The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney

Hello everyone!! It's been a loooong year and I have successfully completed my freshman year of college!!! Yay me. It's been a shame that I have had to give up Blogging though, a day does not go by when I do not miss it! That said, I am going to try and make more time for blogging, whether its as simple as posting the title of a great book or writing a full blown review. This post is a little of an inbetweener.

At my university, we have what is called a Common Reading Experience, which is when all the freshman read a book prior to coming to campus in the fall. This year, the selection was The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney. Because I am a freshman mentor, I have to read the book also, and Thank God For that!!!! Here is my mini-review of The Unforgiving Minute, followed by my QLC---favorite quote, lesson learned and the character I most relate to.

The Unforgiving Minute was an exceptionally amazing read!!!! At first I was really reluctant to read it. I felt as though I would not be able to connect with the characters, but once I go past that and started reading deeper into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! One of the reasons I LOVE this book so much is that there is soo much to learn from Mullaney from his experiences. Also because I definitely gained a better understanding and greater appreciation for the military.  This is the first non-fiction and "grown up" book I've read in years and it was amazing. Not only do I actually want to re-read the book to catch what all I missed the first time around, I always want to read more books like this one; expand my horizon form just YA Fiction to life-changing, soul seeking. 

Quotes:

1. "No Excuse Sir." this is because there are a lot of things we do in life which literally are inexcusable. We need to learn to take charge of our actions and be able to learn from our mistakes.

2. "Pain is weakness leaving the body." and "If you're going through Hell, keep going." These two are very inspirational and it gives you hope in your worst of times. They remind you of what your end goal is and it keeps you going.

Life Lesson:

"doing everything right might still entail heart-wrenching consequences." life is unpredictable, you can do everything right and still something goes wrong. it doesn't mean it's you fault or you could have avoiding that wrong-doing, it just means you did everything you could but some things are just meant to happen. and you need to learn to accept that.

Character:

I believe I was more like Mullaney. One of the reasons he went to West Point was so he could have something to connect with his father, I am the same way. I live to make my parents proud. He wanted to badly to protect his brother that he didn't want to share his story with him. I always want to protect my siblings and seek their approval also. As an older sibling, you always want your younger siblings to be able to look up to you and see is great image of you with no faults. Mullaney seemed to not have great confidence in some of his decisions but he quickly overcame that. I am the same way, it takes me a long time to make a decision and even then, until i see it all the way through, I second guess myself a lot. I hope that I can one day be like Mullaney and be able to come at peace with myself that I did and am doing all that I can for what is best for me and the ones I love.

Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway

Audrey Wait!
Robin Benway

Overview

"California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps self-involved Evan, the lead singer of a little band called The Do-Gooders. Evan writes, "Audrey, Wait!," a break-up song that's so good it rockets up the billboard charts. And Audrey is suddenly famous!

Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.

Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is." LINK

Review
I really loved Audrey Wait. I liked the idea of it, becoming a celebrity overnight. And it wasn't overrated either. The whole paparazzi scene was very realistic. So were the endorsements and such. Audrey handled being a celebrity like any other person would, by just ignoring it and trying to live her life like it was before. Because it wasn't like she wanted it or anything. Victoria was also a pretty cool friend. At first, I thought she was just using Audrey to get to stuff but I guess she was just being more realistic than Audrey, she just kinda went about it the wrong way, at times. And Audrey and James' relationship was really cute. It was surreal but nice.

I also love how Robin named the chapters with lyrics of songs that described what was going to happen in the chapter. It's so cool how she could do that.
Overall, Audrey Wait was and entire roller coaster ride. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
The only thing that really bothered me was the ending. It was too much of a fairytale, but it's all good.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Suite Scarlett
Maureen Johnson

Overview
While all her friends are away improving their college resume, she’s stuck at home, in the city, with nothing to do. Even her plan of getting a job is ruined, when her parents require her, 24/7, to work around the family owned hotel. Scarlett’s summer is practically doomed before it starts. That is until Mrs. Amberson checks into the Empire Suite and becomes Scarlett’s top priority. Now, with the help of Mrs. Amberson, Scarlett’s summer might actually be worth while, especially if she’s able to save her brother’s career, and maybe even snag a sweetie of her own in the process.

Just So You Know
I won the book in a contest. I choose to give it a review at my own free will.

Review
I was pretty much excited about reading Suite Scarlett. The premise is pretty good, and definitely original, I don’t think I’ve heard of anything quite similar to it before.
The beginning of the book kinda let me down. I felt like it was missing something, like there could have been more added to make it better, but that didn’t stop me from continuing reading. This was good, because after the first 100pages of so, the book started picking up. There was some real drama, and a lot of nifty problem solving going on. It was great. I stayed up into the night to finish the last 100 pages, and the last time I did that was with The Season or 20 Boy Summer, I can’t remember, but it’s been a while, so that was pretty much great.
Mrs. Amberson would have to be my favorite character. She brought the drama and sponk into the book. The relationship between Scarlett and Spencer, her brother, was pretty much amazing. I really liked how close they were and it was great what lengths they’d go to for each other. Eric was okay, but he didn’t sound like he was all that dreamy, I guess Scarlett and I just have different taste in guys. =) But overall, it was pretty much a good book.
The only thing that really bothered me was the beginning as mentioned, and also, there were some parts the book could have done without, like Marlene having had cancer. That sounds like something that would be really significant, but it wasn’t. Hopefully it’ll play a bigger part in Scarlett Fever, Book 2. I will be looking into other books by Maureen Johnson.
And, I really liked the simplicity of this cover. The hotel wallpaper background, the scarlet red, and the New York City key. It’s pretty much impressive, without overdoing it.
I will be looking into other books by Maureen Johnson.

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten

Wherever Nina Lies(ARC) Lynn Weingarten

Overview[from the back cover]
Have you seen Nina? Nina was beautiful, artistic, wild…and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, without any warning, Nina disappeared. Two years later, Ellie can’t stop thinking about her sister. Although everyone else has given up hope that Nina will return, Ellie just knows her sister is out there, somewhere. If only Ellie had a clue where to look. And then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing tucked into the pages of a book. Determined to find her sister, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy, cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she’s got a chance – her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn’t planning on. Like love. Mysteries. Lies. And something far more shocking… the truth.

Just So You Know
I won this book in a contest and was neither bribed nor threatened to give my thoughts on the book.

Review
Wherever Nina Lies was terribly amazing. Lynn Weingarten is terribly amazing. I greatly enjoyed this book, such an original plot and story line. The way the plot carried out, I’m pretty sure I’ve never read anything like it before. I was impressed, especially at how some of the minor details played a greater role later on in the book, and how each clue presented before Ellie was truly connected to the next.
I like how Lynn wrote about finding a lost sister, instead of a lost love or something cliché. Although love did play a part in Ellie’s life, it took a back seat to her finding Nina.
Sean was definitely a psychopath. He was too good to be true. I knew there wasn’t a girl out there who could stumble upon the perfect guy, even it books, there always turns out to be something wrong with then, and in Sean’s case, let’s just say Ellie was a brave, brave girl. Amanda was a true friend, and so was Brad. They were both just very worried for Ellie, and Amanda was probably jealous too. Nina sounded like lots of fun. One of those people you’d love to be associated with. Ellie was pretty cool too. I loved that she followed her heart, and mind and also how she kept hope alive.
Overall, I really really really really liked this book. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Its really sweet.
I also liked the pictures, who doesn’t love a pictured chapter book? Since this was an ARC, I only saw the first picture, but I think they are a great way to get the reader to see what Ellie saw and just make it easier for the reader to connect.
One thing I just don’t get is why Nina never called. I mean she didn’t have to disclose her location or anything like that but just to call or even leave a message saying, “Hello mom and Ellie, I’m fine. Don’t worry about.” I mean it would have made all the difference to Ellie. Also I don't really understand the cover. Like I guess that's Ellie on the front, but why does she have her finger to her lips as if she's the one with secrets you know?

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped
Wendelin Van Draanen

Overview
Juli Baker is more than excited for the new neighbors to move in, especially since they have a boy her age. Finally, she’ll have someone to play with. When Bryce Loski first meets Juli, it is a totally disaster. She shows him off in front of his dad, then runs into his house before they can send her home. During the following years, Juli has a hard time hiding her crush on Bryce. Bryce has an even harder time hiding from Juli, especially since they have every class together. These neighbors have barely shared a full conversation with each other, but that’s about to change. When Bryce’s grandfather moves in with the Loski’s, all these secrets start emerging from the Baker home while the Loski’s house becomes uneasy. Things get said that cannot be taken back, and feelings start emerging that were never there. Are things just stiring up, or is it finally time the Loskis and Bakers have dinner together?

Just So You Know
I’ve wanted to read this book since I first saw it in the scholastic catalog thingys years ago. It was just a couple of months back that I finally got my hands on a copy, and I wasn’t leaving without buying it! It took me a while, but then I picked it up, and then I couldn’t put it back down.

Review
Bryce and Juli were such great characters to read about. Especially since the book it written from both their point of views, it was really easy to relate. I could understand why Bryce thought Juli was an annoyance at first, but if he’d just given Juli the time to explain herself, there would have never been a problem at all. Juli is the typical girl. She reads into everything that Bryce says and does, and interprets it the complete wrong way. It had me laughing because I could totally relate. Why do we girls do this to ourselves? The other characters were typical, ones that we can pick out in our everyday lives.
Flipped was a really cute story about first love and how things aren’t always what they seem. The story line was great, it really sucked me in. I really liked how it was expanded from the first day Bryce and Juli met, to present day. Flipped was a quick and easy read. And a really interesting, yet simiple cover.

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot

Queen of Babble
Meg Cabot

Overview
Queen of Babble is a classic damsel in distress story. The only difference is that damsel, Lizzie Nichols had to travel have way around the world to a different country before she even realizes that she needs a prince to save her. Spending her summer in England with boyfriend of three months, Andrew, has been Lizzie's plan all along. Problem is, she doesn't know that her boyfriend is a lying, low-life, welfare cheat! Now, Lizzie is alone in a foreign county with no place to go, except France, more specifically, Chateau Mirac. Having been invited by friend Shari who is cateering there, with not much of a plan, Lizzie puts on her "brave face" and hops on the train. France, here she comes!

Review
I have to admit that Queen of Babble was a slow start for me. The first couple of chapters I wasn't much into it but once she got in that car and Andrew starting complaining about having to sit in the back seat, I knew that not only Lizzie, but also I was in for a ride.
Meg does a great job with developing each character. I really felt as though you personally know them. I mean I wasn't suprised when Dominque ran away with Blaine. It was clear that she was selfish from the start. Also, you knew that Agnes had something up her sleeve, the way she pretended not to know how to speak english. And of course, you also knew that Luke was Lizzie's prince. I mean he was such a lovely stranger on the train to Lizzie, it was no coincidence that she was at the right place at the right time.
I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the little clippits of Lizzie's thesis. They were pretty interesting to read.
I really liked the plot/story line. It was very rich and substaincial. Although I will say that I think some parts were rushed while other were overplayed and easily predictable. Also I didn't see the importance of Lizzie having not graduated. I think it was blown up more than it should have been. Other than that though, I had lots of fun with Lizzie Nichols. She was a great character to travel with, so great, that I'll be sure to travel with her to NYC in, Queen of Babble in the Big City!

The World According To Dad by C.M. Mantis

The World According To Dad
C.M. Mantis

OVERVIEW
"A Manual For The Good Life. A book of ethics?" [front cover] "A collection of life stories and lessons learned? A handbook for well-being and good living? A book of wisdom for the ages? Yes, yes, yes - and yes. Funneled though the heart of one father and gifted to his daughter and son-in-law on their wedding day, The World According to Dad is now a ray of light and hope for all." [back cover]

REVIEW

I totally HEART this book. I actually picked it up in my dad's car randomly on my way to school. I started reading it and could not put it down, it was soo good. The World According to Dad is filled with advice and inspiration from cover to cover. During each chapter, Love, Faith & Belief, Family & Friends, Money, just to name a few, C.M. is advisable on topics and affect our everyday life. And he gives some good adive. Somehting along the lines of "don't pray for sunshine, if you don't pray for rain," is one of my favorites. C.M. really opens up your eyes to the world. His words are soo real.

The World According To Dad is a books of morals, insight, inspiration, and advice, and you can sneak in a smile here and there. I would recommend it to ALL!

The Fold by An Na

Overview
Joyce is like the ugly duckling compared to her older sister Helen. Helen's "things" are always put before Joyce's, Helen is pretty than Joyce, and it just seems as though everyone likes Helen better than Joyce. When Joyce's aunt gets the idea for Joyce to have the eyelid surgery, Joyce is iffy at first but then when her aunt adds that Joyce might even become as "pretty as Helen" Joyce starts considering the idea. She starts thinking about how her life will change if she looked more like Helen. Maybe John Ford Kang will actually remember her name. Soon, with the help of her best friend Gina, Joyce begins to do research on the eyelid surgery, trying to find out as much as she can before she decides to go under the knife.

Review
The Fold was a pretty okay book. It took me quite a while before I really started getting into it. The fact that it was told from the Third person POV kinda took away from the main story, Joyce's story. I think if it was told from her POV then I would have understood her much better and also why it was soo important to her for John Ford Kang to like her back.
Helen's story was kinda overused. She had the "do it all" attitude, you know the person that does everything and does a great job at it too, but has some problem eating on their insides. But An Na made Helen her own by giving her such a personal problem that just catches not only Joyce, but also the reader by suprise. Helen is a great older sister, even though it took Joyce a while to understand and appreciate her more.
Gina and Sam are great friends. They stuck by Joyce's side, even after she'd been nasty towards them. I'd like to have a Gina in my life. She's soo spontatnous, and go-getter, and outgoing.
Overall, The Fold has a pretty interesting and unique premise.

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

Dragonbreath (ARC)
Ursula Vernon

"He [Danny Dragonbreath] can't breath fire, but he has no fear."
-front cover

When Danny gets an F on his science paper about the ocean, his teacher gives him a second chance to make it up. Instead of doing book research at the library, Danny decides to do his research hands on. Dragging best friend Wendell along with him, Danny visits his cousin Edward who lives by the sea. Edward takes them on an undersea adventure of a lifetime. Along with visitng many different sea creatures and habitats, the find a long lost pirate ship, and even end up fighting off a vampire Squid!!

Even though he's the only dragon at a mainly reptile school, Danny doesn't let that bother him. He's bold, full of adventure and has an AWESOME imagination. He even stands up to the bully along with best friend, Wendell. Danny sounds to me like the kind of guys I'd love to be friends with.

Dragonbreath was pack full with adventure and action with a side of self discovery and humor. It's the perfect candidate not only for the 8-12age group but also for the YA level, especially for those of us who seem to have lost our sense of imagination. It really bought out the kid side in me.

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

Shark Girl
Kelly Bingham

Overview
When Jane Arrowood finds herself wrestling with a shark, she loses more than just an arm. She’s confused and devastated. Why did this happen to her? Why didn’t she stop to help the lady with the food tray and kids? If only she had waiting five more minutes before entering the water, maybe all of this could have been avoided. Jane blames herself, wondering why and wishing she could re-do that day at the beach. Now she’s got just a few weeks of summer left before she’s plunged back into society and whispers with her latest, not so fashionable accessory.


Review
Honestly, I was never planning on picking up this book. I was almost 100percent sure I wasn’t going to like and I really didn’t want to try. The only reason I did pick it up was because I felt an oath to reading it after randomly using it for the “Apocalypse Mad Libs” session in Sarah Ockler’s Flip It Friday. But nonetheless, I picked it up and was unable to put it down.

Shark Girl was an awesome recovery-type novel. After the shark attack, Jane Arrowood gets soo many flowers, letters, and cards from so many random people, you’d think she’d actually died and came back to life. I loved her character and how skeptical she was. She hated those flowers and the stupid letters. She hated feeling like a charity case, but most of all, she hated that she didn’t have her arm anymore. Jane grew soo much throughout the book though. With the help of her brother, and friend Justin, she soon learns to accept that she no longer has her arm, and there’s nothing she can do about it. Along with this acceptance, she begins to start doing things on her own. I liked how she did them for herself, and not for others, although she needed their encouragement. She even gets back into drawing. Before she knows it, she realizes that her left hand is her best hand.

I loved the format of Shark Girl, or really, the lack of paragraph form. It was just so laid back, another reason I was so much attracted to the book once I started it. Kelly unfolded Jane’s story with a series of poems, letters, phone calls, and newspaper clippings. They were all so raw and realistic, I had no doubt of such and event ever unfolding in this was.

Oh yea, and Justin was a pretty cool character. I loved that he played such an important role in Jane’s life and that he was also so young. Kudos to you Justin.

What Would Emma Do by Eileen Cook

What Would Emma Do

Eileen Cook

Overview

When things start going wrong in Wheaton, the heartland of America, Emma seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong times. She kisses her best friend’s boyfriend, who is also her best guy friend; she watches two “good Christian” girls get drunk and sick but keeps her mouth shut; and now she’s caught hanging out with the school’s pariah, Todd. Soon enough, Emma is made into a pariah herself. But with a voice of her own, she doesn’t let Wheaton, and its cookie-cutter citizens convert her.

Review

The plot was really interesting and there was never just one story going on. As soon as one got finished, there was always some more drama to be had, or built upon. This made the pages not boring and worth turning. It was a quick and easy read.

I liked how Emma prayed to God at the beginning of each chapter. And how she came to find and use her own voice. She was an individual and didn’t want to confirm. She should be a spokesperson for individuality. No matter how many people stopped talking to her or how bad things seemed, she kept true to herself. She had an ongoing list for every either-or problem of hers. I think those were me favorite part. The fact that she ran track was also pretty cool.

The only thing that really bothered me about WWED was the ending. It left so many questions, I wasn’t really sure that the book was really over. I’d like to know what happened to the accused students and how her scholarship went and if she and Todd ever blossomed. Another thing was like the whole popular girls getting sick issue was definitely blown out of proportion. The investigation and theories was just way too much.

Life in the Fat Lane by Cherie Bennett

Life In The Fat Lane

Cherie Bennett

Overview

Lara Ardeche has always been on top of things. With a winning attitude, and supporting family, there’s not much Lara has been unable to accomplish. She has won many beauty pageants, scored a wonderful boyfriend, and was even voted homecoming queen over two very prominent opponents. Lara Ardeche is the girl we all want to hate, but secretly wish we were. She’s got everything going for her, but is really because of her confidence or her waist line? After she starts gaining inches on a weekly basis, Lara’s life is turned upside down.

Review
Life in the Fat Lane is the first book I’ve read by Cherie Bennett and I have to say it was a good one. Cherie places the reader in such a situation in which you are able to experience being fat in a “thin is in” society. This was one of those rare page turners. I was hooked on the plot before I know it. As Lara goes from 118 to 218 pounds in just about a year’s time, she gains more than just a larger waist line.

At the beginning of her weight gaining, Lara is still her confident, pageant winning self, reassuring herself that it’s only a matter of time till she gets her figure back. But every time she steps on the scale, unlike her weight, a part of her self esteem is lost. How is it possible that she keeps gaining, no matter the countless diets and excessive exercise she’s put herself though? In just a few months, Lara has lost all hope she had of ever losing the weight. No matter what she does, there’s no tipping the scales in her favor. Like that isn’t problematic enough, her home life also starts to fall apart. Her mom and dad lose confident in her and in each other. Soon enough, her mom packs up their bags and them moves away.

This move was the best thing her mom ever did for Lara, even though Lara hated her for it at first. At the new school, Lara begins to find out who she really is and starts to accept her weight gain and puts the whispers past her. She even gets back into doing something she loves, piano lessons, which shows that she’s beginning to love herself again. Her instructor, Suzanne, and best friend, Molly, really played a big part in her life. They helped her coop with the weight gain and stayed by her side through it all. Jett, her ex, even came back into her life.

Life in the Fat Lane was definitely unique and I enjoyed every page of it. The old saying, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts” explains this book inside out. It might have taken Lara and her superficial family a while, but they came to accept Lara for who she was, on the inside. I would recommend this book to readers all a like.

20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

20 Boy Summer

Sarah Ockler

OVERVIEW

Frankie and Ann have been best friends since they can remember. They are practically sisters, joined at the hip. Frankie has done all there is to do with boys. Anna has zero experience, hence, 20 boy summer. Vacationing in California, what’s there not to love? Beach, Boys, Summer and just plain ole fun in the sun. These girls are headed towards the Absolutely Best Summer Ever. Anna might even finally find that summer romance Frankie is dying for her to have.

From The Back Cover:

“Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores wh at it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.”

REVIEW

I don’t even know where to start. The paragraph on the back says it all, no joke. I would have never guessed that this was Sarah’s debut.

20 Boy Summer is a heartbreaking, tear jerking, mouth laughing, gush of awesomeness that told the true meaning of friendships and relations. I soo totally recommend it to all readers!

I had no problems at all getting into this book, or feeling empathy for the characters. Sarah touches on such an intense subject, death, and getting over a loved one. But she’s wound it to where you actually find yourself enjoying reading about it. I don’t know if that means I have a twisted mind but I hope not. Sarah did such a wonderful job with 20 Boy Summer, I have no trouble knowing that she has a great career ahead of her.

The plot was a great one. I don’t know if I’ve read a book with the same premise as this one before. It was definitely one of a kind. Death is not a happy topic at all, but there’s more to it than crying and grieving. 20 Boy Summer not only touched on that part, but also on the ‘getting over it’ part. How do you really know when you’re over the death of a brother, a friend, ore more specifically, a secret “boyfriend”?

Anna was such an awesome character to read about. She was very well developed and I never felt left in the dark with her. Her story of first love was very sweet, one of those we all wish to have. You know, when you know it’s the real deal. Frankie definitely grew though out the book. After that destructive car ride, she completely forgot who she was. Luckily, she has a friend like Anna to remind her of the real Frankie underneath that powered face of hers. Sam was a sweet kid. He and Anna developed a true friendship, even though it only lasted a few weeks, everyone moment they had together was real and meant a lot to them.

After finishing the book, I heart, heart, heart, this cover, even more than I did before. And it makes a lot more sense now. The heart is truly much more significant than you think. The pieces of glass represent more than you know. And you’ll just have to read the book to understand it all.

The Center of the Universe by Anita Liberty

The Center of the Universe
Anita Liberty

Overview

This is the real life journal of author, Anita Liberty, of her high school years. She actually went rummaging though her old stuff to find the perfect entries for this book.

“This is a book about being a teenager. Being a teenager sucks! Enjoy the book.” (Front cover.)

Review
It’s kind of hard for me to review this book since it’s not fiction, not really. It’s not my place to sit here and judge Anita’s life. What I will say though is that The Center of the Universe has all the elements to fit your favorite YA Chick-Lit Fiction novel.

Anita had a very interesting life. She had some tearful moments and hilarious ones too. She really enjoyed her high school years, even if it began with a slow start. She struggled with everyday crap you and I face: parents, friends, relationships, and self-knowledge. The way she tackles the problems though, are unique to her.

Things I really liked about the book.
-It wasn’t really written in any organized pattern. The format was great!
-The SAT word prep
-The Parental Infraction/Compensation charts. (Those were pretty funny; I might have to start doing one of my own.)
-The random poems
-The “Advice from Anita Liberty” segments
-Overall, the entire book.

And I always knew foreign exchanged students were bad news, especially the cute ones!

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren

Wendy Toliver

Overview

Band geek Roxy has always been a plain-jane. With no outstanding features, thick glasses, and red frizzy hair, she’s come to a realization, there’s no way the cute guys are ever going to pay attention to her. Of course, that doesn’t keep her from dreaming about them. What Roxy doesn’t realize though is all that is about to change. On her sixteenth birthday, the genes she received from her grandma finally kick in, transforming her into a gorgeous, flawless, siren. Is there any more a girl could wish for? With the new found beauty, and mystical gift, Roxy no longer has any problems with the cute guys, but is getting the guy of your dreams really worth losing your best friend?

Review

Wendy Toliver did such a great job with this one that it had me wishing I was a siren. As fictional as it is, the entire story felt pretty much real. When Roxy is given her powers, at first, she’s skeptical, which is normal. I mean how else can you react when you’ve just been transformed into a “mythical” creature? I’m surprised she didn’t faint. Then when Roxy gets the gist of it all, accepts it and everything, of course, like any person would do, she totally abuses her powers. She uses them to get what she wants when she wants. She even used them on her dad and little brother, which was kinda creepy, but I guess a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.

The friendships in this book were also interesting and totally relatable. Roxy and Zach were so wrong for each other, if only she’s known from the beginning. She and Alex were really cute together. And the fact that they both cared for each other made them a much better couple than her and Zach. Natalie was a good friend, and also as stubborn as Roxy. And Roxy her self really grew a lot from the begging to the end of the book. She can definitely be the spokes person for the looks can be deceiving phrase. Although she looks superficial on the outside, on the inside, she’s become much deeper than that.

I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely a page turner. I am a sucker for RoComs!

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

My Fair Godmother

Janette Rallison

Overview

After spending her last penny on the perfect prom dress, Savannah gets dumped by her boyfriend. What’s worse is that he leaves her for her sister! I mean seriously? Then, in a failed attempt to mend their conscience, they decide to set Savannah up with Tristan. Savannah isn’t pleased. When it feels like noting else could go wrong, Chrissy shows up, determined to make things better. But is the way she goes about doing it really the right way? Now it seems as though Savannah is stuck in the Middle Ages without a way out. Can Chrissy really make things right before it’s too late?

Review

My Fair Godmother was a really cute read. It had a slow beginning at first, but then it really picked up when Tristan was sent back into time. I enjoyed the adventure and love that was in the air. Also the mystery of the Dark Knight was a great add. [SPOILER] I just wished he’d turned out to be good though. [SPOILER ENDS]

One of my favorite parts about the book was the characters. Tristan was super sweet. He was there for Savannah right from the beginning and wouldn’t stop till he got her. Savannah was like a blonde, but totally pulled through when the time was needed. I liked how she tried so hard to prove to herself and everyone that she was more than just a pretty face. Chrissy was just a smarty pants. She was totally self-centered and didn’t really show much care about Savannah’s problems. No wonder she was just a “Fair” Godmother. Even though Hunter and Jane were back-stabbers, they really cared about Savannah. I liked them too.

I had a few problems with the book though. First off, I think that when Savannah first meets Clover and Chrissy, it goes by too smoothly. There was like no background information as to if Savannah was a fairy tale type of girl, I thought she’s be terrified when she met Clover and Chrissy but she just kinda took to it. Another thing that bothered me was as the book went from present time to the Middle Ages, it was kinda scratchy. I think it could have gone by better.

Lastly, this didn’t come to my attention till the end of the book. The cover is very cute and totally eye-catching. I mean who wouldn’t read the back cover after looking at this front, right? But Chrissy doesn’t do much in the book. She’s like the one who pretty much causes the book’s main conflict, which I guess could earn her the cover page, but I think it should have been at the least Savannah on the cover instead caught. This is her story and all.

My Fair Godmother was truly a fairy tale.

The Season by Sarah MacLean

The Season
Sarah MacLean

Overview

Alexandra Stafford, along with best friends, Vivian and Eleanor are not looking forward to making their debut in this years’ season. The last thing these girls want is to come out into society and be married off within months. They so intent on breaking a few hearts, but is everyone in on the plan? As this season takes the girls on turns and twists unexpected, it’s a wonder they all came out in one piece. Trying not to get noticed by London’s respectable gentlemen is much harder than they thought.

Review

The Season was quite amazing. I stayed up late in the night to finish this one; I can’t even remember the last time I did this. What is during my Harry Potter days? But anyways, this was the first novel I’d read set in the regency era and it was a great first, for me and Sarah, seeing as it is her debut. From what I’ve seen about this era, though lots of movies, everything was set just right. Ms. MacLean really did her research. All the right language was used and the society was so real to me. I love the romance in the book and the murder mystery was a great touch. Alex, Vivi, and Ella are girls not to be forgotten, and of course, so is Gavin Sewell, Edward Cullen just might have met his match. hehe.

One of the things I didn’t like about this book though was that it was easy to put down. Like the beginning was good, but it really got interesting when the season started. Which I guess is just right, seeing as that is the title of the book and everything. But once I picked the book back up, I was immediately drawn into the story and loving it all over again. So, that’s a good thing. I will definitely be looking into more regency era books.

A Little TREAT? and 21 Questions

I know I haven't written a review in a loooong time and I'm sorry about that so here's to making that up.. lol. Hope you like.

Kentucky Driver Manual
Kentucky Government People?

OVERVIEW
For those of you who don’t know, a Kentucky Driver Manual is the same as any other state Driver Manual. It teaches you the rules of the road and all the information you will need for you to become a skilled driver. It had everything from parking to road signs to blind spots to speed. It is advised that you read this book before your trial for anything that has to do with driving. Be it your permit or intermediate license (it might just be a Kentucky thing) or your driver’s license.

REVIEW
Well this one was certainly different. I just turned 16 and am looking forward to trying for my permit. I decided to practice for this like most people do, by reading the driver manual. (YAY). When I first picked up this book, I was super excited. This excitement was what drove me through the first 32pages of the book. After like a week, the excitement pretty much died, so it was then that my determination took over; and I was able to finish the book like 2-3weeks later. Hehe. But basically, that’s all that you need to get you through this book, excitement and determination. But when I was in that excitement stage, I remember getting on my brothers’ and sisters’ nerves when they would drive and I was in the car. If they made a mistake, or a different car on the road did, I was sure to point it out. Yea... They didn’t like me too much during those times.

The first of the book is pretty much common sense, and then it gets into some complicated things, but nothing that is too hard to remember. The signs are pretty self explanatory, especially the ones with writing on them. Now those ones without writing might be difficult, but like if you really study the picture/design, then it should just come to you. The entire book isn’t as boring as you’d think, especially if you just enjoy learning stuff. (Like me) Any Driver Manual is PACK FULL with nothing but information, information, and more information. If you already have your permit and are beginning the driving process, I recommend that you still use this book as a guide, especially for parking and making a turn-about.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MY NEW FEATURE 21 QUESTIONS HERE. AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ALREADY HAS!

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss

Poison Ivy
Amy Goldman Koss

OVERVIEW
Ms. Gold is dying for her third period Government class to have a mock trial. Unfortunately, when she asks the students for trial-worthy suggestions, they come up blank. So, upon finding a “suicidal” note by “Poison” Ivy, a girl getting picked on in class, Ms. Gold jumps on and runs with the case. Given from eight different points of view, Poison Ivy takes the reader on the road to “Poison” Ivy’s freedom from the tormenting grip of the “Anns.”

PLOT
Everyone knows that Ivy is always getting picked on, and its due time she got a break, but apparently, that isn’t motive enough for the students of Ms. Gold’s third period to stand up to the Anns. These middle graders are still caught up in the popularity ring, therefore choosing not to cross those with power, hence Ann and her friends. Instead, they sit back, relax, and watch the trail as it unfolds, wrongfully, in favor of Ann.

CHARACTERS
The characters of Poison Ivy were all very realistic. I’m sure we all have one of each in school. Ann was just as superficial as she would have been in real life and Shannon was such a groupie. You’d think Daria would have gotten out of her box, but I think this case actually made her sink farther in. But with the help of Cameron things could be changing for her. [You go girl!] Ivy was just well, Ivy. I don’t think she really cared much about the trial. To her, it was just another form of torment. Owen, the Anns’ lawyer, was my favorite of all the characters. Although he was defending the bad guys, he did a very good job of it. If ever caught in a fix, I know who to turn to for help. Overall, I loved how Poison Ivy was written from a multiple-person POV. I don’t think it would have been enjoyable if it would have been just Ann’s or Ivy’s side of the story. The book then would have been totally bias.

OVERALL
Poison Ivy is purely an ironic tale of doing what is right and/or what is expected of you. I was definitely taken by surprise at how everything turned out, but I guess it just goes to show that life’s not fair. A total tale to reverse psychology, but a funny one at that.

Breaking Up Is Really Really Hard To Do by Natalie Standiford

Breaking Up Is Really Really Hard To Do (A Dating Game Novel)
Natalie Standiford

OVERVIEW

Even though their IDH project is over with, the girls, Lina, Holly, and Mads, continue on with the Dating Game. This time around, as they keep their personal lives out of it, they are stuck with their hardest assignment yet, to match Nuclear Autumn. Autumn is not one to be crossed, she blogs about any and everything on her blog, Nuclear Autumn, so one wrong move, and these girls are in for it. But the girls personal love life, is juicy enough to blog about, too bad Autumn has no clue what's going on, especially for Lina. Could she have finally found a way to get to Dan, her lover? Is Mads finally going to get that long awaited experience from the Art guy? And is Rod ready for what Holly has in stock for him? Is Holly ready for what she has in stock for Rob?

REVIEW

This was a good follow up to the first book, The Dating Game Novel. I liked how it was a fast and easy read. Light and simple, but still good at that. Natalie was good with letting the reader know what was going on and the plot was funny. I loved how she showed us this new side of Lina, we all knew it was coming, but it's a whole norther thing when your suspicions are confirmed. I'm looking forward to reading the third book, Can True Love Survive High School?

I would definitely recommend this book to readers 13+.

I give this one four thumps up.

you can read my review of The Dating Game Novel, the first book in the series here.