Wicked (the series) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

I just began this series and I'm really not sure how I feel about it yet.  The book that I have is actually the first two books in the series (Witch and Curse) in one volume.  This is not to be confused with Gregory Maguire's Wicked, which is the book that the musical is based on.

I guess the trouble I am having with this book is that it keeps switching between time periods.  First, we are introduced to Holly Cathers, an only child who has taken a white water rafting trip with her parents and her best friend.  Holly keeps referencing arguments between her parents and something that had happened to her a year ago (she refers to it as a "nightmare").  This nightmare seems to be the catalyst that caused all of the subsequent events and arguments to happen.  As though these events aren't dark and foreboding enough, a huge storm forms overhead as Holly and her family are rafting.  It doesn't look good for them as even their rafting guide becomes nervous and encourages them to jump ship.  As Holly becomes submerged under water, the novel switches to a witches' gathering that seems to have taken place hundreds of years ago (based on the language used by the characters).  At this point, the story became increasingly strange and I skimmed ahead enough to know that Holly's parents do not survive the rafting accident.

While I am curious as to how Holly is involved in the events that happened hundreds of years ago (as the book seems to imply), I am unsure whether I want to continue reading.  However, knowing me, I will finish reading (at least the first book), because I have to give it a chance.  I think I might end up liking it, if I keep plugging along.  It almost seems as though the witches from hundreds of years ago want Holly for some reason.  I'm not sure if she's a descendant of these witches or if she's important for some other reason, but that's probably one of the main issues keeping me interested in continuing with this book.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I recently finished reading I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter.  What first drew me to the book was it's title, but the actual contents of the book was not at all what I expected.  I suppose I should back-up and explain a little by stating that this book is part of Carter's Gallagher Girls series.  Since I was unfamiliar with the series, I was expecting the book to be about a prep-school student who falls in love with a guy and various trouble ensues based on that relationship.  I guess my prediction was partially correct, except for the small fact that the main character (Cammie) goes to a SPY school!  Only the students and faculty know that this is a spy school, though.  The rest of the small town located near the school simply considers it a boarding school for rich, spoiled girls. 

This book is in no way like those we have been reading.  I remember Carrie mentioning our "heavy" books last week and, as I read this book, I quickly realized it's more of a light read.  It was actually a nice change, and I did like most aspects of the book.  While I did have to suspend my belief a bit, especially when memory-erasing tea and a Covert Operations class (for 10th graders!) were mentioned, the book does have a certain level of realism.  Even if Cammie's life is not typical of most 10th graders, her emotions and willingness to risk her secret spy life in order to see Josh was extremely realistic and believable.  Also, Josh's (and, to some extent, Cammie's) conflicting feelings about their respective "family businesses" and the expectation that they would carry on in their parents' footsteps is a real concern for some teens. 

While I don't think I have read a book about spies before (the topic doesn't necessarily interest me), this was a good introduction into the topic for me.  As I mentioned above, I was not expecting the book to be about spies, and once I got about 20 pages into it, I considered stopping right there and starting a different book.  However, I am glad that I stuck it out, because reading this book did make me less averse to the topic of spies, and I am considering reading the next book in the series (especially to find out whether Josh and Cammie will get back together). 

One of my only complains with this book is that there were some points at which it seemed that the book skipped information or felt as though something was missing.  For example, Cammie and her three friends are forced to room with the new girl (who is a spoiled, rude, daughter of a Senator).  Since this girl was saying mean things to most of the girls at the school, I found it odd that she was not mentioned for a good two weeks as the three friends were gathering information about Josh.  Where was Macy?  She lives in the same room as the other three girls, so as they are studying, talking about Josh, and gathering information about him, you would think there would be some mention of her...but there isn't.  Then, suddenly, she reappears and the girls begin to become friends with her as she gives them advice about boys.  This is just one example, and it is possible that there was a reference to Macy's whereabouts that I missed, but I feel that it at least should have been more clear if there was a reference made at all.  Aside from this issue, the book is well-written and did surprise me a few times. 

While I do not want to give away the ending of the book, there is a particular line that I love.  This one line says so much about the characters and about Cammie's future with Josh.  I just love that Ally Carter seems to present the story one way and "tie up" loose ends, and just as the reader begins to consider the implications of this ending, she includes this one line.  Josh's character says this line, just as he is leaving the Academy, "Oh, tell your mom thanks for the tea."  I'll leave you all to guess what this means (or you can just make it easy on yourselves and read the book).  I had to mention this line though, because I think it's a really clever way to sneak in a hint about the start of the next book.  It did make me feel a little sad though, since Cammie got her hopes up that she could be completely honest with Josh.  Also, I thought maybe her mom was going to trust the situation and trust Josh, but I guess spies don't leave anything to chance.  Did I mention that Cammie's mom is also a spy and that she is the headmistress of Gallagher Academy?  Cammie's father was a spy too, but he died during a classified mission, so Cammie does not know much about his death.  I wonder if this will be addressed in the next book...?  Hmm...I guess I really do need to read the next one now...

Reader Response to Parvana's Journey

First Reaction:  Though Parvana does seem like a real person to me, I do not feel that I can relate to her very well, considering I have not been in a situation as extreme as hers.  I have not been separated from my family for months and have gone hungry while traveling around my country searching for them.  Parvana is relatable as a human being and I am able to sympathize with the challenges she faces.

Feelings/emotions:  While I sympathize with Parvana's character and hope that everything works out for her in the end, it is very difficult for me to completely understand how she feels.  If I was ever separated from my family, could not find them, and worried that they were dead, I am not sure if I could maintain the strength to keep going and continue my search for them.  Especially since Parvana is near starvation and is only a child, her struggle seems particularly challenging and insurmountable. 

Perceptions:  While I've only seen or heard of these events happening in the media, I do believe that the things Parvana went through could happen in real life.  I'm sure children of war (and children in impoverished nations in general) endure many hardships and risk starvation.  As Parvana herself mentions a few times throughout the novel, the adults that are supposed to be caring for them and protecting them are gone.  The adults are either dead, lost, or involved in war (such as drafted for the army), so it is impossible for these children to count on them.  Rather, these children must grow up quickly and learn how to survive on their own.  I'm sure many children have stories similar to Parvana's, if not even more tragic.

Associations:  This text reminds me of other novels about war and survival, such as Baghdad Burning, The Art of War, and even Maus. 

Thoughts/Ideas:  I am extremely different at home than at school.  My "school self" is more reserved and quiet, while at home, I talk...a lot.  I think at home I'm also more inclined to share my thoughts and ideas with my family.  I feel that this difference is, at least in part, due to the amount of trust and freedom I feel with my family members.

Author:  I imagine that Deborah Ellis is an extremely compassionate person who is interested in the plight of others, especially those in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries.  I also believe that Deborah Ellis must like children and want to give a voice to those children who are suffering and starving like Parvana and her friends. 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King

I just recently finished Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King and I loved it!  For those who haven't read it yet, the book is about a high-school senior named Vera Dietz whose best friend Charlie dies suddenly.  Throughout the book, Vera considers her friendship with Charlie and tries to cope with his death, as well as his horrible treatment of her in the months before he dies.  I think the reader will be surprised by the truth about Charlie's death; I know I did not expect certain portions of the "true story."

In terms of Vera's character, I thought she was extremely relate-able (minus the drinking problem).  Her issues with her father and her efforts to determine what direction her life is headed give her credibility as a "real" teen.  However, some of the issues that Vera deals with are relatively unique and some teens may not understand or sympathize.  For example, Vera is continuously haunted by Charlie throughout the book.  Although I'm sure most of you are imagining Vera seeing the image of Charlie from time-to-time or hearing his voice, what actually happens is a bit more intense.  Rather than seeing one Charlie, Vera is haunted by numerous Charlies (at some points I think she mentions a specific number, such as 100 or 1,000).  These Charlies suffocate Vera and actually interfere with her life a little bit.  Some students may find this unbelievable (I admit, at times I thought the Charlies were behaving a bit ridiculously).  However, I think their presence and the way they affect Vera successfully conveys how much Charlie's death affects Vera and how Vera needs to unburden herself (and clear Charlie's name) by confessing the truth. 

One of my favorite elements of this book is how A. S. King includes certain chapters from the point of view of Charlie, Mr. Dietz, and the Pagoda (an inanimate object).  I think this provides the reader with helpful information and allows us to believe that both of these important men in Vera's life truly care(d) about her and want the best for her.  In addition, I also think it helps the reader to understand the flaws of both men and how some of their actions toward Vera were inappropriate or not supportive.  Mr. Dietz's flow charts are particularly amusing, since they provide the reader with a good insight into his character (he constantly thinks of actions in terms of consequences or where the action will lead you.  Also, Mr. Dietz is a very rational character and, as an accountant, the flow charts seem to make sense for his character.

At times throughout the novel, I became frustrated with Mr. Dietz's character because of some of his actions.  I felt that he was too controlling with Vera at certain points, while too lenient at others.  When he actually had Vera call her mother (who had abandoned the family 6 years ago) to talk to her rather than talk to her about her drinking and dating a 23-year-old, I felt that he was being particularly ridiculous.  Why rely on Vera's conversation with her mother to set her on the "right path?"  Especially since Mr. Dietz was the parent who had the problems with alcohol.  I was surprised he did not handle that part himself.  Did he really think Vera would be receptive to her mother who is no longer around and only sends her a birthday card?  By the end of the book, however, Mr. Dietz's actions made more sense to me.  One aspect of his character that I simply could not get over was some of his hypocrisy.  For instance, he keeps rationalizing the fact that he does not encourage Vera's love of animals or allow her to have a pet by stating that people spend too much money on their pets.  Mr. Dietz opines that there are starving children all over the world (even in their own town) and yet people spend lots of money taking care of their pets.  He believes that these people should spend that "extra" money on the starving children.  While I think that this is a valid opinion in theory, Mr. Dietz's character is so tight with money, I don't think he spends the extra money that he saves by not allowing Vera to have a pet on the starving children of the town.  While this is not explicitly stated, I'm just guessing that he doesn't.  It doesn't seem likely.  So that hypocrisy really bothers me.  Also, the fact that he does not encourage Vera to work with animals, which is something she loves so much (and could be therapeutic for her after her mother's abandonment) struck me as kind of...cold.  I was going to type "heartless," but I really don't believe Mr. Dietz is heartless, just misguided and somewhat lost.

I really enjoyed the fact that Vera's character is independent and strong.  While she does make mistakes and still obviously has some emotions about her mother that have not been dealt with, Vera is a good example of someone who does not allow others' opinions or attitudes toward her to affect her life very much.  Although I would not advocate teens to take Vera's "please ignore Vera Dietz" approach while in school, I am glad to see a female protagonist who refuses to join the "Detentionheads" in their ridiculous behavior, even after her best friend begins to hang out with them.  I also admire A. S. King for writing a female character who feels that she does not have to behave like Jenny Flick in order to get a guy to like her.  In my opinion, there are too many "Jenny Flicks" in the world.  While not all of them are as cruel or as much of a sociopath as Jenny's character, I think that many girls today feel that they need to dress in a revealing way or wear too much makeup or do poorly in school simply to attract male attention.  I found it particularly interesting that Charlie actually confesses that the reason why Jenny Flick never liked Vera is because "she's [Vera's] classy without having to try" (p. 293).  Hopefully teen girls who read this book will finally realize that being classy and having standards is extremely important and that guys (especially the right kind of guys) will love them for these attributes.  While this seems to be a subtle message, I think it is important that A. S. King included that sentence in the book.

Overall, I highly recommend reading this book.  I'm seriously considering purchasing it so that I can read it again in the future.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Since this was my second time reading Crank, I took care to notice differences between this reading and the first.  The first thing I noticed was that I had a terrible time motivating myself to begin reading the book a second time.  While Crank is extremely powerful and is a novel I would highly recommend reading, the content was so emotionally wrenching that I really did not want to subject myself to the "emotional roller coaster" a second time.  That being said, once I actually started reading, I could not put the book down.  I think I read it even quicker the second time than I did the first!

In terms of my understanding of the characters and my ability to connect with Kristina/Bree, I think reading the book a second time was extremely helpful.  Throughout my first reading, I was so shocked and upset by what was happening to Kristina that I could barely wrap my head around her addiction and her "alter ego."  While reading the second time, I had a better understanding of Kristina and of the emotions and events that led "Bree" to take over.  As I re-read the novel, it still terrified me how quickly Kristina became addicted and allowed the drugs to completely change her life.  Within the course of six months, not only is Kristina severely addicted, but she is also almost broke and expecting a baby.  It is amazing how someone who is a good student and a good person can get caught up in addiction so severely and so suddenly.

As I read the novel a second time, I was better able to notice the way that Hopkins arranges the phrases of the verse novel.  Often, the words and phrases will take the shape of the very thing Kristina is referring to in that particular passage.  For example, when Kristina discusses the heart tattoo Adam gave her, the words form the shape of a heart.  While I noticed this to some extent during my first reading, I was able to catch even more of these instances as I re-read the novel.

Possibly one of the scariest aspects of reading this novel (both times) is that, as Hopkins describes Kristina's drug use, I found myself becoming very curious about how a person feels while experiencing being high on this drug.  This disturbed me (and continues to disturb me).  Then, as I read the horrible withdrawal symptoms that Kristina was experiencing, I remembered that this drug is particularly addictive and extremely horrible for the body.  So I guess what I'm trying to convey (although it is really difficult for me to explain how I felt as I read this novel), is that I consistently experienced both a curiosity and a repulsion for this drug as I read Crank.  I don't know if Hopkins' intention was to take the reader along on an emotional roller coaster, but that is definitely what this novel does for me.  Especially during my second reading, I allowed myself to really identify with Kristina.  As I re-read, I was better able to feel how powerless a person (in this case Kristina) is to their addiction (the "monster").