Aurora Undefined Review

Aurora Undefined
Kate Hinderer

Publisher: Kindle
Release Date: March 10, 2011
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5 (Avg 3.5/5)

Aurora is entering her senior year and everything around her seems to be falling apart. Her best friend has joined the cool crowd and she struggles to grapple with the loss. But when tragedy strikes, Aurora realizes what loss is really all about and how moving on becomes a fight of the will, mind and heart.

This is one of those beautiful reads that everyone needs to get a hold of in their reading careers. The story is beautifully simplistic yet monumentally provoking when it comes to your emotions.

I love Aurora. At first, I was a little hesitant because she did seem immature and selfish, but she grew throughout the story and ended up growing on me as well. Her realizations through the novel that she's not defined by others is something that a lot of teens need to know and realize - it's a strong message for everyone, and not just teens. It's even better because she does have a friend to help her realize this and he's there for her every step of the way - Hudson. Ahh, Hudson... he's basically amazing. I found myself looking forward to his parts in the book more than anything because he really made the book for me. I think the best part was when he lost it on Aurora. It was something she needed and I am so glad that he's the one that did it because I don't think, in the end, she would have caught on if those things were said by anyone else.

The emotions and reactions in this book ring true to real life, making this a read that anyone can relate to. The writing was great, the storyline even greater and the book really is tops for me. Though it's a little slow to begin with, the story soon picks up and has you hooked until the very end. This is definitely a recommended YA read for 2011 for me.

Blog Tour Playlist: Aurora Undefined

Today we have the incredibly talented author behind Aurora Undefined, Kate Hinderer, talking about songs that would be used in a playlist for Aurora Undefined.

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To be honest I’m a little obsessed with music. My computer holds nearly 6,000 songs, most of which I know the words to. Crazy, I know!

The thing I love about music is its ability to evoke emotions from the person. It’s an instantaneous emotional high, or low. When it comes to writing I often use music to put me in the mood of the scene, especially if I am having a hard time crafting the particular moment.

For instance, if it is a scene I’m hoping will induce tears in the reader, I’ll listen to: Broken Vow by Josh Groban, Cry on Command by Gloriana, Every Time You Say Goodbye by Alison Krauss, Me Without You by Love & Theft, Falling Apart by Matt Nathanson, Winner at a Losing Game by Rascal Flatts, Cry on Demand by Ryan Adams, A Twist in My Story by Secondhand Serenade.

On the other hand if it is a love scene I opt for these types of songs: Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Vallie, My Life Story by Gladys Knight, You Belong To Me by Dean Martin, haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Buble….. huh, it looks like I’m really into the oldies when it comes to love.

When it comes to a general writing soundtrack I go with a combination of these artists: The Fray, Gavin DeGraw, Dierks Bentely, Dixie Chicks, David Gray, John Mayer, Matchbox20, Michael Buble, Parachute, Rufus Wainwright…. These artists have slightly mellow music that is the perfect background distraction to writing. I don’t get caught up with the beat and can focus on my words and the storyline.

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You can catch Kate at more blogs during her tour for Aurora Undefined. Check out a list of dates here.