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She Made Me Do It: Round One

4/19/2012

26 Comments

 

She Made Me Do It: Round One

The Readventurer - She Made Me Do It Feature
As amateur reviewers, we pride ourselves on being able to recommend the right books to the right readers.  As massive readers, we rely on the opinions of others to help guide our own book selections.  But how much do we trust each other?  Enough to place our next round of reading in the hands of a co-blogger? 

Today we are starting a new feature, where we will risk it all and make and receive recommendations to and from the pickiest people we know: ourselves.  Using a round-robin approach, each one of us will give three selections to another Readventurer.  That person must select and attempt to read one of the books within the next month.  Glowing reviews may follow.  Scathing rants may follow.  Half-hearted DNF’s and awkward glares may follow.  Our very reputations as reviewers are on the line!

This should be interesting.

Flannery's Recommendations For Tatiana:
House of the Scorpion cover
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
  
What it's about:  The teenage clone of a drug kingpin analyzes what it means to be human and free.

Why I think she'd like it: I know how much Tatiana enjoyed Unwind by Neal Shusterman. House of the Scorpion brings up the same kinds of moral values discussions and questions that were prevalent in that work. Plus, seriously, look at all the awards it won. Psht, as if she wouldn't like it.
Grimspace cover
Grimspace (Sirantha Jax, #1) by Ann Aguirre

What it's about: Sirantha Jax has the ability to navigate and jump ships through space because of her genes. She joins up with a ragtag crew and adventures ensue  à la  Firefly. 

Why I think she'd like it: Tatiana likes urban fantasy. She also likes space. Ergo she should like urban fantasy in space, right? Jax is a pretty badass heroine and she definitely isn't a  cliché --I know Tatiana loves women with backbone.
Suicide Notes cover
Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford
 
What it's about: A teenage boy wakes up in a juvenile psychiatric ward, doesn't think he truly belongs there, and snarks it up while he figures out if he does. 
 
Why I think she'd like it: 1. It is funny; 2. It is a case where journal entries work as the format; 3. It is a male narrator done well; 4. I recommended Sisters in Sanity by Gayle Forman to Tatiana in the past and she enjoyed that. I think she and I both enjoy stories about mental illness and rehab/psych ward books.  (though this one is definitely funnier than the Forman book)
Tatiana's Verdict: I am quite excited about these picks. I won't be surprised if I read them all. The House of the Scorpion has been on my TBR for a very long time. All those awards! It is my kind of book for sure. The only reason why I haven't read Sirantha Jax is because I prejudged the author based on the reviews of her YA novel (something about a rapey love interest?). Maybe it's time to put this prejudice behind and actually read one of Aguirre's books? And, of course, I LOVE books about mentally unstable people.
Tatiana's Recommendations For Catie:
Picture
Zoo City by Lauren Beukes

What it's about: Urban fantasy set in an alt universe Johannesburg where sinners carry their crimes on their backs in a form of animals. Zinzi, an ex-journalist, ex-druggie, ex-inmate is forced to pay off her drug debt by getting involved in a missing person investigation. It doesn't end well.

Why I think she'd like it: Catie loves urban fantasy and I am sure she will love this one. Not only is it a thrilling mix of mystery and paranormal, but it is a great social commentary, with Paolo Bacigalupi-like darkness and grit.
The Blue Sword cover
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley

What it's about: It is a story of a young woman, who after years of feeling invisible and insignificant, discovers her strength and sense of belonging in the land of her kidnapper - a mysterious Hill-king who possesses magic powers.

Why I think she'd like it: First, it is fantasy. Second, it is so beautifully written! This story is lush, vivid and oh so romantic. I am quite certain The Blue Sword will take its place among Catie's favorites fantasies, next to Megan Whalen Turner's, Melina Marchetta's and Kristin Cashore's books.
The Painted Veil cover
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

What it's about: When Walter discovers that his shallow and silly wife Kitty is cheating on him, he decides to punish her by moving them to an isolated cholera-stricken part of China. There Kitty finds new self-awareness.

Why I think she'd like it: Catie will appreciate Kitty's emotional growth in this book. Plus an exotic locale. She will also have to watch the movie adaptation and she will love it too (am I a bit too sure of my recommendation powers?)
Catie's Verdict:  I knew I could trust Tatiana to list three books that I most definitely want to read - she practically does that for me every single week as it is!  I've desperately wanted to read Zoo City ever since she described it as a combination of "The Golden Compass and Paolo Bacigalupi" in her review.  That sounds like something I would love.  I've also heard wonderful things about The Blue Sword.  I was disappointed with Robin McKinley's Sunshine and Beauty, but I think it's time I gave her another chance.  And guess what?  I've already seen AND loved the film version of The Painted Veil.  Perhaps a Book vs. Movie post is in my future?  It will be very hard for me to pick just one of these when I really want to read all of them.
Catie's Recommendations For Flannery:
Shadowland cover
Shadowland (The Mediator #1) by Meg Cabot

What it's about:  A light, fun story about a hilariously sarcastic teenage girl who can see ghosts, and is tasked with helping them move on. 

Why I think she'd like it:  Meg Cabot.  Snarky/silly jokes.  Hot latino ghosts.  Querida.  Did I mention it's Meg Cabot?  I don't think this one will blow her away, but I think she will have fun with it.  This series is also quite fun to inhale all in one go (there are six books).  Okay, yes - she did just post an entire review about her dislike of non-eighties ghosts in books only a week ago.  But I have a loophole:  I'm pretty sure that Jesse, the ghosty love-interest, is from the 1880's.  Problem solved!
Okay For Now cover
Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt

What it's about:  A very uplifting story with a colorful cast of characters.  From the author of The Wednesday Wars, this spin-off features Doug Swieteck (the younger brother of the noted bully) and his struggle to fit in and cope with major life changes.

Why I think she'd like it:  I think this book will go right to her heart and squeeze.  It's quirky and funny, but has a lot of sweet depth and a happy ending.
Caves of Steel cover
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov

What it's about: Earth detective Elijah Bailey is reluctantly teamed up with a humanoid robot to solve a murder mystery on a faraway planet. 

Why I think she'd like it:  Murder mystery...IN SPACE!  With a simple (like a fox) detective and the robot sidekick he loves to hate.  Need I say more?  I think Flannery is destined to be an Asimov fan.
Flannery's Verdict: I told Catie after I read her recommendations that I find it funny that only two days ago I was on our blog discussing my hatred of ghosts and now she is recommending a ghost book to me. But it IS Meg Cabot and she usually entertains me, especially when I block Avalon High and Insatiable out of my mind. I have been meaning to read Okay For Now for ages, ever since I loved The Wednesday Wars so I'm excited to prove my chops for this feature by definitely reading that one. Catie knows that anyone can snag me when they add "IN SPACE!!" to any premise. A laundromat...IN SPACE!!  Twenty grandmothers playing bingo...IN SPACE!!  I have no clue what the man on the front of that cover is doing, but it intrigues me. Also, I've yet to read any Asimov, despite being a self-proclaimed sci-fi fanatic. The verdict on Catie's picks is that I'm excited to read them all. Realistically, I hope to read two of them. -Flannery
26 Comments
VeganYANerds link
4/19/2012 07:27:45 pm

You guys come up with so many fun features! I like this one a lot and I know how it feels to recommend a book and then worry they'll hate it! Both Suicide Notes and Okat For Now are on my to-read list but I also like the sound of Zoo City!

Reply
Flannery (The Readventurer) link
4/24/2012 07:42:09 am

I'm totally going to read Zoo City, too, Mandee. These posts make me want to read ALL THE BOOKZ so it makes their jobs harder:) Read Suicide Notes!

Reply
Jasprit link
4/19/2012 08:19:16 pm

Another great feature ladies, there are some awesome recs there that I've been meaning to get around to myself like The Mediator and Suicide Notes! Can't wait too see how you all get on! :)

Reply
Maja link
4/19/2012 09:14:23 pm

It's true, you ladies have the best ideas. I'm all for Tatiana reading Grimspace (I'm curious to find out what she'll think), and I'm pretty sure she'll enjoy Suicide Notes. It's a very special book.
Catie, I haven't read any of those books, but I love book vs. movie posts so I'll keep my fingers crossed for The Painted Veil.

Flann, a confession: I've never read a Meg Cabot book in my life. *runs and hides* Okay For Now sounds right up your alley. I hope you'll choose that one and review it. That should be fun for the rest of us too.

Reply
Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/21/2012 12:35:46 am

I am so interested in Tatiana's opinion of Grimspace too, Maja. I honestly don't know if she'll like it or hate it but it's going to be interesting either way.

Reply
Tatiana (The Readventurer) link
4/21/2012 12:39:06 am

My library doesn't have Grimspace, so I am getting it from PBS. IDK how much time it will take, but I am reading it at some point. I need this on the record: I want to like it.

Tatiana (The Readventurer) link
4/20/2012 02:55:27 am

Catie, The Blue Sword is, IMO, McKinley's best novel. I was never crazy about either Beauty or Sunshine myself.

Reply
Noelle link
4/20/2012 03:07:38 am

Oooh I love that rec for Catie, Tatiana! The Blue Sword is my favorite McKinley too.

Reply
Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/21/2012 12:44:28 am

You are not the first person who has told me that. I think that I'm going to love it.

Reply
Noelle link
4/20/2012 03:06:14 am

THE SUSPENSE! :D Book dares can be so fun.

Love the new illustration, Catie!

Reply
Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/21/2012 12:37:08 am

Thanks Noelle! I think this challenge is going to be fun - even if we hate all the rec's and write scathing rants. :)

Reply
Heidi link
4/20/2012 11:15:27 am

Bwahahaha, love this new plan ladies! I hope it makes you love one another more than it makes you glare. I'm excited to hear the verdicts, particularly since a large portion of these books are on my TBR, but I haven't read a one!

Reply
Maggie, Young Adult Anonymous link
4/20/2012 06:47:39 pm

Love this new feature! Catie, that drawing is hilarious.

I'm adding The House of the Scorpion, Zoo City, and Shadowland to my to-read spreadsheet. Don't worry, I'm nothing like this guy: http://abcnews.go.com/US/york-mans-meticulous-dating-spreadsheet-viral/story?id=16172700#.T5KB4jJYu1s

Reply
Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/21/2012 12:39:00 am

Hahahahaa, I gosh I saw that on the news. Can you imagine?!! Why would you keep a written record of that?

I think that you'll enjoy The Mediator series - it's good fun. The other two I'm really interested in reading myself.

Reply
Paige link
4/20/2012 10:23:31 pm

You ladies come up with the best features! And the illustration is hilarious. This is a really clever idea.

Reply
Chachic link
4/22/2012 02:47:10 pm

Awesome new feature, ladies! Looking forward to seeing what you girls will recommend next. I've only read Grimspace and The Blue Sword from this list. The latter is one of my favorite so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Catie will enjoy reading that.

Reply
AH link
4/22/2012 08:16:08 pm

This is such a great feature! Tatiana, I can't wait to see what you think of House of the Scorpion - it always seems to be overlooked and it is one of those books that keep you thinking. If you don't have a copy, Scholastic was selling the paperback for under $5 a while back. Grimspace - One of my favorite sci-fis. As for the rest of the books, I'll be adding to good old Mount TBR.

Reply
Regina link
4/23/2012 12:33:41 am

I love the artwork (and the concept of the challenge too).

What is so great about this challenge is the great variety in the books recommended. Love it. I cannot wait to see how this plays out.

Reply
Michelle link
4/24/2012 05:48:26 am

As you can see from my the comments above mine, we at Badass love this idea. We keep talking about it. We are going to keep a close eye on you all to see who makes the first what-was-she-thinking recommendation. Of course, knowing you ladies, that might not happen!

Reply
Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/24/2012 06:11:57 am

Haha, I love seeing you guys all in a line above me! And I would also love to see you guys do this over at Badass Book Reviews. I think it would be awesome!

It'll be interesting for sure! Luckily, I don't think any of us will take a "what was she thinking?" personally.

Reply
Michelle link
4/24/2012 07:10:55 am

LOL... we didn't plan that!

AH link
4/24/2012 07:32:01 am

This is so funny. Right after you posted this, I sent an email to Michelle and Regina saying what a fantastic idea you guys had.

Maybe we can do a Readaventurer challenges the Badass girls to read.

Tatiana (The Readventurer) link
4/24/2012 07:42:26 am

That's a brilliant idea, AH. Whoever gives the most successful recommendations, wins?:)

Flannery (The Readventurer) link
4/24/2012 07:45:00 am

Just so ALL OF YOU know, I just pictured us like the Sharks and the Jets from West Side Story.

Da-DAH-da-na-na *step, pivot, step, SNAP*

I reckon I'd like to be The Sharks. DIBS!

Catie (The Readventurer) link
4/24/2012 07:46:07 am

I love it AH!! That's a fantastic idea.

Reply
AH
4/25/2012 09:22:19 pm

That would be fun! Sharks vs. Jets....Will we have a theme song, too?

Reply



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