A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 337
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 13+

When Aurora is woken by a kiss, she discovers that 102 years have passed, though it only seems a night. With her awakening comes a fiancé and the knowledge of a destiny. But after meeting a barkeeper and another prince, Aurora has become confused about what she should do and if she even has a choice.

This is, not exactly a retelling but a more of an extension, to the Sleeping Beauty tale. It answers the question of What happens when Sleeping Beauty wakes up? It can't all be as simple as "happily ever after," not when a hundred years has gone by. This also isn't your typical retelling--it's unpredictable, full of political plots and uncertain romance.

I don't know if this was meant to be the beginning of a series, but the ending left me unsatisfied. I didn't feel that there was any real resolution to the problems that Aurora was faced with throughout the novel. There was so much given to us that I would have liked the book to either be about 100 pages longer or to have cut out some of the subplots.

In all, it was good writing and a nice take on a classic fairytale. No language and no sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Theft of Memory: Losing My Father One Day at a Time by Jonathan Kozol

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Pages: 271
My rating: 3 stars
Ages:18+

When neurologist and psychiatrist Harry Kozol starts noticing lapses in his memory, he sits his son down and describes what is happening to him. Over the next 14 years, Jonathan experiences losing his father to Alzheimer's.

Part of my interest in this book came from losing my grandfather to Alzheimer's--a disease that takes years to realize and even more years to complete it's course. I was expecting something different though. The summary I had read before choosing to read it made me think that the book would have Dr. Kozol's record of his disease based on his medical background as well as Jonathan's account of taking care of his father and memories of his father. However, it is only Dr. Kozol's conversation with his son that shows his approach to diagnosing himself with Alzheimer's and describing what it is like.

Though a little disappointed from unmet expectations, the book was interesting. Kozol talks about decisions regarding his father's care, about talking with his mother, and how certain memories of his childhood would come up during the course of this. I was horrified by the care Dr. Kozol received from his geriatric doctors, though pleased by the care his received from nurses and other caregivers other than his son. There were times when things seemed a little over my head, especially regarding Dr. Kozol's work as a doctor. And one of my biggest critiques was the lack of emotional pull I felt from Kozol--which I think can be explained by him having written it just a few months after his father's death, perhaps as a way to deal with his grief?

This book a little unapproachable for younger audiences, but there is little language.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Viking Books
Pages: 448
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 15+

After having been sent home from finishing school in France, Victoria Darling struggles to feel free. She wants to be an artist, but in London high society, all she is expected to be is a wife and mother. Thinking that marriage will give her the freedom she can't have in her father's house, she agrees to an arranged marriage. But things get complicated when she meets Will and the suffragettes.

As an Anglophile, I love just about anything that takes place in England, and this is no exception. The Edwardian period isn't one that I'm greatly familiar with, so it was really interesting to learn more about the suffrage movement in England at that time and see it with a character like Vicky. She had to make a tough decision, her family and money for her freedom. I loved it. The talk of art was interesting too--I had to keep looking up pictures that were mentioned.

There were times when I wasn't sure how historically accurate something was (just once or twice), but the author seemed to know what she was doing, so I'm going to trust her. I really liked the extra information at the end of the book about the WPSU and the era in general.

Some very mild sexuality, no language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Oh Yeah, Audrey! by Tucker Shaw

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 243
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Gemma ran away from home to wait outside Tiffany's. She is planning to meet the other members of her Tumblr, "Oh Yeah, Audrey!"--a celebration of all things Audrey Hepburn. Gemma has the whole day planned out, but things go off course when she meets Dusty. Suddenly, she feels like Audrey. But is being Audrey everything she thought it would be?

I have to admit that what drew me to this book was Audrey Hepburn. Though, unlike the characters in this book, I'm more a Roman Holiday, Sabrina fan. I've only seen Breakfast at Tiffany's once. However, it isn't necessary to know Tiffany's in order to enjoy this book.

The book is really about knowing what is really important, and learning to love yourself. Is Audrey important or was it that she brought together four people? What about family and friends? Sometimes, we need to go off track a little bit so that we can see who we really are.

The book was well written, though I had some disbelief about some of the motivations of the characters and their actions. I think it is more geared toward young to mid-teens. There isn't any language and a mild sexual situation.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Five Years in Heaven by John Schlimm

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Image
Pages: 272
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 14+

While trying to find a new direction in life, and feeling disheartened, John walks into the convent's ceramic shop and meets Sister Augustine. For five years, John joins Sister in her shop, learning from her and getting everyone else excited about the ceramics shop. It's an unlikely friendship, but one that helps John, Sister, and the convent.

For about two pages I wasn't sure how I would like this book. My mind changed quickly. Everything that Sister Augustine said to John seemed meant for me--and I think anyone reading it will feel that way. After reading the first couple of chapters, I got out some sticky notes and started marking pages that had something that I really liked.

Another part that I really liked was the story of how Sister Augustine got her call. Amazing and beautiful.

This is a bit of a niche book--those not religious may not like it. Also, I felt that the dialogue was a little stilted, but since Schlimm's writing is usually on a different end of the spectrum, I can see why. As it is, I thought it was a great story, had some amazing insights, and I think should be something everyone should read.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The Last Best Kiss by Claire LaZebnick

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 374
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Three years ago, Anna and Finn were perfect for each other. But Anna let what her friends thought of Finn color their relationship, and she lost him--and more than just romantically. Finn and his parents moved away at the end of the year. Now seniors, Anna and Finn are reunited, but Anna isn't sure if they can ever be friends (or more) again. Not after what she did.

This is a retelling and modernization of Jane Austen's Persuasion. In a way, it was fun for me to try and figure out which characters were supposed to be which and what situations lined up with the original novel. And sometimes it was distracting. Those not familiar with Persuasion will be able to find the story as enjoyable as other YA romances.

This is a quick read--I read it within 24 hours of starting it. It was light, the characters were fun, and it was an easy read. It's definitely something that I see younger teens reading and enjoying at face value. I liked it at face value for some light reading, but I liked it more because of its connection to Austen.

There was some drug and alcohol use, one use of the F-word, and some sexual situations, but nothing too hot and heavy.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.