Mainstream Review: Love Letters to the Dead By Ava Dellaira

Love Letters to the Dead By Ava Dellaira

Published April 1st 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

"It begins as an assignment for English class: 

Write a letter to a dead person."

Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to the dead—to people like Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, Amelia Earhart, and Amy Winehouse—though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating the choppy waters of new friendships, learning to live with her splintering family, falling in love for the first time, and, most important, trying to grieve for May. But how do you mourn for someone you haven't forgiven?

It's not until Laurel has written the truth about what happened to herself that she can finally accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was—lovely and amazing and deeply flawed—can she truly start to discover her own path.

In a voice that's as lyrical and as true as a favorite song, Ava Dellaira writes about one girl's journey through life's challenges with a haunting and often heartbreaking beauty.

My Review

I wanted so, so much to be a fan of Love Letters to the Dead. The title implied an interesting and thought provoking read. A girl's coming of age story while dealing with tragedy. And the cover ... it's awesome. Simple, yet the soft pallet of colors and image of the girl perched on the text makes it very pleasing to the eye. I sought this book out, picked it as the first read out of my library haul. This is Ava Dellaira's debut novel, and I always have high hopes for new authors. But is it possible that she took too many risks with this one?

 

I AM DISAPPOINTED. Even a bit irritated. It is so rare that I consider DNF'ing a book. But I did. Love Letters and I just did not click. I stuck it out though, the author deserved that much from me. I think the thing about this book is that it is an obvious attempt to produce a cacophony of feelings. In that aspect it succeeds. However, experiencing strong emotions is not enough for me to deem this book heart-wrenching or even likable. This story is compared to the ever popular, Perks of Being a Wallflower. A book I found to be beautiful and raw. But everything that Perks is, Love Letters to the Dead is NOT. I do not even want to get into how against this comparison I am, so I won't.

A very short background: The MC's family has suffered a loss. One that has left all three remaining family members unable to truly cope. The MC is socially inept. The friends she does make are not even in the realm of someone you would bring home to mom. She falls into insta-love with a boy. The entirety of her story is given in the form of letters to the most obvious and stereotypical dead people she could think of. She succumbs to mass amounts of peer pressure. Finally the MC realizes she is growing up, so she writes a bad poem. THE END. (OK. So, I could have been a bit nicer. I'm sure many of you would find this plot-line... good?)

Let's talk about Laurel. This girl. Oh my lordy. She is just the most malleable and desperate little thing. Her desperation to have a friend(s) and be like her sister floored me. Not to mention her naivety. She views her sister, (and states it multiple times,) as a model of perfection. Someone who has done no wrong and can do no wrong. No, Laurel. Your thinking is WRONG. It is obvious from page one that in reality May is a rule breaker. She sleeps around, parties and engages in "recreational activities." I swear. Laurel must live in the clouds. May has used her sister and enabled Laurel's continued denial. 

SIDE NOTE: (She took her LITTLE sister with her so she could go have sex with a guy who is years older. Then leaves her LITTLE sister with one of this guys friends, ALONE. As if nothing bad would happen. YEA. But then again, Laurel is so desperate to have her sister love her that she allows this guy to do "things" to her repeatedly and doesn't even attempt to put an end to it... OMG. It is just so fricken SAD and DESPERATE. I can't wrap my head around it.) :END SIDE NOTE

Regardless of the tragedy in her life, this girl takes her immaturity and--have I mentioned--DESPERATION to a whole other level. She allows herself to be pushed around by friends and almost raped. All to what? Prove herself? I don't think so. No one has this little of self respect. Even the boy she falls into insta-love with doesn't want to be with her if she can't stop pretending to be someone else. I guess I can't adequately put into words all the things that were wrong with this MC. She drove me nuts. 

How about the other characters? Your thinking there has to be a redeeming one in the book. WRONG. Her "best friends" are ridiculous and almost as desperate as Laurel. I guess that's why they are all friends. Sky is her love interest. He is broken too. But at least he has the sense to break up with her, at least for a while. Laurel's family makes me sputter. Her dad is forlorn and totally blind when it comes to his children. The mother I guess is no better. She abandons both Laurel and the dad after May dies to live in CA and become a hippy/floozy thing. Aunt Amy is supposedly a Jesus freak, but allows herself to be manipulated by men. Have I covered them all? If I haven't it doesn't matter.

So, Love Letters to the Dead obviously wouldn't make sense without some letters to dead people right? This is what attracted me to this book in the first place. I wanted to see what this MC had to say, and who she would write to. Unfortunately, she has picked the most obvious people to write to. I will preface this by saying that I am not a fan of any of these people. Especially Kurt Cobain... But OF COURSE someone like Laurel would be in love with Kurt and others like him. OF FRICKEN COURSE. And this book spends too much time talking about music and how the lives of these artists has altered the world or something. I just can't relate. 

I feel bad having dumped all over this book. It is sad. I feel for people who have gone through things like those displayed in this book. But the author went about constructing a story that dealt with hard topics in a juvenile way. Picture a scale where at one end you have the best scenarios and at the other you have the worst. She made her characters practically slide off the end of the worst side, making them unbelievable. It makes me wonder what this author had happen in her life, to feel the need to write this book the way she did. 

Because it never happens that I rate a book so low... I don't even have a graphic made for a two rat rating. But that is what I have to give this...

** TWO STARS **

A look into the New Year & Blogging Resolutions

Welcome to a new year of blogging, aka 2015!
(And yes I know, this post is a bit late!)
I am really excited about this year. A lot of things will be changing for me. 
I am starting school! And book events look especially promising.

I have also been thinking a lot about my blog-olutions.

2014 was a hard year for me. I can't really go into detail here, but let's just say that the year was bad. Not having internet in my apartment played a big role in my limited online presence. I wanted to blog regularly, but I was constantly defeated in my attempts. My participation in the blogging community was practically zero. Blogging in 2014 began to feel like a chore, (when I was able to throw up a post here and there.) I read like 100 books less than both 2012 & 2013. My strongest emotion to this is disappointment. Reading has always been my passion, and when I found book blogging I was thrilled. I could share my opinions and connect with  like-minded people. Not being able to keep up with the blog and connections I worked so hard to make is a terrible thing. And I want to get back to the reason I started blogging. So, that being said, 2015 will be better. It has to be. 

For starters I will be starting nursing school, again. I am saying goodbye to dreams of editing and publishing and refocusing on my second passion, caring for the elderly. 2015 will be full of school, blogging and book events. This is the biggest resolution I am making! 

Here are my "blog-olutions" for 2015:

1) Post at least three reviews a week. (This is mandatory!)

2) Be active in the community by participating in blog events, hops and challenges.

3) Read & Review all ARCs from ALAAC 14 by May. (I know this is so late, and I apologize! But I go back in June, so at least I will not have overlap.)

4) Be diligent about cross-posting my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and B&N.

5) Have 4 posts on the blog a week. (Minus crazy studying weeks.)

6) Clean up and organize my shelves on Goodreads as well as keep the blog tidy and up to date.

Phewww! Ok, well as of right now I am super determined and I think I will be making a good start on the year. But let's talk about the fun and exciting things! I have set up my calendar for the year already. The major players are: 

I attended ALA's Annual Conference in 2014 and LOVED it, so I will going back this year! I lucked out again that it will be held in my home state, California! It will be my first time really spending time in San Fran too, so I have planned plenty of eating and seeing as well as bookishness.

Vegas Valley Book Festival 2015

October 15 - 17

I love Vegas, and typically go every year. This year I decided to make it out there for the book festival! As well as a birthday trip for myself.

YALSA Symposium 2015

Portland, OR November 6 - 8 

This symposium focuses on young adult literature! I enjoyed ALA so much why not, right? Plus, Portland has been on my travel list for some time and this year just seemed like a perfect opportunity.

(SAT-SUN) APRIL 18 & 19

This is my second time volunteering!

Last year was super fun, and the authors and events look just as good this year!

SUNDAY October 4th, 2015! 

This will be my first time as a volunteer, but third time in attendance!

What did I say. Great year for books, or what? :D

In addition to the big events, there are tons of signings that made their way on to my calendar as well. I am hoping some tours come at least in my vicinity, too. Fierce Reads is never close enough though :/
What is your year looking like? Will I be seeing anyone at ALA??

Mainstream Review: Trial By Fire By Josephine Angelini

Trial By Fire (Worldwalker Trilogy #1)

By Josephine Angelini (Bestselling Author of the Starcrossed Series)

Published September 2014 Feiwel & Friends

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

My Review

* ARC received from the publisher (Feiwel & Friends) in exchange for an honest review *

I have been having so much fun with my reading lately. Something I have desperately needed. Angelini is another author that I used to read, but haven't thought much about in a good while. I recall her Starcrossed series fondly, but it feels forever ago. That being said, I am so happy she has gifted us with a new book. And unlike her mythology filled priors, the Worldwalker trilogy is all about being magically delicious. And by that I mean, there is magic, witches and cuties. Sadly, Trial by Fire has been nesting on my shelf since I got my ARC signed at ALA... LAST YEAR. This should not have happened. Because, despite my hesitation after succumbing to some on-the-fence peer reviews, I had a hard time putting this book down. There are so many things I enjoy in it: Witches, multi-versing, earth based magic and of course, slightly complicated romance. Plus, it puts you in constant adventure mode. You can so easily envision being in Lily's shoes. What would you do if you were pulled into another universe? Who do you trust? What is this other Lillian's ultimate plan? 

Angelini's brain produces it's own magic when it comes to world building. The alternate version of Salem in Trial by Fire is both wonderful and dangerous. This world's hierarchy is nothing to be trifled with either. The concept of a world literally being run by witches, both their power and the by-product of it, is fascinating, while also sensible. Although, I am still on the fence about whether I would give up on plain 'ol USA to enter a world in the middle of a magical battle. (What am I saying... Of course I would!) And what is exceptional about  this Salem 2.0 is the obvious display of imagination. The imagination aspect of YA always boggles me. I feel like the older I get, the more I forget, I used to think I was a unicorn. And yet, some authors seem to gain more imagination the older they get.

I suppose my only hang up with this book is that I did not feel overly attached to any one of the characters. I was OK with both Lily and Rowan, but I am kind of thinking that if they existed individually, outside the sphere of romantic interests, I would feel even less for them. At times Lily just seemed to make obstacles look too easy. For someone who, a very short time ago, did not even know magic existed, Lily excels at even the highest level of magic with practically no training. However, she does have one of the most solid support systems imaginable, which makes her successes more feasible. Juliet (her sister) is loyal to a tee and comes to Lily's aide despite the inherent danger she faces by doing so. Lily also gains the allegiance of not only Rowan, but two additional  cuties--no spoilers!--who turn their group into a magic powerhouse. 

SIDE NOTE: There are in fact many, there are many instances of instant-ness in this book. Usually I would be bothered by this, but for some reason Lily's insta-love, insta-success and insta-acceptance of disembodied voices *Refer to the beginning of the book* went unnoticed until I sat down to write this review. I think my enjoyment of this story came from the adventure, not necessarily the character building or the need for perfection. Honestly, reviewers need to remember to enjoy what they read (also while keeping in mind the target audience. In this case TEENS, people.) Get lost in the world, not nitpicking whether or not someone would instantly do anything. I mean isn't good to see someone excel in the areas of romance and power every once in awhile? I sure wish I could... END SIDE NOTE

I was considering going into the end, but I would rather not spoil anything. So, I will just say that it lacks a nail-biting cliffhanger, but produces a satisfying, "Thank goodness this is only book one." In my opinion super crazy cliff hangers bug me. And with this ending, I have high hopes that book two will have a well founded story-line. ie: no book two syndrome! 

This book is fun. End of story. Trial by Fire is a solid piece of YA fantasy. I see this book being a sure hit with teens. Don't let the neggy reviews that are floating out there put you off. If you typically like stories with these elements, this book will not disappoint. 

Let's Talk Book to Movie! New Year Edition

Hello all! I have been slacking on the blogging this month in order to prepare for nursing school. But, I have been thinking about and watching a lot of movies. So, I asked Spencer back to the blog to chat about what 2015 has in store for us in the way of book to movie adaptations. In fact it seems like the big screen and books are well on their way to being peas in a pod!  I have noticed many titles in the YA genre have sold rights to film, before they have even hit shelves. And the possibilities are endless! As far as what the new year is shelling out, there are quite a few adaptations to look out for! 

2015 Brings Even More Bestsellers
Starring Media Blogger Spencer Blohm

2014 was a year that saw the trend of books being adapted into hit films skyrocket; classics like Lois Lowry's The Giver and more modern YA hits like Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Veronica Roth's Divergent, became blockbuster phenomenons. Now they’ve inspired a slew of spin offs that are rapidly gaining fan-bases all their own, and it seems that directors and screenwriters are taking every opportunity available to bring the top novels among teens and young adults to the silver screen. 2015 will be year to hit the theater, and here are some books you may want to grab a copy of before their big cinema debut.

Mockingjay: Part 2

The final installment in the biggest pop culture phenomena since Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga will be released in late November of 2015 across the globe, which gives you plenty of time to catch up on the daring and heroic deeds of Katniss Everdeen, as she rebels against her capitalist government, before the sure to be epic finale airs. 

Paper Towns

John Green has been a favorite among readers for quite some time, but it was his bestselling novel about two cancer-stricken teens and their love in The Fault in Our Stars, along with its subsequent film adaptation (already streamable from both Amazon and Direct TV), that skyrocketed him into the spotlight. Now, another one of his titles is being crossed over to film. Paper Towns is yet another one of Green's novels that have made the New York Times Bestsellers list, and is again a coming of age romance that takes place in Orlando and follows Quentin Jacobsen (Nat Wolff, who starred in TFIOS) as he embarks on an epic road trip with four friends to find the girl next door, Margo (Cara Delevingne). Tag along for the ride when it hits theaters June 5. 

Frankenstein

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Igor, the assistant to Victor Von Frankenstein (James McIoy), this film will delve into the dark history of the monster inventor's assistant, the start of his friendship with Frankenstein, and how he went on to become the legend he is today. Frankenstein is scheduled to be released October 2, 2015.

The Jungle Book

The childhood classic about a little boy who is raised by wolves and threatened by the return of a king tiger will be released on October 9th, and stars famous actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, and Bill Murray.

Insurgent

The sequel to Divergent, starring The Fault in Our Stars actor Shailene Woodley, is the second movie based off the bestselling trilogy and continues to tell the story of Beatrice, a girl in a dystopian society who is fighting against an alliance that threatens to destroy her community. Insurgent will arrive in theaters in March, exactly a year after the novel’s debut.

Inferno

The worldwide bestseller by Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, is based on Dante's comedy of the same title, and continues the story of Robert Langdon on a whirlwind mystery through present day Florence, Italy. The series has been successful so far, with The Da Vinci Code earning $758 million worldwide and its successor, Angels & Demons grossing $486 million. Inferno will arrive in theaters December 18. 

Pan

Based on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, Pan features Wolverine star Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard the pirate, and newcomer Levi Miller as the lead in the story of an orphan who is whisked off to Neverland and goes on an adventure filled of magic, wonder, and suspense. Amanda Seyfried and Rooney Mara will also appear in the film, which will be released on July 24 in the US.

Novels are the original movies, personal ones created within their readers' heads. It's their openness to interpretation but connectivity that unites people and makes them the ideal basis for a film. With this lineup and dozens of books on the rise, it's a lot certain that film adaptations of our favorite novels is a trend that is only guaranteed to grow stronger.

2015 just keeps looking sweeter! Aside from those Spencer mentioned above, there are several that I would like to throw in here as well. 

Ready to get 50 Shades? Not ashamed to admit it! I read the entire trilogy. Us bookish people can say we read the book for the story line *cough* but after we all see the movie when it hits theaters on February 14, 2015, we'll have to start coming clean. It's a hot, steamy, guilty read. The movie will be much the same. And we love it. 

In Fifty Shades of Grey a literature student (Dakota Johnson) begins a daring affair with a controlling businessman (Jamie Dornan) whose sexual proclivities push the boundaries of pain and pleasure.

If you see me at the theater, pretend you don't. We can Tweet about it later...

The Martian has been adapted for the big screen! This was a fantastic book! The story is about an astronaut that becomes stranded on Mars and struggles for survival. I find space movies to be extremely creepy. There is nothing that would terrify me more than going into the unknown and having to battle against things that are even more unknown than the unknown I was preparing myself for. (If that makes sense!) 

This movie is slated for release in November 2015 and will star Matt Damon. I predict this action filled sci-fi film will be a for-sure hit!

The Maze Runner Trilogy continues with the next installment, The Scorch Trials! I recently watched The Maze Runner and quite enjoyed it. I still love the book(s) more, but thought the adaptation did Dashner justice. The Scorch Trials come out September 2015. 

Which book to movie adaptations are you guys looking forward to? Personally, I will be seeing them all. Although, I love John Green's work, so Paper Towns is high up on my must see list. 

Big thanks to Spencer to being her for another Book to Movie Talk!