North of Beautiful, by Justina Chen

Title: North of Beautiful

Author: Justina Chen

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: February 1, 2009

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.91

Age Rating: 12+




    From the back, Terra Cooper looks the perfect girl, the one with the blond hair, blue eyes, and tiny body. But from the front, all is but perfect. Terra plans to escape from her trashy father and to go to college somewhere far away from her home. But when she meets Jacob, everything changes.

     I saw this book all over, many people have described it as the perfect tragic chick-lit novel. I guess I'd say that it is too, but it's not so perfect either.

    I'll tell you the truth- I wasn't pleased with this. It could've been much better, but it wasn't. The story wasn't well developed. Some things didn't make sense and seemed very dull. If the author added a boost to it, we could've seen something good here.

    Terra obviously wasn't confident and independent, because if she was, she'd learn how to deal with her stupid father and would do what she wants for her own good. But, even by the end, I still think that she didn't make the right choice. I think that you can never let someone you love change your whole life for you just because they want it that way. They have to respect your choices and opinions and once in a while let you do what you want for a change.

     What we have here is a novel that can't change itself, we have to.

Elegy, by Amanda Hocking

Title: Elegy

Author: Amanda Hocking

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: August 6, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.11

Age Group: 12+



    I'm so sad to see that the last book of the Watersong series is here. This is one of my favourite series of all time, and I swear that this is 100% true. Amanda Hocking's novels are unbelievably phenomenal. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

    Gemma is so close to be breaking the curse of the sirens, and she'll do anything to find what the scroll actually means. Daniel has kept his promise to Penn that if he does some unforgivable things with her, then she'll leave Gemma and Harper alone, and they'll be safe. Drama, romance and thrill, Elegy's stakes are higher than others.

     What can I say. I was speechless, and still am to this day.

     The way the story was set up and what it became to was amazing. I wanted to read sentences over and over again because I enjoy reading this series so much. If I could, I'd continue reading this series to wherever it'll take me. It's just that good.

      Gemma and Harper have definitely grown from where they started from. They ended up as grown women who definitely have a story to share.

      I began this series as a Alex lover, but now when I think of it, Daniel's my guy, and if you read this series, you'll definitely know why by the end.

      I was crying. If I say that <--- then I think that you get what I'm saying- that you will too, heheh.

      Goodbye Watersong series, and thank you.

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers, by Lynn Weingarten

Title: The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers

Author: Lynn Weingarten

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: December 27, 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.25

Age Group: 12+




     I thought that this novel would be much more of a romance, girly novel, who'd think that this was more of a darker, paranormal/supernatural novel?

     Lucy's first day of her sophomore year couldn't get any worse; her boyfriend broke up with her, right when she wrote a very special message to him on her tummy. When three mysterious but gorgeous girls convince her to become one of them- with powers and abilities to attract boys and to break their hearts, Lucy knows that she can't resist that..

     I expected much better, I can definitely say that. I picked this up because I thought that I'd have a cute girly novel, but I ended up having a dark and at times uninteresting novel with me having few words to bear.

     Lucy and the three girls, what were their names? Olivia, Liza, and Gil? were very weak. I felt that they weren't developed well, and that some people can't be that boring. I mean- they're very cheesy and un-warming characters, or leads, or whatever you call them- your opinion.

     Overall, I was disappointed but glad at the same time. I had an average novel in front of me the whole time.

What Happened To Goodbye, by Sarah Dessen

Title: What Happened To Goodbye

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 10, 2011

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.00

Age Group: 12+



  This one looks like the perfect summer read. Look, the girl is standing on a suitcase, which kind of gives you the idea that she's going somewhere on vacation, then brings you to the idea of road trips, ahh, you can already start dreaming in the world of Sarah Dessen even before you pick up the book.

   What Happened To Goodbye starts off with Mclean and her dad, who've always been moving from place to place since she was younger. Now, stopping at a new town, Mclean is sure that this can't be different from anywhere else she's ever been before, but soon she realizes that she's wrong, especially when she meets Dave.

    This has to be one of the best Sarah Dessen's from all, I know I say that every time. But, each time it's true! I get crushed into this world of goodiness that this fantastical woman has created, wow, I'm making up words, hmm, maybe one day THEY. WILL. BE. REAL!

    Mclean was one of Dessen's best leads. She was confident, easy-going and independent, probably the most important aspects. Dave was another cutie that I wish were real, he had that rebellic sense that many girls want in their guys, just like I do. :)

      Adorable, adorable, adorable!

Something Like Fate, by Susane Colasanti

Title: Something Like Fate

Author: Susane Colasanti

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 4, 2010

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.72

Age Group: 12+



   Honestly, Susane Colasanti is one of my favourite authors of all time, and I know that I want to read all of her books sooner or later, and Something Like Fate is the perfect novel to continue this legacy.

   Lani and Erin are best friends for life, especially since the car accident that changed both of their destinies for life. When Erin starts dating Jason, Lani and him hit it off, and Erin is happy to see them bonding. But, things change rapidly when Erin goes to camp for the summer... and Jason and Lani are left behind, together. Lani has to choose between friendship and a boy that might truly be her soul mate.

   This book was perfection. It's so different from the rest, I just feel all jiggly inside because this novel is for all of the girls out there who are looking for a little fun.

    Lani was a fun bubbly protagonist who knew the right things to say at the right time to make us readers fall in love with the book all over again. As well as Jason, he was a total heartthrob. I loved him, and I think that Lani and I have the same taste in guys... mmmm....

    Erin was a character who I'd have a love-hate relationship with if she was real herself. I mean, at times I wish that she was my bestie, but at others, I just want to strangle her, no offense peeps.

    This is one of the best novels that I read this summer, cute, hilarious and worthy.

Earthbound, by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Earthbound

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: July 30, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.76

Age Group: 12+




    My first Aprilynne Pike really turned out to be a winner, huh? *sarcasm*

    Tavia Michaels is the only survivor of the plane crash that killed everyone else on board, even her parents. When she begins to see strange visions of an interesting boy that she's never seen before, she begins to realize that her life isn't what it seems, and that her past might be all a lie.

     I thought that this would be more of a paranormal romance, but it really just was a mystery after all.

    I didn't like the story so much. The summary really sounded interesting, but the book itself wasn't. I thought, that in that concept, it could've been much better.

   The characters, on the other hand, were well developed and fun. Tavia was intelligent, and very easy-going to her surroundings. Although she did have her insecurities, she was in a hard time, and had to learn to be stronger.

    Nice, but not as good as I thought it should be.

A Midsummer's Nightmare, by Kody Keplinger

Title: A Midsummer's Nightmare

Author: Kody Keplinger

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.87

Age Group: 13+



     After reading Keplinger's The DUFF, I knew that I had to pick up her other novels, because they are perfect for the summer, and I know will become many girls' favourites.

     Whitley Johnson has recently met a hottie guy and may have done some unforgivable things with him, but that doesn't stop her from partying until she can't stop. When she goes to spend the summer with her father and his to-be wife and her two kids, she thinks that the summer can't get any worse. To get all of the pain out, she goes and enjoys herself, right when she has everything that she needs right in front of her eyes.

      This novel wasn't a nightmare, that's what I can see. The story was well developed, where I can see where the author was getting to. From the beginning, it kept on getting better and better until I couldn't put it down completely.

      Just because the story was good, doesn't mean that the characters were. Whitley was one of the worst, brattiest female leads that I have ever read about, and that's probably a reason why the rating went to a four star. Look at the cover, she looks like a total snob, and she really was. I know that the author meant for her to be that way, but I think she overdid it, and created a monster of a character. Ugh.

      So, overall, I thought that this was a cute, summery novel that many girls will enjoy from years to come.

The Academy: Game On, by Monica Seles

Title: The Academy: Game On

Author: Monica Seles

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.51

Age Group: 12+



   Seeing this gorgeous novel on Netgalley really made me want to go out and find the novel itself, if you've read any of my other reviews before you'd notice that I prefer having the actual book in my hands instead of a ebook.

    The Academy: Game On was the perfect summer read, and I can't wait for the next one to begin.

     Here we have local tennis star Maya, who's been dreaming to receive a scholarship to The Academy, a boarding school for teens who are just "that good" at sports. When she finally gets in, Maya doesn't know that her life is about to get feisty, and so is she. She meets Cleo, her punk roommate, Renee, a swimmer who doesn't know what her roommate is in for, Nicole, Renee's stunning roommate lurking for any competition against her, and that's Maya, and finally Travis and Jake, two hot brothers, one good and one bad, both sons of The Academy's owner. Maya certainly doesn't know what she's in for, things are about to get nasty.

     I've realized from the beginning that we have an unique novel here. Monica Seles must've used her experiences in this novel, because this is a world that I've never read about before, not even similarly.

    For most of it, I was thoroughly interested, so much drama and characters that made my day. Monica Seles has created a novel that many teenage girls will love forever.

   Maya was a good character. She had her perks, and overall was the type of person that I'm very much like. Being in her world was like walking through a bookstore. Seriously.

   
   






   

The Perks of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

Title: The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Rating: 5/5 stars (no doubt about it)

Release Date: August 14, 2012 (MY BIRTHDAY!)

Publisher: MTV Books

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.17

Age Group: 13+




Dear Friend,

   I've been wanting to read this novel since the movie came out. I saw the trailer, and it looked super interesting, especially since hottie Logan Lerman and beautiful Emma Watson starred in it. When I read the summary, I was even more convinced, the book seemed perfect, and it really was.

  Charlie is introduced into the world of high school, where anything could happen. Sadly, he's a geek, shy, but intelligent at the same time. When he meets siblings Patrick and Sam, he is introduced into the world of partying, drugs, and the Rocky Horror Show. New friends, new beginnings, new journeys, Charlie is becoming who he wants to be, and will learn what growing up truly means.

   The world has gone wild for this novel, and I'm one of those millions who are also "fangirling."

    I couldn't put this one down. Seriously. Charlie was a character who I think have developed a crush on, even though he isn't real. He's one of my favourite characters, like ever, and I know that he will be for you, too.

   Another thing is, I can't believe that this novel was written in 1999! I wasn't even born yet, and look what it has become to this day. A movie, a fandom, the world is changing every minute, and we have to be inspired by the works done by these fantastic authors!

  Gosh, I loved how the story was broken into, well in my head. First we had the beginning, where Charlie was like a little baby, insecure and new, a wallflower, basically. Then came the middle, where he began to come to his senses, and everything started piling on top of him. Whereas the end, it just stopped, completely. It ended happily, and we then come to realize that we're all wallflowers in one way or another.

   I can totally relate to this book. I am very much like Charlie. A wallflower, perhaps. I'm not the popular one in school, I don't show off or brag, I'm happy with what I have, and want to enjoy life as much as I can.

  Charlie is an intelligent character, who loves to read, just like myself, and tell you what, books are one of my only friends. They're always there for me, waiting in the bookshelf, until I pick them up, and give them my gratitude. And guess what? I wouldn't wish for a better life, because I have the perfect one right in my hands, just like Charlie did.


Love Always,

Michelle
 

Swoon at Your Own Risk, by Sydney Salter

Title: Swoon at Your Own Risk

Author: Sydney Salter

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Release Date: April 5, 2010

Publisher: HMH Books For Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.56

Age Group: 12+





   When you look at the cover of this novel, you'd think that it would end up being that perfect summer read. I'm sorry, but to me, it really wasn't.

   Polly Martin's grandmother is known at the advice columnist, Miss Swoon, and is also known to give out the right advice at the right time. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend, and is now seeking for the right one, and then meets Xander Cooper, who lives close by, and is a hot skateboarder. Polly realizes that she's starting to need some major advice, and what's better than asking Miss Swoon herself, right when she lives in your house?

  I'm not going to say much here, just warning you.

  I found that this novel ended up being a slow-paced, uninteresting at times story. I've never actually ever read a newspaper before where there are advice columnists, do these things actually exist anymore? :)

  Polly, Polly, Polly. *sigh*“

“Everyone smiles with that invisible gun to their head.” 

-Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club 

  Hahah, Polly, did you hear that? *smiles like a creep*

  I think you get what I mean, I guess I don't have to complain, eh? 

 

  *snickers*

  

  The only good thing about this novel ended up being the "cute" romance between Polly and Xander, and of course, Miss Swoon's advice.

  

Waiting, by Carol Lynch Williams

Title: Waiting

Author: Carol Lynch Williams

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.85

Age Group: 12+ (suicide)






   Some of us really enjoy reading those tragic novels that may or may not change our lives forever... I am one of those people, and if you agree with me, then Waiting certainly is your type of novel.

  London and Zach were the closest siblings that you'd meet, but when Zach commits suicide, everything is torn apart, and London doesn't know what to do with herself. Adding to that, her mother won't speak to her, and her father is distant. The only people she has is Zach's best friend, and the new boy in town, and she has to make that decision on who really is waiting for her.

  You really don't find these kinds of novels in that world that much, and that's a good thing, because then, many of us would be hearing the same thing over. This novel is one of the hardest to explain, because its concept and meaning is above and beyond.

  I recommend this for people who have a sibling (s), mainly because you'll find how important they are to you. Afterwards, I couldn't stop thinking about how much I, myself, love my sister.

  The story was slow-paced, but I think that it had to be, because of all the details and memories that had to be included in London's story. It truly was beautiful.

  London wasn't the best narrator, but she was confident, in one way or another, and from my viewpoint, is the thing that we need to see from our storytellers.

  Carol Lynch Williams has created a gorgeous story, and I'm definitely going to seek for more from her.

Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen

Title: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Release Date: February 28, 2008

Publisher: Speak

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.11 (wow.)

Age Group: 11+






   Greetings, fellow bloggers/reviewers!

   I just came back from one of my favourite places in the world to be, the one and only Florida, and let me tell you, I have read a lot! So, starting now, I'll be catching up with my reviewing, at this very instant! (You could also find me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Michelle_In_Wonderland )


  Just Listen was one of the best Sarah Dessen novels that I had read to that point. I totally related to it, especially with the whole music-loving concept, and I think that it's definitely worth reading, especially for those who need that chick-lit boost in their day.

  Here we have Annabel Green, the girl who's perfect, at least in her modelling shoots. But her life isn't all that great anyway. Many problems in her life are all rushing and causing her to think- her sister's eating disorder to her and her best friend's friendship ruined. Her problems come to an end, well at least for a little while, when she meets Owen, the music-obsessed guy who has a bad reputation. Being with Owen helps Annabel realize that it doesn't matter what other people think of you, you just have to listen to your heart and the good will eventually come out.

  As another vivid Sarah Dessen reader, we all come to realize that every narrator that "the author/queen" writes about is always in some bad situation at the time. But here, Annabel's situation might be the worst of them all, relating to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, in many ways.

  I think that Annabel had certain circumstances in which the author wanted her to become. Being the slim-beautiful model might sound like perfection, but deadly things happen in the modelling world as well, when you look at Annabel's sister, Whitney, and what she became of. Although Annabel did have "that image," us readers came to see that Annabel is a confident, but insecure at the same time kind of girl, and that she's a great character that many of us girls would want to be around with. She has a terrific story to tell, even though it's fiction, things like this happen everyday, and we have to be aware of it.

  I became superbly-attached to this novel, and if you decide to read it, you'll understand why. Sarah Dessen created a beautiful story that has just enough of everything- from drama to romance, you feel like you're having a lucid dream.

Surrender, by Elana Johnson

Title: Surrender

Author: Elana Johnson

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.01

Age Group: 11+






   After reading Possession, I couldn't wait to read its sequel. Now, I finally did, and I think that I am pleased with the outcome.

   Raine Hightower follows the rules in Freedom, and is everything a good girl could ask for. She also has a power that no one knows about, not even her roommate Vi. When Raine falls for Gunner, everything changes. She knows that she has to keep away from him, but it's difficult, especially when she finds some secretive things from him that could change her life forever. Raine also has to report Vi's actions to her father, creating a bond between the city that nobody has ever known before.

 

    

   Surrender wasn't as good as the first novel was, that's probably the main point here. I wasn't as pleased, probably because of the new characters that were introduced, I'd stick with the old group; Violet, Jag, and Zenn.

   Don't get me wrong, Raine and Gunner were great new additions, but they weren't my all-time favourites. Though Elana Johnson did do a terrific job making them come to life.

  

   

   The story did get a little uninteresting at times, but most of the time I enjoyed its unique, rebel story, and I know that many readers will enjoy it as much as I did, or even more.

   Raine was a powerful new character, she was a true rebel and intelligent, two traits that I love to see in a honorable character. Her relationship with Gunner was sweet, and mysterious all at the same time. I do hope that they will be mentioned in the final novel.

  Overall, I was very pleased with this sequel. I hope that the final novel will be better than ever.