The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Author: Mary E. Pearson

Source: Library

Summary: (goodreads) Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication.

Review: Not expecting something so profound from this fairly unassuming book. I had many people gush to me about the wonders of this book, but it is really difficult to go into any detail whatsoever without ruining some of what makes it great. The whole idea behind it isn't a huge secret and the book lets it out fairly soon, but the complications from that dilemma are what drive the novel.

If you did not know, I am studying science at a community college and will be going into healthcare sometime in the future. Bio-Ethics is an extremely interesting subject, because of the emotional need to help humans. But this novel explores the blurry lines between going to far with the use of science and technology. It doesn't exactly make a decision about it, but did get me thinking. It is complex because two very different perspectives can be taken if you look at it subjectively or objectively.

The cover perfectly reflects the plot and the although the title seemed selfish to me, it is full of symbolism and has a huge meaning in Jenna's life. Not only does Pearson write about Bio-Ethics, she writes about the strength of the love between a parent and a child, about what defines an individual as human. She incorporates a tiny bit of the religious perspective on the subject and also about freedom of choice and to some extent the mind. I cannot say that I agreed with how things turned out, but to make a decision of that magnitude would be so difficult.

I respect her for taking the topic so seriously and considering so many viewpoints in a novel directed at teens. The YA label can sometimes mean that authors don't write as genuinely as they would if targeting an adult audience, but this is one very loaded novel. I hope those that look down on YA don't miss out on these kinds of gems.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Guest Post:Garden Gnomes by Wendy D. Walter

Hello Fellow Readers!

Today we have a guest here on Mixtures: Books...+ and a very interesting post. I'm a fan of gnomes. Although some may find them as scary as clowns or the like, I find that they are a comforting sign when I pass through some people's gardens. Hurray for gnomes! I hope you enjoy the post and a big thanks to Wendy for being here!
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Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith

Written and Illustrated by Wendy D. Walter

Garden Gnomes...Tchotchke Warrior Gardeners

Garden gnomes...they rank just a half step up from plastic, pink flamingos, right? I have a confession to make. I secretly love them. Yes, it’s true. Those humble garden tchotchkes, the ones which you normally associate with ladies named Lullabelle, who have too many cats and who smell as if they hadn’t made it to the bathroom in time for the past ten years—they are my favorite garden ornaments. 

Tidily Plugging the Holes in the Universe

Why? Because, they are the MacGyvers of mythical beings. They can fix anything, or at least, look knowledgeable while fumbling around with stuff. Plus, unlike fairies, who always must put on a good show (I have yet to find a way to get fairy dust out of my carpets), they go about their business quietly, without a fuss—no fire, no brimstone and no glittery theatrics.  Gnomes hunker down, and shoulder through their earth kind tasks of plugging the holes in the universe, and digging up of all the precious jewels that they can get their stubby hands on.

Grouchy but Useful

In Ambril’s Tale, the gnomes are a bit grouchy, but thankfully, they are also warrior gardeners. Their prowess in the garden comes in handy when Ambril discovers just how dangerous gardens can be after she stumbles upon her ancestral, magical home.

There are fanged geraniums to dodge, dandy-lions who haven’t been barbered in decades (what a disgrace!) and goooberous slag to be avoided at all costs. Naturally, Ambril doesn’t.  The gnomes laugh when this happens, which prompts Ambril to angrily squelch off, only to tangle with something much scarier.

Will she make it through, to the end? Actually will she make it to sunset?  Find out by reading Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith.

Ambril’s Facebook page
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Wendy D. Walter on Twitter   

Wendy's blog: WendyDWalter.com

ambrils-tale.com   

Ambril’s Tale, Return of the Dullaith  on Amazon   

Ambril’s Tale-Return of the Dullaith- BarnesNoble

Some of the Illustrations for Book One are available here:

wendydwalter.com/illustrating

Buy Books From Me?

Hello!

For 2013, it seems that my parents are finally determined to get rid of my piles of books to make room for other things. Personally, I really need to get a few of them off my hands to make room for MORE! So  I set up a shop on half.com for the YA books that I have already grieved the loss of. I am ready to let them go.

More will be added as I stare at my collection and decide that the dusty copy of whatever is one that I will never, ever pick up and that might as well find a loving home somewhere around the US. Currently, I have The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver and my paperback of Delirium up for sale. I think that I only have regular shipping available. Anyway, take a moment to browse.

http://shops.half.ebay.com/mixturesbooks_W0QQmZbooks

I will also have to hold a giveaway soon for maybe a couple books for one winner, so stay tuned on the blog for that! Happy Day After New Years Day and Merry Reading.