Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) By: Elizabeth May is.....  !  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Every Day 

Series: (Every Day #1)
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: US - Knopf Books for Young Readers, 322 Pages (August 28th, 2012) UK - Electric Monkey (Egmont Books), 372 Pages (September 2nd, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

About the author: 

David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.

Find David Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This might look like it's an easy week, but it's so not. I love both of these covers so much. They're different and both are so eye catching and would make me pick up the book and want to read it.

However, the US cover is a bit more intriguing. It really makes you wonder what the book is about. You can't look away, you can't not pick the book up and see what the back cover says. And WOW! Is it a great book or what? I know I loved it.

So, this week's vote from me goes to the US cover which is just too unique to pass up. Please cast your vote below for which cover is YOUR favorite!

Michelle Like Lisa, this week is a hard one for me. The UK cover is one that is very eye catching, the brightness of the cover with the added mystery of the text. The US one has a totally different effect on it, and going by cover alone I would be more likely to pick up the US one if they sat next to each other.

I love the whole effect of the US cover, the clouds, the floating people, it all just works so well together to make it a truly spectacular cover.

It's a US win for me this week, which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Every Day (Every Day #1) NOW!

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Bad Romeo is... the US COVER!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Mindwalker
Series: Mindwalker #1
Author: A.J. Steiger
Publisher: US - Knopf Books for Young Readers, 400 Pages, (June 9th, 2015), UK - Oneworld Publications, 400 Pages, (June 4th, 2015)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: At seventeen, Lain Fisher has already aced the Institute's elite training program for Mindwalkers, therapists who use a direct neural link to erase a patient's traumatic memories. A prodigy and the daughter of a renowned scientist-whose unexplained death left her alone in the world-Lain is driven by the need to save others.

When Steven, a troubled classmate, asks her to wipe a horrific childhood experience from his mind, Lain's superiors warn her to stay away. Steven's scars are too deep, they say; the risk too great. Yet the more time Lain spends with him, the more she begins to question everything about her society. As she defies the warnings and explores Steven's memories, it becomes clear that he's connected to something much bigger…something the Institute doesn't want the world to discover.

Lain never expected to be a rule breaker. She certainly didn't plan on falling in love with a boy she's been forbidden to help. But then, she never expected to stumble into a conspiracy that could ignite a revolution.

About the Author:

A. J. Steiger graduated from Columbia College in Chicago, where she majored in fiction writing. She has lived her whole life in the Chicago suburbs, though she enjoys regular visits to other galaxies and dimensions in her mind. She's a freelance writer and transcriptionist with an enthusiasm for anime and pancake houses. Mindwalker is her first book for young adults.

Find A.J. Online:

Twitter | Goodreads

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This is an easy week for me. Hands down the US cover wins for me this week! The cover is almost hauntingly beautiful. And the UK cover is just... flat. It doesn't speak to me in the ways that the US cover does. Feels not finished.

So, with an easy week for me and my choice of favorite cover - the US - which will YOU be voting for? Click on a cover below and share your thoughts today!

Michelle Both of these covers are unique in their own way, and could not be more different. I have read this book and I can vaguely see how the US cover is relevant to the story itself, and how the UK one doesn’t really relate to the book, so that is why my vote today is going to be more about cover apeal to me. For me, the book that appeals to me the most is the UK. I love how striking it is, but also the sparklyness of it, how the light reflects off the glitter just right, and how dramatic the eye is. It’s a UK vote for me this week. Don’t forget to leave you vote below and my review of the book can be found here.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Mindwalker by A.J. Steiger NOW!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: The Leveller (The Leveller #1)
Author: Julia Durango
Publisher: HarperCollins, 256 Pages (June 23rd, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Nixy Bauer is a self-made Leveller. Her job? Dragging kids out of virtual reality and back to their parents in the real world. It’s normally easy cash, but Nixy’s latest mission is fraught with real danger, intrigue, and romance.

Nixy Bauer is used to her classmates being very, very unhappy to see her. After all, she’s a bounty hunter in a virtual reality gaming world. Kids in the MEEP, as they call it, play entirely with their minds, while their bodies languish in a sleeplike state on the couch. Irritated parents, looking to wrench their kids back to reality, hire Nixy to jump into the game and retrieve them.

But when the game’s billionaire developer loses track of his own son in the MEEP, Nixy is in for the biggest challenge of her bounty-hunting career. Wyn Salvador isn’t some lazy kid looking to escape his homework: Wyn does not want to be found. And he’s left behind a suicide note. Nixy takes the job but quickly discovers that Wyn’s not hiding—he’s being held inside the game against his will. But who is holding him captive, and why?

Nixy and Wyn attempt to fight their way out of a mind game unlike any they’ve encountered, and the battle brings them closer than either could have imagined. But when the whole world is virtual, how can Nixy possibly know if her feelings are real?

Gamers and action fans of all types will dive straight into the MEEP, thanks to Julia Durango’s cinematic storytelling. A touch of romance adds some heart to Nixy’s vivid, multidimensional journey through Wyn’s tricked-out virtual city, and constant twists keep readers flying through to the breathtaking end.

Title: Mindwalker (Mindwalker #1)
Author: A.J. Steiger
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 400 Pages (June 9th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: At seventeen, Lain Fisher has already aced the Institute's elite training program for Mindwalkers, therapists who use a direct neural link to erase a patient's traumatic memories. A prodigy and the daughter of a renowned scientist-whose unexplained death left her alone in the world-Lain is driven by the need to save others.

When Steven, a troubled classmate, asks her to wipe a horrific childhood experience from his mind, Lain's superiors warn her to stay away. Steven's scars are too deep, they say; the risk too great. Yet the more time Lain spends with him, the more she begins to question everything about her society. As she defies the warnings and explores Steven's memories, it becomes clear that he's connected to something much bigger…something the Institute doesn't want the world to discover.

Lain never expected to be a rule breaker. She certainly didn't plan on falling in love with a boy she's been forbidden to help. But then, she never expected to stumble into a conspiracy that could ignite a revolution.

Title: The Edge of Forever
Author: Melissa E. Hurst
Publisher: Sky Pony Press, 256 Pages (June 2, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: In 2013: Sixteen-year-old Alora is having blackouts. Each time she wakes up in a different place with no idea of how she got there. The one thing she is certain of? Someone is following her.

In 2146: Seventeen-year-old Bridger is one of a small number of people born with the ability to travel to the past. While on a routine school time trip, he sees the last person he expected—his dead father. The strangest part is that, according to the Department of Temporal Affairs, his father was never assigned to be in that time. Bridger’s even more stunned when he learns that his by-the-book father was there to break the most important rule of time travel—to prevent someone’s murder.

And that someone is named Alora.

Determined to discover why his father wanted to help a “ghost,” Bridger illegally shifts to 2013 and, along with Alora, races to solve the mystery surrounding her past and her connection to his father before the DTA finds him. If he can stop Alora’s death without altering the timeline, maybe he can save his father too.

*covers are always subject to change.

Exciting giveaway for you all today!
Check out all the info and good luck to everyone who enters!

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 552 Pages (March 14th, 2006)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy of the book here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

Find Markus Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

DVD Available March 11th, 2014 from 20th Century Fox

Based on the beloved best-selling book comes this profoundly moving story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. Although Liesel (Sophie N‚lisse) is illiterate when she is adopted by a German couple (OSCARr Winner Geoffrey Rush* and Emily Watson**), her adoptive father encourages her to learn to read. Ultimately, the power of words helps Liesel and Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding in the family's home, escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

Order a copy of the DVD Online here:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Amazon UK

GIVEAWAY!!!

ONE winner will receive a DVD Blu-Ray copy and a Paperback copy of The Book Thief!!!

Rules and how to enter:

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.
Easy Entry for all! (Clicking this provides name and email which is the only requirement when entering. This is for the sole purpose of contacting the winner.)
You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. (so sorry!)
Giveaway ends: March 24th, 2014 (12:00AM EST)

***Note: The DVD and book will be coming from a third party. After the winner is contacted and responds I will have to forward your info over to them for shipping.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A HUGE thank you goes out to the third party company who is providing the DVD and book for this giveaway. 

Title: Now That You're Here
Author: Amy K. Nichols
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 304 Pages (December 9th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
No purchase links at the time of posting

Synopsis: Danny and Eevee are meant to be together . . . Just not in this universe.

Eevee Solomon has high school down to a science. Get the grades. Get the recommendations. Get into an Ivy League college, and eventually land a killer job at NASA.

Then Danny Ogden enters the equation.

Danny is a street-smart graffiti artist. He’s always managed to stay out of serious trouble, but this time he’s out of luck. One minute he’s running from the cops, and the next, he jolts awake in an unfamiliar body–his own, but different. Somehow, he’s crossed into a parallel universe. Now his friends are his enemies, his parents are long dead, and coolheaded Eevee is not the brazen girl he once kissed back home. Then again, this Eevee may be his only hope of getting home.

Eevee tells herself she’s only helping him in the name of quantum physics, but there’s something undeniably fascinating about this boy from another dimension . . . a boy who makes her question who she is, and who she might be in another place and time.

About the Author: 

Amy has been crafting stories for as long as she can remember. She earned a Master's in literature and worked for years as a web designer, though, before realizing what she really wanted to be was an author. Her first novel, YA sci-fi thriller Now That You're Here, will be published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on December 9, 2014. The follow-up, While You Were Gone, will be published in 2015. She is mentored by award-winning crime novelist James Sallis.

Amy is represented by Quinlan Lee of Adams Literary. She's an active member of SCBWI and SFWA, as well as a member of the Class of 2k14 debut authors.

Find Amy Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Class of 2k14

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Road Rash
Author: Mark Parsons
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 352 Pages (February 11th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: A teenage drummer finds out what life is really like on tour with a rock band in this funny, funky, bittersweet debut YA novel. For anyone who loved Almost Famous or This Is Spinal Tap.

After being dropped from one band, 17-year-old drummer Zach gets a chance to go on tour with a much better band. It feels like sweet redemption, but this is one rocky road trip. . . .

Zach's in control on the drums, driving the band, keeping things moving at the right pace. But when the show is over, his timing is all off. The jealousies and rivalries within his new group keep him off-balance. The awesome original song he recorded backfires. And the girl he left back home is suddenly talking about this other guy . . .

 Mark Parsons has written a fast-paced, feel-good novel about a boy finding his place in the world, in a band, and in the music. Zach is a character teens will stand up and cheer for as he lands the perfect gig, and the perfect girl.

Title: Song of the Fireflies
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Publisher: Forever, 464 Pages (February 4th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author J.A. Redmerski brings us a stunning and heart-wrenching new novel about a couple who find each other in their darkest moment. 

Since they were kids, Elias Kline and Brayelle Bates have been inseparable. When Bray moves to South Carolina, separating the two for the first time, they both at last realize that their innocent childhood friendship has developed into something much more. So when Bray finally returns to Georgia—and to Elias—things between them couldn’t be more perfect…until one fateful night changes everything.

Desperate not to go to prison for a terrible accident, Elias and Bray decide to run. As they try to make the most of their freedom, the two find themselves relying on a rebellious group of people who tempt the duo into a wild and daring new life. But they can’t run from their troubles forever.

As the consequences of their past catch up to them, the couple must finally face reality. Even if they can make it through the unimaginable, Elias knows the truth about Bray’s painful history, and in the end he may not be able to save Bray from herself…

New Adult Contemporary Romance - Standalone Novel

Title: House of Ivy & Sorrow
Author: Natalie Whipple
Publisher: HarperTeen, 352 Pages (April 15th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

Three exciting titles this week! I'm looking forward to reading each one. I think I'll just let them speak for themselves. What do you think of my picks this week?

*covers are always subject to change.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Love in the Time of Global Warming
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 240 Pages (August 27th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Penelope (Pen) has lost everything—her home, her parents, and her ten-year-old brother. Like a female Odysseus in search of home, she navigates a dark world full of strange creatures, gathers companions and loses them, finds love and loses it, and faces her mortal enemy.

In her signature style, Francesca Lia Block has created a world that is beautiful in its destruction and as frightening as it is lovely. At the helm is Pen, a strong heroine who holds hope and love in her hands and refuses to be defeated.

Title: The Waking Dark
Author: Robin Wasserman
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 464 Pages (September 10th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: They called it the killing day. Twelve people dead, all in the space of a few hours. Five murderers: neighbors, relatives, friends. All of them so normal. All of them seemingly harmless. All of them now dead by their own hand . . . except one. And that one has no answers to offer the shattered town. She doesn't even know why she killed—or whether she'll do it again.

Something is waking in the sleepy town of Oleander's, Kansas—something dark and hungry that lives in the flat earth and the open sky, in the vengeful hearts of upstanding citizens. As the town begins its descent into blood and madness, five survivors of the killing day are the only ones who can stop Oleander from destroying itself. Jule, the outsider at war with the world; West, the golden boy at war with himself; Daniel, desperate for a different life; Cass, who's not sure she deserves a life at all; and Ellie, who believes in sacrifice, fate, and in evil. Ellie, who always goes too far. They have nothing in common. They have nothing left to lose. And they have no way out. Which means they have no choice but to stand and fight, to face the darkness in their town—and in themselves.

Both of these books have great covers! I can't wait for both of these. The first book listed sounds like an emotional read for heroine Pen. And then the second book sounds dark and twisty and I happen to love dark and twisty. I can't wait for both! What do you guys think?

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: The Tragedy Paper
Author: Elizabeth LaBan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 312 Pages (January 8th, 2013)
From: The Publisher via Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Tim Macbeth, a seventeen-year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School, where the motto is “Enter here to be and find a friend.” A friend is the last thing Tim expects or wants—he just hopes to get through his senior year unnoticed. Yet, despite his efforts to blend into the background, he finds himself falling for the quintessential “It” girl, Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of Irving’s most popular boy. To Tim's surprise, Vanessa is into him, too, but she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone ever finds out. Tim and Vanessa begin a clandestine romance, but looming over them is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior year thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher.

Jumping between viewpoints of the love-struck Tim and Duncan, a current senior about to uncover the truth of Tim and Vanessa, The Tragedy Paper is a compelling tale of forbidden love and the lengths people will go to keep their.

Review: 5 Stars - The Tragedy Paper By: Elizabeth LaBan is without a doubt, simply brilliant. LaBan gives readers two stories in one and delves deep into the affects people have on each another and so much more in this emotional and utterly compelling contemporary novel.

For me, The Tragedy Paper was an instant must read. I knew from the first time reading the synopsis that there was something special about this book. I’m sure you know the feeling I’m talking about. Sometimes that feeling is right and sometimes it’s wrong, but this time it was spot on… and then some.
The story, writing and characters are beyond the words I’ll be able to express here in this review. It’s just so much bigger than my feeble review.

The story is told in two different points of view between high school senior Duncan and recent high school graduate Tim. Duncan starts school finding out he’s been left a “treasure”, a school tradition where the previous tenant to your room leaves you a gift.

The room and the “treasure” are what Duncan’s feared the most and when he sees what Tim a senior from the previous year has left him he’s not jumping up and down with excitement. The “treasure” is where we hear Tim’s story. Told to us in recorded messages Tim has left for Duncan. Its Tim’s revelations and explanation of his life we learn about throughout the book that help Duncan grow. See, Tim is different. He’s albino and wants nothing more but to be invisible or at least for people to not see him for what he looks like on the outside. He just wants to live a normal life and do normal things. It’s through these tapes that we learn his thoughts, dreams and the events that will change him and those involved and around him the most.

Both Tim and Duncan are different people with two vastly different lives. However some things are the same and we see pieces of their two worlds colliding to bring out even more of how similar they truly are.

Vanessa is a side character that we never get a chance to meet first hand but we learn all about through Tim’s eyes. I liked her and hated her too. She needed to grow a back bone yet; LaBan did it again with writing a true high school character that’s afraid. All the characters are afraid in their own ways which is another reason to love this book. Seriously people LaBan take teens and their emotions to a whole new level of realistic and I commend her on this.

Laban has written an utterly captivating book that’s filled with beauty from the writing and the characters. There’s a touch of romance in the story, and yet it’s not the main focus and I didn't mind that at all once you get into the meat of what this novel is actual about. There’s a mysterious element to the book as well. Never truly knowing what’s happened to the characters.

All in all this was incredible and that doesn't even cover it. I loved it more than I can even express. It’s one of the best books I've read this year and I’m still thinking about it weeks after reading. This story has taken its hold and refuses to let go and trust me, I don’t even mind one bit. With that being said, I’m sure that I didn't even come close to expressing how amazing this book is. Seriously – fans of contemporary novels should look no further than this for their next book. And those of you who aren't as much of a contemporary fan should give this title a try, it will be the novel to change your mind. Promise! Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 336 Pages (August 28th, 2012)
From: the Publisher, via Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan, bestselling co-author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

Review: 5 Stars - Every Day by author David Levithan has easily found a place in my heart. It’s a title that many people have had expectations for and for me it soared right over those thoughts and on into something so much higher than greatness. This book did that for me. It’s thought provoking and emotional on every level.

Bear with me on this review guys, because this is one of those books that finding the words to express the greatness it holds might prove difficult. I mean, how do you even find the right words to stand up to such a wonderfully written story with such strong messages?

Every morning “A” wakes up in the body of a different person. “A” is a person through and through, just with a different outward appearance every day. One day a girl, one day a boy, one day a boy who’s over weight another a girl who’s going through some MAJOR issue. And each day “A” makes it through, finding out how to survive the day and make the least trouble for the person “A” is inhibiting.

The message of love and looking past gender, race and outside appearances is done in such a beautiful and crystal clear way that there was no chance that I wouldn’t be utterly captivated by “A’s” story and thoughts. So many people will find things that they can relate to. Levithan has taken such great care to make sure that many different types of people are represented in the story. From beginning to end the message is clear and never weavers or deviates.

Without a doubt this is a must read title that I without a doubt highly recommend. “A” has left a mark on me, which I’m thankful for. It’s not often that I find a story that has affected me such as this one has. I look forward to rereading this title and talking about this book for a long time to come. Everyone who’s yet to read this book, you won’t be sorry. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Every You, Every Me
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 235 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
From: The Publisher & Amazon Vine

Synopsis: In this high school-set psychological tale, a tormented teen named Evan starts to discover a series of unnerving photographs—some of which feature him. Someone is stalking him . . . messing with him . . . threatening him. Worse, ever since his best friend Ariel has been gone, he's been unable to sleep, spending night after night torturing himself for his role in her absence. And as crazy as it sounds, Evan's starting to believe it's Ariel that's behind all of this, punishing him. But the more Evan starts to unravel the mystery, the more his paranoia and insomnia amplify, and the more he starts to unravel himself. Creatively told with black-and-white photos interspersed between the text so the reader can see the photos that are so unnerving to Evan, Every You, Every Me is a one-of-a-kind departure from a one-of-a-kind author.

Review: 3 Stars - You, Every Me By: David Levithan was intriguing from the first time I heard about it. Somewhat of a Young Adult picture book, the story is told with words and photos. The Collaborative work between author and photographer added a whole new layer of depth to an already mysterious story.

The main characters in this title – Evan and Ariel are best friends. However, the book is written solely from Evan’s perspective. The way it’s written you really question if what you are reading is Evan’s truth or if there’s more to these troubled teens. Ariel is more of a ghost in this one, a ghost in the sense that she’s a key ingredient to the story, but you never really get to know exactly who she is. I mean we do learn a bit more as you read on about the characters and about Ariel, but I felt I was always trying to grasp for just a bit more.

I never really connected with the characters, however in the end I knew I was reading and enjoying the story for the mystery, to find out what the heck was really going on and the pictures because I wanted to find out more of their meaning and to see more of how they would further impact the story. The two twisted and blended together extremely well.

While I loved the mystery of the book surrounding all the characters, it was somewhat hard and distracting to read with so much of the text having a strike through it. However, it’s through this text that you almost get another character. As mentioned above, It’s all part of Evan’s thoughts which make you wonder just how much of what he says and doesn’t say is truth, or at least more his truth.

All in all, I did enjoy this one, just wasn’t what I was expecting, which can for the most part be a good thing. Maybe it was me, but I just didn’t love it. The mystery kept me reading, as did the photos. The characters I never really connected with, but I did want to find out what would happen next with them, which really is what counts. Do I recommend this title? I do, for the mystery and pictures and because it’s something new and different. I know many will enjoy it, Happy reading.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.