Angieville Book

I want to complain about that cover. I never would have picked this book up in a bookstore because that cover does not speak to me. It is plain, it is hard to read the title, and the connection to the novel just doesn't work for me.  Guys—do NOT let that cover deceive you. This novel is fab! Title: ‘The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender’ Author: Leslye Walton Pages: 320 Publisher: Candlewick Press Available: NOW at your local library/book store Source: Netgalley Summary (from Goodreads ): Magical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga. Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird. In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover an...

That title... That plot... The Sinclairs... Title: ‘We Were Liars’ Author: E. Lockhart Pages: 240 Publisher: Delacorte Available: NOW at your local library/book store Source: Netgalley Summary (from Goodreads ): A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive. A revolution. An accident. A secret. Lies upon lies. True love. The truth. We Were Liars  is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart. Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE. My Thoughts: Oh Lockhart...she has hit a hole-in-one with this novel. (I think the Sinclairs would approve of my use of golf humor.) First, let me say that I was not expecting this book to leave such an impression on me. I had to step away from the story a few times to absorb the plot, the characters, the setting. I don't do that too often, ...

I absolutely adore Leavitt's writing. The moment I see a book with her name on it, I pick it up. I know that by book's end I am going to feel good about life—and I'm going to read a solid story. Her latest novel is no exception. I mean, look at that cover. It screams, “Pick me up! I look awesome!!!” Title: ‘The Chapel Wars’ Author: Lindsey Leavitt Pages: 304 Publisher: Bloomsbury Available: NOW at your local library/book store Source: Netgalley Summary (from Goodreads ): Sixteen-year-old Holly wants to remember her Grandpa forever, but she’d rather forget what he left her in his will: his wedding chapel on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever happened to gold watches, savings bonds, or some normal inheritance? And then there's Grandpa's letter. Not only is Holly running the business with her recently divorced parents, but she needs to make some serious money—fast. Grandpa also insists Holly reach out to Dax, the grandson of her family's mortal enemy and owner of the ch...

Finally! I have found a YA novel that uses rhetorical strategy lingo of my AP Language students. See guys, this stuff does appear in REAL life. Title: ‘The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy’ Author: Kate Hattemer Pages: 336 Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers Available: NOW at your local library/book store Source: Netgalley Summary (from Goodreads ): Witty, sarcastic Ethan and his three friends decide to take down the reality TV show, For Art's Sake, that is being filmed at their high school, the esteemed Selwyn Arts Academy, where each student is more talented than the next. While studying Ezra Pound in English class, the friends are inspired to write a vigilante long poem and distribute it to the student body, detailing the evils of For Art's Sake. But then Luke—the creative force behind the poem and leader of the anti-show movement—becomes a contestant on the nefarious show. It's up to Ethan, his two remaining best friends, and a heroic gerbil named Baconnaise to sa...

Happenings in Hodgensville is me sharing a small piece of myself with you—sometimes it will be classroom related and sometimes just a, “Hey! Here is what is happening in my life right now” post. Last month I shared that I have started using Stitch Fix, and today I want to share my latest fix with you. What IS Stitch Fix? Stitch Fix is an personal styling service that charges you a $20 styling fee—a fee that is immediately put toward any purchase you make. You fill out an exhaustive survey on your body type, what you like to wear, what type of pieces you would like to receive, your favorite styles to wear, how much you’re willing to spend, etc.   I did say the survey was exhaustive, right? They “schedule” your box, and you wait. Upon arrival, you will find five pieces—one is usually an accessory—that you can try on at home and decide what you want to keep. There is a pre-paid envelope in your box, so anything you do not want to keep can easily be placed in and dropped at your loca...