Monday, March 28, 2016

Review of "Mechanica"

"Before me lay a world of possibilities."

     In her YA novel Mechanica, author Betsy Cornwell takes an entirely fresh look at a classic fairy tale. Sixteen-year-old Nicolette Lampton has been a slave to her stepfamily for six long years. Although Stepmother likes to fancy herself the queen of abstinence, she spoils her daughters terribly--and forces Nicolette to cater to their every whim. These recent years have been lost to a haze of grief and hard work for Nicolette. But when she discovers her late mother's workshop in the cellar, all of that changes. The palace is throwing a ball and a Royal Exhibition soon, and she means to attend...as an inventor, of course. Now all she has to do is earn enough money for parts, build a technological masterpiece, sew gowns for herself and the Steps, and work out her feelings for her charming new friend Fin. With her entire future at stake, what could possibly go wrong?

     There's something verabsorbing about Nicolette's story. Maybe it's the way the prose dances easily across the page, or that this version of "Cinderella" is subtly steampunk. Whatever the case, it manages to be original while simultaneously playing out the age-old tale we know and love. An example of this lies in the fact that, somehow, several of the inventions tucked away in the cellar seem almost alive. They're thoughtful, creative, and full of hidden depths. For the longest time, the so-called "Mechanica" lives alone with the Steps, so it is the inventions she turns to for companionship, transforming them from animate objects into true friends. Despite a long backstory-dump near the beginning, Cornwell's writing is smooth and well-paced, making both plot and setting that much more believable.

     Although Nicolette is not the Cinderella readers may have come to expect, she is a remarkably lovable heroine. When the Steps try to squash her newfound joy, she works doubly hard to protect it. When her friends are in need, she rushes to their side. Even her naturally proud, independent personality tries to set her back at times, but Mechanica perseveres. She endures so much tragedy and difficulty that it's impossible not to root for her, and she loves her friends so fully that disliking her would be a feat. And her companions are similar, facing hardships and challenges left and right, holding fiercely to those they love no matter what. This applies just as much to the living machines as it does to her human friends, making this story incredibly unique. In the end, it is love that will make or break their happily ever after, and only the three of them can decide what that means.

     As far as preread-worthy content goes, Mechanica is very clean. No one curses or uses crude language, and violence is practically nonexistent. Nicolette is very knowledgeable in her profession, so while she doesn't go into great detail on how all of her projects work, there are occasions where she actually describes what she's doing--unlike in other novels, where characters use a bit of jargon to confirm their competency. This really makes her talent feel authentic, and adds to the flavor of the narrative. Small doses of Fey magic are used to clean the house and build gadgets. What romance there is is subtle, consisting of nothing more physical than kissing. While there is a love triangle, it is minor and structured in an entirely new way. None of this interferes with the plot; if anything, it furthers it, making room near the end for the possibility of a sequel.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-known fairy tale with a steampunk twist. Nicolette Lampton is an original heroine who dreams of love, and in her quest to prove herself she finds just that. She is accompanied by two friends and a menagerie of living machines, all of which are likable and rounded. The plot is compelling, the characters admirable, and the inventions amazing. Even though there is a rather long flashback at the beginning, it flows relatively well with the rest of the plot. Overall, Betsy Cornwell's Mechanica is a marvelous retelling deserving of four stars.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Review of "Dumplin'"

"Prove me wrong."

     For the protagonist of Julie Murphy's Dumplin', being fat is no big deal. Willowdean Dickson has grown accustomed to the stares and jokes that accompany her weight. In fact, she's gotten to the point where she couldn't care less what her classmates think of her. If she wants to hang out with her skinny best friend, she does. If she wants to wear a swimsuit in public, who's going to stop her? Then, in the summer after tenth grade, she meets Bo, a private school jock who seems to like her as much as she likes him. But as they draw closer, Will's unshakable confidence begins to waver. If she wants to reclaim it, she'll have to put everything and everyone she loves on the line--and even that might not be enough.

     This is the story of a girl taking back her identity without changing it in the process. It is a story about loving who and what you are, regardless of what others think of you. While Will is far from shy about her weight, others are not so kind. Still, with the help of Ellen, her best friend and fellow Dolly Parton fanatic, she spurns social norms and boldly forges her own path. Even the self-consciousness Bo unknowingly inflicts upon her can't stand up against the force of her friendship with El. That is, until even this piece of her foundation is threatened. With everything at stake, Will must decide what she values most and find the strength to fight for it, no matter the cost. As she comes into her own, readers will have little trouble cheering from the sidelines, likely because Will's journey so closely parallels their own, whether they realize it or not.

     Dumplin' is gorgeously written. Will is a straightforward, relatable protagonist with a huge heart. She has no qualms about describing her body, yet this doesn't overwhelm the storytelling. The no-nonsense, if slightly cynical, narration fits her personality well, casting this small Texan town and its inhabitants into a light only a teenager would see. Everything from her slightly run-down house to the  annual Miss Teen Blue Bonnet beauty pageant is described in loving detail, regardless of whether Willowdean approves of it. This applies to characters, as well, so everyone is complex, dynamic, and at least a little sympathetic--even if we only see them a few times over the course of the plot.

     Will's quest for confidence is one most readers can relate to, regardless of their body weight. Murphy knows this, and has dived into the plot with one purpose: to prove that everyone is a beautiful, unique human being worthy of love. To that end, she employs characters from all walks of life--including ethnic minorities, low-income families, Dolly Parton impersonators, gays, and other "undesirables" looked down on by society. Miraculously, stereotypes are few and far between, leaving each and every character well-rounded and memorable.

     Despite all the positive messages, however, there are a few things to take note of before cracking this title open. Language is pretty uncommon and generally minor, but there are occasions in which stronger vocabulary is used. One girl decides to take her relationship with her boyfriend to the next level, and agonizes over every detail with her best friend beforehand, leaving the actual encounter fairly vague. Meanwhile, on-page romance is limited to shy looks and passionate kissing. At one point, a school dance turns dirty, although Willowdean abstains. Certain characters, particularly bullies, can be crude and cruel in their attempts to bring down the heroes. The Dicksons have to deal with the aftermath of a terrible loss throughout the story, which greatly impacts the plot. Violence is minimal and well-deserved.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something addressing insecurity, self-esteem, and discovering one's true self in the face of a society that forces everyone into a mold. Willowdean Dickson is a marvelous heroine living in a remarkably believable world where social norms define who you are. Ugly, overweight, and otherwise different kids are outcasts, while brains, beauty, and brawn are highly praised. Willowdeen's fight to take back her positive self-image is both admirable and reckless, a dangerous combination that is extraordinarily difficult to put down. In the end, the original premise and stunning plot win Julie Murphy's Dumplin' five golden stars.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Review of "Candor"

"Candor fixes everything."

     In Pam Bachorz's Candor, perfection is the new norm. The small town of Candor, Florida may appear to be a glimpse into America's idyllic history, but it has a dark secret. There is a reason the kids are happy, obedient, helpful, and studious. There's a reason families who move in never leave. And there is a reason music is played in every building, every minute of every day. Lurking behind the beautiful tunes are subliminal Messages that change the way residents' brains work--forcing them to focus on schoolwork, family, and whatever else the town founder thinks will improve Candor's perfect image. No one who moves to Candor emerges unscathed--not without help. Meet Oscar Banks, model teenager and secret rebel. For a fee, he'll help new residents fight the Messages and escape the town. But when a girl with a can of spray paint challenges the status quo, what started as business suddenly becomes personal--and very, very dangerous.

     The story of Oscar Banks is very much set in a dystopia. What's unique about it, though, is that it is also set in the real world. While Candor itself may be fictional, the land beyond its borders can by found on any map. Even if the science behind the mind-control isn't entirely believable, it's just close enough to possible to be chilling. Oscar fancies himself better than everyone else in town, calculating every action to better cement his public persona. As long as everyone thinks of him as a model citizen, he is free to run his little escape racket without interference. This altar ego serves a duel purpose by fleshing out the story's backdrop even as it reveals Oscar's deep-set arrogance.

     And yes, Oscar is arrogant. He writes off those who have already succumbed to the Messages as worthless, and only provides his services to newcomers with access to cash. While this is partially due to the impracticality of trying to save everyone, it is also a result of an entire lifetime of hiding his free will. In the end, he simply isn't that likeable. However, Nia--the skateboarding graffiti artist who steals his heart--is just what he needs. The only problem is that Nia can't stay in Candor if she wants to be free of the Messages. In order to save the one person he cares about, Oscar will have to give her up. And therein lies the central conflict.

     While the core of the premise is certainly delicious, it contains one simple problem. Nia and Oscar, while quite similar personality-wise, are quickly ensnared in a deadly game of insta-love. Despite spending a good deal of time together, our heroes never seem to really get to know each other, which makes the near-immediate use of the word "love" seem sadly cheap. On the other hand, the romance contributes greatly to the plot, so it is definitely not a waste. And it leads to some spectacular fights, plus a twist near the end that is sure to leave every reader suitably stunned.

     Since Candor is based off the "ideal" small town, it follows that there isn't much in the way of flag-raising content happening within its borders. If characters curse, it's relatively minor. If a couple decides to get physical, they do it out of sight and mostly away from the pages. The majority of violence is either prevented or made difficult by Messages, so that isn't too much of a problem, either. Still, Oscar has a few less-than-clean thoughts about Nia and the other girls in town, often wishing Candor's dress code was a little less modest. However, nothing is exceptionally vulgar.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a tale about taking control of one's own life. Oscar is an intriguing, if unlikeable, character living in a disturbingly realistic world where free will is little more than a cruel illusion. Nia is a bright spot in his otherwise dull universe, and he must choose whether to save her or keep her to himself as long as he can. Candor features a terrifyingly believable setting, a lovely premise, and an interesting central conflict to balance out the underperforming cast and romance. While it's not perfect, Pam Bachorz's novel is fairly solid and ends with a bang that is worth putting up with the insta-love. It deserves three stars.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Review of "A Curious Tale of the In-Between"

"The only ones that made Pram uncomfortable were the living."

     Lauren DeStefano's A Curious Tale of the In-Between takes readers on an extraordinary journey with a girl who talks to ghosts. As far as her aunts are concerned, eleven-year-old Pram Bellamy is simply an intelligent girl with an imaginary friend. They have no idea that Felix is real, let alone dead. When a living boy looking for his mother's ghost comes to Pram for help, she's more than willing to do her part. Together, they consult a spiritualist whose abilities actually seem legitimate. But while she insists she's being helpful, this woman has far more sinister plans in mind...plans no one, not even Felix, has the power to prevent. It's up to Pram to get out of this mess--and if she fails, she could very well join the land of ghosts forever.

     There is something quite charming about this tale and its cast. Pram is a very practical little girl with a habit of using only correct grammar. Though she thinks herself odd, anyone who slips beyond her shy exterior is sure to find a great friend who loves unconditionally. Her best friend, Felix, is a dynamic character who's grown quite fond of his human companion and jealous of her company. This makes the relationship between the ghost boy and the living one is at once amusing and bittersweet. After all, Pram's only interactions with the mortal world to date consist of games and meals with the elders in her aunts' charge. These are especially fun to read, yet as Pram spends less time with them and more time with her friend Clarence, we begin to see her grow up--a transition that is always a little saddening to watch.

     The plot, however, is fascinating. During their hunt for the ghost of Clarence's mother, our heroes attract the wrong kind of attention, in the form of a woman who knows what Pram is truly capable of. Unbeknownst to Pram, Clarence, and Felix, she devises a plan to claim the very thing that makes Pram special. When trouble strikes, the children will have to rely on everything they know about ghosts to claw their way out. And since the narrative is focused primarily on Pram, whenever the trio are separated only Pram's fate is certain. This ratchets the intensity of the stakes to a point much higher than it would be otherwise. Lady Savant means business. And Pram, despite her best intentions, is not the only one at risk.

     However, this is, at heart, a children's tale. A thread of hope is woven through every page, and readers are led to think, yes, things are bad, but they might get better. Even in the most dire situations, there is always at least one character who refuses to give up. Because of this, no amount of ghosts or villains could turn this story too dark for young eyes. There is no cursing and surprisingly little violence, so anyone who breaks open the pages can do so without fear of stumbling over anything untoward. In fact, the only thing worth noting is that Pram's mother took her own life, a fact that is intentionally kept secret from her daughter, though not the reader, and not expounded in detail. Although two characters seem to have small crushes on Pram, there is no actual romance.

     I would recommend this book to readers looking for a kind-hearted heroine, a wicked antagonist, and a team of children who never give up hope. Pram is a lovely girl with an extraordinary talent, and her noble quest is exciting and unpredictable. There is a lot of sadness that surrounds her growing up, yet she faces it with admirable bravery. Even the bleakest moments carry a hint of possibility, and in the end that may be what makes Lauren DeStefano's A Curious Tale of the In-Between so deserving of five stars.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Review of "Eight Cousins"

"Them harum-scarum boys will certainly be the death of that delicate little creter!"

     In Louisa May Alcott's Eight Cousins, we meet a charming young girl who has suffered a great tragedy. Rose Campbell is thirteen when her widower father passes away, leaving her in the care of her Uncle Alec. Unfortunately, when she arrives at his Boston home, Uncle Alec is nowhere to be found! In his place are a handful of aunts who have very decided ideas about raising a young girl. Though these substitute mothers will insist on coddling her, Rose is far more interested in her clan of eccentric cousins. These eight boys tromp around in Scottish regalia, making mischief and going on marvelous adventures. When Uncle Alec returns from his travels, Rose's escapades become even more incredible; but with great pleasure comes great risk, and if Rose isn't careful, she could get seriously hurt--and so could her cousins.

     Eight Cousins is as much about the boys as it is about the girl. These rascals love to romp about outdoors, and as they drag their charming young cousin along, she begins to appreciate such activities as well. This, of course, is most upsetting to her aunts, who worry constantly after her health. To balance out her time with the lads, Rose also strikes up a friendship with the loveable housemaid, Phoebe. Phoebe brings out a softer, more girl-like side of Rose we would never see otherwise, which rounds them both out and adds a much-needed variable to the pacing.

     With a cast this large, it's only to be expected that making every personality unique and rounded will be next to impossible. However, Alcott handles this task with incredible ease, shaping her heroes into strong individuals in their own rights, each just as distinct as the last. While there are a few moments when the boys' voices blend together, they are generally well-grounded in their own sense of self, creating believable heroes in this exciting world. Rose carries the same life-like quality, and together they balance each other out, shoring up weaknesses and becoming a strong, loving family.

     There isn't much of a plot in Alcott's novel. For the most part, it simply catalogs Rose's adventures with her family, from journeys to the beach to a "trip to China". However, each installment brings with it new obstacles, new opportunities for drama and misfortune, and as the children grow older these conflicts become all the more adult and relatable. Uncle Alec is determined to prove to all that the common practices for making a girl into a lady are rubbish, and does so with fresh air, exercise, and a great deal more freedom than the old-fashioned aunts would like. This creates a sense of tension as the adults and readers wait to see if young Rose will turn out well, for how she ends the novel will determine her lifestyle for the rest of the trilogy.

     Readers should not worry about the content of any Alcott story. There is no cursing, graphic violence, or heated romance. The only thing worth noting in this category is that, as a girl living in the 1800s with her sailor uncle, Rose is not accustomed to the modern notion of political correctness. It follows, then, that Uncle Alec's attempts to bring his darling niece a piece of the Orient result in a few comments about ethnicity that, were they said in a different tone or time, might spark a bit of offense. However, Rose is well-meaning and does not desire to affront anyone, and forgiving audiences will find quite a bit of fun in her exploits.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a lovable cast of characters determined to make the most out of life. Although Rose Campbell, Phoebe, and Rose's cousins are not caught up in a central conflict, the evolution of their personalities, values, and dreams is wonderful to behold. Together, they set out to prove that girls can turn out well by spending time outdoors just as much as they can inside, and have a grand time doing it. All in all, Louisa May Alcott did a great job with Eight Cousins, a lovely little novel deserving five stars.

Friday, March 11, 2016

Review of "Sasha"

"It's an invasion."

     In the fantasy kingdom of Joel Shepherd's Sasha, danger never far from the horizon. For Sashandra Lenayin, it's even something to be craved. When she was a child, Sasha revoked her claim to royalty in order to train under Kessligh Cronenverdt, the greatest war hero in recent history. Though she's slight, her use of svaalverd--a fighting style developed by the serrin themselves--makes her one of the deadliest swordsmen in the kingdom, and she knows it. But when her fiery temper lands her in a heap of trouble, this young warrior is suddenly faced with more responsibility than she knows what to do with. A great lord's life hangs on her decisions, while another seeks to destroy something she cares about deeply. If she's not careful, Lenayin could be split in two...and if it comes to war, Sasha has no idea which side she's on.

     Lenayin, its provinces, and the surrounding kingdoms are exceptionally detailed. From the Valhanan countryside to the glorious capital city of Baen-Tar, the settings that serve as a backdrop for Sasha radiate life with every word. One could almost hear the thunder of hooves against turf, or see the swords clashing as brave warriors engage in battle. And there is Sasha, flowing between combatants like water, wreaking havoc with her ancient serrin blade. It's stunning, really, to realize just how well thought-out everything is. Even the primary religions, Goeren-yai and Verenthane, are much more than words to be tossed about. These are complex and realistic belief systems with their own histories and holy signs, and serve to advance the plot an uncountable number of times.

     That's not to say the tale doesn't have its flaws. Despite the realistic world and elaborate political and religious systems, there are times when the pacing seems to trip over its own feet. For a while, all Sasha and her companions seem to do is debate politics, until--WHAM!--there is a duel, a battle, or a sports tournament to participate in, in which all honor is at stake. Then travel, more politics, and a few insults and skirmishes, a trend that continues on a ways before the next major conflict strikes. While the various power struggles can be interesting at times, the unevenness of the pacing causes certain points to drag out a tad too long.

     Still, there's a lot to be said for the plot and its premise. Although the idea of a princess warrior is not a new one, Sasha is definitely a fresh take on the old stereotype. She fights with a style most humans despair of, despite its effectiveness, and thinks herself better than most knights and nobles she meets. And she's usually right. Yet Sashandra is young and untested, and when an enemy threatens to tear her kingdom apart, she will be forced into a position of authority in which she has no experience. This entire adventure is a chance for her to become stronger, wiser, and more self-assured than ever before, and that is one of the things that makes the novel great.

     That being said, this is not exactly a kids' book. In this world of shifting political games, characters are constantly at each other's throats. Insults are traded regularly, and punches are rarely pulled. Crudeness, rudeness, and low blows are common. Verenthanes often refer to their Goeren-yai neighbors as "pagans", usually alongside some sort of derogatory adjective, and have been known to slaughter whole towns in attempts to "purify" their land. Serrin, elf-like creatures from the south, are generally considered to be demons. As Sasha struggles to hold her kingdom together, she explores both faiths in depth, knowing she must eventually make a decision as to which to follow. In battle, gore is to be expected, and though it's never quite over-the-top there are moments that may give readers pause.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a story about warriors, valor, torn loyalties, and a desperate attempt to save a fractured kingdom. Sashandra Lenayin is an intriguing heroine living in a complex world, and her adventures gradually shape her into someone to be admired. It will take hard work, determination, and a great deal of violence to rescue her beloved Lenayin from itself, but if Sasha can't pull this off, no one can. Readers willing to stomach a bit of crudeness and gore will find themselves thoroughly enjoying this first installment in Joel Shepherd's new series, entitled A Trial of Blood and Steel. For compelling characters, a strong plot, and lovely worldbuilding, Sasha deserves four stars.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Review of "Twilight"

"What if I'm the bad guy?"

     In Stephanie Meyer's YA novel Twilight, no one is what they seem--and trust is as dangerous as a charging bull. When seventeen-year-old Isabella Swan leaves sunny Arizona to live with her quiet dad in Forks, Washington, she is confident her life is about to become miserable. After all, she hates Forks--has hated it since she spent summers there as a little girl. Still, she's determined to keep her chin up, a task made easier when her dad gifts her with a truck and she makes friends at school. When a mysterious, beautiful boy shoots her disgusted looks throughout her first week of classes, Bella can't stop wondering what she's done to offend him. As she digs ever deeper into the life of this walking contradiction, Bella must put aside everything she thought she knew about the world she lives in. Humans are not the only creatures who roam this earth. And not every supernatural creature is friendly.

     Meyer has taken a unique perspective on the classic vampire story. Edward Cullen and his family aren't harmed by sunlight or garlic, and don't sleep in dusty old coffins. Nor do they hunt humans, though there are times when restraining those instincts takes incredible willpower. In this version, the vampires try to be good, a task made all the more difficult when one of their number begins spending an unhealthy amount of time with the new girl. This family of undead is charming, despite their diet, and genuinely likeable. That is, when they aren't insisting Bella avoid them while simultaneously attempting to befriend her. But that's mostly Edward's flaw.

     Bella changes dramatically over the course of her time with Edward. She begins her stay in Forks a quiet introvert just trying to survive her self-inflicted exile, and ends up a different person entirely. While it's not an entirely marvelous change, it isn't completely bad either. Bella is human, a fact that comes laden with all sorts of complexity. Her companions, on the other hand, tend to be rather one-dimensional. They possess a set variety of characteristics that define them throughout the novel, and evolve very little. Although this is somewhat disappointing, it makes the plot simple and easy to follow, which is a plus.

     The downside, sadly, is a fundamental piece of the romance itself. Before two weeks have passed, Bella is practically obsessed with the alluring vampire who thirsts for her lifeblood. She is content to live in Edward's shadow, practically worshiping him with every thought. The boy is hardly ever mentioned without a reference to his beauty, grace, or build, so there are moments when it seems as if Bella is more in love with his looks than who he is. Add in the quickness with which she falls in love with him, and the realism slowly begins to chip away.

     Insta-love aside, however, there's surprisingly little warning-worthy content between Twilight's covers. As our heroes learn to walk the fine line between passion and Bella's safety, they have in-depth discussions about what consequences their relationship might have--on each other, on the town, and in the world of vampires. Despite their mutual yearnings, things never progress beyond kissing. At one point, a surprise encounter with a few less-than-friendly travelers ends in violence and injury. This is narrated in full, and is just gruesome enough to get the point across without making readers queasy. Swearing is rare and pretty clean.

     I would recommend this book to teenaged girls who desire a romance with a twist. Bella Swan is an intriguing protagonist who is more complex than she cares to admit, and she faces a predicament that will carry heavier consequences than she could ever anticipate. Her love interest, Edward, is mysterious, alluring, and deadly. While it's nice to see a tale where the non-human side of things is thoroughly thought out, the primary relationship strays dangerously close to insta-love and is borderline unhealthy obsession. The side characters are barely colored in, let alone fleshed out and rounded, making things slightly less than believable. Still, the plot is fairly good and the Cullen clan is generally likeable, so all is not lost. Stephanie Meyer's Twilight is a good, solid read deserving three stars.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Review of "Every Day"

"Every day I am someone else."

     David Levithan's young adult novel Every Day takes a look at the mind of a person for whom change is literally a way of life. Every day, A wakes up in a different body--boy or girl, single or dating, an only child or one of several. The only consistent factors are the age and the general area in which the hosts live. For as long as A can remember, all that's mattered is that no host is ever affected by their temporary guest...until A wakes up in Justin, falls in love with Justin's girlfriend, and takes the first step toward gaining control of this life. For the first time, A is going to tell someone what's happening. And Rhiannon just might listen.

     Levithan's novel plays with a fascinating premise. Though A is very clearly the same person every day, the body--and the life--is always different. One day, A is a boy named Nathan Daldry. On another, Amy Tran. It is impossible to keep track of who A is and isn't, has and has been, and that's exactly how it's supposed to be. We never see any of the hosts for more than a chapter, so we can never become attached to them, the same way A can never become attached to them. This gives us a glimpse into our hero's lifestyle that nothing else could, and makes every trial, joy, and mistake that much more real.

     After a time, though, the story shifts its focus more and more toward the hosts rather than the romance. While that's the central conflict, and glorious in its own way, as we delve deeper and deeper into A's world, it becomes increasingly apparent that the point of the tale is about acceptance and equality. A comes to possess more gay, gender fluid, obese, and otherwise "different" people than "mainstream" ones. While this is undoubtedly well-intended, the amount of focus placed on what makes hosts diverse--rather than the hosts themselves--detracts somewhat from the plot. However, readers looking for a title that celebrates what makes people unique should definitely check this one out.

     Hopping from body to body isn't all fun and games. Although A is usually very careful to disrupt the hosts' lives as little as possible, the other characters aren't always so kind. They demean each other with cruel names, occasionally making fun of the very things A cherishes. The physical side of the romance consists primarily of kisses and declarations of love, but there comes a point when the only thing keeping such interactions from going further is consideration for the current host. At one point, A wakes up next to a host's flirty girlfriend. Also present are an unpleasant boyfriend, a fistfight, a bit of profanity, drug use, a suicidal host, and a so-called reverend who uses religion to paint A in an unpleasant light.

     I would recommend this book to teens interested in a fresh premise that celebrates a wide variety of beliefs and backgrounds. A is a strong protagonist with a good heart and a condition that is delicious to read, and the rest of the characters are just as well-rounded. Despite the almost preachy nature the themes take on, the story is generally well-structured and intriguing. The plot is good, the premise thought-provoking, the cast interesting. Overall, David Levithan's Every Day is a worthwhile read that gives insight into the minds of countless kinds of ordinary people, and deserves four stars.