Reading Rainbow: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Please don't hate me, but I'm about to recommend a book that isn't out yet. I know a lot of the book blogs do this, but when I'm looking for a book, I want it NOW, not in 3 months. The good news is that this book is available on April 26th, so I'm not making you wait too long. I wanted to rec it now because it may come up in one of our conversations on WhimFic soon. Oh, the book? You want me to actually get to the point? Bumped by Megan McCafferty.


From Goodreads:

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

Are you all on overkill with the dystopian novels yet? Okay, good. Here's the thing - the premise of this book is fascinating. The idea that fertility has become a commodity (more so than it is already) was something I hadn't thought of in these terms. And that the value is limited only to teenage girls (and boys) is also uniquely interesting. Throughout reading this book, I was surprised with how the market controlled young women, and their bodies. Again, fascinating. And scary. (But this book keeps it light, so don't worry about being depressed after reading.)

I will say that I found the slang (for lack of a better word) a bit over-the-top in this book. It makes more sense as you go along, but I kind of felt beaten over the head with the words humped and bumped (and more). So, be prepared for that so it doesn't turn you off in the beginning. My other issue was with the ending. I still feel like there were too many story-lines left unfinished, but perhaps that is just my taste. You all know I like things tied up pretty.

All that being said, I did like this book. Even more, I liked how it permeated my thoughts for weeks after reading. It's still coming up in conversations regularly (poor, poor Leigh). Definitely worth the read! If you do read Bumped, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Especially on the ending! Was it just me?

**A big, huge THANK YOU to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing us with an ARC of Bumped**

Waiting on... Friday?

Okay, I know it is supposed to be Waiting on Wednesday, but we posted Lazy Book Club on Wednesday this week, and I am very (VERY) excited about two books being released next week. So, I'm breaking the rules. I know, wild and crazy.

The first book that I am ridiculously excited about is a no-brainer, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare!


The idea of more Jace is almost as exciting as the video that was leaked this week! *Ahem* And, of course more of Cassandra Clare's amazing stories. She is truly a great storyteller and I can't wait to see what she has in store for Jace, Clary, Simon, and the rest of her characters. I'm sure I'll be staying up late on Monday night to download this one as soon as it is available on April 5th.

The second book I'm waiting for is Where She Went by Gayle Forman. If you all haven't read If I Stay, please go do so! It is definitely one of my favorite books. You can read my recommendation here.


Honestly, I had no idea that there would be a second book to If I Stay. It doesn't really need one, but I'm not complaining. I'm very curious to see how Gayle Forman will turn this into something worthy of following the first book. I have no doubts that it can be done, because her writing is beautiful and moving. I'm really looking forward to sinking into this book!

So there you have it. Now you all know what I'll be doing next week! April 5th is the release date for both of these books. What about you all? Are you anxiously awaiting either of these, or is another book causing you to count down the days until release?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Lazy Book Club: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Okay, so have you all read Delirium? I know a few of you have and I've loved your comments so far! I have to tell you - Leigh has not finished the book! She claims that it is too hard to read, which I can understand. Sometimes you have to be in the right mood for an intense dystopian book, and I think Delirium is definitely one of those.


I think the first thing I said when I started reading Delirium was "It's beautiful and very uncomfortable - a true sign of a great dystopian novel." It really is both of those things. I admit it, I'm not done with it. Not because I got bored but because it was so intense that I just couldn't immerse myself in that world right now. I have a lot of mom-stress right now and the lack of any real parental love in that society really struck me. I admit it, I'm weak. I will finish it someday, but until then, this LBC is all you brave souls. *smiles* Have fun!

***SPOILERS WILL FOLLOW!! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET READ DELIRIUM, PLEASE GO AND READ IT BEFORE READING THIS POST!***

Since some of you have left comments (thank you!), I'm going to start with your thoughts. Nikki mentioned the storyline of living without love, and how effectively it was written. It worked so well that it made her question, "how on earth I would live my life with no real emotion anymore." I think one of the interesting things about the book is that Lena is on the generational cusp of this new way of life. In the beginning she looks forward to the "cure," and, as Picksee pointed out, feels a certain comfort in it: "She didn’t like her situation necessarily, but she felt safe in it and looked forward to finally being really safe in the cure." That 'safety' is definitely something that jumped out at me as well. It was almost reassuring to me, in the beginning, that she would have the "cure."

A problem that I have with the cure, and I do believe it's an intentional problem on the author's part, is that it cannot be administered until age 18. If I think back to the point in my life when the "symptoms" of love affected me most, it was definitely in high school. Although I truly love my husband, it is a more mature love. When I was 16, I could fall in and out of "love" in a week, and the world could end if a relationship didn't work out. (Or so I thought...) I don't know if it was the same for you all, but I'm guessing it was or is.

Picksee also mentioned how the book made her think of freedom, "The whole idea of non-freedom sold as protection is so scary." I agree completely. And the idea that something within ourselves, a basic emotion that does indeed rule our lives, could be erased is truly frightening. The fact that The Powers that Be in Delirium can go beyond taking away rights and freedoms of what people do and extend that to what people feel is what makes this book so interesting. It really got to me when I thought of my love for my children. Trying to imagine raising them without the extreme, intense love I have for them is basically impossible.

Sophie mentioned the excerpts from the government propaganda that preceded each chapter. I also loved the way Lauren Oliver used this to give us as glimpse of how the "cure" was being sold as protection and freedom. It also made me think of the role of the Big, Bad, Evil Government in many dystopian novels. It's interesting how those in charge are most often the Villains in this genre, and Delirium is no exception to this rule. It was also mixed in with religion, as Picksee brought up. The same is true in The Handmaid's Tale, although in that book it was external freedoms that were taken away in the name of religion. Delirium, as I mentioned, takes it a step further by erasing a basic human emotion, and I think that makes it all the more powerful.

*sneaks back in to discuss before you touch on the ending I haven't read* I think there is a point in Delirium where Lauren Oliver does an excellent job of showing, physically, the emotional loss and emptiness that the current society experiences. It really struck me when Alex is taking Lena to his camp and they come upon the ruined neighborhood, complete with city streets and a rusted truck and a completely unharmed house. The house was physically untouched, "safe", but without a connection to other houses or to a society it had no purpose or value. It was a turning point for Lena to realize what her society was capable of in the name of "safety" but I felt like the house was representative of all the "cured" members. Because, without being connected by love and emotion, what purpose do they really serve? What meaning does their life have?

I knew you couldn't stay away, Leigh! And you jump in with such an amazing observation!

Now, of course, we must discuss the ending. *cue tragic soundtrack* Personally, I loved it. I honestly feel this book could stand alone and not be a series. I would have been okay with Alex dying to save Lena. Of course, now I want him to be alive and for her to find a way to save him and they live happily ever after with a Big Red Bow on top. But, I've read two of Lauren Oliver's books (this one and Before I Fall), and she does not seem one for the Big-Red-Bow type of ending. I will say, I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next for Lena and Alex, and hopefully Lena's mom.


Okay, so what about you all? What do you expect for Lena in the future? Even if you've commented already, I'd love to hear more!

And, just to give you something to look forward to - our next LBC book will be something fun! I promise! I'm going to pick a John Green book to make you all read (because I looooove him!), so if there is one in particular you've been wanting to read, send me an email or tweet. Basically, help me pick which one because I love them all!

Reading Rainbow: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

I feel a little silly recommending Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins. I am pretty sure you all knew that I would love this book. I mean, Leigh and I discussed Hex Hall (and our love for it) enough for you to know this. But, I got to thinking that perhaps you didn't know it had been released? Or perhaps you were thinking, "Oh, Demonglass is out. I will put that on my TBR." And to that I say, "No, no, no. Do not put it on your TBR. Get the book and read it right now." Sorry, sometimes I have to be bossy.


From Goodreads:

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

Honestly, this book could have been about nothing and I would have loved it. I thoroughly enjoy reading books by Rachel Hawkins - her writing style is just so much fun. I honestly laughed throughout Demonglass, even though it wasn't really a happy-go-lucky book. Sophie faces some serious situations, both personally, and involving her friends and family, but she does so with snark and sass. I kind of love her.

The great thing about Demonglass is that things do happen. Lots of things. Dangerous things. Exciting things. Kissy things. Dangerous and exciting kissy things. What? I don't want to give away the farm here, but I promise you some Archer and even some Cal - remember him? The quiet groundskeeper at Hex Hall? Yeah, Cal. *swoons a bit* And aside from the hot boys (with veritable swords this time!), there is Jenna , and I love her even more than I did after reading Hex Hall (and that was a whole bunch).

So, GO! You know you want a fun read with lots of action and kissing, right? Yes, you do. And please come back and tell me what you thought. Are you once again pining for the next installment of Hex Hall? Did the ending drive you insane? Do tell!

Reading Rainbow: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King

I have no idea why, but when I heard the book title Please Ignore Vera Dietz, I incorrectly assumed this was a book meant for a younger audience, say - middle grades. Clearly, I didn't look at the cover of the book, and obviously, I was completely wrong.

From Goodreads:

Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

Edgy and gripping, Please Ignore Vera Dietz is an unforgettable novel: smart, funny, dramatic, and always surprising.

Okay, truth be told? I'm not always in the mood for supernatural, paranormal teen romances. Sometimes I want a book that is just about life and how to deal. One that will make me laugh, and even better, make me think. I was in that kind of mood when I decided to read Vera Dietz, and you can blame John Green because he does this to me. I was coming off a John Green bender when I picked up this book, and I am so happy to say that it was perfect - exactly what I was in the mood for. Thank you, A. S. King.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is funny, but mostly a dark funny. And really? I adore dark humor when it's done well. Leigh may call me a cheerleader (no, never in real life), but I do have a dark side (much like Darth Vader, duh). The humor was weaved in with sadness and heartache, and it was perfectly matched to the entire feel of the book.

I love a good story about personal growth, and Vera Dietz is that and so much more. It's not only the story of Vera and her journey, but of her best friend Charlie, and of her father. The ending wasn't all happy with bows on top (nothing in the book was like that), but it was redeeming and made me want to cheer a little. (Okay, maybe I do have a cheerleader side.)

So, if you're in the mood for some real-life, and a lot of dark humor, definitely pick up Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I know I'm happy I finally got past the title and checked it out.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Both Leigh and I are very excited about the impending release of The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell. (The release date is March 7th!) We've both been lucky enough to read this book, and we loved it!





From Goodreads:

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
You should probably scroll back up and look at that book cover again. It is gorgeous! And the book is as well.

It is! Without being overly wordy, Mitchell describes the surroundings and the time in way that makes it seem real and natural. I have never curled my hair using an iron heated in a fire, but I could imagine doing it as I read the scenes.




I agree completely. I feel that way about the descriptions of Amelia and her friendships. I loved reading the interactions between the young women in her circle of friends, especially when they were practicing archery. Those scenes stood out to me, and were perhaps my favorites.

Another thing that stood out to me in this book was how the small element of magic was worked into the story. Truly, it was the way the 'magic' of Amelia's prophecies swirled around and into these friendships that was most intriguing to me.

Not to mention the 'magic' of Nathaniel. *swoons* I love the darkness and drama that surrounds him. As the reader, you know society and convention say Amelia shouldn't get involved with him, but oh how you want her to. I don't want to spoil anything, so go out and read The Vespertine so you can feel the magic yourself! You won't be disappointed.


Ah, yes, Nathaniel. And? He's an artist, and we all know artists are hot. *wink*

So, get your pre-order on and enjoy The Vespertine for yourself!




Follow Saundra Mitchell on Twitter here and visit her website here.


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine (And we know WoW is normally reserved for books we haven't read, but we're breaking the rules a little bit.)

**Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing us with an ARC of The Vespertine!**

Reading Rainbow: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

I started Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton knowing nothing about the book, other than the fact that it featured a Chick Who Can Kick Our Ass. You all know I love great heroines, so I was excited to read.

From Goodreads:

This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

The thing I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that Ellie didn't start out as an ass-kicking heroine. In fact, she started out as a spoiled girl who seemed only concerned with her car, clothes, and partying. But, that was what made her transformation all the more interesting and exciting. I have to admit, I questioned the fact that Ellie continued to party even after she learned that she was an ancient being meant to fight evil. But, I suppose most teenage girls would want to hold onto her friends, and especially what is familiar, when faced with the prospect that she is responsible for ridding the world of evil.

Also interesting and exciting in Angelfire? Will. He's the perfect balance to Ellie and the chemistry between the two characters is fun to watch. Their sparring matches, as Will teaches Ellie how to use and control her powers, were great and reminded me a bit of Katsa and Po from Graceling. (Although in a much, much different story.)

So, if you're looking for an exciting start to a series, pick up Angelfire. And, as always, come back and let me know what you think!

**A big, huge THANK YOU to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing us with an ARC of Angelfire **