Category: Viking Juvenile

Review: Tumbling by Caela Carter

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Review: Tumbling by Caela Carter

Tumbling by Caela Carter is a story about gymnastics and the struggles of competing at such a high level, both physically and mentally. As a big fan of books about sports, I knew I would love this one, and I felt like I was able to connect with each of the five narrators. I also enjoyed the writing style and the suspense that accompanies the journey to select the five gymnasts who will compete in the Olympics. This is a book that is empowering and emotional, and I would recommend it to those looking for a more serious read. Continue reading →

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik, David Arnold

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The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik, David ArnoldTitle: The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik
Author: David Arnold
Also by this author: Mosquitoland
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

“An epic wonder”* from the bestselling author of Mosquitoland

This is Noah Oakman → sixteen, Bowie believer, concise historian, disillusioned swimmer, son, brother, friend.

Then Noah → gets hypnotized.

Now Noah → sees changes: his mother has a scar on her face that wasn’t there before; his old dog, who once walked with a limp, is suddenly lithe; his best friend, a lifelong DC Comics disciple, now rotates in the Marvel universe. Subtle behaviors, bits of history, plans for the future—everything in Noah’s world has been rewritten. Everything except his Strange Fascinations . . .

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik, David Arnold

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold is a unique story about a boy who gets hypnotized. The main character is realistic, and the writing style is so entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book, since it is such a wild ride.  Continue reading →

Review: I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

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Review: I Have Lost My Way by Gayle FormanTitle: I Have Lost My Way
Author: Gayle Forman
Also by this author: I Was Here
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Rating: three-half-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

A powerful story of empathy and friendship from the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of If I Stay.

Around the time that Freya loses her voice while recording her debut album, Harun is making plans to run away from everyone he has ever loved, and Nathaniel is arriving in New York City with a backpack, a desperate plan, and nothing left to lose. When a fateful accident draws these three strangers together, their secrets start to unravel as they begin to understand that the way out of their own loss might just lie in help­ing the others out of theirs.

An emotionally cathartic story of losing love, finding love, and discovering the person you are meant to be, I Have Lost My Way is best­selling author Gayle Forman at her finest.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Review: I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman is a story that focuses on three characters who meet because of an accident, and I enjoyed each of them. However, the plot is hard to believe, and I had a hard time getting into it. Compared to Forman’s other books, I Have Lost My Way just doesn’t compare. Continue reading →

Book Review: Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

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Book Review: Once and for All by Sarah DessenTitle: Once and For All
Author: Sarah Dessen
Also by this author: Saint Anything
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary
Publication Date: June 6, 2017
Rating: four-half-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine.

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants.

Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Book Review: Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen is a book that I had high hopes for this one, and I can safely say that I was not let down. This book tells the story of a wedding planner’s daughter and contains a main character who is a real thinker. There are many flashbacks throughout the book, which add a lot of anticipation. Once and for All is a cutesy yet serious book that I am sure will appeal to everyone. Continue reading →

Review: The Fashion Committee by Susan Juby

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Review: The Fashion Committee by Susan JubyTitle: The Fashion Committee
Author: Susan Juby
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary
Publication Date: May 23, 2017
Rating: three-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

What if one contest could change the course of your entire life?

Charlie Dean is a style-obsessed girl who eats, sleeps, and breathes fashion.

John Thomas-Smith is a boy who forges metal sculptures in his garage and couldn’t care less about clothes.

Both are gunning for a scholarship to the private art high school that could make all their dreams come true. And whoever wins the fashion competition will win the scholarship.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Review: The Fashion Committee by Susan Juby

The Fashion Committee by Susan Juby is a story about a fashion competition that had so much potential. The concept is so original, but I found the main characters to be annoying and unrealistic. I also didn’t enjoy the excessive use of random French words and the main character’s habit of referring to herself in the third person. I’m a bit disappointed with this one, but I would still recommend it to those with a strong interest in fashion. Continue reading →