Sparkle Project #6 - "Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater

[ceilidh_ann]

How about a little werewolf action?

This came second in the poll after City of Bones (thanks for reading that review. It was interesting to hear from people who also liked the book. Feel free to disagree with me and tear my argument apart by the way!) and with the hype this book is getting on top of that gorgeous cover I couldn't help but be

Comments

[love_jackianto]

Great review!

' On top of this there’s a movie deal in the works for the book but I cannot understand the appeal of this book beyond its appeal for Twilight fans looking for more of the same.'
I think you just answered your own question. Never underestimate Twilight fans making a bad book a huge success.

[ceilidh_ann]

This book took much longer to read than it should have. It hurt.

Since I had to do some Amazon purchasing for this project, I keep getting recommended other Twilight-esque books and most of their blurbs sound far too similar. Did variety die?

[love_jackianto]

'This book took much longer to read than it should have. It hurt.'
I can see why, but just think about how good it feels when you're done with the book.

'Did variety die?'
Sadly, considering all the tv shows that are remakes or spin offs (even Criminal Minds is getting a spin off next season) or popular books they turned into tv shows, and all the movies that are remakes or sequels or even tri-quels or once again books turned into movies, I'd have to say in general yes.

[ceilidh_ann]

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I must admit the cover pulled me in too, it's very pretty. There's a moral in that story somewhere.

I honestly can't understand the appeal of these sorts of relationships. Even if it's all part of some self insert fantasy, why would 21st century women want to imagine themselves in damsel roles where they did nothing but let a man control their life? *shakes head*

[ceilidh_ann]

I decided not to draw a picture to go with that metaphor like I did with the last review. I hadn't eaten my lunch yet.

Thanks for reading.

[suitetwentytwo]

I was afraid of this. And it has such beautiful covers too. Well, the next book in your review series seems promising at least.

[ceilidh_ann]

The next book is actually not bad. It's got many faults but the premise is gripping enough to keep you reading. Plus I can't disagree with more zombies.

[gehayi]

God, now I want to expand on femgenficathon and create a comm for writers who are actually interested in writing YA stories where the plot is NOT against the audience, the heroine is pro-active, interesting and awesome, and stalking and sexual obsession are NOT portrayed as love. Because oh my God, the outdated and misogynist crap passing as acceptable storytelling these days has GOT to go.

Why the fuck are people BUYING this shit? Why? I remember what I was like at fifteen, and I would have hurled such books out the window.

[ceilidh_ann]

Sounds like a community I'd join! I'm over 14000 words into my YA novel and hopefully it's more feminist friendly - the heroine is a princess but she's stubborn, hard working, kickarse and very gay, and the love interest is the baddie! She also has a fairy godfather called Steve.

I can't believe that this crap is not only still being written in 2010, but for a teenage audience and it's bestselling material! Then again, these are the same people who think Wuthering Heights and Romeo & Juliet are romances so maybe all hope is lost.

[gehayi]

A kickass gay princess whose love interest is the villain? Damn, I'd read that in a heartbeat!

I'm beginning to wonder if the crap is selling because there's little to nothing else for teenagers to buy.

I'm tempted to toss a class discussing R & J into a novel just so that I could do this or this. Because it's not a love story. It's a tale of two morons.

I'd also want to include this rhyme by Ogden Nash:

THE ROMANTIC AGE

This one is entering her teens,
Ripe for sentimental scenes,
Has picked a gangling unripe male,
Sees herself in bridal veil,
Presses lips and tosses head,
Declares she's not too young to wed,
Informs you pertly you forget
Romeo and Juliet.

Do not argue, do not shout;
Remind her how that one turned out.

[ceilidh_ann]

Hehe, thanks. I am really enjoying writing it but having teething troubles. I've only ever written short crappy stories and fanfic before, never a full novel.

There are some fantastic books out there for teens that just don't get the same level of mainstream attention. I'm also annoyed that every novel, especially the paranormal ones, feel the need to have this Team ____ crapola, like Team Edward and Jacob, or even ones where it isn't about the romantic element, like the Hunger Games (which I haven't read but I understand they have a similar thing going on). How about Team Heroine who can stand up for herself? If you do start up that community, I'd definitely join.

Ugh, I like Romeo and Juliet but it's not a romance, it's about 2 stupid horny teenagers and the futility of fighting. I'm studying Shakespeare for my honours in September so I'm re-reading a bunch of the plays.

*saves rhyme*