The Taking

ISBN: 978-0062293602
April 29, 2014
Amazon Link

I am a huge fan of Kimberly Derting. I have read most of her work and really enjoy her writing style. When I read the synopsis for The Taking, I knew I had to read it. The Synopsis sounded similar to the ABC show Resurrection; I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) around the premiere of the show.

First chapter of The Taking begins with Kyra winning a high school softball game and ends with her passing out to bright lights. Five years have passed but Kyra Agnew hasn’t aged and all she remembers is the bright lights. She wakes up behind a dumpster at a Gas 'n' Sip and discovers her parents divorced from the pain of her absence. Her strict dad now has a drinking problem and is persistent on finding out what had happened to her that night. To make matters worse, her boyfriend now 22 years old is dating her best friend. Who would have guessed his little brother Tyler, resembles him so much? And who knew how much he cared about her?

The Taking is the first book in a new trilogy. More questions are asked than given and the action doesn't start until the second half of the book. The first half reveals Kyra’s emotions and growing feelings for Tyler. I was hoping for more Alien encounters and sci-fi adventure so I look forward to reading the second book. I would recommend this book to romance and alien lovers. Alienated by Melissa landers, Gravity by Melissa West, and Tin Star by Cecil Castelluci are recommended for fans who enjoyed The Taking.

Have you read The Taking? Are you familiar with Kimberly Derting’s work? Let me know in the comments. Also, take a look around to answer polls, sign up for bimonthly e-newsletters with your email, and follow me on Google Hangout under Mimi Zane and Twitter @MiaSwartz1 #mandemread. I plan to post about every two weeks, be sure to stop by.

 Published by M

First YA Review: Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

ISBN: 978-0316217491
December 24, 2013
Amazon Link

 Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando for a college feel.

Overall Roomies was an enjoyably fast, YA chick lit read. The story begins with Elizabeth from New Jersey receiving an email about her roommate situation for her upcoming year at The University of California, Berkeley. Elizabeth reaches out to her roommate Lauren from San Francisco via email and conversations filled with secrets, gossip, and cat-fights begin to stir creating an unlikely friendship within the sixty five days of summer.

Five years ago I was placed in Lauren and Elizabeth’s shoes. I saw both myself and my roommate represented in Lauren and Elizabeth. However, I couldn't depict one character as myself or my roommate because we both shared characteristics from both main characters. But I found that I relate more to Lauren then I did with Elizabeth. My roommate moved from Florida to Ohio as I lived in Ohio several hours away from the University. I found Elizabeth’s perspective more engrossing due to her secrets. The emotions which unravel throughout the book are easy to relate to.

I would recommend this book to incoming college freshman and for post graduates who in general miss their roommate and college life. This is intended more for a mature audience, themes along the lines of sex and homosexuality are mentioned throughout.

I had the opportunity to meet Sara Zarr last year in New York. 

Have you read Roomies? Comment and let me know what you think!

Published by M