Monday, January 9, 2012

Mini Reviews: When You Reach Me, Reborn! vol. 4, Ashfall (Ashfall, #1), Sophie & Carter

Title: When You Reach Me
Author: Rebecca Stead
Pages: 208
Publication: July 14, 2009
Publisher: Yearling
Summary taken from goodreads:
This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner. 
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
4.5 STARS - I REALLY REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW:

Just, wow. I'm still in awe at Miranda's revelations at the end.

This is one of those books that you'll be re-reading just to catch all of the clues you missed the first time you read it.



Title: Reborn! Volume 4
Author: Akira Amano
Pages: 184
Publication: July 3, 2007
Publisher: Viz Media
Summary taken from goodreads:
It's a reunion—mafia style! Dino, the 10th-generation of the Chiavorone family, and Reborn's former student, brings his squad of goons to pay Tsuna a visit. The explosive little Lambo decides to liven things up a bit by tossing several grenades at the goons. Things quickly escalate as Dino springs into action in a battle of whips versus grenades!
3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW:

Lambo is an idiot. His stupidity is hilarious.



Title: Ashfall (Ashfall, #1)
Author: Mike Mullin
Pages: 466
Publication: October 11, 2011
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Summary taken from goodreads:
Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet. 
Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.
3.5 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW:

Being able to witness the slow degeneration of humanity is what makes this book -- and hopefully series -- so great.

It also makes you wonder how you would react in a situation like that. Would you willingly give away food and supplies to strangers when you've barely enough to survive yourself? Are you that kind? And how far are you willing to go in order to eat? In order to survive?

Can't wait for Ashen Winter!



Title: Sophie & Carter
Author: Chelsea Fine
Pages: 117
Publication: January 13, 2011
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc.
Summary taken from goodreads:
While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they'll sit together on Sophie's front porch swing and escape from their troubles, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, what lies ahead for Sophie and Carter?
3 STARS - I LIKED IT

MY REVIEW:

A sweet, short read.

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