What's Left of Me (Kat Zhang)

****

         In an alternate reality, babies are born with two souls inside of them.  As children, the two identities take turns controlling their body.  Eventually, they "settle" - the dominant soul takes control of the body, while the other one fades away.
         Eva and Addie have spent the past three years pretending that they have settled.  It's not too hard; Eva has lost control of their body, so Addie's act is very convincing.  But Eva is still there, and she can't help but wish that she had some power over their life.  When a classmate offers a way for Eva to move again, the girls take it, even though it means risking discovery in a society where hybrid souls are seen as a threat.  

         I really enjoyed this book!  The concept was super cool and seemed fresh in the world of dystopian future.  Addie and Eva were interesting, well developed characters.  I especially liked Eva for her strength despite her limitations, and for her strong desire to experience the world in a way she hadn't been able to do since she was little.  Can't wait for the sequel!

Rating: 4/5

Completed: July 22, 2013

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky)

***

         High school freshman Charlie is shy and socially awkward, trying to find his place in a world of people nothing like him.  He ends up settling into a group of older students.  Loyal friends Patrick, Sam, and Mary Elizabeth help Charlie navigate his first drink, kiss, and Rocky Horror Picture Show - and help him figure out who he is and what's important to him.

         This book has gotten rave reviews from a lot of people.  A lot of people.  I really felt like I should have loved it, but I didn't.  That's not to say I didn't like it - it was an interesting story.  However, I didn't feel like Charlie's voice resonated with me.  It was a little childish and seemed unrealistic at times.  People talk about this book as really capturing the teenage experience, but Charlie's not an average teenager, and that definitely comes across in what he says and does.  On the other hand, he does capture that overarching feeling of not fitting in.  Charlie has a strong voice (regardless of my personal feelings about it).  I'm glad I read this book both because it was an interesting story and because now I know what everybody is talking about when The Perks of Being a Wallflower is mentioned.

Rating: 3/5
Completed: July 13, 2013