While He Was Away, by Karen Schreck

Title: While He Was Away

Author: Karen Schreck

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Format: Paperback

Age Group: 12+

    Before I got this, I've been eyeing it for some time, probably because of the beautiful cover. David looks super-cute, and the whole sunset-motorcycle theme really captivates me. So, I got it, but I kind of regreted it, which caused me to again tell you for like the millionth time, don't judge a book by its cover.

   While He Was Away started off as the average chick-lit novel, a girl and her boyfriend doing something cute or cheesy, depends on what you think is "cheesy." Well, for me, I liked the motorcycle riding, it's really unique than what other boys in novels do for their girls. 

   Once David, Penna's boyfriend in the American army, goes back to Iraq, for another what, eighteen weeks, the story became really dull. I think Penna overreacted, she seemed really depressed, I know I would also be, but it's a novel, please make it a little more interesting? 

   Ugh, then when Penna got the job at the restaurant, it became even more boring as she kept thinking about David. Then it got interesting, and then the ending just ruined it for me, even though it was unpredictable. I never thought that it would end the way it did.

    So, Penna. Well Penna, like I said, wasn't the best girly heroine, but I liked her at some points. She knew what she wanted, and really was a caring person. On the other hand, her mother, Linda, was really the one I disliked. If the author never said that she was her mother, I would probably have thought that she was some bratty friend of Penna's. Breaking your leg, and then staying over at some guy's house like a vacation for two weeks, leaving your eighteen year old daughter alone, not so mature, mom. 

    

    Daniel was a good boyfriend, but then you'll realize why not so much in the end. He really disappointed me, and probably many other bookworms! I wish Ravi was the one, he really touched my heart, and was one of the ones I could connect to for some reason. 

   While He Was Away wasn't amazing, but it wasn't disgusting either. You know, somewhere in the middle. I wouldn't recommend it, but oh well..

Here's the summary on Goodreads

-Michelle

Dead Beautiful, by Yvonne Woon

Title: Dead Beautiful

Author: Yvonne Woon

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion 

Format: Paperback

Age Group: 12+

      I knew it that this one would be amazing, they didn't have it in the bookstores close to where I live, so I ordered it online. The cover just haunts you, convinces you to read this, you will not be left behind, dead beautifully, by the way, who can't resist the title? I know I can't!

    Yvonne Woon has seriously created excellence, all in one novel! The summary just got me hooked, a mystery/romance/paranormalcy, all packed in 400 pages or so? COUNT ME IN! I was left shocked in how awesome this whole plot was, I wanted to be in it forever. I was totally hooked in from the first page, I couldn't resist it!

    When Reneé was introduced, I felt something fishy about her, in other words, I disliked her, but seriously, who dislikes the heroine? Well, fellas, I did... but only in the beginning! Reneé fufilled my expectations and more, she took risks and wanted to catch the case. She was a great heroine.

   

    Then, when Dante was introduced. *screams in agony* What a smokin' hot hottie! (yes, my words might not be too captivating) I just wanted him to teach me Latin! *snickers*

   The background characters and professors really kept me guessing. Eleanor and Nathaniel really made me not regret, and I believe that this novel deserves a high ranking.

    There are a few questions that need some answering, so for that, I am super excited that there is a sequel to this, and that there will be a third novel! 

Check out the summary on Goodreads

-Michelle 

Perfect You

Title: Perfect You

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Rating: 3 stars

Release Date: March 25, 2008

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback Edition

Age Group: 11+

     Elizabeth Scott really good've done better. Come on, what was this? A piece of antique junk? Not that any of her novels are junk, I'm just comparing, in an unusual state of mind. 

     Perfect You wasn't really what I was looking for. I was seeking for that fun, romantic, chick-lit novel that would make my day. This wasn't the one. I felt that this was cheesy, predictable, and that lower average novel for any teen girl.

     Lets start off with the plot. I really didn't understand much about Kate's dad's experience with his vitamin-selling job at the mall, did he get fired from his other job or what, and why she disliked Will in the beginning. It was dull at times, I cannot lie. I think that the plot was the major put-down, I just wanted to read something else. 

   Kate was one of the worst heroines, ever. Like, seriously? She was boring, and she changed personalities, depending on the situation that she was put in. I don't know who she was supposed to be in this novel, what was the point of her. Yeah, yeah, yeah, she realized the true meaning of life in the end, and we all had a cheesy happily ever after, with a few predictable "surprises."

   Then there was Will. Ugh, I just disliked him from the start. I felt that he was using Kate the whole time, she easily flew to him when he apologized. I like the girl who would play hard to get at times, when needed. He was dull, and was that typical small-town boy. Oh, poor you that you lost the girl that you wanted...

    You may be asking, if you have been complaining this much, then why is this a three-star rating? Well, my friends, I feel that it deserves that, and because there was something I liked, but I still can't figure out what it was. Not so fantastic job, Scott, please, please me next time!

When It Happens, by Susane Colasanti

Title: When It Happens

Author: Susane Colasanti

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: May 4, 2006

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Format: Paperback Edition

Age Group: 13+

   

     Susane Colasanti's novels always make my day better. They are bright, fun, heart-warming, and just beautiful. I just need to read 3 more!

    

     When It Happens is one of those books when you mention the name, you'll remember the cover. I adored this one. It's unbelievable how perfect Colasanti writes, you just want to scream because it's just that good. 

     

     Every book has its ups and downs, right? I feel that this one was perfect, in all ways. The plot blew me away. It was fast-paced, amazing, did I already say amazing, and just ugh, sorry I'm lost for words. 

     At first, I didn't know whose point of view was the one after Sara's, I thought it was Dave's, because if it was, then I would have totally loved him, but I guess he the one that got away, and I fell in love with Tobey, just like I did with Toby from PLL! He was everything that I would want in a guy, especially a rock 'n roll type, hehe.

     I'm obsessed with Susane Colasanti's novels now, I want more!

The Program, by Suzanne Young

Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young
Rating: 5 million/5 stars
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: ebook
Age Group: 13+ (just because that's the age when teens are admitted into the Program in the novel)


   I wanted this book from when I saw the cover, who can't resist two people who look madly in love wearing yellow jumpsuits?

    This guy definitely understands what I was going through!

     The Program changed my point of view on life, I'm serious. But, I'll get to my crying/blabbing later. First, let me tell you how much I am obsessed with this book now. I LOVED IT, IT'S TOO GOOD FOR WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!

      I can't believe it that it was that good, it met my expectations and more, providing me, myself, and I further obsessive symptoms than from where I started. 

      I loved how this was divided into three parts, Uncomfortably Numb, The Program, and I Wish You Weren't Here. Every part's words focused on the title, and just made sense, if you know what I mean.

     This plot was perfection, I know I say that for most of my five star rating novels' reviews, but it's the truth, otherwise it wouldn't be a five star book in my opinion. The flashbacks and memories that Sloane brought back for us warmed my heart, seriously. I wanted to live in this world forever, even though it became tragic and very depressing for me at times, and that's most of it, hehe.

     I'd really reccommend not reading this novel if you don't want to bawl up crying for most of it. When the big thing happened, ohh you'd know what I'm talking about when you read it, I wanted the curl up and forget about the world, and just sit there, patting Sloane's back. 

    This book will give you the CAPTIVATED ANGRY DISEASE, with contagious symptoms of:

-furious sections of crying

-an unability to speak to anyone for a few hours

-an unability to think about anything else other than the novel for a few hours or days

-an agony for the next novel

*This novel may cause less or more symptoms, depending on the person.*

    Ohh, I got that disease, trust me. 

    The characters. Gosh, I loved every single one of them! 

    Sloane now happens to be one of my favourite rebellious heroines, ever. She's so confident, rebellious, independent, and a girl that you are going to have a girl crush on, seriously. ;) I loved being in the point of view of Sloane's, she's one girl who's best friend I'd want to be. 

   Gosh, then we have James... This is where I start to fangirl, because I love him that much.

  Stay back, Benedict Cumberbatch, he's mine!

   James is different than most heroes in novels. He's sexy, loving, and would do anything for Sloane, that's the type of guy I adore. When Sloane described her memories of him, I just wanted to be part of it, with him, because I feel that I connect to him, for some reason.

   

  Then we have what I call the extras, Miller, Lacey, the parents, the doctors, Roger (whom I thought we'd get more insight on) and of course, Realm, who I liked, but not as much as James, the hottie. These characters of course made the book better than it would be without them.

   So, this book definitely changed my point of view on life. It taught me that you have to care for your loved ones, because one day, you'll never know what may happen. Sloane is that girl who showed me this insight and who I will remember for, forever because of her advice and words of life.

   I can't wait to read The Treatment, which is going to be juicy. I totally see Sloane (what a perfect name) and James being rebels, and fighting against The Program.

   Oh my god, this is one book to remember.

   Whoa, is this my longest review?

    

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know, by Sonya Sones

Title: What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know

Author: Sonya Sones

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback Edition

Age Group: 12+

       First things first. I really didn't think that I'd like the way this was written. Poetry, not my thing. But, I found myself being more captivated because of the style of the writing. It was so interesting, looking at the words used, and counting the syllables and details...

    What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know's cover was the first thing that caught my eye. It looks beautiful! The spring, laying in the grass, romantic picnics, ahh, that's my type of story. Then I decided to read the summary, which sounded cute, and fun. 

    Well, here I am, naming this one of my favourites of this year, because it definitely deserves that award. 

     This novel was hilarious. Okay, maybe I didn't laugh out loud too much, but I loved how fun and cute it was! Everything was fast-paced, especially using the poetry, and I want more. 

     I was super happy that this book's perspective was a male's. You really don't see that these days, the only one I remember was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Jacob, who also was great. Robin was one of those characters who made my heart ache for them. I couldn't believe that he was a freshman this whole entire time! I think that he definitely grew up from where he started off. He was insecure, but turned into a confident, independent man.

     Now we have Sophie. I really liked Sophie in the beginning. She seemed as a perfect match for Robin, like soulmates. But, I thought, and still think that she didn't know what she wanted, and that she was still too young. SPOILER: I wish that Robin would've ended up with Tessa, they were also a perfect match!

     This book is a guilty pleasure, but wait, I so don't feel guilty for reading it. 

  Okay, maybe I feel guilty for not reading it sooner, but anyway, 

GO PICK UP THIS EXTRAORDINARY NOVEL, it will change your thoughts on true love.

Posession, by Elana Johnson

Title: Posession

Author: Elana Johnson

Rating: 5/5 star rating

Release Date: June 11, 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Hardcover Edition

Age Group (new section I'm adding): YA (I'd say 12+)

    I'm going to be serious here.

   Posession has been sitting in my bookshelf for over a year, and this is the time when I finally pick it up? I should have done ages ago, because it was astonishing, and broke my heart. 

   

   You see, I tried to read it once, but that was the time when the TV was on, and I couldn't concentrate correctly. I thought that it wouldn't be good, and hard to get into! But yesterday, when I flopped onto the couch, with my box of tissues (not for the crying, I have a cold) and the book, from the first page I became entirely captivated. 

     Oh my gosh, this plot was something superly attractive, for a book. ugh, I have no words, because it was just that good. I finished the 400 and something pages in one sitting, never being able to put it down, and having myself create goals for myself on what page can I go up to, and furthermore.

    I fell in love with these characters, I'm serious and happy to be.  Having Violet tell the story from her eyes was just fantastic. She is what I call a rebel heroine, one that I will remember forever, because there's no one like her, I guess she kind of compares to Tris in Divergent, but that's about it. Then we have the boys, asdfghikl! 

WHY ISN'T JAG AND ZENN REAL?!?!? WHY???!!!!

   Okay, I think I let most of my, I said most, of my anger out! Seriously, Elana Johnson you create heartthrobs that we all want real. Anywho, I'm Team Jag. That's final. I liked Zenn in the beginning, but once Vi got arrested and met Jag, I realized that I lost my emotional feelings for him, and we had to break up! :) I finally realized that Jag is the one for me, and for Violet of course, but then, the big BOOM happened, and we all ended up disappointed, but hey, at least it's a trilogy, the story doesn't end there! Pssttt.. I was super lucky to get Surrender and Abandon yesterday! 

     Posession truly changed my life. It kind of reminded me of Uglies, by Scott Westerfield, in one way or another. The use of the technology is similar, and the rebel characters as well. Ahh... there are so many amazing books in this world....

Michelle

    

     

The Impossibility of Tomorrow, by Avery Williams

Title: The Impossibility of Tomorrow

Author: Avery Williams

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Hardcover Edition

   The Alchemy of Forever was amazing, but when I started this one, I was really sure that this one wouldn't be good, at all for that matter. But, eventually, it did get better, and better, but never made it to that 5 star rating mark, which is still excellent. 

     It took me a while, for my usual pace, let me tell you. I was like on the same chapter for three days! I couldn't pick it up, until I forced myself yesterday. 

      This plot was slow-paced in the beginning, towards the middle of the middle. (yes, you heard me right) I felt as if the mystery was ready to be solved, but Kailey/Sera never made up to that point until the end. 

      Holy cow! In the end, it just became amazing. This rarely ever happens, when it just gets amazing in the end. The action, choices, and everything just made me happier, giving this a better rating. 

     I really liked Sera in this novel, she knew what she wanted, but didn't know how to find it. But, that's okay. We learn from our mistakes, right?

     Noah, and even Cyrus were great, but I wish I could've had better from them! Something tiny was missing, but overall, I adored this!

Here are my questions now:

Is this the end of the series?

Will there be a third book?

What will happen between Noah and Sera?

What about Tarlyn?

What about Reed?

What about Cyrus, will he find his way to Sera?

Tidal, by Amanda Hocking

Title: Tidal

Author: Amanda Hocking

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Format: Hardcover Edition

  I just can't get enough of Amanda Hocking's Watersong series. It is just perfection, one of my top favourite series, each book brings me more captivated each time, and I adore that feeling.

  When I went to Chapters, and I walked in, I started looking for random books that captivated me, mainly the cover, and then I'd move onto the summary. Anyways, as I was looking, I found myself passing by Amanda Hocking's books, Switched mainly caught my attention, and I thought to just check if Tidal would be there, but I knew the release date would be June 4th, and it was too early, but I was totally wrong, IT WAS THERE! Of course, myself, I started fangirling, and ran over and bought it, not caring about the 20 dollar price for us Canadians. 

   I was currently reading Forgotten at the time, and Tidal was probably the reason why I finished Forgotten that same night. So here I am, finished Tidal in less than 24 hours, but not in the same day period.

   I couldn't believe my eyes. Tidal was everything I asked for, and more. Amanda Hocking always surprises me, and I just love, love, love her books! This plot was just awesome, I never felt bored, or even a little uninterested.

   The characters of Gemma, Harper, Daniel, Alex, and even Thea, Penn, and Lexi are down right awesome, everytime they speak, they make the story even more better.

   Ahhh, I'm obsessed with this novel, don't make fun of me, hehe. 

I'm Sorry, and Forgotten, by Cat Patrick

Awww, Simon, it's totally okay!

   I'm sorry, my fellow bloggers, that I haven't been up to date with you, truth is, I haven't been reading too much myself either, I've had so many things to do with parties and life, it's hectic, but I think I got it good now. I'm definitely starting to catch up with my reading, right after I finish this post.

Okay, at least I finished Forgotten yesterday! So, here it goes!

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Rating: 5/5 stars

Release Date: June 7, 2011

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Paperback Edition

   Asdfghikl, I've been wanting to pick this one up for a while, it's one of those books whose covers you can't stand after two weeks. So, now that I've picked it up, I really didn't want to put it down, even though it took me forever to finish, but that's because of my schedule. 

   Anyhow, I adored this book, despite the cliff-hanging ending. This plot was racing, leaving you unable to drop it, right until it's over. Ahh, it was like drinking a strawberry smoothie. Although this was amazing, almost inside and out, the ending kinda ticked me off. The question we wanted answered, never ended up being answered, and that kind of disappointed me. I do agree that London, the heroine became much stronger than from where she started, and I'm definitely looking forward in reading Cat Patrick's other novels.

    When I saw the cover for this one, I really thought that it'd be a mystery story, looking at the colours and facial expressions used. But, I must say, it was in one way or another. Finding out the truth about London's power must be something answered, and I guess, mystery is all about questions being answered.

       London wasn't the best heroine around, but I must say, I really liked her thoughts and feelings on things. She was very intelligent, planning everything she does, especially with her power, taking notes down, I know some people wouldn't care to. She always wanted the people around her to tell the truth, especially her mother and boyfriend, Luke, who is a total heartthrob that I just fell for. Ugh.. This book was almost-perfection. Beautiful and intriguing!