Congratulations, Beth Revis, Bookanista and newest New York Times Bestseller!!! ACROSS THE UNIVERSE debuts at NUMBER SEVEN!!!!
Read more about the wonder that is Beth and Across the Universe at Lisa and Laura's blog.
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Second order of Bookanista business:
WELCOME, Carrie Harris!! Our newest Bookanista! Glad to have you on board!
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Second order of Bookanista business:
WELCOME, Carrie Harris!! Our newest Bookanista! Glad to have you on board!
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Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are recommending today!

Katie Anderson raves about THE LIAR SOCIETY
Christine Fonseca applauds Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS with Signed Book Giveaway
Carrie Harris celebrates THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE
Jen Hayley lauds DELIRIUM
Shelli Johannes-Wells is IN LOVE WITH HARLEQUIN
Elana Johnson recommends Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS with Giveaway
Jessi Kirby admires MATCHED
Myra McEntire gives some cover love for THE LIAR SOCIETY
Shannon Messenger commends THE LIAR SOCIETY with an ARC Giveaway
Megan Miranda gives some love to ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Lisa and Laura Roecker happy dance for Beth Revis
Shana Silver cheers for HERE LIES BRIDGET
Scott Tracey acclaims DIVERGENT
Bethany Wiggins praises Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS
Now, my review of
XVI by Julia Karr

Goodreads summary: Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.
My Review
I don't think a review of XVI would be complete without at least addressing the cover--because it's so freaking fantastic. A little startling, almost disturbing in the way that girl, smeared mascara, peers into you through her age. Like her age is the slim wall between you--which is perfect because it represents so much of what this book deals with.
Sixteen. The age in this dystopian world when you become an adult--when you are legal to have sex, and if you aren't fully protected by cunning, planning, and economic status, also an age when you're likely to be preyed upon. Karr's world in XVI is futuristic, to be sure, with hovering trannies and PAVs, but it's not like Back to the Future, you know? It's gritty and pretty realistic, a distinct possibility given the right chain of events--wars, coups, rise to power, greed and corruption--perhaps even feminism gone awry, as the centralized government gets a hold of the movement, and with complete control of the media, convinces people that they are making the world a better place (such as for young girls, keeping them safe until they are sixteen). Except nothing is what it seems. Economic striations are blatant and government endorsed. And girls are brainwashed into feeling like they have power through sex, while in reality, they have very little volition. But I don't think this is necessarily an idea confined to Karr's futuristic world, as it seems to apply quite aptly to our own (think of every ad you've ever seen featuring some woman in skimpy clothes getting a man to do her bidding). Sex sells no matter what time you live in, but in 2149, the cost is free will. And Nina resists this brainwashing with all her might.
But there's also a great mystery in XVI as Nina and her friends try to solve the riddle of her mother's final words, all while trying to protect her little sister who's being threatened. Yet every step of the way, Nina finds herself falling for the mysterious Sal, undermining the walls of antipathy she'd put up against the government's manipulative pimping of sex. Because suddenly, she wants to do it. Suddenly there is no black and white. Oh, but if that isn't the bane of adolescence...except Nina has to deal with a fundamental rite of passage in a dark world with so much loss in her life. Yet it's not all gloom and doom. Karr does a great job adding moments of lightness and mirth, alleviating the tension for Nina and for the reader.
XVI is a thought-provoking, but entertaining read that tackles real issues pertinent to today's world and to contemporary teens: a dystopian, a mystery, and a love-story wrapped up into one.
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Thank You! XVI Giveaway ends January 27, 2011. Open Internationally!
I have entered the giveaway but I hope it is open to worldwide entries.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Carol T
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this giveaway! I really want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for this one! I love a book with a mystery or riddle that keeps the plot moving. I'm finishing Sapphique and I need a new awesome book :) Thanks so much, Carol!
ReplyDeleteMarissa
p.s. I tweeted prior to including your Twitter handle with the tweet. So sorry! @4kidlit
This is a great giveaway Thanks so much hun!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! :D What a nice review. I'm really looking forward to reading this one, as a lover of dystopia myself.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway--I really am wanting this one :-) I tweeted it which automatically goes to my facebook page. Thanks for the spotlight
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo for the giveaway and the review! The cover is definitely FANTASTIC. Can't wait to read this one...so little time, so MANY good books.
ReplyDeleteAND congrats to Beth on making the NYT bestseller list!!!
I've heard such great things about this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteCarol, I'm not entering this tantalising giveaway for reasons you already know. (Damn my code of ethics!!!) But I wanted to add that this is the best review of XVI that I have read since the book started getting promoted, and it is you who really makes me want to read it now. Thanks!
+JMJ+
ReplyDeletePS--But I'm still going to promote it on my sidebar because your contests are awesome and you deserve more followers! ;-)
I seriously can not wait to get my hands on this one!
ReplyDeleteSuperfly review, C! I am most excited to read about a futuristic Chicago!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, that cover is freaking incredible. Very compelling.
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent review, Carol. Well done.
Love always,
Lola
I've been wanting to read this one. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the giveaway! :D
ReplyDeleteI just finished this book, and it is MADE OF AWESOME. So glad you featured it today!
ReplyDeleteI know of Julia from The League, and I just have to say:
ReplyDeleteCould you people please stop writing all these incredibly exciting books? I'm going to end up broke and jobless because of all the reading and book buying, that I CANNOT, NOT do.
Cool video. I hadn't seen it before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great contest, Carol!
Oh man. I had never heard of this book before now.
ReplyDeleteYou have made my day that much better :D
This sounds like such a good book. I just put it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteFabulous giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this book. The premise sounds intriguing
Oh, what a great review! I've been DYING to read this book!
ReplyDeletebtw, I'll tweet and facebook link this contest when I get home. ;D
http://agypsywriter.blogspot.com/
This one is in my TBR pile and I need to get to it now!
ReplyDeleteJasmine
The Reading Housewives
The premise of this book sounds so interesting. I'm looking forward to reading it. And yes, the cover is amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteLisa ~ YA Literature Lover
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOh, I've been wanting to read this ever since Elana Johnson did an author spot on her blog. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletethank you!:)
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my list to order. I'd love a signed copy! YAY! Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteYour reviews are so fabulous. I pretty much want to read WHATEVER you review. *sigh* So many great books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway, I'd love to check out this book :)
ReplyDeleteXVI is a great read. Great contest, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover too. It's what first drew me to the book and then seeing it was dystopia made me put it on my wish-list. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThis books looks great. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review...I love the cover. Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book! Thank you for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteOhhh I have wanted this one for awhile! I cannot wait.
ReplyDeleteTHank you. Great post also.
Debbie, I didn't find a blog or email for you. Just wanted to respond and say thank you for your comment! I hope you get a chance to read XVI! I think you'll enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI love the new dystopian trend in YA fiction, it's always excitng to the different ideas! Great Review!
ReplyDeleteOne of these days, you'll convince me to dip my toes into the YA waters, m'dear. No one sells it like you.
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good! I want! :-)
ReplyDeleteThat cover is amazing, and I've wanted to read it for a long time now. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI saw this in the bookstore the other day and was totally captivated by the cover.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI want! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this lovely giveaway!!!!!!!!!! :] You're so nice! :]
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting - I have heard great things about XVI.
ReplyDeleteI keep hearing about this book! Thanks for giving all of us a chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteWow. This books sounds really powerful. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you really liked XVI because the premise sounds so fascinating. I'm still waiting for my copy that I pre-ordered to arrive in the mail :(
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for this one for ages, it sounds fantastic--great competition, thanks for running it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I'm looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteLove the video.
ReplyDeleteLots of exciting things happening! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Wow, this book sounds fabulous. Thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the giveaway! :)
oooooo I can't wait to read this one :)
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful review!
I'm interested to see what this whole "dystopian" angle is in this book.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really interesting! I would love to get my hands on a copy. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI've read so many reviews of this book, so I'm really curious to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that this is what XVI was about. I'm really looking forward to reading it now. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Can't wait to find out more about this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this giveaway! I'm really excited to read this book!
ReplyDeleteYay Beth!!! I adored AtU! So well deserved.
ReplyDeleteAnd this book sounds fabulous, as well. Thanks for the review and the giveaway. ;)
Beth's news is BEYOND fantastic and I couldn't be happier for her!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am DYING to read XVI! :-)
It's awesome how long the list of reviewers is getting. There's something for everyone. :D
ReplyDeleteSWEET. I've completely been wanting to read XVI.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book! Also, I'm doing the A-Z reading challenge and it's very hard to find a book that starts with the letter X!
ReplyDeleteWas stopping by to say thanks for dropping in at The Wormhole and saw your contest - so...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my mailbox - I am excited about the Skin Map extra book for giveaway! It's the first time that has happened to me.
Thanks for hosting the contest for XVI - I have heard great things - oh, nice review too.
Yay Beth!
ReplyDeleteYay Carrie!
Yay Julia!
I'm abstaining from reading the review because I have this book on my night stand, but I still wanted throw in my yays. ;-)
Wow, congrats to Beth Revis!
ReplyDeleteJai
Ugh. The site doesn't show me th form... HOW DO I ENTER?????????????????????????????????????
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway, Carol. :-D I have been looking forward to reading XVI for the longest time.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm off to congratulate Beth. :-D
Yep. Those books sure did cheer me up. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of XVI! I've been lusting after it for months!
ReplyDeleteTaraTagli at gmail dot com
I really cant wait to read this one. Great review and Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteSteph
Stephanie_xoxo27@yahoo.com
Great review! Thanks for the giveaway! :D
ReplyDeletetabbylewis (at) hotmail.com
Thanks for such a great contest! I've posted on my sidebar and blogged about it over here. If I don't win I think I'll have to go out and buy it myself! Fingers crossed!
ReplyDelete- Sophia.
thank you! :D
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDelete:D
This book sounds very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win. Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteYes, the cover is amazing!! Thanks for holding the contest!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this one! Great review! It's made me even more anxious to pick this one up!
ReplyDeleteGood review! Thorough!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Beth, too. Wow!
Sweet contest! I would love to win this!
ReplyDeletethis book looks outstanding. I am trying hard to avert my eyes from the spoilers around and cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis one has intrigued me from the day it first sold. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI was a little hesitant to add XiV to my TBR before, but once I read your review now I really want to read it!
ReplyDeleteReally excited for this one.
ReplyDeleteAw, I missed it, but this book looks awesome! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm looking forward to XVI
ReplyDeleteSniffly Kitty
Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books
Loving the Reviews Challenge
this giveaway still going on @ Booklover it says it is?
ReplyDeleteWell I entered anyway :)
*Jumps up and down, SCREAMS* pick me, Pick Me, PICK ME!!!
ReplyDelete