Something is wrong with me. Seriously. I've proven over and over that I'm a giant failure when it comes to reading challenges and yet, I can't resist them. Sometimes, even though I've already got mountains of books to read, I even sign up for them! It's a problem, I tell you. Case in point:

Bombs are no longer falling on Naples, but evidence of the war years can be seen all over the city. Especially at the Instituto di Gesu Bambino, where some of its youngest victims dwell. Under the watchful eyes of the nuns, the orphaned girls eat, sleep, play, worship and wish. They long for their long-lost parents, some dead, some neglectful, some simply away. Mostly, they want homes of their own, with closets full of dresses, pantries stuffed with food, and Mamminas to tuck them in at night. The couples who come to scrutinize the girls at the chiesa must surely be wealthy if they can take a child into their family when all of Italy seems to teeter on the brink of starvation.
All the girls at the Instituto try to use their best manners when prospective parents visit. Susanna is always on her best behavior, even though she knows no one will want her. Unlike her friend Pima, whose angel face and golden locks make her the prettiest girl at the orphanage, Susanna has skin the color of a cappucino and a riot of dark curls that refuse to be tamed. Who would want a mulatta like her when they could have a rosy-cheeked cherub like Pima? She dreams of the day the American soldier, the nero man who is her father, will return. But, it's only a foolish daydream. If he hasn't come back to her in ten years, why would he now?
When Susanna receives an unexpected visitor, she begins to hope again. Will she finally find the family she's always wanted? Will the attention she's getting drive a wedge between her and her best friend, Pima? Or is Susanna's good fortune enough to save them both?
Of all the books in Candlewick Press' catalog, it was Take Me With You by Carolyn Marsden that caught my eye. With a bi-racial protagonist, an Italian setting, and themes of adoption and racial identity, it seemed to be right up my alley. Based on the true experiences of the author's friend, this middle grade novel paints a realistic, but sympathetic portrait of the plights of children orphaned by the war. Although the book is short, only 160 pages, the characters and setting come to vivid life in Marsden's capable hands. The story is harsh in many ways, yet undeniably hopeful. Mostly, it's about friendship, family, and the eternal longing for home. This lovely little story will hit a nerve, then steal your heart. It's an affecting novel that's not to be missed.
(Readalikes: Hm, I don't know. Any ideas?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for vague references to prostitution
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Take Me With You from the generous folks at Candlewick Press. Thank you!

R.I.P (Readers Imbibing Peril) V (Sept. 1 - Oct. 31)

Even though it's still a million degrees outside here in Arizona, it is September. That means it's time for Carl's annual challenge celebrating all things frightful. I love R.I.P.

This year, I'm going with Peril the First, which involves reading four books that fit into the very broad categories outlined on Carl's blog. Although this list is subject to change (revised 9/17), I plan to read:

1. The Devouring by Simon Holt (paranormal/horror)

2. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (paranormal) (Review)

3. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson (dystopian) (Review)

4. Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill (historical/Salem witch trials) (Review)

That's the plan, anyway. We'll see how I do :)

The Contemps Challenge (now - August 15, 2011)

You know that crowd of YA authors with debut novels coming out in 2010-11? Not all those writing paranormal books, but the ones penning contemporary fiction. Well, here's a challenge celebrating them. The challenge involves committing to read at least 18 of the 21 novels the authors have published/will be publishing between now and August 2011. I'm going to list all of them and just read whichever I can get my hands on. Here they are (in order of publication):

THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger (Sept. 27, 2010) - review

Girl, Stolen by April Henry (Sept. 28, 2010) - review

Freefall by Mindy Scott (Oct. 5, 2010)

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney (Nov. 2, 2010)

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler (Dec. 15, 2010)

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers (Dec. 21, 2010)

Trapped by Michael Northrop (January 2011)

Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer (Feb. 15, 2011)

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt (March 1, 2011)

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard (March 8, 2011)

Family by Micol Ostow (April 26, 2011)

Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith (April 28, 2011)

Pearl by Jo Knowles (Spring 2011)

Saving June by Hannah Harrington (May 2011)

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder (June 2011)

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott (June 2011)

Small-Town Sinners by Melissa Walker (July 19, 2011)

The third book in the Carter series by Brent Crawford (Summer 2011)

Sharks & Boys by Kristin Tracey (Summer 2011)

Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman (August 2011)

Fun, huh? Click on the button above for more information or to join the challenge.

What new challenges are you signing up for?

Thirteen years ago today, my new husband and I were driving from Washington State back to Provo, Utah, where we both attended college at BYU. We were driving a luxurious Chrysler, the nicest car either one of us had ever been inside. A week earlier, we'd gotten up bright and early to pick up our rental car and head to Washington to get married. When the guy at the rental place learned that we were only 21, he explained that we were too young to rent the car we had reserved. Needless to say, we were a tiny bit frantic. When we told him that we were heading to Washington to get married, he not only changed our ages to 25 on the computer, but he upgraded us to a luxury vehicle. The good thing about driving all that way is that we did it in style! We were giddy about getting back to our crappy Provo apartment and starting our "real life" together. Thirteen years have gone by fast and they've been very, very happy. I'm grateful for a loving husband who supports his family, dotes on his kids, always puts my needs before his own, and does it all with kindness and good humor. I think I'll keep him around for a while :)