Bloggers Share their love of Courtney Summers & A Giveaway

Hello everyone. Today I have a special post to share with you guys, last year was when I first discovered Courtney Summers, I devoured her book This is Not a Test and was literally left in awe of her brilliance, ever since then I've made a promise to myself to read all of her books. Today I will be giving one of you lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Courtney Summers latest two in one book release of What Goes Around (Cracked Up to Be & Some Girls Are).

Here is a little bit about the book. 

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: September 3rd 2013. 

 

Courtney Summers fans are in for a treat! Two of her most critically acclaimed titles bound together for the price of one. In Cracked Up To Be, Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games…but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, is that a horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. In Some Girls Are, climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome. And just like the other members of this all girl clique, she was both feared and revered by the students of Hallowell High... that is until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.

You can read the first three chapters of both novels here! 

I've only read one of Courtney's books, but I know so many readers who have been fans of her work for a very long time. I thought I would leave it to these bloggers/readers to share with you why they love Courtney's books so much.

Courtney Summers is one of those rare authors that can make you feel like you're actually living through any situation with her characters, whether it's bullying, death of a loved one, or a zombie apocalypse. There's a particular introspectiveness to her writing that makes you feel like you've known the characters forever, and a certainty when you finish the last page that you'll never forget them. Emily from The Book Geek 

If writing was a sport, Summers would be some sport ninja with her writing being so raw, realistic but intrusive at the same time. Contempories wouldn't be the same without her. Melanie from YA Midnight Reads

The third thing that comes to mind when I think of Courtney Summers (the first being the delicious feeling of not knowing how to feel after I’ve finished one of her books and the second being how brilliantly cool she is whenever I’ve spoken to her) is her age. Publishers, publicists, agents, journalists and even some book bloggers seem to be obsessed with the age of the author; especially when they’re young. When I read her books, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that Courtney is only three years older than me*. She has managed to shake off being a commodity, only being read because she was first published at twenty one, and has become a deservingly well-respected YA author because she’s not afraid to tell the stories that other authors are. And she’s not afraid to write characters that other writers steer way clear of. She hasn’t relied on the “Oh I’m so young and so published!” card but instead she lets her books talk for themselves. And that’s the writer I want to be. *I like to think of her as my cool YA Big Sister. Yeah… don’t tell her that. Jo from Wear The Old Coat.

I love Courtney’s unflinching honesty when it comes to her characters and storylines. Her writing is beautiful and emotionally compelling, her books always feel incredibly real to me. Jess from Jess Hearts Books.

I think the beauty of Courtney's writing is that she doesn't stray from the raw, challenging and gritty topics. Rather, she embraces them, and she reveals the truth of human nature simply because she doesn't mask it in stereotypes or generalizations. Without a doubt, I know that I can always turn to her when I want to read something that's truly real. Melissa from I Swim for Oceans. 

Ms. Summers is fearless with her characters and takes no shortcuts when it comes to the hard stuff. I have so much respect for her as an author and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! Crystal from Winterhaven Books
 
I read Courtney Summers’ books in one sitting. Always. As a storyteller, she writes about teenage life in a unique way that seems superbly real without seeming exploitative or overdone. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know that it will remind me of something I experienced in high school (sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way) but that is what keeps me coming back for more. I love her dialogue, her characters, and how she is somehow able to convey more emotion and tell a tightly-plotted story in novels that are shorter than the average YA offering. Though I am speaking just for me at the moment, I feel 100% confident in saying that all three bloggers at The Readventurer consider Summers an auto-buy author. Flannery from The Readventurer.

Summers' has this unique style of writing: punchy, direct, achey. Minimal words conveying maximum impact. You should know this: her books are addictive. One chapter and you'll be hooked. Her stuff is compulsively readable with awesome tightly plotted and unpredictable story-lines. Her prose is gorgeous and her sentiments and themes hit hard. But mostly? She just makes me love her unlovable characters <3 Nomes from Inkcrush

Courtney Summers writes unflinchingly raw novels, exposing emotion in the most brutal - yet life-life - fashion imaginable. Not only are you always guaranteed a barrel of feelings with her books, but you are also sure to find that her narrative voice rings true with parts of your own soul that are difficult to label and distinguish. Ambiguous, hollow, but real, Summers is an author I never hesitate to read Keertana from Ivy Book Bindings.

All of the lovely comments above definitely have me convinced that Courtney is one author whose books should not be missed out on. There is actually a read-along taking place right now, they will be reading all of Courtney's books from September to December and you can still sign up here!

And now for the giveaway, thank you to St. Martin's Press, we have one copy of What Goes Around to giveaway, this giveaway is only open to US/Can residents. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below and good luck. 

 

Courtney Summers lives and writes in Ontario, Canada. She is the author of 2009 CYBIL award-winner Cracked Up to Be, 2011 White Pine Honor Book and 2011 YALSA Top 10 Quick Pick Some Girls Are, Fall for Anything and This is Not a Test, which has been optioned by Sony for a television movie. Her fifth book, All the Rage, will be released in 2014

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Review: The First Affair by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

The First Affair by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: 27th August 2013
My rating: 3 stars. 

Jamie McAlister has resigned herself to the fact that in this job market, her painfully expensive degree might only get her a position at Starbucks, when she suddenly lands a prestigious internship at the White House. Although she doesn’t hit it off with the other interns—lockjaws who come from so much money that ten weeks without a paycheck doesn’t faze them—she is eager to work hard and make the best of the opportunity while it lasts. An unexpected encounter late one evening with the charismatic President Gregory Rutland seems like just a fleeting flirtation, but when he orchestrates clandestine meetings and late-night phone calls, their relationship quickly escalates. Jamie knows what she is doing is wrong: he’s married, he has kids, he’s the President. Yet each time she tries to extricate herself, Greg pulls her back in. With the conflicted desires of the most powerful man in the world driving her to her breaking point, Jamie can’t help but divulge intimate details to those closest to her. But she must have confided in the wrong person, because she soon finds herself, and everyone she cares about, facing calculated public destruction at the hands of Greg’s political enemies, and—perhaps no matter how much he cares about her—at the hands of Greg himself.

The First Affair was a book which I wouldn’t typically pick up, but I’d read some great books by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus previously, that I decided again to venture out of my usual comfort reading zone.

Despite not being a huge fan of cheating in books, I felt myself compelled into reading this story because of our MC Jamie. Her relationship (if you can really call it that) with the president kind of just happened when Jamie found herself with the president when he wasn’t in the best state. With so much pressure with the presidential election around the corner, the president was trying his best to deal, but this wasn’t the case, Jamie walked into him having an anxiety attack and by comforting him this led to a kiss out of the blue. Before you know it Jamie’s making the extra effort when going into work just in case she bumps into the president, soon this turns into impromptu calls into his office and late night calls from the president himself. I understand how Jamie felt around him, he was a powerful man and he made her feel what another man was never able to do. But to me from the very beginning it was very clear that this relationship did not mean to him as much as it meant to Jamie. There were early rumours flying about previous affairs and if he really cared about Jamie wouldn’t he have done anything possible to be with her? Instead she was fobbed off to another unpaid apprenticeship this time away from the White House and Jamie was told soon after the election, he would sort everything out. Poor Jamie was a complete sucker, instead of listening to her best friend and going back home, Jamie kept running back whenever he called and just kept waiting in the wings.

The reason I kept reading The First Affair despite being annoyed by both Jamie and the president’s behaviour was because I was waiting for the aftermath. I think McLaughlin and Kraus did a brilliant job with this, usually you’re not aware of what’s going down backstage, and you’re just given titbits of information. But this time we get to experience first-hand everything falling apart. And it was painstakingly horrible to watch, with people going back on their word, people coming out of the woodwork to get their two seconds of fame, and Jamie not knowing who she could trust. It was a brutal time for Jamie, but through it all a better character emerged within Jamie and a stronger relationship between her and her sister. Jamie’s sister Erica wasn’t the easiest person to like but through everything coming out in the open, Erica was the only real person that was there for Jamie when she needed someone the most.

The First Affair for me was a decent read; there were plenty of twists and turns which I didn’t see coming which had me reading until the very last page. But there were also parts which did take me a while to get around. But overall despite not quite feeling The First Affair initially I’m glad that I gave this book a go.

Review & Giveaway: All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication date: September 26th 2013
My rating:  4.5 stars 

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

My Thoughts:

All the Truth That’s In Me was a stunning, sharply focused story that ticked all the boxes for me! It was filled with feelings of longing, pain, sadness, anger, hope and joy!  At the heart of it are an achy romance, and a clever mystery that surprised me when all was revealed!

Judith is one of two girls who went missing two years ago.  She came back but the other girl did not.  When she walks back to her home there is no warm welcome.  Her father died during her absence, and her mother blames her for this!  Judith’s younger brother doesn’t treat her much better.  Judith was maimed making her speech hard to understand.  What’s worse though is her mother’s reaction.  She’s shocked and horrified by Judith’s attempts at speaking and she forbids her to talk.  Her treatment and reaction to Judith made my heart hurt!

“You’ve come back maimed. I leave it to God to judge what brought this upon you.”*

Before Judith was abducted she was hopelessly in love with her childhood friend, Lucas.  Nothing changed her feelings for him. But without speaking and with no explanation of her disappearance, Judith fades into the background, and everyone either regards her as the town freak or ignores her entirely.  Lucas falls into the latter category.  My heart broke for Judith as life goes on with her as a spectator.  But everything changes when the town is threatened, and she knows exactly what must be done.

There are several mysteries unfolding in this tale.  The identity of Judith’s abductor is revealed early on, but you’re not sure why she was taken, and you’re not sure what happened during her captivity.  These mysteries and more are slowly and masterfully revealed throughout the story. 

All the Truth That’s In Me is told in second person narrative, with Judith basically addressing this story to Lucas.  It felt like I was reading her letters to him with dialogue and scenes included. I read so much that a change in storytelling is welcome and refreshing, and I loved it!  

I admired and rooted for Judith, and was in awe that all she went through didn’t break her spirit.  I was heartened when she started to come out of her shell and take control of her life!  Because of the second narrative, interactions with the secondary character like her brother, Maria or Goody are somewhat sparse, but that in no way lessens their impact or appeal.  

The romance between Judith and Lucas is one of longing and sadness on her part, at first.  As the story continued my heart filled with joy over changes in situation, and as things were revealed. 

“It was always you, Ladybird,” you say softly. “Don’t you know?”*

Julie Berry’s writing was powerful, concise and almost lyrical.  Her captivating story is a definite recommend!

*Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy. 

I loved this story so much I wanted to share my ARC with one lucky reader!  The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Just fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Good luck, and thanks for visiting The Readers Den!

Review: Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns (The Devil Wears Prada #2) by Lauren Weisberger.
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: June 4th 2013
My rating: 4.5 stars. 

Everything's in place for the season's hottest launch: Tall latte (with two raw sugars)? Check. Gucci trench (draped over desk)? Check. Outrageous, unreasonable demands? Check. Andy has just turned thirty and is an incredibly successful magazine editor, working closely with her best friend Emily, another Runway survivor. She's about to get married - life's on track and she's been careful to stay clear of Miranda Priestly, her dreadful first boss. But Andy's luck is running out. Miranda Priestly isn't the kind of woman who hides in the background. She's back...and more devilish than ever.

I admit to being not a huge fan of The Devil Wears Prada book, it was a decent chick lit read, but after watching the film again recently (I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve watched it) that when I heard about the follow up book I felt really encouraged in giving it a go. And I’m so glad that I did because it was the best chick-lit book I have read in a long time.

In Revenge Wears Prada, we find ourselves back with Andy ten years after she left Miranda Priestly hanging at Paris fashion week. For Andy that was the worst year of her life, she didn’t expect that ten years later when Andy was actually happy with what was going on in her life that Miranda would once again threaten to have an impact in her life once more.

I adored Andy’s character, despite everyone saying that she had made the biggest mistake of her life those ten years ago; she was actually leading a successful life. Her magazine The Plunge had been bringing in a steady income for nearly the last three years and they had been having great success with big name stars lining up to feature in the magazine. And she was about to marry the love of her life Max. But then all of a sudden things started getting pretty stressful.

Andy had so much to deal with so early on that I found myself immediately backing her corner, the Andy we once knew had matured into an even more confident woman. It was easy not to form such a strong connection with her character as all she wanted to achieve was the best out of life. She was always one to think things through carefully and not make selfish, impulsive decisions like a lot of other characters did. I think this is one of the reasons I wasn’t able to rate Revenge wears Prada 5 stars, I absolutely adored this book, but a character who I really became to like over the course of the book, they had literally won me over made the biggest mistake possible. I think I was truly left heartbroken for a few days afterwards after things had gone down.

Weisberger did a brilliant job in creating new characters that were easy to fall hard and fast for. Max was an absolutely wonderful inclusion to this book; he was considerate, sweet and had some swoony moments. I admit that he did completely win me over with his gentle side that I didn’t pay attention in the slightest when some ex’s showed up on the scene. It was also great getting to know returning characters once more. Miranda once again was a difficult character to get my feelings around. Whereas I detested her immensely in The Devil wears Prada, she brought out a whole another side to her, that at times I was confused about whose character to believe.

Revenge Wears Prada was a wonderful follow up to the Devil Wears Prada. The wait for this book I would have to say was definitely worth it, with Weisberger bringing another entertaining story. There were some crazy stressful times, a pinch of heartbreak along the way (I am seriously still not over this betrayal!) but overall a whole lot of fun. If you’re in the mood for a fun read or a quick pick me up when feeling low, this is the perfect book to go to.

Showcase Sunday #34

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Vicky at Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week.

Hello lovelies, another quiet book haul for me this week, but I am super excited about getting started with these books. Here are the books that I received.

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles | The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon | The Bride Wore Size 12.

Thank You to Bloomsbury Publishing and William Morrow Paperbacks.

I was so happy to finally get a copy of The Bride Wore Size 12, I absolutely adore this series, and I'm excited to finally see how this one will end, but also sad to say goodbye to such a fantastic set of characters. I will be starting this on Monday with the lovely Nick from Nick's Book Blog, if you don't hear from me in the next few days it'll probably be because I'm still hung up on this book. I started The Bone Season the other day, the reviews have been great so far, but it's taking me a while to get into. I loved the first two books in the Perfect Chemistry series, so I'm hoping that I'll end up enjoying this latest one too.

I also had a great swag week too, a big thank you to Ruta Sepetys, Chapter 5 and Indigo Books.

Over to Rachel and her haul.

Replica by Jenna Black | All The Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry

Thank you to Tor Teen and Viking/Penguin! 

I didn’t get much this week but that’s okay with me because I’m overloaded with books I already have! I’m really excited for All the Truth That’s in Me and I’m glad it’s not a 500 pager. Lately when I see a book that long it makes me nervous, because unless you really love it, that’s a lot of pages to get through!

It’s a three-day holiday weekend out here in the States so I’m excited to be off of work and I plan on doing nothing but read by the pool.  It’s still blisteringly HOT in Southern California and to tell you the truth I’ll be glad when the cooler weather arrives. Hope all of you are having a lovely weekend whether or not it’s a long one! 

Feel free to leave a link to your book hauls in the comment below and we'll stop by and check it out.