Guys, I'm so excited to have the amazing Rachel Carter on my blog today for the So Close to You blog tour! I just read the book the other day, and it was such a refreshing twist on the YA genre with little touches of just about everything I love in YA lit. If you haven't heard about this book yet, read this synopsis, and I dare you to tell me you don't want to read it:

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.

1. Please describe SO CLOSE TO YOU in five words or less. 

Time travel. Mystery. Conspiracy. Love.

2. What, if anything in particular, inspired the story of SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

My biggest inspiration was hearing about the real-life conspiracy of the Montauk Project. The idea that the government could be hiding a secret paranormal project in a small town like Montauk, New York, was so interesting! I started doing more research and the story kept developing from there. 3. Lydia is such a strong character, and she is so full of life. Did you want to make her an empowering female MC? .

I did! But I also wanted her to seem like a real person, and real people are not always perfect and brave and right. Lydia is a seventeen-year-old girl who has her world turned upside down, and she has to struggle to make sense of that. Does she always make the right decision? Not necessarily. But at the core she’s strong and determined, and that definitely helps her handle this strange situation she finds herself in. 

4. What sort of research did you do to bring the alternate time period within SO CLOSE TO YOU alive? 

I read history books. I googled my brains out. But learning facts about a time period is not the same as living in it – for example, in a hundred years, if someone looks back at 2012 they’ll see that Justin Bieber was number one on the music charts. But that doesn’t reflect a true spectrum of what teens are actually listening to. So the most valuableresearch I did was talking with my grandmother about what life was like during World War II. She taught me the slang, the songs that were popular, and sheeven showed me her old yearbooks. 

5. Wes, though swoon-worthy, remains somewhat of an enigma. Will we ever get to explore his character deeper? 

Oh Wes. Mysterious, frustrating Wes. Don’t worry - you’ll see a lot more of him in book 2, and you’ll start to learn more about his past and his personality. But I think a part of him will always remain a little bit mysterious and closed off…it makes sense given his past. 

6. How did you choose the setting for SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

The setting was pretty easy – the book is about the Montauk Project, which takes place at the end of Long Island. And when I visited Montauk for the first time, I fell in love with the beachy, small-town vibe. In a weird way it reminded me of where I grew up, which was also in aresort town (though a ski resort in Vermont!). I felt like I instantly understood the relationship between outsiders and locals that happens in vacation towns, and that helped me a lot with the setting. 

7. What do you think makes SO CLOSE TO YOU stand out from the crowd in YA lit? 

So Close to You blends a lot of different genres. It’s a little bit sci-fi, a little romance, a little history. I don’t think you can easily put it into any YA category! 

8. What theme, if any, do you hope for readers to take away from SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

It’s a theme that all three books in the series will grapple with: Is discovering the truth about something worth it if you can’t always change your fate? 

9. Did you read books when you were younger that inspired a story of time travel? 

I used to love the Caroline B. Cooney books – Both Sides of Time, and Out of Time. They were so romantic! I need to go back and read those again…

10. Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers? 

This has been such an amazing experience, and interacting with readers is definitely one of the best parts. Please feel free to email, tweet, or facebook me... I’d love to hear your thoughts on So Close to You!

Title: So Close to You
Author: Rachel Carter
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: July 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 313
Source: Publisher

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.

Lydia grew up hearing the stories. However, they were always just that...stories, until one day the stories became a reality. When Lydia accidentally finds her way into a portal that transports her to a place and time where she learns the Montauk Project was actually true, her reality is turned upside down. But there's more to the Montauk Project than she could have ever imagined. Danger lurks in every corner Lydia turns, and she must be willing to risk it all to save her family - at all costs.

There's something so very different about So Close to You that sparked my interest in the story right from the start. Frankly, I think that the YA sci-fi genre is sadly lacking, though the stories that do fit the bill quite often far exceed my expectations. Rachel Carter took a decidedly brazen approach to the genre with a twisting and time-traveling storyline that is every bit the adventure as it is a mystery. With secrets lurking everywhere, darkness tinging every inch of the storyline and a mesmerizing journey for not one, but two characters, So Close to You is both action and adventure, as well as heartwarming.

Ok, reality time. Guys, I didn't know what the Montauk Project was before I Googled it upon reading the synopsis way back when. If you're like me, then you're a wee bit in the dark. So, allow me to elaborate. Apparently, it was a series of alleged government experiments in which scientists explored psychological warfare and research capabilities like time travel. Hence, the time-traveling phenomenon in So Close to You. Lydia is a fantastic character. She was a skeptic, but watching everything she'd heard of throughout her life come true in front of her really transformed her entire persona, which in turn transformed her character arc. Adding Wes, the potential love interest allowed us to see a beautiful, tender side to Lydia, as well, giving us greater insight into her character. With touches of romance that slowly bleeds into the story and merges their characters into a powerful and soaring storyline, we get to see the two explore a time that would otherwise be totally foreign to us. Yet, in the pages of So Close to You, the world comes alive and invites us into a twisting, churning and tumultuous journey. My only problem is petty, and some people will love it; I'm just not a fan of cliffhangers.

I'm all for a good science fiction book, and So Close to You certainly didn't disappoint me in the slightest. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy romance and science-fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: Do you prefer real books or those on your e-reader, and why?

This is a debate that I have in my head quite often, and I'll be the first person to say that I'm not really sure there is a real answer because there are two vastly different sides here. I own a Barnes & Noble Nook. His name is Dexter. He has an orange case and way too many books loaded within his little memory chip...or whatever it is that makes him tick. I don't know technology. So, sue me.

Dexter (my Nook, in case you aren't following) is great. He's convenient, portable and I never really have to worry if I'm forgetting a book I need to review, so long as my Nook is in my purse. That, in and of itself, is a huge pro. There's also the convenience of Netgalley, which is absolutely awesome. ARCs cost a lot of money, so having the opportunity to read a lot of titles I might otherwise have to wait until their release is another massive pro. Most of all though, it's nice to be able to carry my Nook to the pool, to the beach or anywhere else I might need to go and not have to worry about ruining the pretty cover. Unless I'm a clumsy fool and drop it, that is.

On the other hand, there's a beautiful familiarity in real, tangible books. I'll fight anyone who tells me there is something more wonderful than walking into a beautiful old library with hundreds of titles and that rich old-book smell. I know. I'm a geek. I also love walking into my house and knowing I can go to any shelf, pick up a book and get lost in the pages. I don't have quite the same affinity with books on my e-reader.

So, frankly, I don't know if one is really better than the other, per se, but I certainly have a favourite. If I could only read real books or those on my e-reader for the rest of my life, I would choose the real books. Hands-down.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Ironskin
Author: Tina Connolly
Publisher: Tor Books
Publish Date: October 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 304

Jane Eliot wears an iron mask. It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War — Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.

It's actually been a good while since a paranormal story really excited me. I feel like I've read and seen it all lately, and I keep waiting for something to break the mold. I've yet to really read a story involving fey that I love, so I'm excited to read Ironskin. Not only is the cover to die for, but the synopsis is fantastic and it sounds like it could be a great start to a brand new series! It seems a bit upper YA, and it seems a whole lotta dark, which makes me incredibly happy. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Most of my readers know that contemporary fiction has never, ever been my thing. In fact, when I first started this blog, I was adamantly opposed to it. I found that the majority of YA contemporary fiction felt trite, overplayed and, frankly, extremely cliché, which led me to believe that the entire genre was simply redundant.

However, I’ll be the first to admit my mistakes and tell people I was wrong. There are some incredible YA contemporary books on the market today, and one of those is Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar. Unfortunately for YA readers, Raw Blue is an Australian title and has yet to be published in the United States.

We can purchase this book through Fish Pond, but wouldn’t it be great if we could really bring Raw Blue and Kirsty’s writing to the states through an American publisher?

Linds has informed me that the National Public Radio (NPR) is compiling a list of the Top 100 Best YA Books Ever and is asking listeners to post their top five favourites on their site here. I encourage ALL of you to add Raw Blue to your list –regardless of whether it is in your personal top 5 or not – so as to draw attention to a tile that seems to be overlooked here in the states.

Maybe, just maybe, we can get Raw Blue the attention it deserves to be published in the United States!

Just click HERE to give it your vote of approval! 

Top Ten Tuesday: My Summer TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR Pile:

1. Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo – I featured this on my WoW the other day, and was so excited to snag a copy on Netgalley. Seriously, there’s something about Aussie authors and books that just blow my mind in the realm of contemporary. If this isn’t the perfect read on my TBR, I don’t know what is.

2. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce – This author never fails to succeed in her writing. Despite the fact that I’m not absolutely in love with the cover (so sue me), I really can’t wait to start reading this book this summer!

3. Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian – Contemporary fiction isn’t always a hit for me. This is no secret. However, there’s something so dark and nasty about the girls in this story that makes me want to read it oh-so-badly! I think it might be like watching a trainwreck. You just. Can’t. Stop.

4. Embers & Echoes by Karsten Knight – I know that some people were divided in their opinions of the first installment of this series but, hey, I loved it. I can’t wait to read book two, and you better believe this bad boy is on my summer TBR list!

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – I don’t know why I’ve put off reading this book because I definitely have a copy of it. I think I’m always afraid to be done with his books…it’s like a little piece of my heart dying. So, naturally, I’m going to have to buckle down and really fall in love with another of his books. For shame.

6. Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty – Ok, I know that Bumped didn’t work for me, but this author has a legion of fans behind her, and I love her writing style. I’ve heard endlessly good things about this series, so I’m finally going to start it…this summer. Heck yes.

7. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta – So many people have said they love this book. I’ve had it on my shelf forever, and I keep putting it off, but I think it’s time to finally buckle down and read it. I have this epic fear of being disappointed by great books…that’s my greatest fear!

8. Flock by Wendy Delsol – I swear this is one of the most underrated series ever. Not only is the author absofreakinlutely fantastic, but this series is so original and entertaining. I highly recommend it to everyone, and I’m excited to read this final installment.

9. Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas – Ummmm it has swords. And boys. And fighting. And love. Does it get much better than that?! Seriously, I’ve been waiting for this one for FAR too long. I cannot freaking wait to finally read it! Oh, and I have a couple copies to give away…jussayin’.

10. Beta by Rachel Cohn – Guys, I love me some dystopian. There’s something about broken down worlds that makes me appreciate ours so much more. I mean, that’s partially the point, right? Seriously though, this story looks epic…with just a twist of sci-fi. What could be better?!

Title: Night Beach
Author: Kirsty Eagar
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Publish Date: April 26, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 324
Source: Author

Imagine there is someone you like so much that just thinking about them leaves you desperate and reckless. You crave them in a way that's not rational, not right, and you're becoming somebody you don't recognise, and certainly don't respect, but you don't even care.

And this person you like is unattainable. Except for one thing...He lives downstairs.

Abbie has three obsessions. Art. The ocean. And Kane. But since Kane's been back, he's changed. There's a darkness shadowing him that only Abbie can see. And it wants her in its world.

Abbie is your ordinary teenager. She loves art, she loves to surf and she has a slightly off and slightly more than slight obsession in Kane who lives downstairs. Abbie often finds herself lost in her own world unless she's surfing or attempting to capture Kane's attention, but these parts of her lives are becoming more and more all-consuming. The darkness surrounding Kane could be dangerous, but as much as it terrifies her, she just can't stay away. Will Abbie figure out the truth in time, or will she be forced to face reality once and for all?

Just like Abbe  has somewhat of an obsession with Kane, I have somewhat of an obsession with Kirsty Eagar, and I say that in the nicest possible way. With Night Beach, Kirsty has tackled a new realm of fiction with the same grace and ease she did with Raw Blue. Playing to her strengths and creating a powerful host of characters in a tricky (to say the least) spot, Night Beach reels you in on its powerful hook and refuses to let go. Dark and alluring, rich and stripped raw, this novel bares the very basis of human emotion and invites you into a dark and twisty world set Down Under with a backdrop of the beach - a maze of contrasts that works in powerful and emotional ways.

If you remember, guys, I was completely floored by the power of Raw Blue. So, needless to say, I had an equal showing of apprehension and excitement for this novel. She warned us it was very different and that it might not work for everyone, but in a way, I don't think Night Beach strayed too far. While, yes, the novel adds a sort of cross-genre twist, for the most part it stays entirely true to her writing style. There is something so stark and raw about her writing style that makes it utterly believable. I have no hesitations when it comes to understanding and believing her characters. Abbie and Kane are stripped down to their barest forms, exposing their inner truths to the reader, but allowing for a sort of gray area to shine through the black and white. It's incredibly powerful and powerfully real. I think the true strength of Night Beach was the transformation in Abbie's character. She was so shallow and petty to start, but we get to watch as she evolves and transforms through the series of events. Regardless, I can empathize with her emotions because she's real, as her obsession and her fear. Likewise, the fear I felt through Night Beach was tangible and real, but it's the honesty behind the fear that made it so very real in the first place. Most of all though, this novel plays up the author's strength in characterization fueling a dark-tinged story.

This was a tricky review to write spoiler-free, but I simply wanted to capture the mood of Night Beach. It's powerful and raw and utterly addicting. I'm obsessed. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA and upper YA, especially those who enjoy thrillers, paranormal and darker stories.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of this bad boy at BEA, then (by chance) received a second copy in the mail, which means that someone lucky is going to have an ARC for themselves! Up for grabs is the following: 

Title: Eve & Adam
Author: Michael Grant & Katherine Applegate
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publish Date: October 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.

While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

Here are the rules:

You MUST follow this blog in order to enter. This giveaway is open internationally and well end promptly at midnight EST on July 1, 2012 at which point the winner will be selected by Random.org and notified via email. Still interested? Just fill out the form!

Click HERE to enter!

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What do you look for in a book review, and what makes it good?

You know me, guys. I like to stir the pot on issues that we, as a community, should discuss. Bloggers often find themselves under a microscope in the publishing industry in terms of reviews. Some are criticized for writing negative reviews. Some are criticized for writing reviews that are too fluffy and positive across the board. Still others are criticized for simply writing opinions.

Are any of these actually wrong? In my humble opinion...no. We, as bloggers, have established our sites as a public forum of personal opinions. However, when we take the next step and try to forge relationships with publishers and authors, there are some things that we have to bear in mind. If we want to truly call ourselves book reviewers, that means that we must actually review the book. This means a few things:

- Reviews are personal opinions backed by elements of the story

- Reviews are NOT solely posts with endless series of GIFs

- Reviews delve deeper into the novel, rather than simply scratching the surface and saying "it was good"

- Reviews tell you WHY it was good, or WHY it was bad

I am by no means a professional reviewer. As I've stated many a time, my reviews are my own opinions, but I always try to take a decidedly professional approach to them by articulating the strengths and weaknesses, the writing style, the characters and anything else that stands out. I'll be the first to admit that when I see a post that simply bashes a book with endless pictures and misinformed facts, I get utterly annoyed because, to me, that is not a review.

It is up to us as individual bloggers to develop our own individual reviewing styles. What works for me might not work for you. However, when I read reviews, I can tell you that the "good" reviews stand out because they have deep thought and evidence-backed opinions. Some bloggers that consistently provide reviews that make me want to investigate books further include (but certainly are not limited to): Jenny at Supernatural Snark, Asheley at Into the Hall of Books, Bailey at IB Book Blogging, Ginger at GReads! and Mary at The Book Swarm.

The common theme between these bloggers is that delicate balance of opinion and fact, as well as presenting a book in a manner that is intriguing or cautionary, while still allowing me to form my own opinion. Again, book reviews are a matter of deep scrutiny, but for me...this is what I believe constitutes a good review.

Title: Cold Fury
Author: T.M. Goeglein
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publish Date: July 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Thriller, Crime
Pages: 313
Source: Author

Sara Jane Rispoli is a normal sixteen-year-old coping with school and a budding romance--until her parents and brother are kidnapped and she discovers her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the mob.

Now on the run from a masked assassin, rogue cops and her turncoat uncle, Sara Jane is chased and attacked at every turn, fighting back with cold fury as she searches for her family. It's a quest that takes her through concealed doors and forgotten speakeasies--a city hiding in plain sight. Though armed with a .45 and 96K in cash, an old tattered notebook might be her best defense--hidden in its pages the secret to "ultimate power." It's why she's being pursued, why her family was taken, and could be the key to saving all of their lives.

Sara Jane, for all intents and purposes, could be the girl next door. There’s one little detail, however, that sets her apart from the rest. Sara Jane’s family has a long and arduous history with the Chicago mob. Her oblivion is quickly unveiled when her parents and brother are kidnapped, and Sara Jane is left with few answers, a couple clues and a cold, hard fury that might be both her best defense and her best offense. Sara Jane must somehow simultaneously outrun crooked cops, escaped masked villains and outsmart the criminals fast enough to find her family because, as are many things with the mob, her family is running out of time. Can she discover the truth fast enough, or will Sara Jane lose her wits along the way?

When I started Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein, I have to admit that I was a tad bit skeptical. While, in theory, I love thrillers and mysteries, there’s a sort of paradox in the realm of fiction regarding the mob. In the case of Cold Fury, we have a teenage heroine that must somehow outsmart the mob, which definitely tests our ability to suspend reality. This novel defies the odds though, spinning us into the dark underbelly of Chicago where nothing is exactly as it seems. With twists, turns and an ever-unraveling plot, Cold Fury clutches you in the throes of a life-and-death adventure at breakneck speed. You’ll have to hold on tight because it’s one heck of a ride.

I’ll admit that one of my biggest fears when approaching Cold Fury was that Sara Jane was going to be too much of a hardened character for me to access her emotions, empathize with her situation and make me want to be a part of her journey. Quite the contrary though, she was as tangible as she was resourceful, and her emotions rang true despite the fact that she seemed to consistently land on her feet in the most dire of situations. The story is captivating, and the plot seems very much like a runaway train. There were times when I was white-knuckling the book because of not only the suspense, but the believability, as well. Cold Fury could easily have settled into a realm of the cliché, but it fought and against the odds, added an impressive host of secondary characters to become invested in and really made me want to read the conclusion. The true beauty of the story, however, is the incredibly rich writing style of the author. The descriptions are so keenly astute and observant that I felt I was truly on the streets of Chicago with Sara Jane throughout the book. Vivid and haunting, the world comes alive through his incredible prose as it grips you and won’t let go. With a touch of romance, a theme of family and survival and a teenage girl that rivals any superhero, Cold Fury is solid gold.

I was completely and utterly blown away by Cold Fury, guys. It’s a phenomenal novel that is incredibly underrated, and I think that every reader should give it a go. I give it a flawless 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to both YA and adult fiction fans, especially those who enjoy thrillers, mysteries and crime stories.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Love and Other Perishable Items
Author: Laura Buzo
Publisher: Knopf BYR
Publish Date: December 12, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 256

Love is awkward, Amelia should know.

From the moment she sets eyes on Chris, she is a goner. Lost. Sunk. Head over heels infatuated with him. It's problematic, since Chris, 21, is a sophisticated university student, while Amelia, 15, is 15.

Amelia isn't stupid. She knows it's not gonna happen. So she plays it cool around Chris—at least, as cool as she can. Working checkout together at the local supermarket, they strike up a friendship: swapping life stories, bantering about everything from classic books to B movies, and cataloging the many injustices of growing up. As time goes on, Amelia's crush doesn't seem so one-sided anymore. But if Chris likes her back, what then? Can two people in such different places in life really be together?

Guys, contemporary is usually not my thing. Perhaps it's my personal life being up in the air lately (read: failure), or the fact that summer induces a crazed frenzy for anything and everything contemporary, but Love and Other Perishable Items has been extremely hot on my must-read list lately. Seriously, how sweet and cute does this read sound? I think reading about the adorkably messy first-loves, crushes and potential romances brings me back to a time when it was all a lot simpler and, heck, who doesn't want that? Regardless, this cover is so simple, cute and stark and I'm completely and utterly sold! PS - It's available on Netgalley...run! Don't walk! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Summer Beach Reads:

1. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - I've said it once, and I'll say it a million more times. This book is phenomenal. It has everything from strong characters, to a beautiful and tragic plot to dealing with powerful issues. Plus, it's beachy and sweet. Sold yet? You should be. It's fantastic. 

2. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman - There's something about the sweet simplicity about this one that makes it just brilliant. It's the first mermaid book I read, and I like that it is a standalone, despite the fact that I totally would have loved a second book. Mermaids + beach + summer = a great beachy read! 

3. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen - Summer feels like the right time to read contemporary for some reason. When I go to the beach, I want to bask in familiarity and real life. This is all that and more. It's sweet, perhaps a touch predictable, but totally believable and lovely. This is definitely a beach read.

4. Siren by Tricia Rayburn - Sirens live in the water. Water is at the beach. Beach is like summer. I think that pretty much sums it up, but this first installment in the series is lovely, heartbreaking and just summery enough to whet my appetite. Plus, who doesn't love a sweet summer romance that might just be something more?!  

5. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer - I never reviewed this one on my blog, but it always seems to find its way into my beach bag. There's something about the sweet story, the coffee on the cover and the fact that it's just contemporary enough to feel totally real and believable that makes me want to keep reading it. It's light and fun - just like a day at the beach!  

6. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han - Frankly, the title says it all. It's a summertime book! I have never been a huge advocate of contemps, but there's something about this series that just soars. I love it, I love the characters and I love the sweet romance and summer feel. This is always on my summer reading list.  

7. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler - Despite my initial aversion to the book because of the somewhat "loose" title, this one has me in its throes to this day. I love the fact that it's deeper than the title or cover implies and actually shows the grief and healing process with the backdrop of a beautiful transitional summer.  

8. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - For some reason, I avoided this one for a long time. Once I read it though, I was hooked. What screams summer more than roadtrips with great music and fabulous friends? I love the playlists interjected throughout the story and the fact that I always feel like summer - no matter when I read it.

9. A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle - Dolphins, my friends. Dolphins. A quick aside - NEVER see the made-for-tv movie because it's horrible. Regardless though, this book is powerful, sweet, a touch sad and just happy enough to make you want to visit the ocean, step in the water and experience what the characters felt.  

10. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle - No list is complete without this book for me, kids. I know, it's on every list pretty much. Think - Noah's Ark with a twist. We've got little mammoths, light and dark angels, a coming of age story and two brothers who love one girl enough to want to save her and transport her to their time. Gahhhh still love it.

Title: Narc
Author: Crissa-Jean Chappell
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: August 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

"You're going to hate me forever when you learn my secret."

Seventeen-year-old stoner Aaron Foster was offered a choice: go to jail or turn undercover narc to find the dealer who's funneling drugs into Miami's Palm Hammock High School. But Aaron has never been good at getting close to people. He's human wallpaper, a stoner wastecase who's obsessed with video games and street magic.

With a cop from Narcotics breathing down his neck, Aaron gets himself invited to parties where the deals go down. To get close to the school's biggest players, Aaron lies to everyone--most of all, the cute but troubled Morgan Baskin. With the Everglades party on Halloween night--and a planned drug bust there--just days away, Aaron realizes that he's falling hard for Morgan . . . and trying to protect her could cost him everything.

Aaron’s life has just gone from bad to worse. A night of speeding with his little sister in the car became a night in jail and the possibility of the situation becoming permanent. The drugs his car changed everything. However, Aaron has the opportunity to clear his slate if he wants. All he has to do is find the inner ring of the drugs being dealt at his school and report it back to the police. To some, this is an easy trade-off. Aaron gets to go to all the parties and simply report the information back. But Aaron realizes there’s more to it than that…especially when he meets Morgan. Being a narc could jeopardize his loved ones, his friends and, quite possibly, everyone he cares about most.

Narc is the brainchild of author, Crissa-Jean Chappell, known for crafting heart-wrenching, emotional and poignant novels regarding the human condition. This novel is no exception. Written from a male POV, which is tricky as it is, Narc embraces the emotional underbelly of society and brings the humanity of all its characters to life. The sparse, haunting prose isn’t flowery or too descriptive. Rather, the emotions, the themes and the pain takes center stage making the story incredibly raw and real, despite the dark tones. With extreme empathy and endless feeling, Narc soars.

I think it would have been very easy for Narc to become a trite, cliché and annoying stereotype of drug and substance abuse in YA literature. What impressed me most was the book not only embraced the male POV with ease, but it did it well. Aaron was entirely believable. His pain, frustration and confusion in regards to his difficult situation was tangible, and I felt for his situation. He wanted to do what was right, but he didn’t want to hurt anyone in the process, and he consistently felt like all he was doing was the latter. Narc lets you put yourself in the characters’ shoes, but it allows you to form your own opinions, as well. It poses the question about what you would do in such a situation without actually asking them; it makes you think. Perhaps the most powerful message within the story, however, was that Narc shows at that drugs do not define the people who take them, and they can affect anyone from any position on the social ladder. Rather than alienating the characters lost in the throes of addiction, the book places them front and center and allows you to access their humanity. With strong secondary characters and no shortage of emotion, Narc feels real. My only issue with the book was that it felt a bit too rushed in the latter half of the book. I, personally, would have loved to have seen it fleshed out a bit more to show a broader range of the fallout.

Overall though, Narc was a tremendous read, and it embodies the parts of contemporary fiction that I actually love. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA and adult fiction, especially those who enjoy contemporary stories and issue books.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publish Date: June 26, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Maggie's memory is scattered, to say the very least. The last time her memory and her psyche were whole, she was standing at the top of a cliff preparing to jump on a dare with her perfect boyfriend. She doesn't, however, remember why she remained on the cliff while Joey died that day. Trying to piece her fractured memories back together, Maggie must discover the truth of what happened that day, why Joey had changed and what left her at the top of the cliff while he died that day. Finding out the truth might just be more painful than losing her memory altogether though.

I remember the first time I saw this cover, I was immediately in love. There's something so serene about the title and cover that imply a sense of peace, but the synopsis promises a tumultuous journey to the truth and self-discovery. One Moment didn't disappoint in that respect, whatsoever. Kristina McBride's newest novel bares its heart on its sleeve, or the pages so to speak, giving the reader unique access into grief, coping and discovering a sense of peace and closure. Sweetly written, softly poetic and just a touch heartbreaking, One Moment doesn't skimp on the emotion and never fails to tug at your heartstrings.

First and foremost, I love the characterization within One Moment. Maggie is a complex character, in large part because of her broken memory. At the same time, however, I could always sense what was below the surface for her. Despite her confusion and her desperate need to discover the truth in that tragic day, her deep-seeded pain and grief always broke through. There was a genuine vulnerability to her, as well, that made it easier to relate to her situation and made me want to empathize with her further. I'll admit I thought it was going to be a bit more of a whodunit sort of thing, but uncovering the truths in that day was actually a bit more simplistic, as it was simply woven into and enmeshed in the story of six friends who've known one another their whole lives. The best part of One Moment for me was being able to grow through Maggie's journey, as well. Watching her heal and find peace definitely soothes the soul. I did, unfortunately, guess Joey's secret from the start, so the predictability threw me a bit, but when I overlook that detail, the story soared. It wasn't entirely riveting, having known some key details simply by guessing, but it was good, sweet and definitely powerful read.

Overall, I quite enjoyed One Moment despite the predictability. I think it's a strong addition to the YA market. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

So, I'm back from my second year at BookExpo America at the Javits Center in NYC! Guys, it was such an amazing time (yet again). Now that I've been there twice, I can honestly say that it's equal parts awesome, thrilling, exciting, exhausting, nerve-wracking, painful (my feet will never be the same) and just plain fun. I highly advice everyone that ever has a chance to go to take it and run! It's an experience.

BEA might not be for everyone though. While I think this year was a lot more organized, it's still a cluster sometimes and, let's be honest here, it is completely and utterly draining. Most people arrive around 8 AM to get in line (some even earlier), and there are actually a few publisher events that take place in the morning, which take away from sleep, too. I think that the lovely Jenny from Supernatural Snark and I probably got a grand total of about 24 hours of sleep in 5 days. So, yes, it's tiring. Will I do it again though? Hells yes!

Here are a few things I learned this year: 

1. Flip flops, while completely comfortable on the showroom floor, do not make for great walking back to the hotel.

2. I can steal cabs like a good ol' New Yorker. I cannot, however, hail one to save my life.

3. Sometimes a free night with cheesecake is better than a night out in the city.

4. Book bloggers, as a whole, are just awesomesauce.

5. I am not, and will never be, a New Yorker.

6. BEA is an adventure each and every time you go.

 Jenny, Yours Truly, Dan Cohen (Author) and Danny

My BEA in Pictures:

 

Because I know a ton of you desperately wanted to go but couldn't, I'm going to be offering up a few of the copies I snagged just for you! So, without further ado...who wants to win an ARC of What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang?! 

Here are the rules: You MUST be a follower to enter. This giveaway is open internationally and will end promptly at midnight EST on June 22, 2012. As always, the winner will be selected by Random.org and will be notified via email.

Still want to enter? Click HERE!

***Disclaimer: Please note that these are singular copies that I received at the conference and also received for review. In no way, shape, or form did I slight other bloggers by taking duplicates to giveaway.***

Title: The Lost Code
Author: Kevin Emerson
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's
Publish Date: May 22, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 435
Source: Publisher

The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.

No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.

Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary.

The world as we know it is ancient history, at best. The world in which Owen Parker lives is one that is nearly decimated by man's impact - with deadly solar power, consistently changing climates and an unpredictable environment that seems to want to kill everyone on a daily basis. Owen, however, could very well be the key to bringing back a past where the world was safer to live in and the Earth wasn't destroyed by mankind. To unlock his destiny and a code that could save millions, as well as the failing Earth, Owen has be willing to embrace anything and everything that comes his way, and reality will never be the same again.

For some reason, my friends, The Lost Code has flown relatively under the radar on the YA market. When I received it for review, I'll admit I didn't know the first thing about it and, to be entirely honest, I wasn't too sure that any book could stand out within a very crowded genre these days. Kevin Emerson has deftly crafted a cunning start to a new dystopian adventure series that's thrilling, intoxicating and every bit the tease. Giving us characters that are engaging and dynamic, a plot that speeds along towards a thrilling climax, having book one will make you crave book two. Violent, destructive and highly atmospheric, The Lost Code is certain to have you in its hold.

I've seen a lot of people touting The Lost Code as a YA version of the Percy Jackson series, and that both excited and irritated me. First of all, most of you know just how very much I love Percy. Second of all, I really want a book to reach past that stereotype, and I think it's insanely easy to rest on such laurels at that point. It's because of this that I can say I'm truly, truly glad to have been wrong. The Lost Code is addicting. Humorous at times, bleak and tragic at others, this novel soars. Owen was a great character. I felt like I could truly access his mind and, therefore, his internal dialogue, because the author wrote him so very relatable. It's a difficult feat for a male author to write a male lead the female readers can empathize with and feel for. Yet, I felt like I was on the same journey as he, and I desperately wanted to help him solve these clues as his adventure unfolded. I'll admit that, at times, the novel lagged. The book starts with a bang, and it continued on that path for a good bit, but there was a ton of information to unfold. I think the ending dragged a wee bit longer than the beginning, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Overall though, the benefits of the story including the original plot, fantastic secondary characters and entertaining dialogue really outweighed the few cons.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Lost Code. I thought it was fun, refreshing and engaging. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I definitely highly recommend it to all fans of YA and upper MG, especially those who enjoy dystopian fiction and adventure.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Kids, it's that time of year again. You know, that time of year where Christmas happens in July for all the lovely bloggers and bookish people in the world? Well, if you live under a rock (no offense to all of you that live under rocks of course), that time of year comes along when BookExpo America rolls around at the Javits Center in New York City. Now, the reason I'm telling you this is because I left for Ohio yesterday morning to meet up with Jenny from Supernatural Snark. Proof? See below.

The point of this post is simply to say that posts are going to be sporadic at best this week. Jenny and I are headed to NYC early tomorrow morning for the Book Blogger Convention, then we'll be there through Thursday. We're super excited to see all of you - bloggers, authors and publishers/publicists - we can't flipping wait!

I'll be doing my very best to update you all throughout the week with the goings-on. Here's to another great year - and a million wonderful bookish people all crammed into one building!

I'm always looking for a book that will make me feel something, and sometimes those books aren't fiction. Rather, they're real life, and they capture your heart in a raw, passionate, make-me-feel-something-deeper kind of way. The Letter Q is just that book. This powerful anthology promises to capture the heart of millions of readers, both young and old, looking for that true and special connection that comes when authors take the time to place themselves in the shoes of the reader and pour their heart onto the pages. Sold? So was I, and now I get to share this awesomeness with you!

If you received a letter from your older self, what do you think it would say? What do you wish it would say?

That the boy you were crushing on in History turns out to be gay too, and that you become boyfriends in college? That the bully who is making your life miserable will one day become so insignificant that you won't remember his name until he shows up at your book signing?

In this anthology, sixty-three award-winning authors such as Michael Cunningham, Amy Bloom, Jacqueline Woodson, Gregory Maguire, David Levithan, and Armistead Maupin make imaginative journeys into their pasts, telling their younger selves what they would have liked to know then about their lives as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgendered people. Through stories, in pictures, with bracing honesty, these are words of love and understanding, reasons to hold on for the better future ahead. They will tell you things about your favorite authors that you never knew before. And they will tell you about yourself.

In a world where bullying, peer violence and poor self-image are far too prevalent, I truly believe this is a must-read book for all. Regardless of your viewpoint, the powerful message of finding the truth in yourself, opening your heart and letting yourself be YOU can reach anyone willing to listen. Check out the amazing book trailer below:

Would you like to read this book for yourself? Simply leave a comment with your name, email address and short reason why you feel you should read this book!

This giveaway will end promptly at 12 AM EST on Friday, June 8.