Sonntag, 10. November 2013

The Summer I Found You - Jolene Perry

Title: The Summer I Found You
Author: Jolene Perry
Rating: 4 - 4.5/5

Thanks to Albert Whitman Teen via NetGallery for allowing me to read this book before the official publication.

Kate is disgnosed with diabetes type one and doesn't want to deal with it. Her life should be normal, though because of the disease it's anything but that. After meeting Aiden, who lost an arm, her own problem suddenly seems so small. Kate feels good that Aiden is treating her normal - he doesn't know she has diabetes. But as their relationships grows and grows, Kate knows she can't keep her disease a secret for much longer.

Honestly, I'm not the kind of human who likes this whole war thing and goverment sending people somewhere, knowing they can and probably will get killed there. And making someone proud (even yourself) doesn't mean you have to risk the chance to get killed. But whatever... It explains why I am also twisted and get mixed up feelings when I pick up a book that contains that (and The Summer I Found You is only the fourth book I think I read about the Army, etc.).

I loved this book with almost all my heart though. It had me right from the start. Sometimes that happens. You pick up a book and start to read it, not expecting anything and ta-dah - you love it. That's exactly what happened to me. I wanted to read, didn't know what book I should read and thought of the books I received via NetGallery. So, I just read The Summer I Found You.

Where other books would disappoint you - this book doesn't. Where other books would be cheesy - this book isn't. Where other books would try to make you cry but couldn't - this book does. This book definitely has it all: Funny parts, sad parts, dramatic parts, romance parts.

It kind of reminds me of "Stir Me Up" by Sabrina Elkins, but only because the guy there is also has a missing body part - his leg. This guy here, Aiden, has a missing arm. And though Jolene could have it left it at that - one person who is having trouble with life and health and all is enough - she didn't. And I am glad. Because she shows that Kate also has some issues and problems and I think that's what also hooked me. Not just one person has all that, but everyone has. And everyone is having a different way to get used to it or deal with it.

Sometimes, the things Kate said were kind of harsh. But that also showed me that Jolene Perry is perfectly able of writing different characters and give them meaning and a heart. Even without the names on top of the chapters you could have easily kept Kate and Aiden apart. And I love writings from both points of view if they are written well. That was the case here.

I don't know what else to say, I am still thinking about this book, though I finished it yesterday. It's in my favourites-shelf, no need to explain that, it just is. I loved Aiden and Kate and their conversations and most of all I think the way they met. This is a book for teenagers and yet the writing and the story is so much more than that. I can't even describe it. It's beautiful. All Jolene fans should read it and then some more!

Mafia Girl - Deborah Blumenthal

Title: Mafia Girl
Author: Deborah Blumenthal
Rating: 4/5

Thanks to Albert Whitman & Company via Netgallery for allowing me to read this book before the official publication.

Her whole school has a love/hate relationship with Gia. The reason is the business of her father: He is the boss of all bosses. When she meets Michael, a cop, she knows right away that there is something between the two of them. But can a "Mafia Girl" really fall for the opposite side? Also, can she prove that she is more than her name makes her?

I've been a fan of Deborah Blumenthal's work ever since I read "The Lifeguard", which is one of my all time favourite reads. I think that list got longer with "Mafia Girl" now.

While I read this, I always came to stops, but than I just took a glimpse of the next chapter and thought: "What will happen between her and Michael?" and I couldn't put it down for long. So, yes, it's safe to say - this romance or whatever you might call it, is probably one of my most favourite romances in books ever. I don't know why. But the scenes between them are fabulous. I was a bit afraid that Clive, one of Gia's best friends, would get in the way. I guess I am spoling right now, aren't I? Well, I'll just tell you, you can either be Team Michael or Team Clive. There are enough scenes that prove that Clive can be just as good for her. Probably even better - he wouldn't mess with Gia's head. But Gia also assumes Clive is gay, so he is out of the game.

I don't know why I didn't like the Vogue theme. I am not that much into fashion or into labels, maybe that's a reason. I still liked the scenes between Gia and her family though. In the back of your head you always know they are rich (*coughs* from not very legal money), but you don't really get the impression that they are selfish or snobs. They just try to be a good family. And also the sayings between Gia and her dad are just lovely. You actually find yourself feeling sorry for him, though you shouldn't. It's sad.

I would have liked to read more of Anthony. There are a couple of scenes with him, yeah, but you don't really get to see the real him, don't understand the way he is thinking or what he feels like. So, I really need a "Mafia Boy", Deborah :] Pretty, please?

I am giving this book four stars. I don't think Deborah is able to disappoint me, ever. Maybe I'm reading too much into it since this is the second book I read written by her, but yeah... I just loved it. It was really great and also the theme itself was so much different from all these typical Young Adult books. I'm glad I received it via NetGallery. Thanks again for that!