Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

Sophie Kinsella

Delta Fiction

$11.95

March 2004

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manor for reviewing this book.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: none

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: heavy

Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon)

With her shopping excesses (somewhat) in check and her career as a TV financial guru thriving, Becky’s biggest problem seems to be tearing her entrepreneur boyfriend, Luke, away from work for a romantic country weekend. And worse, figuring out how to pack light. But packing takes on a whole new meaning when Luke announces he’s moving to New York for business—and he asks Becky to go with him! Before you can say “Prada sample sale,” Becky has landed in the Big Apple, home of Park Avenue penthouses and luxury boutiques.

Surely it’s only a matter of time until she becomes an American TV celebrity, and she and Luke are the toast of Gotham society. Nothing can stand in their way, especially with Becky’s bills miles away in London. But then an unexpected disaster threatens her career prospects, her relationship with Luke, and her available credit line!

My Thoughts:

The first book in this series was goo but not great! I can honestly say that this second installment has made the series amazing. This was too good to put down at many times.

Becky is flat our hilarious. I was laughing with her at some many points. I felt a special bond with her. When things weren’t going her way I was upset as well. The plot was flawless. I was engrossed in the British woman in America story. She just couldn’t comprehend some of our customs, such as the fact that dollars are real money.

The setting was vivid. I loved that it was two big towns, compared and contrasted. The cover could have been better if it was less cartoon and more true-to-life. As far as the ending, it was FANTASTIC! I could see it coming but it’s what I was rooting for all along.

I recommend this to those who love chick-lit and also those in need of a laugh!

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland: A visual companion

Mark Salisbury

Disney Hyperion

$50.00

March 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Total grade: A

Total rating: 12+

Summary: (Amazon)

Think you know the classic story of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland? Think again. Renowned director and producer Tim Burton (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, James and the Giant Peach, Edward Scissorhands, Beatlejuice, Batman) has applied his signature stamp to this beloved tale, and will be sharing it with audiences in 2010! This splendid "Making/Art of" will take readers to the world behind Burton’s camera, revealing the secrets of performance-capture technology, the marriage of live-action and CGI technology, and displaying its singular style in a deluxe, artistic format. Fans will delight in reading about Johnny Depp's performance as The Mad Hatter, and Ann Hathaway as The White Queen, to name just a few of the star performances. And, of course, the book will chronicle Tim Burton's unique techniques.

My Thoughts:

I would like start off by saying this book was flat out gorgeous. The pictures were beautiful and it gave such an in-depth look into the making of this movie. It was enjoyable to see how all the actors felt about their characters and how they got in “the zone”. The quotes were awesome and the layout beautiful.

After reading this I can say it was enjoyable. I think this is the perfect coffee table book. The one friends will want to flip through every time they sit on your couch. Go buy this gorgeous book now.

Wednesday Wishlist

The School For Dangerous Girls

by Eliot Schrefer

What? Barnes and Noble
Angela's parents think she's on the road to ruin because she's dating a "bad boy." After her behavior gets too much for them, they ship her off to Hidden Oak. Isolated and isolating, Hidden Oak promises to rehabilitate "dangerous girls." But as Angela gets drawn in further and further, she discovers that recovery is only on the agenda for the "better" girls. The other girls -- designated as "the purple thread" -- will instead be manipulated to become more and more dangerous . . . and more and more reliant on Hidden Oak's care.

Why?
I love these "bad girl" books. I think this is bound to be a good one.

Sing Me to Sleep

Sing me to Sleep

Angela Morrison

Razorbill

$16.99

March 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 15/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 90% A

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)

This novel is mildly satisfying as a "girl blossoms and meets new boy while leaving behind the faithful childhood friend who has always loved her" story. It has a number of plot threads, most of which are woven deftly together. What makes it different is that the protagonist sings in a girls' youth choir, and a major part of the action takes place at an international competition with an elite boys' choir. Unattractive Beth sings like an angel. When rich Meadow loses her solo to Beth, she magnanimously arranges for Beth to have a makeover that transforms her into a beauty, just before they leave for Switzerland. While there, Beth meets and falls in love with Derek, a member of the Canadian choir (How convenient that she lives so close to the border in Michigan), but it is obvious that there is something he is not telling her.

My Thoughts:

This book was not quite the story I expected when I received it. The characters of this book were fantastic. They were all shown like real people. I felt some strong connections to them!

The plot of this book had the same issue for me as Taken by Storm. It took too long to really speed up. If it would have been a bit faster pace and filled a couple small holes, it would have been superb.

I didn’t feel that the setting was as good in this book as it could have been. It was okay but not fantastic. I do absolutely adore this cover though! I wouldn’t change a thing about it. As for the ending, Angela really knows how to finish things up.

I recommend this book to fans of fairytales and romance.

Wednesday Wishlist

Before I start this WW post I wanted to say.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM AND DAD! Yes you read that correctly, my parents have the same birthday.

The Best and Hardest Thing

by Pat Brisson

What? Barnes and Noble
Fifteen-year-old Molly Biden has always been studious, dependable, some might even say saintly. And she's sick of herself. So when she spots mysterious bad boy Grady Dillon, she devises a plan to make herself over into someone new, someone who will attract Grady's attention. She succeeds—but a little too well. When Molly discovers she's pregnant, she's forced to make the hardest choice of her life.

Why?
I love reading teen pregnancy books. The psychology behind them interests me.

When?
May 13th 2010

Taken By Storm

Taken by Storm

Angela Morrison

Razorbill

$16.99

March 2009

FTC: I received this from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 15/20

Plot 15/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 90% A

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Leesie is a beautiful, straight-laced Mormon desperate to escape high school and the boys who torment her there. Michael is a scuba diver whose parents were killed on a dive trip. He desperately longs to dive again, but terrifying flashbacks of the hurricane that killed his friends and family plague him. Leesie is drawn to Michael's brokenness—she feels she can save him. He is attracted to her purity and beauty. Soon, all the rules Leesie has found easy to obey in the past (no hot-and-heavy kissing, no dating an unbeliever, no sex) are no longer cut-and-dry, and her plan to attend BYU no longer seems so important. Both Michael and Leesie must figure out what matters most to them.

My Thoughts:

This book was not at all what I expected but it was still good. If you are a sucker for adventure and romance this is your perfect book. Lessie is a great character but Michael was not as developed. I felt like part of him that was important to the story was hiding.

The mix of the plot was great! There were many aspects and the story was uncovered in unique ways. The problem was it took a bit too long to get going. Once it did though it flew. The setting of this book was vividly shown! That was fantastic.

I love the cover of this book that I have. The hardback version. It really makes me see the characters even more. As for the ending, I couldn’t think of a better way to pull this book to a close.

I recommend this book to my not too girly romance fans.

CONTEST! (ended)

You can win shade here! There will be five winners. Winners must be 13+ or use parents email. You must have a US mailing address.

Enter: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG50Y0lwT19pV0dwS3k1YnllYVlSM0E6MA

Saving Grace

Saving Grace
Darlene Ryan
Orca Soundings
$9.95
2006
FTC: This is my book. I did not receive it or any compensation from the author or publisher.

Characters 15/20
Plot 15/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 80% B

Sexual content: low
Violence: none
Drugs: none
Underage drinking: low
Swearing: low
Total rating: 12+

Summary: (Amazon)
Evie's first mistake was getting pregnant. She admits that. The second mistake, giving her baby up for adoption, wasn't her idea but her father's. So to fix it, the 15-year-old takes drastic action by kidnapping Brianna, now named Grace, from her adoptive parents and running away with her. She convinces Justin, the child's father, to drive them to Montreal so they can start over as a family. His change of heart puts Evie's plans for a new life in jeopardy, and Brianna's rising temperature turns up the heat on the decision that Evie knows in her heart she must make.

My Thoughts:
Although this was an easy, fast paced book I found much lacking. The plot was rather small and the characters were not well developed. I did like the way that setting was incorporated though. As far as the cover is concerned, I think they could have found a better one. This leaves too much open. The ending also left more questions left unanswered then I would prefer.

I would recommend this to reluctant readers and those just starting to indulge in the world of YA literature.

Important News

If you want to be a writer check these out:

SPRING & SUMMER CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP INFO - SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Saturday April 24th from 2-5 pm - Creative Writing Workshop for Teens at Cornerstone Bookstore in Salem, MA

Geared for teens, 13+, students will work to develop, nurture, and improve their writing craft in a fun and supportive group. We will work on such literary devices as setting, character, voice, point-of-view, dialogue, and plot. We will discuss how closely these devices are linked in creating believable stories. We will learn from other writers by examining their styles through excerpts. We will also practice these styles through group and individual exercises. Students are encouraged to be creative and ready to try new things.

Please bring a notebook and pen. The cost for this workshop is $75. Scholarships are available for those with financial need. To apply for a scholarship, please submit a typed explanation, in 300 words or less, as to why you would like to take this course. Submit this writing sample to Cornerstone Books, Salem, MA, along with your name, telephone number, and e-mail address by April 15. Please note: the scholarship will cover the full cost of the course. For more information: http://www.cornerstonebooks-salem.com/events/

4-Day Creative Writing Workshop for Tweens at the Spirit of 76 Bookstore in Marblehead, MA

Dates: July 13, 15, 20, and 22
Time: 4-5:45pm
Cost $200

Geared for 9-12 year olds, students will work to develop, nurture, and improve their writing craft in a fun and supportive group. We will work on such literary devices as setting, character, and plot. We will discuss how closely these devices are linked in creating believable stories. We will learn from other writers by examining their style through excerpts. We will also practice these styles through group and individual exercises. Students are encouraged to be creative and ready to try new things. Please bring a notebook and pen.

Scholarships are available for those with financial need. To apply for a scholarship, please submit a typed explanation, in 300 words or less, as to why you would like to take this course. Submit this writing sample to The Spirit of 76 Bookstore, 107 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945, along with your name, telephone number, and e-mail address by June 15th, 2010. Please note: the scholarship will cover the full cost of the course.

4-Day Creative Writing Workshop for Teens at the Spirit of 76 Bookstore in Marblehead, MA

Dates: July 13, 15, 20, and 22
Time: 6-7:45pm
Cost $200

Geared for teens, 13+, students will work to develop, nurture, and improve their writing craft in a fun and supportive group. We will work on such literary devices as setting, character, voice, point-of-view, dialogue, and plot. We will discuss how closely these devices are linked in creating believable stories. We will learn from other writers by examining their styles through excerpts. We will also practice these styles through group and individual exercises. Students are encouraged to be creative and ready to try new things. Please bring a notebook and pen.

Scholarships are available for those with financial need. To apply for a scholarship, please submit a typed explanation, in 300 words or less, as to why you would like to take this course. Submit this writing sample to The Spirit of 76 Bookstore, 107 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945, along with your name, telephone number, and e-mail address by June 15th, 2010. Please note: the scholarship will cover the full cost of the course.

For more information: http://hugobookstores.com/category/events/event-spirit

The instructor: Laurie Faria Stolarz is the author of several popular young adult novels, including Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Project 17, Bleed, and the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series, which has sold well over 500,000 copies worldwide. Stolarz's titles have been named on numerous award lists, including the Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers list, the Top Ten Teen Pick list, and YALSA's Popular Paperback list, all through the American Library Association. She is currently working on the Deadly Little Games, the third book in the Touch series, as well as Do You See, the third book in The Amanda Project. For more information, visit Laurie's website at www.lauriestolarz.com.

Wednesday Wishlist

Top 8

by Katie Finn

Summary: Barnes and Noble
Madison MacDonald is seriously freaking out
Madison MacDonald
16
Putnam, CT
Status: Single?
About Me:
Everything in my life was working out. I had my three best friends, a brand-new boyfriend, and the lead in the school play. Aside from that history paper I hadn't started, things felt perfect.
Then I returned from spring break to find my Friendverse profile hacked. Someone clearly out to ruin me had spilled the most damaging secrets - AND posted the worst photos of me ever taken - online.
Now my boyfriend and I are broken up, half the school hates me, and I'm in deep trouble.
Goals:
Get my boyfriend back, figure out who could have done this, and clear my name!
Also, pass history.

Why?
This just sounds like a fun, light read! With summer coming up, I'm looking for some of those!

The Agency

The Agency

Y.S. Lee

Candlewick

$16.99

March 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)

She was sentenced to the gallows at age 12. Pickpocket Mary Quinn doesn’t care. Her life, nasty and brutish, will also be blessedly short. Then, shockingly, she’s rescued and ensconced at Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. When readers meet Mary after this prologue, she is 17 and bored with her teaching job at the Academy. Happily, there’s more going on there than learning. Mary is recruited into the Agency, a secret band of women investigators. Her first job is ostensibly to be a lady’s companion. Actually, she’s at the Thorold home to observe and discover what she can about the mysterious sinking of Thorold’s ships. But Mary’s not much for observing and soon finds herself in the midst of murder. The new Agency series is what you’d expect, very well done, and a little more. Mary’s feisty, the mystery is solid (if a little boring), and the romantic interest is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Darcy. The secret of Mary’s parentage will make an interesting string to run through succeeding books.

My Thoughts:

Although this was defiantly not the book for me, I can appreciate the way it was written. The writing had a flow that was undeniably great! The characters were portrayed in a manner that left no personality traits undefined. The ending was great and left room for the series to continue.

The reason this book wasn’t for me I think was the fact that I was turned off from the start. I have a weak stomach when it comes to public hangings. Give me a murder book and I can read it, but a book where it starts with a little girl sentenced to hang just made me sick. If you don’t mind that then it is a GREAT book that I recommend you pick up!

Must Monday

The Other Half of My Heart

by Sundee T. Frazier

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)
When Minerva and Keira King were born, they made headlines: Keira is black like Mama, but Minni is white like Daddy. Together the family might look like part of a chessboard row, but they are first and foremost the close-knit Kings. Then Grandmother Johnson calls, to invite the twins down South to compete for the title of Miss Black Pearl Preteen of America.

Minni dreads the spotlight, but Keira assures her that together they'll get through their stay with Grandmother Johnson. But when grandmother's bias against Keira reveals itself, Keira pulls away from her twin. Minni has always believed that no matter how different she and Keira are, they share a deep bond of the heart. Now she'll find out the truth.

Why?
I have never read a book like this and this sounds like a good one to start with.

When? June 8th

Important News from an author

Angela Morrison has told me that you can now buy Beth's Song on Itunes.

For those of you who devoured Sing Me to Sleep, she has now posted an epilogue to her site. This was cut in the editing process but her daughter encouraged her to bring it back. Check it out!

Wifey

Wifey

Judy Blume

Berkeley Trade

$14.00

Originally Late 1970’s

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any way for reviewing this book.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: Extreme

Violence: low

Drugs: low

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: heavy

Total rating: 16+

Summary: (Amazon)

Sandy Pressman is a nice suburban wife whose boredom is getting the best of her. She could be making friends at the club, like her husband keeps encouraging her to do.

Or working on her golf game.
Or getting her hair done.

But for some reason, these things don't interest her as much as the naked man on the motorcycle...

My Thoughts:

I had been craving a Judy Blume fix and this made it all better. Instead of reading Tiger Eyes (for the 5^th time) I found a copy of Wifey at the library. By chapter 3 I knew I had to have my own copy, so I bought it when I was out shopping with fellow blogger, Sarah.

I had never read anything like this book before. It was descriptive and very sexual. I did know this before I read it, as that is what Wifey is known for. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. The way Judy wrote this was so honest and open. It was like you were the housewife. I felt things for her and was rooting for her best interest.

Women’s lib was also a huge issue in this novel. The women are told to “stop thinking”. This made me realize just how different things were for the moms when my mother was a child. I now have a bigger appreciation for my grandma.

I would recommend this book to all women in need of a light read. It was dirty, quirky, and fun. Be careful around the young ones though (:

Runaway

Runaway

Meg Cabot

Point

$16.99

April 20^th 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 18/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: mild

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: moderate

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope. . .what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved--since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed--this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

My Thoughts:

I have been a huge Meg Cabot fan for many years. It all started with The Princess Diaries. Actually, when I think back to the start of my blog I see Airhead. The reason I see it is because it was the first ARC I ever received. I had reviewed quite a few books but they mostly were my own. Airhead started the flow!

Needless to say I have adored this series. It could be considered mild science-fiction. I can’t stand science-fiction normally but these were just amazing. The characters were awesome and easy to connect with. The personalities of each one were vividly portrayed.

The end of this book was great. I felt that it tied up all the loose strings. I prefer endings like that. Especially since this is the final book. I’m also glad it ends here because it is great but long series like these start to get dull and repetitive. Great choice Meg!

I recommend this book to pretty much everyone. Even my friends who usually hate reading have fallen for this series!

By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead

By the Time You Read This I’ll be Dead

Julie Anne Peters

Hyperion

$16.99

January 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy (self-violence)

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she’s determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for “completers”— www.through-the-light .com.

While she’s on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she’s not on the Web, Daelyn’s at her private school, where she’s known as the freak who doesn’t talk.

Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she’s waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though she’s made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won’t give up. And it’s too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life…isn’t it?

My Thoughts:

Let me start by saying this book broke my heart. It had me in tears at a couple parts. For someone so young to feel that way is just horrid. It made me stop to think about the girls at my school who just need someone to reach out. Being teased and bullied is hard. I know from personal experience (a story for another day). I think this is a great curricular read for middle and high school students.

The plot was great. It was very developed and could really sway your emotions. I cried, I laugher, I wanted to scream. This girl was the kind of girl I want to be friends with. Not the suicide part, but she is seriously smart. The thoughts that girl has are amazing!

The end of this book confused me. There was no real conclusion. You are left to wonder what happened. If you happen to read this Julie, I would be very interested in what you think happens.

I recommend this book for all teens. Its an important read.

Wednesday Wishlist

Summary: Barnes and Noble
When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then . . . Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed.


Why?
This sounds like a beautifully written book. I have yet to see a bad thing about it!

Hold Still

Hold Still

Nina LaCour

Dutton

$17.99

October 2009

FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any way for reviewing this book.

Characters 15/20

Plot 15/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 85% B

Sexual content: low

Violence: moderate (suicide)

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: mild

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

After losing her best friend, Ingrid, to suicide, Caitlin is completely immobilized. Unable to function, and refusing to visit a therapist, she begins the long journey to wellness alone. During this year of heart-wrenching, raw emotion, Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, which not only reveals her descent into irreversible depression, but also serves as Caitlin's vehicle for renewed hope in the future. The book is written with honesty, revealing one's pain after the loss of a loved one. Caitlin learns, with the help of new friends and her parents, that there is life after Ingrid.

My Thoughts:

This book started off very well. I was able to fall right into reading it. The problems happened about half way through. I began to get bored and could not just sit and read very much. I think it could have been a much better book if certain parts were cut.

I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sad book. It was relatively clean but the topic of suicide is a tough one.

Must Monday

Sea

by Heidi R. Kling

Summary: Barnes and Noble

Still haunted by nightmares of her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Sienna Jones reluctantly travels to Indonesia with her father's relief team to help tsunami orphans with their post traumatic stress disorder—something Sienna knows a lot about. Since her mother's plane went missing over the Indian Ocean three years before, Sienna doesn't do anything if it involves the ocean or planes, so this trip is a big step forward.

But the last thing she expects is to fall for Deni, a brooding Indonesian boy who lives at the orphanage, and just so happens to be HOT. When Deni hears a rumor that his father may be alive, Sienna doesn't think twice about running away with him to the epicenter of the disaster. Unfortunately, what they find there could break both their hearts.

Why? I know that whole "don't judge a book by it's cover" thing exists, but come on! This cover is gorgeous!

When? June 10, 2010

Guest Review: Linger

My Lovely friend Sarah reviewed Linger! I wont be posting her whole review here because I want to encourage you to visit her blog! Her blog can be found: http://booksaremybff.blogspot.com/2010/03/linger.html

Linger

Maggie Stiefvater

Scholastic Press

Release Date: July 1, 2010

FTC: I am reviewing this book for a friend who receivied it from a publisher. I am not receiving compensation and am providing an honest review.

From the Back of the Book:

Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls,

remind me of water: the clear blue of

water reflecting the spring sky, the brown

of a brook churning with rainfall, the

green of the lake in summer as the algae

begins to bloom, the gray of a snow-choked

river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes

that watched me from between the rain-

soaked birches, but now I feel the weight

of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of

things known, things unsaid.

My Thoughts:

You'll have to go to her blog for this one :)

Recommendations: Everyone! There are so many elements composed in this book, which makes me think it has something for everybody.

Grade: again check her blog for this :)

Age: 15 and up

Quote: "Surrounded by wolves, I sat on the forest floow as the sun sank in the sky and the shadows of the pines grew, and I wondered how much time I had." ~ Grace

Ashes

Ashes

Kathryn Lasky

Viking

$16.99

February 2010

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 15/20

Plot 10/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 80% B

Sexual content: mild

Violence: mild

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: mild

Total rating: 12+

Summary: (Amazon)

In 1932 Berlin, blond 13-year-old Gabriella looks like the Aryan purists’ ideal, but her strongly anti-Fascist family members are derisively called “white Jews,” and her astrophysicist father is friends with Einstein, whose theory of relativity is termed “Jewish physics” by the Nazis. From Gabriella’s viewpoint, Lasky tells a gripping story about Hitler’s early rise to power, including the Germans’ bitterness about their suffering after World War I. Though the filling in of background history sometimes feels slightly contrived, the story is strengthened by the complex, individual characters, such as the pro-Hitler maid who is tired of being poor; the beloved teacher, who wants Gabriella to be a Hitler Youth leader; and Gabriella’s sister, who becomes pregnant while dating an ardent Nazi. Like Anne Frank, Gabriella loves American movie stars. She is also a big reader, and at the start of each chapter, there is a quote from authors such as Hemingway, Heine, London, Remarque, and Twain, whose books are among those publicly destroyed in the wild, historic book burning that is the climax of this story. From the opening quote, by Heine—“Where they burn books, they will end by burning human beings”—the personal and the political history will haunt readers.

My Thoughts:

When I heard of this book I assumed it would be deeper into the holocaust but this was not what it was. It was the very start of World War Two. It just barely touches that at the end. This book was more about the takeover of Germany. I guess the reason that didn’t interest me as much was because if I have to read books from this horrid time period I am a holocaust person. The way mankind treated those people just horrifies me.

I would recommend this book to students in 20^th Century Studies classes as well as World War 2 classes. If your interested in World War 2 this is the book for you.

Stupid Cupid

Stupid Cupid

Rhonda Stapleton

Simon Pulse

$9.99

December 2009

FTC: I received this book from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 18/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: moderate

Violence: low

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)

Felicity's no ordinary teen matchmaker...she's a cupid!

Felicity Walker believes in true love. That's why she applies for a gig at the matchmaking company Cupid's Hollow. But when Felicity gets the job, she learns that she isn't just a matchmaker...she's a cupid! (There's more than one of them, you know.)

Armed with a hot pink, tricked-out PDA infused with the latest in cupid magic (love arrows shot through email), Felicity works to meet her quota of successful matches. But when she bends the rules of cupidity by matching her best friend Maya with three different boys at once, disaster strikes. Felicity needs to come up with a plan to set it all right, pronto, before she gets fired and before Maya ends up with her heart split in three.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely adored this book! It was super cute and fun to read. The characters were all well developed. I enjoyed each one of their stories. The only thing that bothered me about the plot was the time. It felt like more time had passed but then you were suddenly told it had only been two days. Other then that I would say it was flawless.

I love this cover. Is it just me, or does anyone else think the girl on the cover could be related to the author? (: That made me love the cover even more!

The end of this book was awesome! It made me want to read the second one even more. Lucky for me the second one is already out!!!

I recommend this to romance novel fans.