This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang

This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang

Release Date - March 22, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That’s how it’s been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivien moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It’s the perfect friendship—as long as no one finds out about it. But then Janie goes missing and everything Micah thought he knew about his best friend is colored with doubt.

Using a nonlinear writing style and dual narrators, Amy Zhang reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie’s disappearance in a second novel.

Some reviews are harder to write than others. Some books you cannot talk about in as much detail as you wish due to not wanting to spoil the experience for anyone. This Is Where The World Ends is one such novel. The synopsis only hints at the truth hidden within these pages but, once again, Amy Zhang has crafted a poignant and relevant story with her incredibly prose.

Amy Zhang's writing is lyrical and beautiful. Fans of her first novel will immediately fall into this story. Her skill as a writer is in exploring these complex themes in relatively minimal pages. Her stories are tight, condensed and every word and nuance serves the story. This is a story where words matter, and that is reflected even in the writing.

This is a novel of friendship first and foremost, as well as a mystery. The friendship in this novel is messy, magical, wonderful, and consuming. Their friendship is filled with late night adventures and inside jokes. This friendship isn't without it's flaws, and has it's ups and downs, but there is something magical about their bond. The notion of 'something more' is always there in the shadows, and you feel the genuine love and affection these two hold for each other. They balance each other and push each other out of the comfort zones.

This story is told in dual perspectives. We get to hear from both Micah and Janie (both in flashbacks and diary entries). Micah is an unreliable narrator because his memories from the night Janie disappeared are fuzzy. This creates a pretty engrossing mystery whose truth is achingly sad, and all too realistic. The use of the two narrators really works in this particular case. They both fill in details missing from the other that the reader needs to have a complete story. This style of writing is most effective when the two narrations compliment each other, and that is exactly what happens here.

Fairytales are used heavily in this novel, but not in the way you think. This isn't a revamped fairytale where once upon a time leads to happily ever after. This story is one that is all too achingly real and familiar. This story isn't a happy one and Amy Zhang's heartbreaking portrayal of what really happened to Janie is one of the more perfectly crafted parts of the novel. It felt real, infuriating, and honest.

Amy Zhang proves once again that she is a bright emerging voice in Young Adult literature. She manages to pack so much emotion into her stories while keeping you captivated by the story. I eagerly await whatever she writes next and what themes she may explore in the process. These are books that get you talking, and there is much to say about Janie and her story.

@HCCFrenzy Presents Event - Fall 2015/Winter 2016

I was recently invited to the Harper Collins office in Toronto to attend a blogger event where they'd be spotlighting some of their upcoming fall and winter titles. The event was hosted by the lovely ladies behind HCC Frenzy, which handles the young adult titles for Harper Collins Canada. Be sure to follow them on Twitter, and Tumblr as they are awesome!-*

Amazing Glass Sword decorations

It was beyond surreal to be invited to an event like this, and I am extremely thankful to all of the ladies who made the event possible, and Suman for her general awesomeness.

My favourite part of an event like this is touching base with the publishing contacts I've worked with, and getting to mingle with other bloggers. There are always lots of hugs, excited fangirling and general excitement at an event like this. You can't help but feel lucky to be part of this community.

Of course, the other part I love is getting hear about the upcoming titles that the publisher is excited to tell us about. They highlighted eleven upcoming titles that should be one everyone's radar and I am excited to share a little more about each of them with you.

1. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (goodreads)

We were told that this one will make you want to listen to Dolly Parton, leave you dying to tell everyone you know about this book, and that it's ever better than Julie's debut novel. Needless to say the Harper ladies love this one and I cannot wait to read it for myself. There was also a little cameo by Julie Murphy via recorded video where she talked about the inspiration behind this novel - it sounds so uplifting and inspiring!

Julie Murphy discussing Dolly Parton concerts as research!

2. A Step Towards Falling by Cammie McGovern (goodreads)

This novel stood out because of the potential for discussion that it seems to hint it. Two teens witness something horrible happening, and stand by while it happens instead of helping. Through their punishment they learn about themselves, and about others. It sounds like it could be a novel filled with character growth and the potential for tears!

3. Ice Like Fire by Sara Raasch (goodreads)

I haven't read the first novel in this series, and not too much was teased out of respect for spoilers, but this sounds like an incredible series. The world building and set up was praised, and it sounds really intriguing. This sequel promises an action packed follow up to the events in book one, and I am curious enough to check out the first one in the series.

4. A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis (goodreads)

Asylums, murder, and Mindy's writing. That was all I needed to be told in order to be completely sold on this one. A young woman finds herself helping a doctor as an assistant at crime scenes while dealing with personal issues in her past. This historically set novel takes place in one of the most creepiest settings, and promises chills and thrills. One of my personal most anticipated reads of the fall season.

5. This May Sound Crazy by Abigail Breslin (goodreads)

This one sounds like it'll be a big hit with teens. Actress Abigain Breslin offers up advice for teens of the modern age. Written as "essays" she'll cover everything from dating in the time of selfies, loss, Tumblr, and so much more. This was also talked up as one stunning book as the look, layout and many of the other design elements are promising to be very eye catching.

6. The Unquiet by Mikaela Everett (goodreads)

Sci-Fi fans may want to add this one to their reading list. It was mentioned as being for fans of Orphan Black, Fringe and Never Let Me Go. It involves parallel universes, assassins, and murder. It seems like a creepy, unsettling novel and I am definitely intrigued.

7. The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (goodreads)

This has been compared to Buffy but from the perspective of the random kid in the cafeteria. The one who just wants to pass Math class, maybe get their crush to go to the school dance with them, and not have the school blow up before English. In other words, it's the story of the non chosen ones. The people who are average. I got to hear Patrick Ness talk about this one at Book Con this year and left immediately wanting to devour it. It sounds incredible, and poignant. It reminds us that even if we don't end up in the spotlight we still have a story worth telling.

8. Worlds Of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley (goodreads)

Lena Coakley was there to tell us a little about the novel, and the inspiration behind it, as well as having the Harper ladies talk it up. One of them referred to it as the best book she's ever read. If you're a fan of the Bronte sisters this one has to go on your reading list immediately. It blends real life with the fantastical as it examines what it would be like to have your literary creations become real, and is said to offer up a fascinating sibling dynamic.

Who should read this book? Everyone, basically

9. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

The title I am most excited about! This is the sequel to Red Queen, and offers up an action packed follow up of the events in book one. Betrayal, rebellion, decisions, and consequences all await in what I hope is a dynamite follow up to one of my favourite reads of this year. Fun fact - Movie options have already been snapped up and Elizabeth Banks is set to direct.

Best Tag Line Ever. Yes.

10. The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks (goodreads)

This seems like a mix of everything - comedy, drama, survival story. A girl goes to a party with her crush, and her ex-best friend. Awkward, right? A tsunami hits and she survives and is stranded in a life boat with said crush and ex-best friend. The humour is tongue in cheek, and was said to be a little reminiscent of Libba Bray's Beauty Queens. A satire that sounds like it could be a really fun reading experience.

11. This Is Where The World Ends by Amy Zhang (goodreads)

Amy Zhang's writing was a huge selling point here. She wrote this book while attending college classes (her debut was written while she was in high school) which is just impressive. It focuses on two friends, and the aftermath of when one of them goes missing. Sounds like it could be a potentially compelling mystery surrounding what really happened, and if Amy's first book is any indication, one that should definitely be picked up.

What did you do in college? (Side note - LOVE the FNL reference)

The bloggers who attended were gifted some of these amazing titles in swag bags as we left. They were such a nice surprise, and I loved the bags they came in!

A huge thank you to everyone who made them possible. I love, love, love the buttons and my Glass Sword swag in particular.

Which of these titles caught your eye? Any you're dying to read? Any new to you titles that you now want to pick up? Let me know in the comments.

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

Release Date - September 9, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  304 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton’s laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road.

Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High’s most popular junior girl. Mass, acceleration, momentum, force—Liz didn’t understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn’t understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect? Amy Zhang’s haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher.

It's usually not one moment that crushes a person, rather it's a culmination of little moments, and little choices. Falling Into Place looks at those little moments and the choices we each make and their sometimes devastating impact.  It's a subtly written novel whose lasting impression is anything but quiet.

This is Amy Zhang's debut novel. For the record, it is one of the most beautifully written debuts I've had the pleasure to read. She's a writer that I predict will be dazzling readers for many years to come as she continues to only improve on her already strong voice.

This is one of the novels where the characters seem effortless. They seem all too real. They're flawed, so flawed in fact that I predict many will claim they are unlikable. It's a shining example of character likability not dictating the strength of the novel. They are unbelievably well constructed characters, and they may be too realistic for some. It may hit too close to the heart, but that's a good thing. It's shines a bright light on some of the darkest topics. The secrets we don't want anyone, least of all ourselves, to see. It's a perfect discussion novel, and a large part of that is the characters.

The narrator is a mystery, at least at first. It quickly becomes apparent who is telling us Liz Emerson's story and it's a rather brilliant twist. Extremely observant and perceptive this is the prefect character to tell us this particular story. This is a narrator that is rarely (if ever) used as a narrator in novels, and one whose whimsical, lyrical voice was pitch perfect for the story. It's non linear format of storytelling only adds to the over all dreamy quality of the voice of the narrator. It dictated the tone of the story and effortlessly resonated through the entire novel. The subtle clues to the narrator ultimately pave the way for the reader to guess, even if the title of the narrator is even so much as whispered. The author lets the reader put together the clues, and gives us everything to solve the mystery.

While the ending left me wanting a little bit more to bring it all together, the rest of the novel is so wonderfully crafted that it's a minor thing. The message, and what I took away from the novel are what will stay with me, along with it's characters. They are ultimately what makes it's way into your heart, flaws and all. They are the important element of the story, and this is a perfect read for those who love character driven novels.

The buzz for this one is almost deafening and it's clearly more than warranted. A hauntingly beautiful look at choices and how they impact not just ourselves but others in our orbit. The writing will leave you spellbound and it's story will linger long after you turn that final page.

Book Expo America

Book Expo America (or book heaven to anyone who loves books) is THIS week. In fact it starts tomorrow. I hope to run into a bunch of you there, so I thought I would post a "Where You'll Find Me" type post.

Javits Center (AKA BEA itself)

What are some of the places you'll find me during BEA itself?

- BEA Bloggers Conference - I'll be going this year! Excited to see everyone who will also be attending this event.

- Morgan Matson's line. I love Since You've Been Gone and can't wait to fangirl about it in person with Morgan.

- RL Stine's signing on Saturday - My niece Kenadie is a huge Goosebumps fan now. I'll totally be the coolest Auntie ever when I come back with a signed book for her.

- Heather Demetrios's signing for Exquisite Captive. Heck yes! I can't wait to read this one.

-Rebecca Serle's signing line. I need Famous In Love. NEED. It sounds adorable, and fun, and perfect for anyone who loves Hollywood and CW shows.

There are plenty more places you'll see me. Chelsey Philpot's line is another place. I'll also be grabbing a few moments to relax here and there down in the food court area (at least that is the plan).

OUTSIDE BEA 

Part of what I am most looking forward to though is the outside BEA stuff in New York. So where else will you find me?

Heathers, The Musical - Kelly (from Kellyvision) and I have tickets to the Friday May 30th showing of this. I am really excited to be going, especially as I've heard many of the iconic lines are featured in the musical in some way.

Shake Shack - At some point I am going to need to grab lunch or dinner here. I tried it for the first time last time I was at BEA, and I have basically been dreaming about having it again ever since.

The Strand

Pretty sure all the bloggers I am staying with will be making the trek to The Strand at some point during our stay. I've never been (shocking right?!) but I hear it's an amazing bookstore! Plus, Dash and Lily's Book Of Dares uses this as an important backdrop to the story, so extra bookish bonus points.

Most Anticipated Books

Someone asked me for a list of my most anticipated finds at BEA, so I am going to include that here as well.

- Famous in Love by Rebecca Serle
- Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang
- Even In Paradise by Chelsey Philpot
- Anatomy of  a Misfit by Andrea Portes
- Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
- Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Plus many, many more. My list is pretty Harper Collins heavy, but they have an incredible Fall catalog this year!

If you see me around don't be afraid to say Hi. I am shy, but love to meet new people. Especially if it means talking books. Are you headed to BEA? Let me know where I might see you!

Waiting on Wednesday..... Falling Into Place

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 Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton’s laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road.

Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High’s most popular junior girl. Mass, acceleration, momentum, force—Liz didn’t understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn’t understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect? Amy Zhang’s haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher.

Unexpected narrator?! Sold. I actually read another synopsis that reveals WHO the narrator is, and it's surprising, and unique. I am really excited about who is telling the story, because I don't think it's been done before (at least to my knowledge).

The other thing that caught my attention? The part that mentions that this is for fans of Gayle Forman. I am a Gayle Forman fangirl and YES! I need this book...immediately.

Expected release date - September 9, 2014