Review: Girl Out Loud by Emily Gale

Girl Out Loud by Emily Gale
Release Date: June 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher *in exchange for an honest review*
Pages: 288

*Silent Scream!*
Kass Kennedy is nobody's idol. She does forget the lyrics. She's not a gleek. The x factor? Not her! Read her lips: She has the right to remain silent.
Just try telling that to her dad.
Because he's totally lost it this time, demanding Kass audition for a TV talent show. Which would be slightly less than death-by-embarrassment if Kass could (duh!) actually sing. And if even the smallest part of her craved the spotlight. Stardom is her dad's dream, not hers. But he's so fragile, she's afraid he just might crack if she doesn't go through with his latest, craziest plan.
Not helping: Her hopelessly MIA mom. The budding criminal mastermind also known as her kid brother. And amateur shrink Izzy and used-to-be-sweet Char, who've gone all frenemies over a boy in brown boots. (Don't ask.)
It's only rock n' roll? If only! Inside, Kass is screaming, but no one is listening. How loud does a girl have to shout to be heard? 

 Whoa! If you want to start reading a amazing novel, Girl Out Loud is the book for you!

The characters: Kassidy or Kass as she is usually called, is a fun girl. She is about 15 or 16 but thinks that she's 24. She was very mature and handled a lot of tough situations really good. She was always there if her friends needed her but in this book they get into a few little fights and that kind of breaks up their terrific trio. I felt that sometimes she could be kind of childish and I wanted to slap her and tell her to get her head in the game.

The plot and writing style: We follow Kass Kennedy. Your average every day girl. Except, her dad is kinda messed up. He wants her to be the star and do everything that he can't and that is really hard on Kass. One day, well everything changes when her dad says that he wants her to audition for the X Factor and that this would be really really good. The writing style was so awesome and fast paced and omg!

Overall, well I don't think I need to say anymore. I know I say 'Go get this book now!' a lot. Ok maybe more than a lot but this is definitely one to go check out or pre-order or whatever it is that you guys do.


                                                                     5/5

Review: Flygirl by Sherri E. Smith

Flygirl by Sherri. E Smith
Release Date: September 16, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: Paperback
Pages: 269
Source: borrowed

Ida Mae Jones dreams of flight. Her daddy was a pilot and being black didn't stop him from fulfilling his dreams. But her daddy's gone now, and being a woman, and being black, are two strikes against her.
When America enters the war with Germany and Japan, the Army creates the WASP, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots - and Ida suddenly sees a way to fly as well as do something significant to help her brother stationed in the Pacific. But even the WASP won't accept her as a black woman, forcing Ida Mae to make a difficult choice of "passing," of pretending to be white to be accepted into the program. Hiding one's racial heritage, denying one's family, denying one's self is a heavy burden. And while Ida Mae chases her dream, she must also decide who it is she really wants to be.

My Review: I am not a huge historical fiction fan. If I do read historical fiction, it's a Dear America book. Which takes like an hour to read. This was definitely very different from a Dear America novel and I'm here to tell you why I liked that.
   First, the characters. Ida or "Jonesy" as called by Patsy is an african american woman. She was very strong willed and never wanted to stop flying. She was very opinionated and always stuck to her opinion, which was usually right. Jolene was only there for a short time but I really didn't like her. I think she was just way too jealous for my taste. She was also always rude to Ida Mae. Sometimes I wanted to jump in there and slap her. (Ha). Patsy and Lily were just so sweet and they were just like Ida. Patsy was a little more spunky though.
   Next, the plot. We follow Ida Mae Jones. She was born in raised in Louisiana. Her daddy's family has always married whites so that they're children can become lighter and lighter and lighter. Ida Mae's daddy married her dark mom which made his mom very mad. Ida's dad passed away a few years ago in a farming accident. Ever since then she has always wanted to fly and be a pilot. She knew she could since she looked like a white woman and could fly. She goes off to train to become a WASP and there she meets Patsy and Lily. They go on lots of fun adventures together and are just fun.
   Overall. Flygirl was a terrific book. I felt that it did get slow in some important parts and that some of the twang was hard to understand. I would still pick it up and give it a shot though. I recommend this for anyone who wants a great, quick read.
                                                                      4/5

Review: Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Published: December 2, 2012

Publisher: Speak

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Pages: 372

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Review: I don't know why I waited for so long to read this novel... WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? Well anyway, I knew it would be pretty good just because of all of the great and positive reviews I had seen about it. I didn't know it would be this good though.

   First, the characters. Anna is our main protagonist. She was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and for her senior year, her dad forces her to move to Paris for her senior year. She is the kind of friend I would want to be with, fun, funny, and polite. Now, if it was me, I think I would be so happy you could hear me in Paris screaming "Oh Yea, that's what I'm talking about!" but Anna didn't want to go to Paris. St. Clair is the sidekick and I loved him... okay maybe more than loved.

   Next, the plot. We follow Anna after she is forced to go to Paris for her senior year of high school. She meets St. Clair and well I don't want to give away the rest but you probably already know.

   Anna and the French Kiss was a roller-coaster ride I didn't want to get off of. I really enjoyed the writing style and characters fun personalities. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door.
                                                                                                5/5

Review: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland
Published: May 10, 2012
Publisher: Speak (Penguin)
Source: NetGalley
Format: ebook
Pages: 250

Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time.

My Review: The Summer My Life Began is an amazing novel and I just cannot stop raving about it to all of my friends. It was definitely a quick read at 250 pages but let me tell you, a lot happens in those 250 pages.
   First, the characters. Em was our main protagonist. After leaving behind her New York life of and having a structured life, she trades that in for a month of island living with her aunt Tilly. Em was a breathtaking character. She was spunky, funny, quirky, smart, I just can't describe her other than AWESOME! Cade was the awesome a guess you could say, sidekick? He was always there whether he was lurking in the distance of right beside you. He was always there and I really liked that.
   Next, the plot. We follow Em. Em has been raised all her life as a proper lady in New York with the perfect life planned ahead of her. After a graduation letter arrives from her Aunt Tilly -which Em didn't know existed- she heads down the the island she lives on to live for a whole month. She then discovers who she really is and where she belongs.
   Overall, this was a very different book that I actually really enjoyed. The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland was an exhilarating read. I will probably re-read this several time because it was so breathtaking! I know I say this about every contemporary read I have read lately, definitely buy this one or preorder it or research it more.
                                         5/5

Review: Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley
Publication Date: August 6, 2009
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Pages: 321

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning. When Emily Carsons parents die in a plane crash, she's left with nothing but her mother's last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: Emily, please forgive me. Now it's fall and Emily moves to New York City, where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

My Review: 
                                       


Because I loved this book so much, I made a quick video just telling you the info like when it was published and to go get it! Now, like stop reading this and go get this novel!
   First, the characters. Emily is our main protagonist. After she lears about her parents death and finds out about the message, she is constantly wondering what her mom was asking her to forgive her for. She was a great girl and I loved her the whole time. I thought she was a lot more real? than a lot of the 16 year old females in novels these days. She was a great person and honestly, I mean I know she is the main character and all but she was what kept me going because of her personality.
   Next, the plot. We follow Emily Carson. Emily is having a party at her house after her parents leave on a flight across the country. When Emily's aunt Jolie comes in and tell her what happened. Emily then is basically a couch potato for two months and does nothing but sit on the couch or her bed all day long. After Emily moves to New York City with Jolie, she start's wondering about the apology. When she meets Owen and Anthony, everything reminds her of her mom. We follow her through all of her crazy, reasonable, sometime weird decisions.
   Overall this was a breathtaking read. I felt like this book was 20 pages long I raced through it so fast. Definitely pick this up. If it sounds depressing, it's not, at all. 
                                                                            5/5

Review: The List by Siobhan Vivian

The List by Siobhan Vivian
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Push (Scholastic)
Format: ARC
Pages: 332
*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.
It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.
This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

My review:  I had heard alot of people calling this teeny bopperish so I was kind of nervous because I don't read a lot of really really girly stuff. This wasn't teeny bopperish to me and I am here to explain my point.
   First, the characters. I loved every girl that was in this novel. I also really liked how they all had their own personalities throughout the entire novel. I really liked that they didn't all blend together like I figured they would do. I can't go into each and every girl so that's what I'm giving you to work with.
   Next, the plot. So, this takes place at your average high school. But, there's a twist. Every year a list is published by a student or students (noone knows the truth). This list lists the ugliest girl and the prettiest girl from each grade 9 through 12. We follow the 8 girls struggle and how they deal with this. 8 girls mean a lot of POV'S. That was the major downfall in this book for me. I had to keep checking to make sure I was associating the right girl with the right year and ugly or pretty.
    Overall, this was a great read. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a light, quick, fun read. It's a very very very quick read. The List was a compelling debut and I am happy to review it here on Tay's Book Corner.
                                                                          4/5

Review: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Amulet (Abrams)
Format: ARC
Pages: 299
*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

My Review: Ok, well I don't think this will be a review but more than likely a rant! When I would pick up this book to read it, I would get all excited and I was thinking "What's gonna happen now!?" This is definitely an awesome read.
    First, the characters. Chloe Camden is our main protagonist. She's always been the talkative best friend who could cheer you up no matter what situation. She's always cheery and making you laugh. So basically, she's just a positive person. Duncan is the guy that Chloe meets when her JISP project has to be changed and she starts working at the school's radio station, KDRS 88.8 The Edge. He was that loyal guy friend that knew how to fix things. He grew up with a mom that was never there for him.
    Next, the plot. We follow 16 or 17 year old Chloe Camden. While working at a local restaurant, Dos Hermanas, Chloe's best friend, Brie, totally disses her. Then, A. Lungren, her new counselor, tells her she has to change her JISP project to something else. She then plants herself at the school's radio station. She goes through quite alot during this time period. 
    Overall, Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe was a very amazing read! It was probably the best debut I've read so far this year. I can't wait to Shelley to write more. P.S. The writing style just sucks you in as soon as you start so be warned.
                                                                        5/5

Review: Girl Stolen by April Henry

Girl Stolen by April Henry
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Publisher: Macmillan
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Pages: 213

Sixteen-year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of the car while her stepmom fills a prescription for antibiotics. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, the car is being stolen.
Griffin hadn't meant to kidnap Cheyenne and once he finds out that not only does she have pneumonia, but that she's blind, he really doesn't know what to do. When his dad finds out that Cheyenne's father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes--now there's a reason to keep her. 
How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare?

 My Review: Girl Stolen is definitely a quick read being only about 200 pages. Trust me, when you start this you had better devote your time to reading this and not have anything else planned. It was a gripping read and I could not stop myself from devouring it.
   First, the characters. Cheyenne is our main protagonist. She was obviously, blind. I was expecting her to be whiny and wanting pity but no, she wanted pity for her advantage. Cheyenne was a very unique character not just because she was blind but because of her attitude and personality. She didn't let being blind keep her from doing what she wanted. Griffin was also a very good character. He was sweet but wanted to help, I don't want to give away too many details about Griffin as I could basically give away the whole book.
   Next, the plot. So, we follow Cheyenne Wilder, 16 year old girl, not an average girl, a blind girl. When she develops pneumonia, her step mom takes her to the pharmacy to get the medicine she needs. Cheyenne begs to stay in the car but little did she know, getting to stay in the car would result in an accidental kidnapping. 
   Overall I thought this book was definitely a page turning mystery! I loved everything about it and I can't wait to read Henry's other novel that was just released, The Night She Disappeared.
                                                        5/5

Review: Fair Coin by E.C. Myers

Fair Coin by E.C. Myers
Publication: March 6, 2012
Publisher: PYR (Prometheus)
Format: Finished Copy
Pages: 250
*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Sixteen-year-old Ephraim Scott is horrified when he comes home from school and finds his mother unconscious at the kitchen table, clutching a bottle of pills. The reason for her suicide attempt is even more disturbing: she thought she’d identified Ephraim’s body at the hospital that day. 
Among his dead double’s belongings, Ephraim finds a strange coin—a coin that grants wishes when he flips it. With a flick of his thumb, he can turn his alcoholic mother into a model parent and catch the eye of the girl he’s liked since second grade. But the coin doesn’t always change things for the better. And a bad flip can destroy other people’s lives as easily as it rebuilds his own. 
The coin could give Ephraim everything he’s ever wanted—if he learns to control its power before his luck runs out. 

My Review: Going into this novel, well let's just say I expected something totally different than what I got. Fair Coin was a gripping sci-fi novel and I am very glad I was able to experience it.
   First, the characters. Ephraim was an interesting protagonist. He was still in high school. I loved his personality and how he was a kind of relaxed kick butt character. Did that make any sense? Ok, well anyway, I liked how he tried to protect his friends but sometimes it could get annoying. I felt like he repeated something like his every two pages, "I couldn't let anyone else die." Do you see how that could get annoying? Nathan was an okay sidekick/friend. I thought that later in the book, he was kind of messed up. I got confused with the whole "analog" thing alot.
   Next, the plot. We follow Ephraim Scott. He gets home from school one day and finds his alcoholic mother on the brink of death. We then follow him through his adventures with a coin he finds. It wasn't your average quarter. It was a quarter but the head was backwards on it. Ephraim would make a wish flip the coin and his wish would either come true in a good way or come through in a bad way. 
   Overall Fair Coin was a compelling novel. I didn't want to put it down. For a debut, it was pretty good and I can't wait to get to read more of Myers's novels.
                                                3.5/5

Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Publication Date: November 21, 2011
Publisher: RazorBill
Format: Hardback
Source: borrowed from friend
Pages: 358

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future. 
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

My Review: It took me no time at all to finish this book. It's almost 400 pages but I started it on a Sunday night and finished it Tuesday morning. This probably won't happen again for awhile until I get out of school. I wanted to push everything else to the side so I could finish this book. Usually when I put a book down I stop thinking about it until I pick it up later, not with this one, I'm still thinking about it.
    First, the characters. First, I want to talk about Emma. She was your average high school girl. She ran track, loved to hang out with her best friend Kellan and loved to just relax at home. Josh was an okay character. I thought he was just too.....typical. He had a crush on his neighbor, Emma. I thought okay he has a crush on her. No, it constantly reminds you of that throughout the whole dang book and I found that just a little bit annoying.
   Next, the plot. We follow Josh and Emma. Josh gives Emma an old CD-ROM that his family got in the mail but couldn't use since they didn't have a computer. When Emma logs onto AOL, she clicks her favorite places and discovers 'Facebook'. Neither, Josh nor Emma know what it is. Josh thinks it's just a prank being pulled and not to worry. Emma on the other hand, thinks it's real. They soon realize that even the tiniest event or choice now, can change their future, in a good or bad way.
   Overall this book was amazing. The writing was breathtaking in my opinion. If it wasn't for the whole Josh loves Emma thing it would've been a heck of a lot better but in my book, it was still a five star read. I hope you guys check this book out if you haven't already. If you have, leave me your thoughts on it in the comments or a link to your review of it.
                                                                          5/5
       

In a Flash: Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Publication Date: February 2, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Paperback
Source: purchased
Pages: 272

No one would believe me but at times I would choose wartime in Saigon over peacetime in Alabama. 
For all the ten years of her life, HÀ has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . . and the beauty of her very own papaya tree. 
But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. HÀ and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, HÀ discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family. 

My Review: This novel is written in poetry so this will be a pretty quick review. This is heart warming story of a young girl who moves from Saigon to Alabama.
     HA is not your typical heroine. She comes from a war filled background. This is her journey to America on a crowded ship with her mother, and 3 brothers. If I was on a ship moving someplace I knew nothing about, I would not be very happy. Ha doesn't mind though because she knows she is going someplace better where she can be free. 
     When she starts going to her new school in Alabama, things seem fine until kids start making fun of her for her hair and clothes. She doesn't understand why so she tells one of her older brothers. Her brother starts to teach her some moves so they'll be scared but she won't hurt them. 
     So, that was a really bad review but I read it about 2 or 3 weeks ago I think and I am just getting around to typing up a review. Just go check this out and see how awesome it is for yourself!
*P.S. Things have been crazy here on the blog lately but everything will resume back to normal on Sunday for In My Mailbox.

Review: Above by Leah Bobet

Above by Leah Bobet
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Format: ARC
Pages: 368
*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Matthew has always lived in Safe, a community hidden far beneath the pipes and tunnels of the city Above. The residents fled to Safe years before to escape the Whitecoats and their cruel experiments, and now Matthew is responsible for both the keeping of Safe’s stories and for Ariel—a golden-haired shapeshifter, and the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. 
But one horrifying night, an old enemy murders Safe’s founder, Atticus, and the community is taken over by an army of shadows. Only Matthew, Ariel, and a handful of friends escape Above. Now they not only have to survive in a sunlit world they barely know, but they must unravel the mystery of the shadows’ fury and Atticus’s death. It’s up to Matthew to find a way to remake Safe—not just for himself and his family, but for Ariel, who’s again faced with the life she fled, and who needs him more than ever before.

My Review: This is very different than what I originally expected it to be like. There was one downfall but we can talk about that a little bit later.
       First, the characters. Matthew is our main protagonist. He lived in the city of ''Safe''. Safe is an underground place where I guess you could call them creatures?... live at. One day, the shadows come down into Safe and the place goes into complete and utter chaos for everyone who lives there. Matthew and   girl, Ariel, get out of there quick enough to go to ''Above''. Above is a place where average people like us live. Matthew is terrified of this but quickly changes his thoughts to other problems than worrying about the others he left down in Safe.
       Next, the writing style and plot. The writing style was very very different and something new. Bobet talks just a tad like someone from the South in this novel by saying '' 'bout'' instead if ''about''. It was really strange and hard to get into until maybe about one hundred pages in? I was finding myself going back and rereading what I had just read sometimes just so I could understand it. Random words are also capitalized in this novel so I didn't know if that was a place or person or what. The plot sounded alot different in the synopsis than what it actually turned out to be. If I tell you like more than three details about the plot, the whole novel would be given away.
      My overview of this book would definitely be that it would be something very,very,very, very different than anything I have EVER read before. This was an okay debut novel and I'm grateful that I got to read it but I don't know if I would read it over and over again. Definitely give it a shot though and tell me what you think.
                                                                        3/5

Review: Gone by Michael Grant

Title: Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Publication Date: 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 558

In the blink of an eye.Everyone disappears.Gone.Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help.Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent.

My Review: Yes, it did take me almost a month to finish this but since it was over 500 pages, some parts got a little slow so I read other books. It was a very exciting sci-fi/dystopian. I really enjoyed the action and how the characters used the language that teens do these days.
         The characters, well this might take a few moments. Sam, our main  protagonist, is almost fifteen. When everyone blinks out, all the memories from a long time ago, when the class was on a field trip and the driver had a heart attack so Sam drove the bus, come rushing back. He knows they shouldn't freak out but then again he knows everyone will be. After he, Astrid, Quinn, and Edilio team up, they start trying to get things in order in Perdido Beach. I loved how the characters weren't trying to take over the universe like I figured they would, but they were scared and worried but knew they had to be strong for the younger ones.
         The plot of this story was very....interesting? The idea of everyone fifteen and over leaving all of a sudden, sounded very exciting and was the reason I decided to pick up this novel. How would you deal with it if you had no cellphones or internet? These kids had to deal with that and a whole lot more including some very strange coyotes. The only complaint was that all was happening for the first 100 pages was  ''No, we need to do this not that.'' '' They can't do that, that will hurt the city even more!''. Do you see how that got on my nerves sometimes? About 250 pages in, it started getting ALOT better. 
          Overall, this book was very enjoyable but could've had more happening in the first 100 pages. This was a great start to the first in the series and I can't wait to pick up the next novel, Hunger.
                                                                         4/5
         
         

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Dutton
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardback
Pages: 313

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. 

My Review: No, I didn't just now read this, I read it in January but I figured I should maybe do a pretty quick review since two or three people have asked me my thoughts on the book.
         First, the characters. The characters were amazing. I loved Hazel for so many reasons and in many different ways. Just because she had to lug around an oxygen tank, she didn't let that slow her down. Augustus was amazing also. He was super sweet and didn't treat anyone any different no matter what had happened to them whether it be cancer or something else.
          Now, I am going to skip going over the plot because well, you probably already know. My overall thoughts on the novel were OMG really dude really? This was a very heart touching story that I feel everyone should read. This was my first John Green novel and I cannot wait to read more. If you want, please tell me in the comments, what is your favorite John Green novel?
                                     5/5

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 337

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.So much for normal.

My Review: Let's just say that this book is abolutely nothing like I expected it to be. I raced through this book in about a day and a half which rarely happens because of prison school. It was a mix of humor, action, and everything else I love about paranormal romance.
     First, lets talk about the characters. Evie is a phanominal heroine. She wasn't your average teenage girl, she was 16 but she had never been to a real school. She had a personality which I feel in most YA novels, is  kinda pushed on the back burner. She was funny and relatable and OMG! Just go this book. Lend was a great character too but I am not going to go into him in case of acccidental spoilers. Reth was that evil ex I always hope for in books. He wasn't stupid like alot of male characters but he wasn't smart. Lish was Evie's best friend and a mermaid. She had to talk through a computer and when she used ''certain'' words the computer would translate it as ''bleep''.
    Now let's talk about the plot. Evie never knew who her parents were or where she was from. Nobody at IPCA would tell her anything. All she knew was that she had been at IPCA since she was 8 and had never went to a normal school. She was a dare devil kinda like me but was very intelligent at to what she should and shouldnt do. I loved going on her journey.
        Overall this book was amazing. Definitely go pick it up if you want your spirits lifted and to laugh. I will be picking up the second book as soon as it comes out in paperback so my covers can match. Below you can find the awesome trailer.
                                                                         5/5

                            

Review: Starters by Lissa Price

Title: Starters
Author: Lissa Price
Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Random House Children's
Source: Netgalley/ publisher
Format: ebook ARC
Pages: 352

In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party—her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first—the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . . 

My review: This was a huge shocker novel. It was a dystopian novel with only one problem but we'll get to that later. There is a mix of everything for everyone.
      First, let's talk about the characters. Callie is our main character. She has a younger brother named Tyler. Callie is only 15 or 16 and has no parents. They were wiped out by the spore wars which you will learn about in this novel. Callie learns about a location called ''Prime Destinations''. She hears that you can earn a lot of money by going there. Michael is Callie's friendlie as referred to in the book. He is the same age as Callie. Describing these characters is very  difficult because it would be super super easy to give away the whole book.
      Next, let's talk about the plot of the story. After Callie discovers Prime Destinations, she then gets more knowledge of renters which are elderly people who go to Prime. Teenagers will go to Prime and basically rent out their bodies and these renters will get to walk around in the teenager's body for however long they purchase it. Callie does this to earn money for a real home for herself and her brother.
       Overall, I thought this book was a very refreshing novel. It is also a debut which is always amazing when an author can write like this. The only down point to this novel was the world building. It did give details about the world but I felt that as a dystopian novel, there should have been a little more. Still I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves YA as there is a mix of everything.
                                       4/5

  

Review and Author Interview: The Fruit of the Fallen by J.C. Burnham

Dr. James C. Burnham was born in Oklahoma and lived in small, rural towns until his family moved to Northern California at the age of nine. He was said to have a Huckleberry Finn childhood. His backyard was the Sacramento River where he fished and swam at leisure. As a teen he left the Sacramento Valley to attend a private boarding school just north of San Francisco where he was encouraged to develop his talent for writing. He later graduated from Pacific Union College with a degree in music, and after moving to Southern California, completed a master's degree in school counseling and doctorate in education with an emphasis in learning psychology. Dr. Burnham currently lives and teaches in Riverside,California. 

When an infant is thrust into the arms of Dr. Jonathan Keats by a dying nun, he finds himself accused of murder. His search to identify the child carries him to Europe and to a secret religious society who reveals a prophecy of unimaginable proportions.Serenity D'Evele has always known she was different. When she begins hearing strange voices call to her in her dreams and is attacked by an evil creature, she is forced to consider a frightening possibility. Little does she know that the very love she turns to for help could destroy all she holds dear, and their every action, every decision, could decide the fate of the world.

                          *A copy of this novel was provided by the author for review purposes*
My Review: I really enjoyed this novel and going on Serenity's journey and also Jonathan's. I loved some of the characters in the novel and the details and how everything was played out.
      First, let's talk about the characters. Serenity was a 15 year old teenage girl who was trying to figure out who and what she really was. She wasn't a kick butt heroine which is what all YA novels that are coming out  seem to have, but she wasn't whiny all the time which I liked. Sometimes I though it could have given more of her feelings but since it is told in 3rd person, I can understand why the author didn't. Jonathan was a likable character but sometimes her got really uber annoying. I felt like he was a 2 year old whining for his mother. I know why he was whining but I am not going to tell you because of a spoiler but he was whining all the time.
   Next, let's talk about the plot. The plot of the book was very... interesting and unique. Alot of YA these days is dystopian, fantasy and one or two other things but this, well, I don't know if I would classify it as paranormal or what. Serenity was amazing at being independent and not depending on everyone when she needed something, important or not.
    My overall thoughts of the book are definitely that I will be picking up the next book in the trilogy and that it was very unique. At some points it would get confusing with Jonathan and the writing style sometimes confused me on details and dialogue like who was talking. Other than that it was very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend for you to pick it up. This novel is self published through Xlibris and I will give you guys a couple of links to where to purchase it: Barnes & Noble or The Fruit of the Fallen.

Review: Entwined by Heather Dixon

Published: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Harpercollins
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Page Count: 282
Synopsis: Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

Review: When I turned on my Nook to start reading this, I though I was going into a magical world with ballgowns and lots of other princess like things, and I did. It wasn't your normal princess story though. It was dark in some parts but surprisingly held my attention.
      I have to say what I didnt't like and that was that the pacing was so slow and it took me almost five days to get through this book so I got behind in my reading. The last probably fifty pages were definitetly the best and I felt that at least one hundred pages probably could've been cut out of this book. I would still recommend it but it definitely was not my favorite novel. This was a standalone book which was a nice break from reading huge series and I felt like this could've turned into a duology with all that happened in this book. My favorite character was probably Bramble because she was so dang spunky and had a good humor. I am NOT trying to bash this book or the author in any way. It just wasn't the best book in my opinion.

                                                                         3/5

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Published: December 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Format: Ebook
Page Count: 252

Synopsis: 
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.



Review: Let me just start off by saying that this book is not your average romance. I loved the idea that a high school girl could play football and better, be the quarterback. It just shows that because football is a male dominant sport, girls can play too. I loved the characters like Jordan, JJ, Carter, and OMG HENRY!
I felt that Miranda did a great job with them and I felt that I was there with them rather them reading about them which I find kinda rare in contemporary these days. The only thing that really brought this down on my rating scale was that when they were at the football games, they talked about some moves and me not being a football fan, didn't quite understand them so I was a bit confused at points I felt I shouldn't have been left out of.
      I felt that Catching Jordan was a phanominal debut and I can't wait to read Miranda's next novel, Stealing Parker, which is about baseball. I actually like baseball! I can't wait to be sucked into another person's life.

                                                           4/5
*This counted in my Completely Contemp Challenge hosted by Chick Loves Lit and my Ebook Challenge*