Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Samantha was an iconic it girl. Everyone loved her, everyone feared her, everyone wanted to be her. But she loses it all when she and her best friend Cassie go missing for several days and Samantha returns without a single memory. Now, Sam flounders through her once elite life style, struggling to find a place to belong amidst the rivalries and fake smiles. With a second chance to change her life, Sam must define who are her true friends, and who's just aiming for a shot in the limelight. As if dealing with the drama wasn't enough, horrific flashbacks to the nights she was missing forces Sam to remember, Cassie is still missing, and her buried memories could be the only thing keeping Sam safe.
I really enjoyed this book, the themes of friendship and romance were enjoyable additions without dominating the plot. The novel wasn't all goreish with murder like I suspected, so it was a considerably fun read. Don't Look Back was more of a mystery than a dark, horror book, and it's the kind where the killer has reasons and such, not just being an enraged psychopath. I didn't even suspect who the killer was, although I wouldn't deem the ending to be a shocking twist. The novel wasn't like a roller coaster of emotions, it neatly followed the typical arc of a mystery novel without being boring. Armentrout also wraps up her book very nicely and straightforward. Many authors attempt to quickly wrap up the falling action part of the plotline but it ends up rather rushed and messy. Armentrout manages to finish cleanly without leaving readers feeling cut off, which I greatly appreciated.
I'd strongly recommend this to people who enjoyed mysteries at a young age and which to continue reading similar books even as a young adult. I rate the book 8.5/10
~Mushu

The End or Something Like That by Ann Dee Ellis

Compelling. Raw. Powerful. These are the words which came to mind as I was reading The End or Something Like That. Emmy considers herself a loser: plain, insecure, and nothing when standing beside her gorgeous best friend Kim. It sounds like a cliche teenage novel right? Unpopular girl secretly jealous of her perfect bestie who forever steals the spotlight. Except this isn't a stereotypical book. And Kim is dead. This is the novel of one teenage girl, trying to strive past her inner struggles as Emmy tries and tries again to communicate with Kim's spirit. Because Kim promised, she carefully spent her last days planning to return and make everything right.
Ellis uses the word "said" a lot, which I didn't appreciate very much, but the awkward, informal writing gives a unique aspect to the book. You can strongly feel Emmy's voice coming through and her emotions are straightforward. There are no intricate descriptions or wordy dialogues to blur anything out. Everything is right there. Her grief is so real as the book jumps back between the past and the present. Emmy goes through much more than just crying in her closet regretting everything (although this does happen). Ellis manages to skillfully portray the very real emotions that go through the mind of a young girl- and she doesn't take the worn path to do so.

My biggest problem would have to be the ending. Despite masterfully developing the story and Emmy's character, Ellis wraps everything up with extreme speed- which is simply messy.There was so much room to create a moving ending, but she just drops it. Excuse my SPOILER!! here because I think this is very important to mention: In the final scene, Emmy goes to Kim's favorite place, really hoping that this time she will actually appear (Also, is this fantasy or not? There are spirits, but not really? I CAN'T TELL?) and she has her family and friends supporting her. Instead, she sees the boy that she's kind of starting to have a crush on. He's been waiting for her all day. He kisses her in the rain. Emmy can't believe a girl like her actually has someone who likes her this way. They hold hands and go back together. She's very happy and she's finally over all that grief that's been pulling her around this entire book. Kim is probably watching from somewhere and is happy for her. The-End. It's almost as if Ellis is saying a girl needs a boy to pull her out of the darkness. As if having a boyfriend makes a girl complete and fixes all her problems.
I'm very torn by this book. I really grew to love it until I reached such a disappointing end. I can't help but wonder if Ellis had something more planned but forgot and just cut it off there thinking "this is good enough." I'm seriously at a loss. What's the message of this book supposed to be?
For the perspective of one wonderful character and the raw story told, I think it is still worth reading.
Tell me in the comments what you think. Do you agree?
~Mushu

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Being an avid coffee drinker, I was immediately drawn to this particular novel. Coffeehouse Angel is about Katrina, the granddaughter of an elderly woman full of energy and owner of a coffeehouse. Although it takes up most of her time, Katrina never really minded working at the old fashioned cafe until another place opens right next door, the trendy Java Heaven. If stealing all their customers, beside a few dedicated old men, wasn't enough, the daughter of Java Heaven's owner steals Katrina's best friend too. In serious lack of confidence in herself and the cafe, Katrina's problems continue to pile up. Little did she know leaving pastries and a cup of coffee for a stranger in her alleyway would blossom a new relationship and grant her true heart's desire.
I thought Coffeehouse Angel was an adorable, sweet book and I definitely enjoyed reading it. It's not a difficult read that would require analysis or make you think- it's really just something you pick up for fun. The build up of romance between the characters was a little fast, but it still keeps a genuine feeling, so this doesn't interfere with the story. My biggest complaint would just be in some of the smaller details, however these small details that bug me aren't big enough to necessarily bother someone else and they don't get in the way of the story.
I'd recommend this book to people who like simple romances, and are going through a tough time in their high school life.
I'd rate this book an 8/10
~Mushu

Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima

This is the story of one poor boy who falls in love with the daughter of the richest man in the village. Shinji and Hatsue have an instant connection and decide to continue meeting in secret to prevent attracting the attention of nosy villagers. When rumors of their relationship is revealed, however, gossipy neighbors and one strict father may end their love story before it even starts.
Personally, I didn't find this book very appealing and didn't connect with it at all. There was nothing in particular that made the story unique from every other cliché romance. Of course, this book has received lots of praise, which I'm guessing is because of Mishima's excellency in describing setting and providing insight on Japanese culture. Even with this, I found the writing to be a little bland, the dialogue was stiff and there wasn't much character development.
This book is often assigned in school, and I suggest if you have a choice in which novel you read, don't pick this one. I would only recommend this to someone who wants a simple book to get over with in class. There is definitely some symbolism and deeper meanings to analyze, but the story is just really mediocre. Not to mention, there is quite of bit of thinly veiled sexism behind the author's writing.
I'd rate this book 4.5/10
~Mushu

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

For those of you who have read, The Book Thief, you're probably already familiar with Markus Zusak. I haven't read it myself, but after reading this novel, any book by Zusak has definitely made my list.
I am the Messenger is the story of Ed, a simple underage taxi driver with a simple life. However, the day he unintentionally stops a bank robbery, his life begins to take a new course. He receives the first ace in the mail. The aces lead Ed around town, helping strangers and changing their lives. But who's sending Ed on these missions? ...And why would they choose him?
This book was intricate, complex, and beautifully put together. I didn't even slightly expect the ending, and I wasn't at all disappointed. The missions Ed undergoes will touch or break your heart. It's very much a "feel good" sort of book.
I want to say there was some magic realism in play, but I'm not sure if that's the right phrase. The entire novel is mostly realistic fiction, but the ending is mind-blowing and (probably?) not possible. I love that I am the Messenger makes you really think.
I'd suggest this book to anyone, unless you are looking for a simpler read because this book is anything but. It also may be best suited for more mature audiences.
I'd rate this book a 10/10
~Mushu

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

 The Kite Runner is the story of a young Pashtun boy living in Afghanistan. Amir lives a good life with his best friend and Hazara servant, Hassan. Despite facing minor hardships such as bullies and aching for his father's attention, everything starts out peaceful. However, one horrible even changes Amir's life forever and a new guilt rests upon his shoulders. Kite Runner is the story of truth, family, and Amir's path to seeking redemption. As the story progresses, the events with the war in Afghanistan and the Taliban occur as well.

I thought this book was very well written with a captivating plot. There were also many meaningful topics and symbols addressed throughout. The ending could be seen as cliché or predictable, but I thought it was fine- and it's only the end after all. My only protest is that I found the main character to be absolutely despicable. He does one terrible thing after another and his personality certainly isn't admirable. But things get better and of course, if Amir didn't act the way he did, The Kite Runner would have a very different plot.

I'd suggest this book to anyone who has an interest in learning more about Afghanistan during this time period- the book goes from about 1975 to 2001.

I'll rate the book 8/10

~Mushu

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

 I will admit it. I have a major obsession for dark, morbid stories. But this really is such a good book.

Jasper Dent, aka Jazz, is the son of the notorious serial killer Billy Dent. Ever since the passing of his mother which he struggles to remember, Jazz has been raised in the way Dear old Dad thought was best- how to murder people. Because of his upbringing, Jazz is conflicted between his sociopathic instincts and his humanity. When dead bodies start piling up, each mimicking the styles of Billy Dent's past kills, people obviously point fingers at Jazz. But how can Jazz even begin to defend himself, when he isn't even sure if he's all that innocent? By tracking down that killer, of course.

I absolutely adored this book. It's very unique and dives deep into the way a sociopath (probably) thinks. There's incredible detail on every single thing. Unfortunately that  increases just how bad this would be for a squeamish person. But if you like gore then by all means. The ending was pretty good, with a haunting openness to it, but I personally found what happened in the last chapter (not the epilogue) a bit strange for a last chapter. Otherwise I loved it.

 

I'd rate the book a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Who Done It? by Jon Scieszka

 Who Done It is a collection of shorts written by several well-known authors. They're all testimonies proving their innocence (or not) involving the murder of the infamous editor, Herman Q. Mildew.

This book itself is a really fun concept and it was quite enjoyable to see all the different ways the authors wrote out their story. It makes me wonder how the whole thing was pulled together so nicely. I especially liked what was written by the authors I knew, and some were indeed very creative. As if that wasn't great enough, there was even a twist at the end.

I highly suggest this book because of how clever it was. Not to mention that I'm willing to bet at least one of your favorite authors wrote a chapter in it.

I rate the book a 8/10

~Mushu

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

 A Monster Calls is the picture book describing one boy's struggle to cope with his life as his mother is slowly dying from cancer. Conor's in denial about how he truly feels, resulting in a monster continually visiting to remind him, manipulating him to lash out. Unexpectedly, no one becomes upset with Conor no matter what a mess he makes. His nightmares with the monster become more frequent and real until Conor will finally come to terms with his emotions.

I think this is one of the most depressing books I've ever read. Some books are sad but they still leave you with a wistful, warm feeling. A Monster Calls, however, is simply heart-breaking. I read somewhere that this is apparently a children's book but... I doubt that. The pictures are graphic yet beautiful, but could definitely terrify a young child. There's also a lot of symbolism and sad concepts.

I highly recommend this book, especially people going through their own battles- internal or external.

I rate the book 10/10

~Mushu

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

This is the second in the Ada's House series. The first is The Hope of Refuge. This was also a really good book and I totally recommend it.

Gray Graber lives with his wife and son but his wife has been shutting out. Gray doesn't understand when or why the sudden change in his wife's attitude toward him occurred but they've been pulling apart ever since. Something has to be done about it. Gray and Elsie, his wife, start to work toward a better relationship, tragedy strikes. Lena Kauffman is the local school teacher. All her life she's been ashamed of her birthmark on her cheek and has had to take all the looks for it. She believes that no one will ever want to marry her and the only thing she can do is teach, which is something that she loves dearly. One of her students starts to play tricks on her in an attempt to get her fired or... worse. Gray and Lena have been friends since childhood and they have to find ways to work through their misfortunes, maybe even together.

I have to say that I liked this book but not as  much as the first. I really liked the characters and the relationship in the first book and I wasn't expecting this book to bring in a whole new batch of characters. For those of you who have read the first book, Cara and Ephraim aren't totally gone but the spotlight is less on them and more on the new characters.

I recommend reading the first book in the series because it was fantastic and if you've read that then you should read this one but I don't think you should skip the first book because it has all the best characters.

I rate this book a 8.5/10 because it wasn't as good as the first book but the writing was still great and I liked the ending.

-Flounder

Escape Theory by Margaux Froley

Escape Theory is the psychological thriller starring students coping with the suicide of the popular and charismatic Hutch. Devon, an outsider in her prestigious boarding school, Keaton, acts as a therapist for all of Hutch's friends while struggling to control her own feelings. As Devon speaks to more of the students she discovers that something doesn't add up. There was no way Hutch would have killed himself. Devon take it upon herself to find the truth about Hutch's life, which could lead to the end of her own.
I actually became really attached to this book and it really broke my heart. The story of Hutch and Devon's relationship is very sweet; I could feel the same pain the character's went through. I also loved the psychological side to novel; it really gets into your mind and makes you think. It also addresses many things other people (especially teenagers) could relate to.
I suggest this book to anyone, although I should warn you that it's very depressing.
I rate it a 10/10 Please consider reading this book!
~Mushu