Throwback Thursday: Wuthering High (off color)

Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood 2006
MTV Books/ Simon & Schuster

Rating: 3/5

IQ "Some crazy people would say that forests and mountains are beautiful, but to me the outdoors are just plain creepy. I see forests and I think of maniacs wielding chainsaws. You never hear of psychotic, crazed killers in movies striking at the mall. No. The freaky killers who turn their victims into wax do it way out of in the country somewhere far away from Banana Republic." Miranda pg. 20

Fifteen year old Miranda Tate is slightly spoiled so you can imagine her horror when after crashing her father's car (and maxing out her stepmother's credit cards) she is sent to Bard Academy, a school in the middle of nothing where no contact is allowed with the outside world. Its a school for 'juvenile delinquents' (or so they are deemed by their parents). No phone calls, no Internet, a uniform must be worn at all times, there's a strict curfew and woods nearby that are just plain creepy. Of course what would a boarding school be if it wasn't haunted? Miranda can't sleep due to terrifying nightmares, fires are randomly being set, strange maniac laughter fills the air and there's something not right about the faculty at Bard. It just so happens that the members of the faculty at Bard are ghosts (many of them famous writers) stuck in limbo. That's not the only secret the faculty is keeping, there's something special about Miranda and why is it so crucial that nothing happen to a worn page torn from Wuthering Heights? Who is setting the fires? Furthermore, is Heathcliff really a student at Bard or is he the ACTUAL Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights?

I like knowing the motives of why an author does what he or she does and this book puzzled me a bit because I thought the assignments of the famous writers turned teachers was random. It could have at least been explained a bit better for those of us not familiar with all the authors. Coach H (Hemingway) as a gym teacher makes sense, I didn't understand why Charlotte Bronte was Headmistress B, perhaps because she was a governess? However, I didn't know Charlotte Bronte was a governess until I looked it up. And why was Virginia Woolf a dorm mother? I'm just curious as to how the author figured out who should do what at Bard academy. I was also disappointed in the misleading of the back cover which claimed "the students' lives also start to mirror the classics they're reading-tragic novels like Dracula, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre" but Miranda and her friends are RARELY in class. Bard Academy has a tough curriculum but Miranda only mentions classes to complain a bit but she doesn't mention studying/analyzing the classics. I wish there had been more discussion of the classics. I don't like Ryan either, I know he's supposed to be dreamy and actually really sweet but I just don't like him. Heathcliff all the way!

I decided to review this book because of Samir. I love Samir, the new friend of Miranda. He was sent to Bard because his traditional Indian parents had arranged a marriage for him when he turned nineteen but he refused to comply. Samir is not exactly a ladies' man but as is usually the case, he's quite funny and determined to find a girl for him. One of my favorite bits of dialogue

"'Will you marry me?' he asks me
'Uh....' I glance at Hana
'He asks every girl he meets,' Hanna explains. 'Don't worry about it.'" (pg. 58) Blade, Miranda's roommate remains a caricature and Hana doesn't have much of a personality yet but at least one secondary character (Samir) does. I really like Miranda too. I started out not liking her because she was (still is actually) spoiled and a bit whiny but I probably whine too so I can relate. Plus she's funny because she has this realistic/self-deprecating sense of humor such as "Heathcliff contains my squirming easily, carrying me as if I weigh nothing, which I know is not true at all despite the Bard Academy cafeteria diet" (pg. 208). Miranda is a strong main character but I really like her because she's not too extreme. Not extremely trendy, shy, pretty, mean, etc. She's average, like many other high school girls (including myself) that I know. Sometimes she feels beautiful, other times she thinks she's 'hideous'. How refreshing and realistic.

Wuthering High's strengths lie in its premise being quite novel and having some dominant, interesting characters in Miranda, Samir and Heathcliff. The ending left me with more questions than answers which normally bothers me to no end but I would have been sad to just leave these characters behind, I want to know more about Bard Academy, its students and faculty. One mystery is neatly closed but there are several others left open. At least I know that there are currently two other books out in this series and the author is working on a fourth (final) book. Since the book places such emphasis on the literary classics I want more time to be spent discussing the classics and the people who wrote them. I would also like to see Hana be more than just a sidekick and Blade be more than the creepy roommate. I MUST know more about Heathcliff. And I need Samir to date someone and find happiness :)

Disclosure: From the biblioteca

Off Color: Other

Other by Karen Kincy 2010
Flux

Rating: 4/5

IQ "My pooka half rises slowly within me, leaning against my bones. It isn't eager to shapeshift and fight. It's...defensive. Feeling my fear. My fear? It is me, of course. I can't talk about myself as if I have split personalities. I can't section off half of myself and pile all the recklessness and shame there." Gwen pgs 166-167

Gwenhwyfar (Gwen) Williams is half-pooka, half human. Gwen has never met her Welsh pooka father, and Others in her community (the name for paranormal creatures in this book) hide their identities, so she has no one to talk to about the complications and joys of being Other. As half-pooka, Gwen can shapeshift. She usally shapeshifts into a horse as its the most common form of a pooka (I chose the IQ to illustrate how Gwen feels about shapeshifting), but she can change into any animal. A new werewolf pack has moved into Gwen's hometown of Klikamuks, Washington and at the same time, Others are being murdered. No one is safe, Gwen has lost one dear friend and she does not intend on losing another. Gwen decides to investigate who is killing Others and with the help of Tavian, a Japanese fox spirit, she comes closer and closer to the truth. But Gwen's time is up.

I read this because April really liked it. Plus the fact that she describes Tavian as being awesome and Asian, caught my eye. If not for that review, I wouldn't have read this book. Not because it didn't sound interesting, but because I don't have time right now to read non-poc YA/MG books, especially in the paranormal genre. But I'm so glad I saw that review because I would have missed out on a highly unique and enjoyable story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit about the world of pookas. A small quibble with the story, is that personally, I wanted more information on pooka and Wales. Part of me wishes that Gwen had visited Wales/met her father/interacted with other pookas. But there's a possibility of a sequel and the book worked just fine the way it is. The ending seemed really rushed though. The build-up was done at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow, but all of a sudden, bullets were flying, people were being kidnapped and then BAM we know who the killer is. That being said, I never knew who the killer was, I was kept on my toes.

Tavian is a marvelous character. He is versatile, however, he has no noticeable flaws. So in that respect, he is not realistic. While I can't overlook that, I do have much love for him. I love that he's short, Asian, and hot. How many times have you read/seen an Asian teenage guy portrayed/described as 'cute' or 'hot'. Or even a short guy? So hooray for guys shorter than their crushes/hot Asian guys! Heehee ;) In addition to his looks, Tavian is incredibly patient and compassionate. Tavian and Gwen start off as friends and while there is chemistry bubbling between them, it is subtle. Tavian is a kitsune, which is a Japanese fox spirit. He can turn into a fox as well as create illusions. Zach (Gwen's boyfriend) is OK. I admit he's a nice guy, but he has some really rude/awful moments and even if Gwen forgives him, I cant bring myself to. I liked that the love triangle is so understated and while the reader may think it's obvious who Gwen should pick, the author completely surprises you with actions from both love interests. Gwen is utterly charming. She's not too bratty, not sickly-sweet, she was someone I could relate to and since her personality wasn't on either extreme, I felt that she was someone I would meet at my school (although she is homeschooled so I wouldn't actually meet her :p). She's quiet, but quite astute and she has a rebellious and protective spirit, which I adore. Her half-pooka side does not define her but it makes the story a more enriching experience.

Other is a singular novel set in modern day America in which Others are a natural sight, but they face prejudice. The prejudice that Others face can easily be uncomfortably remind people of how GLBT people are treated along with ethnic minorities. In addition, Gwen's feelings of isolation due to her half-pooka side run parallel to feelings of loneliness that other teenagers may feel as a result of what-have-you. The romance is refreshing since it's understated and while the love triangle leans towards one of the love interests, neither one is vilified. I had trouble liking Zach (as crazy as it sounds I was better able to sort-of understand the killer than him) but I think that has to do with my own personal experiences with prejudice. I can be harsh when it comes to ignorant people when it comes to discrimination. Gwen is a heroine that everyone will like and readers will delight in the fact that SOME paranormal creatures openly interact with humans. More pookas and kitsunes please.

Disclosure: Won from Young Adult (& Kids!) Book Central. Thank you!

Throwback Thursday: Haters

Haters by Alisa Valdes Rodriguez 2006
Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book group


Rating: 3.5/5


IQ "He makes me want to experience everything. I stare at the table and hope that my dad can't hear me thinking about Chris. My thoughts are so clear and colorful that I can't imagine anyone not being able to just by looking at me what's in my head." Paksi pg. 247

Pasquala (Paski) Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta is different. Not just because she moved from the calm and steady pace of life in Taos, New Mexico to the busy life of Los Angeles. She's the new girl who has never really liked shopping, dated much and she likes to eat. Padre Loma High School is ruled by the Haters; Jessica Nguyen, Haley Williams and Brianna Sarantopoulos. At her old school, Paksi was part of the popular crew. But Jessica has decided that Paksi is not going to be popular in California and Jessica will do anything to keep Paksi down. The problem is, Paksi has psychic abilities and she keeps having visions of something happening to Jessica. Jessica hates her, so Paksi should just keep quiet, she deserves it right? Wrong.

This was just what I needed since I've been in a back-to-school funk (well I've been in it since school started but it's getting worse). It's not cotton candy light but it didn't make me pause at any revolutionary/extraordinary thoughts. I would like to state however that this book could be a lot shorter. There seemed to be a lot of excess information and while it didn't take away from the plot per se, it wasn't something I needed to know. I found the dialogue to be repetitive and too much TELLING and not enough SHOWING. Furthermore, the author tells you what conclusions she wants you to draw through Paksi or she explains something through her. For example, "'Wow' he [Andrew] says. 'Hi I say. I blush because I can tell he likes what he sees." (pg. 155). I hope I'm not coming off as picky, but I think based on the wow and just hearing that Paksi blushed we could figure out what Andrew meant by 'wow'.

Other than what I listed above, I really enjoyed this novel. I love that the most popular girl in school (head of the Haters) is Vietnamese and that it's a diverse little clique at the top (Brianna is Greek, Haley is bi-racial). In addition to the popular girls, the popular boys vary in cultural backgrounds as well. It was quite refreshing because it's so effortless, the author doesn't overstate the character's ethnicity, but you know their cultural identity. The book moves at a fast and fun pace and what helps it stand apart from standard chick lit is its diversity and Paksi's supernatural abilities. Paksi only wants to be normal so she tries to ignore her visions in the hopes that they will leave her, but that is usually not the case. The question is not whether or not Paksi will act on these visions, but how far will she go to tell the person that is concerned? Perhaps what draws me to Paksi the most is that she is an athlete. She rode on her grandmother's Harley back in Taos but not very often and in this book she learns how to race motocross (which is on a motorcycle so I didn't totally get the difference. But that's what Google is for. haha). She's not afraid to work up sweat whether on her bike or a motorcycles and that's awesome.

Haters avoids being dismissed as mere 'chick lit' (not that there's anything wrong with chick lit!) by having an extra layer of supernatural occurrences and motorcycles. A competitive Latina motocross racer is enough of rarity for me to get excited about reading it. The predictability does not run rampant throughout. There's a lot going on this novel and at times it does seem to be like the author wants to talk about too many different things at once (Taos vs. Los Angeles, Japanese internment camps, motocross, date rape drugs, etc.) but the story has many unique moments to capture (and hold) your attention. The dialogue is realistic of teenagers, although I did want fewer explanations. Paksi is the quintessential teenager; embarrassed by her father (her mother is not around), torn between her desire to fit in and be unique to herself, confused about boys and a strong urge to ride a motorcycle (and do it well). And it doesn't hurt that the book has one of the cutest love interests.

Disclosure: Bought!

Throwback Thursday is hosted by Take Me Away Reading

Male Monday: City of Ghosts

City of Ghosts by Bali Rai 2009

Doubleday/Random House UK

Rating: 3.5/5

IQ (Incredible Quote) "'Education is a funny thing. Ask yourself who is teaching you, what they are schooling you in and what reason they have for doing so.' [...] But do you really learn the truth or simply another person's version of it?" [The Woman]

Guardial shrugged. 'I learn what I am told to learn,' he admitted.

'Well , next time you learn something, ask yourself why you did so and in whose interest.'" The Woman pg. 235

It's the year 1919 in Amritsar, India. Tensions between the Punjabi people and the British are at an all time high. Set against this backdrop are several stories. Guardial is a poor orphan in love with Sohni, a rich girl. Jeevan, Guardia's best friend (and also an orphan) simply wants to be loved, to feel that he is a part of a family and he will do anything to be part of one. Bissen Singh has returned from serving in World War I and now he is waiting for a letter. That letter will change his life, for better or worse. All will come to head the day the Amritsar Massacre occurs and not everyone will live to the end of the day.

I love historical fiction so I don't mind lots of facts being thrown at me, but with this book, I didn't feel as though I got enough facts. I vaguely recalled the Rowlatt Act from freshman World History class, but I had to go look it up to really get my head around it. I think the Rowlatt Act (passed by the British in 1919 and it allowed the police to jail anyone for up to two years without trial) should have been explained since it seems to be the catalyst for the riots which eventually lead to the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre. I didn't get a good idea of what the political atmosphere was like for India. Yes there were extremists, but what about everyone else? I also didn't feel that all the characters were well-developed. I don't much about Sohni or Lillian. The book is long enough that more character/personality descriptions should have been included. This might be part of the reason as to why I didn't really like Guardial and Sohni's story. I didn't understand why Guardial or Sohni were so special to each other. My least favorite thing about this book is that too much was going on. I couldn't keep all the characters and events straight (why did Udham shoot O'Dwyer and not Dyer?). Why is Udham even in the story? I think some of the characters and even a storyline could be removed (I propose Guardial's).

My favorite parts was anytime Bissen Singh was in the picture. He is my favorite character and his story was devastating (both romantically and with his addiction). I became emotionally invested in his story and so naturally I wanted him to succeed. I love how the author addresses the issue of why Bissen Singh would volunteer to fight for the British, people who treat him as inferiors. Bissen doesn't understand why himself, but his reasoning has something to do with the hope that the British will treat Indians better by saving how brave they are during the war. Alas this is not the case for all British people, but I imagine that several British soldiers came away with a different (more positive) view of Indians. There is an obvious connection between the large amount of Indian participation in fighting for Britain in WWI and the large number of Black Americans who fought for America in World War I (along with WWII for both Indians and Blacks). Bissen's love story is adorable and the ending was probably one of the most upsetting ones I've read in awhile (maybe I'm becoming more of a sap?). I was completely engrossed in Jeevan's story as well, in his quest to find his family ink he he begins to struggle to hold on to his humanity. He is engaging in horrific acts that he didn't think he was capable of, and yet he his "family" accepts him.

The strength of City of Ghosts lies in the main characters and their stories. The surrounding characters are not as well developed, but that's OK for two of the three personal stories being told (Bissen and Jeevan). I have mixed feelings about the use of magical realism in this novel. At times I really liked it, it was well written and bewitching (;), however at other times I grew frustrated because I wanted more explanation (the whole Love saving thing vs. the Chinaman?). While I wanted more history, I did like the bits of history that were sprinkled in. Learning that one third of the soldiers who fought in World War I were not white was rather amazing and the war parts were tastefully described. They gave you a feel for the setting and they didn't dance around the awfulness of war, but they weren't overly graphic either (at least I didn't think so. But my dad loves watching war movies and I've seen a few that are waaay more graphic. It sort of depends on how much you "like" reading about war). Even though I think the author tried to do too much with this story, I would recommend it to those who already know a lot about this time period (I suppose it could pique your interest if you're new to this time period in India) and its affect on India and if you like magical realism. I do want to read more by this author, but one of his contemporary works.



Disclosure: Received for review from Random House UK. Thank you!


PS Just a point of clarification. I know Indians don't count as "Asians" to some people but to make things easier for everyone, I've decided to classify all books that take place on the continent of Asia as Asian. I truly hope this doesn't bother anyone and if it really is a problem, let me know.

Invisible Touch

Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra 2008

Rating: 4/5

IQ (Incredible Quote): "I know how difficult it is to believe in something that everyone else doesn't. It's almost as if you have to overcome a fear, to be brave enough to break away from society's view of normal." Kara

(You can see a summary of the book here). I enjoyed Invisble Touch immensely. I thought the main plot was original as well as romance (didn't see the ending coming). Kara sees signs that are clues to a person's fate. She generally tries to help that person if their fate is supposed to be tragic. Her mother doesn't want her to talk about the signs or tell anyone so Kara starts a blog where she anonymously blogs about seeing signs. It's a way to get all her secrets that are weighing her down off her chest.

The blog entries are a good and helpful way of getting into Kara's head. I agreed with a lot of what she said and I liked how she phrased it "There are people in life who can only see black and white, and then there are those that can see gray, and red, orange, yellow, and blue too."

The friendship between Kara and Danielle is interesting. They don't share their feelings with each or really seem to trust each other, and yet they are best friends. It's an odd friendship, but it suits them both. But how can someone be your best friend if you don't share your feelings and secrets with them? Their complex friendship adds an intriguing twist to the plot.

Kara's mom and brother are frustrating. Her mother because she is always trying to put Kara in therapy/hospitals and only sees things in black and white. The flashbacks of Kara from when she was in (essentially) a mental hospital are sad and depressing because you can clearly imagine a young child, terrified out of her mind at the signs she is seeing, and everyone thinks she's crazy and instead of comforting her, they are only trying to medicate and lock her up. Kara's brother Jason is frustrating because he's not there for Kara and she needs him since her father died. The Featherman was a rather creepy but cool addition to the story!

Invisible Touch is a nice addition to the supernatural/paranormal genres while still remaining realistic. The action will keep you turning the pages and it's a pretty easy read so you can (and will definitely want to!) finish it in one day. 8th Grade and Up.

Disclosure: Thank you Kelly for donating this book to give away!

BTW Be sure you vote in my poll because it concerns what to include in my reviews. I'm working on improving my blog!

Also there will be no Male Monday post this week and I got no new books :(