Ultraviolet Book Review

 Author: R.J. Anderson. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Carolrhoda Books. ISBN: 9780761374086.

Annotation: After her classmate, Tori Beaugrand, disintegrates in front of her, sixteen-year-old Alison Jeffries finds herself as a patient at Pine Hills mental hospital and a suspect in Tori’s murder.   

Personal thoughts: I had heard mixed things about this novel and when I began reading it I had very few expectations. Within the first chapter, however, I was hooked. R.J. Anderson’s writing style is spot on, and I loved how the story wasn’t melodramatic. I was fascinated by Alison and her abilities, and think that they will make for a very strong series. I truly did not see the “twist” in the novel coming, and felt like I was on my toes throughout the story. I’m really looking forward to the sequel, and plan to recommend this novel to teens who want something different, original and entertaining.   

Plot summary: All her life, Alison Jeffries has been able to see, taste and smell things no one else can. When she listens to music, the notes form rich, colorful patterns in the air. Certain letters leave a disgusting taste in her mouth and some words are as delicious as chocolate. When she was a child, her mother told her never to talk about what she was seeing, making Alison think that her visions were crazy. Now she is sixteen, and Alison has spent her life trying to hide her abilities from the world, turning her into a loner at school. No amount of preparation can prepare Alison, however, for what happens one fateful afternoon behind her high school. Tori Beaugrand, a beautiful, popular, out-going student, and Alison get into a fight. Longtime rivals, Alison has had enough of Tori’s bullying and, more than anything, the harsh noise Tori gives off that no one else can hear. After Alison punches Tori, something she never dreamed of doing, something horrible happens: Tori disappears. Tori’s disintegration, coupled with the most unbearably painful noise Alison has ever heard, is more than she can handle. Alison awakens days later in the hospital, her body bruised, and learns that Tori is missing. Convinced that she killed Tori, but not sure how, Alison is moved to Pine Hills, a institution for teens with mental illness. Now that she is a suspect in Tori’s murder and under constant surveillance from her doctors, Alison begins to wonder if her mother was right. Is she truly insane or is their more to her abilities and what happened to Tori than she realizes?

Review:  Part Girl, Interrupted part A Wrinkle in Time, this first installment in R.J. Anderson’s new series for teens offers something slightly more cerebral yet thought-provoking than the usual young adult novel. From the start, the reader, like Alison, is not sure what is truth and what is fantasy. Alison sees beautiful, flowing colors when she hears sounds, she ascribes tastes and sensations to words and numbers, and she smells emotions. The author’s descriptions of these abilities are very well-done and seem realistic enough to raise the question of whether or not she herself experiences what Alison does. At first slightly un-settling, readers will eventually get used to Alison’s interesting sensations, and appreciate the crucial part they play at various points in the story. Alison’s experiences in the Pine Hills mental illness facility also raise questions for the reader: is she crazy? Does she belong in the facility? Will she ever be released? These, along with the more science-fiction aspects of the novel, combine in an interesting way that makes for an original and unique story that will hold great appeal for the right type of reader. The second novel in the series, Quicksilver, is set to be released on September 6, 2012.

Genre: Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates, Tighter by Adele Griffin, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.  

Themes:  Mental illness, mental hospitals, murder, synesthesia, sanity vs. insanity.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.

Series Information: First installment in Ultraviolet series. Second novel, Quicksilver, set to be released September 6, 2012.    

Discussion questions:

-       Why do you think Alison’s mother didn’t want her to talk about her abilities?
-     Do you think Alison should have been a patient at Pine Hills? Why or why not?
-      Research “synesthesia.” Is it a real condition?
-       Were you surprised to learn the truth about Faraday’s research study?
-    What would you like to see happen in the sequel?

Shatter Me Book Review

 Author: Tahereh Mafi. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780062085484.

Annotation: Juliette Ferrars has been locked up in an insane asylum for three years for a crime she did not mean to commit. Abandoned by her family and left to rot in her tiny cell, Juliette’s world changes forever when she is given a roommate, Adam, a boy from her past, who isn’t afraid of her deadly touch.

Personal thoughts: I am a very big fan of post-apocalyptic dystopian novels, so I was anxious to read Shatter Me, especially since I had heard so many great things about it. Although it wasn’t my all-time favorite novel, I did find it enjoyable and creative in many ways. It took me a few chapters to get used to Tahereh Mafi’s writing style, and before that happened I wasn’t sure if I could stomach the constant strikethroughs. After awhile, however, I found that it added to the story and in the development of Juliette’s character in a really unique way. I also wasn’t too sure about the dramatic shift in the story from Girl, Interrupted to X-Men, but am curious to see what the author does in the sequel. I would definitely recommend this as a Hunger Games read-alike.

Plot summary: Juliette Ferrars is a monster. Her touch is lethal, her parents abandoned her and society locked her up for a crime she did not mean to commit. She has been in the asylum for three years, trapped day after day in a tiny cell. Her only consolation is in a pen, small notebook and words she uses to cope. She knows she’s not insane, but begins to wonder as the seconds, minutes, days, months and years tick by. Her quiet torment is broken suddenly one day when she is told she has been given a roommate. A boy her age is thrust into her cell, and, for the first time in three years, Juliette has someone to talk to. Juliette soon discovers that her new roommate isn’t just anyone, he’s Adam: the boy she’s known since she was 8-years-old, the only one who didn’t look at her with hate and distrust. Adam doesn’t seem to remember Juliette, and only seems intent on discovering why he has been placed in her cell. The truth behind their connection is soon revealed, however, beginning a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Review:  Part psychological thriller, part action-adventure, this debut novel from author Tahereh Mafi begins an already successful new dystopian series that is certain to appeal to a variety of teen readers. Set in a post-apocalyptic and not-too-distant future, Juliette Ferrars’ world is broken, just like her. The author uses Juliette’s writing in her notebook as a literary element that permeates the novel. Strikethroughs appear on almost every page, allowing the reader to see Juliette’s thought process. Although it takes some getting used to, Mafi’s strikethrough technique adds greatly to the psychological aspects of the plot, showing Juliette’s inner turmoil as she struggles to deal with her abandonment, imprisonment, and deadly abilities. Towards the middle of the novel, the story takes a dramatic shift from Juliette’s troubled mind to the outside world, complete with action, adventure and romance. This change makes for a read that is very different from beginning to end, but also leaves the story open for sequels, the first of which is set to be released sometime in 2012. Overall, Shatter Me is a creatively written and interesting start to a new series that many readers, especially fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent, will enjoy.

Genre: Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Legend by Marie Lu.

Themes:  Sanity/insanity, imprisonment, dystopian, trust, abandonment, supernatural abilities, murder.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.  

Series Information: First installment in Shatter Me series. Second novel (not yet titled) set to be released in 2012.

Discussion questions: 

-   Did you like or dislike the author’s use of the strikethrough in the novel? Why?

-   Do you think Juliette is insane? Why or why not?

-    Why do you think Warner is so obsessed with Juliette?

-      What would you like to see happen in the next installment of this series?

The Lunatic’s Curse Book Review

Author: F.E. Higgins. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Feiwel & Friends. ISBN: 9780312566821.

Annotation: Rex Grammaticus suspects his new stepmother, Acantha, is responsible for his father’s sudden insanity, especially when his father is committed to the sinister Droprock Island Asylum for the Peculiar and Bizarre. Rex is certain that his father is not mad, and vows to discover the truth about Acantha, the asylum, and the mysterious society of Andrew Faye.

Personal thoughts:  I was a little concerned about picking this title up at first because I haven’t read the other novels in the series, but since it states clearly in the book jacket that it can be read individually I went ahead and gave it a try. I am glad that I did! As a fan of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, I found myself really enjoying Higgins’ macabre story as much if not more than Lemony Snicket’s novels. I like that Higgins doesn’t “talk-down” to the reader, and uses words and phrases that will make them think. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants something creepy, and think it has a perfect place in the middle-school classroom for reluctant readers.

Plot summary: Twelve-year-old Rex Grammaticus lives a happy life with his father, Ambrose, a renowned inventor in the lakeside town of Oppum Oppidulum. When a mysterious woman, Acantha, seduces Ambrose into marrying her, however, Rex is sure that things are going to take a turn for the worse. Rex’s fears are realized when one fateful evening, his father suddenly suffers from a fit of madness, viciously attacking Rex and even cutting off his own hand. Ambrose is committed to the Droprock Island Asylum for the Peculiar and Bizarre, with the help of Acantha’s good friend and superintendent of the asylum, Cadmus Chapelizod, and his business and fortune are left entirely in Acantha’s care. Rex is certain that his stepmother is responsible for Ambrose’s insanity, and vows to free his father from the torturous asylum.  

Review:  The latest novel in F.E. Higgins’ series for tweens is described as a “polyquel” to the other books, meaning that it can as easily be read as a stand-alone in addition to having some overlap with the other stories. Familiarity with Higgins’ other novels, however, does not determine whether the highly creepy Lunatic’s Curse can be enjoyed by readers: anyone with a slight penchant for the macabre will find this book to be deliciously gruesome and utterly entertaining. From the first pages, the author plunges the reader headfirst into the world of Oppum Oppidulum, a seemingly peaceful lakeside town with more than its fair share of deep, dark secrets. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the story is the care that Higgins takes in creating the setting and characters. Each has their own unique back-story and is given the opportunity for development, even if they have only minor roles in the plot. This technique immerses the reader in world of the novel, making the story far more engaging. The storyline is also very creative and unique, and Rex Grammaticus is a very likable protagonist. As a side note, squeamish readers should be aware that Higgins does venture into some fairly dark territory, from murder to torture, and even a dash of cannibalism. These elements are not overpowering, however, and Lunatic’s Curse is not only appropriate for tweens and teens, but thoroughly enjoyable as well (especially for reluctant boy readers!)

Genre: Mystery

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, other titles in Tales of the Sinister City series by F.E. Higgins, including The Eyeball Collector, The Bone Magician, and The Black Book of Secrets.   

Themes:  Mystery, murder, conspiracy, insanity, asylums, machinery, lakes, cannibalism.   

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Booklist and Kirkus.     

Series Information: Part of a non-sequential series of polyquels by F.E. Higgins, Tales of the Sinister City. Other installments:  The Bone Magician (2008), The Eyeball Collector (2009), and The Black Book of Secrets (2010).  

Discussion questions: 

- What were your original thoughts about why Ambrose went “insane”? Did they change throughout the novel?

- Why do you think the lodestone method was successful?

- Were you surprised to learn the truth about Hildred?

-  Were you surprised to learn the truth about the society of Andrew Faye?

- Do you think Rex did the right thing in his construction of the Re-breather? Why or why not?

The Sleepwalkers Book Review

 Author: J. Gabriel Gates. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Health Communications, Inc. ISBN: 9780757315886.

Annotation:  Caleb Mason just graduated high school and is about to begin a promising photojournalism career when he receives a cryptic letter from his childhood friend, Christine, who still lives in the small Florida town they grew up in. It seems that Christine, and other teens in the area, are being held against their will for treatment in a place called the Dream Center. Fearing for his friend, Caleb sets out for Florida with his best friend to figure out exactly what is going on in Hudsonville.  

Personal thoughts:  This novel took me for a bit of a roller coaster ride, but it wasn’t exactly a pleasant one. I had very high hopes for about the first third of the book with the introduction of Caleb and Bean, their travelling to Florida, and beginning to uncover the secrets of the Dream Center. As the plot was revealed, however, the novel took a very dark turn that I found to be a bit unsavory. Normally I am okay with stories that delve into dark things (the occult, witches, demons, etc.) For some reason, I just felt the shift in this book was too abrupt and not explained well enough for me to enjoy it. I was also not a huge fan of the Ron Bent character and didn’t find that he fit well into the story. Despite these negatives, I do think that, with a little tweaking, J. Gabriel Gates’ horror writing could be really great. I would not shy away from picking up another one of his titles in the future.    

Plot summary: Caleb Mason has it all together. He has just graduated high school in Malibu, California, has the hottest girlfriend in town and an awesome best friend, Benjamin “Bean” Friedman, who keeps him laughing. Now that he’s done with high school, Caleb plans to travel to Africa and investigate the AIDS pandemic, hopefully giving his career as a photo journalist a jumpstart. Everything changes, however, when Caleb receives a cryptic letter from Christine Zikry. As a child growing up in the small town of Hudsonville, Florida, Caleb was best friends with Christine and her twin sister Anna. After Anna mysteriously disappeared, memory of the two sisters has haunted Caleb, even though he and his mother long moved away to California. Now Christine has resurfaced, and is begging Caleb to return to Hudsonville, claiming that she is being held against her will for “treatment” in a place called the Dream Center. Disturbed by the letter and fearing for the life of his friend, Caleb abandons his plans to travel to Africa and, instead, travels to Florida with Bean, hoping to spend time with his dad, who is still living in Hudsonville. When Caleb and Bean arrive in Florida, they are immediately plunged into a situation more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. Caleb’s father is missing, as are hundreds of Hudsonville residents. Everything seems to revolve around the mysterious Dream Center, a facility claiming to be dedicated to the treatment of sleep disorders. As Caleb and Bean learn more about the truth of the Dream Center, it seems that nothing has prepared them for the dangers they face.  

Review:  Exceptionally creepy and dark, J. Gabriel Gates’ The Sleepwalkers proves to be a spooky yet inconsistent read. The beginning of the novel does well to create a sense of foreboding for the reader. Caleb’s ideal life is clearly going to take a turn for the worse when he returns to Hudsonville, the small town with a dark secret. The relationship between Caleb and his best friend Bean is arguably the most well worked aspect of the novel, with the two exchanging amusing quips back and forth for much of the story. The rest of the characters, however, tend to be muddled. Christine’s lifelong infatuation with Caleb is never fully explained, and when he learns about it, Caleb doesn’t appear perturbed by her obsessive behavior. Several side characters are introduced but not fully flushed out, including a Vietnam veteran-turned priest-turned vigilante named Ron Bent, Christine’s alcoholic “witch” mother, and a tough but caring waitress named Margie. The events of the story as well, though often quite creepy, are not explained enough to be satisfying. What is the exact nature of the sleepwalkers? Why did Caleb and Bean’s parents let two eighteen-year-olds travel across country alone? What is the significance of the clocks? Overall, the story has its share of high points, but leaves too many unanswered questions to be a truly satisfying horror novel. Recommended only to readers who are interested enough in the homicidal sleepwalker concept enough to get past the flaws.

Genre: Horror

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Damage by Anya Parrish.  

Themes:  Sleepwalking, insane asylums, insomnia, demons, the devil, murder, grief.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist.

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions: 

- Do you think that Caleb was plagued by guilt over what happened to Anna?

- Do you think Caleb was truly happy with his life in Malibu? Why or why not?

- What were your impressions of the clocks and the radio? How did those objects impact the story?

- Do you think Christine was insane? Why or why not?

- What do you think happened at the end of the story?