Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Wake by Lisa McMann

#1 Wake Series
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio  4disks
Challenges: New Author challenge, 1st in a series, Young Adult,  Audio
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
Janie is a 17 year old highschool student.  You might think she's a normal teen, except for a couple of things.  She lives on the "wrong" side of the tracks, her mother's an alcoholic, and, oh yeah, she is somehow sucked into other people's dreams.    It's been like this for a long time and in the past she's been able to deal with it but it's happening more often and she's witnessing some nightmares.

Janie believes she needs to find a way to pull out of the dreams and deal with this ability, before more people notice.  As it is, one guy has already noticed. Cabe lives close to Janie and he soon realizes something is different about her.  They are attracted to each other but it's unclear if Janie's ability will cause issues between them.  Especially when she is sucked into one of his nightmares.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a really fun and good story.  I was interested to see what would happen between Janie and Cabe.  I felt frustrated sometimes because I wanted Janie to see that things weren't what she thought, but I guess that's part of the story.  She is a highschool student after all and new to relationships, so she's not going to see everything that we would, as the reader (or possibly as being older and much, much wiser. haha).

I thought the whole idea of her being sucked into the dreams is rather interesting.  I liked how the story left off, but won't say more because I don't want to ruin it if you plan to read it.

I'll definitely continue with this series, so far there are 3 books.  In fact, I was playing around with downloading audio books from the library and tested it with the 2nd in this series, so I'm already listening to it.  

Audio Review: 
Ellen Grafton is the narrator for this book and I think she does an excellent job.  I think she gets Janie's tone correct and also changes her voice a bit for the different characters.  I enjoyed listening to this one on audio and will continue with the series this way since I don't actually own the books.

11 comments:

Ladytink_534 said...

I've heard such good things about this series but I haven't had a chance to try them yet. I'm glad you enjoyed them too!

Unknown said...

So how did I miss this blog? lol I love it! Your reviews are great ... tells enough without telling too much ... and makes me want to read the books. In truth, the minute I see something for young adult readers, I typically move on but your review makes me think I've been missing out.

BTW ... I was reading through your 2011 book challenges and noticed that you're in one about new authors. Have you read anything by Kathryn Magendie? She's a fabulous author. Here's her site if you're interested:

http://www.kathrynmagendie.com/

I'll be using the last of your recommended challenges on Reduce Footprints tomorrow. Hope to "see" you then!

bermudaonion said...

This sounds like a fun, unique story!

Unknown said...

Ladytink - I bet you will like the series, I like that they seem to be quick reads too. Heck, if they are only 4 disks they have to be somewhat small in book form.

Marce said...

I LOVED this trilogy, I love stand alones and wish it was just 1 fat book :-)

Enjoy

Unknown said...

Small Footprints - Thanks for the kind words! I've only linked up my other blog to your posts, since that one deals more with being green, etc. I try to keep this one mostly too books (as I'm sure you noticed. lol).
I have to admit that I didn't always read a lot of YA's but the last several years I have. I think YA's have come a long way and a lot are written in such a way that adults enjoy them too. Some are still too silly for me sometimes, but others are just awesome. John Green is one I would recommend to somebody who doesn't usually read YA. Thanks for the author suggestion! I looked at her blog and her book Sweetie has my interest, so I added it to my wish list at Amazon so I would remember. haha

Unknown said...

Bermudaonion - You describe it perfectly! I'm almost finished with the 2nd book in the trilogy and enjoying it just as much.

Unknown said...

Marce - glad to see you enjoyed this one! I agree..they seem to be short enough that it could have been one book, but then the publisher and author wouldn't make as much money. lol

Veggiemomof2 said...

I had to go check my blog to see if you found this book from me reading it. It was a really good book & the others are too.

I just read Paper Towns by John Green for the Edgar Awards Challenge. I liked him & am still trying to get my hands on Looking for Alaska.

Unknown said...

Veggie - I can't remember where I've read reviews! lol! I know I did read some online and also talked to some in a reading group who liked it.

Glad you enjoyed Paper Towns. I haven't read that one yet either but I'm sure I will. I'll have to read your review.

Cristina (Rochester Reader) said...

Hi Kris! It's so nice to visit your blog again. I just wanted to let you know that I have started blogging again and would love it if you could visit when you have a chance.
I am also hosting a book giveaway as from tomorrow so please do join in if you fancy.
http://rochester-reader.blogspot.com/