Sunday, February 6, 2011

Hey!

We haven’t been around for awhile but in the year that we haven’t been book reviewing, we’ve missed it. We’ve missed talking about books with each other (the older one goes to university in another city now). We’ve missed talking about books with others who love books as much as us. So, we’re hoping to restart our blog. But...


At another location, brokenbookcases.blogspot.com


We’re tired of the rabbit nicknames. :)


We’d be deeply honoured if anyone’s still around and wanting to read us.


-The Former Reader Rabbits.


Sunday, January 31, 2010

And the winner is...



The Book Vixen



PS. Finals/midterms are over now. Which means, you can expect a lot more reviews from us.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

2010 Books

So, it's the 10th day of 2010, and we haven't really been keeping up with our New Year's Resolution of three posts a week. But we've been trying. It's midterm/final time where we live and so we've been busy.

But not so busy that we can't covet some books.

I'm really excited for 2010 because my two favourite authors, Markus Zusak and Megan Whalen Turner are both releasing books.

Markus Zusak's novel, Bridge of Clay, is going to be released on September 2nd.

And, Megan Whalen Turner's latest book, A Conspiracy of Kings, is being released in March.

Other books that I'm looking forward to are:
The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan
The third book of the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Line by Teri Hall
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
and
The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting


What books are you guys looking forward to?

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin


When I started this book, I had no idea what it was about. I just picked it up because it was short. (Don't judge me).

But, by page 32, I decided that the main character, Sophie Blue was my hero.

By page 83, I wanted to throw the book across the room.

Fade to Blue does not adhere to ordinary conventions of literature. Things that were true, or rather seemed true on one page are proved wrong (but only maybe) on the next. The characters are all caricatures, all distinct yet unbelievable. The plot had so many twists that this reader still isn't entirely sure what happened.

Here at Reader Rabbit: A Book Site, we have varying review standards. But, normally, we at least attempt to maintain a standard format by providing our readers with a summary of the novel. With this book, I feel like a summary would ruin the book for you. Instead let's just say that the novel includes a kickass Goth heroine, much sarcasm, a stalking, yes, stalking Popsicle Truck, and zombies. And, then there's a bizarre incident concerning the afterlife. Yes, there is much variety in this book and I say that with the best intentions possible.

The main drawback of the novel is that the plot does not make a whole lot of sense. (Which, admittedly sounds like a bit of an issue. )But all the weirdness and constant twists are made readable because Sean Beaudoin is able to take the reader into a well, virtual reality of his own. Weirdness and just plain bizarreness abounds but it's all acceptable partly because life can be weird and partly because the book is so aware (and mocking) of the utter absurdity. Just when you think you've finally figured out what's going on, something else strange happens, throwing you completely off track. The strangeness is made acceptable because it's funny. Sean Beaudoin's metaphors are particularly unique and funny. Another aspect of the novel that makes it endearing is the main character Sophie Blue. She's alternately sarcastic, confused, (possibly) out of her mind but always entertaining. Fade to Blue is unique. Having read so many YA books, it's always a surprise to read a book that so completely surprises and awes me. This also makes it completely unforgettable, and I can only hope to read more from this author.

The blurb on the back of the ARC says that Fade to Blue will keep "readers guessing until the last paragraph." That's a complete lie. Fade to Blue is the kind of novel which keeps readers guessing (and wanting to) long after the last paragraph.


Happy Reading,
RR1 + RR2

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year's AND contest

Happy New Years everyone!
As you've probably noticed, we haven't been posting much lately. Or really, posting at all. So, this year, as one of our resolutions, we plan to post more often. To make this an even more epic resolution, we plan to post approximately 3 times a week!

So anyways, to mark this new year, we're going to have a giveaway! Sooo, up for giveaway are:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
The Rule of Won by Stefan Petrucha

To enter:
Leave a comment for +1
For each place that you link the contest l +1 (be sure to leave a link in your comment)


Contest Ends: January 31, 2010

ETA: Sorry, guys, the contest is going to have to be limited to American and Canadian residents only. We'd love to send internationally but shipping rates here are insane and we just can't afford it.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Writing Tips

This is old news, I know, but for anyone doing Nanowrimo, you should check out the writing advice being given out at Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld's blogs. Two excellent posts that I've read is Stealing from Chandler (in which Scott Westerfeld endorses the four-hour rule) and Breaking with Stereotypes.


Sunday, November 22, 2009

Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt


(We're back! And, with regular reviews, I promise.)


The accidental murder of Henry's brother shocks the town of Blythbury-by-the-Sea, especially as it was done by one of them. Chay Chouan is the accused murderer-and a Cambodian immigrant. As the already barely manageable racial tensions elevate, Henry finds himself caught between conflicting ideas. So, he decides to climb Mt. Katahdin , as he had planned with his brother before his death, hoping that it will solve his confusion. But, he's planning on going up alone. Fortunately for him, his best friend, Sanborn and the recently-adopted stray, Black Dog (in case you're wondering, yes, it's a dog, and yes, it's black-originality, right?) come along with him. What he hadn't bargained for is the company of the very same man who seems to have caused all the trouble-Chay Chouan.


Trouble is a beautiful book-in writing, in story and in characters. Gary D. Schmidt wove a truly seamless tale of growing up, and with so much skill that it all seemed effortless. The story, itself, is realistic and unsentimental yet completely captivating. Although the book covers the serious issues such as racism and loss-and does so with originality and depth- it also possesses a huge amount of humour. There were many, many moments when this book had me laughing out loud especially at the interactions between Henry and his best friend, which seemed so true of all good friendships. Schmidt easily juggles the multiple plots and characters. And, despite the complexity of the story, the characters never lose out, each of them seeming fully real. Henry's growth throughout the book, in particular, was very believable. As the story proceeds, Henry is not only forced to deal with the death of his brother but also confront the idealized image he had of him.



This was my second time rereading Trouble and yet, it remains one of the most satisfying books I have ever read.