it is a polarizing subject that can't be ignored. This book could help facilitate some wonderful discussions on the topic. I really liked how the book ended. It was hopeful without having that afternoon TV special feeling.

I just realized that some of what I just said might have made the book sound boring, but it isn't! Even if you don't want to read about religious differences, there are plenty of classic teen moments! Ben has his first kiss, people are sneaking out of their houses, there is bullying, first day at a new school jitters and family drama; Misdirected even has magic! I will say that the magic tricks were probably what I liked least out of this book, but at least it made Ben unique. I appreciated his passion for it in the end.

Bottom line, interesting book with great characters that tackles a timely topic without slowing down the plot. I definitely recommend it.

Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing

The Jewel by Amy Ewing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: September 2nd, 2014
Pages: 358

Short Sweet Synopsis: In a world where the royals cannot reproduce, surrogates are trained to create offspring for the higher class citizens that live in The Jewel. Violet is now of age to be sold as a surrogate and quickly discovers that her training has ill prepared her for what her status really means in the society of The Jewel. 

I read The Jewel based on a recommendation by a friend. We both LOVED The Selection series and she thought this was a good read alike. Yes there are girls in pretty dresses and they are somewhat competing for the favor of royals; however, the feel of The Jewel is nothing like The Selection. The Selection had a pretty light tone to it, but The Jewel was heavy.

While I thought The Jewel was great, I spent most of the book insanely stressed out about how Violet would become pregnant. The process of impregnating the girls, like all aspects of their lives, are kept secret. This unknown act kept me at the edge of my seat for most of the book; it felt similar to reading a horror novel and knowing that something terrible would transpire but not knowing exactly what it would be and when it would happen. It has been weeks since I finished The Jewel and it still unsettles me. I know I am making the book sound awful, but I'm of the opinion that if you are going to write a book about women being forced into becoming surrogate mothers for the wealthy it NEEDS to make you stomach churn, else the author is doing a disservice to what could have been a powerful story about women's rights.

The Jewel has more than just a super creepy plot; it has dynamic characters, a steamy romance, page after page of mystery, and an amazing ending. The whole book is pretty mysterious because of Violet's limited knowledge about her life as a surrogate. She has no idea what is expected of her until she is presented with a situation. You think you have figured out a specific character in The Jewel and the next thing you know they act in a way that drops your jaw. Is anyone entirely evil or are they just reacting to their situations? You just do not know!

I have to say that I'm pretty over the dystopian craze. It feels like deja vu every time I pick one up; however, I am very glad I read The Jewel because it was very different from other dystopian teen novels that have been coming out in recent years. I will confess that the beginning of the book will feel very Hunger Game-esque, but that wont last very long. You will swiftly get past that part and find yourself in a twisted world unlike one you could ever imagine. I've been told it is similar to The Handmaid's Tale, but I haven't read it so I can't verify whether or not that is accurate.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (to be more accruate a 3.5)
Pub. Date: September 27 2011
Pages: 456

Short Sweet Synopsis:  Mara Dyer is trying to restart her life in Florida after being the only survivor of an accident that took the lives of her friends. Mara struggles to deal with the loss of her friends and with her inability to remember what happened. Mara wants to remember, but will remembering help her get over her PTSD or will it just make her worse? If her personal struggles aren't enough then wait until Mara meets the student body and teachers of the private school she now attends. Luckily there is a hansom, charming British bloke who will try to charm the literal pants off her. 

Sorry, that synopsis was rather long and was probably more confusing than sweet, but there is just a ton going on in this book! I have mixed feeling for The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer to the point where I struggled with giving it a star rating. I spent hours debating on a rating, this usually takes me 5 seconds to decide! If I could give it a 3.5 I would, but I decided to give the book a 4 because I did really enjoy reading it, even if I rolled my eyes sometimes.

I know I really like a book if I stay up way too late reading, do chores around the apartment willingly so that I can listen to the audio book, and/or spend my whole day off reading it. I did all these things while reading/listening to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. If I could have physically stayed awake to read the book in one sitting I would have.

At the same time, I found myself frustrated at the characters of the book. Mara spent ample time making some awful decisions and often found herself being "saved" by our rich, hansom, charming, brilliant leading man, Noah. This may sound familiar if you've read a certain bestseller featuring sparkling vampires, or any popular YA paranormal book that features a bad boy with a heart of gold. Noah is even classified as a heartbreaker and at one point in the book ORDERS for Mara at a restaurant, YUCK! This should make me automatically hate his, but Michelle Hodkin was able to make Noah so unbelievably charming that he won my heart. Seriously, I really tried to dislike him, but he had such a great sense of humor I couldn't do it. Even Mara sometimes made me want to punch her in the face, but she was so spunky and had been through so much trauma that I couldn't help but root for her.

I could spend all day complaining about he Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (like what happened to Mara's only friend, Jamie?!?! He seriously disappeared about 2/3 of the way through the book! I know there was a reason, but I felt cheated by his lack of presence!), but in the end I enjoyed the book so much I am planning on reading the sequel. I enjoyed reading the book, even with it's issues, and want to know what happens! The ending of the book was on a major cliffhanger and I NEED to know more.

To wrap things up, I REALLY enjoyed The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I enjoyed the overall story, even if there were same major issues with it's development. I am a bit horrified that the cornylicious romance didn't spoil the book for me, but Michelle Hodkin was able to make it work. When all is said and done, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is not a great literary work, but it is definitely a book that had me hooked from start to finish. I thought the audio book was well done, but I wonder if hearing Noah's lines with an accent is what did me in. I am a sucker for a British accent. 

Manga or Graphic Novel Mondays: A Bride's Story Volume 5

A Bride's Story Volume 5 by Kaoru Mori
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: September 24th 2013
Pages: 192

Short Sweet Synopsis: The twins are getting married!!! The traditions test the patience of Laila and Leily causing plenty of drama for their mother and their grooms.

A Bride's Story has continued to captivate me since I first started the series. Anyone can appreciate the beauty of the artwork; I just love showing any volume to people who aren't big fans of manga, they are always blown away by the detail Kaoru Mori put into each page. The artwork was enough for me to fall for this series, but I appreciate the detail to the story just as much.

In Volume 5 of A Bride's Story Mori continues with the story of the twins', Laila and Leily; it is now their wedding day! The twins are such great characters because they do such shocking things. They aren't worried about what other people think of them, they are just true to themselves. Sami and Sarm must try to help the girls through the long wedding traditions without getting caught when they break these customs.

One of my favorite aspects of each volume of A Bride's Story is how we see the relationships develop with all of the couples. I love seeing how Laila an Leily interact with Sami and Sarm. Sami and Sarm are pretty reserved so seeing how they handle the rambunctious girls makes me smile.

Another aspect of A Bride's Story is how the reader gets to learn about more of the culture of each village throughout the series. You don't feel overwhelmed with information because of the way Mori adds it in here and there. She also blends the information in smoothly with the storyline, sometimes in surprisingly comical ways, making it feel like part of the story instead of being lectured.

At the end of Volume 5 we do get to see a little more of Amir and Karluk. They are my favorite couple because I am fascinated by how they handle their age difference. I truly appreciate how Mori handles their relationship throughout the series. When I first started the series I worried that it would be creepy, but Mori made them into such a sweet couple you stop worrying about the age difference.

Review: Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A.S. King

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A.S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub Date: October 14th 2014
Pages: 320

Short Sweet Synopsis: Glory is graduating from high school, but unlike her classmates, she has no plans for her future. While hanging out with Ellie, her best friend, they decide to drink a petrified bat (no joke) and they both develop the power to see a persons past, present, and future just by looking them.

I'm sure some of you are rolling your eyes, but A.S. King makes this crazy plot work! Yes, Glory's psychic ability that shows a future less than ideal is a bit of a stretch, but Glory faces plenty of real life issues.  Some of her problems are complex, like worrying that she might have the same flaw that lead to her mother's suicide, Glory also faces more mundane teen problems, such as questioning her friendship with Ellie. As the friends have gotten older, Glory feels like Ellie is too self-absorbed and that their interests no longer align.

If you think these are the only struggles Glory faces, you are mistaken. She is trying to piece her remaining family back together, because things have just been in a weird limbo since her mother's death. If that wasn't enough, Glory is creating the History of the Future to figure out how to avoid the terrible future her new ability has unveiled.

I like that Glory is a quirky character. She isn't super popular and doesn't have a lot of friends, but she isn't a social outcast. She follows her own lead and enjoys viewing the world through her camera's lens than through other's perspectives. This may sound lonely, but Glory is a bit of an introvert and likes to take her time deciphering the world around her.

Maybe this all sounds a bit complicated and bizarre, but that is what makes the book so exciting! It is unlike anything I have read before and I fully appreciate A.S. King's willingness to take risks on writing a completely out there story. If you are looking for a book unlike anything you've read before then Glory O'Brien's History of the Future is a book for you. I would recommend it to fans of Going Bovine by Libba Bray and Every Day by David Levithan.

Review of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub Date: March 25, 2014
Pages: 301

Short Sweet Synopsis: Follows the mysterious lives of the Roux family and their tragic experiences with love. Ava, the newest member of the Roux family, is born with wings adding to their enigma.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrow of Ava Lavender is a beautiful novel. If you enjoy realistic fantasy and whimsical storytelling then you should read this book. I highly recommend the audio book, I felt like I was listening to someone telling me a modern fairy tale. Even though this book has magical elements, it still has real heartbreak and, just like classic fairy tales, there are some very graphic and disturbing scenes. Honestly, as I am writing this review I am left wanting more of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender. I'm pretty over sequels, but I wouldn't mind reading more of the Roux family.

Review of "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pub. Date: January 14th, 2014
Pages: 396

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  The peculiar children have left their island and now must find a way to save Miss Peregrine by exploring time loops with wights and hollowgasts on their tail.

"Hollow City" was a really good book; it had a great plot and interesting new characters.  I especially enjoyed learning about the different time loops.  The book had a good pace and I was constantly worried about the well being of the characters, especially Miss Peregrine.  Would she stay a bird or would the children some how succeed in their impossible quest?  Another aspect of the book that I appreciated was seeing Jacob's peculiar ability develop.

My one criticism of "Hollow City" is that the photographs didn't feel like they added anything to the story.  When "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" came out, I thought the photographs eerily fit the story; however, the photographs in "Hollow City" felt like more of an afterthought.  The pictures in this sequel weren't always good representations of the story or characters.

Overall, "Hollow City" was great!  The photographs were disappointing, but the  story and characters were very intriguing.  There was a twist at the end of the book that I did not see coming and left me craving more.  I will be continuing with this series!

Review: "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Pub. Date: Feb. 6th 2012
Pages: 452
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  A young British Spy tells her story mixed with details of the British War effort as she waits for her Nazi captors to kill her.

"Code Name Verity" is a beautiful book. While many WWII books focus on the atrocities done by Nazis to the unwanted populations, "Code Name Verity" focuses on the British War Effort. Yes there are Nazis and they do terrible things, but I wouldn't classify this book as a Holocaust book.

"Code Name Verity" follows two young women's journeys as they get wrapped up in a war that changes their lives forever. It is the friendship between these characters that has stuck with me at the end of the book, not the horrors of war.

I'm not going to say anything else about this book because I would give away something important. I really enjoyed uncovering the story knowing very little going in and I would hate to spoil that feeling for other readers.

Review: "Notes from the Midnight Driver"

Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
Pub. Date: October 1, 2006
Pages: 265
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short and Sweet Synopsis: Alex is sentenced to community service at the senior center for killing a lawn gnome.  Alex is paired with a difficult man, Solomon, who insults Alex in Yiddish, which he doesn't understand.    

"Notes from the Midnight Driver" is a great book.  Jordan Sonnenblick does a wonderful job writing about difficult subjects using humor and heart.  The book  seems to be about your typical teen screw up, but the books quickly switches gears when Alex starts his court mandated community service.  Alex wants to quit because Solomon is too difficult, but we know that isn't what will happen.

This book isn't just about a teen who discovers there is more to himself than goofing off.  Music plays a large roll in this book.  At first I didn't think this would happen, but I was pleasantly surprised that it did.  Relationships, of all kinds play a major roll in "Notes form the Midnight Driver".  Alex's parents are divorced and he is struggling to have a healthy relationship with them.  He is angry with them and blames his father for their separation.  Alex is also struggling to understand his feelings for his best friend Laurie. This is all on top of having to deal with Sol.

While most of the plot was predictable, the book was such a delight to read I didn't mind that there were no "OH SNAP!" moments.  I simply enjoyed the story and laughing out loud at the situations Alex found himself.  I would recommend this book to John Green fans.

Review "On Jellicoe Road"

“Jellicoe Road”

by Melina Marchetta

My Rating:

Pub. Date: August 28, 2008

Pages: 432

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Source: Library

Edition: Hardcover

Short and Sweet Synopsis (Sorta...): Taylor's guardian, Hannah, has disappeared leaving Taylor to mentor a dorm full of students.  To make matters worse, the territory wars between her school, the Townies, and the Cadets has begun; Taylor is now responsible for keeping the students in her school and their territory safe from the Townies and Cadets. Can she handle these responsibilities, the loss of Hannah, and revelations about her mysterious past?

"Jellicoe Road" is a wonderful book; great writing, memorable characters, and heart wrenching stories weave together to create this beautiful book.  The more I think about "Jellicoe Road" the more I adore it.  I love how the different stories of the characters meld together by the end of the book.  While Taylor is the main character, I felt the other major character were just as important in the story.  I fell in love with the characters in Hannah's story, even if I was confused with the shifting between Hannah's story to Taylor's story.

"Jellicoe Road" is hard to review because part of my love for this book was the unfolding of all the mysteries.  I had to know about the characters in Hannah's story AND what happened to Taylor's mother.  Usually these dual plots would drive me a bit bonkers, but Melina Marchetta pulled it off brilliantly.  I have to admit I was as confused as heck at the beginning of the book (it took me forever to distinguish between the character), but by the end I really loved the story.

In short, "Jellicoe Road"is a fantastic book that deserves more than 4 stars, but I had such a problem figuring out the characters at the beginning that I couldn't give it 5 stars.  I think many readers will fall in love with it because it is a truly beautiful story.  

Review of "Pandemonium"

“Pandemonium”

by Lauren Oliver

My Rating:

Pub. Date: February 28, 2012

Pages: 375

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Source: Bought

Edition: e-book

Short and Sweet Synopsis: Sequel to "Delirium".  Lena has survived her escape into the wilds, but will she be able to survive without Alex?

I have been waiting to write the review for "Pandemonium" because it took me a while to figure out my reaction.  Overall I really liked the book, but I had difficulty getting into it.  Part of my love for "Delirium" was the idea that love was a disease and I thought Oliver pulled it off brilliantly; however, "Pandemonium" just didn't have as much to offer.  It definitely felt like it was setting up for the second book for most of the time. But my biggest pet peeve was I thought it was predictable.You may be wondering how I could possibly be giving this book four stars after all that?  Don't worry, I'll tell you why.  

Once I got into "Pandemonium", I couldn't stop reading it.  The characters were complex and I am a sucker for characters with depth.  While I didn't always agree with their actions, I understood them and generally respected the characters.  Lena was pretty kick-ass by the end of the book and I give her props for the turn around.  She was actually driving me absolutely bonkers at the beginning of the book.

The other bonus to "Pandemonium" was that while I found parts predictable, I wouldn't have changed them because I can't wait to read the next book!  Oliver set everything up for a climactic end to her trilogy.  I mean, come on... the ending?  It HAD to be that way!  I knew that was coming and while I was reading it I knew exactly how it would go down, but yet I was still revved up by it.  I had trouble sleeping because I felt like my heart almost exploded.  I can't help but give a book props for making me feel that strongly about it.  Plus, just because I saw a lot of the pieces falling into place early, it doesn't mean that all readers will.  I could see readers being surprised by moments in the book.  I just had a more subtle "of course" reaction to these moments instead of my favorite "OH SNAP!" (these are my verbal reactions while reading, not mental).

To wrap it up, I did not love "Pandemonium" like it's predecessor "Delirium", but I cannot wait to read "Requiem", the final book in the "Delirium" trilogy.  Oliver created some wonderful characters and the ending of the book had me reeling, even if it was predictable.  Hopefully "Requiem"  will give me the "OH SNAP" reaction I so long to have while reading.  :)

Review of "Cinder"

“Cinder”

by  Marissa Meyer

My Rating:

Pub. Date: January 3, 2012

Pages: 387

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Source: Library and Bought

Edition: Hardcover and e-audio book

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  Cyborgesque Cinderella with a dystopian spin.

While I actually loved reading "Cinder", I read 300 pages in one sitting, I have to admit I found it to be predictable.  As soon as certain parts of the plot were revealed, I pretty much knew what was going to happen in the end.  This didn't ruin the book for me while reading it, but reflecting back I just wished there had been one OMG moment.  I like to be surprised!  I like finishing a book and having a psychical reaction, like having to get up and walk around even if it is 4 AM.

 I think Marissa Meyer did a wonderful job at recreating the classic tale.  I wasn't bored with the story, because it wasn't exactly the same as the classic.  It's not just a flashy romance starring a cyborg.  "Cinder" touches on a lot of timely topics such as immigration issues, racism, classism, and war.  Meyer also developed some interesting characters.  I wasn't sure how she was going to pull off cyborg characters, but they were lovable.  I was happy that the villain in "Cinder" was quite evil, not a letdown.  

Cinder was a true pleasure to read.  I am getting a little sick of all the series out there, but I can't wait to see where Meyer takes the Lunar Chronicles next.

Review "Wesley the Owl"

“Wesley the Owl”

by  Stacey O'Brien

My Rating:

Pub. Date: June 2, 2009

Pages: 256

Publisher: Free Press

Source: Library

Edition: e-audio book

Short and Sweet Synopsis:  A really touching book about a woman who raises an owl.


I found this book to be completely charming.  I learned a lot about owls and it really was a nice story.  I had no idea that owls were so emotional.  Even though there were parts of the book where I was just cringing because of the more gruesome ways that Stacey O'Brien had to care for Wesley, I still kind of wanted to adopt an owl.  Wesley was just such a sweetheart, I couldn't imagine a more loving companion.


  I will admit, I have always loved owls.  I actually have a tattoo of a tree with books blooming, instead of flowers, with an owl sitting in it.  I not only think they are beautiful creatures, but I love that they stand for wisdom and are the sacred birds of Athena.  I am going to be completely bias; however, I don't generally read non-fiction, so I think the fact I read this book in such a short period of time without getting board says a lot.  


I would recommend this book for animal lovers or people interested in learning about owls.  I would also recommend this book to anyone looking to read a quick biography.  Honestly, there is not much more I can say about the book, just give it a shot.


Here is a video of the author talking about Wesley.

Review of "The Butterfly Clues"

“The Butterfly Clues”

by  Kate Ellison

My Rating:

Pub. Date: February 14, 2012

Pages: 336

Publisher: Egmont USA

Source: Library and Bought

Edition: Hardcover and Audio

Short and Sweet Synopsis: Lo, an obsessive-compulsive teenage girl, is fixated on solving a murder mystery.  She feels oddly linked to the victim and will do anything to discover their connection.

While I am not a mystery reader, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Butterfly Clues".  Lo is a great character with lots of depth.  She was constantly surprising me with her actions.  Sometimes she seemed so weak, but then she would do something I would never have the guts to even attempt.  I also really enjoyed reading about Neverland or the bad part of town.  I can't help noticing how it sounds a lot like Wonderland near Boston and how everyone tells me NEVER to go there.  Neverland had a cast of characters that I fell in love with even if they didn't follow societal expectations.  They may have chosen careers I don't agree with, but Kate Ellison created relatable people in all of her characters.  

You need more reasons to read the book?  The murder mystery is intense, or at least for someone who isn't really into the genre.  I felt very concerned for Lo and knew she was putting herself in danger.  I was never sure who to trust and was happy that my earliest guesses did not turn out to be correct.  My concern for Lo was more than just for her life, but for her mental well-being.  Lo's mental state added a lot to the book.  I honestly would not have enjoyed "The Butterfly Clues" nearly as much if Lo had just been your run of the mills, teenage outcast.

I do have one negative.  I feel like the end went too long.  I felt like the story wrapped up at one point, but then it kept going.  It didn't go on for so long it was annoying, I just didn't find it necessary.  

Final Wrap up: Great characters, interesting setting, drama, murder, and addictive.  Only a smidge of the unnecessary.  I enjoyed the narrator in the audio.

Review of "Exposed"

"Exposed"

by Kimberly Marcus

My Rating:

Pub. Date: February 22, 2011

Pages: 272

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Source: Borrowed From Library

Edition: E-book

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Liz is Photogirl—sharp, focused and confident in what she sees through her camera lens. Confident that she and Kate will be best friends forever.

But everything changes in one blurry night. Suddenly, Kate is avoiding her, and people are looking the other way when she passes in the halls. As the aftershocks from a startling accusation rip through Liz's world, everything she thought she knew about photography, family, friendship and herself shifts out of focus. What happens when the picture you see no longer makes sense? What do you do when you may lose everything you love most? Told in stunning, searingly raw free verse, Exposed is Kimberly Marcus's gut-wrenching, riveting debut and will appeal to fans of Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson and Virginia Euwer Wolff.

I picked up "Exposed" hearing great things, but, to be honest, not having high expectations.  I am presently surprised to say that it is a great book.  It is an extremely fast read.  I was reading it on my droid, which I tend not to read books solely on my phone, but it was such a fast read I flew through it only a couple of hours.

I've read a decent number of books written in verse, yet I foolishly didn't think "Exposed" would be able to tell a rape story in a fulfilling way; however, I was completely mistaken (and happy about it btw).  After reading this book I immediately had to tell my boyfriend (bless him for listening to me) about it.  I wish I could say I beautifully formulated a description that truly expressed the soul of the book, but I'm pretty sure I said something along the lines of "OMG!  THAT BOOK WAS RIDICULOUS!"  I was so pumped up that he thought I disliked the book and was shocked when I said I thought it was great!  I love when books get me so pumped up at the end that I have to blog about them immediately, jump out of bet, shout "OH SNAP!", talk to someone about it, or post something on Facebook- unless the book had a horrible ending that enraged me, but that should go without saying.

"Exposed" is able to tell a compelling story without using a lot of words.  Even though the book is technically about 272 pages, there is probably closer to 150 pages of actual writing.  I was so impressed with how emotionally invested I felt in the book in such a short amount of time.  Obviously I felt bad for Kate, but my heart ached for Liza.  She was stuck in an impossible position between everyone she loved in life.   This book truly shows how rape effects more than just the victim.   

"Exposed" is a great book, but I do warn that it is difficult to read.  Liza loses so much that I felt helpless while reading this book.  Even after I was finished I was shocked at how sad the story was.  I know the story is about rape and I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was at the end of the book, but I didn't expect a second hand account to be so depressing.  Foolish me!  This wasn't my favorite book of 2011, but it is one I highly recommend reading.  It is such a fast read you don't have anything to lose by trying it.  I really hope Kimberly Marcus continues to write.