Wednesday Wishlist

Cliquetionary

by Lisi Harrison

What?
Dying to know the Pretty Committee's juiciest gossip? Curious what people mean when they call you an LBR? (Hint: it's nawt a compliment.) Want tips on how to go from a 6-point-ew to a ten?

Ah-bviously! This cute-times-a-million gift book contains a word wheel of Cliquisms, the Clique's best comebacks, favorite expressions, and silliest secrets. 100 Gossip Points if you can guess Massie's first lip-kiss...

Why?
I love the clique and this sounds like a fun way to get more.

Read-a-thon?

This weekend from July 2nd to 11:59 on July 4th I am hosting the Explosive Read-a-thon! This one is pretty low key. If you want to participate there are two ways.

#1: If you are going to be home this weekend you are the tweeting members. You tweet about what you read at least once every hour. Also keep any goodreads accounts updated. Make sure you follow me so I can see your tweets @stargirlreads

#2: Vacationing this weekend? Keep track of what you are reading every hour you read and do a blog post upon your return. Email me the blog link.

So do you want to join in? If so email me: princessashley9@gmail.com with your name, blog and twitter link.

Must Monday

One Night That Changes Everything

by Lauren Barnholdt

What?
Eliza, 17, loses her possessions on a regular basis. None of them, however, matters as much as her purple notebook. Her notebook is where she lists the things she would love to do but is most afraid of doing, from asking a random guy to dance at a club to kissing a secret crush. Via text messages, she learns that her notebook is in the hands of her evil ex-boyfriend, Cooper. He and his friends, who are some of the most popular boys in school, threaten to make the contents of Eliza's notebook public unless she spends one night doing some of the things on her list.

Why?
First, I judged this book by the cover. Now that I have found a summary I am still dying to read this. It sounds different.

When?
July 6th 2010

So Many Boys

So Many Boys

Suzanne Young

Razor bill

$9.99

June 10^th 2010

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 20/20

Plot 18/20

Setting 18/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 96% A

Sexual content: moderate

Violence: mild

Drugs: N/A

Underage drinking: mild

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

After her center-court split with Aiden, Tessa put the SOS behind her. After all, cheaters never prosper! Now she’s busy working on her faux-relationship with Aiden and negotiating the unfamiliar waters of “technically single and pseudo-dating.”

Life can’t get any more dismal for a one-guy kind of girl until an imposter hijacks the SOS, and it’s up to Tessa to save her squad from slander. But with her best boy hot and cold, what’s a kitten to do?

Even worse, Tessa doesn’t realize how much she’s up against—because this copykitten is far more naughty than nice.

My Thoughts:

I have met Suzanne a few times now and she is awesome. There is something about her that is so friendly and comforting. She’s the mom who can be your best friend. I only say all of this because you can see it shine through in her writing. Whenever I am reading her books I can feel all the heart she put into them.

I adored The Naughty List so of course I was anxiously awaiting the release of this one. I was kind of sad that there was a lot less SOS going on but it still was very enjoyable. The ending was amazing. It left so much unanswered, making you start the countdown for A Good Boy is Hard to Find.

I recommend this series to pretty much all females. There are so many aspects to these stories that there has to be someone to connect with.

By the way, anyone know why borders is only carrying this book online, not in stores, right now?

Wanted

Wanted
Sara Shepard
Harper Teen
$16.99
June 8th 2010
FTC: This is my friends’ book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 20/20
Plot 18/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 20/20
Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: mild
Violence: heavy (Not beating up, that’s all I’ll say)
Drugs: None
Underage drinking: heavy
Swearing: moderate
Total rating: 16+

Summary:
In Rosewood, majestic estates sprawl for acres, and Tiffany toggle bracelets dangle from every girl's wrist. But not all that glitters is gold, and the town harbors secrets darker than anyone could imagine—like the truth about what really happened the night Alison DiLaurentis went missing. . . .
Back in middle school, Ali plucked Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer from obscurity and turned them into the beautiful, popular girls everyone wanted to be. Ali was the best friend they ever had. But she also made them do terrible things and taunted them with their worst secrets. Now, three years later, all their questions about Ali have finally been answered and they can put this awful chapter of their lives behind them. Or so they think.
Not every story has a happy ending, especially when four pretty little liars have done so many wicked things. In the dramatic conclusion of Sara Shepard's bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer could get everything they've ever wanted—unless A has one more horrifying twist in store.

My Thoughts:
This book was seriously twisted. What else would you expect from this series though? There were a couple parts that made my stomach turn. The first quarter of the book was a bit slow but as you progressed it picked up. A certain character seems very off but I wasn’t able to piece together why on my own. In this book you will find out who A is, who killed Ali, and a couple big shockers are in store. I was a bit confused by the end though. At the end of every book there is that letter from “A”, well this one has one but it kind of contradicts what the story leads you to believe. Oh well, just don’t read it until you get there or your whole story is ruined!

I recommend this series to older teens. Also I encourage people to check out the TV show on ABC Family. If you like Sara be waiting, she has a new series coming and I am excited!

Wednesday Wishlist

Fireworks

by Nikki Burnham, Various, Erin Haft, Lauren Myracle, Sarah Mlynowski

What?
Hot sun. Soft white sand. Bejewled flip-flops. Crashing surf. That shirtless blond lifeguard...Summertime is the essence of sexiness, sass, and fun. In this juicy collection, four fabulous, bestselling teen authors each show us a different side of summer romance, from the first flush of a seaside crush to the sting of a breakup on a traveling teen tour. Get out your sunscreen, slip on your shades, and prepare to be dazzled by these sizzling stories.

Why?
Come on! Look at that wonderful group of authors! Can I expect anything but awesomeness?

sTORI telling

sTORI TELLING

Tori Spelling

Simon and Schuster

$24.95

February 2009

FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated for my review in any manner.

Total grade: A

Sexual content: 10/20

Violence: 5/20

Drugs: 10/20

Underage drinking: 10/20

Swearing: 20/20

Total rating: 16+

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

She was television's most famous virgin -- and, as Aaron Spelling's daughter, arguably its most famous case of nepotism. Portraying Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210, Tori Spelling became one of the most recognizable young actresses of her generation, with a not-so-private personal life every bit as fascinating as her character's exploits. Yet years later the name Tori Spelling too often closed -- and sometimes slammed -- the same doors it had opened.

sTORI telling is Tori's chance to finally tell her side of the tabloid-worthy life she's led, and she talks about it all: her decadent childhood birthday parties, her nose job, her fairy-tale wedding to the wrong man, her so-called feud with her mother. Tori has already revealed her flair for brilliant, self-effacing satire on her VH1 show So NoTORIous and Oxygen's Tori & Dean: Inn Love, but her memoir goes deeper, into the real life behind the rumors: her complicated relationship with her parents; her struggles as an actress after 90210; her accident-prone love life; and, ultimately, her quest to define herself on her own terms.

My Thoughts:

I have adored Tori since I was young. I remember in 3^rd grade I discovered 90210. Every weekend we were living in a trailer while my dad built our vacation home, a couple hours from where we lived. It was very boring but the show got me through. Also my favorite show ever (7^th Heaven) was developed by her dad.

Long story short I LOVED her autobiography. I recommend that everyone read this. She is so misunderstood and it’s great that she would be so honest!

Must Monday

Watch Me

by Lauren Barnholdt

What?

She thinks she has nothing to hide?

Ally has everything under control. She's about to move into a house full of strangers and have her life broadcast to the world, but as long as she still has her long-distance boyfriend, Corey, nothing can go wrong. Nothing, that is, until Ally starts spending time with her housemate Drew, the hot and sensitive guy who always seems to be around when she needs someone the most.

As suspicions and lies start pulling Ally and Corey apart, she's not sure if she can trust anyone, not even herself. Ally is about to learn the hard way that life is what happens when everyone is looking, and it doesn't always capture her good side?.

Why?
This just sounds like a fun and enjoyable chick fiction. We all know that's my type ;)

When?
July 6 2010

Swoon at Your Own Risk

Swoon at Your Own Risk

Sydney Salter

Graphia

$8.99

April 2010

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

Characters 10/20

Plot 10 /20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 70% C

Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

You’d think Polly Martin would have all the answers when it comes to love—after all, her grandmother is the famous syndicated advice columnist Miss Swoon. But after a junior year full of dating disasters, Polly has sworn off boys. This summer, she’s going to focus on herself for once. So Polly is happy when she finds out Grandma is moving in—think of all the great advice she’ll get.

But Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy sexagenarian! How can Polly stop herself from falling for Xander Cooper, the suddenly-hot skateboarder who keeps showing up while she’s working at Wild Waves water park, when Grandma is picking up guys at the bookstore and flirting with the dishwasher repairman?

No advice column can prepare Polly for what happens when she goes on a group camping trip with three too many ex-boyfriends and the tempting Xander. Polly is forced to face her feelings and figure out if she can be in love—and still be herself.

My Thoughts:

There was something about this book that just took way too long. I felt that she spent too much time setting up the plot she was going for and not enough time completing the actual story. If she had begun moving things along even 20 pages earlier I would have bumped the score to at least a 15/20.

I would recommend this to fans of My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters because the writing is very similar. There were enjoyable aspects, I just think the beginning is what ruined the book for me!

Wednesday Wishlist

Prama

by Jamie Ponti

What?

HOOK UP. BREAK UP. THROW UP. P-DAY.

Molly (prom committee chair) is positive that something will ruin her night...and she has no idea how right she is.

Ben (last-minute date) tells himself he's just along for the ride...but he's got something very real at stake.

Allison (loyal best friend) plans to make a move on her crush...who's there with his girlfriend.

Victoria (alpha girl) thought she had a lock on the prom queen crown...until gorgeous exchange student Karolina came on the scene.

Matt (star athlete) comes to claim his rightful place at the top of the social chain...but ends up surprising everyone, including himself.

Rachel (girl with no clique) is there to shake things up...but there's more to her than meets the eye.

From the PITY DATES to the way-too-early HANGOVERS to PROM QUEEN DISASTERS to the AFTER-PARTIES, this is ONE NIGHT THEY'LL NEVER FORGET (no matter how hard they try).

Why?
I always love prom stories and this has been on my wish list forever!

Upper Classmen

Tomorrow is my last day of school but since I already have a post planned I wanted to mention it today. What are your big summer plans? I'm working and headed to Texas :)

Must Monday

Take Me There

by Carolee Dean

What?

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him—but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He's on the run and in search of answers—answers to questions he wishes he'd never asked.

Why?
This cover is very intriguing, not gonna lie. Also every synopsis I have found sounds awesome!

When? July 20 2010

Vintage Veronica

Vintage Veronica
Erica S. Perl
Knoph
$16.99
March 2010
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 15/20
Total grade: 85% B

Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon)
Almost 16, Veronica has lied about her age to get a job at the largest used-clothing store in the Northeast (“The Original Dollar-a-Pound!”). Veronica separates the wheat from the chaff, marking the true vintage for the “Real Deal” floor. Despite her weight, Veronica has an eye for fashion, which manifests itself in crinolines and bowling shirts (together) and sketching. She catches the eye of several of her coworkers, including mean girls Zoe and Ginger and a thin, twitchy guy she thinks of as the Nail. In her first novel, Perl masterfully sets her scene. The store, with its giant chute dumping clothes into “the pile” for the customers (aka “the pickers”), is almost a character in itself.

My Thoughts:
When I received this book in the mail I was pumped. The idea seemed fresh and a New York thrift shop just sounded fun. Throughout the story though I felt something lacking. It took me too long to build a relationship with Veronica and even after I did it was weak. The story was good but it lacked a certain spark I need from books. I would still recommend this to lots of people though because all in all it was fun, quirky, and somewhat inspiring.

Why I didnt blog yesterday...

Hey guys... Since you all are use to me blogging almost every day I wanted to let you know why there was no review yesterday or today. My grandpa passed away of old age/bladder cancer yesterday morning at 2 am. He has been on hospice for two months and things have progressively got worse for him. So I needed some time but I will be back in the review and blogging business tomorrow. For those of you who already knew and have sent your support you are much appreciated.

Mystery at Lilac Inn

The Mystery at the Lilac Inn (Nancy Drew)

Carolyn Keene

Grosset and Dunlap

$4.95

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 100% A

Total rating: child

Summary: (Amazon)

Teenage detective Nancy Drew finds herself in danger when she sets out to track a jewel thief.

My Thoughts:

How can you read a Nancy Drew book and not love it? It may be a “child” series but I’m 16 and I still love them. They are fun mysteries that are not too scary and gory. The reading level is low but there is some language that may be unfamiliar to kids since these were written so long ago.

This one was especially good. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I would recommend these to everyone. We all need some brave feminine characters on our bookshelves (:

Wednesday Wishlist

A Little Princess

by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Tasha Tudor

What?
When she is orphaned, the star pupil of Miss Minchin's boarding school in London becomes a penniless, friendless ward of the cruel Miss Minchin.

Why?
It's a classic and I adore the movie!

Working with books?

So I just needed to share some exciting news with you guys!

I got a job and today is my first day.

Where will I be working, you ask?

Just this little place... called THE LIBRARY!

Must Monday

Stalker Girl

by Rosemary Graham

What?
Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian's new girlfriend—all of the sadness she feels about her mom's recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife's new baby. When Carly's stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it.

Why?
This sounds like no other book I have read and enjoyable. What more can you ask for?

When? August 5th 2010

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood
Eileen Cook
Simon Pulse
$15.99
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 15/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 85% B

Sexual content: mild
Violence: mild
Drugs: mild
Underage drinking: moderate
Swearing: moderate
Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon)
Popularity is the best revenge.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

My Thoughts:
This book was good but not at all what I was expecting. I expected there to be a lot more mean girls and less sweetness but that’s not how it was. The ending really bothered me. I read the last line and turned the page, ready to keep reading, only to find it was over. I think it needed a bit more.

The characters were fun and interesting. They each brought a different aspect to the story. The setting wasn’t very vivid but it was still alright. If the plot had been a little tenser at some points I would have enjoyed this a bit more.

Fans of revenge and mean girls will flock to this.

Book to TV?

HUGE will premire June 28 at 9 pm. HUGE follows the lives of seven teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other. Based on author Sasha Paley’s book of the same name, HUGE is being developed by Winnie Holzman (“Wicked,” “My So-Called Life,” “Once & Again”) and daughter Savannah Dooley. Holzman will be executive producer on the premiere episode, and will serve as consultant for the remainder of the episodes. Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Alloy Entertainment’s Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries”) will serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff (“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion” and ABC Family’s “10 Things I Hate About You”) will serve as a consulting producer.

Texas?

I was wondering if there are any bloggers or authors that live in Texas and read my blog? If you will you comment with your email or email me at princessashley9@gmail.com?

Thanks!

Wherever Nina Lies

Wherever Nina Lies
Lynn Weingarten
Point
$8.99
February 2010 (Paperback)
FTC: I received this 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: moderate
Violence: moderate
Drugs: none
Underage drinking: moderate
Swearing: heavy
Total rating: 16+

Summary: (Amazon)
Ellie’s attempts to live a normal life since the disappearance of her beloved older sister, Nina, have been futile. Every time the 16-year-old manages to get it together, a new but ultimately worthless clue emerges, returning her to despair. Even her best friend, Amanda, is losing patience. So it is a relief that Sean enters Ellie’s life just as she discovers a drawing done by Nina with a phone number embedded in the design. Sean proposes a road trip to find Nina, and Ellie jumps at the chance in spite of having met him only days before. Murder, mystery, and romance all wrap into a road trip.

My Thoughts:
I honestly enjoyed this book. It was fun, gripping, and had me on my toes. The characters were quirky but very well described. I felt that I personally knew each and every one of them. Ellie reminded me a lot of my little sister. The plot was uncommon and not very predictable. Aspects of it I was able to call from the start but everything was always changing and left me guessing. I felt that there was a bit lacking in the setting but it was probably as good as could be for a road trip. The cover makes you want to know just what is hiding behind that girls eyes. As for the ending… OMG!

I was appalled to find out my 13 year old (7th grade) cousin had read this book but it is an amazing book for the older teens and those with a higher maturity level.

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wish list this week!

Fringe Benefits

by Valerie Frankel

What?
You can take the girl out of Brooklyn—or can you?

Waitressing at an exclusive tennis and squash club isn't all it's cracked up to be. Just ask Adora Benet. For as long as she can remember, summer has meant European vacations and sleepaway camp. But this summer is different. While her friends scatter the globe for adventures of their own, Dora finds herself stuck in Brooklyn, learning the true meaning of a dollar.

Fortunately for this working girl, there are fringe benefits that come with the territory: cool older friends who really know how to party, for one thing. And an unexpected gig at a veterinarian's office with a totally hot doctor. Soon Dora's boring summer turns into her first taste of real life. But with all these new responsibilities and thrilling relationships, freedom can get a little scary sometimes...

Why?
It sounds super fun and quirky :)

Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett
Maureen Johnson
Point
$8.99
May 2009 (Paperback)
FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 15/20
Plot 15/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 75% C

Total rating: 12+

Summary: (Amazon)
The Hopewell Hotel, 75 years ago a stylish Upper East Side haunt, has fallen on hard times. Its proprietors, the Martin family, have let the last remaining employee go, and now it’s up to the four children, Spencer, Lola, Scarlett, and Marlene, to keep things afloat. Enter one Mrs. Amy Amberson, a flamboyant, mysterious guest, back in New York after a long absence, with some clandestine motives. Mrs. Amberson is to occupy the Empire Suite, just today entrusted to Scarlett as a “present” on her fifteenth birthday (a family tradition), for the entire summer, and keeping her happy will test Scarlett’s ingenious mettle.

My Thoughts:
The first 100 pages or so of this book were very good and then I just felt that it began to drag on and on. I loved the characters at first but I felt that slip away with each page. I love Maureen’s Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes, it’s what got me reviewing, but this kind of let me down. I am glad I read it because I like her as an author but it just lacked something necessary to the story. I recommend this to younger teens.