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Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl
“An absolutely fabulous new young adult novel...The story is fast and superbly told, and the characters are likable and believable.” ―Cory Doctorow, New York Times best-selling author of Little Brother Sometimes Living in the Big Apple Really Bites! Eighteen-year-old rock star Sam Lee isn’t like other girls. She’s the super-talented bass player and songwriter for an all-girl indie band and an incurable loner. Then one night after a concert in Central Park, she’s attacked by a “wild dog.” Suddenly, this long-time vegetarian is craving meat―the bloodier, the better. Sam finds herself with an unbelievable secret and no one she trusts to share it. And so begin the endless lies to cover up the hairy truth...When a new girl gang appears in the city―with claws and paws―Sam suspects there’s a connection to her own inner beast. Trapped in a tug-of-war between her animal and human selves, forced to choose between the guy who sparks her carnal appetite and the one who makes her feel like a normal teenage girl, Sam has to unravel the mysteries of the werewolf world before her bandmates, the media, and her mother catch up to her.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
30 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Emily Pohl-Weary
16 books72 followersAward-winning author Emily Pohl-Weary's latest novel is How to Be Found (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2023).
She has published seven previous books. Her poetry collection, Ghost Sick: A Poetry of Witness, won the Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry. And her biography, Better to Have Loved: The Life of Judith Merril, won a Hugo Award and was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award.
Her 2022 audio play The Witch’s Circle, a retelling of a Baba Yaga folktale, can be streamed at theotherpath.ca/listen
Emily holds a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto (OISE) and teaches at the UBC School of Creative Writing in Vancouver, Canada.
She has published seven previous books. Her poetry collection, Ghost Sick: A Poetry of Witness, won the Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry. And her biography, Better to Have Loved: The Life of Judith Merril, won a Hugo Award and was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award.
Her 2022 audio play The Witch’s Circle, a retelling of a Baba Yaga folktale, can be streamed at theotherpath.ca/listen
Emily holds a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto (OISE) and teaches at the UBC School of Creative Writing in Vancouver, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 6, 2013
I got this book for free through Goodreads and I am so glad I did. It is such a good book. I loved it. I am sure that my daughter will love it too. This book is a must read. I will be suggesting it as a book for my friends to read. I had never read anything by this author before but I am going to look her up and see what her other books are like.
Pick up this book and read it. You will love it.
Pick up this book and read it. You will love it.
July 22, 2013
This book was so much fun!
It's been a long time since i've read any YA fiction but I've always been a fan. This book certainly hooks the reader and keeps interest throughout. I very much enjoyed the lead character Sam, bassist and songwriter/talent in the all-girl band "The Cream Puffs", a.k.a. "Wolf Girl". She's witty, she's connected to herself in that she knows what she likes and knows how to stick to her guns. She sets a great example of not letting others "walk all over" her which I thought was great. I also really liked that she wasn't a super bratty rock star who can have whatever she wants while listlessly sulking through life. She takes charge of things - I never once pitied her, but I could definitely sympathize with her.
The fast paced action scenes and forward motion of the text allowed me to read this novel within one day - that rarely happens. It doesn't dwell on useless information (a huge pet peeve of mine) it simply tells a story. The story itself is great. The narrative is woven with a lot of care and just the right amount of detail. I really like how Pohl-Weary inserts little moments of "wolfisms" into the text, it makes the book that much more fun.
Without reading too much into the sub-text of the plot (and I'm merely speculating) this is a great and empowering piece of fiction that highlights the vulnerability of young girls and the strong force within all of them to not be taken advantage of. (Slight spoiler!!) Dozens of girls go missing due to one particularly ferocious and feral male character. In essence, he's taking their lives away; one sixteen year old girl notes how her life had only just begun but has been ripped from her due to the male character. This description could be aligned with how women feel when they are abused by men and I think it's important to note that. This book isn't just about a rock star coming to terms with being a werewolf, it's about a league of women who won't stand for mis-treatment of their own, as well as their male allies. I think it's fantastic! Although the opinion is merely that, an opinion.
Overall, great read, I'd definitely recommend it!
It's been a long time since i've read any YA fiction but I've always been a fan. This book certainly hooks the reader and keeps interest throughout. I very much enjoyed the lead character Sam, bassist and songwriter/talent in the all-girl band "The Cream Puffs", a.k.a. "Wolf Girl". She's witty, she's connected to herself in that she knows what she likes and knows how to stick to her guns. She sets a great example of not letting others "walk all over" her which I thought was great. I also really liked that she wasn't a super bratty rock star who can have whatever she wants while listlessly sulking through life. She takes charge of things - I never once pitied her, but I could definitely sympathize with her.
The fast paced action scenes and forward motion of the text allowed me to read this novel within one day - that rarely happens. It doesn't dwell on useless information (a huge pet peeve of mine) it simply tells a story. The story itself is great. The narrative is woven with a lot of care and just the right amount of detail. I really like how Pohl-Weary inserts little moments of "wolfisms" into the text, it makes the book that much more fun.
Without reading too much into the sub-text of the plot (and I'm merely speculating) this is a great and empowering piece of fiction that highlights the vulnerability of young girls and the strong force within all of them to not be taken advantage of. (Slight spoiler!!) Dozens of girls go missing due to one particularly ferocious and feral male character. In essence, he's taking their lives away; one sixteen year old girl notes how her life had only just begun but has been ripped from her due to the male character. This description could be aligned with how women feel when they are abused by men and I think it's important to note that. This book isn't just about a rock star coming to terms with being a werewolf, it's about a league of women who won't stand for mis-treatment of their own, as well as their male allies. I think it's fantastic! Although the opinion is merely that, an opinion.
Overall, great read, I'd definitely recommend it!
July 9, 2013
RDear Ms Pohl-Weary,
Excuse the letter format, but we had the pleasure of meeting at a Penguin event recently, so I feel like this review is a little more personal than most. I was kindly given a copy of your YA novel to read in advance of our meeting, so this review is a little coloured by that encounter; I was able to ask you some questions that I had about the story and it clarified my feelings.
First and foremost, let me say what a relief it was to read a book with a super-strong and kick-ass female protagonist like Sam! Not only did your book meet the Bechdel Test but it surpassed it. Sam is part of an all-girl rock band that has their issues, but is able to focus their attention on matters other than boys and fashion. Their relationship is revealed as the story progresses, and it’s a welcome change to see strong females in a normal personal and professional relationship. Sam may be uncomfortable with her fame, but she’s fully confident about her talent and how hard she’s worked to earn her place. She’s uncomfortable with fame, but deeply loves music and how it gives her a freedom she finds difficult to explore in her personal life. I loved her as a character and wish that other writers would follow your lead in creating such dynamic female figures.
I also liked the premise of your book, and I enjoyed that Sam didn’t go into the world of werewolves with ease. In many similar books of the genre, newly created werewolves are initially, “Oh, no, my life is over” for about twenty minutes, and then they are suddenly superheroes of their own destiny. Sam isn’t like that – she fights her transformation, and the knowledge of what she is becoming. She struggles to hold onto her own identity, and she fights her inclusion into the pack both mentally and physically. It made sense, since she was a unique individual before she was bitten, for her to want to stay true to who she knew herself to be; I did feel that she exhibited classic 18-year-old stubbornness by not accepting help sooner than she did.
Your pacing of the story was excellent, and I appreciated that the anxiety felt by Sam was reflected in her rash actions and the ramping up of the tension. I was engaged in the story throughout, and even though I sometimes wanted to smack Sam up the back of the head, I did feel that her actions and reactions were completely in line with the slightly neurotic Sam we were growing to know. I could feel her confusion and her anxiety, especially during the media interviews, and I was really happy when she stood up to her interviewer (also – nice little reminder there that the media has no place in the bedrooms of celebrities!). C’mon …. you want to tell me there isn’t a small part of us that would love to see a celebrity handle such a situation with such honesty and self-awareness?
“You know, it’ really not okay,” I said. “If I was a girl with less confidence, or with a mom who isn’t amazing like mine, that might have destroyed me. Enjoy your ratings, but you are a horrible person.”
I would have liked to have learned more about the other girls that Owen had affected, and I wish that their part in the story had been explained a little sooner. Sam’s realization that she was not the first to be bitten, but the first to come through it unscathed might have changed her viewpoint a little earlier and led her to form a bond with the others that echoed that of her bandmates (even considering the surprise she discovers later – no spoilers!). Marlon was similarly confusing for me – I recognize that he’s supposed to be Sam’s equal, but I felt that there was more mystery and potential in the relationship with Daniel and his family. There’s still so much mystery there that needs to be explored, and I found myself racing through Marlon’s wacky family (seriously, they are bent) in order to figure out more about Daniel. Despite the chemistry that you’re building between Sam and Marlon, I’m still seeing him more as a brother figure. As for Harris – poor, poor Harris – well, he never really stands a chance in this book. He’s sweet and lovely and totally not for Sam. Here’s hoping he ends up happy with someone else from the books.
Now onto my concern – and this is a spoiler, so I’m going to put it under a spoiler tag. Highlight at your own risk if you haven’t read the book.
Overall, however, I was happy with this book and with Sam in particular. I think you have created some exceptionally interesting female characters in this book. There is so much more of Sam’s story – and the stories of her bandmates and her “pack sisters” – that could be told and I hope that there are more books to follow. It was a pleasure to meet you in person, and to find a kindred Bikini Kill fan!!
Thanks for a fun read,
Jenn
Excuse the letter format, but we had the pleasure of meeting at a Penguin event recently, so I feel like this review is a little more personal than most. I was kindly given a copy of your YA novel to read in advance of our meeting, so this review is a little coloured by that encounter; I was able to ask you some questions that I had about the story and it clarified my feelings.
First and foremost, let me say what a relief it was to read a book with a super-strong and kick-ass female protagonist like Sam! Not only did your book meet the Bechdel Test but it surpassed it. Sam is part of an all-girl rock band that has their issues, but is able to focus their attention on matters other than boys and fashion. Their relationship is revealed as the story progresses, and it’s a welcome change to see strong females in a normal personal and professional relationship. Sam may be uncomfortable with her fame, but she’s fully confident about her talent and how hard she’s worked to earn her place. She’s uncomfortable with fame, but deeply loves music and how it gives her a freedom she finds difficult to explore in her personal life. I loved her as a character and wish that other writers would follow your lead in creating such dynamic female figures.
I also liked the premise of your book, and I enjoyed that Sam didn’t go into the world of werewolves with ease. In many similar books of the genre, newly created werewolves are initially, “Oh, no, my life is over” for about twenty minutes, and then they are suddenly superheroes of their own destiny. Sam isn’t like that – she fights her transformation, and the knowledge of what she is becoming. She struggles to hold onto her own identity, and she fights her inclusion into the pack both mentally and physically. It made sense, since she was a unique individual before she was bitten, for her to want to stay true to who she knew herself to be; I did feel that she exhibited classic 18-year-old stubbornness by not accepting help sooner than she did.
Your pacing of the story was excellent, and I appreciated that the anxiety felt by Sam was reflected in her rash actions and the ramping up of the tension. I was engaged in the story throughout, and even though I sometimes wanted to smack Sam up the back of the head, I did feel that her actions and reactions were completely in line with the slightly neurotic Sam we were growing to know. I could feel her confusion and her anxiety, especially during the media interviews, and I was really happy when she stood up to her interviewer (also – nice little reminder there that the media has no place in the bedrooms of celebrities!). C’mon …. you want to tell me there isn’t a small part of us that would love to see a celebrity handle such a situation with such honesty and self-awareness?
“You know, it’ really not okay,” I said. “If I was a girl with less confidence, or with a mom who isn’t amazing like mine, that might have destroyed me. Enjoy your ratings, but you are a horrible person.”
I would have liked to have learned more about the other girls that Owen had affected, and I wish that their part in the story had been explained a little sooner. Sam’s realization that she was not the first to be bitten, but the first to come through it unscathed might have changed her viewpoint a little earlier and led her to form a bond with the others that echoed that of her bandmates (even considering the surprise she discovers later – no spoilers!). Marlon was similarly confusing for me – I recognize that he’s supposed to be Sam’s equal, but I felt that there was more mystery and potential in the relationship with Daniel and his family. There’s still so much mystery there that needs to be explored, and I found myself racing through Marlon’s wacky family (seriously, they are bent) in order to figure out more about Daniel. Despite the chemistry that you’re building between Sam and Marlon, I’m still seeing him more as a brother figure. As for Harris – poor, poor Harris – well, he never really stands a chance in this book. He’s sweet and lovely and totally not for Sam. Here’s hoping he ends up happy with someone else from the books.
Now onto my concern – and this is a spoiler, so I’m going to put it under a spoiler tag. Highlight at your own risk if you haven’t read the book.
Overall, however, I was happy with this book and with Sam in particular. I think you have created some exceptionally interesting female characters in this book. There is so much more of Sam’s story – and the stories of her bandmates and her “pack sisters” – that could be told and I hope that there are more books to follow. It was a pleasure to meet you in person, and to find a kindred Bikini Kill fan!!
Thanks for a fun read,
Jenn
September 22, 2013
I have repeated personal experiences to support my claim that Emily Pohl-Weary’s most recent novel, Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl, is yet another addition to this author’s superb collection of literary accomplishment.
I first came across her brilliantly compiled Girls Who Bite Back while I was finishing up graduate school. This story-collection of female superheroes, witches, mutants and spies immediately won me over as a fan of Pohl-Weary – anyone who saw the value in collecting these stories, and getting them published had my heart. A few years later, I encountered Pohl-Weary’s poetry when I came into my kitchen and realized that my husband was designing the book cover for Iron-On Constellations. And of course, being a frequent visitor of Toronto’s independent bookseller scene, stacks of the now deceased Kiss Machine required their own box upon my moving house. It would be fair to front-load this review with the statement that I was already a fan of this Toronto author. Not only do her literary endeavors float my boat, but her commitment to social change through young writers and the creation of creative space leaves me wondering why Toronto hasn’t given this woman an honorary mayorship – and, trust me fair readers from out-of-town, we could really use a new mayor.
This most recent book, launching to much anticipation on September 24, manages to accentuate the poetic style of this author, while highlighting her technique as a writer for young adults. Readers are immediately drawn into Pohl-Weary’s harnessing of popular supernatural themes that read as fast-paced as her main character’s dash through NYC’s Central Park. By creating a group of characters that translate as fully actualized teens, the book manages to side-step any resemblance to the Stephenie Meyer-esque mantle that currently hangs over so much contemporary young adult fiction. For all of the werewolf metamorphosis experienced throughout various landscapes of NYC and environs, Pohl-Weary’s characters are real teenagers experiencing realistic stress, success, anxiety and desire.
This text is accessible on many levels, from the chilling tale of a New York City teenage girl-rocker who suddenly starts dealing with so much more than adoring fans, to the well-developed themes of female friendship, unhealthy teen relationships, sexuality and trust.
Main character Sam manages to escape replication of the expected simpering female lead seen in too many young adult novels. She is neither white, nor privileged-from-birth. Sam’s creative abilities as writer and musician in her all-girl rock band make her a believable role model that I would feel comfortable directing any middle or high school student toward. Scenes of Sam falling in and out of lust amidst her own chaotic transformations are well-written and relate to lives lived by teens in today’s diverse and divergent times. I especially love Sam’s dedication to figuring herself out ahead everything else. Sam isn’t a character to reinforce the notion that girls/women nurture and care for others before putting on their own oxygen masks.
The last thing I wanted was not one but two guys telling what was good for me.
I left Pohl-Weary’s book really wanting to be friends with Sam – cheering her on throughout the final frames of a book that manages to pack a huge chunk of page-turning action into its 298 pages.
I read the book straight through in one sitting. My desire to follow Sam to some sort of resolution was fueled by stellar writing and a plot construction that is free of gaps or holes. The book stands above others in its genre because of the attention to detail. The titles of the rock band songs, the additional layer of plot made possible via a collection of secondary female werewolf characters, and the realistic quirks of the story make this book irresistible to anyone interested in young adult novels.
As an educator, I can attest to this being a brilliant choice for libraries and classroom collections; the book lends itself perfectly to novel study.
Be sure to check out EP-W’s website for more information, and additional book titles. You can also find her on Twitter.
Want to read Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl? Want to get a copy for your classroom or library? Want to get a copy for an awesome teen in your life? Of course you do!
You can head to this affiliate link and snap up a copy. The book is being published by Penguin in Canada and can be found at all major bookshops, amazon and independents.
or
If you live in Canada, you can enter to win one of two copies by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me who YOUR favourite Canadian author is – because Emily Pohl-Weary is definitely one of mine! I will draw two names on September 24th.
I first came across her brilliantly compiled Girls Who Bite Back while I was finishing up graduate school. This story-collection of female superheroes, witches, mutants and spies immediately won me over as a fan of Pohl-Weary – anyone who saw the value in collecting these stories, and getting them published had my heart. A few years later, I encountered Pohl-Weary’s poetry when I came into my kitchen and realized that my husband was designing the book cover for Iron-On Constellations. And of course, being a frequent visitor of Toronto’s independent bookseller scene, stacks of the now deceased Kiss Machine required their own box upon my moving house. It would be fair to front-load this review with the statement that I was already a fan of this Toronto author. Not only do her literary endeavors float my boat, but her commitment to social change through young writers and the creation of creative space leaves me wondering why Toronto hasn’t given this woman an honorary mayorship – and, trust me fair readers from out-of-town, we could really use a new mayor.
This most recent book, launching to much anticipation on September 24, manages to accentuate the poetic style of this author, while highlighting her technique as a writer for young adults. Readers are immediately drawn into Pohl-Weary’s harnessing of popular supernatural themes that read as fast-paced as her main character’s dash through NYC’s Central Park. By creating a group of characters that translate as fully actualized teens, the book manages to side-step any resemblance to the Stephenie Meyer-esque mantle that currently hangs over so much contemporary young adult fiction. For all of the werewolf metamorphosis experienced throughout various landscapes of NYC and environs, Pohl-Weary’s characters are real teenagers experiencing realistic stress, success, anxiety and desire.
This text is accessible on many levels, from the chilling tale of a New York City teenage girl-rocker who suddenly starts dealing with so much more than adoring fans, to the well-developed themes of female friendship, unhealthy teen relationships, sexuality and trust.
Main character Sam manages to escape replication of the expected simpering female lead seen in too many young adult novels. She is neither white, nor privileged-from-birth. Sam’s creative abilities as writer and musician in her all-girl rock band make her a believable role model that I would feel comfortable directing any middle or high school student toward. Scenes of Sam falling in and out of lust amidst her own chaotic transformations are well-written and relate to lives lived by teens in today’s diverse and divergent times. I especially love Sam’s dedication to figuring herself out ahead everything else. Sam isn’t a character to reinforce the notion that girls/women nurture and care for others before putting on their own oxygen masks.
The last thing I wanted was not one but two guys telling what was good for me.
I left Pohl-Weary’s book really wanting to be friends with Sam – cheering her on throughout the final frames of a book that manages to pack a huge chunk of page-turning action into its 298 pages.
I read the book straight through in one sitting. My desire to follow Sam to some sort of resolution was fueled by stellar writing and a plot construction that is free of gaps or holes. The book stands above others in its genre because of the attention to detail. The titles of the rock band songs, the additional layer of plot made possible via a collection of secondary female werewolf characters, and the realistic quirks of the story make this book irresistible to anyone interested in young adult novels.
As an educator, I can attest to this being a brilliant choice for libraries and classroom collections; the book lends itself perfectly to novel study.
Be sure to check out EP-W’s website for more information, and additional book titles. You can also find her on Twitter.
Want to read Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl? Want to get a copy for your classroom or library? Want to get a copy for an awesome teen in your life? Of course you do!
You can head to this affiliate link and snap up a copy. The book is being published by Penguin in Canada and can be found at all major bookshops, amazon and independents.
or
If you live in Canada, you can enter to win one of two copies by leaving a comment on this blog post telling me who YOUR favourite Canadian author is – because Emily Pohl-Weary is definitely one of mine! I will draw two names on September 24th.
September 19, 2013
Eighteen-year-old rock star Sam Lee isn’t like other girls. She’s the super-talented bass player and songwriter for an all-girl indie band and an incurable loner. Then one night after a concert in Central Park, she’s attacked by a “wild dog.” Suddenly, this long-time vegetarian is craving meat, the bloodier, the better. Sam finds herself with an unbelievable secret and no one she trusts to share it. So begin the endless lies to cover up the hairy truth. When a new girl gang appears in the city, with claws and paws, Sam suspects there’s a connection to her own inner beast. Trapped in a tug-of-war between her animal and human selves, forced to choose between the guy who sparks her carnal appetite and the one who makes her feel like a normal teenage girl, Sam has to unravel the mysteries of the werewolf world before her bandmates, the media, and her mother catch up to her.
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is fast-paced, thrilling, and clever, a story all about Sam and her struggle to continue being an ordinary girl while craving copious amounts of meat. This is a quick and clever combining of genres, moments of contemporary mixed with the paranormal, with a narrator scrambling to keep her life as normal as possible under the trickiest and most impossible of circumstances.
Sam is a rock star who avoids the spotlight, a walking contradiction. Writing amazing songs and playing the bass like a musical genius gets her recognized and adored by fans of her band, but she's far more at home in the shadows, riding her bike through the park alone. After the attack in the park everyone is coming at her, her bandmates, her friends, the guy she's been crushing on, wanting to know what's happened. Or, in the case of one mysterious boy, wanting to help her through it.
Throughout the book, the moments where Sam catches a break and isn't racing around at near-breakneck speed is rare. She's still living her normal life, still playing bass with her bandmates, still avoiding the paparazzi, still being a teenage girl with a complicated crush, but she now has to deal with some strong wolfish instincts and a new craving for meat. Pohl-Weary keeps increasing the number of issues and secrets Sam has, increasing the amount of pressure she's under. Pressure to continue to write music and play bass, pressure to keep her werewolf side a secret, pressure to pick a guy out of the two she's attracted to. The chance of both sides coming together in a potential explosion increase over time, forcing Sam to stay on her toes.
Before the attack, Sam is a slightly fragile girl being forced into the spotlight, panicking over every tiny slip-up that someone might expose to the world. Afterwards, she fights to keep it hidden. No one can know what happened to her, what's still happening to her, and her fear over being exposed increases tenfold. As the book goes on, as Sam goes from concerned to panicked to frantic, it comes across so clearly in Pohl-Weary's writing. The pace of the book gets quicker and quicker and the tension grows higher and higher.
It seems that this is a book about a girl who wants to live an ordinary life while keeping so many things hidden. Some of those things aren't her fault, but she still has to work through them and keep on living. Her initial reaction is to avoid and lie, to keep it bottled up, but she doesn't necessarily cry foul and whine about it. She runs and lies in order to regroup and come at it on her own. She needs to handle all of it on her own because she has no idea who to trust. There are some spaces and openings that could hint at a potential second book, but whether or not there will be more of Sam, this was still an entertaining and exciting read.
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is fast-paced, thrilling, and clever, a story all about Sam and her struggle to continue being an ordinary girl while craving copious amounts of meat. This is a quick and clever combining of genres, moments of contemporary mixed with the paranormal, with a narrator scrambling to keep her life as normal as possible under the trickiest and most impossible of circumstances.
Sam is a rock star who avoids the spotlight, a walking contradiction. Writing amazing songs and playing the bass like a musical genius gets her recognized and adored by fans of her band, but she's far more at home in the shadows, riding her bike through the park alone. After the attack in the park everyone is coming at her, her bandmates, her friends, the guy she's been crushing on, wanting to know what's happened. Or, in the case of one mysterious boy, wanting to help her through it.
Throughout the book, the moments where Sam catches a break and isn't racing around at near-breakneck speed is rare. She's still living her normal life, still playing bass with her bandmates, still avoiding the paparazzi, still being a teenage girl with a complicated crush, but she now has to deal with some strong wolfish instincts and a new craving for meat. Pohl-Weary keeps increasing the number of issues and secrets Sam has, increasing the amount of pressure she's under. Pressure to continue to write music and play bass, pressure to keep her werewolf side a secret, pressure to pick a guy out of the two she's attracted to. The chance of both sides coming together in a potential explosion increase over time, forcing Sam to stay on her toes.
Before the attack, Sam is a slightly fragile girl being forced into the spotlight, panicking over every tiny slip-up that someone might expose to the world. Afterwards, she fights to keep it hidden. No one can know what happened to her, what's still happening to her, and her fear over being exposed increases tenfold. As the book goes on, as Sam goes from concerned to panicked to frantic, it comes across so clearly in Pohl-Weary's writing. The pace of the book gets quicker and quicker and the tension grows higher and higher.
It seems that this is a book about a girl who wants to live an ordinary life while keeping so many things hidden. Some of those things aren't her fault, but she still has to work through them and keep on living. Her initial reaction is to avoid and lie, to keep it bottled up, but she doesn't necessarily cry foul and whine about it. She runs and lies in order to regroup and come at it on her own. She needs to handle all of it on her own because she has no idea who to trust. There are some spaces and openings that could hint at a potential second book, but whether or not there will be more of Sam, this was still an entertaining and exciting read.
July 24, 2013
Thank you to Penguin Canada and Netgalley for this advance readers copy.
I adored Emily Pohl-Weary's novel A Girl Like Sugar. I remember grabbing the book after Weary was a guest lecturer in one of my classes at York wherein she discussed zine culture in Toronto, but also promoted some of her non-zine works. I remember being hooked to the narrative in Sugar, and it easily became a book that I passed around to friends.
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is not that book, but it's a surprisingly fun story about identity with a quirky cast of characters and a strong, likeable heroine. Sam is a bassist-turned-werewolf who has to cope with her new found abilities. Trying to weave her new identity, Sam struggles to accept that her life will never be what it once was, and chooses to try and embrace her curse.
I loved the paranormal side of this story, especially when looking at how Sam works towards accepting herself. It was interesting to see how Weary was able to make a strong lead with identity issues be someone who teens/new adults could perhaps relate to (even without the paranormal elements). Sam's very likeable and she wears her flaws on sleeve, something I always appreciate in a protagonist. Anytime Sam was contemplating herself and the world that surrounds her she is such an insightful person. She truly was a wonderful character to engage with.
Oddly though, when the novel was about Sam's night life, male troubles and not werewolf fun-times, the story lost its speed for me. I had a harder time falling into the normalcy Sam would try to achieve in her daily life. It's important to the story, but often her daily exploration wasn't very tedious to read about, especially when a lot of it was related to her desperate needs for caffeine. I get it, you like coffee, it's cool. These moments of tedious detail were tricky to enjoy, and it made me want to just go back to the narrative and mystery behind Sam's new found abilities.
One thing I did love however, was her bonding experiences with a lot of the women in the story. The relationships she forged are beautifully woven into the narrative and I feel like Pohl-Weary does a great job of getting us to care about this group of women. This story has such empowering female characters, which for me, is always something I want in a story. I want to cheer for the characters and feel their highs and lows, and I think Pohl-Weary captures all the emotion of feeling lost and being different, yet finding strength in those differences to make one feel less strange.
While the detail and pacing were the drawback for me, I think Emily Pohl-Weary is a talented storyteller. I had a lot of fun reading this novel, but I won't lie that it didn't make me crave a reread of A Girl Like Sugar. Overall, I think the female cast of characters is fabulous, the writing has a lot of spunk to it, and for those who enjoy books like the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn, there's a lot here to enjoy.
I adored Emily Pohl-Weary's novel A Girl Like Sugar. I remember grabbing the book after Weary was a guest lecturer in one of my classes at York wherein she discussed zine culture in Toronto, but also promoted some of her non-zine works. I remember being hooked to the narrative in Sugar, and it easily became a book that I passed around to friends.
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is not that book, but it's a surprisingly fun story about identity with a quirky cast of characters and a strong, likeable heroine. Sam is a bassist-turned-werewolf who has to cope with her new found abilities. Trying to weave her new identity, Sam struggles to accept that her life will never be what it once was, and chooses to try and embrace her curse.
I loved the paranormal side of this story, especially when looking at how Sam works towards accepting herself. It was interesting to see how Weary was able to make a strong lead with identity issues be someone who teens/new adults could perhaps relate to (even without the paranormal elements). Sam's very likeable and she wears her flaws on sleeve, something I always appreciate in a protagonist. Anytime Sam was contemplating herself and the world that surrounds her she is such an insightful person. She truly was a wonderful character to engage with.
Oddly though, when the novel was about Sam's night life, male troubles and not werewolf fun-times, the story lost its speed for me. I had a harder time falling into the normalcy Sam would try to achieve in her daily life. It's important to the story, but often her daily exploration wasn't very tedious to read about, especially when a lot of it was related to her desperate needs for caffeine. I get it, you like coffee, it's cool. These moments of tedious detail were tricky to enjoy, and it made me want to just go back to the narrative and mystery behind Sam's new found abilities.
One thing I did love however, was her bonding experiences with a lot of the women in the story. The relationships she forged are beautifully woven into the narrative and I feel like Pohl-Weary does a great job of getting us to care about this group of women. This story has such empowering female characters, which for me, is always something I want in a story. I want to cheer for the characters and feel their highs and lows, and I think Pohl-Weary captures all the emotion of feeling lost and being different, yet finding strength in those differences to make one feel less strange.
While the detail and pacing were the drawback for me, I think Emily Pohl-Weary is a talented storyteller. I had a lot of fun reading this novel, but I won't lie that it didn't make me crave a reread of A Girl Like Sugar. Overall, I think the female cast of characters is fabulous, the writing has a lot of spunk to it, and for those who enjoy books like the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn, there's a lot here to enjoy.
September 22, 2013
This book is about werewolves. I know a lot of people have a problem with them, but I absolutely love watching and reading anything that have werewolves in it! I love animals, and humans who transform into animals are automatically awesome for me! The main protagonist, Sam, is in a rock band. Sam is the guitarist, and is also the shy one in her band of three girls. One day, going back home from work, an "animal" attacked her. You might think this would be such a typical werewolf story, but trust me, it's not!! Emily Pohl-Weary turned it into such an addicting and amazing read! When she goes home after the bite, she notices that she is super hungry! It was funny to see the symptoms kicking in. Sam was literally eating like a crazy animal, she would always feel hot and sweat, and I had such a great laugh reading about all this.
For me, characters are probably the most important thing in a book. Sam was a fantastic one! She is half asian (holllaaaa), lives by herself in Brooklyn, and has such a unique personality. For me, I will always remember the funny stuff she did, and the awkward situations that she encountered. I just loved how the author turned this into a light read, and allowed the readers to look at such a plot from a different perspective. I also loved the writing. I never really got bored. Not Your Ordinary Girl was fairly short, but I wouldn't have wanted the author to add anything unnecessary to the story either. Oh, did you guys see that cover? My copy has a different one, and I wasn't that into it but I absolutely ADORE this! It's so unique and artsy!
Overall, Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl was a fantastic werewolf read! I loved the plot to bits! The characters were great, and I don't think I would have wanted anything in the story to change. You guys might ask me why I wouldn't have given it a higher rating, and that's because it wasn't a book that touched my heart or actually made me FEEL anything tremendous. It was loads of fun, and I would totally recommend this book to all you paranormal fans out there!
For me, characters are probably the most important thing in a book. Sam was a fantastic one! She is half asian (holllaaaa), lives by herself in Brooklyn, and has such a unique personality. For me, I will always remember the funny stuff she did, and the awkward situations that she encountered. I just loved how the author turned this into a light read, and allowed the readers to look at such a plot from a different perspective. I also loved the writing. I never really got bored. Not Your Ordinary Girl was fairly short, but I wouldn't have wanted the author to add anything unnecessary to the story either. Oh, did you guys see that cover? My copy has a different one, and I wasn't that into it but I absolutely ADORE this! It's so unique and artsy!
Overall, Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl was a fantastic werewolf read! I loved the plot to bits! The characters were great, and I don't think I would have wanted anything in the story to change. You guys might ask me why I wouldn't have given it a higher rating, and that's because it wasn't a book that touched my heart or actually made me FEEL anything tremendous. It was loads of fun, and I would totally recommend this book to all you paranormal fans out there!
September 18, 2013
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl tells the story of Sam Lee, who is in a very popular band, and how she gets bitten by a wild dog late one night. Soon she starts to realize that something strange has happened to her, and eventually finds out that she is a werewolf. Sam struggled with her new powers, and tried to hide this from her band mates and many fans.
Sam was a character that I really enjoyed. She had her flaws, but definitely was funny and seemed like a caring person. I also thought it was neat that although she was very talented in her band that she didn't seem to care about fame. She had created a fine balance between protecting her own privacy, and still being able to perform the music she loved. As Sam learned to adjust to being a werewolf, I found it quite funny all the predicaments she got herself into. Even though this was a tough time for her, I appreciated how she found out about the mutant girls and wanted to help them.
Sam's band mates seemed to be mostly peripheral characters. I didn't feel that I got to know them well, but I didn't think that was needed in this story. The mutant girls were an interesting twist, and I would have learned more about them.
The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was that most of the male characters tended to be jerks. Even Marlon wasn't honest with Sam about what happened in the park and that was disappointing. I didn't really like any of the guys interested in Sam, and I had a bit of a hard time envisioning her getting into a relationship with one of them. I thought that Sam was a bit too smart and independent to put up with their crap.
Overall, I thought this book was a fun and entertaining read, and think there is more than enough material for a series. I hope there is another book coming because I want to find out what happens to the mutant girls and Owen.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
Sam was a character that I really enjoyed. She had her flaws, but definitely was funny and seemed like a caring person. I also thought it was neat that although she was very talented in her band that she didn't seem to care about fame. She had created a fine balance between protecting her own privacy, and still being able to perform the music she loved. As Sam learned to adjust to being a werewolf, I found it quite funny all the predicaments she got herself into. Even though this was a tough time for her, I appreciated how she found out about the mutant girls and wanted to help them.
Sam's band mates seemed to be mostly peripheral characters. I didn't feel that I got to know them well, but I didn't think that was needed in this story. The mutant girls were an interesting twist, and I would have learned more about them.
The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was that most of the male characters tended to be jerks. Even Marlon wasn't honest with Sam about what happened in the park and that was disappointing. I didn't really like any of the guys interested in Sam, and I had a bit of a hard time envisioning her getting into a relationship with one of them. I thought that Sam was a bit too smart and independent to put up with their crap.
Overall, I thought this book was a fun and entertaining read, and think there is more than enough material for a series. I hope there is another book coming because I want to find out what happens to the mutant girls and Owen.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
September 17, 2013
Book #78 Read in 2013
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary
Sam is a rock star in a girl band. One night after a show she is attacked and bitten by a large dog. By the time she gets home, her wound is almost healed. She goes to the hospital but they think she is having mental issues. It turns out that her issue is the dog was a werewolf and now Sam is becoming a werewolf too. She needs to learn how to deal with her bodily changes, how to escape a psychotic werewolf who thinks they are soul mates, and how to deal with her growing feelings for the psychotic werewolf's brother (also a werewolf).
This was a good read. Sam was a likeable and interesting character...intelligent, funny and brave. The writing was quick-paced and the plot had good mystery, humor and romantic elements to it. I enjoyed it a lot.
I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program to review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary
Sam is a rock star in a girl band. One night after a show she is attacked and bitten by a large dog. By the time she gets home, her wound is almost healed. She goes to the hospital but they think she is having mental issues. It turns out that her issue is the dog was a werewolf and now Sam is becoming a werewolf too. She needs to learn how to deal with her bodily changes, how to escape a psychotic werewolf who thinks they are soul mates, and how to deal with her growing feelings for the psychotic werewolf's brother (also a werewolf).
This was a good read. Sam was a likeable and interesting character...intelligent, funny and brave. The writing was quick-paced and the plot had good mystery, humor and romantic elements to it. I enjoyed it a lot.
I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program to review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
August 17, 2014
This is probably the best book that VOYA has sent me. When I finished it, I was like, that was the end? NO!!! I really really really hope there is a sequel. Seroiusly, I will beg Emily Pohl-weary for a book two. I want to know what happpens next! Sam was such a cool, relatable character, and the whole book was really well done. The beginning was a bit shakey, but after you got into it, YOU GOT INTO IT. The plot was just perfect, and there was a good balance of romance, action and reality. The end seemed a bit abrubt, which is why I hope there is a book two. If not, oh well, big disapointment. If there is a book two, well, you can guess who is going to buy it...
December 5, 2013
Intelligent, fast-paced and totally plugged into a teen's sensibility. The take on werewolf mythology was fresh, irreverent and will definitely grab YA readers who like their urban fantasy smart, sharp and with a bite. Give it to the teen werewolf in your life.
September 1, 2013
This is a cute YA book. I really liked the main character and could relate to her actions and reactions to the events in the book. I enjoy this book.
Will check out any and all sequels.
Will check out any and all sequels.
September 29, 2013
You can also find this review plus a giveaway for a signed ARC on LazyDay Reviews!
About a month after we started LazyDay.ca, we received an email invitation to "Chill Out with Razorbill" from our friends at Penguin Canada! Justin made a cute video and blog post about the event. While we were there we met 2 fantastic author's including Emily Pohl-Weary. She is a super nice lady who does some really wonderful things for inner-city youth. She is an award-winning author, and loves Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seeing I have an unhealthy obsession with all things Buffy, I felt an immediate connection with Emily and knew I would love her book. Since the release date wasn't until this past week, I didn't pick the book up until now but I really wished I had read it before meeting Emily because I would have acted more 'fan girl' appropriate. Meaning I loved her book and probably would have made a total fool of myself. So I guess it might have worked out for the best. Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is about a girl, Sam, who is a newly turned rock star of an all girl band, and is about to be bitten by a werewolf . Obviously she quickly realizes something isn't right when she starts craving meat yet she is a vegetarian. There is a cute little love triangle in the book to make matters even more confusing for Sam and a lot of fun moments as she tries to cover up her carnal appetite.
What I Didn't Like About Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl
This was a pretty easy task when I started thinking about what I wanted to write in the didn't like section. That would be the last part of the book because Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl should have been a lot longer than it was. The only reason it wasn't a 5 star rating was because the ending felt really rushed and left me scratching my head thinking that my Advanced Readers Copy was missing a few chapters at the end! The story line almost felt like it hadn't gotten it's proper conclusion and as far as I know there are no plans for a sequel!
What I Did Like About Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl
Everything! This was such a fun, easy read that I really didn't want it to end. All the characters were lovable (well most of them) and well written. Emily Pohl-Weary has a very relaxed, smooth, fluid writing style that I really enjoy. She made each character interesting and believable which is such an important factor for me when I am reading a book. If I can't connect with the characters or at least believe they could be real then I won't even bother finishing the book.
After Sam is bitten she goes kind of crazy by eating anything and everything in sight. Words of advice, don't read this book on an empty stomach. The main character is eating or thinking about food so much that it seriously made me hungry the entire time I was reading. The author did a fantastic job conveying how ravishingly hungry our beloved Sam was! It makes you want to eat just as much as she does!
I recommend this gem is your looking for a fun book to read. It's also a light read at only a few pages over the 300 mark so if your looking for a quick read that you're likely to enjoy, pick this one up! Or win a signed copy below!
Emily Pohl-Weary was kind enough to sign an extra copy of her book so we could give one away! Just fill out the Rafflecopter on LazyDay Reviews! The Giveaway ends on October 21/13
About a month after we started LazyDay.ca, we received an email invitation to "Chill Out with Razorbill" from our friends at Penguin Canada! Justin made a cute video and blog post about the event. While we were there we met 2 fantastic author's including Emily Pohl-Weary. She is a super nice lady who does some really wonderful things for inner-city youth. She is an award-winning author, and loves Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seeing I have an unhealthy obsession with all things Buffy, I felt an immediate connection with Emily and knew I would love her book. Since the release date wasn't until this past week, I didn't pick the book up until now but I really wished I had read it before meeting Emily because I would have acted more 'fan girl' appropriate. Meaning I loved her book and probably would have made a total fool of myself. So I guess it might have worked out for the best. Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is about a girl, Sam, who is a newly turned rock star of an all girl band, and is about to be bitten by a werewolf . Obviously she quickly realizes something isn't right when she starts craving meat yet she is a vegetarian. There is a cute little love triangle in the book to make matters even more confusing for Sam and a lot of fun moments as she tries to cover up her carnal appetite.
What I Didn't Like About Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl
This was a pretty easy task when I started thinking about what I wanted to write in the didn't like section. That would be the last part of the book because Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl should have been a lot longer than it was. The only reason it wasn't a 5 star rating was because the ending felt really rushed and left me scratching my head thinking that my Advanced Readers Copy was missing a few chapters at the end! The story line almost felt like it hadn't gotten it's proper conclusion and as far as I know there are no plans for a sequel!
What I Did Like About Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl
Everything! This was such a fun, easy read that I really didn't want it to end. All the characters were lovable (well most of them) and well written. Emily Pohl-Weary has a very relaxed, smooth, fluid writing style that I really enjoy. She made each character interesting and believable which is such an important factor for me when I am reading a book. If I can't connect with the characters or at least believe they could be real then I won't even bother finishing the book.
After Sam is bitten she goes kind of crazy by eating anything and everything in sight. Words of advice, don't read this book on an empty stomach. The main character is eating or thinking about food so much that it seriously made me hungry the entire time I was reading. The author did a fantastic job conveying how ravishingly hungry our beloved Sam was! It makes you want to eat just as much as she does!
I recommend this gem is your looking for a fun book to read. It's also a light read at only a few pages over the 300 mark so if your looking for a quick read that you're likely to enjoy, pick this one up! Or win a signed copy below!
Emily Pohl-Weary was kind enough to sign an extra copy of her book so we could give one away! Just fill out the Rafflecopter on LazyDay Reviews! The Giveaway ends on October 21/13
October 5, 2013
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary I was pleasantly surprised while reading Nor Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. What I was expecting was just another werewolf story but with an older female lead. Yes, it is another werewolf story, but it was better than what I had hoped for! The voice that was given to main character, Sam Lee, is one that keeps the reader’s attention.
Not your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is a story about rising rock star Sam Lee who unfortunately gets bitten by a werewolf. She in turn begins to turn into a werewolf, herself. Not only does she have to start getting used to these changes happening to her, but she must also deal with a crazy werewolf, Owen, who has decided to stake his claim on her. Thank goodness for his totally sexy brother, Marlon. Marlon has taken it upon himself to watch out for Sam as she goes through her transformation, and to protect her from his crazed bro.
But Sam’s transformation is doing a huge number on her career, as well as to her friendship and potential relationship. The hunger for food is overwhelming, and the thought of taking a bite out of those closest to her scares the crap out of her. Who could have bitten her and why? Does the appearance of an insane all girl gang have anything to do with this? And what part does Sam have to play in all this craziness…
What I really loved about this book was how Sam’s transformation is described. Her thoughts and feelings come to life as she tries to deal with her new reality. We see her anger and pain, and we witness how she deals with everything.
And I was torn between which boy I wanted to see Sam with. Of course, Marlon is bad boy sexy. But I loved that deep down he is sweet and romantic and thoughtful. And I loved the protectiveness he had with Sam. Harris, at times, would be sweet as well, but with a few drinks he turns into something that I really didn’t care for. And I felt that Mr. Obvious was so quick to want to jump into bed with Sam, mere moments after a break up with his long time girlfriend.
I loved Sam’s friends/band mates, Jules and Malika, although Jules was questionable at times. But Malika was a friend through and through, one that I would proud to have. In fact, I loved the way in which all the characters were introduced and written. Everything flowed so well together, that this ended up being a really quick read. The pages flew by quickly and the end came fast.
Fans of reads involving werewolves will fall in love with Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. A little bit of rock, and whole lotta fur.
Not your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is a story about rising rock star Sam Lee who unfortunately gets bitten by a werewolf. She in turn begins to turn into a werewolf, herself. Not only does she have to start getting used to these changes happening to her, but she must also deal with a crazy werewolf, Owen, who has decided to stake his claim on her. Thank goodness for his totally sexy brother, Marlon. Marlon has taken it upon himself to watch out for Sam as she goes through her transformation, and to protect her from his crazed bro.
But Sam’s transformation is doing a huge number on her career, as well as to her friendship and potential relationship. The hunger for food is overwhelming, and the thought of taking a bite out of those closest to her scares the crap out of her. Who could have bitten her and why? Does the appearance of an insane all girl gang have anything to do with this? And what part does Sam have to play in all this craziness…
What I really loved about this book was how Sam’s transformation is described. Her thoughts and feelings come to life as she tries to deal with her new reality. We see her anger and pain, and we witness how she deals with everything.
And I was torn between which boy I wanted to see Sam with. Of course, Marlon is bad boy sexy. But I loved that deep down he is sweet and romantic and thoughtful. And I loved the protectiveness he had with Sam. Harris, at times, would be sweet as well, but with a few drinks he turns into something that I really didn’t care for. And I felt that Mr. Obvious was so quick to want to jump into bed with Sam, mere moments after a break up with his long time girlfriend.
I loved Sam’s friends/band mates, Jules and Malika, although Jules was questionable at times. But Malika was a friend through and through, one that I would proud to have. In fact, I loved the way in which all the characters were introduced and written. Everything flowed so well together, that this ended up being a really quick read. The pages flew by quickly and the end came fast.
Fans of reads involving werewolves will fall in love with Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. A little bit of rock, and whole lotta fur.
October 5, 2013
I was pleasantly surprised while reading Nor Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. What I was expecting was just another werewolf story but with an older female lead. Yes, it is another werewolf story, but it was better than what I had hoped for! The voice that was given to main character, Sam Lee, is one that keeps the reader’s attention.
Not your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is a story about rising rock star Sam Lee who unfortunately gets bitten by a werewolf. She in turn begins to turn into a werewolf, herself. Not only does she have to start getting used to these changes happening to her, but she must also deal with a crazy werewolf, Owen, who has decided to stake his claim on her. Thank goodness for his totally sexy brother, Marlon. Marlon has taken it upon himself to watch out for Sam as she goes through her transformation, and to protect her from his crazed bro.
But Sam’s transformation is doing a huge number on her career, as well as to her friendship and potential relationship. The hunger for food is overwhelming, and the thought of taking a bite out of those closest to her scares the crap out of her. Who could have bitten her and why? Does the appearance of an insane all girl gang have anything to do with this? And what part does Sam have to play in all this craziness…
What I really loved about this book was how Sam’s transformation is described. Her thoughts and feelings come to life as she tries to deal with her new reality. We see her anger and pain, and we witness how she deals with everything.
And I was torn between which boy I wanted to see Sam with. Of course, Marlon is bad boy sexy. But I loved that deep down he is sweet and romantic and thoughtful. And I loved the protectiveness he had with Sam. Harris, at times, would be sweet as well, but with a few drinks he turns into something that I really didn’t care for. And I felt that Mr. Obvious was so quick to want to jump into bed with Sam, mere moments after a break up with his long time girlfriend.
I loved Sam’s friends/band mates, Jules and Malika, although Jules was questionable at times. But Malika was a friend through and through, one that I would proud to have. In fact, I loved the way in which all the characters were introduced and written. Everything flowed so well together, that this ended up being a really quick read. The pages flew by quickly and the end came fast.
Fans of reads involving werewolves will fall in love with Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. A little bit of rock, and whole lotta fur.
Not your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary is a story about rising rock star Sam Lee who unfortunately gets bitten by a werewolf. She in turn begins to turn into a werewolf, herself. Not only does she have to start getting used to these changes happening to her, but she must also deal with a crazy werewolf, Owen, who has decided to stake his claim on her. Thank goodness for his totally sexy brother, Marlon. Marlon has taken it upon himself to watch out for Sam as she goes through her transformation, and to protect her from his crazed bro.
But Sam’s transformation is doing a huge number on her career, as well as to her friendship and potential relationship. The hunger for food is overwhelming, and the thought of taking a bite out of those closest to her scares the crap out of her. Who could have bitten her and why? Does the appearance of an insane all girl gang have anything to do with this? And what part does Sam have to play in all this craziness…
What I really loved about this book was how Sam’s transformation is described. Her thoughts and feelings come to life as she tries to deal with her new reality. We see her anger and pain, and we witness how she deals with everything.
And I was torn between which boy I wanted to see Sam with. Of course, Marlon is bad boy sexy. But I loved that deep down he is sweet and romantic and thoughtful. And I loved the protectiveness he had with Sam. Harris, at times, would be sweet as well, but with a few drinks he turns into something that I really didn’t care for. And I felt that Mr. Obvious was so quick to want to jump into bed with Sam, mere moments after a break up with his long time girlfriend.
I loved Sam’s friends/band mates, Jules and Malika, although Jules was questionable at times. But Malika was a friend through and through, one that I would proud to have. In fact, I loved the way in which all the characters were introduced and written. Everything flowed so well together, that this ended up being a really quick read. The pages flew by quickly and the end came fast.
Fans of reads involving werewolves will fall in love with Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary. A little bit of rock, and whole lotta fur.
November 7, 2017
Did you enjoy the Twilight saga? Well, this book is nothing like those stories. In Emily Pohl-Weary’s Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl, you will meet Sam, who lives the life of a rock star on stage but whose life off stage is decidedly less exciting. Until she unwittingly gets bitten while biking home one night after a concert, of course.
That’s when everything changes.
This seems to be the season of strong female characters as this is the third book in a row I’ve read whose protagonists are far from the doe-eyed, maiden-in-distress archetype. Or maybe I’m only now discovering more and more fiction replete with confident, determined women thanks to the plethora of wonderful female authors out there. Whatever it is, I really enjoyed Pohl-Weary’s take on the werewolf subgenre because the love story isn’t really the meat of this novel.
What can you expect from the story then? I love that Pohl-Weary tackles the challenge that stems from change and that Sam has to learn how to accept her circumstances while she makes the most of them. She’s not whiny or needy despite the fact that she could use all the help she can get to deal with her new life. I like that there’s a conflict between conforming to societal norms (super hirsute faces scream “wolf girl”, don’t they?) and letting the true self come out. For much of the story, Sam is unsure which of the two boys in the novel she can trust, and I like that she waddles back and forth in her decision because boy is trust always a tough issue.
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed read full of twists, turns, and a strong female protagonist, give Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl a whirl.
And while you’re at it, try your hand at these questions: Why did Pohl-Weary set her story in NYC? Why is the heart of the conflict about becoming a wolf girl? Why is it important to the story that Sam is part of a rock band rather than just, say, a school band? Why might there be different factions of werewolves introduced in this story? Why does romance not factor as much in this story as in other novels in this genre?
That’s when everything changes.
This seems to be the season of strong female characters as this is the third book in a row I’ve read whose protagonists are far from the doe-eyed, maiden-in-distress archetype. Or maybe I’m only now discovering more and more fiction replete with confident, determined women thanks to the plethora of wonderful female authors out there. Whatever it is, I really enjoyed Pohl-Weary’s take on the werewolf subgenre because the love story isn’t really the meat of this novel.
What can you expect from the story then? I love that Pohl-Weary tackles the challenge that stems from change and that Sam has to learn how to accept her circumstances while she makes the most of them. She’s not whiny or needy despite the fact that she could use all the help she can get to deal with her new life. I like that there’s a conflict between conforming to societal norms (super hirsute faces scream “wolf girl”, don’t they?) and letting the true self come out. For much of the story, Sam is unsure which of the two boys in the novel she can trust, and I like that she waddles back and forth in her decision because boy is trust always a tough issue.
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed read full of twists, turns, and a strong female protagonist, give Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl a whirl.
And while you’re at it, try your hand at these questions: Why did Pohl-Weary set her story in NYC? Why is the heart of the conflict about becoming a wolf girl? Why is it important to the story that Sam is part of a rock band rather than just, say, a school band? Why might there be different factions of werewolves introduced in this story? Why does romance not factor as much in this story as in other novels in this genre?
March 13, 2014
3-1/2 stars, really.
This is a short, quick, fast-paced book which I zoomed through, and it's very enjoyable for what it is.
Sam's transformation is super quick; I'm not sure this book covers more than a few days total. And a lot happens. She immediately starts craving meat despite having been vegetarian for six years. She feels angrier than usual -- and acts on it. She's introduced to werewolf life in New York and the rivalries and frustrations involved, and bonds with some other girls who have been affected.
Sam's voice is great, and I really enjoyed the "other girls are team members, not rivals" vibe carried through this story. It manages to be both funny and mildly alarming at the same time, and I could hardly put it down as the new information and new experiences come fast and furious.
The minuses are that because the book is so very fast and short, there was less depth or exploration of Sam's new self than I would personally like to have seen. Everything is bam-bam-bam, just touched on and zoomed past as Sam adjusts to her new circumstances with barely a blink. So there's all kinds of good food for thought that gets a bit brushed off. In addition, I'm not thrilled about the guy she ends up with or how she decides he's the One. This is the biggest minus of the story, because my inner wolf wants to give him a good chomp.
If you're looking for an absorbing, quick read that has a bit more depth and much less angst than your typical teen paranormal novel, this is definitely recommended. And maybe it's a good thing I was left wanting more.
Note: Strangely, this book never name-checks Veruca Salt (maybe because there were two guys in the band; it does make shout-outs to a good number of all-girl bands). But in many ways, it felt to me like a novelization of their song "Seether," a big hit lo these (gulp) twenty years ago.
This is a short, quick, fast-paced book which I zoomed through, and it's very enjoyable for what it is.
Sam's transformation is super quick; I'm not sure this book covers more than a few days total. And a lot happens. She immediately starts craving meat despite having been vegetarian for six years. She feels angrier than usual -- and acts on it. She's introduced to werewolf life in New York and the rivalries and frustrations involved, and bonds with some other girls who have been affected.
Sam's voice is great, and I really enjoyed the "other girls are team members, not rivals" vibe carried through this story. It manages to be both funny and mildly alarming at the same time, and I could hardly put it down as the new information and new experiences come fast and furious.
The minuses are that because the book is so very fast and short, there was less depth or exploration of Sam's new self than I would personally like to have seen. Everything is bam-bam-bam, just touched on and zoomed past as Sam adjusts to her new circumstances with barely a blink. So there's all kinds of good food for thought that gets a bit brushed off. In addition, I'm not thrilled about the guy she ends up with or how she decides he's the One. This is the biggest minus of the story, because my inner wolf wants to give him a good chomp.
If you're looking for an absorbing, quick read that has a bit more depth and much less angst than your typical teen paranormal novel, this is definitely recommended. And maybe it's a good thing I was left wanting more.
Note: Strangely, this book never name-checks Veruca Salt (maybe because there were two guys in the band; it does make shout-outs to a good number of all-girl bands). But in many ways, it felt to me like a novelization of their song "Seether," a big hit lo these (gulp) twenty years ago.
November 6, 2013
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl by Emily Pohl-Weary
Rated 3.5 / 5
OVERVIEW:
This novel, which combines the music industry and the newest novel fan-fad of werewolves, is a fun, light and entertaining read. It hits a few high notes without going overboard and makes you want to continue in one sitting right to the end. The low points of the book detract from it being fantastic, but they’re minor if you can get past them.
PROS:
I loved Sam. She’s a strong female lead. She doesn’t whine constantly. She’s shy and independent, biracial, famous and talented. The author manages to make her a great lead without leaning too much on a single characteristic and therefore making her predictable. She desperately needs help as she makes her way from shy teen star to shy teen star werewolf. Help presents itself (might as well since the boy who offers aid is the same that changed her) and she begins to learn about her new life.
I actually enjoyed the crazy brother with a mate complex. EPW Takes a very human approach to the wolf side of his dilemma.
The interaction between Sam and her band, her management and her fans is all very believable. It’s realistic enough that you can truly imagine it happening.
NYC is a lovely backdrop for this story. It gives you the basis for the glamour of the rock industry, the grit of the underbelly and the opportunity for success in the city that never sleeps.
CONS:
There is an almost love triangle-square. It could have done without. It detracted from the root of the story, which is about adapting, not a twilight love story.
Overall, I would definitely pick up another book by Emily Pohl-Weary, but you won’t find me rereading this one.
Love and commas,
Katt
Rated 3.5 / 5
OVERVIEW:
This novel, which combines the music industry and the newest novel fan-fad of werewolves, is a fun, light and entertaining read. It hits a few high notes without going overboard and makes you want to continue in one sitting right to the end. The low points of the book detract from it being fantastic, but they’re minor if you can get past them.
PROS:
I loved Sam. She’s a strong female lead. She doesn’t whine constantly. She’s shy and independent, biracial, famous and talented. The author manages to make her a great lead without leaning too much on a single characteristic and therefore making her predictable. She desperately needs help as she makes her way from shy teen star to shy teen star werewolf. Help presents itself (might as well since the boy who offers aid is the same that changed her) and she begins to learn about her new life.
I actually enjoyed the crazy brother with a mate complex. EPW Takes a very human approach to the wolf side of his dilemma.
The interaction between Sam and her band, her management and her fans is all very believable. It’s realistic enough that you can truly imagine it happening.
NYC is a lovely backdrop for this story. It gives you the basis for the glamour of the rock industry, the grit of the underbelly and the opportunity for success in the city that never sleeps.
CONS:
There is an almost love triangle-square. It could have done without. It detracted from the root of the story, which is about adapting, not a twilight love story.
Overall, I would definitely pick up another book by Emily Pohl-Weary, but you won’t find me rereading this one.
Love and commas,
Katt
January 2, 2014
“The meat smelled so good. Blood filled my brain.
I charged, wanting to help my pack. I knew the Lebruns had deliberately set this up. They were letting me finish the fawn- it would be my first conscious kill…
Then the deer made eye contact with me. I could see its terror. Suddenly I remembered exactly how I felt when I was jumped by two ferocious wolves alone in the park. I skidded to a halt.”
P116
Werewolves, raging hormones, strong heroine, love triangles ? This totally predictable story is STILL fun to read.
Although only eighteen, Sam Lee is in a popular New York band, (the Cream Puffs- kid you not!) the now wealthy incredible-song-writing-vegetarian good-girl. On her way home on her pink (oh, yes) bike, she is attacked by a large dog, and bitten. When it heals much too quickly, we all realize that this was a werewolf. Possibly the title clued us in?
But Sam is not clued in, and takes waaayyy too long to understand she is a wolf, even as a life-long vegetarian she opts for eating huge baggies of meat, unseen, in bathrooms. Still, we can’t help but admire her kick-ass attitude and need to remain independent.
Mutant girl-wolves appear: not quite wolf, not human; bad-boy werewolf Marlon wants to help, oh yes…. Sprinkled with humor and just touches of sexual innuendos and bloody violence (they ARE werewolves)
Yes, we’re all tired of werewolf books, but this one is just fun.
Let’s hope for a sequel.
I charged, wanting to help my pack. I knew the Lebruns had deliberately set this up. They were letting me finish the fawn- it would be my first conscious kill…
Then the deer made eye contact with me. I could see its terror. Suddenly I remembered exactly how I felt when I was jumped by two ferocious wolves alone in the park. I skidded to a halt.”
P116
Werewolves, raging hormones, strong heroine, love triangles ? This totally predictable story is STILL fun to read.
Although only eighteen, Sam Lee is in a popular New York band, (the Cream Puffs- kid you not!) the now wealthy incredible-song-writing-vegetarian good-girl. On her way home on her pink (oh, yes) bike, she is attacked by a large dog, and bitten. When it heals much too quickly, we all realize that this was a werewolf. Possibly the title clued us in?
But Sam is not clued in, and takes waaayyy too long to understand she is a wolf, even as a life-long vegetarian she opts for eating huge baggies of meat, unseen, in bathrooms. Still, we can’t help but admire her kick-ass attitude and need to remain independent.
Mutant girl-wolves appear: not quite wolf, not human; bad-boy werewolf Marlon wants to help, oh yes…. Sprinkled with humor and just touches of sexual innuendos and bloody violence (they ARE werewolves)
Yes, we’re all tired of werewolf books, but this one is just fun.
Let’s hope for a sequel.
October 22, 2013
I love this novel about a loner in her late teens New York City rock star Sam Lee, did I mention she’s also biracial? who gets bitten by a werewolf in Central Park after a gig, when she’s riding her bike home. She writes all the bands’ songs, but gives all the credit to her more outgoing band mates. She gets freaked out when a fan takes a picture of her eating a chicken drumstick; she’s been a vegetarian since she was twelve. She gets booked on a nosey, awful talk show and she lets the vapid host jump to her own conclusion: that she’s gay and outs her. After reading the riot act to the host during the commercial about how uncool that was and stalking off.
But the main story here is her new pack; or are they? Dealing with the cute werewolf who is interested in her and the cute comic book illustrator, too. And then there’s the mystery of the teenage half-wolf girl attacks. Sam, the protagonist, is smart, loyal and thoroughly deserves that an excellent book be written about her. And it has. Recommendation: Read It! Other deeply cool thing: the author’s grandmother is science fiction writer Judith Merrill.
But the main story here is her new pack; or are they? Dealing with the cute werewolf who is interested in her and the cute comic book illustrator, too. And then there’s the mystery of the teenage half-wolf girl attacks. Sam, the protagonist, is smart, loyal and thoroughly deserves that an excellent book be written about her. And it has. Recommendation: Read It! Other deeply cool thing: the author’s grandmother is science fiction writer Judith Merrill.
January 29, 2015
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I've never read a book strictly about werewolves before and I'm glad I did.
Sam Lee is well known for being the bassist and founder of her band, Cream Puffs. She has a crush on Harris (a guy that helps design their music videos), but he has been with Marie since kindergarten. Sam is known as a loner that avoids the press at all costs. That is, until she is attacked by a dog while riding her bike in the park at night. This well known vegetarian that even had a contract with PETA at one point, is then photographed eating meat in the park. Sam's life begins to spiral out of control and she finds herself in a love triangle with Harris and Marlon who has been stalking her.
Ever since she was attacked by the dog she can't cool off and has an insatiable hunger for meat. Everyone knows Sam the rockstar, but very few people are aware that Sam is also a werewolf.
Sam Lee is well known for being the bassist and founder of her band, Cream Puffs. She has a crush on Harris (a guy that helps design their music videos), but he has been with Marie since kindergarten. Sam is known as a loner that avoids the press at all costs. That is, until she is attacked by a dog while riding her bike in the park at night. This well known vegetarian that even had a contract with PETA at one point, is then photographed eating meat in the park. Sam's life begins to spiral out of control and she finds herself in a love triangle with Harris and Marlon who has been stalking her.
Ever since she was attacked by the dog she can't cool off and has an insatiable hunger for meat. Everyone knows Sam the rockstar, but very few people are aware that Sam is also a werewolf.
December 12, 2013
I have a soft spot for tales of werewolves who completely turn wolf. Samantha Lee started her all-girl band Cream Puffs after graduating from New York’s High School of the Performing Arts. She plays the Base Guitar and writes their songs. She’s also the shyest of the group and ducks out after a local contest and bikes home. That gets her bitten by a werewolf. Now she has to deal with the changes in her life, like going from being a vegetarian to craving meat and dealing with a local family of werewolves while keeping the secret of her transformations from her band and the public. Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl (hard from Skyscape which I bought electronically) strikes the perfect mixture of fun and excitement. I can only hope that Emily Pohl-Weary has a sequel.Review Printed in Philadelphia Weekly Press
August 6, 2016
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is a lot of fun to read. A quirky take on the werewolf myth - and not a vampire in sight. The female protagonist, Sam Lee, lives every young woman's dream: being in a rock band, having an assortment of hunks interested in her, and living independently in NYC. All is going well, until she is attacked while riding her bike through Central Park one night.
It feels like this title may be the first in a series. Hope so! A solid foundation for this world has been built with rival wolf clans, academic "were"-research, and South American mystical witches. Yet, this is not a horror story. A sense of humour brings levity to the novel.
Also fans of indie music, comics, and 80s movies will find a home in this book. Plenty of pop culture references mentioned. All the ingredients for a Buffy-style Scoobie crew are here.
It feels like this title may be the first in a series. Hope so! A solid foundation for this world has been built with rival wolf clans, academic "were"-research, and South American mystical witches. Yet, this is not a horror story. A sense of humour brings levity to the novel.
Also fans of indie music, comics, and 80s movies will find a home in this book. Plenty of pop culture references mentioned. All the ingredients for a Buffy-style Scoobie crew are here.
October 16, 2013
In my mid-late teens I played bass in a garage band. Toss in the werewolf stuff and I’m hooked. The story has a solid pace and plenty of developments to hold my interest. Although classified as YA, Amy and her friends are 18+ and living on their own. (This meets the definition of “New Adult” i.e., college age protagonists, a subcategory of YA I just heard of.) The language is adult, but I’ve seen much stronger in other YA titles. Some of the werewolfery is fresh and off the well worn beaten track. Some reviews consider this paranormal romance, but the romance was minimal. There are hints of a broad range of supernatural elements so I think the urban fantasy label suits it better. Left me hungry for more and I'm disappointed that there's not yet a sequel I can plunge into.
February 22, 2014
A shy 18 year old who just wants to make music with her band suddenly finds her life going bonkers due to a little case of lycanthropy. Sam and her bass (Janis) make a great literary duo. Their story is smart, sharp, and lightning fast.
The only thing I didn't love is Marlon. I guess it's a given these days that werewolves guys will be crass, egotistical lunkheads. His constant badgering of Sam goes further than pursuit of a romance and leaps squarely into harassment and stalker territory. I imagine it's supposed to be playing into pack hierarchy and alpha male behavior but it's frustrating to read through...so, success?
Everything else is terrific. Super fun little book!
The only thing I didn't love is Marlon. I guess it's a given these days that werewolves guys will be crass, egotistical lunkheads. His constant badgering of Sam goes further than pursuit of a romance and leaps squarely into harassment and stalker territory. I imagine it's supposed to be playing into pack hierarchy and alpha male behavior but it's frustrating to read through...so, success?
Everything else is terrific. Super fun little book!
March 30, 2014
I discovered this little gem at work; I'm a Librarian, which is basically my dream job, and the best perk is getting to borrow new items first. I read it in one sitting since it's quite fast paced. One thing that was enjoyable was that it was a complete story. While it may become the first in a series later on, and that would be great because there are many potential outcomes from the conclusion, this story is complete, in and of itself, in one novel. And that is rapidly disappearing charm of today's novels. So a big thank you to the author, both for the fresh and enjoyable story and the fact that it can be read as a stand alone title. Loved it.
August 1, 2013
This is a cute YA book about werewolves. I really liked the main character and could relate to her actions and reactions to the events in the book.
I found it interesting to see a family of werewolves at the heart of the book, that's not something I've seen a lot of in YA books.
Overall this is a good YA read, with lots of overarching girl power vibes going throughout the book.
I found it interesting to see a family of werewolves at the heart of the book, that's not something I've seen a lot of in YA books.
Overall this is a good YA read, with lots of overarching girl power vibes going throughout the book.
March 8, 2014
I really liked this book. It's main character is in a popular band but is shy and down to earth. It was fairly fast paced and holds your attention. I hope she make this a series. I highly recommend this to all who love a good werewolf story but not the sex and blood. I won this in hopes of a honest review. Hope to see more of this author.
March 20, 2017
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl portrays protagonist, Sam Lee, and her struggle after a vicious preternatural attack. Pohl-Weary does an excellent job of portraying Sam and engaging readers. A relatively easy young adult read, Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is definitely a page turner.
This book was received as part of a Goodreads First Reads give away.
This book was received as part of a Goodreads First Reads give away.
March 4, 2014
Wow. Got this book and tore through it in one night. I really appreciate Pohl-Weary writing in a mixed race protagonist and making sure that the book's characters reflect the diversity of NYC.
I would have liked a hundred or so pages more, but perhaps there's a sequel in the works?
I would have liked a hundred or so pages more, but perhaps there's a sequel in the works?
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