Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Several words come to mind when I think of Jay Asher's debut novel, Thirteen Reasons Why: Haunting. Powerful. Breathtaking. Chilling. Moving.

If you have yet to read TRW for yourself, I suggest you do so immediately.

In Thirteen Reasons Why, you follow Clay through the worst night of his life after discovering a package on his porch. Inside are seven tapes that contain thirteen stories -- thirteen reasons -- that he will never forget. Especially since Hannah Baker, his recently deceased crush, is the one telling these stories.

Armed with the tapes, a Walkman, and a map, Clay journies through the town, discovering just why Hannah Baker commited suicide.

This book grips onto you and does not believe in letting go. I know there were several instances in which I forgot I was reading and became so drawn in it was as though I was living it out.

I can promise you -- you'll be begging to know the Thirteen Reasons Why once you start reading it.

~Angel


{Alesha's Thoughts:}
Thirteen Reasons Why is an amazing book. I was hooked from the very first page and could not put it down. It's such a sad yet thrilling book that keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. Asher does and amazing job telling the story of a devastated young boy on a quest to find out why.

Don't miss his next book, The Future of Us, which is equally good and about the first sightings of Facebook! Look for the review soon :)


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Review: Monster's Proof by Richard Lewis

Livey Ell is the only normal person in a family of geniuses. She's a cheerleader with an absentminded professor father and a math genius of a little brother, and she's sure that life couldn't get any weirder than it already is.
But when her little brother, Darby, brings his childhood imaginary friend Bob to life through a mathematical proof, things start to get really strange. Bob, a creature of pure math, hates chaos and disorder in any form. And as his power grows stronger, he becomes determined to fix our disorderly world in any way possible.
But that's not the only danger. People know that Bob is in our world -- including a top-secret government organization that wants to control him, and a cult of Pythagoreans who worship him.
Now Livey and Darby will need all the help they can get to stop him -- before the world as we know it is changed forever.
Monster's Proof is a horror novel that brings together pure mathematics with adventure, humor, romance, and some of the most original characters you'll ever meet.

What can I say about this book -- other than it is intelligent, beautifully written, and very original.

Being a horrid math student myself, the concept of Algebra itself sometimes seems like a horror novel to me all in itself. Now, Richard Lewis has made my worst mathematical fears into a novel.

I’m quite pleased with the wonderful flow of MONSTER’S PROOF. Every time I sat down with MONSTER’S PROOF, I was sucked in, sitting and easily reading a ton of pages -- really, two nights of solid reading is all it took. It is so absolutely fascinating!

MONSTER’S PROOF is an exciting book in YA horror that has emerged as a formidable novel foe.

Check it out!

~Angel

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Review: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

 Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She's not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book--an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family--and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Let me tell you something right now -- if you have yet to read this book, or haven't even heard of it -- you're missing out on something spectacular. And by the end of this review, you'll be dying to get your hands on a copy.

Bertie, the lead role in Eyes Like Stars, is quite the character. I always love a book with strong main characters that you just have to fall in love with, and Bertie is just such a character. She's different, and flawed. Most everything she does seems to backfire somehow. Teamed with her ever present (and mischievous) comrades -- the fairies Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed -- she usually gets into trouble.

There are others that add to the delightfully diverse cast. One of my favorites was Nate, a pirate from The Little Mermaid. Or Ariel, an airy spirit from The Tempest. You admire Nate and how he treats Bertie. And Ariel -- well, he is just one of the most memorable characters ever.

The Théâtre Illuminata, Book One: Eyes Like Stars is a book for everyone -- young or old; actors or readers; lovers or fighters. I highly reccomend you purchase Eyes Like Stars now. You'll be begging for the sequel, just as I am now.

~Angel

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Review: A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: For the first time in 130 years, human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen--terrified, but intrigued--is drawn to him. The fact that he is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as the lovers struggle to find a way to be together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.

This is one of my all time favorite books. Ever. I actually read A Certain Slant of Light a while back and can say honestly -- it completely blows Twilight out of the water. In my eyes, this should be a HUGE bestseller, as well as it's author -- the delightful and talented Laura Whitcomb.

In A Certain Slant of Light, you see through the eyes of a ghost that cannot move on -- Helen. You see the life of the dead in a beautifully written masterpiece. And life as a ghost is an unseen life, until, after 130 years of being invisible, human eyes finally see Helen as she drifts around in an English class. Though this frightens Helen a bit, she still feels drawn to the young man that sees her.

This haunting novel will make you feel like it's all real. And with such a powerful ending... well, you'll just have to see.

~Angel

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Review: Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

[Info:]

{Title:} BLUE MOON (The Immortals, Book 2)

{By:} Alyson Noel

{Publisher:} St. Martin's Griffin

{Release Date:} July 7, 2009

{Pages:} 304

[Description:]

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever’s powers are increasing, Damen’s are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen’s past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

[Thoughts:]

I fell in love with Evermore and couldn't wait to immediately dive into the pages of BLUE MOON. But, as I always am with series books -- I was also weary. Sometimes sequels don't live up to my expectations.

However, BLUE MOON not only met but surpassed what I expected of it. My favorite characters stayed true to their natures (well, except for a twist I don't wanna reveal.) Even the not-so-important-but-still-memorable Miles and Haven. And speaking of characters -- after the exit of the Big Bad from the series in Evermore, there of course needed to be a new, even more powerful character to draw our intrigue. Enter Roman, gorgeous bad boy with an accent. There's something about Roman that Ever doesn't trust. But she can't see the tattoo of the Rogue Immortals on him, so she can't figure out exactly what it is about him.

But even then, when Ever's life begins to turn upside down, she knows that somehow Roman is behind it.

Personally, I adore Roman and think he really adds to the series as a character -- good, bad, mediocre. Whatever. He's made an impression. I love the interaction between him and other characters -- especially Ever.

And once Ever learns who Roman REALLY is... things only get more interesting.

I love that Ever must stand mostly on her on in this. A HUGE pet peeve of mine is when a good strong main character abandons the strength they used to have solo only because they're with someone. I also adore even more art history references, making me a happy girl. =]

So, all in all, Blue Moon stands true to the series and makes me love it even more. If you're a fan of Evermore -- fear not, the sequel doesn't disappoint.

~Angel

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Review: EVERMORE by Alyson Noel

[Info:]


{Title:} EVERMORE (The Immortals, Book One)


{By:} Alyson Noel


{Publisher:} St. Martin's Griffin


{Release Date:} February 3rd, 2009


{Pages:} 320


[Description:]

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.
Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

[Thoughts:]

I was a little unsure about the first book in the Immortals series by Alyson Noel entitled EVERMORE. I heard a mixture of things about it -- I heard it was INCREDIBLE, and hard to put down. And then I also caught word it was a "rip off" of Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT. That bit of news particularly bothered me, since I'm definitely NOT a fan of Ms. Meyer or her work, especially after I met her in person some time after New Moon came out and found she was VERY disrespectful to her fans. But ANYWAY, back to EVERMORE. I decided to get it over with, moved it up on my To Be Read pile, and purchased each installment as they came out.

And I am SO glad that I did!

EVERMORE is a unique take on life, weaving fantasy and reality beautifully by integrating aspects of various religions/spirituality/beliefs/customs/etc. with history and the modern day. There isn't some insane suspension of disbelief, which a a bit refreshing for a more supernaturally themed novel. Don't get me wrong, I love my crazy out there books too, but this particular book really entertained me with how easily she made it all flow together.

Alyson Noel gives a great cast of characters to go along with the already intriguing storyline. Each are memorable and unique, from the curious Ever with her psychic abilities, to the dashing and mysterious Damen, and especially Ever's best friends -- two misfits, Miles and Haven. Not to mention, Ever's lovable (and dead) little sister Riley.

Another thing I personally enjoyed in this series in general has been the art history references. I don't recall if they are AS prominent in EVERMORE, but I know it definitely is in BLUE MOON, SHADOWLAND, and DARK FLAME. And, seeing as I'm an Art Major in college, one that really loves her Art History courses, I love reading the references and know exactly the artist or piece being referred to. I feel like earing an A in History of Art I and II is paying off in my everyday life.

EVERMORE is the sort of book I enjoy reading -- the kind that stands out from everything else out there -- no matter what some people may think. EVERMORE is the sort of book that delights me in the fact that once I think I have everything all figured out, I end up being proven completely wrong and left speechless.

So, head out and pick up Alyson Noel's EVERMORE. You won't regret it.
And stay tuned for my reviews of the rest of the books in the IMMORTALS series.


~Angel

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Review: Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

[Info:]

{Title} Prophecy of the Sisters
{By} Michelle Zink
{Publisher} Little, Brown Young Readers
{Release Date} August 1, 2009
{Pages} 352

[Description:]An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.


[Angel's Thought's:]

NOTE: Another older review deserving a repost, because this book is awesome.

The first thing you notice when you begin reading Prophecy of the Sisters is just how beautifully it’s written. Michelle Zink has captured the story, setting, and characters all within this gorgeous and lyrical prose that draws you in from cover to cover. This is really one of those books I LOVE, because once you think you know what’s going to happen -- everything gets flipped around and keeps you guessing.

I’ve been wanting to read this book for some time, and was unspeakably excited when my ARC arrived in the mail. At first, I read only a chapter a night when I could, partially because of college limiting my reading time, and partially because it was just so good, I wanted to take my time and not rush through. But this became an impossible task after some time, because I simply HAD to know what was going to happen next.

So, I started to take the book with me to class. I’d read in between classes, before classes, and every night. Finally, I just ignored everything else one night and finished it. And OH MY GOD -- it was stunning!

Michelle Zink blends romance and mystery, sorrow and adventure, into an exquisite gothic novel that will chill you even after the final pages. It’s no surprise that I went and bought the hardback edition, because of it’s fantastic cover and because it’s one of those books that I have just fallen in love with. I’m ecstatic there will be more!

I highly recommend you go buy, read, and reread Prophecy of the Sisters ASAP!

~Angel

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Review: HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler

[Info:]

{Title:} HUNGER (Riders of the Apocalypse, Book One)
{By:} Jackie Morse Kessler
{Publisher:} Harcourt Graphia
{Release Date:} October 18, 2010
{Pages:} 180

[Description:]
Lisabeth Lewis is seventeen, anorexic...
and the new Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.


[Thoughts:]


When I heard the concept of HUNGER, as well as who was writing it, I was incredibly excited. Jackie has a brilliant gift, and her premise was just the sort of story I've been waiting for. It took me damn near forever to get ahold of a copy of HUNGER (right after it's sequel, RAGE, debuted), but I finally picked up both books whenever my local Walmart started carrying them.


So, was it well worth the wait?

Did it meet my already high expectations?
No, it didn't meet them... it exceeded those expectations.

HUNGER is a painfully real look at a very hard to swallow (excuse the pun) issue -- and I don't mean the Apocalypse. Lisabeth Lewis struggles with her Thin voice, an ever present reminder of how she isn't thin enough, forcing her to obsess over calories, exercise way too much, and eventually attempt an overdose to rid her of her wretched life.

That is, until salvation comes in the form of Death, who bears no only a striking resemblance to a beloved dead rockstar, but also a scale -- the sign of office for the horsemen, Famine, the Black rider of the Apocalypse.

Lisa denies she has a problem for quite some time, as most girls do. But as she sets off into the night to do her job as Famine, she sees what real hunger is. To make any difference as Famine, Lisa must realize what she's doing to herself as well.

HUNGER is the sort of book the world needs right now, and it should be gracing the shelves of every library and every bookstore -- not sparkly Mormon propaganda.

It's a smart way of showing the real life horror in eating disorders, without sounding preachy or making it seem "cool". HUNGER shows girls struggling with self image that they aren't alone, while also opening their eyes to just how difficult it is in other places, and that the food they waste is food that could save some child somewhere else. I see HUNGER helping at least some girls to get help. And even if it changes only one life, then that's a damn good step in the right direction.

So, find HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler and buy it now. Stay tuned for my review of the sequel, RAGE, about War, as well as the next two books - LOSS and BREATH!

~Angel

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Interview: Brooke Cumberland

A Thousand Lives Reviews gives you our very first Author Interview!

This week's author is Brooke Cumberland, author of The Riverside Trilogy.

Taken by Brooke Cumberland

What made you want to be an author?

I wouldn't say anything in particular made me want to be an author, I've always enjoyed writing. Doing college papers were always my favorite - weird I know, but it was just something about putting my thoughts on paper that intrigued me. After reading several New Adult books over Christmas break last year, I decided to put my characters into a story. I found a website where people posted short stories for fun and started writing Kitchen Affairs in there. It had a great response, so I decided to finish the story and started looking into publishing. 

Who has inspired you the most?

An author that has inspired me is the wonderful and talented, Colleen Hoover. Just hearing her story, knowing a little about her background inspires me to keep going and that dreams can happen. My readers always inspire me. I never thought people would want to read my work, it still blows my mind. And my family - my husband, my children, and my dad (who calls me every day and asks how far I am into my next WIP). 

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

I remember writing short stories and song lyrics as young as 15. Perhaps sooner, but one of my first "loves" - more like lust, inspired me to write song lyrics. I used to have a small notebook with pages and pages of lyrics. And then I wrote a story and even printed it out. Ironically, I still have it and have yet to read through it - it's on my very long to-do list. I write from pure raw emotion - it gets the best words out of me. 

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?

Honestly, I am so humble, it's weird hearing people call me an "author." I think what's changed the most is the amount of time I spend writing and networking with readers and bloggers. I absolutely love it! I was stunned when I was asked to be apart of a signing next year. It blows my mind, but I'm so honored and feel blessed to have the readers/bloggers/fans in my life during this journey!

What sparked the idea for The Riverside Trilogy? 

My husband and me met in a restaurant - that is where the main idea came from. He was my general manager and I was the cook. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and that is where Stella came from. Although Stella is older, I wanted my heroine character to have a child because I don't see it in many other romance/new adult books. I wanted to portray a love/connection where single parents can still find love and be accepted even as single parents. My husband has 2 kids and so I know firsthand what it's like to be a stepmom and how it feels to go into a relationship that has "baggage" or higher priorities. 

You studied psychology, counseling and education in college. How do you think this has helped you as an author? 

I think it's the main reason I am here writing today! I love writing - but with so much work in college, I didn't have time to write for pleasure. I have learned writing techniques, time management, and how to be thorough in my writing. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I think college and grad school have shaped me as the writer I feel I am today.

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

Meeting you all!! The readers, bloggers, fans, everyone!! It's seriously the best part. I love meeting new people, but with my lifestyle in my real life, it's very hard to stay in contact with friends. We all have families and jobs that keep us busy, so I seriously feel like you are all family to me. I don't know them personally, but I feel so close to all of you. 

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

Yes, I have 2 stand alone novels coming this year! Spark releases very soon - August 6 about a sexy firefighter, Eric, who meets Velaney as he's saving her from a burning apartment building. This is very different from the Riverside novels, and I'm enjoying finishing it up! Wonderstruck, comes out in October. It's also very different from the Riverside novels, but it deals with a lot of issues that makes or breaks a person. I'm excited to bring these 2 to my readers! And then of course, Kitchen Promises releases in December - the final book in the trilogy.

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

I have so much, where to begin... Well, first off, networking. Something I didn't do until very late in the game. I wrote Kitchen Affairs first then I created an author page. I was so naive and new that I didn't do things the way I am doing them now. But, this whole process is a learning experience, and I'm a fast learner, so I use those opportunities to learn and develop for my future projects. Also - you need to have a thick skin and I say this because you will be criticized - it's inevitable. What you say, what you write, what you post - is all public. I try to remain to myself about major issues because they are my opinions and I don't feel the need to share them with the world. If something is bothering me, I say it in the nicest way possible. 

Be prepared for piracy. It happens. Honestly, I don't even care anymore. I know it happens, it sucks, but I move on from it. If someone is that desperate to steal my work and give people free downloads, they truly are missing out on life. So I say, whatever. 

Write for YOU. No one else. Writing is artistic, full of expression. Don't worry if people will like it or hate it. 

Research. Yes, I said research. Research the best way for you to publish. There are many options. Research editors, cover designers, and other authors. Get in the "know." 

Be willing to support other authors - yes you are trying to become an author yourself, but it's not a one person game. Work together - be a team. I help anyone who asks - if I can that is. It's a scary and crazy journey becoming a self-published author, so direct others on how to get there. 

Have fun. The moment you stop enjoying being a writer, stop. Writing should be able expressing your creativity. If it becomes a chore, it no longer becomes a passion.

Thanks so much, Brooke for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow Brooke on one of her many outlets! You can also buy her books through the links below!

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

BlogSpot

Twitter

Kitchen Affairs: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kitchen Scandals:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Interview: Stephanie Kuehnert

Photo by Chad McGavock

NOTE: This is an interview I did quite a while back, before BALLADS came out in stores! But, I still found it interesting and thought it was worth a repost. Hope you enjoy and check out her books!

 

Can you tell us some about your earlier days with writing?

 

Well, I've been writing seriously since high school. In high school, I focused more writing 'zines. I wrote a series of feminist zines and then three per-zines (or personal zines), which contained personal essays, mostly about the things I was going through at the time, getting through the pain from an abusive relationship and trying to help drug-addicted friends. Those were some pretty painful years. After high school I wrote a bunch of short stories... if you can call them that. They were really more prose poems. I desperately needed feedback to help me find my voice and the direction of my work and I finally got that when I was 21 and started attended the Fiction Writing program at Columbia College Chicago. Being around other writers really inspired me and I started writing furiously and getting feedback that helped me shape my stories into something. That early work would lead to my first and second novels.

What sparked your inspiration for I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE?

I've loved punk rock since junior high and have been particularly inspired by female punk musicians. I wanted to be one, but I don't have that kind of talent, so I created Emily because I wanted to live vicariously through her. I also would love to live in a world where a female-fronted band is the biggest thing out there, so I created that world in a novel. It's a tribute to all the female musicians I've loved.

Has your life changed considerably now that you're a published author?

Nah, not really except for that now I get fanmail which is awesome and makes me happier than I can tell you. I did quit my full-time job, but that's not because writing is paying the bills. I'm back to the part-time job I had in grad school, bartending. It gives me more time to write and I'm taking a gamble, hoping it will pay off and I don't regret giving up benefits and retirement and all of that!

What is one of the most unusual events that has occurred since IWBYJR debuted? Any bizzare signings?

I did have a kind of bizarre event recently. A reading where my audience was two librarians and a teenage girl (those are the people I'd expect) and then a younger boy and two older men. Like the boy was probably in 6th or 7th grade which is too young for my book and one of the older men was probably in his 70s or 80s. He asked me to define punk rock. He also asked why my hair didn't match my shoes (my bangs and converse sneakers are both pink, but different shades). I still had fun though. I had to choose a new section to read at the last minute because of the age of the boy, but both of the older men bought the book. I don't think the one who asked me about punk rock will read it, but I think the other might! On the other hand, this Sunday I am reading a major rock club in Chicago with Irvine Welsh, the legendary author of Trainspotting. It's going to be a much different audience and *gulp* way bigger... It takes all kinds. That is the fun of it!

What has been the best experience on your journey to becoming an author so far?

Oh there are so many! I've meet some amazing authors. I've done some great events. I've gotten to talk to musicians I admire. Working with MTV Books has been totally amazing. But probably the best thing of all is hearing from and especially meeting people who enjoyed the book. Especially meeting teen girls who remind me of me at that age. I am so happy that my book provided them with an outlet because I know how much I needed that.

"Women Who Rock Wednesday" is a brilliant idea! Why did you decide to honor women of the arts in your blog?

 

Well, I started by featuring 5 women who rocked during the week that IWBYJR came out. It seemed right since IWBYJR was a tribute to the women who rocked my world in many ways. And then I realized that there were so many more women that I wanted to feature and that unfortunately in many artistic fields (music certainly comes to mind), women still aren't given as much attention as men. I wanted to do something about that, so I decided to start featuring women that rock my world. I'm trying to mix it up and feature all kinds of artists and people at different places in their careers. This month I already interviewed a young fashion designer and I will be interviewing a pretty well-established author and a band that I think is going to be the next big thing. At least they deserve to be. Since I understood what feminism was, I've been trying to empower women, so this is just another part of that. And Wednesdays definitely get more hits on my blog than any other day so I'm glad people are enjoying it!

Who is your favorite rockstar?

My all-time favorite rock star is Kurt Cobain. It sounds cheesy but Nirvana truly changed my life. I admire Kurt as a musician and a human being. He used the fame he had to get the word out about causes that meant a lot to him and about bands that deserved attention. He was very supportive of women and I quoted him at the beginning of IWBYJR about women being the future of rock n roll. I wish he'd stuck around, the world needs him.

My favorite living rock star is Courtney Love. I know she's controversial, but she's total rock 'n' roll, baby and her lyrics, particularly on her first two albums, I wish I could write the novel equivalent to that. She's so honest and raw.

Finally, do you have any upcoming projects? Can you tell us a little about them?

Yep, my second book, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, is due out from MTV Books in Summer 2009. Probably in July. It's about a teenage girl who has always felt like a misfit in her suburban town. She finally finds her place among the other punks, skaters, freaks, and geeks that hang out in a park at the center of town, but her life and the lives of her friends are pretty troubled and things start to spiral out of control. It's basically a classic coming of age story. And since I'm pretty terrible at these summary things, you can just read the first chapter on my website at http://www.%20stephaniekuehnert.com/backstage.html

Thanks for dropping by, Stephanie!

Visit her website:
http://www.stephaniekuehnert.com/

~Angel

Review: The Lone Ranger

This is one of those movies that, upon leaving the theater, I realized I needed to insert my foot into
my mouth. Because I was so wrong about this movie, and was ready to be let down - "Come ON?! Really? Johnny Depp as Tonto?" and "They'll just mess this up like everything else I love." (Ha, okay, I'm a little melodramatic, I'll admit.) Not that I don't love Johnny Depp, I just have this constant fear that they are casting him for everything to make a million of the same character. Ya know. Type casting. Yeeeah. Yuck. And I can't deny that it pretty much did happen in this movie, as well. Tonto was a very Jack Sparrow-esque character, which I'm sure they did on purpose. Everyone loves Jack, right?

But that aside, I did find myself amused throughout the entire film, and being taken back to childhood and watching Lone Ranger reruns and wanting masks and sidekicks and adventure. Not only that, though - this movie was a very Tonto and Lone Ranger focused movie, not just Lone Ranger and his sidekick that gets somewhat taken for granted, Tonto. Obviously with someone like Johnny Depp playing Tonto, you know that he won't just be some sidekick that could be ignored or overshadowed. But I enjoyed how they developed this relationship, and that it wasn't just "Here's a Native American version of Jack Sparrow. Look at that bird on his head! He's so crazy. Love you, Depp!" the entire film, with some occasional shots of Armie Hammer in his Lone Ranger garb.

Plus, the action was pretty great, and the story line was interesting enough, though I had most of it figured out pretty early on. But you could easily blame that on my Intro to Cinema class and it's ability to ruin movies for you for forever.

I'd recommend Lone Ranger for sure! Great family movie, though there is a lot of violence involved, there isn't so much it isn't ok for most kiddos.

~Angel

Review: Despicable Me 2

So, I won't deny it. I am a month away from turning 23, and I was so ridiculously excited for this

movie that it's funny. I've watched Despicable Me well over 100 times, mostly because two of my nieces are OBSESSED and we watch it over and over (and over and over..), but also because I love it as a movie and enjoy every time I watch it. They even opened up the ride at my beloved Universal Studios, Orlando, the week after I left in 2012 (bummer) which gave me an excuse to return just before the new movie came out (yay!) and ride the awesome new ride - Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. I won't get too detailed on it, but yeah. The walk-through is amazing, because you go through Gru's house and see all of this amazing stuff from the movie. It's just a Must-Do for fans. I mean come ON, look at that thing!


Whoops, lost track of the point. Anyway,
Despicable Me 2 did not disappoint me. I was somewhat terrified, as always, that it would be a terrible sequel that basically copied the first film and didn't take on anything new, or worse - completely leave everything from the first film out of it and make some bizarre awful thing. *shudders*
Luckily for me, and many other fans, this was the perfect blend of new and old. Just as most sequels should be, after all. It kept true to the spirit of the first film while tackling a new plot. I've taken my nieces to see it already and they adored it, plus I just went back tonight (for my 2nd time watching it now), and still loved it.

So, is Despicable Me 2 worth your bucks? I'd say so! Definitely a fun movie for all ages, and I'd even say it's worth seeing in 3D.


~Angel

Review: Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

[Info:]

{Title} Ballads of Suburbia
{By} Stephanie Kuehnert
{Publisher} MTV Books
{Release Date} July 21st, 2009
{Pages} 368

[Description:]


Kara hasn't been back to Oak Park since the end of junior year, when a heroin overdose nearly killed her and sirens heralded her exit. Four years later, she returns to face the music. Her life changed forever back in high school: her family disintegrated, she ran around with a whole new crowd of friends, she partied a little too hard, and she fell in love with gorgeous bad-boy Adrian, who left her to die that day in Scoville Park....
Amid the music, the booze, the drugs, and the drama, her friends filled a notebook with heartbreakingly honest confessions of the moments that defined and shattered their young lives. Now, finally, Kara is ready to write her own.

[Angel's Thoughts:]

I fell in love with I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone the first time I read it, placing Stephanie Kuehnert on my list of favorite writers ever. Her right to remain on this list was confirmed with her second novel, Ballads of Suburbia.

I've gotta say, I really think I might love Ballads of Suburbia a little more than I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, mainly because I could really closely relate to Kara, the main character, probably more than any character I've ever read before. She feels real, and that's something I adore about Kuehnert's writing. Both of her books feel like they could be real, either like you're reading a memoir, or you're remembering your past or listening to a friend's story. There were definitely several parts that felt like pieces of my past. I had a few dreams that I was Kara while I was reading it. This book is that powerful. Not to mention, you laugh, cry, and actually get a little depressed once you finish reading it, because you really don't want it to end. Ballads is one of the few books to actually make me cry, and I think it's because of how similar I felt to the main character.

Ballads is right up there with my top favorite books of all time. I've said it a few times, and I'm more than willing to say it again -- Stephanie Kuehnert deserves to be a New York Times Bestseller. She's a talented writer with amazing books, and one of the authors I'll always be looking forward to new work from.

So, head out to your local bookstore or get on Amazon RIGHT NOW and purchase this book. I promise -- you will NOT regret it.



~Angel

{Alesha's Thoughts:}

I will admit that I have never read a book that dives as far into the alternative teenage lifestyle as Stephanie Kuehnert does in Ballads of Suburbia. This is an amazing book that pulls at your heartstrings and leaves you wondering whatever happens to the characters after the book ends. I fell in love with every couple, every single character, every mistake and more. I loved reading and realizing that there are people who experience these things in every day life. It explores topics such as self-harming, substance abuse and recreational drugs. This book is raw and is very straight to the point. It sucks you in and makes you feel as if you are walking right beside every character and living the book. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone!

~Alesha

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Ballads of Suburbia
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Review: World War Z by Max Brooks

New York Times Bestselling author Max Brooks has given me a new favorite book, and definitely earned that title. In his story, one man collects all of the voices of one World War, against the strongest foe fathomable. Imagine an enemy with little to no weaknesses, which could attack in almost any terrain, and could keep on going. Well this is the collection of stories that lived through it and survived; what World War Z is all about. It combines all of zombie entertainment as we know it today, and turns it into something real; something you can really wrap your mind around and almost feel as though it is happening. Max Brooks makes the zombie apocalypse a very scary, but realistic possible outcome. I personally love zombies, have ever since I was younger and playing Resident Evil on the GameCube, but this is something totally different. It's a war novel mixed with fantasy and creatures we can only imagine in our darkest dreams. These verbatim accounts of gripping terror take you through life in a submarine, a downed pilot, and being stuck in space, to name just a few. His true to earth facts would make this a plausible history novel if these events were to actually occur. Every little detail is explored and explained, illustrating how every culture and walk of life is affected. It amazes me how real it feels. I actually started reading it about four months ago, and had to stop right in the middle due to the moving process. A little over a week ago, I picked it back up, and have been glued to it. Most stories I'll lose sight of what's happening or my interest in it after I've set it down for a while, but this kept me up at night and wanting more. Whether you're into war stories, or just love that zombie gore, this book is definitely for you. Like Roger Ebert, two thumbs up. Be ready to step into an alternate universe that's hits so close to home, you'll be locking your doors and sharpening up that machete. 
 
~Brittaney

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Review: This is the End

I've got to admit, there was quite a lot of effort involved for myself and fellow reviewer, Brittaney, in

order to see this movie - an hour long drive on my only day off days before we left for Orlando. Uh. Yeah. So, of course, we were hoping this would be a good movie and worth not only the gas, but the crazy ticket price.

Luckily, it totally was. We both loved it, and I've actually seen it twice now.

The concept for This is the End is - shocker - a 'What if?' apocalypse scenario. I know what you're thinking - that we've had quite a lot of post-apocalyptic films (and then some) lately, and this could end up being another in a long line. However, I was very happy with the take on the subject and with the way they took the story on as 'themselves'/celebrities and not some random characters. It was also fairly hilarious, even with some jokes that some people would perhaps frown upon. I thought it was a great stand out for both comedy and End of Days themed movies.

I'm pretty excited to see this one come to DVD, because I'm ready to watch it again. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat, though it's definitely NOT a kid friendly movie.

~Angel

Review: I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

[Description:]

Punk rock is in Emily Black’s blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily’s all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn’t it lead her right back to Emily?

[Info:]

{Title} I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone

{By} Stephanie Kuehnert

{Publisher} MTV Books

{Release Date} July 8, 2008

{Pages} 352

[Angel's Thoughts:]

 

~To be fair, I both read this excellent book and wrote this review back in 2009 – but it’s one I still believe in and adore, hence the repost of my review. Enjoy! ~

Now this, my dear readers, is the book I’m always pleased to find when I buy new books. Stephanie Kuehnert has a gift when it comes to writing. Especially writing books that feel unbelievably real. In her debut novel, I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, Stephanie introduces us to Emily Black, a girl born to rock. You journey through her life, the formation of her band — She Laughs — and her desire to find her mother again, and understand just why she left in the first place.

When I started reading I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, I was working the 9 to 5 life as a volunteer in a medical clinic. I would take books in to read on my break. Needless to say, I hid out whenever I could once I began reading, and somehow managed to read every page in one day. There were times in which I completely forgot I was reading fiction because it felt so absolutely real and raw. There were times that I felt like I knew exactly what the characters felt, and times where I felt like I was being shown a life unlike my own. All the while, I still couldn’t get a grasp on the fact I was reading a fictional story about a fictional girl, though I’m sure her story is likely to be lived out somewhere.

If I could, I’d kick Twilight off the “Bestseller” list and place I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE where it should be — on the Bestseller list. This is a book for the young, and the old. For the reader, and for the one that is searching for something that really speaks out to them about the chaos in their life.

So, if you haven’t read I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, do so. Stephanie Kuehnert does not disappoint. Look forward to my review of her second novel, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, soon to come!

~Angel

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Top 20 To Be Read: Angel

 

1. “Breath” (Riders of the Apocalypse Book #4)  by Jackie Morse Kessler
2. “The Nightmare Garden” ( The Iron Codex Book #2) by  Caitlin Kittredge
3. “Guardian of the Gate” (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2) by Michelle Zink
4. “Circle of Fire” (Prophecy of the Sisters, #3) by Michelle Zink
5. “The Pleasures of the Damned” by Charles Bukowski
6. “The Last Night of the Earth Poems” by Charles Bukowski
7. “Horns” by Joe Hill
8. “NOS4A2″ by Joe Hill
9. “Cryptic Cravings” (Vampire Kisses, #8) by Ellen Schreiber
10. “Immortal Hearts” (Vampire Kisses, #9) by Ellen Schreiber
11. “The Madman’s Daughter” (The Madman’s Daughter, #1) by Megan Shepherd
12. “The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson”
13. “Crash” by Lisa McMann
14. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
15. “Beautiful Darkness” (Caster Chronicles, #2) by  Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
16. “Beautiful Chaos” (Caster Chronicles #3)  Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
17. “Please Ignore Vera Dietz” by A.S. King
18. “Everybody Sees the Ants” by A.S. King
19. “Ask the Passengers” by A.S. King
20. “Looking For Alaska” by John Green

Introducing Our Third Girl: Brittaney.

 

"I'm a big dreamer with little motivation." Music, art, movies, and reading are my passions. Anything dealing with my creative side, I love it. Reading a good book or watching a good movie let's me visit places I never thought I would be able to. Some of the biggest lessons I've gotten in this life have been from one of the two.  I get a kick from helping people, makes me feel happy. I dream all kinds of dreams, whether or not I achieve them is up to me. I want to be an artist, a singer, an actor, a writer, an archeologist, a zoologist, a world traveler and plenty of other things. I don't want to end up regretting my life because I didn't take risks. Risks are what it's all about. Yes I did just watch Grumpy Old Men, and yes I do love that movie. :) I have my beliefs and my morals, and I will never let anyone change that. I stand up for what I think is right, although I may not be right all the time. I like to get my point across, and because of this you might find me stubborn, maybe a bit annoying. I haven't reached anywhere near my full potential yet in this life, but I'm still young and I know that I have plenty of time to do so. Try to categorize me, you can't. You might think you have me pinned, but eventually I will shock you and completely change your opinion of me. This actually happens more than you would think. I'm working on being myself, who is a person that I don't think anybody knows, including me. I believe people are constantly changing and finding out who you are is a lifelong journey, so I'm in it for the long haul. I have a 3 month old puppy whose name is Sora. He is my baby and I love him. My other baby is Michael, who is 23 years old, and he could possibly be the love of my life. I love my little family, friends included. The people in my life are the ones who have shaped me into who I am today. Oh yeah, my name is Brittaney and I am 22 years old going on 12. Forgot that bit. "If you cannot be a poet, be the poem." -David Carradine

-Brittaney

An Introduction to Angel.

My name is Angel Young, and I'm a bit eccentric by nature.

I’m a writer, photographer, artist, student, and weirdo. I do a little bit of everything. Most of the time I work in a doctor’s office, but I also sell wick-less candles on the side. But some of my more favorite jobs have been at a haunted house, reviewing for various sites – including my own, being a staff writer for Ax Wound, and working seasonally for a Halloween supply/costume store called Johnnie Brock’s Dungeon. =)
I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome in May 2013 after well over a year of trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It’s a struggle to deal with an autoimmune disease, especially one that is shrugged off by others a lot. But I don’t let it stop me from chasing my dreams.
I’ve always been interested in creative outlets and I’ve decided to follow my dreams of being a writer. But I refuse to stop there – hence why I’m a photographer and artist, as well as the occasional makeup artist, etc.
Comic book junkie that requires lots of caffeine. Cut teeth on vampire movies and carried around a Wolfman doll when I was very young. He was named Wolfy. I loved him dearly.
Obsessed with Batman, Converse, tattoos, zombies, Universal Monsters (the goodies but oldies) and Harry Potter – I’m kind of a nerd. I have an insane amount of Batman stuff that I’ve been collecting since I was a kiddo.
I refuse to live an ordinary life. It’s simply not for me. So, I try to do as many amazing things as I can. I’m doing fairly well so far:
I’ve been to various amazing shows (Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Batman Live, etc – I’m a theater junkie), met some amazing authors, artists, actors and comedians (and I’m not done yet), and before I turned 18 I went to a writer’s conference in New York to meet some amazing people, learn a lot more about the publishing world, and showed my work to two agents that were very interested in me. I’ve reviewed for several authors in the past, as well as for horror-web.com. I’m also a staff writer for Ax Wound and have had a few photos published with them as well. Pretty awesome feeling to grace the same pages as people like Eli Roth and the incredible Soska Sisters (of the recently released American Mary and, before that, Dead Hooker in a Trunk)
Yeah, I’m not in this life to do it half-assed.
So, to put it simply – I’m a Batman obsessed little freak of nature, covered in tattoos, almost always in Converse, running around in my own little LaLa Land.
You can follow my journey here on my blog, or like my facebook page – Misadventures of a Misfit
~Angel