Last Friday, I finished reading Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre. This paranormal thriller is about Liv Burnham, a high school junior who is in a car accident after a party with her best friend Morgan Frost, her boyfriend Nathan Claymore, and his brother Clay, who just happens to be Morgan's boyfriend. In the hospital while recovering, Liv wakes up in Morgan's body. As she tries to adjust to her new life, she discovers that Morgan had some disturbing secrets, including an affair with an older married man, Creepy Jack, and begins to piece together the mystery of Morgan's mom's death. Although she misses her old life, especially her parents and Nathan, she genuinely falls for Clay while determining if she can trust him with Morgan's and her own secrets. As it becomes more clear that Creepy Jack is on to her, Liv must decide when to release the evidence she has against him.
This novel was such a compelling read. I had no idea what to expect at the beginning, but I was intrigued from the moment that Liv woke up in Morgan's body. At first, I thought it was for scientific reasons, like a brain transplant similar to a book I read (Airhead by Meg Cabot), but it became clear in the middle of the book that what happened to Liv was supernatural in nature. The mystery was suspenseful and I kept wondering what other secrets would be revealed about Morgan as the plot went on. Most of all, though, I enjoyed the romance between Liv and Clay. I have this thing where I tend to root for the older brother in love triangles, and I was not disappointed at all. I love how Liv had to let go of her preconceived notions of him as she got to know him better and the conflict of Clay falling for his brother's ex-girlfriend, who isn't really dead, was so interesting. The end of the story was dynamic and I was totally ecstatic with it. Like Never and Always is a great choice for anyone who loves mystery with some romance.
On Saturday, I finished reading Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston. This realistic fiction novel is about Sharkita "Kita" Lloyd, a twelve-year-old seventh-grade girl who is just reunited with her younger brother, Lamar, and her younger sister, Lillieana, after being in foster care for over sixty days due to their mom Brittany's alcoholism and tendency to leave them alone. Kita wants nothing more than to keep her family together this time around and she is hopeful when their mom finds a job as a paralegal and promises that things are different. Although she often still has to help take care of her younger siblings, Kita tries out for the dance team and makes the cut, but as she grows closer to the coach, she worries more and more about keeping up appearances. When her mom begins slipping into old habits again, Kita wonders if her worst fear could be what's best for her and her siblings.
Although this book deals with some tough stuff as an exploration of the effects of parental neglect, I enjoyed reading it. I absolutely adored Kita's relationship with her younger siblings, Lilli and Lamar. It was so clear that she just wanted what was best for them by the end of the story, even if it meant being separated again. At the same time, I really felt for Kita because she had to act as a parental figure to Lilli and Lamar even though all of the pressure being placed on her was causing her to have sleep paralysis and panic attacks. Not to mention, she had to find ways of helping Lamar through his behavioral issues as a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. I wanted her to get the help she needed and was glad when she started opening up to the new school counselor, Dr. Charles. The new assistant principal and dance team coach, Dr. Sapperstein, was another good influence in Kita's life, and I liked her friends, as well. It was wonderful following Kita's journey in realizing that she's not alone and that she could stand up for herself and her well-being. As I learned about Kita's mom's past, it didn't surprise me that she wasn't able to keep her promise and the climax of the book was heartbreaking. The story did finish on a hopeful note, though, and I think it demonstrates the importance of kids being able to be just kids. Shark Teeth is a difficult story, but anyone should read it.
No comments:
Post a Comment