Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover and title of Shatter Me #3

Tahereh Mafi released the title and cover for the third Shatter Me novel. Ignite Me is the final book in the trilogy and I can't wait to read it. I am hoping for an amazing finale.

Plus the cover is amazing. I really like the new cover scheme for this series.

MOVIE/TV

Stolen movie....maybe

I loved Stolen by Lucy Christopher. One of my favourite books I've reviewed on this blog. I have been awaiting news on the potential movie, and something was finally revealed. Lucy Christopher tweeted that she was going to San Diego to work on the screenplay. Is it too early to start my Ryan Kwanten for Ty petition?

City of Bones

I have tickets to a Wednesday night showing. I was quite disappointed to hear that Ottawa was not going to have any midnight screenings. My sister and I are going on Wednesday and I am also going with a friend of mine on Friday night, I believe. Super excited to see this and hope it does amazingly well.

Once Upon A Time Season 2 DVD (AKA Awesome Deleted Scenes)

The second season of Once Upon A Time is coming out on DVD. To promote this, some of the deleted scenes have made their way to media sites. TVLine.com recently shared one I am in love with. Sadly, I can't embed it here, but it features Henry, Baelfire and the words 'second star to the right and straight on till morning'. Needless to say, I had a fangirl moment. The Henry/Baelfire/Emma feelings mixed with my Peter Pan obsession? *dies*. I can't wait for season 3.

OTHER

Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Club

The first official 'meeting' of the Sisterhood took place yesterday (Friday) and it went amazingly well. It was so much fun to chat with Kim, Christy, and Kelly. I will be sharing the recap post later this month, and we're already working on plans for our next meeting.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

Back to School time! Create a reading list for the imaginary English Lit class you'll be teaching this semester.

Oh, wow....

Well I would make the class read Shakespeare. He's a classic, and you have to read it. I think Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why should be on the list. Gayle Forman's If I Stay, and another classic (think Pride and Prejudice, or something similar).

If I were an English teacher I would also allow one "Your Choice" book with a book report needed by the end of the year. So often kids think reading isn't fun because they are being 'forced' to read something.

Happy Weekend!

Forgive Me Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Release Date – August 13, 2013
Publisher Website - Little Brown/Hachette
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I'm sorry I couldn't be more than I was—that I couldn't stick around—and that what's going to happen today isn't their fault.

Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.

Some novels take you and put you into the head of the characters. This always makes for a connection that, as a reader, allows you to become so utterly immersed in the story that it takes over. A truly gifted writer can immerse their readers into the head of someone so flawed, so tragic, and so hurt. Matthew Quick does that with Leonard Peacock. A young man who haunts the pages of this intense read.

This novel left me feeling raw, and exposed. It drained me. I finished it feeling as if everything had been rung out of me. It exhausted me. It all comes back to the insightful, and spot on characterization of Leonard Peacock. Matthew Quick absolutely nails this character, and makes you feel everything Leonard feels.

I don't want to spoil anything, because Leonard's journey is meant to be experienced WITH him. Part of what makes this novel so insightful is learning how Leonard ends up on a mission to end not only his life, but his former best friend Asher's life as well. The actions, events and circumstances that lead up to today are crushing, and you'll ache for Leonard. You'll want to protect him from himself, and wonder how it got this far with nobody noticing. This is a perfect example of no easy answer. Whose to blame isn't black and white, and our protagonist is one of the more uncomfortable narrators that I've read.

The people in Leonard's life are rather interesting. The side characters serve a purpose in that their interaction with Leonard helps us understand him. My favourite side character, without a doubt, is Herr Silverman. A compassionate, intelligent teacher that actually enjoys his job. He obviously wants to make a difference, and uses his career to facilitate this. Walt, Leonard's next door neighbour, heartbreakingly may be Leonard's best friend. Their connection is rather sweet, and unfolds using the clever device of Humphrey Bogart. Leonard's mother infuriated me. I couldn't fathom someone who acted this way, and was a parent. More accurately, I didn't want to fathom this. It's a sad truth that people like her exist. The character who looms over everything is, obviously, Asher. We learn so much about who he is from Leonard, and you can't help but feel like someone dropped the ball when it came to him as well.

As Leonard's mental state spirals and the novel quickly reaches it's pulse pouding, breath holding dénouement I felt swept away into the Leonard's rash, desperate actions. I felt the panic, and read with wide eyed disbelief until the novels unsurprising, but unavoidable ending. It's the ending scenes that provide a rich, perfect payoff to the build up of emotions the rest of the novel teases with.

A harrowing, unforgettable novel that takes you into the mind of a self destructive teenager, who might just be crying out for help. A tough, unflinchingly read that unsettled, and impressed me. A novel that should, and hopefully will, generate conversation so that young men like Leonard won't end up as broken, and desperate as what is portrayed within these pages.

Waiting On Wednesday... Dear Killer

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Rule One—Nothing is right, nothing is wrong.
Rule Two—Be careful.
Rule Three—Fight using your legs whenever possible, because they’re the strongest part of your body. Your arms are the weakest.
Rule Four—Hit to kill. The first blow should be the last, if at all possible.
Rule Five—The letters are the law.

Kit takes her role as London’s notorious “Perfect Killer” seriously. The letters and cash that come to her via a secret mailbox are not a game; choosing who to kill is not an impulse decision. Every letter she receives begins with “Dear Killer,” and every time Kit murders, she leaves a letter with the dead body. Her moral nihilism and thus her murders are a way of life—the only way of life she has ever known.

But when a letter appears in the mailbox that will have the power to topple Kit’s convictions as perfectly as she commits her murders, she must make a decision: follow the only rules she has ever known, or challenge Rule One, and go from there.

Katherine’s Ewell’s Dear Killer is a sinister psychological thriller that explores the thin line between good and evil, and the messiness of that inevitable moment when life contradicts everything you believe.

A novel that reminds me a little of Dexter. My curiosity is piqued and I am pretty excited to get my hands on this. The author of this is, from what I understand, 18 years old! Impressive. I love characters who cause you to question things, and Kit sounds like a character who does just that.

Expected release date - April 1, 2014

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
Release Date – August 27, 2013
Publisher Website -  Amulet
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  336 pages
My Rating- 2.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher at BEA**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are? 

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be. 

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them... 

Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.

A sometimes romantic, sometimes infuriating, novel that is filled with the pains of growing up, falling in love, and preparing to say goodbye.

Wren is sheltered. Her family's expectations of her often leave her feeling crippled. She doesn't want to let them down, but she wants to head out on her own. She often comes across as needy, and immature. It reflects on her upbringing because she's never had to do anything on her own. Her decisions are made for her. Sadly, she kept me making that connection I need to fully immerse myself into a story.

In contrast I really enjoyed Charlie. His bond to his family is admirable. He is determined to rise above his early childhood, and doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for him. I connected with him a little more, but still not enough to fully immerse myself into the story.

The relationship aspect of the novel was okay. It showed that relationships are not always perfect. That they take work, and you have to be willing to give and take when you're with someone. Taking that person into consideration is key, and compromise goes a long way. It showed the importance of communication between couples.

Sex, and it's repercussions are somewhat discussed in the novel. It's definitely more of a mature YA, perhaps even New Adult, novel. The way it was handled both delighted me and infuriated me. The frankness in which it is portrayed, and discussed was a positive. There is one glaring aspect that was never expanded on properly. SPOILERS -- At one point Wren determines that since she is on the pill, her and Charlie can have sex without condoms if he gets tested. Fine, characters make unfortunate choices sometimes. I was hoping this would be brought up again. Sadly, it wasn't. I believe it was meant to show how much her and Charlie trusted each other. However, and perhaps it's my beliefs that make me feel this way, I wished it would been expressed that being on the pill is never a fail safe against pregnancy, and that a clean STD test does not take away the entire risk. A nod to the realities of engaging in sexual activity and practicing safe sex would have satisfied me.

A novel that had a lot of potential, and is wonderfully written, but ultimately left me wanting more from it, and the characters. I recommend reading Lauren Myracle's Shine if you've never read anything by her before and maybe use this as a follow up after.

Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Tucholke

Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
Release Date – August 15, 2013
Publisher Website -  Penguin
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch.

Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea offers a strangely beautiful, and seductive setting, filled with deliciously dangerous characters, a fantastic main character voice, and more shivers that I expected.

The writing is slow like one of the summer days in Violet's seaside town, and just as seductive. It lures you in with it's soft, but sharp prose. It's one of the biggest allures to this novel. It's Gothic, and sensual in a way that compliments River's character perfectly. You're aware you're being lead along, but you're happy to be swept off your feet, even if it's a little dangerous. The writing gives Violet's voice life, and you can image her inflection, and tone perfectly. 

Violet's life changes when River West moves in. A shy, keeps to herself girl immediately falls for River's obvious charms. I liked that even as she was deeply in lust with him, she manged to call him on his lies and actions. She stood up for herself in ways I didn't expect, and was a heroine in her own right. She has a darkness in her that she both relishes and is scared of. 

River is, like the writing, seductive. Made all the more dangerous because he's got you before you even realize what's happening. As they say in the novel, you stop being afraid of the devil when you're holding his hand. River captivates the reader as he is winning over Violet. You want to believe his lies, even when the obvious is in front of you. He is dark, and sometimes chilling, and yet can be unbelievably swoon worthy. He materializes like a fog, and keeps his mysteries even while enticing you in.

The writing and the setting are pure Gothic inspired. The cliffside setting, the fog, and creepy elements meet a fantastic mythology that only adds to the Gothic elements. The novel provides many chills, and unsettling images. I love novels that let your imagination fill in the worst aspects, and this allows you just enough playing room to make it all the more chilling.

The mythology behind this really worked for me. I am intrigued to learn more about River's background. April Genevieve Tucholke's take on 'the devil' is unique, and leads the story open to many appealing directions. The background behind the mythology  is something I want explored, and learning how everything interconnected made the story even more fascinating. It's hard to discuss the 'devil' aspect without giving away spoilers, but it's my favourite part of the story.

In keeping with the seductive nature of the novel, it's quite sexy. The sexualized tone flows through the writing, into the characters, and creates an overall illicit feeling. It's not graphic, but like the violence, the imagination is a powerful thing. It's easy to get swept into the easy, decadent afternoons spent kissing, and curled up in the sun. It's the undercurrent of allure, and passion that is more sexy than anything overly graphic would be.

A novel that seduced, teased, and left me in awe of it's haunting writing. I can see where this may not be for everyone, but it worked for me. I can't wait to fall under River's spell again, and be delighted by what Violet does next.

*Authors Are Rockstars Tour * Katherine Longshore

I am honoured to be hosting Katherine Longshore for the Authors Are Rockstars tour. I consider Katherine to be a rockstar for many reasons. I could discuss her amazing novels. The research and care she puts into bringing her characters to life. Her novels read like biographies rather than fiction because their voices resonate so deeply, and leap off the page. She captured Anne Boleyn's essence perfectly. It goes without saying that her writing is rockstar status worthy.

However, it's not just Katherine's writing that makes her a rockstar. She is incredibly kind. She has supported my blog events enthusiastically and always makes time to help out bloggers with anything they may need. She is passionate about publishing/books and it shows in her interaction with bloggers. It may seem like a small thing, but having an author genuinely thankful for what bloggers do always makes what we do feel even more worthwhile and appreciated.

In short Katherine is someone who not only writes amazing novels that will make you fall in love with her characters, but she is considerate in both her characterization of iconic characters, and in her general interaction with others. In my book, kindness goes a long way and is worthy of rockstar status.

I'll now let Katherine tell you about some people she considers to be rockstars.

Hello!  I’m thrilled to be part of the second Authors Are Rockstars blog tour and equally excited to be hosted by Kathy at A Glass of Wine.  Kathy asked me a really intriguing question—which historical figures do you consider to be rock stars and why?

1. Henry VIII.  Of course I had to start with Henry.  His most recognizable image doesn’t really bring the term rock star to mind—fat, piggy-eyed, irascible.  But in his youth, Henry was considered one of the handsomest men in Europe.  Engaging, charming, brilliant.  I actually imagined him as a rock star—crush-worthy and presumably unattainable—while writing him into TARNISH.  And in an odd way, one can picture him like Elvis Presley.  At the height of his notoriety pursued by screaming fans, and in the end, fat and miserable, a slave to his appetites.
2. Anne Boleyn.  Of all of Henry’s wives, she is the one best remembered.  Her contemporaries didn’t all see her as beautiful, but she had some kind of charisma that captured the attention and admiration of Henry VIII.  She was vivacious and clever, had her own sense of style and thought outside the box.  Perhaps a bit like Lady Gaga?
3. Richard III.  Richard is one of history’s bad boys.  Even his detractors agreed that he was a warrior and a fierce opponent.  The recent discovery of his skeleton tells us that he did have a somewhat crooked back and that one shoulder was higher than the other, but he was hardly the limping, shriveled-armed character Shakespeare handed us.  He’s surrounded by myths and imaginative rumors, and we just don’t know which are true.  Is he Marilyn Manson—who generates his own image of disrepute?  Or more like a Keith Richards who finds it by following his passions and addictions?
4. Joan of Arc.  Young, intense, driven.  She wholeheartedly believed in her voices and in what she was doing.  She became a leader, an icon.  All of which led inevitably to her death.  Think Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin.  
5. Marie Antoinette.  Perhaps she’s misunderstood.  Perhaps she really didn’t care about the poor.  Perhaps she thought she was untouchable.  But she is certainly well-remembered and iconic.  Beautiful.  Tragic.  If she had lived, perhaps she would have reinvented herself.  Like Madonna?

There’s a reason these historical figures are remembered.  That even people who claim not to like history remember their names—perhaps can even pick their faces out of a lineup.  Just like people who listen only to classical music could say, “Oh, I’ve heard of Elvis Presley.”  They’re rock stars.  The voice, the inspiration, the icon of a generation and beyond.  Through their lives, these historical figures have created something.  Perhaps not music, but certainly change.  In perception, in policy.  Through myths and legends and art (paintings, plays, movies, music.)  We still find them fascinating, just like we will be listening to the great music artists for a long time to come.

This is by no means a complete list—and I admit it’s pretty Anglocentric, but that’s where my passion lies!

I’d love to hear who you think is a historical rock star.

A huge thank you to Katherine for stopping by and be sure to check out her first two books.

If you haven't already be sure to check out my 5 star review of both Gilt and Tarnish, and add Katherine's newest, soon to be released novel, Manor of Secrets to your Goodreads shelf!

You can find out more by visiting Katherine's website, and be sure to follow her on Twitter!

Please let me know who YOU think is a historical rockstar in the comments. Be sure to also check out the other stops on this fantastic tour!