That's What HE Said Thursday #55

Image courtesy of Kei at The Lovely Pages Review

That's What HE Said is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies at Chapter Break. It's a chance for us to spotlight and gush over a quote from our current book crush to the object of his desire. We like to pretend he's speaking to us ;)

What better way to celebrate our book boyfriends?

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Ever since I first read Eleanor & Park, I’ve been in love with Rainbow Rowell’s writing. I’m making my way through her books, recently finishing Landline. You guys, this was so sweet and funny and nostalgic! And how's this for perfect timing: it's set around Christmas!

In this particular scene (which is a memory that Georgie is recalling), she and her boyfriend Neal are at the beach. Georgie, at Neal’s request, has just listed all the many things she wants in life. He's quietly entertained as he patiently listens. And then he hits her with this honest and romantic truth. I love it!

He swallowed and reached out to touch her face with his free hand.  It was cold, and sand fell from it onto Georgie’s neck.  “I think I want you,” he said.

Georgie squeezed the hand he was holding to his chest, and used it as an anchor to pull herself closer. “You think…”

Neal licked his bottom lip and nodded. “I think…” The closer she was, the more he looked away. “I think I just want you,” he said.

“Okay,” Georgie agreed.

Neal looked surprised – he almost laughed. “Okay?”

She nodded, close enough to bump her nose up against his. “Okay. You can have me.”

He pushed his forehead into hers, pulling her chin and mouth back. “Just like that.”

“Yeah.”

“Really,” he said.

“Really,” she promised.

~ Neal to Georgie

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

   

     

   

My True Love Gave To Me by Stephanie Perkins (editor), Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Matt de la Pena, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Kiersten White

* * * 3/4

If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins.

Review:            

  

When I first heard about this book, I about lost my business.  I mean seriously? Not only most of my favorite YA authors in one anthology but most of my favorite YA authors writing Christmas stories!  Hell, yeah! 

This compilation delivers just as the title and the contributing authors suggest.  The best story (in my opinion, of course) was the very first story - Midnights by Rainbow Rowell. I enjoyed it so much I re-read it twice before moving on to the rest of the book.  I couldn’t help but wonder if leading with such a great story didn’t put the other stories and authors at an unfair disadvantage. But they had nothing to fear.  Each author put their heart into their story and it shows. There really is something for everyone.  If you love YA and you love Christmas, this book is definitely for you.

So how do I review this?  In the past, when reviewing collections like this, I’ve just highlighted my favorite stories.  But each of these stories deserved some attention so I went ahead and gave my rating and opinion on each.  I really hope you all will read this.  I put it up there with Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares for happy holiday reading.

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell 5/5 –This follows two best friends from their first high school NYE party to their latest NYE celebration.  This was my absolute favorite.  Rowell just GETS romance. 

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link 3/5 – A magical love story between a girl and a ghost (of sorts) that only appears at Christmas when it is snowing.  Their affection develops over the years and the grown girl attempts to keep him with her.

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena 3/5 – A penniless young college student spends the holidays housesitting and hungry.  A neighbor girl slowly worms her way through his defenses, encouraging him to have a happy holiday despite his circumstances.  My heart broke for the young man in this story but don’t think it’s sad.  This story is holiday hope at its finest.

Polaris is Where You’ll Find Me by Jenny Han 3/5 – A lovely yet sad story about a human girl raised by Santa and his elves. This was a cute story right up until the end.  I can’t give it away but I will say that it is not necessarily a SAD ending but maybe just not the magical ending I wanted…

It’s A Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins 5/5 – Okay, I had two favorites, and it’s no surprise that Stephanie Perkins wrote the other one.  This story about an aspiring graphic artist, a boy with a voice and a tree is quintessential Perkins.  Full of humor, snark and sweetness.

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan 4/5 – A boy convinces his Jewish boyfriend to play Santa on Christmas night so that his little sister can believe for at least one more year.  You all know how much I love David Levithan.  So I’m just going to say this…DAVID LEVITHAN!

Krumpuslauf by Holly Black 2/5 – Holly Black puts her own spin on the Krampus myth.  I really like Holly Black but it always takes a little while to immerse myself in her writing style. I think this short story just wasn’t for me. But if you are a Holly Black fan and/or you enjoy a dark spin to your Christmas cheer, you are definitely going to enjoy this one.

What the Hell Have you Done, Sophie Roth by Gayle Forman 4/5 – A New York girl struggles to fit into her small-town Midwest college.   As always, Gayle Forman delivers a thoughtful contemporary romance with a holiday spin.

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire 3/5 – A prankster is given a second chance after accidentally burning down the church barn used for the annual Christmas pageant.  This was a cute story and definitely forced me to move Myra McEntire’s stories up on the TBR pile.

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White 4/5 – This was an excellent contemporary romance with just a hint of magic.  And how can there NOT be magic in a town called CHRISTMAS?

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter 4/5 – Shel has been pushing me to read Ally Carter and I can’t blame her.  This story about a girl grabbing an opportunity to be normal for the holidays was full of all those warm fuzzies that Hallmark throws our way every holiday season.  Come to think of it, this (along with a number of others in this compilation) would make a great movie…

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor 4/5 –Fantasy isn’t often my thing but this story was absolutely beautiful.  I now understand why there is so much love for Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone series.  She is certainly an artistic story teller.  

Nat

Waiting on Wednesday (110)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.

By Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?




By Lauren Barnholdt
Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Opposites attract—and then complicate—in this romantic, relatable novel from the author of Two-way Street and Sometimes It Happens.

It starts with a scribbled note in class: I like your sparkle. Harper had casually threaded a piece of blue and silver tinsel through her ponytail in honor of school spirit day. And that carefree, corny gesture is what grabs Penn Mattingly’s eye. Penn—resident heartbreaker of the senior class. Reliably unreliable. Trouble with a capital “T.” And okay, smolderingly sexy.

Harper’s surprised by Penn’s attention—and so is Penn. The last thing he needs is a girlfriend. Or even a friend-with-benefits. The note is not supposed to lead to anything.

Oh, but it does. They hang out. They have fun. They talk. They make out. And after a while, it seems like they just click. But Penn and Harper have very different ideas about what relationships look like, in no small part because of their very different family backgrounds. Of course they could talk about these differences—if Penn knew how to talk about feelings.


Harper and Penn understand their attraction is illogical, yet something keeps pulling them together. It’s like a crazy roller coaster—exhilarating, terrifying, and amazing all at once. And neither knows how to stop the ride…



By Noelle August
Publication Date: July 8, 2014

The first book in a sensational New Adult trilogy from Noelle August

Welcome to Boomerang.com, the dating site for the millennial gen with its no-fuss, no-commitments matchups, and where work is steamier than any random hook-up

Mia Galliano is an aspiring filmmaker. Ethan Vance has just played his last game as a collegiate soccer star. They’re sharp, hungry for success, and they share a secret.

Last night, Ethan and Mia met at a bar, and, well . . . one thing led to another, which led to them waking up the next morning—together. Things turned awkward in a hurry when they found themselves sharing a post hookup taxi . . . to the same place: Boomerang headquarters.

What began as a powerful connection between them is treated to a cold shower courtesy of two major complications. First, Boomerang has a strict policy against co-worker dating. And second, they’re now competitors for only one job at the end of summer.

Shel's Top Ten(ish) of 2013

2013 was a good year.  I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked, but I'm not complaining.  I barely hit 100 books this year and it was difficult to narrow down a top ten, so I may have cheated, just a little bit.  I do hope you will forgive me.  So here they are, in no particular order.

Darker Days is the first in a new series by Jus Accardo.  It's about Jessie Darker, who works at the family detective agency specializing in paranormal problems, her demon father and the seven deadly sins.  Trust me, it's fun.  I can't wait for the next installment.

Spirit is book 3 in the Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer and if my raving hasn't yet convinced you to read this series, well, I don't know what to do with you!  This year, Bel & Nat finally caved and read the series, much to my delight.  Spirit tells Hunter's story and it is heartbreakingly beautiful.  Also, I really think that Michael needs hugs from all of us.  

Everyone knows that Jill Shalvis is my imaginary BFF because I love her books so much, so it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that I LOVED all her books this year.  Rumor Has It was probably my favorite new Jill of the year, but they were all fun.  If you love steamy romance that will make you laugh out loud, you will love Jill Shalvis too.  

I was surprised by how much I loved this middle grade tale of Norse Mythology.  Loki's Wolves is my surprise favorite of the year.  I loved it so much that I bought it for my niece for Christmas. Odin's Ravens will be released in May 2014 and I will be ready! 

Sweet Evil had been on my TBR pile for far too long and once I finally read it, it stuck with me for days.  I haven't read Sweet Peril yet, because the third book doesn't come out until Summer 2014 and there's only so much torture a girl can take.  

I know, I'm cheating again, but seriously, there is too much JLA awesomeness in a given year to pick just one.  Seriously, she writes like a maniac and I love her for it!  I really loved Bitter Sweet Love, but I think her taking the Lux Series into the adult world with Obsession was my favorite of the year, especially with the completely new viewpoint of the Arum, as opposed to the Luxen.  I hope there are more to come.

I know everyone is raving about Rainbow Rowell's YA books, and I will get to them someday, but her adult book, Attachments had me laughing out loud.  It's an unusual tale about an IT person reading the emails between two best friends that work at the same company.  Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

Rick Riordan knows how to weave a tale, especially a tale of woe, which is exactly what House of Hades is.  A woeful tale of hope, the battle against evil and oneself.  House of Hades is probably my favorite book of the year.  It's definitely a standout and next year, the final installment in the Heroes of Olympus series, Blood of Olympus, will probably be my favorite of 2014.  

All I can really say about the Raven Cycle, is wow. I stayed up almost all night, for two nights reading The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves.  They are outstanding and I definitely see why Natalie has such a crush on Maggie Stiefvater.  

It's a tough choice between Midnight Frost and House of Hades for my number one choice of the year.  With the end of both series in 2014, I don't know what I will do, but I cannot wait to see what Jennifer Estep has in store in Killer Frost.  Midnight Frost was an action packed adventure of mythical proportions, with Loki's followers causing Gwen and crew all kinds of trouble.  Lucky for me I get to see how it all ends next month! (and then I will cry).  

I hope you all have as difficult a time picking your favorites of 2013 as well.  Here's wishing you tons to choose from next year as well!

~Shel

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

****

From Penguin:

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you..."

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail.  (Everybody in the newsroom knows.  It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously.  They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.  

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now - reading other people's e-mail.  When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers - not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.  

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in.  But he can't help being entertained - and captivated - by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.  

What would he say...?

Dear god, the first three pages of Attachments had me laughing hysterically in the most inappropriate place...  This was my first experience with Rainbow Rowell (Bel LOVES Eleanor & Park and Fangirl), so I was really looking forward to the book.  It did not disappoint.  After the inappropriate laughing incident, I saved the book until after work and ended up staying up all night to finish.  

As pleasantly surprised as I was by the humor, I was even more surprised and pleased that Rowell was able to combine the comedy with a truly heartfelt story about love, heartbreak and the twists and turns life throws at us.  

Lincoln is broken, a zombie existing, but not really living since his heart was torn apart by his ex.  Beth is in a dysfunctional relationship trying to figure out what she is willing to give up for the man she loves, while Jennifer is the only one in a healthy relationship, but is trying to decide what she is willing to do for the man she loves.  The growth of the characters and the story were natural and well-written.  

The best part was that I found these women completely relatable and could see Bel, Nat and I exchanging many of these emails!  

I completely understand why Bel loves Rainbow Rowell so much.  I am definitely a fan now and cannot wait to pick up Eleanor & Park!

~Shel

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

* * * *

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.

"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.

"I’m not kidding," he says.

"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."

"What about Romeo and Juliet?"

"Shallow, confused, then dead."

''I love you," Park says.

"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.

"I’m not kidding," he says.

"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Eleanor & Park is one of the standouts of the year and will definitely be a strong contender for my Top 10 of 2013. Between Rowell’s smooth writing, Eleanor and Park’s charismatic personalities and the amazing soundtrack as backdrop, I was completely under its spell.

Set in Omaha in 1986, Eleanor and Park first meet each other on the school bus. Park likes to keep to himself on the bus and occupies himself with his music and comics. New girl Eleanor shows up and threatens his peaceful, under-the-radar sanctum by sitting beside him.  Eleanor has no choice since most of the seats have been taken and Park looks the least threatening. What begins as a silent hostility evolves into steadfast friendship.

What did I love about the book? Pretty much everything. Above all, it was Eleanor and Park themselves.  I easily identified with Eleanor’s awkwardness and insecurities which are atypical of that age. There were so many times when I thought to myself, "yeah been there, felt that". She has a messed up home life with a stepdad who drinks constantly and abuses her mom. She’s the eldest child in a family that barely has any money and her house is a disaster as evidenced by the lack of a door on the only bathroom in the house. Eleanor is always trying to be invisible to her stepdad whom she despises because she doesn’t want to stir up any more trouble than there already is.

Park’s life is magical in comparison. His parents are still madly in love and their PDA tends to make Park a little uncomfortable. At that age who wants to see their parents make out? He’s essentially a good kid who is aware that he doesn’t necessarily live up to his father’s high expectations. His dad is more of a macho guy who was stationed in Korea where he met Park’s mom.  Park knows how different he is from is dad and even his younger brother. Where they’re taller, more athletically-inclined and even look more like each other, Park is shorter, not really interested in sports and looks more Asian.  Despite this, Park has carved out his own identity and carries himself with surprising self-assurance. He is the kind of boy any girl would be luck to have as a first love. He has that "forever boy" vibe going on that will seriously melt your heart. Oh and he wears guyliner. Yeah. I love him.

When Eleanor and Park meet, they’re an enigma to each other. Each is judging the other one based on first impression, day-to-day appearance and random encounters. As the school year progresses and Park catches Eleanor reading his comics over his shoulder, he decides to adopt a less hostile attitude towards his seat-mate and starts loaning her his comics. The best part of all of this is that they haven’t even spoken a word to each other yet – except when he yelled at her to sit down on her first day on the bus. I love how Rowell describes them starting to notice each other. It really feels like your inside their minds as they're daydreaming about each other. One of my favorite scenes is when they have their first real conversation and it's not even in person but over the phone. It's so innocent and sweet. As they get more comfortable with each other, Park introduces her to a new world where hanging out at his home is like Disneyland. But that bubble could burst because of Eleanor's insecurities about her appearance and her fear of her step dad constantly get in the way. 

I cannot say enough how truly awesome Eleanor & Park is. The description of their budding friendship and romance has so much heart. And it's their friendship that saves Eleanor from drowning in her depressing family life. Oh and let's not forget the soundtrack that had me giddy with nostalgia! From The Smiths to Joy Division to Elvis Costello, I was a happy, happy reader! It truly is a feel-good story that has clung to me. I find myself wondering what kind of people they'd be now, what they would have overcome and just for my amusement, what kind of music Park would have discovered along the way. And hopefully, he'd still whip out the guyliner on occasion. :) 

~ Bel