BR - The Replacement By Brenna Yovanoff



Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 2011) 
Genre: Young Adult Source: Publishers 

Rating; 


The air was to thick to breathe, almost like water, and the ground had stopped feeling cold. I turned my face into the grass and wondered if this was how people felt when they knew they were going to die.


My Thoughts - It's hard to imagine that sixteen year old Mackie Doyle would have to deal with so much. He has always been welcomed into the Doyle family, but still, he struggles to accept that they have forgiven him. After all, he is a changeling. He was switched with their son, not only did they loose their son that day but in return received a boy who was hardly human.

There is a lot of self-pity niggling in there, and it tends to eat up at him in the most unexpected moments. The guilt is obviously very overwhelming and leads him to constantly believe that he doesn't deserve much in life. This attitude of his can sway the reader both ways. At times I sympathised with him, but then it would just get annoying, I wanted him to sulk less and do more. 

Mackie finds blood unbearable, and is weak against steel and Iron, Kind of like how Superman is to kryptonite. Being surrounded by them on a daily basis -whether he wants to admit it or not is slowly killing him. There is however something that sets him apart from other changelings out there, something that makes him very useful to others. Changelings often don't survive their first few birthdays but he happens to be an exception. Or was anyway, his time is running out as nature is running it’s course.

One of the highlights of the book is the bond that he shares with his sister Emma. Since I share a close bond with my brother it was something that was very pleasant to see. Regardless of how lonely or isolated he feels, his sister is almost his best friend. Someone who understands and accepts him despite him being the reason behind her real baby brother being taken away. Even though he is always contemplating if his parents hate him because he was switched with their son, he never has to question Emma because her loyalty lies fully with him. Perhaps more-so than with her parents. She doesn’t judge or question him, and it’s easy to see that he appreciates her for it.

Besides Emma, characterisation-wise; highlights were Roswell and the Morrigan. Although the Morrigan is far more interesting with this almost bipolar side to her, where she can be sweet with you at one point and just as quick turn on you. In contrast - Roswell who is Mackie's best friend is a fairly simple guy, with simple characteristics. Nothing overly exciting about him, but that's fine. He’s a good guy, and a good friend and that's what counts. Although I would have liked to have gotten to know him more, there were moments which helped me glimpse into this vulnerable - sensitive side of him. 

One particular case is the revenant. Despite knowing what it is, I felt an affinity towards it. I wanted to hold and console it although I didn't know what to make of it. It might have to do with how the author makes it comes across as something very vulnerable with less focus aimed on the grotesqueness of it, well it worked. 

Just like Roswell, when the revenant reached for him it became clear that he was almost becoming attached, or either felt some emotion at least when pulling it away even though the others seemed quite detached and weary from it. This made me see a side to Roswell that I hadn't previously. It made me wish I had gotten to know him a little better, especially since I am aware that there isn't going to be a sequel. He is fiercely loyal to Roswell also, and that’s something that you have to admire in him.

Romance-wise, it was slightly awkward. Both of them really didn’t seem to know what to do with each other. I really didn’t see the point of them being together. I understand that a sibling after all is a sibling, but I found it hard to like her towards the end when she just stood there watching and waiting regardless of knowing what was going to happen. It was almost like, now that she had what she wanted, nothing else mattered. It made me feel as though he deserved more after everything he had been through. Or maybe that’s just me?

The book did start to get on the creepy side, but not until the very last few pages. Not to say that there wasn't this dark-gothic theme to the book, because there is. It was always there in the background, but regarding "creepiness" that was not there for the most of the book. There were hints of potential creepiness though, like when it came to the Morrigan, who happens to look all  sweet and cute until she smiles at you in which you get a glimpse of what she really is. There were one or two other characters which gave me the jeebies! One would be the girl who practically looked like she was rotting. Now her, I call creepy.

Overall, it was quick satisfying read which wrapped up nicely. Although it does make me sad to know that it end’s with The Replacement, it does leave me eager to know what the author has in store for us next! 




I stayed with my face close to hers, my mouth against her cheek, even after I'd given her what she's asked for. The only thing she's wanted. I wanted to make it count because I was sorry for her. Because she was dead and I wasn't.

Posted by Blueicegal ♥ at 21:20 Comments
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Fridays Finest (4)




Friday's Finest is a meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.

Rules:
- Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
- Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
- If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

Wow it sure has been a while HUH! I missed this Meme tremendously, feels so good taking part ;)

Hold Still By Nina Lacour

"The sun stopped shining for me is all. The whole story is: I am sad. I am sad all the time and the sadness is so heavy that I can't get away from it. Not ever."
 "My best friend is dead, and I could have saved her. It’s so wrong so completely and painfully wrong, that I walked through my front door tonight smiling." 



Oh wow, I knew that it was supposed to be heavy, but I never imagined it to be that heavy. She sounds so disturbed, so full of guilt. It's sad, and I haven't even read the book yet. I have heard lovely things about it though, and I know Audrey is a fan! So I know I must read this soon. My TBR pile is just huge though right now gah! 



Posted by Blueicegal ♥ at 04:11 Comments
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BR - Postcards from No Man's Land By Aidan Chambers



Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Definitions; Re-issue edition (4 Jan 2007) Source: Publisher

Rating;



My Thoughts - Being the first book I have ever read from the author I really didn't know what to expect. I knew that the book had received a lot of praise and had even won The Carnegie Medal not to mention the premise sounded very appealing to me. Taking that all into account it was more than enough to pique my interest!

The first chapter starts of unlike any I have read before. A young man named Jacob has arrived to Amsterdam to attend a memorial service for World War ll - battle of Arnhem. His grandfather Jacob was one of the unlucky ones who never made it back home. (As you might have noticed he is named after his grandfather :) ) Feeling quite lost he momentarily finds a place and waits to be served when he catches the eye of a girl. She is pretty, delicate looking and of good height, he is definitely attracted to her. Turns out so is she. That is until they exchange information upon where the girl tells him her name is Ton, and before leaving gives less than a subtle hint that she might actually be a he. As you can expect this threw me of as much as it did Jacob, I really did not see that coming!

The narrative switches between Jacob which is told from third person and Geertrui who is reminiscing all the way back to 1944, the day she met the love of her life. Her story is told from first person and so for the reader it is much easier to bond and connect with Geertrui. 

Whilst in Amsterdam due his grandmother's request he stays with a Dutch family where he first meets Daan whom Jacob quickly strikes a friendship with. Daan also introduces Jacob to his grandmother who happens to be Geertrui. Now a very old and sick lady, she has not long left. The first time Jacob meets her he instantly senses this whit and fire in her, a lingering presence of the Geertrui that we know to well since we have gotten to know her through her story. There is no mistaking the instant bond that is shared between Jacob and Geertrui; you get the gist that upon seeing him she is remembering her past. It is a scene that would make anyone a bit teary eyed. She is still yearning for a man who has been dead for over fifty years, and still seems to be just as hopelessly in love with him.

We know that Jacob has this infatuation with Anne Frank, like we speak of our admiration of fictional characters that is almost the equivalent of what he shares for Anne Frank, but the feelings are intensified and for someone who very much existed. At one point he even leads one to believe that he might be in love with her. It's hard to think that he is just 17 year old. One would think that Jacob is at least in his 20s, it was after I realised his age that it dawned on me how mature this boy really is. 

He has a lot on his plate. Never really bonding with his sister, mother or father growing up, there is a lot of anger and bitterness welled up when he thinks of them. Perhaps because they never made the effort to ask him to stay when he left home and moved out to live with his grandmother. To add to things he is discovering that he might be attracted to men. It's a lot to take in at once at such a young age. 

Whilst in Amsterdam, he will find that the reason behind his grandmother asking him to visit may just have more of a motive than he could have ever imagined. Specifically linking to; Himself, his grandmother, Geertrui, Daan and his grandfather Jacob.

There was something that I couldn't help but notice. The book did tend to pick up pace and just as quick slow down through the middle of the story which I struggled with, but this was mostly when it came to Jacobs POV. I have to admit I found Geertrui' story much more interesting. It required some patience, but I think that's hardly asking for to much. Soon enough I was engrossed once more.

At one point in the novel Daan makes a good observation. What Geertrui and her lover shared was passionate, but brief. Things most likely would have turned out completely different had circumstances been different. Yet because of the way things ended, even now she has been living with this fantasy as has another woman. 

I really liked Geertrui's love interest (must be slightly vague to avoid being spoilery!) when he was first introduced. He seemed like great guy, decent and caring, it's not hard to see why she fell in love with him. However, as Daan points out, considering his past which we are not aware of until near the end; shows that not all is as one may seem. I would be lying if I said that the revelation didn't slightly make me think less of him. For being such a great man, it's hardly an honourable thing to do. Consequences or hormones are hardly an excuse in my opinion.

Postcards from No Man's Land, although quite predictable it was an interesting read which definitely kept me intrigued and eager throughout. It tells the story of; loss, betrayal and love as well as mystery. Mystery and betrayal perhaps being the highlight of the whole novel. It grew on me, but more than anything I adored and respected Geertrui, if anything reading her story makes reading the book worthwhile. 

I have to share this because I had this "oh my gosh" moment when I picked up on it! I only did because today I was browsing some Lauren Bacall movies and I came across this scene. The exact scene that was quoted by Ton to Jacob!. My instant reaction was when Jacob was completely puzzled. "Hold up, is it, could it be?" and it is. The video is below if you want to see the actual scene from where the quote comes from.  Here it is the quote from the book.

"You know how to do that, don't you,  Jacques? Just put your lips together and blow."
Which produced a smile. He knew Ton was quoting something, couldn't remember and didn't know what but it was funny anyway 


Warning; has a kissing scene for the first few seconds. So, if you are 10 years of age or below close your eyes now! :D



She was merely 19 at the time, but such a stunner! Just to let you know, the two of them started dating and later married. Are you surprised? :)

Posted by Blueicegal ♥ at 16:01 Comments
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BR - Between Shades of Gray By Ruta Sepetys


   


Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Puffin (7 April 2011) Source: Publisher

My Thoughts - BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY centres around the story, in which the Baltic countries of: Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were wiped of the map. People that were close to forgotten, nearly. You see,  Stalin was sneaky in how he went about things. People were taken without warning. They had no time to tell loved ones where they were being taken and very few made it back. But Stalin underestimated them dearly. People did survive. This book is proof of that.

Fifteen year old Lina is our protagonist. Through her eyes we witness the immense fear, suffering, hunger and pain they will face. The strange thing is, that no matter how intense or tough things got - I never shed a tear. But instead what I experienced might have just been worse in its own right. Instead there was this constant feeling of dread that lingered after every page I turned. This anxiousness that followed. I became very depressed and at a certain point just wanted the book to end. But I knew it was vital that I savour every moment and remember.

Lina's house is broken in by Soviet guards and they are forced into cattle cars. Whilst in the cattle cars, it's there that Lina meets Andrius and his mother, Mr Lukas, Mr Stalas, Janina and her mother, Mrs Rimas. Miss Grybas and a mother with a new born baby who was taken with her child and thrown in  the moment they cut the umbilical cord. These people, in particular, may have their differences, but Linna and her family will form a sort of camaraderie with them. They will look out for one another in times of dire need. I really grew to adore every one of them. They were such lovely characters. And although some may even deem one or two unlikeable, the strength, love and compassion they show towards one another - regardless of what they are going through - is just mind blowing to me. Lina's mother, Elena, is a whole other story. This women is remarkable. She is kind and considerate of others. She is such a pillar of strength for the group. There are not enough words that can explain how much I admire this women.  However. the conditions are horrible. Too many people in such tight spaces results in diseases and starvation taking over. Many are dead before they have even reached the destination. 

It's not an easy read. Far from it. Many die. It is heart - breaking and tough to digest for a while. There is hardly enough time to mourn one death until another has been taken. But in the midst of all this, Lina's courage and hope shines through. Her will to live is inspiring and so very touching. She is just a girl, but clearly she is her mothers daughter. Her brother Jonas is another to take note of.  He is just eleven years old, yet without a blink takes the role of protector. 

Andrius and Lina <3 These two made me smile so. There is so much suffering and pain that I did not expect how much their feelings towards one another would move me. You would think that there is no will to care or feel for another when there is so much suffering. But Andrius and Lina feel. I couldn't stop smiling every time they were around one another. I found it so endearing.

The thing is, that no matter how dark the book can get at times - there is also quite a bit of humour. There were instances where I would have this big grin on my face and then suddenly feel guilty. But I think it's important that us readers and the characters have that. Sometimes, when everything seems so grim, you need laughter and smiles to let the light shine in.

Kretzsky ;) I was intrigued by him the moment I saw him. There was something about him that just drew me to him. Like the author, there is a scene between him and Lina that was a favourite of mine. It showed a side to him that I was just waiting to show itself. It showed us that in all our anger and pain, sometimes we want to point the finger and blame ALL the Nazi and ALL the NKVD, but it's through this character that we are able to realise that there is always goodness in people. No matter what side they are on.

Beautifully written and extremely touching: BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY is a story that needs to be heard.

Interview with Ruta Sepetys:

I know that you did a lot of research for the book. What was the most horrifying, as well as the most miraculous thing you were told by a survivor?

RS - A man told me that his younger brother had died of starvation in the camps. He was devastated to lose his baby brother. He made a small coffin for him but at night, someone stole it and used it for firewood. I was horrified when I heard that and asked the man if he was angry. And his response was miraculous. He said, "No Ruta, I wasn't angry at all. That wood may have built a fire that saved someone's life that night." 

How did it feel to break the silence of these events that had been kept quiet for so long. Was it in a sense.. liberating?

RS - Well, although I wrote about the events, I personally didn't experience them. But yes, I want the world to know what happened to hundreds of thousands of people, how brave they were, how compassionate, and how love led them to freedom.

What is your favourite moment in the book?

RS - My favorite moment in the book is when Lina is stealing wood and she meets up with Kretzsky. During their discussion she has the chance to express all of the anger and bitterness inside of her and she has to make a choice if she'll do it or not. 

The moment Nikolai entered, I saw something different in him. I don't know why, but earlier on I had decided that I liked him. Can you tell me a particular story that you were told in which an NKVD guard showed mercy or kindness?

RS - Nikolai (Kretzsky) is a conflicted character and I'm grateful that you recognized that! A survivor told me that a young NKVD guard in the labor camp would look the other way when they needed firewood or had a chance to pinch some food. He could have reported them, which would have added years to their sentence, but he didn't. To show compassion in an atmosphere of cruelty like that must have taken strength and courage. 

Lina's mother is such a strong and extraordinary character. Was she inspired by anyone in particular?

RS - Lina's mother, Elena, was inspired by several strong and loving women that I know, particularly my own mother and sister. My mom has devoted her life to her children. So when I was writing scenes with Elena, I thought about how my mom might have acted or responded.  

Your father survived. But what became of your grandparents?

RS - My grandparents survived and lived in refugee camps in Austria and Germany before coming to the United States. 

You dedicated this book to Jonas Sepetys. Lina's little brother is called Jonas. Could you elaborate on that? :)

RS - My grandfather, Jonas Sepetys, loved his homeland of Lithuania. He was an officer in the Lithuanian military and fled from Stalin in 1940. He was never able to go back. Lithuania regained their independence just two years after my grandfather died. I often wish he would have lived long enough to see freedom in Lithuania. 

I was wondering this throughout the book. Who is the Bald Man, and why does he act the way he does towards the others? (I often got the feeling that he was special for some reason. I really warmed to him)

RS - Yes, the bald is very special. He is a true hero and I love him. During the war, Lithuania was tossed between Stalin and Hitler.

In 1941, the Soviets occupied and deported many people. Shortly thereafter in 1941 the Germans occupied and the Nazis–along with Nazi collaborators–killed over 200,000 Jews in Lithuania. Then in 1944, the Soviets occupied Lithuania again and deported three times as many people to Siberia as they had in 1941. So between these three occupations, much of the population was decimated. The tragedy created complex dynamics. Imagine, you might be fearful of the Soviets invading, but your neighbor who is Jewish, might be fearful of the Nazis invading. The bald man is a representation of the rare courageous people who chose to do the right and honorable thing and tragically ended up being punished for it. In the face of fear, it seems people often misjudged each other. I gave the bald man a difficult demeanor in hopes that the reader might be thrown for a loop but in the end realize that they had misjudged him and recognize his truly heroic act and sacrifice. But it sounds like you understood the bald man from the very beginning. :)

Are you working on anything at the moment, if so, could you tell me a little about it? :)

RS - Yes, I'm working on another historical fiction novel for Philomel. It takes place in New Orleans in the 1950's and involves a murder that took place there. I'm really excited about it!

I want to say how I admire and respect you for this book. This story had to be told and I am glad that you are the one to tell it. Thank you so much for answering my questions :)

RS - Thank YOU so much, Aly, for reading the book and inviting me to do an interview. I truly appreciate it! I'll be posting updates on my facebook page and website so please stay in touch!

Here are some other great reviews of the book that I came across from the following bloggers;

Posted by Blueicegal ♥ at 13:22 Comments
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Put A Ribbon On It #19



NOTE - Ooops, I nearly forgot! I was interviewed by our lovely Eleni over @ LA FEMME READERS, so feel free to head over and have a look. While I'm at it I want to share some adorable-awesome blogs I came across recently!  Here they are; Ginger@G READS, Anna@Anna Reads, Naomi@Inkcrush, Cindy@Oodles of books and lastly Katie@Call Me Crazy. YOU LIKE? Aren't they just lovely! Not to mention Jenn@Books At Midnight is freaking back! Now boy am i GLAD to see her, it has been long overdue. She has a lovely new layout which I lurveeee, so If you didn't know, thank me later D: TA TA my lovelies! :)


Put A Ribbon On is a Feature of mine which is inspired by The Story Siren's IMM and, is held every Saturday on the blog.


Put A Ribbon On is a Feature of mine in which I share the books I have received each week, which is inspired by.. 
The Story Siren's IMM, and is held every Saturday/Sunday



So, I am very late on this, I know. I have an excuse though promise! LOL I haven't been feeling the best lately and then the work piled up. I am even behind on reviews darn it :( but I have been getting some reading done recently, so expect some reviews soon!


         For Review
Mockingbird By Kathryn Erskine
Quaking By Kathryn Erskine
-ARC -The absolute Value of Mike By Kathryn Erskine
-ARC - Bumped By Megan McCafferty
Crusade By Linda Press Wolf
BOOK 1 - Tale of Terror By Chris Priestley 
BOOK 2 - Black Ship By Chris Priestley
BOOK 3 - Tunnels Mouth By Chris Priestley 
City of Flowers By Mary Hoffman
City of Secrets By Mary Hoffman
Desires of the Dead By Kimberly Derting
The Demon Collector By Jon Mayhew 



 Gifted - By the bestie ! :) 
I am such a fan of both authors. She got me some lovely things for my birthday, but I was most surprised that she picked these two since I had my eye on both of  them, thanks lovey, and for knowing me so well ! :)

You don't have to say you love me By Sara Manning
House Rules By Jodi Picoult



From the Library
As some of may know, I am quite the fan of actors from the early 90s more specifically those around 1920s to 1960s.. Since this is fairly new I am still just discovering actors and I find it all quite fascinating. I have always been a Marilyn Monroe fan. There is something about her that makes all girls incredibly sad. I am currently trying to find a bio on James Dean and Marlon Brando, but I was happy to see that there was one of Warren Beatty and Robert Wagner. Ironic enough, Warren Beatty dated Robert Wagners ex wife until she re-married Robert Wagner and stayed with him until her tragic death. So I am curious if Warren Beatty bio sheds some light on that from his POV.

Thirteen Reasons Why By Jay Asher
This is the only book that I have ever read more than twice. There is a good reason for that. Its not just fantastic, but actually life changing. You don't get many of those. If you have witnessed bullying and abuse, watched on the sidelines, experienced it, or simply wondered how it feels. Then read Hannah story and she'll tell you more than just a thing or two.

The Girl In The Red Coat By Roma Ligocka
 Have you watched Schindler's List? (Amazing movie) When I watched it for the first time in History class, like many others my attention was drawn to the girl in the red coat, you could just not notice her, and I wondered what became of her. So imagine when I saw the bio from the girl herself. 

Warren Beatty;A private man By Suzanne Finstad
 With interviews from ex lovers, entries from his journal and interviews from his closest friends, Suzanne has dug deeper than anyone before, and I sure can't wait to get to know more about the man himself :)

My Story By Marilyn Monroe  
Written by the women herself at the height of her fame. It is the perfect book for a Monroe fan. You cannot help but feel distraught for the women who was in so much pain all of her life. You get to know the real her, she is honest and endearing, sensitive and paranoid. The ending brutally cuts of with the lingering thought from the reader that she never really got to finish her story. Later on of course she divorced the man who towards the end she describes as being in love with, and marries again only to divorce him too, and soon after passes away. It's all just so tragic. It's to short in a way, and I found myself wishing it was longer.

A big Thank you to; Kathryn Erskine, Megan McCafferty, Bloomsbury, Headline,and my baba! : 



Posted by Blueicegal ♥ at 18:06 Comments
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