A Voice in My Head

I have a voice in my head.* Like right now. And it’s got a rather annoying temperament. Get out … get out … GET OUT!!

[the sound of a body falling on the ground]

The Voice: Finally! It’s stuffy in your brain. Did you know that?

Me: I probably could’ve guessed that. Something’s always on my mind. It’s hit or miss whether it makes sense.

The Voice: Let me just tell you that it doesn’t make sense. A skeleton dragon homecoming court?

Me: Don’t ask me. You’re the one who said it.

The Voice: But it’s still in your head. And quit calling me ‘The Voice.’ Isn’t that a TV show?

Me: Yep. Singing competition. I can count the number of snippets I’ve watched on one hand, but they’ve got some star swivel chairs.

The Voice: Well quit referring to me as a TV show. My name is Arabella!

Me: Really? Arabella?

Arabella: Not my fault. You gave me the name! So I should be asking you: Arabella? Really? Arabella? How many Arabellas do you know?

Me: None. But I do know an adorable dog whose middle name is Arabella. She’s super sweet. I even dog-sat her in the recent past. And there’s that character from Harry Potter, but I’m guessing fictional characters don’t count.

Arabella: Duh! Do you know any real people named Arabella? Any young people?

Me: I can’t honestly say that I do.

Arabella: Well if there’s anyone on this strangely-beautiful-scary planet that knows an actual person named Arabella, please let me know! And tell Lisa she should’ve named me something else!

Me: Like Bertha? Or Plum? Or Soda Pop?

Arabella: Ugh! What’s wrong with you? No, no and NO!

Me: Would you rather be referred to as Bella?

Arabella: Now you want to nickname me after the nickname of a Twilight character? [sound of stamping foot] Do I look like I belong in a vampire novel? I am so sick of vampire books!

Me: In that case, I think I should read another vampire book. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Arabella: No. Do not do it. Don’t give her any suggestions.

Me: Can’t you be a little more tactful and tell the readers a little about yourself? How about a story?

Arabella: I don’t do stories. Do I come across as a storybook character to you? Cuz I’m not. Not even close. Even if I exist in fifty other alternate universes, in none of them will I exist as a storybook character.

Me: [I’m giving her a look.]

[sound of scraping chair and someone sitting unceremoniously on it]

Arabella: Fine. Here are the basics. But no story. I’m Arabella Hawthorne. 15 years old. Ninth grade. Only child. Wavy brown hair. No bangs. Hazel eyes. Five-foot-five. Don’t ask me my weight unless you want me to pop out your eye. I like a good action-adventure movie, and I’ll bite you if you try to force me to watch a chick flick. I’m open to most music as long as it has lyrics, and I can understand the lyrics. Love peanut butter and jelly, but hate it together. I don’t play sports, but I think that cheerleading is a sport, even though I would never ever go out for it. I have few friends, but those that I have are my friends for life. Anyone tries to hurt them, and I will do irreparable damage to their person. And also, if any of my friends try to betray me, I will do the same to them. Just saying.

Me (hastily): Okay, then! Your bio is very insightful, but that’s all the time I have right now. I’ve got to go do some laundry. New washer and all that. Very intriguing …

Arabella: Are you trying to get rid of me?

Me: Yes. Be like me and say good night to the good people who’ve put up with this conversation. Good night!

Arabella: How ‘bout I say whatever and leave it at that?

Me: But that’s rude.

Arabella (snooty voice): Whatever.

* Don’t worry, the voice is harmless. I am in control at all times. I think … I hope … Probably … Maybe? Just kidding. Really, I just want to try something new and extra with my blog. After all, I figure I can write blather much faster than I can read a novel, so I’m posting this in the in-between as I’m prepping my next compilation. Enjoy!

"Shattered" by Dani Pettrey

Shattered (Feb. 1, 2013) by Dani Pettrey.*

The prodigal brother has returned only to be arrested for the murder of a competition skier. Reef McKenna’s sister, Piper, is sure of his innocence, but as charges aren’t dropped based on gut instinct, proof of his innocence must be found. Unfortunately, the evidence appears stacked against Reef. While no one actually witnessed the murder itself, a couple witnesses claimed they walked in on Reef holding the murder weapon. The sheriff thinks it’s an open-and-shut case and is therefore pushing for a swift conviction. Even Deputy Landon Grainger, who thinks of the McKennas as family, appears doubtful of Reef’s innocence. What isn’t in doubt; however, are his feelings for Piper, though he has trouble displaying them. To Landon, nothing is more important than Piper and keeping her safe. But Piper opens her own investigation and discovers information that puts her – and the lives of those around her – in great danger. Landon, of course, will jump in to serve and protect those he loves.

            Dani Pettrey’s Christian fiction, romantic suspense novel is a page-turner. Although I haven’t read the first book and had to catch up on the main characters, their relatives and friends, I enjoyed the novel. Pettrey writes in a smart fashion: her characters are people we want to befriend in real life, the romance isn’t too mushy-gushy, and the faith of multiple characters is agreeably evident, but not overwhelmingly so. Pettrey creates a story landscape that is far from stark, and I would visit it again.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 4

This compilation is all about the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. Not included in this compilation is her companion novel to the series, “Fallen in Love.” If I ever read it, I will add it to this post. For anyone concerned, I have NOT included spoilers.

Fallen (Dec. 8, 2009).

Have you ever been inexplicably drawn to someone? If you have, then you can relate to Lucinda “Luce” Price. She is attracted to Daniel Grigori from day one at Sword & Cross (a “boarding” school) and even feels like she recognizes him. But Daniel is difficult to decipher. When he’s not completely ignoring her, he’s downright rude. Other times he’s nice, tender even. At least Cameron “Cam” Briel is easy to figure out. He isn’t shy about showing his interest in Luce. Too bad she’s so strongly drawn to Daniel, like a moth is drawn to a flame. But Daniel is keeping secrets, because he’s afraid that if he reveals too much, he will lose Luce for good.

            If you enjoy YA fantasy romance novels, you’ll likely enjoy this one. Luce’s obsession with Daniel can border on the annoying (and possibly unhealthy), but every character’s gotta have flaws! “Fallen” is fascinating, and the story’s premise is interesting. I look forward to progressing through the series. Will Luce be with Daniel? Will Daniel fight for her? They say that love is a battlefield, and in “Fallen,” it really is!

Torment(Sept. 28, 2010).*

After the events in “Fallen,” Luce is sent to Shoreline, a posh, scenic school that’s the opposite of Sword & Cross. She’s told that she’s there for her own safety, but she feels smothered and frustrated because others tell her to stay, yet never explain why. She keeps fighting with Daniel, but how about Miles Fisher? He’s a “diluted” Nephilim, but he’s kind, easygoing and good-looking. He’s not at all the aloof, brooding worrywart that Daniel is right now. Luce makes new friends while missing her old friends, deals with homesickness, meshes with Announcers (“shadows”) and finds out a rogue group of immortals (the Outcasts) want to kill her, along with the Elders of Zhsmaelim -- you know, normal teenager stuff!

            “Torment” introduces the reader to new characters and incorporates many of those we were introduced to in “Fallen.” There are still many questions left unanswered, including how hard it can be, really, to choose the “good” side. But no matter what, Luce loves Daniel … Right? For sure, their love knows torment. But is theirs a blessed torment? Or a cursed one?

* If you click on the book title it will take you to the extended summary/review that I originally posted on Aug. 13, 2012. I don’t promise that the extended version doesn’t contain spoilers.

Passion (June 14, 2011).

Let me just say that Luce and Daniel do a lot of traveling in this book. And by traveling, I don’t mean to California or Italy or even Antarctica. And I don’t mean by train, plane or automobile. Each time, Daniel seems to just miss Luce. Meanwhile, Luce has found herself a travel buddy named Bill and discovered cleaving. Bill’s not your usual travel companion, but he’s a very knowledgeable one. Luce is seeking proof of her love for Daniel and his for her. Will she find her proof? Will Daniel catch up with her before the end? For awhile now, Luce has convinced herself that Cam is the bad guy. What if he’s not? Then who is?

            I thought the travel destinations were interesting. Luce’s obsession with Daniel (and proof of their love) is still annoying and possibly unhealthy, but at least she’s consistent. There is definitely a heavier tone of “higher powers” at certain points in the book, especially near the end, but “Passion” is still, first and foremost, a YA fantasy romance novel. The passion of the book doesn’t refer to anything hot or steamy; it’s the passion of obsession and (re)discovering the passion of true love. Is it real? Or is it there out of habit?

Rapture (June 12, 2012).

Things aren’t often easily (and truthfully) described as wholly good or fully evil. Sometimes love and adoration come from the same source as hatred and loathing. Luce will discover this as she gains more knowledge about herself. To say she has a lot of catching up to do regarding herself is an understatement. Together with Daniel, angel allies and enemies-turned-allies, Luce will set out to find three specific relics. Their expected whereabouts are Venice, Vienna and Avalon. They gain much, but lose much, too. The group must locate the relics and get them to an unknown location to stop a highly unsavory character. Is he fully evil? Was he always? Can Luce figure out who she is in time to make an impact?

            From the first page, the storyline scoots right along. It shouldn’t surprise any reader of the series that the storyline does include occasional Christian connotations, but by no means does Kate write in terms of overwhelming religious allegory. This book – this series – is a YA fantasy romance first, and other pieces of the story are there to help the story, not overshadow it. The book took a couple turns that I wasn’t expecting, but I enjoyed reading them. Kate’s concluding novel struck a lovely chord and is a nice ending to the series.

            Overall, I liked this series. It is imaginative and different from other YA fantasy stories I’ve read, which is always a plus. Should a movie adaptation of the series come to the big screen, I’d go watch them. True, I found Luce to be quite noisome at times, but hey, she’s a teenager. I guess one whiny teen isn’t unusual! I suppose we whine as adults, but we don’t call it whining; we call it venting! Ha!

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013 and the first Past Reads edition. This compilation features books that I have read in the recent past -- between two and four years ago.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Books 1-4 (2007-2009) by Jeff Kinney.

This series follows Greg Heffley, a “wimpy kid” who is just starting his tumultuous years in the danger zone known as middle school. At least there is someone there to suffer through it with him: his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. There’s also Greg’s older brother, Rodrick, and he’s the type of big brother who wants to tout his elder sibling status and make Greg’s life difficult and miserly. These middle-grade, reality fiction books are written in cartoons with the typeset appearing as printed handwriting on lined paper, as you might see in a notebook.

            As I stated in my Intro, I promised to be honest about the books I read. Promise kept, I did not like these books. Why did I read four of them, then? Because I bought the set, so I read them all (and donated them long ago). I don’t think they’re bad books; they simply didn’t hold my interest. Maybe I would enjoy the series if I was a nine-year-old boy. But I’m not, and I found Greg to be annoying, manipulative and disrespectful. All kids have their moments, but Greg has entire books full of them. I can see why they are popular, but this Diary doesn’t hold my interest.

The Easter Egg (Feb. 9, 2010) by Jan Brett.

A rabbit called Hoppi is the star of this Brett children’s book. He is excited to create his first-ever Easter egg, and he is hoping his egg will be chosen by the Easter Rabbit as the winner. However, his egg concerns are set aside when he hears Mother Robin calling out in alarm. One of her eggs has fallen out of the nest and is unprotected. Hoppi guards the egg on the ground day and night while Mother Robin returns to her other two eggs. What is the outcome of his unofficial guard duty?

            Brett has created another adorable tale that children will enjoy, as well as the adults reading it to them. Brett is also the illustrator for her stories, and she has a marvelous way of showing pieces of the story in the margins of her pages. Keep an eye on the top margin to see how Mother Robin is doing. “The Easter Egg” is a delightful read and is sure to be a favorite!

The Lost Hero (Oct. 12, 2010) by Rick Riordan.

Does this story involve teenagers on a mission to prevent death and destruction? Yes. Greek gods and goddesses? Confirmed. Monsters that make your childhood monsters-under-the-bed look like kittens? You bet.

            In “The Lost Hero,” there is a brief return to Camp Half-Blood with new friends and old. It is the first in his The Heroes of Olympus series, which follows soon after the events of the final Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. We meet Jason, who awakes on a bus with amnesia. A guy named Leo claims to be his best friend, and a gal, Piper, is supposedly his girlfriend. Soon they’re swept up by Annabeth Chase, whose boyfriend, Percy Jackson, is missing. Jason, Leo and Piper learn they are demigods. But something doesn’t fit right with Jason. He reflexively refers to the Greek gods and goddesses in their Roman forms. He speaks Latin as opposed to Ancient Greek. And he gets strange feelings, like the memories are right there, but he can’t access them. This adventure sends these three new faces on a quest to rescue a goddess, Piper’s movie star dad and also prevent the re-birth of a hideous menace that could destroy the Earth and mankind as they know it. Expect aloof gods/goddesses, a wind god meteorologist, a 106-year-old satyr (that’s 53 in human years) prone to aggressive behavior, and plenty of monsters.

            “The Lost Hero” is an entertaining read for all ages, though I missed his clever chapter titles (from Percy Jackson), which can also be entertaining. From the confused moments to the witty and the serious, I was engrossed with the book from beginning to end. Although I highly recommend this novel, I highly suggest reading Percy Jackson first. You’ll be less … lost when it comes to many names and some reference points.

Matched (Nov. 30, 2010) by Ally Condie.

Readers are introduced to Cassia Reyes in a futuristic, dystopian world in “Matched.” [The successive novels, “Crossed” and “Reached,” can be found here and here.] Cassia’s world is run by Officials of the Society. They decide everything: what jobs citizens will have, who they will be genetically matched to (thus eradicating disease and physical and emotional issues) and when they will die. They even ration everyone’s food, which is delivered to them, thus eliminating the art of learning to cook unless, of course, the Society assigns you that career. Cassia, a 17-year-old, is “matched” with her best friend, Xander Carrow. Somehow there is a glitch in what she thought was a flawless system, and she’s also matched with an orphan, Ky Markham. She knows both boys. Along the way, she figures out and learns things the Society would rather she didn’t. By the time she discovers why everyone carries a blue, green and red tablet, she has lost someone loved. Things aren’t looking good.

            Condie’s book raises discussion-worthy questions about how much Society (government) control is too much and how it interferes with free will. Expect the angst you’d see in other YA novels, but do not expect a love scene out of Twilight or the violence of The Hunger Games. Like those two series; however, do expect a love triangle. I was hooked on this book before it even came out. For me, it lived up to the hype.

The Replacement (Sept. 21, 2010) by Brenna Yovanoff.

You probably know at least one person who’s allergic to something. Or perhaps you yourself have an allergy. It might be ragweed or pollen, dust or pet dander. Maybe it’s latex or lactose or tree nuts. How about iron, blood and consecrated ground?

            Allow me to introduce you to Mackie Doyle. Mackie is not your typical teenage boy, though he looks mostly like one. And his allergies to iron, blood and consecrated ground? Could totally be fatal to him if he can’t get help, because Mackie is a Replacement. He was put in the crib of a human baby who was snatched 16 years before. He lives in the small town of Gentry, but he comes from an ugly world below. His birth world is run by two “people,” one of which is a girl who looks like a child but exhibits a seriously scary amount of sharp teeth in her mouth. And to think she’s the nice one!

            The book is mostly dismal, as in, the weather is rainy and gray. One gets the impression that there is nothing happy about Gentry. There’s sacrifice, blood, pain, grief and love. There’s also a will to save and survive. It’s standalone, which is good, for I do not want to return to Gentry and the world beneath. It is not a light and happy place. Consider this if you’re looking for something a little different, a little ugly. Can you find the good in all the ugly?