Perfect

Perfect

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishing

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem.
Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister.
Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or else!

My Thoughts:

These girls are far from perfect... Do I have to say it? This book was like the others in that, it was purely amazing. I loved the dynamics of this book. The characters continue to grow as the series progresses. We begin to see what makes them tick, and we also see more of their separate personalities. The gor;s are growing even if it may not seem like it. As "A" threatens to ruin their lives they fight to keep their secrets, and to smother the past. Aria is on the cover of this book, and I fiound her story the most interesting. Aria seems like a very shy girl, with some interesting quirks. But "A" is always there with slandor and a scandal in Aria's wake. I love that even the best characters can be caught. I love that "A" keeps the girls honest. I enjoy how Sara Shepard is starting to show the girls grow closer. I think it adds another dynamic to the story.

Recommendation:

Any PLL fan.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Flawless

Flawless

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.
And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive.

My Thoughts:

What a sequel... This book brings just as much as the first. I never thought these girls could get into more trouble, but I was wrong. I again found myself engrossed in the worlds of these pretty little liars. The girls have so many secrets that it is hard to keep track of them somtimes. The addition of some new characters adds more drama to the girls lives. Unlike most girly teen novels, this book gives the reader suspense and mystery. You have to stay on the edge of your seat the entire time otherwise you will miss something key to the plot. "A" is back and this time she may just let out more secrets than the girls can handle.

Recommendation:

Anyone who enjoyed the beginning of this series.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Seattle

Hey bloggers,
I am going to Seattle for the weekend so I will be unable to post. I will be back Monday so prepare for a catch up of blogs then.
Have a great weekend.

Sarah

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars

Sara Shepard

HarperCollins Publishers

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors spencer, aria, emily, and hanna.
Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.
But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.
How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

My Thoughts:

Mystery, Suspense, Thrill, and Lies all in one book? AMAZING!!!!! I loved this book, it always kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more! The characters are all so different but they are all tied together. I loved getting to know all the girls, and learning their secrets. I also loved A. She is such a ruthless bitch but you have to love her. She keeps the girls honest in the book, while also scares the crap out of them. I loved this book, and am glad the series continures on!

Recommendation:

All girls should read this!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

The Reckoning

Darkest Powers Trilogy Book III

Kelley Armstrong

HarperCollins Publishing

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Why I Pine:

I need this book!!!!!! I am so ready for it to come out. It is the last in the series so I need to know how the story ends. I am dying to know more about Edison Group and whether or not Chloe will choose Simon or Derek! I also wonder if Tori will become nicer? And then I keep wondering if the dad will be found! I have so many questions and cannot wait for this book to come out!

TTYL

TTYL

Lauren Myracle

Amulet Books

$6.95 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

The runaway bestseller now in paperback! An epistolary novel for the 21st century, this sharp, funny, and true-to-life breakout hit about friendship is told entirely in instant messages. And Internet-savvy teens have fallen in love with flirty Angela (SnowAngel), moody Maddie (mad maddie), and good girl Zoe (zoegirl) and their frank perceptions about a tumultuous tenth-grade semester. Now perfectly priced for its audience, the paperback is being released alongside Myracle's brand-new hardcover novel, Rhymes with Witches.
Author Bio: In addition to ttyl, Lauren Myracle is the author of three other novels, including her latest, Rhymes with Witches. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College and lives in Colorado.

My Thoughts:

Enjoyable: This book is light hearted and also serious at the same time. Dive into TTYL and you can see into the lives of 3 teenage girls through their instant messaging. I loved the idea of this book. It is so different than reading a normal novel with all the narration. We only saw the important things, and then we didn' t even see it we just heard it from the girl's point of view. The girls were very honest, and the characters were believeable. It was like I was reading a conversation between my own friends. I loved this book it was a quick fun read!

Recommendation: Everyone who is anyone!

Grade: A

Age 14 and up

The A-List

The A-List

Zoey Dean

Little Brown Books

$9.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Welcome to The A-List, a wickedly funny and risqué paperback original novel that takes readers behind the scenes of the intoxicating world of Hollywood glitterati. Seventeen-year-old Upper East Side blueblood Anna ("pronounced Aaaanah") Percy is on her way to Beverly Hills, California, where she'll live with her estranged dad for the rest of the school year while her mother travels to Europe with a friend. On the plane, Anna drinks too much champagne and gets hit on by record producer Rick Resnick. Luckily Princeton student Ben Birnbaum is there to save her and he invites Anna to famous actor Jackson Sharpe's wedding, where Anna meets the cast of rich and famous characters who are soon to be her classmates at Beverly Hills High.
The fast times of Beverly Hill's most beautiful and glamorous people drive the page-turning action of this juicy new novel.

My Thoughts:

I took a break from my New York drama and came back to the west coast in this book. This was another book that I never planned on reading but I must say I am glad I did. The story has the same sort of a feeling as Gossip girl, but it is completelydifferent and entertaining in it's own way. The story is fun, flirty, and enthralling. I loved the new setting of Beverley Hills. I also enjoyed the characters in this book. Anna was smart, which was an amazing change. She had a good head on her shoulders. I am excited to continue on in this series. I find it entertaining and again am sucked into the lives of these characters!!

Recommendation: Anyone who enjoyed gossip girl!

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Gossip Girl

I have already poste don here about how much I love Gossip girl, but I must again! The books and the show are just so entertaining! I am in the middle of reading the series and am so excited that a new book will be coming out in November. As for the show, I am in the midle of watching Season 2. I have 3 episodes left and cannot wait to see what is going ot happen. It is sad how addicted to gossip girl I am. I cannot wait until September 14th when season 3 airs!

I Will Always Love You, Gossip girl Novel # 12

Cecily von Ziegesar

Little Brown Books

$17.99

Release Date: November 3, 2009

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In this special deluxe hardcover, Serena, Blair, Nate, Chuck, and Dan are all back from the Ivy Leagues and other adventures for a holiday break in the city. Has college changed anyone? What kind of hookups and breakups were going on while our favorite BFFs were apart... and what will happen now that they're together again for the first time since the end of the original series?I Will Always Love You follows Manhattan's most fabulous teens through the four holiday breaks of their college years and into adulthood. Not to fear, Gossip Girl will be there to dish all.

Why I Want This:

I love love love Gossip girl and am so excited for this book to come out! Gossip Girl is an exciting read and I cannot wait for this to come out. The release time is perfect since it comes out around Christmas and is set during the Christmas break! Hooray for Gossip Girl.

Season 3 airs on Monay Spetember 14th at 9 p.m. on the CW. I am so excited to get back into the lives of the characters! This show is amazing and addictive.

Thank you Cecily von Ziegesar for creating this amazing new reality for me to get lost in.

You know you love me.

Prada and Prejudice

Prada and Prejudice

Mandy Hubbard

Penguin Books

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips...conks her head...and wakes up in the year 1815!
There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily's family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily's cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.
But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex's heart, before her time in the past is up?
More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.

My Thoughts:

This book was adorable! I absolutely loved it. It was the erfect combination Jane Austen and the 21st century. I love Callie she was an amazing character. Her spunk was so evident and fun. She had so much life. This was Mandy Hubbard's first novel it holds promise for more great work to come. I loved being able to follow Callie as she grew into herself, and her Prada shoes. The setting was amazing. I loved being taken back into 19th century England. Hubbard did an amazing job of making you feel like you were actually there. I also loved Alex. His charm reminded me of Gavin from The Seasons. I could actually see him, when I read his name. This book was astounding!

Recommendations:

Anyone looking for a more modern take on Jane Austen's world.

Grade: A

Age: 13 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Gone

Lisa McMann

Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Release Date: February 9, 2010

I am so excited for this book to come out!!!! It is going to be the last book in the series, so I am very curious as to how it will end. This was Lisa McMann's first series and I would have to say it is amazing. She writes in a way that is simple but also intriguing. I read the other 2 books in a day each. I cannot wait for this book to come out! I want to know how Janie and Cable end!

Fade

Fade

Lisa McMann

Simon & SchusterChildren's Publishing

$15.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open — but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability — and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

My Thoughts:

Amazing.... I was drawn into this book really quickly. I think that the idea of being a dreamcatcher is so different that you cannot help but find it appealing. I had high hopes for this book, and it met all of them. You have to root for Janie. She is a remarkable character. She has so little, but is much stronger than the normal young adult main character. Janie and Cabel both grow in this book. I think this book is a bit more serious than the typical young adult book. I enjoyed the flow of this book. It was a quick easy read, and left me always wanting more.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loved Wake

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Dead Witch Walking

Dead Witch Walking

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$7.99 U.S.

Disclaimer: This is not a young adult novel

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.
Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

My Thoughts:

This book was really good. It was a total fantasy book, there were witches, vampires, demons, pixies and every other fantasy icon you could think of. This book took a bit more to get into, but it was worth it. Like I said in a previous review Kim Harrison worked well with her characters. I felt like I knew every single one, and believe me there were quite a few. This was not a young adult novel, not meaning it was full of graphic things, but it was aimed towards an older crowd. This book had more serious elements to it. I really enjoyed this book something was always going on. And I would often find myself thinking that nothing more could go wrong and then of course something did. Kim Harrison is an amazing author and I loved this book.

Recommendations:

Anyone who loves fantasy.

Grade: A

Age: 16 and up

Extras: This is a series. There are 7 novels out so far and I believe there will be 12 or 13. These books are worth reading!

Once Dead, Twice Shy

I was bad and missed posting yesterday.... so I will throw out 2 reviews for you today!

Once Dead, Twice Shy

Kim Harrison

HarperCollins

$16.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.
Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.
Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.
With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.
Well, if she believed in that stuff.

My Thoughts:

I love love loved this book! This was Kim's first young adult novel and she did a remarkable job! Madison is an amazing character. She is very relatable, and has a fun attitude. I loved the plot of this book. The concept was very different from all the other fantasy books that came out at this time. Kim also did an amazing job in forming all of her other characters. In this book more than any other the characters became real. I felt like I began to knwo them and understand them. This book was amazing! It was fun to read, and I am excited for the next book in the series to come out. The book had substance, and once I started it, it was hard to put down.

Recommendation:

Anyone! READ THIS BOOK!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

Extras:

I would advise reading Madison's beginning before you read the book. Kim wrote a short story about her which can be found in the collection called Prom Night's From Hell. This is also going to be a series but there aren't many details out yet.

Awards

I have a couple of awards to give out!

The Lemonade Award Rules:The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows great attitude or gratitude. Here are the rules for accepting this award: -Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post. -Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude. -Link your nominees within your post. -Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog. -Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award. Here is my list of nominees:

The Story Siren

Books Make Great Lovers

The Dreamer Reader

Reality Bites. . . Fiction Does It Better

Lucid Conspiracy

Book Lover

Alexicon

Anotherpageissued. . .

Books By Their Cover

Reading Keeps You Sane

I was given this award by: Book Lover lizdoglover.blogspot.com

This blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to five bloggers who must choose five more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

Book Muncher

Books Make Great Lovers!

The Book Muncher

Reading Keeps You Sane

Book Lover

























Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and befriends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

Books Obsession

Books Make Great Lovers

The Dreamer Reader

So Many Books, So Little Time

The Book Muncher

Reality Bites. . . Fiction Does It Better

Reading Keeps You Sane

Lucid Conspiracy

Never Cry Werewolf

Heather Davis

Harper Collins

$8.99 U.S.

Release Date: September 1, 2009

Synopsis from Heather Davis' Website:

"Moonlight can totally change your life.And it all starts so simply.You. Him. The moon. You’re toast."Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had “borrowed” that Porsche?). But her step-mother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior. Suddenly Shelby’s summer plans are on the shelf, and she’s being packed off to brat camp. It’s good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges, III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn’t be getting tangled up with another bad boy…but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good looking one? One thing’s for sure, that pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

My Thoughts:

I was not the biggest fan of this book. It was written for a younger audience. Even though Shelpby is in High School the book seemed geared towards middle schoolers. While the characters were well developed I was not drawn to them. I kept thinking that Shelby was just generally stupid, and had a hard time with the decisions she made. I also found her relationship with Austin to be forced, it seemed to overdone. The setting of the book did catch me because it was set in Oregon. This book was just not something I found enjoyable. I think the story could have used less small events and focused on one big one. I felt like a lot of details were thrown into a little book.

Recommendation:

A younger reader looking for a fantasy book.

Grade: C

Age: 12 and up

The Reformed Vampire Support Group

The Reformed Vampire Support Group

Catherine Jinks

Harcourt

$17.00 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Think vampires are romantic, sexy, and powerful? Think again. Vampires are dead. And unless they want to end up staked, they have to give up fanging people, admit their addiction, join a support group, and reform themselves.Nina Harrison, fanged at fifteen and still living with her mother, hates the Reformed Vampire Support Group meetings every Tuesday night. Even if she does appreciate Dave, who was in a punk band when he was alive, nothing exciting ever happens. That is, until one of group members is mysteriously destroyed by a silver bullet. With Nina (determined to prove that vamps aren't useless or weak) and Dave (secretly in love with Nina) at the helm, the misfit vampires soon band together to track down the hunter, save a werewolf, and keep the world safe from the likes of themselves.The perfect anecdote to slick vampire novels, this murder-mystery comedy of errors will thrill fans of Evil Genius.

My Thoughts:

I was really excited when I bought this book. I figured it would be another fun, exciting vampire book. I was wrong. This book was not very exciting, I had a hard time keeping focus while reading it. The Vampires in this book were very different than the ones found in Twilight and Evernight. The vampires were sickly and boring. They seemed to constantly have the flu and were only awake during the day. I had a hard time with the characters because there were so many of them it often became hard to keep track of who was who. The plot also left room for the imagination. Not a whole lot went on, because the vampires were only doing things during the evening. I was disappointed by this book. It was not as good as I would have hoped.

Recommendation:

Someone who wants to read about vampires but not the heroic ones.

Grade: C

Age: 13 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Hourglass

Claudia Gray

Release Date: March 9, 2010

Why I Want It:

The Evernight series is amazing! I can't believe I have to wait 7 months for this book to come out. Claudia Gray is an amazing author. I love the cover for this book, the colors contrast really well, and it is different than the previous covers. I cannot wait to see where life takes Bianca, Lucas, and Balthazar next. I ope the release this early!

Nobody's Princess

Nobody's Princess

Esther Friesner

Random House

$7.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favorite goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Not one to count on the gods—or her looks—to take care of her, Helen sets out to get what she wants with steely determination and a sassy attitude. That same attitude makes Helen a few enemies—such as the self-proclaimed "son of Zeus" Theseus—but it also intrigues, charms, and amuses those who become her friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the Oracle of Delphi.In Nobody's Princess, author Esther Friesner deftly weaves together history and myth as she takes a new look at the girl who will become Helen of Troy. The resulting story offers up adventure, humor, and a fresh and engaging heroine you cannot help but root for.

My Thoughts:

This book took me a bit to get into but it was worth the read. This book was interesting. The character of Helen was an inspiration. This is a definite girl empowerment book. Helen is strong and she defies the guidelines that have been set for her. The plot of this book was intriguing, because we were able to follow Helen as she grew, and as she travelled. I found the history in this book to be informative, as well as entertaining. Friesner does a good job of combining old legend with new twist. I hope this is the lif Helen of Troy lived, because that would show just how amazing she was. This book was different from everything else I had been reading at the time but I loved it.

Recommendation:

A little younger audience with a desire to read

Grade: A-

Age: 12 and up

Bonus: Fpollow Helen in the sequel Nobody's Prize

Wake

Wake

Lisa McMann

Simon and Schuster Children's Publising

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does — they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

My Thoughts:

Discliamer: Do not trust the pillow on the cover, you will not be able to sleep until you have finished this book!

This book was captivating, I was unable to put it down. I read it in about 3 hours. Lisa McMann makes a splash in her first book. The characters are amazing. Janie is an unnatural heroine who can stick up for herself and is tough, unlike many of the girls portrayed in other books. Cabel is also the unliekly character and he too is one you will grow to love. This book was superbly written. The plot is so different than anything else out there fantasy or not. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a new story, and very fun to read.

Recommendation:

Anyone! Now go read it!

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl

A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl

Tanya Lee Stone

Random House Children's Books

$14.95 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Josie, Nicolette, and Aviva all get mixed up with a senior boy–a cool, slick, sexy boy who can talk them into doing almost anything he wants. In a blur of high school hormones and personal doubt, each girl struggles with how much to give up and what ultimately to keep for herself. How do girls handle themselves? How much can a boy get away with? And in the end, who comes out on top? A bad boy may always be a bad boy. But this bad boy is about to meet three girls who won’t back down.

My Thoughts:

Interesting. Never judge a book by it's title, because this book was completely different than what I was expecting! This book was a quick read, but i held a lot of meaning. Tanya Lee STopne took careful precaution in forming Josie, Avia, and Nicolette. The girsl were completely different, but in the end became unified by one thing. This is not a book I would have picked up to read myself. I think while it did have good values, that there was something odd about it. It did flow quickly, but the change of setting did not work for me.

Recommendation:

Scourned women.

Grade: B

Age: 15 and up

Speak

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

Penguin Group

$10.99 U.S. (Special Edition)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country.

My Thoughts:

This book was good, but I think all the hype about it made me enjoy it a little less.

Anderson does incredible research before she writes her books. She is able to provide extreme depth to her characters that sometimes seems unreal. I enjoyed reading this book, but it was again not what I expected. The plot flowed well, and the way the book was split up also worked well. I think the characters were written well, but I hoped for more involvement out of some of them. I found myself frustrated with some of the outcomes in this book, I wished for a happier ending. I think that this book is one that every girl should read, but probably at a younger age.

Recommendation:

Every girl at sometime in her life.

Grade: A -

Age: 13 and up

Wintergirls

Sorry I missed reviewing yesterday! I got really busy so to make up for it I will post two reviews today!

Wintergirls

Laurie Halse Anderson

Penguin Group

$17.99 U.S. (Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

"Dead girl walking," the boys say in the halls."Tell us your secret," the girls whisper, one toilet to another.I am that girl.I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.
Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend's restless spirit.
In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.

My Thoughts:

I was surprised by this book. I wasn't expecting th intensity of it when I bgean reading it. I did however really enjoy this book. Laurie Halse Anderson put in extreme work in finding out the true complications and emotions of a girl batling a disease. I enjoyed the way the book was written. The chapters all flowed together, so it was hard to put the book down because everything moved together. The charactes were believable in this book. Lia was written perfectly. I found myself wanting to help Lia while reading this book. I think this was a tremendous book. It is not one I would read again, but I am glad I read it.

Recommendation:

Any girl.

Grade: A

Age: 14 and up

All I Want Is Everything

All I Want Is Everything

Cecily von Ziegesar

Little Brown

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

It's Christmastime and Blair and Serena are best friends again and up to their old tricks -- partying hard and breaking hearts from Park Avenue to the Caribbean. Blair's mom and Cyrus are having their honeymoon in Salt Key. And when school lets out for the holiday, Blair, Serena, Aaron, and company head down there to blow off steam after their midterm exams. In between Piña Coladas and topless sunbathing, Blair and Serena plot revenge on super-jerk Chuck Bass. Everyone jets back to NYC for Serena's New Year's party, during which Nate and Blair may or may not finally go all the way, and Serena may or may not be discovered to be the secret fling of Hollywood's hottest young leading man.

My Thoughts:

I think I am beginning to sound redundant... I LOVE Gossip Girl, this book was amazing. Cecily von Ziegesar is able to create new ideas that work well in each story. I enjoyed the premise of this book. Blare and Serena are friends again and that was a major delight for me! These characters are very likeable but also very hateable at the same time. I felt myself constantly getting caught up in the emotions of the characters, I also found myself feeling embarassed for them and sometimes even ashamed of them. I enjoy the lightness of these books, they are fun to read and do not revolve around extremely serious issues. The plot flowed smoothly but always kept you wanting more and on the edge of your seat. The book is a must read for anyone who is anyone!

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book to anyone who has read Gossip Girl. It would make a fun vacation read or even a fun Christmas read!

Grade: A

Ages: 15 and up

Waiting on Wednesday

Here goes my first waiting on Wednesday...

The Van Alen Legacy

Melissa de la Cruz

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged. Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

The book is set to come out October 6, 2009!!!!! I cannot wait I am so excited for this! For all of those who have read the first 3 books, check out Melissa's website the first chapter is posted as well as some other fun details!

You Know You Love Me

You Know You Love Me

Cecily von Ziegesar

Little Brown

$8.95 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

In You Know You Love Me, the sequel to Gossip Girl, it's brunette vixen Blair Waldorf's seventeenth birthday, and she knows exactly what she wants--Nate, her studly troubles boyfriend of three years. But Blair's been too busy filling out Ivy League college applications to notice that Nate has found himself another playmate.

My Thoughts:

I loved the first Gossip Girl novel so much I had to go out and buy the entire series. This book was just as riveting as the first. I loved reading it. The characters continue to grow one me, and I think this is a big part of my love for the book. I enjoyed the plot in this book, it was completely different than in the first book. I felt like less time was spent feuding and spreading nasty rumors and more time was spent on the steamy action!!! I am so glad I read this book.

Recommendation:

Anyone who loved Gossip Girl

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

12 hour reading challenge!

I was able to complete the 12 hour reading challenge!!!! I finished Speak and A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl, and Started the A-list. I will have a review up in the afternoon!

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely

Melissa Marr

Harper Teen

$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.
Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.
Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.
Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

My Thoughts:

If I am telling the truth I was a little disappointed by this book. It was goodm but I had high hopes and they were just not meant. I think part of the problem was that the plot was dark. I enjoy happiness in my books, and this book was on the more grim side. I did enjoy the characters in the book. Ash, Seth, and Keenan were my favorites. I think Melissa Marr did a good job developing the characters. They all meshed well and flowed with eachother. I enjoyed the setting of the not so exciting town. I think my favorite place was Seth's train. I loved the uniqueness of it and also how it became a sanctuary. The faeries in this book were more like what we hear about in folk lore, they were not always nice. I thinkthe book flowed well, and was interesting I just wish it could have been happier at times. But, the ending did end on a happy note which made me very happy. I did like this book, I just think that my hopes exceeded what I got from it.

Recommendation: Anyone up for a little less happy read, and enjoys the dark side of reading.

Grade: A -

Age: 15 and up

Extras: The next book Ink Exchange actually follows completely different characters, but then we get back to Ash, Keenan, and Seth in Fragile Eternity.

Shiver

Shiver

Maggie Stiefvater

Scholastic

$17.99 U.S.(Hardcover)

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My thoguhts:

The beginning was a bit for slow for me, but that did not last long. Once I started getting into the book it was hard for me to put it down. I loved the characters in this book. Sam and Grace both became extremely real to me. Stiefvater has a way with words, and that was apparent in the book. I was able to vivdly see what was going on in each scene,, even down to the emotions of the characters. I find my self constantly replaying scenes from the book in my head, and this is after I have finished it. I loved the scenery in the book. It was easy to feel like you were there with the characters. The setting was perfect and also beautiful. I think the plot flowed well, and the ending was so perfect I felt pure relief when the book ended! This was an amazing book, and I am so glad I got to read it early!

Recommendation:

This book is a winter read. It is one to curl up in front of a fire under a blnket with a cup of cocoa. The book warms you.

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up. The book is wirtten for an older group and has some veyr serious elements

12 hour reading weekend!

Just got off work so let the super reading commence!
Only an hour so far!

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl

Cecily von Ziegesar

Little Brown$8.99 U.S.

Synopsis by Barnes and Noble:

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep--sometimes with each other. S is back from boarding school, and if we aren't careful, she's going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn't fit into, steal our boyfriends' hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I'll be watching closely...You know you love me, gossip girl

My Thoughts:

I have to admit I liked this book. I always thought that I was above Gossip Girl and never had an interest to read it, but I am glad I did. I was entertained throughout this book. I enjoyed reading it, it was fun, and light. The characters were all entertaining in their own ways. I think Cecily von Ziegesar established her characters well by making you hate them but love them at the same time. I think the New York setting was very interesting, crazy things always happen in New York. I also enjoyed the author's style of writing. The emotions throughout the book were palpable, you could feel everything the characters did. I think the extremeness if the book also played in it's favor. The dilemmas that the character's faced are so far from what we experience everyday, and this made me want to read more. I feel like I lived vicariously through the characters. And it was fun!

Recommendation:

I think that this is a fun light read, and would recommend it for a little older crowd.

Grade: A

Age: 15 and up

Extras:

While it does stray from the book the Gossip Girl show is very entertaining. Just like the book.