The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing Volume II, by M. T. Anderson

I started reading this a while ago, but then I got a bunch of books from the library so I set it down for a few weeks. It took me multiple hours, but I finished it today because it's overdue, I'll be gone for most of next week, and I didn't want to return it and have to wait to finish it later. Oh, and because it was good, and stuff.

Novel: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume II, The Kingdom on the Waves, written by M. T. Anderson

Because it isn't a good book title unless you are out of breath after saying it. :)

It's Like: I don't read historical fiction often (though I enjoy it!), so I cannot think of another novel or novels to compare it to. It's a lot like the first volume, obviously, but I suppose that doesn't help if you haven't read the first one.

Summary: Volume II starts off exactly where the previous one left off, Octavian escaping with Dr. Trefusis to Boston. Together they fend for themselves: Octavian finding a job as a violinist while Dr. Trefusis slowly recovers from various ailments. After a rebel attack on Boston, the two set out for Lord Dunmore and his promise to free any slaves that will fight for the British side. The rest of the novel is Octavian documenting his life as a soldier for the British army.

Notes: To be honest, I really only have one note. I talked a lot about M. T. Anderson's writing style in my post about Volume I and everything I said there applies to Volume II as well. What I'd like to focus on in this post is the base idea of the story. As an American, I learned about the Revolutionary War from the point of the colonists and how their bravery, determination, and love of liberty led to their victory over the British. Of course, we know a lot of "rebels," as they are referred to in this novel, were hypocrites, crying for freedom and liberty while disregarding the humanity of slaves. It is still very eye-opening, though, to hear what African Americans thought of the rebels and White people in general during this time and some horrible things the Americans did during the Revolutionary War. It's a lot to think about while reading. The contradictory nature of both the Americans and the British is discussed well in the Author's Note (which is why I read everything in the book, including acknowledgments, and this practice is something I'm going to devote a whole post to). I found one of the last paragraphs helpful in figuring out what I wanted to say:

"Yes, our Revolutionary forefathers espoused a vexed and even contradictory view of liberty. But it is easy to condemn the dead for their mistakes. Hindsight is cheap, and the dead can't argue. It is harder to examine our own actions and to ask what abuses we commit, what conspicuous cruelties we allow to afford our luxuries, which of our deeds will be condemned by our children's children when they look back upon us. We, too, are making decisions. We, too, have our hypocrisies, our systems of shame."

It's easy to find fault with people on both sides of the fight, the Americans and the British, the African Americans and the White people, but we cannot do anything about the past. As John Green loves to point out, novels are written to imagine other people more complexly, and in the process, ourselves. I found by analyzing the past and its players, I was able to understand myself better.

Recommendation: As you may have realized by reading my above note, you are going to have to do a lot of thinking while reading this novel, and not just because its written in ye olde English. If you have made it to the end of this post and are not dozing off from boredom, then you will probably enjoy this novel. But make sure you read Volume I first! :)

Geektastic, edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

Warning: The following post contains high levels of nerdiness. If you are not a self-proclaimed geek/nerd (yes I know there is a difference, but I don't feel like going into it in this blog post), or you have no interest in becoming one, then this book is not for you and you might as well just stop reading now.

Novel: Geektastic, edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castelluci

This is actually an anthology of short stories and comics. I picked this up because one of the short stories was written by John Green, and then I noticed that other authors I really like--M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Garth Nix, and Scott Westerfeld--also contributed. The rest of the stories are written by the editors of Geektastic as well as: Cassandra Clare, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Tracy Lynn, Wendy Mass, Cythia & Greg Leitich Smith, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr. The comics are drawn by Bryan Lee O'Malley and Hope Larson.

It's Like: This doesn't really work for an anthology... But like everything you could possibly consider geeky under one roof.

Summary: This also doesn't work for an anthology... My blog post structure is falling apart :(

Notes:

• I thought it might be a good idea to write a few sentences on each short story because it would be hard to review Geektastic as a whole.
• "Once You're a Jedi, You're a Jedi All the Way" (Holly Black & Cecil Castelluci): I found this short story really amusing and a good way to start off the anthology; plus, it was the story that started the creation of Geektastic, so.... I liked the changing perspectives because both main characters were so different. I suppose third person could have worked as well, but I don't think it would have conveyed the emotion and thoughts behind their actions as well as changing perspectives did. Also, I now have a burning desire to go to Comic-Con.
• "One of Us" (Tracy Lynn): This one was one of my favorites, and a good story to start with if you are interested in becoming a nerd/geek. The plot might have been a little predictable, but it was still cute and fun.
• "Definitional Chaos" (Scott Westerfeld): I usually like Scott Westerfeld's writing, but I found this story confusing and without direction. I could see what Westerfeld was trying to do, set up a story that explained all sections of the alignment matrix, but he didn't execute it very well. It ended up being a lot of discussion without much explanation.
• "I Never" (Cassandra Clare): I've been told I NEED to read Cassandra Clare's books, and I guess it's a good start that I liked this story. I'm not sure that an online multiplayer game like the Game exists, but it sounds fascinating! I found it hard to like Jane until the end of the story, but I like how Clare chose to write in the perspective of a non-geek discovering geek culture. Also, it mirrored Cyrano de Bergerac quite well.
• "The King of Pelinesse" (M.T. Anderson): I wasn't really sure how to feel about this story. I found that I liked the writing, though sometimes it seemed inconsistent. It was interesting but really odd.
• "The Wrath of Dawn" (Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith): This story was cute and had a predictable ending, but I enjoyed it, probably for those reasons. I also need to watch Buffy apparently.
• "Quiz Bowl Antichrist" (David Levithan): I have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, so I know Levithan's writing. It was smart and witty and another story written from an outsider's perspective. My favorite character was probably Wes because he's quiet but observant and therefore insightful. I was also impressed by the vast knowledge Quiz Bowlers must have in order to succeed.
• "The Quiet Knight" (Garth Nix): I've only read Nix's Abhorsen Trilogy (which I love), so it was somewhat odd to read a story of his that did not take place in a fantasy world. It was still brilliant, of course, and I would love to read a full-length novel with Tony as the main character. You've got to love a gentle giant :)
• "Everyone but You" (Lisa Yee): This story reminded me that there are more definitions of being a geek than just the classic ones (Trekkers, Comic books lovers, etc.) It was odd to read a YA story with such a peppy main character, because the majority of YA novel main characters that are nerdy are also cynical and quiet. I found the time jump near the end somewhat off putting, but otherwise I liked the story.
• "Secret Identity" (Kelly Link): My opinion towards this story is similar to my opinion of M.T. Anderson's: it was odd but interesting. The idea of superheros being real in the story's universe was cool, but ultimately you figure out the symbolism behind it. Ultimately, I think I would have appreciated a story just about superheros more than a lost 15-year-old, though.
• "Freak the Geek" (John Green!!): John Green has a different writing style that you have to get used to, but I enjoy it and I loved this story. It was short but it did a very good job encompassing what it means to be a geek/nerd.
• "The Truth About Dyno Girl" (Barry Lyga): I really like characters that have something they are insanely passionate about and know from a young age they want to pursue. I didn't really like the end though; I'd like to think that nerds/geeks are above revenge, even revenge for the greater good.
• "This is My Audition Monologue" (Sara Zarr): Theater geek alert! I found this story interesting, possibly because it sounded like what a teenage girl in Rachel's position would say. There are tangents and some exaggeration, really capturing the teenage voice. It also made me really appreciate my high school drama director. :)
• "The Stars at the Finish Line" (Wendy Mass): This one was my favorite because it was so dang cute and it involved astronomy. That is all.
• "It's Just a Jump to the Left" (Libba Bray): A story that goes into the apparent awesomeness that is Rocky Horror Picture Show, making me once again have the need to see it. I didn't particularly like the main character, Leta, and the plot was somewhat confusing because it consisted of so many separate, spaced out events, but I think that was the point.

On a scale...: from 1 to 10, even though I wouldn't give top marks to every individual story, Geektastic is a 10 overall.

Recommendation: If you are a geek/nerd, read it. Otherwise, it probably won't interest you.

I, Robot, by Isaac Asimov

If you are wondering why there are so many new posts in a row (you probably aren't, but I'll explain myself anyway) it's not because I just read a bunch of books in one day. My grandmother was visiting and I was determined to finish watching the entirety of HankGames by the end of July (I missed it by an hour) so I kind of stopped writing posts. Sorry!

Novel: I, Robot, by Isaac Asimov

Side note: This is really embarrassing, and I'm ashamed to admit it, but I accidentally thought Isaac Asimov  was Kurt Vonnegut. I was trying to tell my sister that I was reading a book by a guy that wrote a few of the short stories we had to read junior year and then I realized that they weren't the same person...

It's Like: I'm going to go with "nothing I've ever read before." As much as I say I love sci-fi, I have not actually read very much of it. Asimov is the king of sci-fi, or so I've been told, so I figured I should probably start with him. Also, I randomly saw I, Robot in the classics section of the library and decided to get it.

Summary: I, Robot is actually a collection of short stories as told by Dr. Susan Calvin to a reporter who wishes to know Calvin's background in robotics and robots in general. The overall story line is how robots start to integrate into society (this is supposedly in the 90s, making our lack of robots in the real world upsetting) and the transition from nannies and slaves to The Machines that basically run Earth.

Notes:

• I wish to read all of Asimov's writing after this. So intelligent and thoughtful and fascinating!
• My favorite story is probably the first one, "Robbie," because it's so adorable. It becomes the most important story after reading the entire book, though. In "Robbie," Gloria is very dependent on Robbie for her happiness because he is her only friend. This is a cute children's story, but it parallels the final story where humanity has become equally dependent on The Machines.
• Another way to view the story is that robots and humans will always rely on each other. Robbie does seem equally dependent on Gloria because his entire reason for existing is to be with her. The rest of the stories (minus the last one) are humans suppressing robots and robots fighting back. But in the end, when The Machines are so complex that no one knows how they work, there are still things that cannot be quantified by robots and only humans can accomplish. They still need each other.
• The Three Laws are brilliant. They are specific enough to keep the robots in line, but general enough that they can be twisted to suit the needs of each short story.
• I kind of feel like it's unnecessary to discuss the characters, because the stories aren't focused on the characters. They are focused on ideas and plot. I didn't really feel connected to any character but it worked well for this novel, which was a new experience for me.

On a scale...: from :) to :) :) :) :) :) , it was a resounding :) :) :) :) :) + 

Recommendation: It might be a little to sci-fi-y for some people; it's not exactly complicated, but it does take a little effort to get through the book and understand everything completely, especially in the last story. I think the majority of people will enjoy it though!

This is What Happy Looks Like, by Jennifer E. Smith

You are allowed to judge a book by its cover this one time.

Isn't it adorable? I only read it because of the cover. Just kidding! I've heard a lot of good things about it, as well as Jennifer E. Smith's book The Statistical Probability of Love, so I decided to read it.

Novel: This is What Happy Looks Like, by Jennifer E. Smith

It's Like: A modern, YA version of Once Upon A Marigold

Summary: This is going to sound like a lame summary, but This is What Happy Looks Like is about two teenagers, Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill, who accidentally start e-mailing each other, their meeting and the problems that come with attempting to start a relationship. Sounds cliche and straightforward, but it's not!

Notes:

• One thing that startled me was that the majority of the book does not take place with Graham and Ellie e-mailing. The entire book, minus a few pages, is about Graham and Ellie meeting and figuring out what to do once they meet. Most books with similar summaries are about the e-mail messages and how the messages shape each character individually. I really appreciated how This is What Happy Looks Like kept the idea but changed the execution.
• I found Jennifer E. Smith's writing similar to Sarah Dessen's. This might be because both This is What Happy Looks Like and The Moon and More are summer romance novels. I definitely liked Smith's writing more because she captured the teenage voice better than Dessen did.
• While we are on the topic of Dessen, I like Ellie so much more than Emaline (if you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my review for The Moon And More in June). They seem to have similar personalities, but I find the traits much more endearing in Ellie. Ellie is also level headed when it comes to romance and relationships, and that was something that Emmaline lacked.
• I appreciated how both Graham's and Ellie's perspectives were shown; it's not always something I like in a book, but it worked well in this one.

On a Scale...*: from 1 to 10, I'd give it a 9. Points deducted for plot tangents.

Recommendation: Yes, read it! It's more of a "chick book" I guess, or a longer-than-usual beach read, but definitely worthwhile. 

*Oh hey, yeah, this is new. I decided just now to do it. You're welcome. :)

Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

I have heard so many good things about Neil Gaiman, making me determined to read a few of his books. I picked this first because I found it at the library while looking for another book (not a great reason, but you know). It was in the YA section, though it seems more like a children's story. I think it is considered YA because it's creepy, though less creepy than I expected because people emphasized how creepy it was. Anyway...

Novel: Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

It's Like: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, if Narnia was an alternate world that was horrible.

Summary: Coraline's family has recently moved into an old house split into four flats; Miss Spink and Miss Forcible live on the first floor, Mr. Bobo lives in the attic with his mouse circus, and the fourth flat is empty. On a rainy day when Coraline cannot explore outside like she usually does, she finds a door in the parlor that opens to a brick wall. Later, though, when her parents aren't home, she opens the door and finds a hallway instead...

Notes:

• It has the feel of a children's chapter book, especially because it includes a picture at the beginning of each chapter, which reminds me of Roald Dahl books. This makes me question why it is considered a YA novel (or novella, but I'm going to stick with novel for this review). My initial thought was that it's because of the creepy aspect, but in reality it's not that scary. So this leads to questions like: "Is Coraline trying to say something about children's books?" , "Should children's novels be taken as seriously as YA and adult novels?", and "Am I thinking it too much about this?"
• The answer to the third question is probably "yes."
• The writing is very interesting because even though Coraline is in the voice of an eight-year-old, there is intelligence behind the voice. The author doesn't talk down to the reader, making me again question who the audience for this novel is supposed to be.
• Coraline is the only likable character in the book, but I think that is the point. It's the view of a child, so when the adults don't want to play with her or they act different from what is considered "normal," Coraline is not going to think too highly of them.
• The plot was odd but unique, which is something I think most authors strive for (being unique, not being odd, but I guess it's okay to be both). 

Recommendation: I'm going to say that it's a good book for anyone to read. I'm not sure if I should have read Coraline as my first Neil Gaiman novel because I don't know what his writing style for longer, more developed novels is like. His writing in Coraline worked well with the story, but I don't think it would suit many other stories. Which is why I need to read more of his work! So overall, read it, as long as you don't have an extremely low horror tolerance. It's quick and while not exactly fun, it's still enjoyable. :)

The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan

I decided to read Sea of Monsters in honor of the movie coming out on August 7, even though I know the movie will be just as bad as the movie for Lightning Thief. In order to read Sea of Monsters, of course I had to read Lightning Thief, because you obviously cannot read the second book by itself. I'll be reading the rest of the series soon! Just have a few more books to get out of the way first :)

Novel: The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan

It's Like: Basically what I said about Lightning Thief: Greek Myths taking form in a Harry Potter-esque way.

Summary: This summary probably will not make much sense without reading  The Lightning Thief, or at least a summary for The Lightning Thief, so fair warning.

Percy Jackson made it through almost the entire year of school without getting expelled, but of course, something goes wrong and he has to return to Camp Half Blood a little earlier than expected. When he gets there, he finds out that the tree that protects the camp was poisoned, no longer making camp a safe place for demigods. Percy, with his friend Annabeth and his half-brother Tyson sets out to find the Golden Fleece and save the camp, and at the same time figuring out where Grover is and if they can save him.

Notes:

• For one thing, and this is something that my sister (who is also rereading the books) noticed as well, Tyson is a lot shorter than I remember. He's 6 foot 3 inches, which is abnormally tall for a seventh grader, but I always pictured him as being Andre the Giant sized.
• Of course the plot is incredible with a brilliant twist ending.
• I love how the ancient Greek myths are weaved through this story, as well as in The Lightning Thief. You see Percy's story mirroring the stories of old, changed to suit the needs of the overall plot, but keeping the arc recognizable. It's a not-so-subtle way of showing Percy as hero material even when he has no idea what is going on. 
• I hate to say anything bad about this book, but Clarisse's only role seemed to be as a deus ex machina. She is used multiple times as a way to help Percy and his gang when they are stuck, but I suppose it's as good of a way to fix the problem as any other way.

Recommendation: Read Lightning Thief. Then read Sea of Monsters. Then watch the movie on August 7!