Description: Meet Ben Dane: brilliant, devastating, devoted, honest to a fault (truly, a fault). His Broadway theatre baron father is dead—but by purpose or accident? The question rips him apart.
  Unable to face alone his mother’s ghastly remarriage to his uncle, Ben turns to his dearest friend, Horatio Patel, whom he hasn’t seen since their relationship changed forever from platonic to something…other. Loyal to a fault (truly, a fault), Horatio is on the first flight to NYC when he finds himself next to a sly tailor who portends inevitable disaster. And who seems ominously like an architect of mayhem himself.
   Meanwhile, Ben’s ex-fiancé Lia, sundered her from her loved ones thanks to her addiction recovery and torn from her art, has been drawn into the fold of three florists from New Orleans—seemingly ageless sisters who teach her the language of flowers, and whose magical bouquets hold both curses and cures. For a price. On one explosive night these kinetic forces will collide, and the only possible outcome is death   When she was engaged to Benjamin Dane (the book’s Hamlet character), Lia (Ophelia) was an alcoholic performance artist. Now, after their very bad, very final breakup, she creates flower arrangements for the Three Sisters Floral Boutique, managed by a trio of strange ladies who seem to put those bouquets to magical use. Lia also finds herself appearing in Ben’s dreams as he anguishes over the recent death of his father, owner of the New World’s Stage Theatre, and the swift remarriage of his mother, Trudy, to brother-in-law Claude. To help him prove Dad wasn’t a suicide, Ben summons his grad school buddy Horatio, who’s still getting over the one-night stand with Ben that sent him scurrying back to London.

Description: The Larkin family isn't just lucky-they persevere. At least that's what Violet and her younger brother, Sam, were always told. When the Lyric sank off the coast of Maine, their great-great-great-grandmother didn't drown like the rest of the passengers. No, Fidelia swam to shore, fell in love, and founded Lyric, Maine, the town Violet and Sam returned to every summer. But wrecks seem to run in the family: Tall, funny, musical Violet can't stop partying with the wrong people. And, one beautiful summer day, brilliant, sensitive Sam attempts to take his own life.
  Shipped back to Lyric while Sam is in treatment, Violet is haunted by her family's missing piece-the lost shipwreck she and Sam dreamed of discovering when they were children. Desperate to make amends, Violet embarks on a wildly ambitious mission: locate the Lyric, lain hidden in a watery grave for over a century.
  She finds a fellow wreck hunter in Liv Stone, an amateur local historian whose sparkling intelligence and guarded gray eyes make Violet ache in an exhilarating new way. Whether or not they find the Lyric, the journey Violet takes-and the bridges she builds along the way-may be the start of something like survival.

Review: The Last True Poets of the Sea is a character driven novel that is loosely inspired by Shakespeare's gender bending comedy play Twelfth Night and invokes so many emotions about family, friendship, and mental health. Violet's family splinters after her twin brother Sam's suicide attempt and hospitalization. Violet Larkin reacts by flirting with a man in the waiting room. This last year, her partying has gotten out of control, and bewildered by their fragile son and wild daughter, her parents send her to Lyric, Maine, to stay with her mother's brother Toby. Lyric is significant to Violet's family as legend has it that the town was founded by Violet's great-great-great-grandmother Fidelia, the only passenger aboard the Lyric to survive a shipwreck, and her descendants have disaster in their blood. Violet is determined to find the shipwreck and find a way to reconnect with her family.
  Exiled at Lyric, Violet feels adrift and wrecked with self-guilt and shame. In hopes of finding and anchoring herself, she assumes a new identity, both physically by shaving off her luscious locks and trading her form fitting attire with loose clothing and internally by vowing to change her reckless personality. At first glance Violet comes across as very abrasive and a rebel without a cause. Though she loves her Uncle Toby, she is unable to open up to him and shuts down immediately when asked to talk about her emotions. I loved Violet's humor, her candidness about her sexuality, and her self awareness. As readers get to know her, they realize that Violet's party girl behavior is her cry for emotional intimacy in all of her relationships, whether it is familial, platonic, and romantic. 
   The book is centered on Violet's internal and metaphorical journey of a shipwreck. As she digs deeper into her family history and becomes obsessed with finding the shipwreck, Violet begins to make real friends while she volunteers at the local aquarium with Orion and his group of friends.  Like Shakespeare's play, a complicated love triangle between Violet, Orion, and Liv develops but it is resolved slowly as Orion and Liv begin to develop as three dimensional characters. At first glance Violet is attracted to Orion on a physical basis only, but soon realizes that she is attracted to him because of his soulful connection to music, which also plays a pivotal role in Violet's life. Unlike Orion, Liv and Violet both come from families who are trying and failing to deal with conflict. I really appreciated that this love triangle was not just a typical YA trope in the book, but a literal device in showing both Violet's, Orion's, and Liv's character growths.
     I also really appreciated Drake's handle on familial relationships in this book. Interwoven with Violet's life at Lyric, we also get flashbacks, which are interestingly narrated by an omnipresent third person, on the impact of Sam's mental illness on Violet's family. The book underlines the danger of stigmatizing mental illness as Violet begins to contend with her own anxiety and her near paralyzing fear about her brother’s illness. If you enjoy character driven stories of self-discovery with a hopeful ending that talks candidly about serious issues, I highly suggest picking up The Last True Poets of the Sea. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, underage drinking, mentions of drug use, a fade to black sex scene, frank discussions of sexuality, and mentions of suicide and self harm. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, Little and Lion by Brandy Colbert, We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, and Far From the Tree by Robin Benway

 Description: Mattie, a star student and passionate reader, is delighted when her English teacher announces the eighth grade will be staging Romeo and Juliet. And she is even more excited when, after a series of events, she finds herself playing Romeo, opposite Gemma Braithwaite’s Juliet. Gemma, the new girl at school, is brilliant, pretty, outgoing—and, if all that wasn’t enough: British.
  As the cast prepares for opening night, Mattie finds herself growing increasingly attracted to Gemma and confused, since, just days before, she had found herself crushing on a boy named Elijah. Is it possible to have a crush on both boys AND girls? If that wasn’t enough to deal with, things backstage at the production are starting to rival any Shakespearean drama! In this sweet and funny look at the complicated nature of middle school romance, Mattie learns how to be the lead player in her own life.

Review: Star-Crossed is a sweet coming-out story and a promising, chaste romance for middle grade readers that intertwines with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Mattie annoys her friends because she is constantly thinking and unsure of her actions. She finds herself having a crush on Elijah who shares her passion for reading, but that slowly disappears after a disastrous Halloween party. Soon she is inexplicably drawn to Gemma, a new student who seems perfect in every way. As the eighth grade play, Rome and Juliet, goes underway Mattie learns more about herself and Gemma. Mattie discovers that she really like her. Is it possible to like both boys and girls?
  The incorporation of Romeo and Juliet works really well in the book. Each chapter begins with a snippet from the play and it was really fun trying to see how that line fits into the context of our story. I also appreciated how the students tried to understand what Shakespeare meant and discuss some of the issues of the play (i.e. fickleness of love, impulsive behavior, secrets, etc). Those same issues were also mirrored in Mattie's life too. At times there was a bit too much Shakespeare with large chunks of the dialogue put into the story, which might deter some young readers from picking up this book. Though ultimately the Shakespeare play is a tragedy, Star-Crossed is far from one. Mattie has a supportive family, caring friends, a teacher who understands her, and a diverse cast of classmates that may be more tolerant of her sexuality. Though romance doesn't actually bloom between Mattie and Gemma, it is possible in the book's open ending. 

Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is a scene where a homophobic slur is used by a student but the teacher quickly addresses it. Mattie's best friend likes to use Shakespearean insults instead of foul language. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

If you like this book try: George by Alex Gino, Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

Cat Winter's The Steep and Thorny Way is one of my anticipated reads for 2016. It combines all of my interests: historical fiction of a lesser known time period, Shakespeare, murder mystery, and best of all a diverse cast of characters. Many thanks to Amulet books and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Description: 1920s Oregon is not a welcoming place for Hanalee Denney, the daughter of a white woman and an African-American man. She has almost no rights by law, and the Ku Klux Klan breeds fear and hatred in even Hanalee’s oldest friendships. Plus, her father, Hank Denney, died a year ago, hit by a drunk-driving teenager. Now her father’s killer is out of jail and back in town, and he claims that Hanalee’s father wasn’t killed by the accident at all but, instead, was poisoned by the doctor who looked after him—who happens to be Hanalee’s new stepfather.

The only way for Hanalee to get the answers she needs is to ask Hank himself, a “haint” wandering the roads at night.

Review: The Steep and Thorny Way is a historical murder mystery set in the 1920s Oregon. Winters does an incredible job in setting up the scene and era of the lesser known time period in Oregon. We  normally think of the 1920s as the Roaring Twenties with flappers and gaudy parties of those of Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby and tend to forget that the 1920s is also an era of extreme intolerance exacerbated by the violence from the Ku Klux Klan against those who do not uphold their values. The inclusion of photographs is also a wake-up call in reminding us that the events described in the book actually happened. What I found to be extremely disturbing is that racism and even homophobia are very subtle, often made in an offhanded remark such as suggesting to use a skin lightener or suggesting you have a mental illness because of your sexual identity. Although these comments are indirectly made, they are still powerful, disturbing, and prevalent throughout the book not to mention even in our society today.
 The book centers around Hanalee, a biracial teen who seeks justice for her murdered father in Prohibition-era Oregon. As the daughter of a white woman and an African-American man, she has few legal rights during the 1920s but she is determined to help her restless father's ghost put to peace.
Hanalee's father, "the last full-blooded Negro in Elston, Oregon," was struck and killed by Joe Adder, a drunk-driving teenager a year earlier. When Joe is released from prison, he tells Hanalee that the doctor who tended to her father the night of the accident is the real killer and the doctor is Hanalee's new stepfather.
 I had a hard time getting into the story at first. I felt the story was initially too confined to the plot of Shakepeare's Hamlet. I spent my time making connections between the novel and the play, which slowed my reading pace and made me a bit distracted. Luckily, the story begins to stand on its own two feet and uses the play as its guidance as the murder mystery deepens as we learn in bits and pieces about what happened on that frightful night when Hanalee's father died. I really enjoyed watching Joe and Hanalee's friendship grow from initial adversaries to marginal allies as they both open about their own struggles. I also liked that the murder mystery was slow burned and it took its time in fully formulating which again helped reinforced the time period and the book's central issues and themes. I was definitely taken aback on the discovery of the eugenics movement and the "medical treatment" that were given to people because they were part of a minority.
  I would recommend The Steep and Thorny Way to readers who enjoy historical fiction and also to readers who enjoy a slow burn murder mystery with depth. Though it takes a while for the story to find its pace, it is most definitely a worth while read.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, crude sexual humor, and racial and homophobic slurs. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Out of Darkness by Hope Ashley Perez, Flygirl by Sherri Smith, Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee, Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine! This week I'm eagerly awaiting the release of E.K. Johnson's Exit, Pursued by a Bear. The book will be released on March 15, 2016.



Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnson 
Publish date: March 15, 2016
Publisher: Dutton's Children Books (Penguin)


 This book is being billed as Veronica Mars meets William Shakespeare. After reading the book's description, it does seem like a loose retelling of A Winter's Tale. I have already read numerous glowering reviews for this book so I have high expectations for it. 

Hermione Winters is captain of her cheerleading team, and in tiny Palermo Heights, this doesn’t mean what you think it means. At PHHS, the cheerleaders don’t cheer for the sports teams; they are the sports team—the pride and joy of a tiny town. The team’s summer training camp is Hermione’s last and marks the beginning of the end of…she’s not sure what. She does know this season could make her a legend. But during a camp party, someone slips something in her drink. And it all goes black.

In every class, there’s a star cheerleader and pariah pregnant girl. They’re never supposed to be the same person. Hermione struggles to regain the control she’s always had and faces a wrenching decision about how to move on. The assault wasn’t the beginning of Hermione Winter’s story and she’s not going to let it be the end. She won’t be anyone’s cautionary tale.

 The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue graphic novel series is a great way for children to get a taste of Shakespeare without being overwhelmed by the Bard's language, bawdy jokes, sex, and violence. This may sound boring or too sanitized, but creators Lender and Giallongo make it not only work but an entertaining read.

Description: The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo... until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails, in The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth.

Review: Known for its gruesome murders among other things, Macbeth might not seem to be the most kid friendly play, but placing the classic play within a story makes it palatable. The animals of Stratford Zoo are putting on a show- specifically Macbeth -starring the lion as the play's titular hero and featuring a hyena and a cast of other animals to fill out the ranks. I really liked how the casting of different animals in the roles makes a nod to the character's personality traits of the play but also of the animals themselves. To contrast the dark play, the animal audience provides humor while making quips, providing commentary, and hiding from the zookeeper.  
  The play adaptation is different from the original given the graphic novel's audience. For instance Macbeth eats the various characters with large amounts of ketchup gets the point across of Macbeth's blinded ambition and his wavering moral compass without being graphic. All of the violence is offstage and only hinted at, not depicted, in keeping with the younger audience envisioned for this book.
  The artwork is bright and cartoonish, with an appealing mix of panel sizes to keep the story moving, emphasize key points, and allow for amusing little details for readers to find. I did notice a few times where the animals actually quote direct lines from the play, but I didn't find that distracting. I'm actually really looking forward to see which play the Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue perform next.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Violence does page off screen, however; all of the characters "eaten" pop out of the King's belly with no harm done to them. Recommended for Grades 3 and up.

If you like this book try: Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo, Shakespeare Stories by Leon Garfield, Tales from Shakespeare by Tina Packer

 Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine! This week I'm eagerly awaiting the release of two books: The Steep and Thorny Way by Cat Winters and Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira. Even though both books are released in quite a few months, they were too good to pass up. 


The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters 
Publish date: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Amulet Books


 Diversity + Shakespeare Retelling + Cat Winters.  Need I say more?

A thrilling reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Steep and Thorny Way tells the story of a murder most foul and the mighty power of love and acceptance in a state gone terribly rotten.

1920s Oregon is not a welcoming place for Hanalee Denney, the daughter of a white woman and an African-American man. She has almost no rights by law, and the Ku Klux Klan breeds fear and hatred in even Hanalee’s oldest friendships. Plus, her father, Hank Denney, died a year ago, hit by a drunk-driving teenager. Now her father’s killer is out of jail and back in town, and he claims that Hanalee’s father wasn’t killed by the accident at all but, instead, was poisoned by the doctor who looked after him—who happens to be Hanalee’s new stepfather.

The only way for Hanalee to get the answers she needs is to ask Hank himself, a “haint” wandering the roads at night.



Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira 
Publish date: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press 



 This sounds beyond adorable and a must read for all booknerds. We've all thought fiction boys are much better, but I am curious about this Dev guy. :)

In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?

 It has been a while since I read a good Shakespeare adaptation for younger readers. The Stratford Zoo is a fun graphic novel series that makes Shakespeare's famous plays accessible to younger readers. The latest graphic novel in this series is The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet. Many thanks to First Second and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of the graphic novel. The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet will be published and released on September 29th, 2015.


Description: The Stratford Zoo looks like a normal zoo . . . until the gates shut at night. That's when the animals come out of their cages to stage elaborate performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. They might not be the most accomplished thespians, but they've got what counts: heart. Also fangs, feathers, scales, and tails.

Review: At night the Stratford Zoo performs Shakespeare's plays. The animal thespians set the stage for the adaptation of Romeo and Juliet where a rooster and a bear play the title roles. This adaptation casts  the Capulets as bears that belong to a group called Wilders, or animals that live freely out in the forest, and the Montagues as roosters, belonging to the Petters, farm animals residing at the Verona Petting Zoo. The play follows the Shakepeare's plot except Romeo and Juliet are to be best friends instead of lovers and the "tragic" conclusion involves induced hibernation rather than suicide, making one of the Bard's famous play approachable and relatable without focusing on the too mature material such as bawdy jokes and violence for younger readers. 
 I really liked how the subplots of two bickering young monkey and sheep who could not stand one another and hurling insults at each other slowly became friends while watching the play. I also loved the audience's commentary about the play and the actors, especially the grumpy vulture who felt he could have done a better job as Romeo and Juliet. Bright and bold illustrations splash across each page, utilizing a variety of panel shapes, sizes, and full-page spreads to create a visually enticing backdrop. There is plenty of chuckles throughout the graphic novel and the director's notes at the end are a definite highlight and not to be missed. After reading this graphic novel, I can't wait to read the first graphic novel in which Macbeth is performed by the Stratford Zoo. This is a really good Shakespeare adaptation on a very basic level just note that the play's plot is completely definitely from that in the graphic novel.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 and up.


If you like this book try: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth (Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue, #1)

 I'm a big fan of the Bard and I am always excited to read a new retelling or adaptation of his plays. Both Anyone But You and Still-Starcrossed touch upon the famous play, Romeo and Juliet. While Anyone But You attempts to retell the famous play, Still Starcrossed is a more interested about the play's aftermath.

Description: These violent delights have violent ends...
Gigi Caputo is fed up. A vicious act of vandalism has dealt another blow to her family's proud pizza heritage, and the Montes--owners of a rival Italian restaurant--are clearly to blame. The hostility goes far beyond bragging rights for best pizza in Chicago. The Montes have been bent on destroying Cap's for four generations. Even if it means putting herself in harm's way, Gigi's determined to get to the bottom of the feud. Instead, in a secret encounter with Roman Monte, the very boy whose relatives have brought her family such grief, she finds both danger and love at first sight. If the daughter and son of these two warring families fall for each other, can it be anything but a recipe for disaster? Slowly, Gigi and Roman learn that their story is fatefully linked to the summer of 1933, when two twelve-year-olds, Benny and Nick, hop the turnstile at the Chicago World's Fair. The most stunning wonder of the fair is Stella, who innocently causes a lasting rift between the two boyhood.

Review: Anything But You is a clunky retelling of Romeo and Juliet that left me wanting more. The story is set Chicago's Little Italy and finds Gigi (nickname for Julietta) Caputo and Roman Monte falling hard for each other despite the generations-old feud between their families. Though the Montes' latest prank threatens to destroy her family's restaurant business and send them packing to Peoria, Gigi can't deny the power of first love. Together, she and Roman set out to uncover the truth behind the war and to heal old wounds so that they can be together.
  The book has a promising premise, but the novel never successfully rises to meet it. The story line of Gigi and Roman lacks chemistry and romance. I didn't believe these characters were so head over heels for each other at all. It only came across as a crush and the characters of Gigi and Roman lack depth. They actually spend little time with each other and their part of the story moves too quickly. I actually found myself skimming their parts and being sucked into the families history of how the feud began. I would rather have preferred if the authors stuck to the families history rather than switching back to present day.
 Alternating between the two story lines and time lines were not very smooth and as a reader it took me a long time to distinguish the two. The book has all of the requisite people and parts, but it ultimately lacks a heart and soul. It has many cliches and the story, while happy compared to the original, feels contrived. Readers looking for a great romance will be disappointed here and would be better off skipping this one.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: Some language and some crude humor. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Romeo's Ex by Lisa Fiedler, Romiette and Julio by Sharon Draper


Description: Romeo and Juliet are gone. Will love live on? Despite the glooming peace that's settled on Verona after the recent tragedy, Montagues and Capulets are brawling in the streets. Faced with more bloody battles, Prince Escalus concludes that the only way to truly marry the fortunes of these two families is to literally marry them together. Everyone is skeptical, but none more so than the pair selected, for the most eligible Montague bachelor is Benvolio, Romeo's best friend, still anguished by the loss of his companions, and the chosen Capulet maid is Juliet's older cousin Rosaline, the girl Romeo first loved and whose refusal of Romeo's affection paved the way for bloodshed. Contrary to their late cousins, there's no love lost between Benvolio and Rosaline, yet they forge a bond to end the renewed feud not only to escape their forced betrothal, but to save their lives and the city of Verona itself.

Review: To my delight and surprise, I really enjoyed this fast-paced, captivating, and fascinating homage to the Bard's best-loved plays. Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris, Romeo, and Juliet have all perished by the sword or by poison, and yet the houses of Capulet and Montague still rage against each other. Prince Escalus, desperate for peace in his city, determines that the only way to end the bloodshed is for a marriage to take place between the households. Rosaline, niece to Capulet, who once rejected Romeo, and Benvolio, nephew to Lord Montague, are the chosen for the marriage but they have no interested in marrying each other and resolve to end the violence without approaching the altar.
  While Still Star-Crossed uses the same characters, themes, and the back-drop of the original, Taub manages to forge her own story filled with intrigue and romance. Rosalind and Benevolio who are minor characters (especially Rosalind who is only mentioned by Shakespeare) is fully developed as three dimensional characters. I loved watching these two characters bicker with each other about their disgust of the prospect of marriage to each other and slowly develop friendship and mutual admiration turned to love. The progression of their romance was nicely developed and I was thrilled to not find insta-romance.
  The secondary characters in the story are quite good too. Escalus and Friar Lawrence, though less important, are believably complex. The period details of costume and custom greatly enhance the story's realism, and the quick-moving action will keep readers both alert and entranced. Taub does use the Shakespearean language of "thou" and "wherefore" are sprinkled throughout the book might annoy some but I actually liked the anachronistic way the narrative was written. As an added bonus, you will find other Shakespeare characters from other plays star in guest roles. Still Star-Crossed is one of the best Shakespearean retelling I've read and I highly recommend it as a stand alone read or serving as a back-door introduction to the original. I really look forward to reading what Taub writes next.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some violence, crude sexual humor, and a scene of underage drinking. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: The Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine, Romeo x Juliet Ombinus by COM (and the anime of the same title is great too!), Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors

  Shakespeare in Love is one of my all time favorite movies. I've seen it at least ten times, each time discovering new connections to his wonderful plays. When I first heard of Love Disguised by Lisa Klein, I thought the book had a similar vibe to my favorite movie. I was really excited to read it and while I did enjoy it, it wasn't as satisfying as the movie.

Description: Will Shakespeare is about to meet the girl who will change his life forever. After a mixed-up courtship with the Hathaway sisters ends badly, Will jumps at the chance to go to London, where he can pursue his dream of becoming an actor. There, Will meets the unusually tall (and strong) Meg who has earned the nickname "Long Meg" for her height. She's also fleeing her own past as an orphan turned thief.    
  Disguised as "Mack," Meg was once a member of a band of boy thieves who betrayed her. When Will is robbed by those same villains, Meg disguises herself as "Mack" again--telling Will that Mack is her twin brother--in order to help Will recover his money. As Mack, she finds true friendship with Will. But is there more? And who is Meg really fooling with her disguise? What ensues is a tale involving love triangles, mistaken identities, and the pursuit of hapless villains, as Shakespeare becomes a key player in a lively drama that could have sprung from his own pen.

Review: Love Disguised is an innovative and ambitious imagining of young Will Shakespeare's life. Assisting his spendthrift father, a Stratford glover, Will dreams of escaping to become an actor. He gets his wish when his courtship with one of the Hathaway sisters goes awry, and his father sends him to London to negotiate a debt. Will is a hard character to like, but you can detect many similarities with the male leads in his play such as the fickle Romeo and the ambitious Macbeth. While we do see the conflicts in the Will's family, I would have to liked the author to dig deeper. Shakepeare's plays are rich in dysfunctional families and it would have been great to see where those seeds for his plays might have originated from.
  Along with Will, the other major character is Meg. Left to fend for herself after her father's death in prison and her mother's suicide, young Londoner Meg survives by disguising herself as a boy and becoming a petty thief until she's offered employment by kindly innkeepers at a bar. Unlike Will, I liked Meg right away and rooted for her throughout the story. I admired Klein for describing Meg as an average yet attractive, androgynous woman who is also admired for her wits and skills. She is well aware of the restraints on her freedom due to her gender and the double standards of being a male in her society. Meg clearly wants to break out and be independent, but realizes these dreams are futile because her society refuses to see her as anything but a woman- weak, subservient, and passive. Through Meg we get the vivid portrayal of the harsh Elizabethan world. 
  Will and Meg eventually meet at the Inn, but Meg is too late to rescue him from thieves who prey on rubes. While Will frets about repairing his fortunes, Meg concocts schemes to make it happen. Soon, Will's career as playwright and actor takes off, and Meg, thanks to her quick wit and acting chops, serves as his muse. I'm not truly convinced that Will had any romantic feelings for Meg or vice versa. I believed they admired each other but were also envious of one another, Meg of Will's freedom as a man and Will of Meg's confidence and strength. Readers looking for a swoon inducing romance between these two characters will be disappointed. 
  Labored subplots based on mistaken identity and cross-dressing slow the action, but ring true to the time period and are fascinating if you are a fan of the Bard. Like some of Shakepeare's problematic and famous comedies, things aren't so easily tied together in the end and leaves the reader with many questions to think about after they begin to deconstruct it. 
  Overall I would recommend Love Disguised to readers who enjoy historical fiction with light romance. Fans of the Bard will definitely pick up lots of allusions to famous works while readers who are meeting Shakespeare for the first time will get a better idea of the context of his plays.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There are some fade-to-black sex scenes and allusions to physical abuse. Recommended for Grades 8 and up.

If you like this book try: Loving Will Shakespeare by Carolyn Meyer, Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper, Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle

 I'm delighted to be part of the Warlock's Curse blog tour which is hosted by CBB Book Promotions. Ms. Hobson's debut novel, The Native Star—the first book in her Veneficas Americana series—was nominated for a Nebula award in 2010. She lives in the first city in the United States incorporated west of the Rockies. Her favorite writers are Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, Booth Tarkington, Gore Vidal, and William S. Burroughs. The Warlock’s Curse is her third novel. Ms.Hobson is here today to give us her recommendations for ten great steampunk novels we may have not heard before! To make browsing easier for you, I've included book covers from Goodreads and linked the titles to Amazon.



With Christmas coming up, I bet many readers of Books In The Spotlight will find gift certificates for books in their stockings. Well, the readers who have been nice, anyway. And those who have been naughty surely have better ways of getting their hands on books than waiting for some fat man in a red suit to slide down the chimney with a gift certificate. So however you get your hands on them, here’s a list of ten great steampunk books you might want to check out in 2013!


Ironskin by Tina Connolly: The elevator pitch for this one—a “steampunk Jane Eyre with fairies”—really doesn’t do justice to this compelling, lyrical tale. Whether you’re a fan of steampunk or Charlotte Bronte, you’ll like this one.









Mechanique by Genevieve Valentine: A powerful tale set under the big top of the magical Circus Tresaulti. It’s simply chock-a-block with beautiful imagery, such as the mechanical wings which lay at the center of a epic power struggle between two fascinatingly damaged characters.









 Heart of Iron by Ekaterina Sedia: This book as intelligent as it is gripping, set in a in a Russia where the Decembrists' rebellion was successful and the Trans-Siberian railroad was completed before 1854. A prime example of steampunk set outside the by-now-somewhat-yawn-worthy streets and alleyways of “foggy London.”








What Lies Beneath the Clock Tower by Margaret Killjoy: A devilishly delightful “choose your own adventure” steampunk novel with colonialist gnomes, indigenous goblins, and no small amount of political consciousness. This one is as intriguing as it is enjoyable.








 The Falling Machine by Andrew P. Mayer: This “steampunk superhero” book takes place in a Victorian New York powered by the discovery of Fortified Steam, a substance that allows ordinary men to wield extraordinary abilities. Super fun, with a strong heroine.







 God Save the Queen by Kate Locke: I like to take my steampunk with a large helping of magic, and there are plenty of magical creatures in this one. I especially like what Locke does with her goblins.








The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming: I am cheating a bit, because I can’t classify this one as purely steampunk, but I think it will hold a lot of appeal to readers who like steampunk. And it has a beautiful love story, which I think everyone likes.







New Amsterdam by Elizabeth Bear: I don’t think there’s anything Elizabeth Bear *can’t* write—and steampunk is no exception. In this collection of interlocked short stories, hard-boiled sleuth Abigail Irene Garrett contends with Spanish vampires, blood sorcery, and dirigibles in an colonial Victorian America where the Revolutionary War never happened..






The Women of Nell Gwynne’s by Kage Baker: This isn’t really unknown, as it was nominated for several awards, but it’s a novella, so it may have slipped under the radar. The titular women of Nell Gwynne’s not only work at the most exclusive brothel in London—they are also secret agents.







 All Men of Genius by Lev A.C. Rosen: I started this list with a “steampunk Jane Eyre” so it seems only appropriate to end it with a “steampunk Twelfth Night.” I generally go for darker fodder, but this one was sweet and light and fun.








 Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and giving us new authors and books to discover, Ms. Hobson!

THE YEAR IS 1910. Eighteen-year-old Will Edwards has landed a prestigious apprenticeship at Detroit’s Tesla Industries, the most advanced scientific research center in the United States. It’s a plum prize for a young man who dreams of a career in the new science of Otherwhere Engineering.
But his father doesn’t want him to go. And he won’t tell him why.

Determined to get there by any means necessary, Will finds unexpected support along the way. His old friend Jenny Hansen—daughter of a San Francisco timber baron—is eager to help him for reasons of her own. And so is his estranged brother Ben, who he hasn’t seen in over ten years.

But running away turns out to be the easy part. On the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday, Will is stricken by a powerful magic—a devastating curse laid upon his ancestors by the malevolent sangrimancer Aebedel Cowdray. Will must find a way to control the magic that possesses him—or the vengeful warlock’s spirit will destroy everything and everyone he loves.

 Readers, if you would like to know more about Ms. Hobson be sure to check out the links below:

• Book Website
• Amazon Book Page 
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• M.K. Hobson's blog  
• M.K. Hobson's Facebook page
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Clueless is  a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. This is one of those rare cases where I liked the movie much more than the book. Austen's Emma got on my nerves so much that I couldn't enjoy the book. I hated her righteous attitude. When I met Cher, I instantly liked her for being...well so clueless about what was going around her.

The Joyluck Club by Amy Tan is a book that broke my heart into many pieces with its heart wrenching stories of how mothers sacrfice things for their children. The movie had the same effect of me, my mom, and my sisters. A fabulous cast and screenplay that handled the various stories and different character point of views very well.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. Tolkein- I'm blown away by how much detail Peter Jackson included in his trilogy. I couldn't decide which movie of the three to put on here, so I cheated and included all of the. My favorite book, however, is The Two Towers. The movies really helped me get the various characters, races, and languages straight in my head when I read the books. The movies also introduced me to fabulous actors like Viggo Mortenson who I knew nothing about.

The Outsiders by SE Hinton- This is probably the most faithful book to movie adaptation that I've ever seen. The actors became the characters. Their comraderie, loyalty, and love for one another leaped off the screen and felt authentic. Out of all the actors, I would say that Matt Dillon's Dallas broke my heart. Looking back at it now, the cast is unbelievable: Patrick Swayze (RIP), Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise (before he went psycho), Ralph Macchio, and Diane Lane amongst the noteables. I still don't understand how all the actors except for C. Thomas Howell, who played Ponyboy,  seemed to make it big in Hollywood.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen- Okay, so technically this is a TV miniseries, but I absolutely loved it. The screenplay is fantastic and hits on the right notes of Austen's social and political points. I watch this yearly during Winter Break and still can't get enough. It's my first introduction to Colin Firth and I have watched almost anything with him every since. To me, Colin Firth will always be Mr. Darcy.



William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet- I absolutely love everything about this Baz Lurhman's adaptation. It beautifully and creatively captured the spirit and tone of the play while making the film contemporary with its awesome soundtrack, clothing, set, and a terffic, diverse cast. I can watch this film several times and have several different reactions to it everytime I finish it. My VHS copy of this movie is so run down that I have to go and buy the DVD.



What's Eating Gilbert Grape?  by Peter Hedges- Everyone knows about my obsession over Johnny Depp, but that's not why I liked this movie (well, okay just a little ;) ). What's Eating Gibert Grape is a beautifully shot movie of that transferred the book's tenderness, teen angst, caring and self-awareness of the Grape family. I firmly believe Leonardo was cheated out of getting an Oscar for his portrayal of Arnie. He was phenomenal and solidified him, in my opinion, as an actor.

About a Boy is possibly my favorite Nick Hornby novel. It compacts a romantic comedy, family drama, and self awareness all into one. While reading the book, I couldn't think of anyone else to play the despicable yet loveable Will than Hugh Grant. Talk about a role made for an actor! Although the ending is different than the novel, it stays true to the characters and spirit of the book.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare-  I've loved all of the adaptations that I have seen so far by Kenneth Branaugh, but I think Hamlet is his best. The movie is shot like an old school epic film like Lawrence of the Arabia, leaving no details untouched. While the movie may be long for some, I was glued to my seat watching how the characters and play unravel. I thought Branaugh's Hamlet had a wide range of emotions instead of the confused, crazed lunatic that is popularly portrayed by most actors. Kate Winslet's Ophelia broke my heart.

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier- Not only is the movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, but I think it perfectly captured the creepiness of the novel, especially Mrs. Danvers. Joan Fontaine effortlessly captures the innocence and mannerisms of Mrs. Dewinters.



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This meme allows bloggers to connect with one another and share their top ten lists on specific topics. Today's topic is our top ten favorite love stories, which seems appropriate because yesterday was Valentines Day. While I have you here, I would love your input on my booklists: Love Will Tear Us Apart, Bizarre Love Triangle, and I Can't Help But Fall in Love, which I created for Valentines Day. Feel free to add your suggests in the comments!

  I would like to preface this list by saying that Elizabeth Bennett and Darcy along with Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are a given. I wanted to create a list of other fabulous couples that you may or may not have heard of, who also deserve the spotlight. Without further ado...

  There has been a recent trend in mashing up classic novels with the paranormal, especially after the success of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame Smith . Soon other titles seemed to follow: Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Erwin and Little Vampire Women by Louisa May Alcott and Lynn Messina just to name a few. While I haven't read these titles per se, I have read their reviews and a few excerpts which seem to be humorous in the tongue in cheek sort of way and attempts to perhaps draw new readers into reading the original classics.  So when I saw the tagline for The Cellar by A.J. Whitten as "Romeo and Juliet meet the living dead" on Netgalley, I couldn't help but be intrigued and thought bringing the paranormal and classic mash up for the younger audience might be cool. The Cellar is scheduled to be in print on April 6, 2011. I received an advanced readers copy of this title for the purpose of an honest review.

   But her sister, Heather, doesn't share Meredith's repulsion. Heather believes Adrien is the only guy who really understands her. In fact, she may be falling in love with him. When Adrien and Heather are cast as the leads in the school production of Romeo and Juliet, to Heather, it feels like fate. To Meredith, it feels like a bad omen. But if she tries to tear the couple apart, she could end up in the last place she'd ever want to be: the cellar. Can Meredith convince her sister that she's dating the living dead before it's too late for both of them?

Review:  The Cellar by A.J. Whitten is a campy, horror book that is no different from the B-rated teen horror movies that are playing in your local movie theater. The novel is clearly plot driven and has very minimal character development. Meredith and Heather are two sisters who have recently lost their father in a car accident. The family is mourning and the various family members seem to be in different stages. Meredith keeps her emotions hidden and tries to be the strong one in the family. Heather, who was present in the accident that claimed her father, is numb and suffering from survival's guilt. Their mother, who is virtually absent both literally and physically in the novel, expressions her emotions by going on shopping sprees. Now enter Aiden, the hottest guy in Meredith and Heather's high school. He is described as being physically attractive and mysterious because he: a) wears sunglasses all the time and dresses like Justin Timberlake and b) drives a red Camero. There is definitely something off about Aiden, which you can tell from the way that he talks and seems to hypnotize others around him. The author does not leave any mysterious behind Aiden's identity and we know right away that he is a zombie looking for his next meal and mate.
  The fifth grader in me who had a R.L. Stine's Fear Street reading phase would have loved this book, but as an adult I didn't like it very much. There are some good suspenseful moments where Meredith finds the little clues to Aiden's puzzle and her budding romance with Sam, her sister's ex-boyfriend. Advanced readers will obviously know what is going on and predict the book's ending long before it unravels for the characters. There are also large plot holes in the book such as how is able to see if he has no eyes behind his sunglasses? How does his zombie powers work? And when does he precisely fall in love with Heather?
  The book does have interesting potential such as explaining Aiden's background and the mythology behind zombies, actually using Shakepeare's famous play as context (the play is only mentioned because it is a school play where..surprise!...Aiden and Heather play the lead roles), and digging deeper into Meredith and Heather's grief, however, the author does not address these topics in depth. I also noticed that the book is inconsistent with it's tone and the writing from too many different viewpoints (Meredith, Heather, and Aiden) hinders the novel.
  Overall The Cellar is a campy horror novel that will disappoint you if you want to take it seriously. It may work well with some reluctant readers, but I don't think it has a wide mass appeal.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is some minimal language and a few gory, scary scenes. If this would be a movie, I think it would be rated PG-13. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: For a contemporary setting involved with zombies and other paranormal creatures try Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon or for more of a traditional, creepy, zombie novel try The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.

  I'm always surprised when I read a book by Neal Shusterman, mainly because I never know what to expect from his books. What I do know, however, is that each time I read one of his novels I always have a different, fresh reading experience that leads me to think about the book much longer after I have finished it. His latest title, Bruiser, is no exception.

Description: Tennyson is furious when he learns that his twin sister, Bronte, is dating the odd and somewhat frightening Bruiser (real name Brewster), but Bronte insists that Bruiser is just misunderstood. Tennyson, like many of his peers, think Bruiser is a psychopath in the making, but his sister insists her boyfriend is not. After observing Brewster, Tennyson eventually realizes that Brewster is a sensitive, intelligent guy. The twins can't help but notice unusual and unexplainable events happen whenever they are near Brewster. Brewster refuses to talk and keeps to himself, but how long can he hold on to his secret before being exposed by new friends? What will Tennyson and Bronte do after they find out Brewster's secret?

Review: Bruiser is one of the rare books where I didn't really like any of the characters per se, but still enjoyed the book. For me this is odd, because I have a hard time enjoying a book where I don't like or care for the characters but I think that is the very point that Shusterman is trying to make in his novel. Bruiser is a philosophical, ethical, exploration of friendship. The novel is told from 4 point of views: Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser aka Brewster, and Brewster's little brother Cody. Although it is very easy to lump these voices together, Shusterman does a great job in making each voice unique and distinct. He also juggles with prose, tone, and Brewster's novel in verse format which is something that I haven't read before. The writing style Shusterman chose for his character is fitting to their personality and voice while not interfering with his fast pace plot.
  Tennyson and Bronte are twins and children of two English professors whose marriage seems to be falling apart. Both characters are very observant of their surroundings. I did not like Tennyson from the very start. He is arrogant, a bully, and very condescending to those around him. Unlike Tennyson, Bronte seems to be a bit more likable, however, her "let's save the strays" attitude irked me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed how these characters interacted with Brewster. Both siblings view Brewster as 'their' project with a very similar tone to My Fair Lady (a musical that has always irritated me). While we praise Tennyson and Bronte for changing their misconceptions of Brewster, we can't help but question their motives and the basis of their friendship. Are they really, truly his friends or is he a charity case for them to take on so they could feel good about themselves?
   Brewster is a very unique character that I have not read in a really long time. I felt sorry for him when I witnessed him being bullied in school and by his guardian uncle yet I was angry at him for being so passive. I didn't understand why he simply let things happen to him until his supernatural secret is discovered. The supernatural aspect of the book is suitable for Brewster's character and it actually come off as if it was plausible. I just wanted more information as to how it got started, but nonetheless it made me understand why Brewster prefers to be a outsider yet he is grateful for having 'new found' friends. Even though his friends might be using him, Brewster can't help but feel like he is using them too.
    Bruiser can be read as an homage to Ginsberg's Howl poem. Brewster's desperation, loneliness, and the yearning to be normal leaps off the page and tugs at our heart strings much like the emotions that stir us when we read Howl. I couldn't help but wonder what would I do if I were in Brewster's place.
  Shusterman poses a lot of food for thought questions for his readers: Are Brewster's abilities a gift or a curse? Should Tennyson and Bronte take advantage of Brewster's abilities once they discovered what he can do? Is there power in friendships and if so, who is abusing theirs?  Even after finishing this book over the weekend, I still don't have the answers which is why I think this book would make a great book discussion.
 
Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and scenes of child abuse. Recommended for 8th grade and up.

If you like this book try: Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

  Shakespeare. Love him or hate him, but you can't deny his influence on our literature and pop culture. The most common complaint against Shakespeare is his language. Many readers are unable to understand what his characters are saying. The lack of action and more character introspection seems to turn off lots of people. I guess I'm in the minority that I don't mind the tough language. I like to observe what his characters are doing or aren't doing. Shakespeare's plays weren't made to be read, but to be seen and felt with all of our senses. My favorite thing about Shakespeare is that there is no one single, correct interpretation to his plays, which I know infuriates a lot of readers. It also made me incredibly frustrated when I had to write papers on his play for my classes. So when I came across a book aptly called Kill Shakespeare that seems to bring Shakespeare lovers and haters together, I knew I had to read it.

Description: The heroes of William Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, and Falstaff, attempt to overcome his most infamous villains, Richard III, Lady Macbeth, and Iago, in order to find and kill the reclusive wizard William Shakespeare and take his magic quill that is said to give immortality and power.

Review: The concept behind Kill Shakespeare is nothing new. Taking well known characters and setting them in a new environment has been done before quite successfully in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore and more recently the Fables graphic novel series by Bill Willingham. While this narrative approach could have failed miserably for Kill Shakespeare, I actually found it very interesting and an enlightening exploration of Bard's well known plays and characters.
  As we begin the graphic novel, Hamlet's father has been murdered and his uncle has taken the throne. A distraught Hamlet is tricked by the incredibly foul, powerful tyrant Richard III and the seductive Lady Macbeth to kill the mysterious wizard known as William Shakespeare and to retrieve his magical quill. If Hamlet is successful in his quest, the leaders promise that they will rise Hamlet's dead father from the grave. Although left in the care of the king’s adviser Iago, Hamlet soon finds himself in the company of the deceptively clownish Falstaff, who brings him before Othello and Juliet, leaders of a rebellion against the king and claims Hamlet as the Shadow King, the chosen one who can only protect William Shakespeare.
  Kill Shakespeare is full of action scenes while keeping an authentic interpretation of the cast while simultaneously adding another layer of complexity to them. For example, Juliet has survived from her disastrous relationship and vows never to give in to her emotions again. She is now a strong, female leader of a rebellion. Like wise Lady Macbeth uses her sexuality to gain an upper hand on the males who think they are in power. She controls the three witches and plays an insiders game. At first I will say that the selection for heroes piqued my interest. I don't really consider Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, or even Falstaff heroic. For the authors to choose them makes me wonder how a hero is defined and whether or not Shakespeare himself would agree with their selection. I actually found myself more interested in the so-called villains and how they try to outsmart one another through their manipulations and games.
   I think Kill Shakespeare has successfully showed Shakespeare-phobic readers what makes the Bard so special. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Bard or his plays are able to follow the story because there are enough context clues given. While some of his original dialogue are retained, it doesn't seem misplaced but flows naturally in the story. I think the combination of drawing and text allows readers to understand what is happening instead of relying on the foot/side notes. I, personally, loved the various connections to many plays and loved seeing characters from other plays pop up in the story. The art, all in color, opens up the world and offers some great background sets that don't overwhelm the characters or their dialogue. I told my English teachers about this graphic novel and already have one reading it. I look forward to hearing their reviews and reading more from this series.

Curricular Connection: English/Shakespeare

Rating: 4.5 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language and allusions to sex throughout the novel. There are also many scenes of bloody violence. Recommended for high school students and adults.


If you like this book try: Fables by Bill Willingham or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore