Review: THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN by Ellen Hopkins

THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN

by Ellen Hopkins

Publication Date: January 23, 3017

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 608

Source: Irish Banana Book Tours

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Synopsis

How do you live your life if your past is based on a lie? A new novel in both verse and prose from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ellen Hopkins.

For as long as she can remember, it’s been just Ariel and Dad. Ariel’s mom disappeared when she was a baby. Dad says home is wherever the two of them are, but Ariel is now seventeen and after years of new apartments, new schools, and new faces, all she wants is to put down some roots. Complicating things are Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire.

Maya’s a teenager who’s run from an abusive mother right into the arms of an older man she thinks she can trust. But now she’s isolated with a baby on the way, and life’s getting more complicated than Maya ever could have imagined.

Ariel and Maya’s lives collide unexpectedly when Ariel’s mother shows up out of the blue with wild accusations: Ariel wasn’t abandoned. Her father kidnapped her fourteen years ago.

What is Ariel supposed to believe? Is it possible Dad’s woven her entire history into a tapestry of lies? How can she choose between the mother she’s been taught to mistrust and the father who has taken care of her all these years?

In bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s deft hands, Ariel’s emotionally charged journey to find out the truth of who she really is balances beautifully with Maya’s story of loss and redemption. This is a memorable portrait of two young women trying to make sense of their lives and coming face to face with themselves—for both the last and the very first time.

My Thoughts

At this point, it's pretty much a given that I will read any book by Ellen Hopkins. She writes the kind of books that speak to me. She shares truths with honesty and thoughtfulness. Hopkins has crafted a stellar story in THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN. 

What I liked:

• The verse narrative and the prose to establish each of the the girls' stories. The transition from reading Ariel's story to Maya's story wasn't distracting. That can happen sometimes when the styles of writing change.
• The parallel's in Ariel's and Maya's stories and how their paths cross.
• The friendships - Ariel had people come into her life who were important to her and who cared for her in just the right moment when she needed them. They helped who to realize who she was and showed her the true meaning of friendship and love. 

Favorite Quote:
(from the second poem, "Home", in THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN)

"Home   is someone
              or two who accepts you
              for the person you believe 
              you are, and if that happens
              to change, embraces the person
              you ultimately find yourself to be."

That quote right there let me know that this was going to be a powerful story.

What draws me to Ellen's books - exposing ugly truths, leads me to why I continue to read them - the possibility of hope. Reading THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN is an experience in itself. I loved it!

Disclaimer:  I received this ARC as part of the Irish Banana Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT ELLEN HOPKINS:

Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, Perfect, Triangles, Tilt, and Collateral. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me", and she can be visited at ellenhopkins.com. 

Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Tumblr

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

1/23: Such A Novel Idea - Review

1/24: Megnificent Books - Character Closet

1/25: Who R U Blog - Review

1/26: Wandering Bark Books - Playlist

1/27: Reading Is Better With Cupcakes - Review

Week 2:

1/30: The Irish Banana Review - Fast 5

1/31: Actin' Up With Books - Review

2/1: Red House Books - Top 10

2/2: The Book Return - Review

2/3: Bookiemoki - Q&A

Giveaway:

3 Finished Copies of THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN (US Only)

ENTER BY RAFFLECOPTER

Blog Tour Review: AFTERMATH by Clara Kensie

AFTERMATH

by Clara Kensie

Publication Date: November 1, 2016

Published by Merit Press

Pages: 282

Source: Irish Banana Tours

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Synopsis

Charlotte survived four long years as a prisoner in the attic of her kidnapper, sustained only by dreams of her loving family. The chance to escape suddenly arrives, and Charlotte fights her way to freedom. But an answered prayer turns into heartbreak. Losing her has torn her family apart. Her parents have divorced: Dad's a glutton for fame, Mom drinks too much, and Charlotte's twin is a zoned-out druggie. Her father wants Charlotte write a book and go on a lecture tour, and her mom wants to keep her safe, a virtual prisoner in her own home. But Charlotte is obsessed with the other girl who was kidnapped, who never got a second chance at life--the girl who nobody but Charlotte believes really existed. Until she can get justice for that girl, even if she has to do it on her own, whatever the danger, Charlotte will never be free.

My Thoughts

My from the gut review: I cried many times while reading AFTERMATH and had to keep reminding myself that this was a fictional abduction. But the reality is this does happen and it happens too often. I was thankful that, as a reader, I was eased into the horrors of Charlotte's time in captivity. I didn't have to make assumptions because the details were there, but they weren't unbearably graphic. I didn't feel like a voyeur of this traumatic event waiting to know all of the shocking details. I have to thank the author for that because, to be honest, this story did haunt my dreams. I had nightmares, and it always amazes me when books make their way into my dreams.

With all that Charlotte had to endure, there is beauty in this story because of Charlotte and her love for her family, her love for her sister, and her need for truth and peace for The One Before and for herself. There is beauty in Alexa's love and protection for Charlotte. Even with the years of separation and heartache and pain, their connection was the strongest after Charlotte returned. 

This story was a difficult read because of the many emotions I felt and I'm okay with that. I think something would be wrong with me if I wasn't affected as deeply as I was. Stories like Charlotte's need to be told and readers need to read them. A friend is already reading it based on my recommendation. I can't wait until I can discuss it with her because it is certainly a book that I will be thinking about for quite a while.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT CLARA KENSIE:

Clara Kensie grew up near Chicago, reading every book she could find and using her diary to write stories about a girl with psychic powers who solved mysteries. She purposely did not hide her diary, hoping someone would read it and assume she was writing about herself. Since then, she’s swapped her diary for a computer and admits her characters are fictional, but otherwise she hasn’t changed one bit.

Today Clara is a RITA^© Award-winning author of dark fiction for young adults. Her super-romantic psychic thriller series, Run To You, was named an RT Magazine Editors Pick for Best Books of 2014, and Run to You Book One: Deception So Deadly, is the winner of the prestigious 2015 RITA^© Award for Best First Book.

Clara’s latest release is Aftermath, a dark, ripped-from-the-headlines YA contemporary in the tradition of Room and The Lovely Bones. Aftermath is on Goodreads’ list of Most Popular Books Published in November 2016, and Young Adult Books Central declared it a Top Ten Book of 2016.

Clara’s favorite foods are guacamole and cookie dough. But not together. That would be gross.

Find Clara online:

Website  Newsletter  Instagram  Twitter   Facebook  Insiders  Goodreads  

Tour Schedule:

1/2: The Irish Banana Review - Review

1/3: Bibliobuli YA - 2 Truths & A Lie Post

1/4: Swoony Boys Podcast - Character Interview

1/5: Novel Ink - Review

1/6: Fiction Fare - Q&A

1/7: Actin' Up With Books - Review

1/8: The Story Sanctuary - Review

1/9: Who R U Blog - Review

1/10: Lisa's Loves - Dream Cast

1/11: Gabriella M Reads - Q&A

1/12: Novelgossip - Review

1/13: Such A Novel Idea - Playlist

Giveaway:

1: A "Do It Double" Aftermath tote bag from Blu Bear Bazaar. Inspired by Aftermath's message to "Do it double, because some can't do it at all," Blu Bear Bazaar designed beautiful artwork for it and printed it on tote bags and throw pillows. Blu Bear Bazaar is generously donating a portion of all Aftermath product proceeds to RAINN and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Click here for more information.

2: Choice of TWO books from Clara's collection of YA novels. Clara will give the winner a list of the YA novels in her collection, and the winner can pick two. Some of the books are signed by the author.

*US/CAN for the above prizes. If the winner is international, the prize will be substituted by a book from Book Depository up to $18.00, winner's choice.

Good luck, and happy reading!!!

ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

Review: KISS CAM by Kiara London

KISS CAM

by Kiara London

Publication Date: October 18, 2016

Published by Swoon Reads

Pages: 272

Source: Irish Banana Tours | Netgalley

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Synopsis

In Kiss Cam, teen author Kiara London asks, what's a little harmless kissing between friends?

Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny have been friends forever and co-own a vlog channel called WereVloggingHere. Their fans are huge "shippers" who believe that Juniper and Jasper are perfect for each other, and, despite warnings from friends and family, a simple Truth-or-Dare inspired kiss soon spirals out of control into a whole new world of making out and surprise kisses.

Juniper and Jasper's relationship begins to shift. But as fan requests for different "Kiss Cam" segments keep pouring in, Juniper puts her worries aside and convinces herself that it doesn't mean anything. After all, it's just kissing… right?

My Thoughts

"What's a little harmless kissing between friends?" - that was the hook that made me want to read KISS CAM. They are just asking for trouble!

What I liked:

• The characters and their chemistry. Juniper, Jasper, and Lenny. It was easy to believe why "viewers" would want to see the various 'ships'.
• It was so funny. It's full of pranks and jokes and just sweet and innocent moments.
• The conversations between Juniper and her father. One of my favorite moments was when Juniper knew that talking to her friends about her relationship with Jasper wasn't going to help her situation. "I just want to talk to someone who isn't a teenager," - she needed to talk to her dad. 
• LENNY! He has his own thing going on and while I was rooting for Juniper and Jasper, Lenny never seemed like he was the third wheel.
• The fun chapter titles. They grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to see how they were worked into each chapter. 

I wish that there was a real vlog called WereVloggingHere that I could watch. I'm sure I would tune in to it at least once a week to see what they would be up to.

KISS CAM is one of those books that I will pick up again when I want a lighter read - one that will make me laugh, swoon a little bit, and keep a smile on my face. I've enjoyed many books from the Swoon Reads imprint and KISS CAM is a sweet addition to their collection.

"After all, it just kissing . . . right?" Laughable! There's no such thing. 

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC for the blog tour hosted by Irish Banana Tours in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Celebrating 100 Years of Roald Dahl - THE MAGIC FINGER Review and Giveaway

When I was in third grade, my elementary school librarian read THE TWITS to our class. I can't believe how vividly I remember that from SO MANY years ago. Soon after I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. And it wasn't until 2013 that I picked up one of Dahl's books. I reread THE TWITS and made it a goal to read more of his books. So I am excited to participate in this celebration of his birthday and 100 years of Roald Dahl. 

THE MAGIC FINGER

by Roald Dahl

Publication Date: February 11, 2016 (first published 1966)
Published by Penguin/Puffin

Pages: 80

Source: Publisher / Irish Banana Tours

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What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

To the Gregg family, hunting is just plain fun. To the girl who lives next door, it's just plain horrible. She tries to be polite. She tries to talk them out of it, but the Greggs only laugh at her. Then one day the Greggs go too far, and the little girl turns her Magic Finger on them. When she's very, very angry, the little girl's Magic Finger takes over. She really can’t control it, and now it's turned the Greggs into birds! Before they know it, the Greggs are living in a nest, and that's just the beginning of their problems….

My Thoughts

THE MAGIC FINGER is a fun and silly story about a little girl who, when she gets angry, can make magical things happen.

"I can't even tell you how I do it, because I don't even know myself.

But it always happens when I get cross, when I see red . . .

Then I get very, very hot all over . . .

Then the tip of the first finger of my right hand begins to tingle most terribly . . .

And suddenly a sort of flash comes out of me, a quick flash, like something electric." (pg. 14)

The story is on the edge of ridiculous, but that is was makes it so hilarious. The artwork enhances the story and we get to see the Greggs family surviving the day as birds and the birds take on human characteristics and take over the home. Too fun! 

Just imagine the mayhem we could cause if we had a magic finger.

About ROALD DAHL:

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and beloved storytellers. He was born in Wales of Norwegian parents and spent much of his childhood in England. After establishing himself as a writer for adults with short story collections such as Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl began writing children's stories in 1960 while living with his family in both the U.S. and in England. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.

Roald Dahl’s first children’s story, The Gremlins, was a story about little creatures that were responsible for the various mechanical failures on airplanes. The Gremlins came to the attention of both First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who loved to read the story to her grandchildren, and Walt Disney, with whom Roald Dahl had discussions about the production of a movie.

Roald Dahl was inspired by American culture and by many of the most quintessential American landmarks to write some of his most memorable passages, such as the thrilling final scenes in James and the Giant Peach - when the peach lands on the Empire State Building! Upon the publication of James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl began work on the story that would later be published as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and today, Roald Dahl’s stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, have sold more than 200 million copies.

Roald Dahl also enjoyed great success for the screenplays he wrote for both the James Bond film You Only Live Twice in 1967 and for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released one year later, which went on to become a beloved family film.  Roald Dahl’s popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans. 

Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s memory: the first charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, created in 1991, focuses on making life better for seriously ill children through the funding of specialist nurses, innovative medical training, hospitals, and individual families across the UK.

The second charity, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in June 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote many of his best-loved works. 10% of income from Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities.

On September 13, 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated, on what would have been the author’s 90^th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world. September 13, 2016 is Roald Dahl 100, marking 100 years since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and surprises for everyone.

You can find a link to all of the top stops at THE IRISH BANANA REVIEW.

Giveaway:

1 winner can pick 5 books from the Roald Dahl collection! US Only.

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