Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown

Title: Thousand Words

Author: Jennifer Brown

Release date: May 21, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown 

Pages: 288

Source: Netgalley/Publisher

Reading level: YA
Challenge: YA Contemporary

Ashleigh's boyfriend, Kaleb, is about to leave for college, and Ashleigh is worried that he'll forget about her while he's away. So at a legendary end-of-summer pool party, Ashleigh's friends suggest she text him a picture of herself -- sans swimsuit -- to take with him. Before she can talk herself out of it, Ashleigh strides off to the bathroom, snaps a photo in the full-length mirror, and hits "send."

But when Kaleb and Ashleigh go through a bad breakup, Kaleb takes revenge by forwarding the text to his baseball team. Soon the photo has gone viral, attracting the attention of the school board, the local police, and the media. As her friends and family try to distance themselves from the scandal, Ashleigh feels completely alone -- until she meets Mack while serving her court-ordered community service. Not only does Mack offer a fresh chance at friendship, but he's the one person in town who received the text of Ashleigh's photo -- and didn't look.

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Jennifer Brown has done it again!  I completely adored her debut novel, Hate List, and Thousand Words seemed like it would be just as powerful and I was right.  This book will definitely make you think and you will continue thinking long after you finish it.  

Thousand Words is told in alternating chapters; the present (community service) and the past (before the photo and right after.)  This format really helped move the story along.  It's pretty obvious from the summary what exactly happened but there's still enough suspense about what went down to keep readers intrigued.  I wanted to know every little detail about how Ashleigh got to where she was and I wasn't willing to stop reading until I knew it all.  It's not often that I can read straight through a contemporary novel but Thousand Words is completely unputdownable.  

The characters make this book.  Ashleigh has her flaws (obviously) but she's a character that you can't help but relate to.  She's your typical high schooler.  She does something stupid and she ends up paying for it.  I'm sure everyone has been in her place (just maybe not on such a massive scale.)  Throughout the book my emotions for Ashleigh were all over the place.  There were times I wanted to hug her, times I wanted to slap her, and times when I just wanted to jump up and down and cheer for her.  She was smart (although it sometimes didn't seem that way), she was funny (in her own way), she was good at heart, but she was also a little clingy, a little whiny, and she didn't always put the blame where it really should have been.  Like I said, she was flawed but that's what made me love her.  Then there was her friend Vonnie.  Vonnie played a big role in the chapters that take place in the past but not so much the present.  I was really curious as to what happened with their relationship.  Sure, Vonnie wasn't the best friend, but she wasn't the worst either.  She just always wanted to please everyone and it kind of screwed things up.  Then there's Mack, the one person who didn't look at the photo of Ashleigh, even though he got it.  Mack is a character you can't help but love. He's definitely odd and rather shy but once you start to see what he's really like, you realize how great he is.  Oh and one last mention; Ashleigh's parents.  Parents aren't always present in YA books but Ashleigh's definitely were.  They played a huge role in her life.  They were always there for her even in tough times.  There were a few times when I thought they were being rather callous but I can't imagine how it would feel to be in their place.  Even though there were those moments, they clearly never stopped loving Ashleigh.

Also, one thing I want to mention: there is no romance in Thousand Words.  You see glimpses of Ashleigh's relationship with Kaleb in the chapters that take place in the past but that's it.  Mack is truly just a friend for Ashleigh which is what she really needed.  Romance would have been really out of place in Thousand Words and I'm glad that it wasn't added in.  And this means a lot coming from me because I normally can't stand books without romance.

I, of course, have to touch on the topic of sexting in this review.  The story revolves around it.  However, never once did I feel like this was a preachy story.  Jennifer Brown was very informative in Thousand Words but she never once made it seem like she was preaching for or against sexting.  I was unsure how the whole topic would be handled and in the end, I was really happy with how Jennifer Brown portrayed it.  It's such a relevant topic so I'm glad to see that a young adult book can portray it so realistically and informatively.

Overall, Thousand Words is a must read for everyone!  I can't stress that enough.  If you haven't read anything by Jennifer Brown yet, get on that!

What others have to say about Thousand Words:

Chick Loves Lit's review: "Brown paints a very emotional and charged picture through Ashleigh’s story."

Shelves of Books Blog's review: "This was a great read which will hit home with a lot of readers."

Other reviews for this author:
Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Money Run (Ashley Arthur #1) by Jack Heath

Title: Money Run (Ashley Arthur #1)
Author: Jack Heath
Release date: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 256
Source: Netgalley/Publisher
Reading level: YA
Challenge: YA Contemp Challenge

When a heist goes wrong, teen thief Ash finds herself in a high stakes game of cat-and-mouse.

Ashley "Ash" Arthur is a teen thief. Motivated by the thrills as much as the money, she's pulled off some amazing heists with the help of her childhood friend Benjamin, who acts as tech support. Now she's got the world's richest man in her sights, convinced that Hammond Buckland has 2 million dollars hidden away in his corporate HQ.

Ash isn't the only one with an interest in Buckland. The Australian government gets his fortune if he dies on their soil, so they've sent their #2 assassin, Peachey, to kill him. With Ash and Peachey both sneaking around the office building and working at cross purposes, it's only a matter of time before their paths cross and Peachey decides Ash has seen too much to live.

Once it's a matter of life and death, can Ash keep her eye on the prize?

Set over the course of a single night within a single building, this is a page-turning thriller with gadgets, guts, and summer-blockbuster action.

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I don't know what I expected from Money Run but what I got was a fun, fast-paced read that reminded me a lot of Ally Carter's Heist Society series.  Ashley Arthur is a character whose story is far from over and I can't wait to read more about her.  

Ashley is a cunning, brave, sometimes idiotic thief.  She works with her best friend, Benjamin, who is the brains behind the heists.  He's funny and smart and works very well with Ashley, even if he is just behind the scenes.  There are also three other people who play a big part in the story.  First is Hammond Buckland, the guy that Ashley and Benjamin are trying to steal 2 million dollars from.  I expected him to be a rich, pompous jerk and I was really surprised when he was actually a down to earth person.  Then there was Peachey, the assassin sent to kill Buckland.  It was really creepy reading from his point-of-view.  Last but not least there was the detective investigating a murder at the Buckland corporation headquarters that ended up right in the middle of everything going down.  I really liked him even though he was working against Ashley.  He was smart and very obviously a good guy.

Money Run is a rather short book and it's a supremely quick read.  There's always something going on which makes it almost impossible to put down.  The situations that Ashley gets into and the shenanigans that ensue are crazy and totally hilarious.  There is some more serious stuff going on (I mean, there is an assassin) but it never weighs down the story.  Money Run will leave you with a smile on your face!

Jack Heath's writing is nothing special but it's good.  Also, Jack Heath is an Australian author and it's clear through his style of writing.  Personally I love reading Australian and British writing but I know some people don't so I just thought I'd put that out there.  It's nothing that will detract from your enjoyment of the book but it is noticeable.  

Overall, Money Run is the perfect read for a rainy day.  It's a thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to continue the series.

What others have to say about Money Run:

The Book Zone's review: "Money Run has its weaknesses but it is so much fun that it is very easy to ignore these and enjoy the ride, although and you will need to suspend your disbelief at times."

The Bookworm's review: "Money Run is such a fun read."

Buried Under Books' review: "This is a perfect book for the “reluctant reader”."

Series:
Money Run (#1)
The Hit List (#2) 

Clearing My Shelves Giveaways!

I have acquired way more books recently than I can possibly read.  I know I'm going to get more at BEA in a week so I decided to start cleaning my shelves now.  I'm going to give away two boxes of books, all ARCs, some released, some not.

The first giveaway is for anyone who reads my blog.

Included in box:
Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green
Unnatural Creatures with stories selected by Neil Gaiman
Parallel by Lauren Miller
Born of Illusion by Teri Brown
Arclight by Josin L. McQuein
Dead River by Cyn Balog
Doll Bones by Holly Black
Undercurrent by Paul Blackwell

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This next giveaway is for readers who are not going to be attending BEA.

Included in box:
The House of Scorpions by Nancy Farmer
Icons by Margaret Stohl
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
Defy The Dark edited by Saundra Mitchell
Transparent by Natalie Whipple
Rush by Eve Silver
Night School by C.J. Daugherty
Towering by Alex Flinn
Crash and Burn by Michael Hassan

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Both giveaways are open internationally!

Good luck and happy reading!

The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter #1) by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter #1)
Author: Megan Shepherd
Release date: January 29, 2013
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher
Reading level: YA
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

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It's always hard writing a review for a book that's already been read and loved by so many bloggers.  It seems like everything important has already been said.  However, I'm still going to try and add my two cents to the buzz floating around about The Madman's Daughter.  I'll start by saying that all that buzz is very well deserved.

The Madman's Daughter is a blend of mystery, horror, historical, romance, and so much more.  While normally I wouldn't love all that in one book, it worked for The Madman's Daughter.  There was never too much going on at one point.  Everything somehow managed to tie together in the end and it made for one completely crazy but awesome story.  

Normally historical books tend to drag on for me and I do get a little bored with them.  That was so not the case with The Madman's Daughter.  The setting was so rich and to be honest, creepy, and I adored it.  The island is one place I would never want to visit.  Oh my gosh, you guys, that place is so scary!  Inhabited with kind of mutant like islanders and crazy, murderous creatures, this is no place you want to take a vacation to. Megan Shepherd's writing really brought the island to life and there wasn't a single point in the story where I couldn't picture it in my mind.

To be honest, going into this one, I didn't expect it to creep me out.  The synopsis didn't do justice to the actual horror of this book.  Don't get me wrong, it's not exactly something you'd see in a horror movie but to me, it was terrifying.  There were so many times when I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and hoping for the best.  I never knew what was going to pop up next and I couldn't stop reading.  It's definitely not a book you want to read when alone at night but if I can make it through, anyone can.  (I'm a total scaredy cat.)

As for the characters, they were all wonderful in their own weird ways.  Juliet definitely had some issues (she did after all have a crazy guy for a father) but it was easy to see that she was a good person.  Montgomery was a mystery for most of the story, as was Edward, but I liked them both, in different ways.  Montgomery seemed mysterious but like a good guy.  Edward on the other hand seemed to be hiding some darker secrets.  While there was a bit of a love triangle between Juliet and the two guys, it worked for the story.  Trust me, this is one love triangle that won't bother you all that much.  As for Juliet's father, I never liked him.  He was just a little too messed up and way too rude.  

And I know this is a long review but I just have one more thing to mention; Megan Shepherd's writing.  Read The Madman's Daughter for that alone if nothing else about it appeals to you.  Debut author or not, Megan Shepherd has some serious writing skills.  Her writing is lush, descriptive, and completely enthralling.  This is one author that is on my list to watch for.  I'm pretty sure I'll be reading anything she writes in the future.

Overall, The Madman's Daughter is a book I have to recommend.  It has a little something that everyone can enjoy and I suggest you get your hands on a copy as soon as possible!

What others have to say about The Madman's Daughter:

Scribbles & Wanderlust's review: "The suspense of their personal secrets, mixed with the dangers of the humid and wild jungle, make for a fantastic gothic read."

Dreaming In Books' review: "The Madman's Daughter is deserving of all of the hype and praise."

Dark Faerie Tales' review: "Overall, I thought this was a great book. It’ll take you on a whirlwind ride and might test your mind – but it’s well worth it."

Read and Reviewed's review: "Brutal and gruesome in equal measures, The Madman’s Daughter is not a book for the faint of heart." 

Series:
The Madman's Daughter (#1)
Untitled (#2) - 2014
Untitled (#3) - 2015

Top Ten Favorite Covers of Books I've Read

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. For more information and a list of past and future topics, go here.

Links go to my reviews!

1. The Beautiful and the Cursed (The Dispossessed #1) by Page Morgan

This is definitely a book I picked up for the cover.  Everything about it caught my eye.  This cover pictured is not the original cover (I liked the original even more!) but it's almost as awesome as the first.

2. Taken (Taken #1) by Erin Bowman

I adore the colors in this cover.  Now that I think about it, both Taken and The Beautiful and the Cursed have really colorful covers which is what caught my eye about both.  I also like that this cover fits really well with the story.

3. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

This cover couldn't be more perfect for this book!  It fits the story so wonderfully and I love the simplicity of it.

4. Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

What I said about Cinder also applies to Scarlet.  So simple and perfect for the story.

5. Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

I completely adore the style of this cover.  It's so different from other YA covers these days.  I also really love the covers.  They're understated but not dull.

6. Siege & Storm (Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Same goes for this one.  Love it!

7. Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

I admit that I picked up Daughter of Smoke & Bone for the cover.  I mean, who wouldn't?  I loved the pop of blue and what's even more awesome is that it's shiny in person.  I also really love the font.  I just love everything about this cover.

8. Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

I'm glad they stuck with the same style cover for the second book.  I actually think I might even like this cover more than the first.  I love the red around the eyes and also how the author's name is in the red font too.  It just really stands out.

9. Ten by Gretchen McNeil

This cover is so perfect for this book and that's why I love it so much.  It's not something I'd normally be drawn to since it is very simple but it works so well for this one.

10. Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

This is another one that is just so perfect for the story.  The couple, the colors, London in the background.  I couldn't have asked for a better cover for this book.

What are some of your favorite covers of books you've read?

Giveaway: The Program by Suzanne Young!

Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Big Honcho Media I have a giveaway of The Program by Suzanne Young for you guys.

Sloane knows better than to cry infront of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

About the author:

Suzanne Young currently lives in Tempe, Arizona, where she teaches high school English. When not writing obsessively, Suzanne can be found searching her own tragic memories for inspiration. She is the author of several books for teens, including The Program, A Need So Beautiful, and A Want So Wicked.

The Program Website | Suzanne Young's Website | Twitter

Giveaway details:

-Two winners will receive copies of The Program.

-US only.

-Entries accepted until June 3.

Check out my review of The Program!

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