Book Review: A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandel

Book Review by, The Little Sister
Check out my other review of The Lonely Hearts Club

Cora Bradley dreams of escape. Ever since her reckless older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora has felt trapped in her small town. Her parents are increasingly overprotective, and even her best friend, Rachel, has begun to slip away.
So Cora seeks solace in art, drawing elaborate maps and envisioning herself in exotic locales.

Then Cora’s maps lead her somewhere unexpected: to Damian, the handsome, brooding boy who was in the car with Nate the night he died. Cora forms a tentative bond with Damian—himself an artist—who reveals to her the truth about who her brother really was. As Cora begins to piece together the fragments of her life, she finds herself falling for Damian. But, will she have the courage to follow the chart of her heart?
Cover Summary



I absolutely loved this book. Without a doubt. From the very beginning, this book left me in awe and in tears. Cora, to me, personifies a truly strong and courageous character which makes her increasingly admirable and a likeable character. I definitely liked her. Her response to the different obstacles in her life after her brother’s death was inspirational. While she did mourn and grieve and shed many tears over her lost brother, she still held on strong and remained in reality and continued on with her life. She didn’t allow this tragedy to dictate her life and lose herself.

Many people, after losing a loved one, just stop living their life and submerging themselves in their sorrows and regrets. However, Cora, realized that she is young and have much to live for still. Her response to her parents was also impressive and noble. She demonstrates selflessness, kindness and perceptiveness towards her somewhat neglecting parents.

The characters in the book were also realistic which is something that I love. There are some books that have too perfect to be real characters but this book didn’t. The flaws and the redeeming qualities in these characters is abundantly clear. I find that many people can actually relate to these characters, their emotions as well as their situations.

While I mercifully never had to endure the death of a loved one, I was still able to connect with certain aspects of these characters and their lives. I’m sure many people can as well. Especially the relationship between Cora and her friend Rachel. Definitely a circumstance that teenagers or even adults can say that they have experienced at some point in their life.

The relationship between Damon and Cora was also sweet and realistic.I really liked the natural feel of it. While Cora is fourteen, Damon is seventeen and yet their relationship is constructed so nicely that it isn't strange at all. The fit well together and it was nice to read about their brief romantic moments where they are devoted and tender towards each other. Not only was the story great, but so was the writing.

The writing of an author is something that I may often comment on. It is extremely important in a good book. There are different styles of writing and I really liked this book’s and Sandell’s style of writing. It was simple and easy to grasp and at the same time included a somewhat sophisticated language. I absolutely recommend others go out and read this fantastic book. Especially if you’re into some angst with a splash of romance.

CATCHING FIRE BOOK GIVEAWAY

Read THE HUNGER GAMES?

LOVED it like I did?


Here's an awesome opportunity to win CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins prize PACK!

Information of the Book:

Having just passed the ultimate test of survival—the Hunger Games—sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark defied the Capitol and their harsh rules. But even as both won their families a life of safety, now the Capitol wants revenge. Despite her feelings for Gale Hawthorne, Katniss must showcase her love for Peeta on a cruel Victory Tour, and the stakes are higher than ever. Rumors of unrest are spreading quickly, and to Katniss and Peeta’s shock, they’ve become the face of a dangerous rebellion. But how will they be able to take on the Capitol and protect their families? In Catching Fire, the second installment of the Hunger Games, only one thing is certain: sparks will fly!

Three (3) lucky winners will receive:

* limited edition promotional T-shirt
* collectible mocking jay pin
* copy of Catching Fire



TO ENTER:

Comment with email address!

That's it!

DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Fine Print:

The Catching Fire book promotion is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if you have a friend in the States who can accept your prizes by mail!). Entrants under age 13 must have parent or guardian permission to enter.



Meanwhile visit the official website:

http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames

And for Suzanne Collins audio recording, and cool book trailers!

www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/downloads

Good Luck!

Book Review: Sea Change

Title: Sea Change
Author: Aimee Friedman
Publisher: Scholastic (Point)
Pages: 320


Note: The review will be short considering I read it a month ago.

The book begins with Miranda, sixteen years old, who has to spend summer in Selkie Island with her newly divorced mother. There she learns about her mother’s unusual past as well as learn about the folklore about mermans that circulate throughout the island.

Oneday, she meets an mysterious boy named Leo. Miranda instantly feels a connection to him and vice versa, resulting in an intense relationship. However, Leo’s mysterious behavior has her questioning his true identity.

The romance aspect of the book was lacking. I thought that Miranda and Leo got together far too quickly and I did not see why exactly they were interested in each other. The great thing about the novel was the use of imagery was perfect. I could envision the beautiful places of Selkie Island.

Overall the book was decent. Something I would recommend for a very quick summer read.


Rating: 2.5/5

Suite Scarlett Contest

Haven't gotten to read the Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson yet, with is beautiful newly released paperback edition cover?

Here's another chance to win one of THREE copies.

But first the book synopsis:

The Hopewell Hotel is small Art Deco “jewelbox” in New York City. The hotel has a grand past, but a somewhat dusty and broken present, with pigeons breaking into the rooms, chandeliers with more cobweb than glass, and constantly exploding toilets. Guests are rare, but it does have one constant set of inhabitants... the Martin family.

Scarlett Marin is the third of the four Martins. Scarlett is fifteen, blonde, and broke. Her friends are gone for the summer. And she’s got this one curl that exists just to stab her in the eye and blind her. Welcome to her life...

LOL at the last sentence.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Official Contest Details:

To enter: Simply comment =]

For additional entries (+1): In a SEPARATE comment link contest somewhere. Please provide me a link

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

North America, is ruined and in it’s place rises Panem, “...a shining Capitol ringed by thirteen districts, which brought peace and prosperity to its citizen.” (19) But the peace and prosperity is diminishes when there is an uprising of the thirteen districts against the Capitol (this period of time is known as theDark Days). Twelve districts were defeated and the thirteenth destroyed. To ensure this never happens the Treat of Treasons is created with new laws that guarantee peace and as a reminder of the Dark Days the yearly Hunger Games are born.

Each of the twelve districts must provide two tributes, one boy and one girl, to participate in the Hunger Games. In total there will be twenty-four tributes (between the ages of twelve and eighteen) who will be imprisoned in an outdoor arena that could be anything from a burning desert to a frozen wasteland. Competitors fight to the death until there is only one tribute alive. The game is broadcasted all over on live T.V.

This year sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen is forced to compete in this brutal battle when she volunteers to take the place of her beloved younger sister Prim. The boy tribute is Peeta, the boy who showed her kindness and risked his well being, when he gave her loaf of bread and hope when Katniss and her family was starving. This further complicates her feeling once she is in the battle and it’s a matter of saving only herself. The arena is infested with unimaginable creatures that can kill any human within minutes. Danger lurks in every dark corner. How will Katniss survive? What sacrifices will she have to make?

This was so original and amazing! The whole concept of the games and the history of Panem was intriguing. That definitely made the book stand out, as well as it being told from Katniss’ perspective because it allows to you to experience the pain, sadness, and the hunger she’s feeling. Peeta and Katinss relationship was interesting because of their contrasting personalities.

Hunger Games is filled with action that will get your adrenaline pumping. The enthralling adventures of the girl from District 12 are memorable and you'll be hungry for more!

Hunger Games is the first book of the new series by Suzanne Collins (author of the Underland Chronicles). I highly recommend getting this book. Translation: READ IT! READ IT! READ IT! You can bet my friends will be getting a copy of this book from me whenever an occasion calls for me to get them a gift. lol

Pre-order on Amazon by clicking here