Something Wicked

Something Wicked  

Lesley Anne Cowan

Melissa’s most recent troubles stem from a secret: her twenty-eight year old boyfriend has just broken up with her. Though the relationship is clearly over, Melissa clings to the memories, riding a relentless wave of hope and disappointment. Meaningless sexual escapes, drunken nights, and drug-induced blackouts help her cope with heartbreak, but her pain goes much deeper than unrequited teenage love. 

Her insight, sense of humour, optimism, and sheer determination prove to be her saving grace, as is her ability to find solace in the Greek myths. In the end, it is Melissa’s mother who proves to be the real victim of tragedy, and Melissa who must save her. 

Something Wicked is the story of a young woman who, surrounded by ugliness, seeks beauty in her life and in herself.

Reviewed by CD

Song of the Sword

Song of the Sword 

Edward Willett

Teenage Ariane has moved in with her Aunt Phyliss. She has developed visions whenever water touches her skin. These visions lead her to Wascana Lake where Ariane learns that she is a descendant from the Lady of the Lake. Ariane comes to realize that she is actually living what she thought was a legend. 

With the help of Wally Knight, the younger brother of one of the girls who bullies Ariane, they have to find the scattered shards of Excalibur before the real (evil) Merlin does (he now goes by the name Rex Major). Who will find Excalibur first? Find out in the first novel in the Shards of Excalibur series.

Reviewed by MH

The Way It Is

The Way It Is

By Donalda Reid 

 

It may be the swinging ‘60s, but brainy 16 year-old Ellen Manery, science nerd and loner, is more interested in fast-tracking through high school to get to university – and her dream of being a research doctor. She’s horrified when her parents buy a remote resort in the B.C. interior where she must finish her education. Her dislike of the town eases when she meets Tony, an Indian living on a nearby reserve. Together the two of them must fight sexism, racism and ignorance to become friends and look towards their futures. 

The rustic location is beautifully presented, with vivid descriptions of sunrise, the shining lake water and the wildlife. A promising Canadian debut novel. Nominated for the 2012 White Pine fiction award. 

Reviewed by DC

The Future of Us

The Future of Us

Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler 

         

It is 1996 and few teenagers have ever used the internet let alone   Facebook or instant messaging.  Emma’s father has given a new computer. She and her best friend Josh turned it on using dial up and discovered themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Emma’s life is a mess but Josh seems to be having a great time.  He is wealthy and married to Sydney Mills, the most popular girl in high school.  They soon discover they can change the future through their actions in the present. The book was enjoyable and a reminder how much and how fast changes have occurred in regards to computers and how they have become part of our everyday lives.  Today’s teens may find it hard to believe that there was a time without Facebook, IM, smartphones etc…  A fun read.

Reviewed by KH

Orchards

Orchards

Holly Thompson

Sent to stay with family in Japan for the summer following a classmate's suicide, Kana has a lot of time to reflect on recent events. It’s not fair to be sent away, really.  It wasn’t her fault.  

Yet somehow, she can’t help but think about everything that’s happened, and wonder.  Sometimes friendships aren’t what they seem.  Sometimes words have great impact.  Sometimes there’s more to see than meets the eye.  What if she had understood more?  What could she have done differently?  What can be learned, and how do you move on?  Amid the strong and comforting embrace of family so far away from home, Kana questions, and contemplates, and tries to make sense of it all.

Beautifully written in verse, the author presents a sensitive and poignant story of one girl’s struggle to find meaning following tragedy.

Reviewed by LZ

Compulsion

Compulsion 

Heidi Ayarbe

Everything rests on the big game on Saturday. Jake is the soccer team’s super star player, and they’re counting on him for the big win. Counting. That’s the problem. In Jake’s head, that’s all that he can focus on. If only the numbers line up just right, then everything will be OK - his family will be safe, his team can win, his future will be secured, and he will be normal. He’s got the magic. He can make everything perfect. The question is, can he hold it together long enough. The clock is ticking . . . Written from Jake’s perspective, this is a gripping story detailing the constant inner battle with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Reviewed by LZ

Divergent

Divergent 

Virginia Roth

If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you’ll like Divergent! Set in future Chicago where after years of wars, society has been divided into five factions (groups) based on virtues. Are you an Erudite – guided by your intellect? Or a Candor – guided by your honesty? What if you’re not sure what faction you really should belong to? This is the case for 16-year old Beatrice Prior. She must decide during her ‘Choosing Ceremony’ if she should remain in the faction she was born to, or follow her heart and instincts and leave her family and friends behind to join the faction that she has always fascinated her – the Dauntless – guided by their fearlessness! 

There’s plenty of action and excitement as Beatrice makes her choice and begins her initiation into her new faction. She must prove to this group that she is brave enough to handle any task they throw her way. She must also prove to herself that, despite warnings that there is something different about her, something perhaps *Divergent*, that she can find a place where she belongs. 

This is a great read with just the right amount of romance and political upheaval to keep the story moving along! Book 2: Insurgent due out May 2012!!

Reviewed by TC