Review: I Was Here *trigger warning*

I Was Here
by Gayle Forman

Synopsis

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If I Staycomes "a heartbreaking novel about coping with loss" (People).
 
When her best friend, Meg, commits suicide by drinking a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how did she miss the signs of Meg's depression? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, and some secrets of his own. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.
 
"I Was Here is a pitch-perfect blend of mystery, tragedy, and romance. Gayle Forman has given us an unflinchingly honest portrait of the bravery that it takes to live after devastating loss."
—Stephen Chbosky, author of the #1 New York Timesbestselling The Perks of Being a Wallflower

synopsis from Amazon.com

Review

*Trigger Warning*

Gayle Forman does it again with this heart-wrenching book about a girl, Cody, and her reaction to the news that her best friend has committed suicide. The story takes us along for the ride as Cody learns information about Meg that surprises her. We also follow Cody as she realizes that grief is not black and white and there are actually many emotions that she is ALLOWED to have. Sadness. Anger. Guilt. Acceptance. - and everything in between. 

As someone who works in the mental health field, I truly appreciated this "behind-the-scenes" look at how it feels to be one of the people left behind when someone completes their suicide plan. Many people feel guilty and feel they should have seen the signs. The truth is that no one expects their loved one or even their acquaintance to commit suicide. And sometimes there are no visible signs that one can see. This is why it's important for us all to keep an open dialogue about mental health....to speak our minds when we feel that something is not right. Sometimes, all we need to do is listen. Listening to a loved one or even a random person can make a huge difference and become the encouragement that person needs for them to get help. I feel that this book did a wonderful job in portraying the story of those left behind...and just how complicated the human condition can get. 

Verdict

This story is worth reading, but it can also be difficult for those who have attempted or know someone who has attempted or completed suicide. Please - if you aren't ready to read, it's okay to skip for now. If you feel that reading and discussing it with someone who is understanding and patient will help, please do so. 

If you or anyone you know has had thoughts of suicide (or you want to know more about helping others), please read the information below:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1 (800) 273-8255

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Languages: English, Spanish

Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Review: The Agency: A Spy in the House

The Agency
by Y. S. Lee

Synopsis

Introducing an exciting new series! Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment. 

Review

I didn't expect to like this book as much as i did. I hadn't heard about it before, but I saw it was available from my library and I remembered that I saw it mentioned in a YouTube video. I am so happy that I picked it up!

It's a story about a young thief-turned spy during Victorian times. This girl is fierce - strong and curious.I'll go ass far as to say she is a Victorian-time feminist. What I didn't expect was that chapters were not solely from her POV. What I really didn't expect was for me to like that fact. 

For you love story enthusiasts - there is a love story in this book, but it is not what you think. How's that for vague? Let's just say that I am looking forward to the following books (I already ordered the second and third books in the series).

Verdict

If you are into mysteries - especially those involving a strong [feminist] female lead - this is for you :)

Review: Playlist for the Dead

Synopsis

Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Spectacular Now.

There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, Sam's best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand. To figure out what happened, Sam has to rely on the playlist and his own memory. But the more he listens, the more he realizes that his memory isn't as reliable as he thought. And it might only be by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he'll finally be able to piece together his best friend's story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.

Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.

Review

I really enjoyed this book which surprised me because I borrowed it on a whim from the library. There have been a lot of YA books coming out lately that are centered around suicide. I find that intriguing and sad. Please read no further if suicide is a trigger for you.

This book...this book was surprising. It is exactly what they tell you it is - part mystery, love story and coming of age. All mixed up with a whole bunch of sadness. I found it to be quite real in the way everyone is described and how feelings are explained. There is this utter sadness that is laced throughout the whole book because of Hayden's death. What could cause someone to kill themselves? Why leave a playlist for your friend to listen to? So many questions and yet, not everything is answered. The book doesn't tidy things up for the reader. I read in some reviews that some readers didn't like not knowing certain things, but the truth and reality is that in real life, you don't always know why people do what they do. 

Sam was a believable character and, although I usually gravitate to female protagonists,  I can honestly say that I enjoyed living inside Sam's head - even if he was sad. There was an innocence in his sadness, but an understanding too. My feelings about this book are hard to explain. I found myself pulled in from the very first page and was sad to let go of the characters. It reminded me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but at the same time it is an entity all its own. I loved it and am looking forward to more from this author (this is her first book). 

Also, each chapter has a different song connected to it. I collected all the songs and made a playlist on Spotify. If you would like to listen to it, just click here. 

Verdict

Read it and feel sad. Then, feel thankful (hopefully).

Revisiting:The Duff *SPOILERS*

The Duff
by Kody Keplinger

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him. 

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Let's Revisit

It's been a long time since I first read Keplinger's The Duff. My mind wanders back to that book every now and then and especially now that the movie has been announced. 

From the trailer, the movie seems fun/funny and I'll probably watch it. However, lets not get all crazy calling that movie an adaptation of The Duff. If the trailer says anything about the movie itself, than I already know I will be disappointed with it in comparison with the book. 

Which brings me to my post today, a revisitation with The Duff. It is the one book I have re-read, not just twice, but a solid three times and I foresee re-reading it in the future. But why? What is so captivating about this book that makes me want to read and re-read countless times?

The answer is simple and, sadly, rare amongst other books. The book, its writing and characters, are honest. They are flawed and lonely and honest. 

Bianca is the "Duff," the designated ugly fat friend who happens to be friends with two gorgeous and popular girls. The fact is not lost on her, but it's until Wesley, an arrogant and promiscuous classmate, provides her a namesake that explains her "place." It's through Wesley that Bianca finds an outlet for everything that's going wrong in her life: parents divorcing, father's alcoholism, an ex-boyfriend coming into town. 

Keplinger does not provide us with vague feelings and physicalness. Instead, she gives us these two individuals, each feeling broken and lonely, and provides for them an outlet - sex. Is it the best outlet? No. Is it realistic, something honest? Yes. The author gives these certain scenes with Bianca and Wesley a fierce almost animalistic urgency. It's not dirty or gross - it's a need to escape.

It would have been very easy for Keplinger to "take the easy way out" and have sex be the focus of the story or even to do the opposite and say how wrong it is for sex to be the focus of Bianca and Wesley's story. Keplinger, however, does neither of these things. The story tightens to a point in which there is no moving on and then slowly begins to unravel. 

The transition from fierce and frantic sex to something more happens subtly. The pair lose their urgency and begin to take their time. There is more conversation and playfulness. There is some respect and care between the two. And slowly, but surely, they begin to realize it themselves. These characters transform from who they used to be, and it has to do with something more than just sex. Bianca learns to not be so judgmental, of herself or others, and that sometimes, you need to ask for help. Wesley learns that, although it's great to be honest and true to yourself, sometimes we learn to communicate a different part of ourselves to show those around us how much we love them. These characters learn from each other and it is beyond sex. 

From a feminist perspective, this book has it going on. It shows a young woman making her own decisions about what to do with her body. No one is forcing her to have sex and in the end, the person that is most critical of her is herself. Through these experiences with Wesley, she learns how easy and dangerous it can be to judge someone for what you see on the surface level. This causes her to think differently and be better.

Likewise, we learn how Wesley is judged for his behavior without knowing the whole story. I enjoyed that this story crossed the gender bias when it came to sex. It was Wesley that was known for always having sex with women - Bianca herself referring to him as a "slut." But in the end, Wesley accepts that he is more than what he does. He has always had the power to do something different and he finally found a reason to in Bianca. 

In the end, this book was about our choices, flawed or not, and how quick we all are to judge others. Thankfully, this book is also about realizing we are all flawed, but that doesn't mean we can't try and be better for ourselves and those we love. 

Review: Both of Me

Both of Me
by Jonathan Friesen

Synopsis

It was supposed to be just another flight, another escape into a foreign place where she could forget her past, forget her attachments. Until Clara found herself seated next to an alluring boy named Elias Phinn—a boy who seems to know secrets she has barely been able to admit to herself for years.

When her carry-on bag is accidentally switched with Elias’s identical pack, Clara uses the luggage tag to track down her things. At that address she discovers there is not one Elias Phinn, but two: the odd, paranoid, artistic, and often angry Elias she met on the plane, who lives in an imaginary world of his own making called Salem; and the kind, sweet, and soon irresistible Elias who greets her at the door, and who has no recollection of ever meeting Clara at all. As she learns of Elias’s dissociative identity disorder, and finds herself quickly entangled in both of Elias’s lives, Clara makes a decision that could change all of them forever. She is going to find out what the Salem Elias knows about her past, and how, even if it means playing along with his otherworldly quest. And she is going to find a way to keep the gentle Elias she’s beginning to love from ever disappearing again.

Review

Okay. I need to be honest here (haha, I'm always honest on here). This book is weird. Not a bad weird, just weird. I also don't think this book will be for everyone - but that's okay! I liked this book because it appealed to two sides of me (no pun intended! Ha...you'll only get that if you read the book): the avid YA reader who likes mysteries and the Psychology student who wants to know what the heck is going on. 

The book shows us a seemingly impossible situation. What if the person you came to care for...disappears forever while still physically being there in front of your eyes? This book gives you the feels as some people say while still keeping you at the edge of your seat as to where the story is going...

Verdict

I've mentioned psychology and mysteries...what are you waiting for???

Review: Hit

Hit
by Lorie Ann Grover

Synopsis

After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her … that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket—one that will declare her feelings once and for all.

Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning. 

But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.

Review

This book...oh this book. The writing was beautiful as the author had the reader feel the grief and complexity of emotions that Sarah is going through. It's the writing that makes this book feel so complete even though the book actually is not very long at all. That would actually be my only "negative" comment about this book - I wish it would have been longer. 

But anyway - I don't want to give too much away as this book is best read with a fresh mind. The words read like poetry and it basically drowns the reader in feelings and imagery. 

Verdict

It's a quick read - read it!

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood

Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake

Synopisis

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life. 

Anna Dressed in Blood is a 2011 Kirkus Best Teen Books of the Year title. 

One of NPR's Top 5 Young Adult Novels of 2011.

Review

I am always on the look out for a good horror/thriller book. If you read my blog occasionally, you already know this. With that in mind, I have never NEVER read a book like Anna Dressed in Blood. I found it to be highly interesting, entertaining and unlike anything else I've read. I'm very much used to reading books from the female perspective because that is simply what I'm drawn to. This book, however, is from the POV of Cas, a teenage boy with the ability to see and get rid of spirits. 

Then one day Cas is called out to another city and with his mom in tow, he begins his research into the spirit story called Anna Dressed in Blood. What he finds, however, is unlike everything he has ever experienced. Anna is meticulous in how she those who enter her home - until she meets Cas. For some reason, Cas is different and is spared. The rest of the book is spent trying to unravel the mystery behind Anna Dressed in Blood and the connection her story has to Cas.

You know, dear reader, not to expect spoilers from this book blog and I intend to keep it that way. But listen when I say - if you like scary books, do not pass up on this one!

Verdict

Horror, with a little confusing romance, never hurt anyone - did it? 

Review: Doon & Destined for Doon

Doon
by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Synopsis from Amazon:

Veronica doesn’t think she’s going crazy. But why can’t anyone else see the mysterious blond boy who keeps popping up wherever she goes?

When her best friend, Mackenna, invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Veronica jumps at the opportunity to leave her complicated life behind for a few months. But the Scottish countryside holds other plans. Not only has the imaginary kilted boy followed her to Alloway, she and Mackenna uncover a strange set of rings and a very unnerving letter from Mackenna’s great aunt—and when the girls test the instructions Aunt Gracie left behind, they find themselves transported to a land that defies explanation.

Doon seems like a real-life fairy tale, complete with one prince who has eyes for Mackenna and another who looks suspiciously like the boy from Veronica’s daydreams. But Doon has a dark underbelly as well. The two girls could have everything they’ve longed for… or they could end up breaking an enchantment and find themselves trapped in a world that has become a nightmare.

Review

I had seen copies of Doon at the local bookstore and it always caught my eye. It caught my eye because it has a gorgeous cover. The green background and that fantastic dress? Yes, please! I still hadn't gotten around to buying it when, suddenly, I was given the opportunity to read it and it's sequel, Destined for Doon, for review. 

Technically, I was offered Destined for Doon to read for review when I joined the BookSparks blog tour - but I cannot start a story on anything but it's first volume. So, I asked if I could read Doon first and voila! So, many thanks to the publisher :)

Now, I was not expecting to get as enthralled as I was with this book. Scotland and its lore has never interested me, but I thought, let's give it a try. I am very glad that I did! The authors of this book do a great job of never letting the story slow down too much - there is action everywhere! Also, I loved how the characters are each given their "turn" to "talk" i.e. each chapter is based on a different character's POV. I very much enjoyed the characters, best friends, Veronica and Mackenna. I loved...LOVED that the book started off almost in the middle of what other books may consider the "main" story. I am completely aware of how much nonsense that sounds like, but hopefully you understand when you read it. 

The story is fully of mystery, friendship, fantasy...and romance. A mysterious boy who shows up when you need him, a friend by your side and an adventure into a gorgeous but unknown land? What is not to like?

Anyone who reads my blog knows that this is a spoiler-free zone. I don't want to ruin any book that you, dear reader, may want to pick up later on. Just know, that I read both Doon and Destined for Doon - and neither disappointed me. Both are gorgeous books giving us a glimpse into a world we can only dream of - and it's fantastic. 

So, read Doon and then read...

...you will NOT regret it.

Verdict

Do you really need more after that opus? :) These are honestly great books and I am not just saying that because I was asked to review them - I can't finish books I don't like!

Buy the book:

• Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/1lhJVUg
• Amazon Hardcover: http://amzn.to/1pL8F7k

About the authors:

Carey Corp lives in the metropolitan Midwest with her loveable yet out-of-control family. Carey wrote her first book at the age of seven, and currently begins each morning consuming copious amounts of coffee while weaving stories that capture her exhaustive imagination. She harbors a voracious passion (in no consistent order) for mohawks, Italy, musical theater, chocolate, and Jane Austen. Carey’s debut novel for teens, The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian, earned her national recognition as 2010 Golden Heart finalist for best young adult fiction and was recently featured at the 2012 RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago in YA Alley.

Lorie Langdon has over ten years of experience writing online and print advertising for a Fortune 500 company, and left her thriving corporate career to satisfy the voices in her head. Now as a full-time author and stay-at-home mom, she spends her summers editing poolside while dodging automatic water-gun fire, and the rest of the year tucked into her cozy office, Havanese puppy by her side, working to translate her effusive imagination into the written word and continue to build the young-adult-focused blog, HonestlyYA.

Connect with the authors:

Carey Corp:

• Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1qqj0BL
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/careycorp
• Website: http://www.doonseries.com/
• Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1pez6SL

Lorie Langdon:

• Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1nagUFl
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LorieLangdon
• Website: http://www.lorielangdon.com/
• Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1AyddRT

Review: The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1)

The Kiss of Deception
by Mary E. Pearson

Synopsis

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

The Kiss of Deception is the first book in Mary E. Pearson's Remnant Chronicles.

Review

I started this book awhile ago and only just finished it yesterday. Why did it take me so long? I don't know! I really don't. I enjoyed the story and the same thing is happening to me with The Shining, which I'm also enjoying. I don't know what happens to me - I get 3/4s of the way through and then I just get distracted by all the other books and I start another one. 

Anyway, as I said - I really enjoyed this book! It was a mix of fantasy, romance and adventure. I was quite happy that the romance didn't overshadow everything else in the book. Also - it was really interesting how we read more than just Lia's point of view. We have chapters on Rafe, Kaden and even Pauline, Lia's friend. What I loved the most was not knowing who the prince and assassin were (you have to try and guess between Rafe and Kaden). I wanted so badly for a certain someone to be the prince (I'm not telling you who!) and I won't be telling you if I was right or not. 

BUT I was left wanting so much more :( I can't believe I have to wait for the second book - the end of this one left me completely NEEDING the next book. That's all I'm going to say. 

Verdict

Read it. If you're anything like me, however, you will get frustrated lol

Video Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Short Story Fridays: The Poison Eaters

Collection: The Poison Eaters
Author: Holly Black

Story: The Coldest Girl in Cold Town

Synopsis

Pick your poison: Vampires, devils, werewolves, faeries, or . . . ? Find them all here in Holly Black’s amazing first collection.

In her debut collection, New York Times best-selling author Holly Black returns to the world of Tithe in two darkly exquisite new tales. Then Black takes readers on a tour of a faerie market and introduces a girl poisonous to the touch and another who challenges the devil to a competitive eating match. Some of these stories have been published in anthologies such as 21 Proms, The Faery Reel, and The Restless Dead, and many have been reprinted in many “Best of ” anthologies.

The Poison Eaters is Holly Black’s much-anticipated first collection, and her ability to stare into the void—and to find humanity and humor there—will speak to young adult and adult readers alike.

Review

When I read this story, I didn't know much about the collection or Holly Black's other book, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. I still don't know too much about it, but the short story by the same name gave me a glimpse of what to expect - and I LIKED it. 

From what I could understand, the short story is a side story from the main one described in The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. The world portrayed in the story is very different than ours. In this world, vampires are no longer a myth, but pure reality. People either run away or towards the now-dead that want to either murder or turn them. 

Matilda is the protagonist of the story. She's looking for her boyfriend whom she lost track of since leaving home. Why did Matilda leave home? Well - this blog is no spoilers folks. 

This story was well-written and got me excited for (1) the rest of the stories and (2) The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. I've enjoyed Black's writing since Tithe and Ironside and I feel that her writing just gets better and better each time I read it. 

Review: The Merciless

The Merciless
by Danielle Vega

Synopsis

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.
 
Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.
 
Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .
 
In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?

Review

I LOVED this book! I had been in the mood for something scary/creepy and this fit the bill just fine. It had been so long since I've read a YA book that actually creeped me out. Vega does a great job of incorporating flash backs and so-called cliches into what turns out to be quite a unique story! Through the point of view of Sofia, we get to experience so many emotions and...well, I won't give it away.

I read a review somewhere that said this was a bad imitation of Mean Girls. Well, let me tell you that, as much as I love Mean Girls, this story goes beyond the popular girls. Anyone who thinks that's what this book is about has it very very wrong. 

Vega says in her ending credits that her husband, who does not like scary stories, should prepare himself for the next one she has brewing. I cannot wait to read anything else that comes from this great debut author!

Verdict

If you love scary stories - this is for you. HOWEVER, please realize that there is talk of sex, violence, addiction and other unpleasant things in this book. It's a great story, but I don't want anyone getting triggered or feeling uncomfortable when reading should be fun!

Review: The Olympus Cloud

The Olympus Cloud
by Stephen Randel

Synopsis

Do you ever wonder what your dog is dreaming about when its paws twitch? You might be surprised…. 

Some dogs can spend up to sixteen hours a day sleeping. For Max, a pugnacious French bulldog from Texas, this provides plenty of time for him to explore the world through his vivid imagination. His dreams are a doorway to excitement and adventure. Whether he’s solving mysteries, rescuing other animals, or just plain saving the day, Max’s heroic exploits carry him around the block, around the country, and even around the planet. From the plains of Africa to the battlefields of France and into outer space, Max matches wits with everything from a zombie accountant to rodent gangsters and a myriad of mythical creatures. And in the end, the fearless and faithful little dog always makes it home in time for dinner.

Review

What an enjoyable read! This book is made up of mini-stories surrounding the dreams of a cutie of a dog named Max. It's a beautiful YA-middle grade book of Max's sleepy-time adventures. The book is short, but it is full of adventurous moments. 

I found this story to be refreshing and unique - a whole new level of reading for me. I am so very glad that this is a middle grade book that young people can appreciate. However, I also hope that kids of all ages are able to enjoy this book because one is truly never too "old" for adventure - especially when it's this adorable. 

Verdict

Any person of any age will enjoy this book. However, you'll probably find it even more enjoyable if you have some furry family members of your own. A great read!

Review: The Summer I Gave Up Boys

The Summer I Gave Up Boys
by Kassandra Kush

Synopsis

A summer love novella 

Kaliyah Simon just broke up with her cheating boyfriend, and now that summer break is here, all she wants is a quiet, boy-free summer. To focus on work, reading, and her tan. But then she meets up with her old high school nemesis, Isaiah Winters, on the way home, and he seems more interested in being friends than enemies. Can Kaliyah lower her walls and get over seven years of pushing Isaiah away and find out what it would be like to actually be with him? 

With her best friend going boy-crazy, a twenty-first birthday looming on the horizon, Isaiah continually showing up on her doorstep, and an ex that seems to want her back, Kaliyah’s summer promises to be anything but quiet.

Review

Such a great read for summer, but oh so short :( I really liked Kaliyah as a protagonist because she was different. It was really great to read a story about a headstrong girl who doesn't let herself be pulled apart by a guy. Also, she's a book blogger and bibliophile - without any stereotype attached to the "label." I wish I could have read more about her and Isaiah.

Verdict

Perfect introduction to by-the-poolside summer reading!

Review: Better off Friends

Better off Friends
by Elizabeth Eulberg

Synopsis

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

Review

This book pretty much had me at "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...for teens". I LOVE When Harry Met Sally. Love Love Love. And this book??? I loved it! It has two very believable characters with a believable love story. And the writing style! I loved how each chapter was written by either Macallan or Levi and in between they had their little banter in short dialogue (You'll get it when you read it because you WILL read it). 

Macallan is a strong leading female, which is my weakness! She's strong but emotional and not cold. Levi is misguided but lovable. Together they have the perfect friendship. And by perfect I also mean imperfect (because nothing is perfect people). This book definitely reminded me of when Harry Met Sally due to the intelligent banter of it's characters. There was a lot of love between friends and family and it spanned years...YEARS of the two leading characters' lives. That's right people - this isn't a love that happens after the next big dance or whatever. The duo basically meet in middle school and their friendship, with it's love and hardships, spans until Senior year in high school. 

I got this book from the library, but once it's in paperback, I'm so going to get it and re read it. 

Verdict

I loved it. If you love contemporary love stories with lovable characters who have their flaws but aren't annoying - this book is for you. 

Review: Fangirl

Fangirl
by Ken Baker

Synopsis

While staring you straight in the eye, far above the tips of her Toms, Josie Brant would swear that she does not like Peter Maxx, the teen sensation who causes every girl within a 100-foot radius to scream at ear-shattering decibels. Even if Josie may completely, totally, and unequivocally be his biggest fan.

So when Josie finds out her best friend has won a contest to meet Peter by stealing one of Josie’s songs, Josie is overwhelmingly shocked and upset—some of which flies out the window when Ashley introduces Josie to Peter as well. And suddenly, in a whirlwind of Tweets, IMs, texts, and phone calls, Josie finds herself in the middle of a flirtatious friendship that has the potential for complete harmony. But just when everything seems pitch-perfect, the paparazzi flashbulbs explode, along with any notion of a fairy-tale romance.

Author Ken Baker, E! Channel’s Chief News Correspondent, uses his inside knowledge to craft a novel authentic to the teen pop idol experience with sincere heart and humor.

Review

Okay - let's get it out of the way. The cover is horrible. It just is. My husband told me so. What can I say, this was a total impulse buy. My book buys usually work totally in my favor. I do a good job of choosing books, even ones I've never heard of, that I come to enjoy. 

That was not the case in this situation. 

Fangirl had a good premise. Fantastical as it was, I was looking forward to reading any fangirl's dream come true - meeting your star crush and *gasp* they happen to like you too! That is, in fact, what happens in the case with Josie crushing on Peter and Peter realizing, hey, this fangirl is not so bad! However, that's where my interest pretty much dropped off in this story. All the characters are oh so shallow in their character development. There was potential for a deeper story (yes, there was), but characters were just sort of...plopped on the page. I didn't come to care for anyone of them. I think I might have cared more for D, who was a supporting character. In fact, she had more character development in one paragraph than any of the main characters in the whole book. 

Verdict

You can skip this book and live your life comfortably. It was like a piece of Halloween candy - it was kinda sweet, but gone in a fast second. And it kinda gave you a tummy ache.