The Name of the Star
By Maureen Johnson
3.5 out of 5
Rory is a Louisiana girl who, due to parents work transfers, is now going to school in London, England. Rory is a complete outsider, but she soon befriends her roommate Jazza, and the cute prefect Jerome. And then the murders start. Exact replicas to the Jack the Ripper murders, but it couldn't be Jack, could it? After a severe choking experience, Rory starts seeing people no one else can: ghosts. Is it possible that Jack the Ripper's ghost is on the prowl and recreating his own killings? And if he is, how do you kill a ghost?
Really good and really interesting. I didn't really know what was going on until about half way through the book, but I feel like in a good ghost story, you're not supposed to know what is going on. I liked all the characters, especially Jazza and Jerome, and it made me really interested in the story of Jack the Ripper. Being American, the story of Jack the Ripper is not as well known as it is in England, so it was cool to read about something unfamiliar. Also, I felt that I could relate to the book because like Rory, I am also living at school, away from everything I have ever known. I understood Rory's reservations and nervousness, and I liked the way she dealt with it and put herself out there. All in all, a very cool book, with suspense, and moments of humor, and a little bit of teenage snogging. It did seem to end on a bit of an abrupt note, so I am wondering if it could become a series, or if a sequel is planned.
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
By Melissa Jensen
3.5 out of 5
Ella Marino has survived two years of high school with her bottom of the social hierarchy position and her unrequited love for her schools founder, Edward Willing, who has been dead for 100 years. Ella understands that she doesn't have a chance with Edward, him being dead and all, but to her, Edward seems to be the perfect man. In the real world, Alex Bainbridge is the one who holds Ella's affections, but he is dating the psycho bitch, Amanda. But things are never all they seem, and everything is about to change. Alex is tasked with tutoring Ella in French, and Ella is tasked with researching Edward Willing for her thesis paper. Will feelings and relationships change due to all of this alone time?? God we sure hope so :))
A cute book, with a great story about a young girl growing into her own skin, literally. The story of Ella is charming, but in a predictable kind of way. The quiet girl who has no self confidence, snags the high school hottie, who turns out to be a great guy and not some airhead dick. Of course the girl has the two best friends, who help her through every struggle and feel that she is way better than the hottie who has stolen her heart.
But having said all this, I still adored the book, and I squealed with joy whenever Ella and Alex had their cute romantic moments. Such a cute chick flick, and it was a perfect escape from an emotional rollercoaster of the first month of college.
Room
By Emma Donoghue
3.5 out of 5
Jack has just turned five and that is now his favorite number. In the morning Ma makes him breakfast, and then they shower and run laps around the bed, then they watch tv, but not too much. Then at night, Jack has to stay in the closet, while Old Nick comes and makes the bed squeak with Ma. Jack and Ma are living in Room, and it is all that Jack has ever known. Ma was kidnapped seven years ago and she has been held captive in a metal shed ever since. Jack has never been in the Outside world, but if all works out, he will be in the Outside soon enough.
Definitely a very different book, than anything I had ever read, and it was such a different story from anything else. the story line is amazing, and it was really unique to take the story from the point of view of the child, and Jack has such a fresh perspective on everything we have ever heard from the news. Because the story is a serious topic, and really is an adult book, so Jack's perspective is something completely different from what is typically going on in our minds. Really a very interesting book, and it is thought provoking in a way that is good for everyone, from time to time.
The Distance Between Us
By Kasie West
4.5 out of 5
Caymen Meyers works at her mom's doll shop, and sells dolls to the rich on a daily basis. She doesn't enjoy it, but Caymen understands their financial situation and she isn't making any vocal complaints. Xander Spence is a pretty rich boy who comes into her store to buy a doll for his grandmother. Xander is charming, and very rich, but Caymen has spent her entire life not trusting rich people, why would Xander be any different? Together they strike up an unlikely friendship, that could be leading to more than just some laughs, but things keep getting in the way. Can Caymen learn to trust Xander, or will he turn out to be like every other rich snob she's ever known?
This book is so cute, it was the perfect end of summer read. Light and easy, it was relaxing and a quick read. I really liked Caymen, she is really sarcastic, but I love sarcasm and I found her really funny and relatable. And of course, who wouldn't love Xander? He is dreamy and charming and he has a great smile. Their story is adorable and I only wish that there was more of it.
In my opinion the book ends kind of abruptly. There are so many things that are left unsaid that I feel should be answered. What's going to happen to Caymen's mom and the store. Will Sean and Vivian be a part of Caymen's life now? Will they pay for college? What happens next with Xander and Caymen? I'm calling for a sequel because I want to know what happens!
P.S. I don't understand the cover photo, at no time during the entire book, does Caymen wear a pink dress. She wears a black dress, but no pink.
Pandemonium (Delirium #2)
By Lauren Oliver
4 out of 5
This book is written in two story lines that are delivered in alternating chapters.
Lena has made it into the Wilds, but that doesn't mean that her struggles are over. Far from it. Lena makes it to one of the resistance homesteads and joins the resistance. There she has to lug water and help the group survive the hard and cold winter that is quickly approaching.
Lena is part of the resistance living in New York City with Raven and Tack, two fellow resisters she met at the homestead. Her mission, to learn as much as possible about Julian Fineman: the son of the nations leader for the pro-cure movement. But Lena's about to get a lot closer than she ever thought. When Julian and Lena both get captured and thrown into a cell together, who knows what is going to happen.
Very good. The going back and forth was confusing in the beginning a little bit. The book alternates between present Lena in the resistance, and past Lena in the Wilds, which get a little confusing because Lena makes references to things that haven't been explained yet, but I did like both sides of the story. I liked the present Lena chapters better though because there was more action and more character development. It was kind of like you knew that this was the important part of the story, so more time had been spent on those sections than on the other sections. And the ending! Wow! I liked it, but all I can say is, ITS NOT FAIR ITS NOT FAIR ITS NOT FAIR ITS NOT FAIR ITS NOT FAIR ITS NOT FAIR.
Needless to say, I need to get my hands on Requiem as soon as possible, because I do not approve of cliff hangers, EVER.
Awakening (Hope Trilogy #1)
By Lauren Ashley
3.5 out of 5
Emma Hope is a normal teenage girl, living her life quietly without any drama or mystery. If only this were true. When a new student comes to school, and has his sights set on Emma, things begin to change very quickly. But Connor's not into Emma for her looks, he's interested because she is a descendant of a godlike being known as the El-ahren. With this realization, Emma is thrust into danger, and she has no choice but to comply to her new life. With a small group of loyal protectors, Emma must leave everything she has ever known, and begin a journey that will awaken her powers and fulfill her destiny, no matter the costs.
This book was definitely a good read. I don't think I've ever read anything like this. Lauren Ashley's story is completely original, and it is exciting to read such a fresh idea.
In the beginning, Emma is such an introvert, that it kind of makes me uncomfortable. I think that I am kind of an introvert, but Emma is so extreme I didn't know how to deal with her. But then the craziness which is Connor comes along. I really liked that part of the story, because it was so unexpected and it really gave me an idea of what this book was going to be like. And then of course the truth comes out. If I were Emma, I would have asked more questions and I would have voiced my opinions about the whole thing, but I guess that she is an introvert, so she wouldn't have done that.
Then Jordan shows up. From what I've gleaned from the story, Jordan and Emma were just friends before he left? (Correct me if I'm wrong) And Emma thought that they were heading towards a relationship before his unexpected disappearing act. And then he shows up again, and she is furious--as she should be. In my opinion, Emma lets Jordan off too easily. And then suddenly they are a hot and heavy couple. What? That was quiet a turn of emotions. Speaking of this relationship, I don't feel that they are dating. From what is in the book, all they do is make out. That one night when Emma is nervous, and she goes to Jordan's room, she doesn't talk to him about her feelings, she just kisses him to make herself fee better. That is not a relationship, that is a traveling hook-up. But if they're both good with it, whatever.
I don't know if I trust Sebastian and Griffin. They kept doing things that seemed shady to me. I will just have to see what happens.
All in all, it was a good book, and I'm glad I read it. It was action packed, with plenty of twists and some heartbreaking scenes. And of course, the ending leaves you dying to know what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Because it is My Blood (Birthright #2)
By Gabrielle Zevin
4 out of 5
Anya Balachine is released from Liberty, but that doesn't mean that her problems are over. She has been expelled from Trinity, so she has to find a new high school to go to for her senior year. Her best friend, Scarlet, seems to be getting far too cozy with the awful Gable Arsley, and maybe the worst thing, Win has a new girlfriend. Annie feels that she is all alone, and the family is looking to her for direction. Annie doesn't know what to do, but luckily she doesn't have to worry for long because Charles Delacroix seems to still have it out for her, and before long, Anya finds herself back in prison. But not for long, Annie manages to escape, and has to go into hiding for a period of time. What will happen to Natty while Anya is away? And what of the chocolate? Who will try and take power while Annie is out of the picture? And maybe, they want to make Annie's disappearance more permanent? Anya Balachine has plenty to do, and she has almost no time to do it.
There is so much action in this book, I was never bored. I like Anya and I feel her very relatable even though her life is so different from mine. She is an amazing young girl, who has so much on her plate and she deals with all of it so well. Yes she makes mistakes, but she is smart enough not to let one mistake her ruin all of her plans. She is strong and independent but she does love Win and they really are so cute together. If there I was one thing I would change, is that I would add more scenes of Win and Annie alone. Everything was so business, business, business, that sometimes, I forgot that she had a boyfriend. Crazy twists in the story, and I can't wait to see what will happen next!
