Let's Talk is a 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!

What book(s) do you wish didn't have sequels (or vice versa)?

You know we've all been there. We've desperately wanted a sequel to a book that we loved so, so much. Or, on the flip side, we're desperately craving a sequel and the author is a being a tricky B and never giving us exactly what we want. (Well played, authors.) I can definitely pinpoint two books on my shelves though that stand out; one, for wishing for a sequel and the other, for wishing the sequel never happened.

A. Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles was the much-anticipated sequel to Leaving Paradise, which is one of my favourite contemporary books of all time. And, for one who avoided contemps like the plague for the longest time, that's really saying something. So, naturally, when the second book was announced, I was decidedly gleeful. Unfortunately though, I felt that the sequel strayed from the melancholy, heartbreaking magic that made the first book soar. We lost what we loved most about Maggie and Caleb and, most sad of all, was simply the fact that every outcome I thought we might see just didn't happen. I was so, so let down. 

B. Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis was a newer read of mine that actually caught me kind of off guard...in the best possible way. I've been seriously burned off of the dystopian genre as of late, but this book really surprised me with the sparse characters, brutal honesty and a very biased viewpoint. The author makes it work though, throwing obstacles in our paths left, right and center, putting us in Lynn's shoes and making us feel her pain. While I did think the action went too fast at the end, I think it almost wrapped up what could have been a sequel. I'm both happy and sad about that because the author gave us a fitting end, but I'm left wanting more!

What about you? What books do you wish did or didn't have a sequel?

Title: Rules of Attraction
Author: Simone Elkeles (Twitter)
Publisher: Walker BYR
Publish Date: April 27, 2010
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 326
Source: Personal Copy

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado. Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford.

She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

Kiara has an idyllic life in Colorado, if you don't take into account the fact that she's still trying to overcome the stutter that has plagued her since childhood. Carlos, on the other hand, couldn't have lived a rougher childhood if he tried. After his brother, Alex, was jumped out of the Latino Blood, his family sought to help Carlos create a new future for himself, as well. Carlos, however, doesn't believe that future is for him. He's a gangbanger. It's his life, and it's all he knows...plus, he knows he can't escape it even if he tries. But Kiara, try as she might to ignore it, sees something in Carlos that he might just not recognize, himself...hope.

This is definitely not the first book I've read by veteran contemporary author, Simone Elkeles, and I confidently say that it certainly won't be my last. Rules of Attraction follows in the same vein as it's companion/predecessor, offering a heartfelt story of two teens from opposite sides of the track. Blending raw tension, careful, slow-burning romance and a passionate story of trying to find one's place in the world, the novel tugs at your heartstrings from start to finish. Rules of Attraction promises to weave you into its world and break all rules, convincing you that there is redemption for us all - no matter how far gone we might think we are.

Rules of Attraction is one of those books that doesn't require you to think too deeply as you read it, but rather it inspires you to do so. Written in dual first-person perspectives and alternating chapters between Carlos and Kiara, the author manages to perfectly execute a seamless transition each time and really establish a strong character voice for both. Kiara, though outwardly timid because of her stutter, has a quiet power about her, and the only time we see that headstrong confidence waver is when she lets her guard down around Carlos. He, on the other hand, has the carefully-crafted facade about him. Carlos does his very best to keep everyone at arm's length, and readers can quickly identify that it's actually a defensive mechanism. But rather than defending himself, he's protecting others from him. Therein lies our first clue that there is hope for this outwardly crass and abrasive character. Through the story, we get to see Kiara and Carlos slowly lower their walls to one another, and the beauty is that the two have the opportunity to save each other from themselves, as well as outside influences. There is no shortage of drama in Rules of Attraction either, though it's clear that in this story, the characters, rather than the plot, actually drive the story, and I liked that a lot. I do think that, at times, I wish their chapters could have been a bit longer. I wanted to remain in Carlos and Kiara's heads a bit longer than two to three pages at a time. This did, however, move the pace of the story along faster. I also think that the climactic scenes near the end could have been fleshed out a bit more. I wanted to feel a bit more fear, rather than certainty that it was all going to end well. That said, I was actually surprised to find that I enjoyed an epilogue for a change, as well. Knowing that there was a sense of finality to this story was really nice and refreshing.

Overall, Rules of Attraction was a sweet, fast-paced and solid read. It's one of those books that doesn't necessarily force you to expand your literary horizons, but it definitely coaxes some emotion. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and upper YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

Which particular books opened you up to a new genre?

I could say it a thousand times, and I'd honestly sound as though I'm preaching, but there are SO so many books that have opened my eyes to new genres and subgenres that I thought I'd never like. Those who follow me religiously know that I've always had a bit of a strong aversion to contemporary fiction though. And, actually, a lot of you have asked why, so I'll my general reasoning down to three main points:

1. I don't feel like a good portion of contemporary fiction is even remotely like real life adolescence, and that makes me cranky.

2. So much of contemporary fiction paints things in black and white/good or bad/hot or not. Life isn't that simple, or cut and dried. It's complicated.

3. I like messy things. I like watching worlds unravel and spin out of control. I've read too many contemps were it's all ribbons, and ponies and a nonstop Taylor Swift (happy) love song.

That said, I have been proven wrong in quite a few instances this past year, and I can admit when a book changes my mind in a way. So, the top three books that have truly spoken to me on a deeper level in the genre of contemporary fiction are:

1. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar; 2. Dark Song by Gail Giles; 3. Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

The common denominator? They're all dark and twisty and messy. Colour me crazy, but I love it when they are out of control.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

Summer (Beautiful Dead #3) by Eden Maguire

(ARC) - (Thank you, Hodder Children's)

Six months have passed since the last Ellerton teenager died, but Darina is still traumatized by the stabbing of her own beloved Phoenix. But there's work to be done as Darina must now turn her attention to the shooting of Summer Madison - the beautiful and gifted, singer-song-writer with a heart of gold. It's been nearly a year since the random shooting in a shopping mall caused Summer's meaningless death. Summer left behind recordings of her wonderful songs and a deep sadness amongst high school friends. 

FOR REVIEW

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

(ARC) - (Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin)

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status. Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted…by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. 

FOR REVIEW

Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper

(ARC) - (Thank you, Feiwel & Friends)

When Bette finds an angel coin among the money collected in a carwash, she puts it in her pocket and forgets about it. But things start to change, especially once Gabby, a mysterious and kind new neighbor, moves into Bette’s Chicago building. Suddenly, Bette is able to face some big losses—her mother’s recent death; her sister’s departure for college—and move forward. And once the angel coin falls into the hands of three other kids in Bette’s class, their lives change, too. Soon, these two girls and two boys will be connected.

WON

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

(Thank you, Elodie!)

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. 

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I had a great week in books this week...even if someone did drive through the wall of my post office and right through my PO Box. Anyhoo, leave me a link to your mailboxes, and I'll be sure to check them out!

Talk to Me Tuesday is a brand new weekly meme where we will discuss anything (and everything) literary-related in an open forum of honesty. Questions for the next week will be posted one week prior to the post on the Features page. If you'd like to participate in this weekly feature, simply create your post, link back to me, and add your post to the wonderful Mr. Linky below. Have fun, and have at it!

This week's question: Do you prefer series or stand-alone novels and why?

It seems to me that there's a trend in the YA market today for authors to start series, rather than stand-alone novels, and I've been wondering a lot about this lately. Seriously, what is the last stand-alone fantasy or paranormal book that I've read? While I don't read too many contemps these days, even the ones I do read seem to be jumping on the bandwagon. Take, for example, Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles. I loved that book. The characterization, the plot, every little point led up to a tumultuous and climactic end. Granted, the end made me want to kill myself pull my hair out, but it made me think, and even more - it made me feel. Now, enter the sequel, Return to Paradise. Can I just say...disappointment much? No, the writing isn't bad, but we lost everything we gained from Maggie and Caleb in book one. Suddenly, we're on this new path that feels rushed and overbearing. I really wish I hadn't picked up the sequel.

Then there are series like Harry Potter, which we all know I'm clinically obsessed with. Seriously. I want to live in Hogwarts. But there is a reason to my madness, or insanity, if you will. In creating the first book, J.K. Rowling proposed a series and a chance for us to journey with her characters. She gave us the opportunity to grow up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, allowing us to know every detail of their lives so we could grow up in this imaginary world with them (I know, I wish it was real, too.) Each book had a clear purpose - show us Harry's progression, give us more of the background, and lead up to the final and ultimate battle of good vs. evil. That, in a nutshell, is pretty much the epitome of a series for me. Other series that worked for me were Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Mortal Instruments series. Obviously, there are more, but those are the ones that immediately spring to mind.

Some of your fellow book bloggers weighed in on the issue, too, saying what they thought of series and standalone novels.

Ginger from GReads says, "I like both, but I prefer series because I get more from the characters and the story. Everything isn't wrapped up so nicely."

Sarah from That Bookish Girl says, "I think it really depends on the book. Sometimes books work better with a clear, quick start and finish and sometimes they are better drawn out."

Misha from My Love Affair With Books says, "It depends on the book. If I loved the book, I like to see more of the characters and the story. But to be honest, I lack the patience to wait. Waiting for the next book in the HP series used to drive me insane!

Linds from Bibliophile Brouhaha says, "It honestly doesn't matter so long as the story is solid, whether it is a story throughout the series or a stand alone. I will say that I hate when a book originally is a stand alone, and it feels like the characters have come full circle, only to have a publishers/author later make it into a series. It messes with the story and distorts the message of the book."

And therein lies the main issue for me. I think there is such a pressure to create a series these days that we lose sight of the characters and plot that were originally created. Whether it's a series or a stand-alone novel, I don't want to feel like I'm being pulled unwillingly along. Shiver is a prime example for me. I think that book one could have been it. I feel no need to read past that. Basically, I want the same thing if it's a series or a stand-alone book. I want great characters, a fantastic adventure, and I want to feel like I went somewhere and came full circle. 

Want to weigh in and do your own Talk to Me Tuesday post for this week? Go ahead and link up!

Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did—and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past—and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise—and Maggie—forever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?
Taken from GoodReads.

Return to Paradise is the second half of Maggie and Caleb's journey. They hated each other, found each other, loved each other, and lost each other, all in one year. Now the circumstances are different, and in a new town and place, Caleb and Maggie have found each other again. Only this time, Caleb has gotten himself into a new mess of trouble, and Maggie has found her confidence - and her voice. Are they brave and strong enough to weather their mutual struggles and learn to live with and love each other again?

I read Return to Paradise in about five hours straight, much like I did with Leaving Paradise, but I have to say that I don't feel as satisfied with this installment as I did with the first. That's not to say that the writing of Return to Paradise is any less emotional or exceptional as before, but I'm going to be honest. Simone Elkeles is an amazing author with the unique ability to paint a story with environments and characters that are tangible, true to humanity, and relevant. That said, I almost think the story was better left with the inconclusive story line of Leaving Paradise. Ever hear that statement, less is more? In my humble and brutally honest opinion, sometimes I think authors need to remember that.

I'll start with the strengths of Return to Paradise. Written in alternating POVs, I can honestly say that this book holds true to the character voices developed in book one. Caleb and Maggie are easily distinguished, and their own voices make it easier to relate to them. I have to be honest though, while I enjoyed the character development for Maggie - she was stronger, braver, and more assertive - I felt that this was almost the same journey as we watched them go through before. The same questions were posed in my mind...do they love each other? Will their love overcome obstacles? Will the truth come out after all? That, I felt, was a little tedious. Delving into some of the minor characters from the last book definitely helped the book along though.

I think that Return to Paradise is a good book, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I absolutely had to read it. I almost prefer how it played out in my head. Either way, it's a strong read with a great voice and cast of characters. I'll give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend this to fans of YA, contemporary fiction, and those who loved Leaving Paradise.