When I received an ARC of Forget-Her-Nots from a friend, I peeked past its pink cover, a little unsure whether I’d connect with fourteen-year-old Laurel’s story–I usually read novels with older characters and edgier plots. After giving Forget-Her-Nots a try, I’ll say two things: (1) Yes, Forget-Her-Nots will likely appeal to younger girls, though older readers looking for a sweet story about friendship, flowers, and first romance will find this book a treat. (2) I must confess to staying up late reading it. Really late. Because apparently I’m a sucker for all three of those things.
Amy Brecount White skillfully explores the tangle of relationships between Laurel and her friends at school; I’m so glad to read a book where the main character isn’t an odd outsider who has maybe one or two equally quirky friends and constantly battles the Evil Popular Clique. While Laurel definitely has some quirky flower powers–pun intended–she spends a healthy amount of the book learning how to lovingly tend to her friendships and family as well. Also, I love how she doesn’t let romance overrule her own passions in life. Beautiful quotes at the beginnings of the chapter deepen these themes, as does poetry throughout. Finally, the language of flowers itself lends itself wonderfully to messages of compassion.
Why wouldn’t I give this book five stars? I did zip through it in two days, but I had problems keeping track of the plethora of similarly-described girls; also, there was teen slang that sounded off, and some basil-related silliness that could have been a little dealt with more lightly. On the other hand, the flower descriptions in this book sang with beautiful colors and scents. Forget-Her-Nots made me want to get up and garden. After, of course, I finished reading it.
While poking around my local Barnes and Noble, I saw a whole slew of Tenners on the new YA books shelf. I happened to have ARCs of Bleeding Violet and The Dark Divine with me, since I was going to mail them at the post office, so I couldn’t resist taking a few crummy cellphone pictures of them side-by-side with their finished counterparts. I also happened to have my netbook with its webcam, so I tried in vain to use it to take better photos. Kneeling before the YA section while holding a netbook over my head earned me some very, very odd stares from the staff. I smiled and said, “Oh, I know these authors!” To which I got no reply. Whoops.
ARC & hardcover of BLEEDING VIOLET by Dia Reeves
ARC & hardcover of THE DARK DIVINE by Bree Despain
MAGIC UNDER GLASS by Jaclyn Dolamore
HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick at the top of a big display of angel and ghost books
A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis, a fellow Tenner, debuts early in 2010!
“My entry for the A Most Improper Magick book tralier competition. Read the rules and enter at http://www.stephanieburgis.com/competition.php.”
