What We Lost, by Sara Zarr

Title: What We Lost

Author: Sara Zarr

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.68

Age Group: 12+




    I really enjoyed this book. I guess you could say that it's different from the rest, lately I've been reading chick-lit, where there's a lot of romance and drama going on. Here we have a whole different story, more contemporary than the rest.

   Here we have Sammy, aka Samara, who lives in a small town that nobody's ever heard of. She's the pastor's daughter, and does everything that she's supposed to do, but when a young girl in her town goes missing, she is on the run to find out the kidnapper. Everyone is a suspect, including Jody's brother, Nick.

   So, we have a good plot here. Some parts became a little dull on the side, but overall it was likeable and average. It could've been better, though.

   I liked Samara. She was very confident, and knew what she was capable of doing. She wouldn't give up on things, and was a very straight-forward person.

   This is a book for those who need something a little more on the dark side, but not too dark.

Hate List, by Jennifer Brown

Title: Hate List

Author: Jennifer Brown

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: October 5, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.07

Age Group: 12+




 Right from when I started this novel, I kept thinking about what happened in Sandy Hook Elementary School not too long ago. About how it happened at a school, and how the gunman then pulled the trigger on himself.

  I loved this book. It's so unlike other YA contemporary novels, I've never heard about one like this. Never.

  In Hate List, we have Valerie, who thankfully survived the shot from her boyfriend, Nick, who was the gunman in her school cafeteria's shooting. She keeps on thinking that it's her fault, and it partially is. After writing the Hate List, full of the names of the people that both Nick and Val hated, Nick tried to kill some of those people on that day. This is the journey of the times and stories of that fateful day, and the weeks and months surrounding it.

   Valerie was a fantastic lead. This really was her story, and she outshone it. She was so relatable, so easy-going, you'd fall in love with her and her thoughts immediately.

   If you're looking for a hard novel to read with hard times in it, then go and pick this one up, you won't regret it.

Waiting For You, by Susane Colasanti

Title: Waiting For You
Author: Susane Colasanti
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release Date: May 14, 2009
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.82
Age Group: 11+





 

I love Susane Colasanti's books, period. Each of them bring me a surprise, they are all amazing in their stories and characters, this is just another one to add to the list. I was waiting for another good novel like this!

In this book, we have Marisa, who is searching for the right guy, and by the end of this story, she realizes that she has fallen for the nerdy guy, Nash, and the total flirt, Derek, who will she choose?From the beginning I was on Team Derek, but then I began to realize that Nash was the more adorable nerdy cute one. I loved them both, if I was Marisa I'd die of choices!

Marisa was a great lead. She knew what she wanted and I felt a bit of myself in her, who wouldn't want to see themselves in a specific character? In total, this was adorable, and fun!

Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release Date: March 19, 2009
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.97
Age Group: 13+






To read this book, you have to be strong. That's all I'm saying. It's a very difficult book to read, trust me.

Again, Laurie Halse Anderson has created perfection, right in this novel.

Lia is anorexic. She's keeping track of her weight, and is making goals to be under 100 pounds. When her ex-best friend Cassie commits suicide and dies, she is broken apart, not knowing what to do with herself anymore. This is her journey toward happiness and understanding.

I think that Laurie Halse Anderson's novels are all about something tragic, from depression, to abuse. I can't wait to see what else she has in store. Even though Lia was depressed and falling apart, she was a strong character, and that's one of the things I loved about her. Even though her life was in a wreck, she didn't want to die.

This was gorgeous, and absolutely stunning.

One of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

Title: One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies
Author: Sonya Sones
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Release Date: June 23, 2008
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.94
Age Group: 12+








Again, in my opinion, this wasn't one of Sonya Sones's best novels. I think that it's the worst from what I read from her, it definitely could've been better, probably much better.

Here we have Ruby, who's jetting off to sunny California to live with her superstar father after her mother died. She's the only one who hates him, and life's about to get worse, much worse.

First let me mention something. I love how Sonya Sones formats her novels into poetry. It's unlike anything I've ever read, I enjoy reading it so much, and I happen to read much faster that way.

Next, the characters. Ruby was an okay character, She could've been better, to me, I actually didn't know what was wrong with her, but she didn't seem my type.

A good book, average, and nothing special.

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Title: What My Mother Doesn't Know
Author: Sonya Sones
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.80
Age Group: 13+








After reading the sequel to this one, (I didn't know before!) I really wanted to read all of Sonya Sones's other novels. I liked this one, but the sequel was better.

This one is in Sophie's point of view. Here we get to hear her thoughts on her other hookups, and how they changed her.

 Great!

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Title: Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters
Author: Natalie Standiford
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release Date: November 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.44
Age Group: 12+








I really had fun with this book! It was the perfect contemporary novel, things like this could happen in life, right?

Norrie, Sassy, and Jane, three Sullivan sisters, are all shocked when their grandmother, known as Almighty, has informed that one of the Sullivan children have done something wrong. She's dying, because of a brain tumor, and if none of the children announce what they've done wrong to her, then she will take the Sullivan family out of her will, and everything will collapse.

You see what I mean? This novel was total fun, I loved hearing the three sisters' perspectives, and what their stories were.

Personally, I liked Jane's story the most, but Norrie as a character. Sassy was somewhere in between, but overall, I liked them all for their differences.

I love how this is a stand-alone novel, one that's alone, and different from the rest.

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Title: Where I Belong
Author: Gwendolyn Heasley
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback Edition
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.60
Age Group: 12+








This was the perfect summer chick-lit read. I enjoyed it, and you will too!

Corrine is a girl that has everything, and that includes a great rich life in New York, but when her dad loses his job and a lot of the money that the family had is gone, Corrine is sent to live with her grandparents in Texas. There, a whole new journey begins, even if she doesn't believe that it would.I thought that this would be better, I really did, but anyway, it was still enjoyable and fun.

I disliked Corrine in the beginning, I have to admit that I did. To me, she sounded very selfish and stuck-up, but by the end, she seemed like a good character, a good girl, and made her story enjoyable even more.

The Game, by Krystyna Kuhn

Title: The Game

Author: Krystyna Kuhn

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Release Date: June 7, 2012

Publisher: Little Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.66

Age Group: 11+



  From the beginning, I already knew what type of book that this would turn out to be, one of those ones that are unique, probably because they aren't that good. And to tell you the truth, it really did turn into one of those novels after all.

  Here we have Katie and her brother Robert, who head to Grace College, a boarding school in the Rocky Mountains. When Robert finds a dead body in the school in the first week, secrets begin to unfold and nobody knows if they're safe...

      The plot became very predictable and similar to others, we all would know what would happen. When I read novels, I like to keep guessing, and when I'm wrong, I find that the book is even better because I don't even know what would happen. This book was the total opposite.

      Next, the characters. These guys were very dull and boring. I wish that I could just switch the characters to some people even better, the book would have been a whole lot better even then.

      Again, I'd recommend not picking up this book, it's not worth it at all.

Debutantes, by Cora Harrison

Title: Debutantes

Author: Cora Harrison

Rating: 1.5/5 stars

Release Date: August 2, 2012

Publisher: Pan Mcmillan Childrens

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.09

Age Group: 11+





    First of all, may I say that the girl on the cover looks like Primrose from The Hunger Games movie? Just a little suspicious here...


    Debutantes was exactly what I expected, a real bad book. I felt that this novel really had no point to it, and was really boring and unfamiliar to me, I don't know what would have been better, maybe a whole different story and novel?

   
    I really don't want to describe the plot at all, because there seems as if there is no plot. Everything was disorganized and terrible, including the characters.


   To tell you the truth, I liked it for the first 50 pages or so, but from then on, I fell into a nightmare. All of the sisters and other characters that made this novel a novel were very selfish and disgusting to read about, I don't know where these characters really came from.

   All I'm saying is that you shouldn't take the chance to pick up this novel, it's one of the worst I've ever read.

Storm, by Brigid Kemmerer

Title: Storm

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.07

Age Group: 12+

       This concept is totally different from others, and that's what makes this novel so special. I really enjoyed it, I was hooked in the whole time, and I didn't want it to end, thankfully there's more to the story!

       Becca is heartbroken after her ex started telling lies about her to everywhere, but when she saves Chris Merrick's life after he got beat up, her life is beginning to change forever. Boys begin to follow her, especially ones that control different elements of the earth. It's a love triangle that will make teens fall in love with these characters, all in 353 pages.

        I really liked how the story went. Like I said, it was very unique and interesting, I wonder what influenced this idea, elements are very interesting when you add some drama and romance to it. 

        Becca was a good lead, likeable and all. I think that she could've been more easy-going, though. Chris and his brothers were absolutely adorable, I loved when I got to read about their inside lives. Michael actually would be my favourite, I hope that there would be another novel focusing on him other than the novella.

        Great, need the sequel!

        “Nick,” he said. “I think I’m going to need you to bite my arm.”“I think I’m going to need you to run that by me again.”

Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Format: ebook

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.22

Age Group: 12+






   I've heard so many good things about this novel, and I just got Fangirl, so I decided that I should start with this one first. Rainbow Rowell is fantastic.

   In this beautiful book, we have Eleanor and Park. Eleanor is new, and right on the first day of school, she gets picked on, but meets Park. Park lends Eleanor a few of his comic books, and their relationship builds until the point where they can't get enough of each other, until the point where Eleanor can't take it and has to leave...

   I'd describe this book as a cute, indie book for teens. I mean, it was very... artsy. Everything that happened, it was close to perfection, and I imagined the story happened in an art form, just like on the cover. The author definitely creates a different world for this novel than any other, that's for sure.

   I loved Eleanor from the start. She's a very calm, quiet girl, and I felt so bad for her. Richie, I wanna smash you up into pieces, ohhh yeah.

   Park really was a different story. I wasn't so sure about him in the beginning, he seemed very dull, but when Eleanor and him clicked, everything in my mind changed, and I grew to love them both together.

   I was practically crying in the end, it was so breathtaking and unexpected! It leaves us off at a cliffhanger, and I really didn't want it to end. But in either ways, they both got their fairytale endings.

 “Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.”

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Release Date: March 14, 2006

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.36

Age Group: 12+





     From all of the books's reviews that I've read before I actually picked up the book, The Book Thief was the one that I've heard the best things about.

     I expected a story about a Jew hiding from the Nazis, and the only thing that could keep her thoughts away from the war was books. Guess what? I was far from right. The Book Thief was the total opposite, I loved it more than I could imagine.

     Coming from Death's point of view, we have Liesel Meminger, who's going to live in Munich, Germany with two new foster parents. Along the way, she lost her little brother, and her mother was taken away. She has no one except herself. When she finds a book, she doesn't know that it will change her life forever, bringing her a new obsession and thing to do- read. Liesel meets new people, especially the Jew that her new family is hiding in the basement. She realizes that life has more good than the bad.

     In the beginning, I wasn't so sure where this would lead to. It ended up being so unexpected and hilarious at times. But by the end, I was balling my eyes out, and if you read this, then you'll know why.

     If you're looking for a quick read, then this isn't the right book for you. It's a very slow-paced novel that you really have to concentrate on. But since we have the unstoppable Liesel as our lead, the novel really ended up being worth it to read.

     I loved Papa. At first, I had a total love-hate relationship with him, I didn't know what to expect. But by the end, you could tell that he made a big impact on Liesel's life and where she got to. In fact, it made a big impact on myself also.

     I adored this book. It's like no other.

   “The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.”

The Dark Divine, by Bree Despain

Title: The Dark Divine

Author: Bree Despain

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: December 22, 2009

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.84

Age Group: 12+






   This was one of the books that I've been wanting to read for a longggg time, and I am so happy that I did it now. The Dark Divine was terrific.


  Grace Divine is the daughter of the local pastor, and when her old love comes back to town, she cannot stay away from him, despite the scarred memories that brought them apart. There's only one thing she doesn't know...


  So. I. Loved. This. Book. K?

  Grace was definitely divine, okay I'm being cheesy here, but it's the truth. I love her as a character. She felt real. That's another thing I love when characters feel real/

 “We don't forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it--because we need it.”

The Power of Six, by Pittacus Lore

Title: The Power of Six

Author: Pittacus Lore

Rating: 3.5 stars

Release Date: August 23, 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.18

Age Group: 12+





   I loved I Am Number Four, but this one, not so much.

   John Smith, also known as Four, is viral. He's known everywhere, and is now on the escape to freedom. When he meets Six and Nine along the way, his life is about to change forever.

   Maybe it was the confusing perspectives, I don't know, but the plot wasn't all what I thought it would be. Maybe it was that I didn't read this book right when I got it. Minds change once in a while, don't they.

   I'm not planning to read the third novel, but we'll see what will happen...


   "The key to change is letting go of the fear."

The Summoning, by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Summoning

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: July 1, 2008

Publisher: HarperCollins

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.04

Age Group: 12+






    I didn't think that I would read any of Kelley Armstrong's novels ever again after The Gathering, but I wanted to try and see what kind of paranormal novels she wrote, and to tell you the truth, I wasn't as pleased either.

   This novel really reminded me of Lauren Kate's Fallen. This one is about a girl who is kind of being posessed, and her aunt sends her to a home for troubled teens. Then of course she meets a guy, and everything changes, you get what I mean, right?

   I was really captivated in the beginning. I loved the prologue, it was so perfect! I think a little after she got sent to the school, the whole story itself went down, and got uninteresting itself. I really don't know why, but it did.

   Chloe was a good heroine. She seemed to be very independent and confident in herself, and if you've read my other reviews, you'd know that I like those traits in a lead.

 “Simon: Anyone ever tell you your sense of timing really sucks?

Derek: That's why I don't play the drums. Now what's up?"

Wherever You Go, by Heather Davis

Title: Wherever You Go

Author: Heather Davis

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: November 14, 2011

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.86

Age Group: 12+





 Before I begin, doesn't the girl on the cover look like Lily Collins or what? ^_^


  Wherever You Go could've been better, that's for sure. I don't know what happened, but it just did. Heather Davis should've have done something, I don't know, add more drama and events?

  Holly Mullen is depressed, especially after her boyfriend Rob passed away. Now, to make things worse, her grandfather is moving in and she has to take care of both him and her little sister when her mom is busy working at the supermarket. Rob's ghost is watching her, and her best friend Jason is beginning to show some feelings for her. This is just the beginning.

 
  You see, the story sounds very interesting. I always enjoy novels that are told in different perspectives. But this one, not so much. The story was okay. I liked the plot, but what happened (drama) could've been more catchy and captivating, most readers look for that, and I know that I am one of them.

 
 “The truth is that love is seeing the person you love for who they are right then, in that moment. People can't be anyone else.”

My Life Next Door, by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: June 14, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.08

Age Group: 12+






   When I saw the cover of this gorgeous novel, I knew that this would be an adorable summer read for all of us teens, and it really was.

   Imagine neighbours being rivals, but one little thing brings them together secretly, if you thought of that, then you got the summary of the novel. The Reeds and the Garretts are rival neighbours, complete opposite, messy to clean, fun to polished. When Samantha and Jase meet, the whole rival thing might not be so "rival" anymore.

   I really enjoyed this novel, and one of those reasons why is because of its differentness from others. This idea is very unique, and very unlike others. I'm unable to forget how fun this book was, I'm dreaming of my very own Jase. :)

  “Is Jase already gonna marry you?”

I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not engaged.

Abandon, by Elana Johnson

Title: Abandon

Author: Elana Johnson

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Simon-Pulse

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.92

Age Group: 12+





   A good ending, but the book wasn't as good as the first two. Expected better.

The Darlings in Love, Melissa Kantor

Title: The Darlings in Love

Author: Melissa Kantor

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.58

Age Group: 12+




 

   Totally glad that there isn't a third book, not the best chick-lit novels that I've read.

Cycler, by Lauren McLaughlin

Title: Cycler

Author: Lauren McLaughlin

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: August 26, 2008

Publisher: Random House Books

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.27

Age Group: 13+






   A novel that shows the humour of both male's and female's perspectives.

Cleopatra's Moon, by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Title: Cleopatra's Moon

Author: Vicky Alvear Shecter

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: August 1, 2011

Publisher: Scholastic

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.96

Age Group: 11+





  A historical, fictional novel that is made for a reason; for some people and not for others.

Teen Idol, by Meg Cabot

Title: Teen Idol

Author: Meg Cabot

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Release Date: July 26, 2005

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.52

Age Group: 12+






   I expected that I wouldn't like this book that much, and the truth is, I really didn't.


   Jenny Greenley is the school's high school advice columnist, and another problem that she has to deal with herself is to hide superstar's Luke Striker's identity when he suddenly starts going to her school.

   The only thing I really enjoyed reading in this book was the actual advice given by the columnist! Those were helpful and interesting, aside the novel.

    I'm happy that I finally read this novel now, so I don't have to deal with it again.

Crazy Hot, by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Crazy Hot

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.95

Age Group: 12+

   I think that each of the novels from the Beach Lane series just got worse every time. Crazy Hot was good, but not as great as the rest. I think that the author over-exaggerated with the whole series, it ended just fine with being a trilogy.

    Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui are all doing something different, and are in for their final summer in the Hamptons, before everything is about to change forever.

     Like I said in my previous reviews of these novels, the characters aren't like the beginning. Now, they're very stuck-up, and snobby. Really, I want the old Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui back, personally.

     The plot was very different than the rest. I mean, of course these girls are more mature than they first started as. And this concept changed the plot a lot. I wasn't as excited to read this one as the rest, and I didn't go wild about it when I was done.

      Hoping that De la Cruz's Blue Bloods series will be better than this one!

    

Wool, by Hugh Howey

Title: Wool

Author: Hugh Howey

Rating: 1/5 stars

Release Date: July 29, 2011

Publisher: Century

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.16

Age Group: 13+






   I don't know. I expected very good things about this novel, I couldn't wait for another dystopian read. I really liked it in the beginning until page 50. The concept and the characters were good. But afterward, the story got uninteresting, and I had to put it down. :/

Wicked Lovely, by Melissa Marr

Title: Wicked Lovely

Author: Melissa Marr

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: June 12, 2007

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.70

Age Group: 12+






    I think that I'm not the type of person to be reading fairy books. Hmmph.

Sun-Kissed, by Melissa de la Cruz

Title: Sun-Kissed

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.83

Age Group: 12+






   Fun in the sun, Sun-Kissed was fantastic!

The Girl in the Steel Corset, by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset

Author: Kady Cross

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: June 1, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.85

Age Group: 11+





   I expected much better, much, much better. Finley was great, but the story and Griffin, not so much.

Bunheads, by Sophie Flack

Title: Bunheads

Author: Sophie Flack

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: October 10, 2011

Publisher: Poppy

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.70

Age Group: 12+





    I've been wanting to read this book since forever, and now that I have, I want to watch the show!

   Bunheads was great, it really was. Hannah was a fantastic lead, I loved the way she thought. Now, Jacob could've been an improvement, especially in how fast their relationship grew.

   Ballerinas have the lifestyle that I've always wanted to read about! Bunheads! Fantastic-o!

Between, by Jessica Warman

Title: Between

Author: Jessica Warman

Rating: 3/5 stars

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.89

Age Group: 12+







   First of all, this wasn't Jessica Warman's best, mainly because of the different snobby characters that were provided. I guess that the rich environment was also different, these guys did have a different lifestyle, where they mainly partied and lived life accordingly.

   Now. Another reason why, is because I got uninterested. Elizabeth wasn't the best character, like I said before, and I guess that changes my rating.

    Could've been better.
   
   

Something, Maybe, by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Something, Maybe

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: March 24, 2009

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.72

Age Group: 12+





   Elizabeth Scott always leaves us surprised in her novels, and of course I was in this one. Although it was good, most of her novels have something tragic them, and I guess that this one is just like the others, right?

Eve and Adam, by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Title: Eve and Adam

Author: Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.61

Age Group: 11+






   On an ordinary day, but not too ordinary, Eve spots an apple, right before she was in a car crash. While she stays at her mother's "special" hospital, she sees a mysterious guy, known as Solo, who is trying to help her heal. Then she creates a magical guy.. and who knows what will happen to her life right after he comes to life...


   After reading Grant's Gone, I knew that I was in for a good ride, and it really was. I've never any book quite like this, so first things first, this book was totally unique and interesting. The concept just qualifies in Michelle's List of Unique Books. :)

   
    I loved Eve and Solo together. They just clicked, just like that. *snaps*

 
    Great!

School Spirits, by Rachel Hawkins

Title: School Spirits

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 14, 2013

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.94

Age Group: 12+



 


      I couldn't wait for School Spirits, mainly because I adored the Hex Hall series!

      Izzy Branwick is one of the two Branwicks left, they're known for fighting monsters and helping those in their danger. When her older sister vanishes, Izzy's mom decides for them to take a break and enjoy the real life. When Izzy goes to a normal high school for the first time, she meets and learns to loathe some people who will change her life forever... especially when a ghost is around.


     I really enjoyed this one! It became very interesting by the end, and I loved Izzy as a lead, much better than Sophie Mercer, Izzy has a spark that no other characters I've read about ever had!

     Great, and am looking forward for more Rachel Hawkins!

Crescendo, by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: October 19, 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.12

Age Group: 12+






      When Patch begins to act distant, Nora is left behind not knowing what to do, until she meets Scott Parnell, her family's old friend's son, and she begins to question herself.


       Ooooo... Now there's a love triangle... Can this book get any cheesier?

 
        Although both books were 3.5 stars, I'd have to say that I liked the first better. Maybe the characters acted different in this one, I don't know.


         Here is what I know for sure- I won't be reading the next ones. These novels are too predictable and cheesy, and I really wouldn't reccommend them, unless you're looking for something predictable and cheesy. :)

Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: October 13, 2009

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.00

Age Group: 12+






    I've heard many good things about this book, but all I got was the same.


    Nora Grey is your typical girl... until she met Patch. She soon becomes obsessed with this mysterious guy, and when she finds something "totally unexpected" about him, her life changes forever.

   
    There are a lot of books similar to this one. Here's how they usually go:


a. There's an ordinary girl with an ordinary life.
b. On the first day of school, a new boy comes in.
c. He's super mysterious, and they end up sitting next to each other. (Edward and Bella, Patch and Nora etc.)
d. They become friends, then best friends.
e. They kiss.
f. They share everything with each other.
g. The boy spills an unbelievable secret about himself, and the girl doesn't know what to do.
h. The girl decides to either (a.) become one of his, or, (b.) help him fight the evil ones.
i. In the end, they live happily ever after.


    After reading book one and two, I don't want to read the others, because they are super-predictable.

The Moon and More, by Sarah Dessen

Title: The Moon and More

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Format: ebook

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.65

Age Group: 12+






    What happened here?


    Emaline and Luke are together, probably forever. All through high school, they have been inseparable, until Emaline meets Theo, an outsider from New York. Who will she choose, her soul mate, or the wild one?

   I expected much better. Everyone called it the summer book of 2013, and I went with it. I couldn't wait to read this one, and I probably would've read it first, before the older Sarah Dessen novels.

   Something went wrong, and that something is the story. If you read Sarah Dessen's other novels, you'd realize that all of her stories are about a girl with a very unique name, who is going through a tragic time in her life, but when she meets some guy, also with an unique name, he will help her go through the hard times, and bring her into the good. Maybe I'm just sick and tired of the same story over again, or something got to me.

    Emaline was okayyy. She was very independent, you could say that. Her family is very messed up, and she had to learn how to deal with the problems by herself. I guess that Theo helped her realize that all you need is love. Cheesy, right?

   

Things I Can't Forget, by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Things I Can't Forget

Author: Miranda Kenneally

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: March 1, 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.91

Age Group: 12+






   I couldn't wait for this novel, so when I finally found it, I had to read it!

   Kate is too good. She's a good Christian girl who goes to church every Sunday, and never does a sin. When she heads to Cumberland Creek camp for a counselling job one summer, she doesn't know that her life is about to change forever... when she meets Matt, who was her first kiss years ago.

   Okay, so what ticked me off was Kate's personality. I think that she was over-exaggerating. She was too good, and when I like characters, I want them to have a rebelic/good side, somewhere in the mix. Both Jordan and Parker had that.

    I loved how the main characters of the other two novels were featured here.I loved both first books, and I never wanted to let the characters go, forever.

    Wow, Miranda Kenneally is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read all of the other Hundred Oaks novels.

The Disenchantments, by Nina LaCour

Title: The Disenchantments

Author: Nina LaCour

Rating: 2/5 stars

Release Date: April 18, 2013

Publisher: Speak

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.71

Age Group: 12+




  I saw this novel as one of those road trip-band-hipster novels. I guess it was, but it never met my expectations and hopes.

  Colby and Bev are two best friends who are going to hit the road with Bev's hit band, The Disenchantments. The band must go on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest, stopping in small towns and staying overnight in different hotels. Could Colby tell Bev the secret that separates them both?

   I really don't know why I didn't enjoy this book. I just got bored in the middle, and then I was out.

   Not what I was looking for...

The Bermudez Triangle, by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Bermudez Triangle

Author: Maureen Johnson

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Release Date: October 6, 2005

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.52

Age Group: 13+





    Nina, Avery, and Mel are best friends for life. When Nina goes to Stanford University to study at for the summer, Avery and Mel are left behind.. and something unexpected happens, they kiss. Nina comes home with a new boyfriend and many things to share with the girls, but when she finds out that they're together, could their Bermudez Triangle keep them together 'til the end?


    I loved Maureen Johnson's other two-novel series, 13 Little Blue Envelopes. It was the perfect summer read, and I wish that she could continue the series.

   The Bermudez Triangle, on the other hand, wasn't as good. I felt that the story and characters were very weak and uninteresting, and that it could've been much better.

   Nina obviously was my favourite character, and I always looked forward to be reading her point of view. I really imagine her as one of those boho-hipsters, I liked the way she thought.

 

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, by Morgan Matson

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: May 4, 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.09

Age Group: 12+



  This is the perfect road trip summer novel. Just look at the cover!

   Amy Curry and Roger, the son of her mom's friend, are together in a road trip journey that will take them from California all the way to Connecticut, and will take you in a journey that will cause you to want more from author Morgan Matson.


   :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Someone Like You, by Sarah Dessen

Title: Someone Like You

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: May 11, 2004

Publisher: Penguin

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.94

Age Group: 13+




     This by far has to be the best Sarah Dessen book, right next to This Lullaby! So much drama, suspense, fun, and even laughter has been brought up into this, I can't even believe myself!

     Halley and Scarlett are best friends to the end. When Scarlett gets pregnant and finds out that the baby's father has been killed in a motorcycle accident, all she needs is Halley to help her out, and of course, Halley will. Together growing in a new kind of relationship, Halley and Scarlett will learn many new things.

Life After Theft, by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Life After Theft

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.57

Age Group: 12+




    Jeff moves from the place where he loves to be, to some rich-kid boarding school, and the only thing worse than that is seeing some mysterious girl who claims to be dead, Kimberlee. When Kimberlee has to finish her leftover business, she needs Jeff, who needs some fun and games in his life...

    My second Aprilynne Pike book. I have to admit, this one is better than Earthbound. I liked the storyline and characters much better.

    Jeff and Kimberlee were hilarious, especially through their actions and thoughts. I never wanted to let them go...

Rules of Summer, by Joanna Philbin

Title: Rules of Summer

Author: Joanna Philbin

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Poppy

Format: Hardcover Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.60

Age Group: 12+




    Rory McShane is off to the Hamptons, where she'll be "working" at her aunt's family, The Rules, where she'll run errands. Right when she meets Isabel Rule, she realizes that all she wants to do is go back home to her town right off the border of Pennsylvania in New Jersey. But, could Isabel show her the true meaning of friendship to help her change her mind?


    I thought that this would be like Melissa de la Cruz's Beach Lane. The Hamptons, running errands for a rich family, the story sounds the same. But, it really is different. Here we have more friendship and less drama.

    Rory was exactly like Mara from Beach Lane. Coming from a not-so-wealthy family, looking for some fun and a different lifestyle. I like those characters, and I think that you will too.

    Rules of Summer is the ideal summer novel, trust me.

This Lullaby, by Sarah Dessen

Title: This Lullaby

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: March 8, 2004

Publisher: Speak

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.07

Age Group: 12+



   This Lullaby is the song that Remy's heard forever. It puts her to sleep and wakes her up in the morning. When she meets Dexter, she finds out that he's her real lullaby that's her everything, even if she doesn't realize it in the beginning.

    This one is the best Sarah Dessen novel that I've ever read, and it's the truth, surprisingly. I would never expect that, by the way.

    Listening to Remy's story was like listening to a song. It starts off sad and tragic in the beginning, but slowly to the end, it gets happy and we see the light.

    If you're looking for one of those un-putdownable novels, then this is the novel that you're looking for, trust me.

    What a gorgeous story.. Dexter for life!

The Year My Sister Got Lucky, by Aimee Friedman

Title: The Year My Sister Got Lucky

Author: Aimee Friedman

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: June 1, 2009

Publisher: Point

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 3.70

Age Rating: 13+




    Katie and Michaela are two sisters who tell each other everything. They share their love of ballet, and being New York City girls, right until their parents decide to move to Fir Lake, in the middle of nowhere. Both girls are disappointed, but when Michaela fits in right away and starts to keep some secrets from her sister, Katie is on the hunt to find why her sister got lucky..

    This gorgeous novel has been sitting in my bookshelf for a very long time, until now. I'm glad that I chose this time to read it, it was the perfect road trip read, and I know that many other people will enjoy it. It's unique and fun all at the same time.

      Katie was the main hero of this book. She was so confident and a precious person. You could tell how much she loves her family, and how much she needs them.

      As well as Michaela, I didn't feel the heroic trait of her as much as I did with Katie. I mean, she was the problem of the story. She caused the whole fiasco here. I liked her in the beginning, but she ended up as a stuck up queen bee. :)

      Fantastic, I want more!

Lock and Key, by Sarah Dessen

Title: Lock and Key

Author: Sarah Dessen

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: April 22, 2008

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Format: Paperback Edition

Goodreads Average Rating: 4.03

Age Group: 12+




   After her mom disappeared, Ruby is now going to live with her sister Cora and her new husband Jamie, who discovered a popular website. She is living the dream life, with a luxurious mansion for a house, a walk-in closet, and private school? When Ruby meets Nate, the boy next door, could her life get any better?


    This was a fun, summery novel for all of the teenage girls out there. Ruby had me hooked in for the whole journey, from the laughs and the cries, Sarah Dessen knew the right thing to say, at the right time.

    Ruby was a good lead. She was confident, and independent, both at the same time, and she was very selfless. I really like characters like that, and they make a big impact on books.

     Go get this book and take it to the beach with you, it's worth a read!