"Impossible" by Nancy Werlin

Star Rating:
**********
Genre:
mix of realistic and fantasy fiction with romance

Impossible was based off the ballad "Scarborough Fair". If you're familiar with the tune, or it sounds familiar, the lyrics are something like Are you going to Scarborough Fair / parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Lucy Scarborough had a different life from the beginning. Her mother went mentally insane shortly after giving birth to her only daughter, so she lives with her two foster parents. Her best friend lives next door, Zach Greenfield. On the night of her prom, her life takes an even bigger spin when her date rapes her. Even on birth control, Lucy gets pregnant. Even though this is life-changing, Lucy can still realize that its such a coincidence. Her mother had gotten pregnant at a young age too. It turns out that it wasn't a coincidence, but a curse on Lucy's family put on by the Elfin Knight. She has three impossible tasks to complete or upon her daughter's birth, she too will go mad.

I really liked the creativity of this novel, especially the twist of reality and fantasy. It has so many messages as well, including the meaning of family a friendship, and never giving up. Nancy Werlin created an original story off of a well-known music piece. Why should you read this book? Well, it recieved a lot of cool rewards including Kirkus Reviews YA book of 2008, but mostly the story is just riviting. Plus, the book is full of short chapters and cliff-hanger endings keeping you on the edge of your seat.

"Kaleidoscope Eyes" by Jen Bryant

Star Rating:
**********
Genre:
historical fiction

I recently finished reading Kaleidoscope Eyes, and it has to be one of the most interesting books ever. It's about a girl named Lyza. Lyza's family is different, as her mother is gone, her older sister is a pain, and her father is always away at work. On top of her family life, the Vietnam War is taking place and many citizens in her town, Willowbank, are being sent away and coming back in coffins. Lyza couldn't be more happy when she finds the clues to a treasure hunt from her grandfather that lead to Captain William Kidd's treasure. With the help of her two best friends, Lyza starts an adventure through maps, old documents, and a lot of digging to find the chest, hoping to change her fortune in such a difficult time.

This novel is written in verse, which in my opinion helps move the story really well. It's historical fiction, but it also has many life-long lessons introduced cleverly. It really expresses the importance of friendships, trust, and never giving up hope. I've read a few books in verse, and this one was different but still amazing. Anyone into history out there? Definitely a must read!

(Some other cool poetry books--and favorites of mine--to check out would be Burned by Ellen Hopkins and Far From You by Lisa Schroeder. They're about completely different topics than Kaleidoscope Eyes, but still really good.)

Thanks to Melyssa M. and collectiveX!

First Post

Hi! Since this is a beginning blog, I just wanted to say hi to anyone who reaches this site. Your looking at a future book blog that will hopefully be filled with reviews for any new reads that come out as well as not-so-recent ones. I'll work on updating this...

Also, I'm open to any suggestions! Thank you!