www.BookHoundsYA.net

You'd have to have, like, a lentil for a soul to hate wiener dogs. ~Zuzana from The Daughter of Smoke & Bones by Laini Taylor


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

REVIEW: Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley Cartwright

Description

The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace. When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her? As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart? This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.

About the Author

Sarah Blakley-Cartwright is twenty-two years old and is a recent cum laude graduate of Barnard College, the greatest place on earth. She is the recipient of the 2008-2009 Mary Gordon Fiction Scholarship Award and the 2009-2010 Lenore Marshall Barnard Prize for Prose. She grew up in Los Angeles and Mexico. She now lives in New York City and writes in Vancouver, BC. Despite what the book may say, she actually prefers wolves to people.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Poppy; Mti edition (January 25, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316176044
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316176040
SOURCE:  PUBLISHER


MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT  **slight spoilers - don't read beyond paragraph two!**

Before you read my thoughts on Sarah's book, I am making full disclosure.  I first heard about Sarah's book from her mother, whom I have known since before Sarah was born.  I didn't know Sarah even existed until I reconnected with her mom recently and then she mentioned that her daughter had written a book.  I thought, ok, sure, a book.  What Creative Writing / English major doesn't write a book or have a book in the works?  Her mother was vague on the details and it wasn't until I actually met Sarah that I understood that Sarah had written a BOOK and, that book was in my favorite genre:  paranormal young adult!

I received a copy at no charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  My policy has always been that I don't review anything I don't like and I couldn't honestly review a friend's book or even begin to recommend it unless I felt it was wonderful and worthy of praise. This book kept me spellbound until I finished it.  I really could not put it down and then went back and reread it, which is something I usually don't do. This book will stay on my shelf as a keeper.  Sarah should be proud of her work.

The story is a new twist on the Red Riding Hood story and stays true to the historical folktale that I was told as a child.  Well, almost true except for the fact that the wolf in this story terrorizes a town and causes lines to be drawn amongst the townspeople.  Valerie loses her sister to the wolf and this sets off a battle to eradicate the wolf.  Without giving away much plot detail, a priest/mercenary  is brought into the village to get rid of the wolf.  The town becomes divided and doubts are cast between all of the residents.  No one knows who the wolf is or if he lives among them.  This is where the page turning really begins.

Valerie is a sympathetic, yet strong character and makes an excellent foil for Peter, the wood cutter.  Henry is engaged to Valerie and thought she tries to love him, her heart wanders to Peter.  Valerie believes the Henry was really in love with her deceased sister.  Peter, who is the strong, silent type, charms Valerie and they fall in love.  There is a very climatic scene at the end with a vicious battle that should have parental supervision. Overall, Sarah has nicely balanced descriptions and dialogue with action. She has given depth to characters that could have easily been one dimensional.  I am so glad this didn't turn into typical werewolf fare.

One important note should be made that the ending is inconclusive.  I know some other reviewers are not happy with the ending, but I enjoyed the ambiguity.  You can take the ending any way you like and it is not set in stone exactly who the wolf could be:  Valerie's grandmother, Peter, Henry or another unknown.  In March, the book's website ( www.redridinghoodbook.com)  will post the final chapter for the book.  I can only hope that there might be another book in the works.  I would love to see the story develop.

Parents:  There are several scenes of violence, death and destruction, no real language issues and a few scenes of romance and flirting.  There is use of a "relaxing tea" and a mention of alcohol use.  It is all appropriate to the time period in which the story takes place.  This is best suited for anyone over 14 and those who enjoy a wonderful wolf story.

Again, I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


    WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

    Contest is open to anyone with A US or Canadian mailing address (No PO Boxes )
    YOU MUST BY OVER 13 YEARS OLD
    Contest ends on 2.1.11 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 2.2.11
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by Poppy / Little Brown Publishing and one book is available.
    This is book will be mailed directly from the publisher.

    +1 Complete the below form
    +1 Follow Me
    +1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
    +1 Follow me on Twitter HERE
    +1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE
    +1 Fan Sarah Blakley Cartwright on GoodReads HERE
    +1 Friend on Sarah on Facebook HERE
    +1 Follow Sarah on Twitter HERE

    And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

    +1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! Be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

     +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.



      102 comments:

      1. I love these types of stories and think I would love to read this book. Thanks for the great review.

        ReplyDelete
      2. Thanks so much for the giveaway! The book looks awesome. :)

        Genna

        gsarnak410 (at) gmail (dot) com

        ReplyDelete
      3. That is super cool that you know the author. I'm always skeptical when people say they've written a book, but you are right she wrote a BOOK and it looks amazing.

        ReplyDelete
      4. +1 What a great review. This book sounds really good. I have always like the story of Little Red Riding Hood so it would be awesome to get a chance to read this new reimagined story.

        +1 I tweeted about your giveaway on Twitter (@skyla11377).
        http://twitter.com/skyla11377/status/27412202319249408

        +1 I posted this giveaway on my Facebook page (Raquel Vega-Grieder).
        http://www.facebook.com/skyla11377/posts/144871675570945

        +1 I posted your giveaway on my Left Side Bar (Skyla11377).
        http://skyla11377.blogspot.com

        Name: Raquel Vega-Grieder
        E-Mail: skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

        ReplyDelete
      5. Thanks so the giveaway!I 'm adding it to my side bar!

        ReplyDelete
      6. This book like a very good read. I am checking it out! Thanks for giveaway opportunity!!


        Judy
        magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

        ReplyDelete
      7. I tried to follow Sarah on Twitter but the link was broken

        ReplyDelete
      8. I have wanted to read this book since I have seen it around. Thanks for the give away.

        ReplyDelete
      9. @Natasha -- I double checked the link and it is now working. Probably my fault. Stupid cold.

        ReplyDelete
      10. This sounds awesome! I love fairy tales retold!

        ReplyDelete
      11. What an amazing contest! Thank you for the opportunity!

        ReplyDelete
      12. You have cool friends.


        Can I be your friend?

        ReplyDelete
      13. Sarah sounds very accomplished and the book looks wonderful. I find your connection to her exciting, you not only reconnected with her mom, but got a great read out of the deal as well!

        ReplyDelete
      14. I really like the cover for this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
        apk1princess(at)live(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      15. This book sounds very good! I also like the cover. Thanks for the opportunity!

        penelopelolohea {at} gmail {dot} com

        ReplyDelete
      16. Just added it to my TBR list! I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win!

        Tweeted about contest @betweenbookends

        Posted on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Between-the-Bookshelf/179696618737015

        ReplyDelete
      17. Tweet:1/18
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/27521557022646272
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      18. Sounds like a great book to me and has been on my wishlist from the first blub I read.

        +1 tweet
        http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/27558505892286464


        (\___/)
        (='.'=)
        (")_(")

        alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
        http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

        ReplyDelete
      19. Sounds good. Thanks for the chance!

        ReplyDelete
      20. 1/18 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/27576607170371584

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      21. This book seems really cute. I'd love to read it!

        ReplyDelete
      22. Count me in please! thanks!!
        cmurphy213@yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      23. I tweeted!!
        http://twitter.com/#!/cmurphy720
        cmurphy213@yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      24. Oooohhh, you got me! I'm adding this to my Goodreads list NOW and crosing my fingers I win! (I only read the first two paragraphs so I don't spoil anything)

        ReplyDelete
      25. so glad to see a good review on this as i'm so excited for the movie release! interesting setup with the last chapter being posted online.

        ReplyDelete
      26. Daily entry 1/19. Thanks!
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      27. Daily entry!
        1/19
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      28. Tweet:1/19
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/27930157759074304
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      29. Tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/Melanie_2006/status/27951391183994880

        peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      30. This looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
        peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      31. 1/19 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      32. 1/19 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/27968633183412224

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      33. I soooo want to read this book!! Thanks so much for the chance to win *crossing fingers*

        ReplyDelete
      34. Daily entry 1/20. Thanks!
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      35. 1/20 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      36. 1/20 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/28295692480937984

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      37. Tweet:1/20
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/28310428765396992
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      38. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it so much! Sounds like it's right up my alley.

        Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Emma015/status/28531204827389952

        findjessyhere at gmail dot com

        ReplyDelete
      39. Daily entry!
        1/21
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      40. Tweet:1/21
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/28612612988084224
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      41. 1/21 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      42. 1/21 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/28680193417678849

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      43. I hadn't heard of this book before, but now I'm glad I did. Definitely a book I would love to read.

        kal09139[at]hotmail[dot]com

        ReplyDelete
      44. this book looks awesome I can't wait to read it!

        ReplyDelete
      45. Daily entry!
        1/22
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      46. Tweet:1/22
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/29046162325512192

        ReplyDelete
      47. 1/22 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      48. 1/22 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/29051893443469312

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      49. I'm loving all the fairy tale retellings that are out now. And this one sounds really good. Would love the chance to read it.

        Thanks! :0)
        librarygrinch at gmail dot com

        ReplyDelete
      50. Tweeted:
        http://twitter.com/#!/librarygrinch/status/29067891659767808

        librarygrinch at gmail dot com

        ReplyDelete
      51. Daily entry 1/23. Thanks!
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      52. 1/23 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      53. 1/23 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/29397603380625408

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      54. Tweet:1/23
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/29437896591155200
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      55. Daily entry 1/24. Thanks!
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      56. Daily Entry 1/24

        lizzi0915 at aol dot com

        ReplyDelete
      57. 1/24 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      58. 1/24 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/29741044543266816

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      59. Thanks for the giveaway!
        teary.eyed.stars@hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      60. Daily tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/29761551523127296
        teary.eyed.stars@hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      61. *tweete --@jintweet
        *my sidebar --booksthattugtheheart.blogspot.com

        Thanks. :)

        ReplyDelete
      62. I would really love to read/win this book! It looks really good...as does the movie. And the author is really cool. Thanks for the giveaway, Mary! :)

        ReplyDelete
      63. tweet:1/24
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/29783229451997184
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      64. Daily entry!
        1/25
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      65. Tweet:1/25
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/29967442096689152
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      66. Daily Entry: 25/1
        teary.eyed.stars@hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      67. Daily tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/30069903767633921
        teary.eyed.stars@hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      68. 1/25 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      69. 1/25 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/30115281200218112

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      70. daily entry!
        1/26
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      71. Tweet:1/26
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/30418790189637632
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      72. I'm going to add this to my too read list at goodreads. It looks great!

        ReplyDelete
      73. 26/1
        Daily Entry
        teary.eyed.stars@hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      74. 26/1
        Daily tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/30478238962679808
        teary.eyed.stars@Hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      75. 1/26 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      76. 1/26 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/30478483826151424

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      77. Daily entry!
        1/27
        thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      78. Tweet:1/27
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/30775809203511297

        ReplyDelete
      79. Daily entry 1/27. Thanks so much!
        JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      80. 27/1
        Daily entry
        teary.eyed.stars@Hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      81. 27/1
        Daily tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/30801587576250368
        teary.eyed.stars@Hotmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      82. Daily Entry 1/27

        lizzi0915 at aol dot com

        ReplyDelete
      83. This comment has been removed by the author.

        ReplyDelete
      84. 1/27 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      85. 1/27 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/30836541362278400

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      86. Daily Entry 1/28

        lizzi0915 at aol dot com

        ReplyDelete
      87. Daily entry!
        1/28
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      88. Tweet:1/28
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/31168585254567936
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      89. 1/28 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      90. 1/28 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/31237660857073664

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      91. Thanks for the chance to read this!

        I tweeted:

        http://twitter.com/#!/BellaMarie5/status/31430504867692544

        BellaMarie @ tampabay.rr.com

        ReplyDelete
      92. 29/1
        Daily entry
        ejhtan (at) gmail (dot) com

        ReplyDelete
      93. 29/1
        Daily tweet:
        http://twitter.com/#!/tearyeyedstars/status/31449785571483648
        ejhtan (at) gmail (dot) com

        ReplyDelete
      94. Daily Entry 1/30

        lizzi0915 at aol dot com

        ReplyDelete
      95. 1/30 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      96. 1/30 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/31934854060834816

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      97. 1/31 entry

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      98. 1/31 tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/32217195526234113

        bacchus76 at myself dot com

        ReplyDelete
      99. Daily Entry 1/31

        lizzi0915 at aol dot com

        ReplyDelete
      100. Daily entry!
        1/31
        Thanks...
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      101. Tweet:1/31
        http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/32315403329871872
        nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

        ReplyDelete
      102. RISTIN -- kristen_babygurl -- Be sure to stop by MY BOOKISH FAIRY TALE

        An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam). The winner(s) has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
        Thanks to all who entered.
        PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

        ReplyDelete

      Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

      LinkWithin

      Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
       
      Blog Design by Use Your Imagination Designs all images form the Future is Steampunk kit by Marta Van Eck