Review: Glimpse - Carol Lynch Williams

Where I got it: ARC from my collection(swapped)
Rating:  4 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (*gasp* amazing)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: June 22, 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Page Count: 486 p.

Lizzie and Hope were sisters, and with only a year between them they were also best friends. One day their Momma told them that they were to look out for each other, that was their job. But when Hope walks and and sees her dear sister with a gun pointed to her face, Hope doesn't know what to do. Lizzie get sent to a hospital and the doctors set to work in order to find out what would make Lizzie want to kill herself. While Lizzie is in the hospital, Hope sets out to search her memories of how her sister became so unhappy. As she glimpses through her past she starts to reaize that some secrets aren't best kept.

This book was so depressing. Dead kittens and suicide attempts. Two things that really make your bottom lip stick out and quiver. I enjoyed the southern setting of this novel, it made it a little more intense as opposed to them living in a big city. Each of the characters play their parts so well and as the story progresses you start to really feel for Hope and Lizzie. This is another novel in prose poetry, which I really just love because it seems to put just the right words together to craft the tale. With so few words used each must be carefully picked or else the novel will fall short. Carol Lynch Williams(hereon refered to as CLW*hehe*) succeeded admirably in making this novel very real. CLW writes on a topic most people don't face everyday and she tells it with a young, true, heartfelt voice. If you don't mind reading super depressing books this is certainly a great read, so well-written. I have not, as of yet, read The Chosen One, but I certainly will now. CLW is an author to look out for and I hope there are more gut-wrenching novels to come. This review had to be very general, as I did not want to spoil even one page to the readers.

First Line:
"In one moment
it is over." 

Favorite Line:
"The clothes are way 
in the bottom, in something
that looks like
melted ice cream
and wilted lettuce."

Review: Would You - Marthe Jocelyn

Where I got it: Inter-library
Rating:  2.5 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (Interesting and story relevant.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: July 8, 2008
Publisher:  Wendy Lamb Books
Page Count: 165 p.

Natalie is forever hanging onto her older sister Claire. At times they can be the best of friends, even though Claire is older and has her own friends. One night changes a lot of things. When Claire is in an accident things start to look different from Natalie's point of view. Her friends game of Would You Rather? takes on a different feel as they try to figure out how to cope.

I didn't love this main character. The whole time I really wanted to feel bad or her having to go through all these things, but I just couldn't. At one point Natalie's father cries and she is completely insensitive saying he shouldn't be able to cry. Natalie did not strike me as a sixteen year old. Her and her friends seemed 12 or 13 not almost high school juniors. I liked the Would You Rather? question but that was just about it. I didn't really seem like Natalie was all that upset about her sister, so how could I as the reader be? Natalie was just very juvenile and insensitive, maybe she was in shock, but all in all I didn't like her or her story.

First Lines:
"Would you rather know what's going to happen? Or not know?"

Favorite Lines:
"Picture of neglect. Plenty of dust bunnies. Dust antelopes, actually."

Review: The Julian Game - Adele Griffin

Where I got it: Princess Bookie's Around the World Tours
Rating:  2 stars
Cover Rating: 4.5 stars (Pretty excellent looking, the only bad thing is the wig is clearly photo-shopped.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: August 26, 2010
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Page Count: 201 p.

Raye Archer is trying to be popular after transferring to an all-girl school full of already formed relationships.  They have all been going to the same school together since...forever. Raye finds a friend in Natalya a fellow outcast of the school. Together they create a fake profile on facebook for a girl they deem Elizabeth. Elizabeth sits dormant for awhile, after that initial development, but when one of the popular girls, Ella, seeks revenge Elizabeth might be just what she needs. Elizabeth seems to get Julian, the very hot boy from the near-by all boys school, into a lot of trouble when they lure him to a party. Raye feels bad and wants to confess, so she confronts Julian who seems to be interested in her despite what happened. As the school year continues though, sabotage and taunting seem to be high on the list of things to do for Ella's crowd and Raye is the perfect target.

I kept reading this book waiting for it to get better. It didn't. I just kept waiting and waiting for something, anything to happen. The book sets up all these nice plot lines that could be quite viciously executed by the characters, but instead nothing happens. From the cover and the book tag line on the back cover("The blue wig was supposed to win Julian's heart...not wreck the game") I was expecting a much more action-driven plot line. This book was a big disappointment for me. The characters' emotions were also lacking, it was a case of telling not showing. No one really seemed that driven by their own emotions at all and no one ever seemed to feel that much. Everyone was just walking around in Bland City. Another thing that I didn't really enjoy was the dialogue. The characters were not that witty, yet sometimes when they spoke they were full of wit and cunning turns of phrase. The dialogue was just too inauthentic for me to believe these kids were real people. All in all I can honestly say this book wasn't that good. It was a very short read but had me dragging my feet waiting for the climax that never came.

First Line: 
"'This is the craziest idea you ever had,' said Natalya."

Favorite Line:
"'She said you had a shrine to me, but I didn't believe it.'"

Review: The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

Where I got it: Library
Rating:  4.5 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (Hauntingly beautiful)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 327 p.

Violet has an odd gift. She has the ability to sense imprints of the dead. The only person outside of her family to know of her ability is her best friend Jay. Over the summer Jay grew up and now Violet is awakening to feelings that she didn't have before. When she finds a body in the lake this spawns a new hunt for the killer at large. More and more girls go missing and Jay and Violet spend more time together , so he can "protect" her. But, when Violet decides to try and seek out the killer using her abilities she puts herself in more danger than she realizes.

*claps very enthusiastically for Kimberly Derting* Wow, I didn't think this book would live up to it's hype. Boy was I surprised. The only part that troubled me is the time period that this book takes place. In the beginning it's really confusing and I wasn't sure if it was summer or the school year or what. This was a fantastic read. I have not read anything with such a great mystery and such steamy(and I mean steamy) romance. If you have not picked this up yet, do yourself a favor and read it soon. Violet's ability was unique and well described, and it was fantastic how she could use it. This whole book was really fascinating. The novel progressed with a couple of chapters in third person following Violet and then a chapter from the killer's point of view. The only way you'll be able to put this book down is if you stop before page 20. Once I read the first chapter from the killer's point of view I was complete enthralled. And the romance, whew... very hot, I'm impressed that considering how (relatively) tame the actual romance was it was hot. One thing that did creep me out, and had me wondering if it was intentional or not was Jay. He just seemed really intense, emotion-wise, all of a sudden. All in all I will definitely be purchasing my own copy of this book and probably a copy or two for my friends. I can't wait to see what Kimberly will write for us next!

First Line:
"Violet Ambrose wandered away from the safety of her father as she listened to the harmony of sounds weaving delicately around her."

Favorite Line:
"She had the strangest sensation of garlic in the back of her mouth...it was pungent and thick, and nearly overpowering."

Review: Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

Where I got it: Library
Rating:  4 stars
Cover Rating: 4.5 stars (I like it, but the model looks kind of old)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Page Count: 336 p.

Sophie Mercer is a witch raised by a human. She has little to no contact with her father who is the one to pass the trait on to her. After many, many mishaps with magic, her father has her sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for witches, faeries, shape-shifters and the like. She doesn't do too well there from day one, between boarding with a vamp, pissing off the three head witches and semester-long detention Sophie has her hands full. She enlists the help of a ghost/witch(who really has sought her out) and begins training to be a better witch. When a murderer is named among the students Sophie knows she has to get to the bottom of what's really going on and who her father really is. Sophie doesn't know who to trust when so many new discoveries lead her to believe that everyone could be guilty.

First things first, I could never be friends with Sophie. She has such an attitude, I can't even believe it. I did enjoy the book though. it had enough twists an turns to keep me guessing but not too many so that I got lost. This was a really fun read and perfect for the approaching summer(as long as you don't mind reading about school). I loved the magic that was portrayed in this novel and all the little clicks between the different prodigum. I'm glad with the way things turned out, although there are plenty of cliffhangers that leave me craving the next installment. I do wish Sophie was less obnoxious, but some people are just that way and can't help it. The romance in this was quite entertaining as well as steamy. This is certainly a book for the beach, so make sure you pick up a copy.

First Lines:
"Felicia Miller was crying in the bathroom. Again."


Favorite Lines:
"I stared at them. Had that been their sales pitch? look! we're really scay. Come be scary too!"

Review: Because I Am Furniture - Thalia Chaltas

Where I got it: Library
Rating:  3.5 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (Interesting, I like the cut-out)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: April 16, 2009
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Page Count: 368 p.

Anke's father abuses her brother and sister, but he never touches her. Behind his back Anke tries out for volley ball at school. She makes the team and learns volleyball along with many other things. She learns how to step up and be heard. She learns it's up to her to make her father stop.

This was a very fast read since it was written in prose poetry. It was a tale of such horribly epic proportions, but offered hopeful empowerment. I enjoyed the little snippets of volleyball a lot. It reminded me of when I played in high school and how thrilling it was and how pumped you could get. Anke feels jealous that her father chooses to abuse her siblings, because at least they get his attention. This is an emotion that is completely justified, though a little strange from the outside looking in. This book was heartbreaking but has such a powerful message that may help people in similar situations. Sometimes it's easy to loose hope and you will to be heard. This book tells of how Anke finds the voice she needs to make sure she's not just another piece of furniture.

First Line:
"I am always there."

Favorite Line:
"I grimace guilty apologies."

Review: Emily the Strange: the Lost Days - Rob Reger and Jessica Gruner

Where I got it: My collection
Rating:  4 stars
Cover Rating: 3 stars (It is in true Emily fashion, but nothing unique.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: June 2, 2009
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Page Count: 266 p.
A girl wakes up on a park bench in a dusty beige town. She doesn't know her name, she doesn't know where she is and she certainly doesn't know how or why she got there. All she knows is that she is a girl, she has a slingshot, a notebook and a pencil; she has a mystery to solve. When things start to get stranger and stranger in this town she finds that she even more desperately must figure out who she is. A traveling caravan brings a boy who can read her mind, but he doesn't know anymore than she does. After getting fine after fine for ridiculous things that are supposed law breaking,  she might finally be able to go home... or maybe she's been mistaken as someone else.

You either love Emily the Strange or you don't. There is no shame either way. Emily is a strange little girl after all. I do like the cats that she befriends and how they lead her places. This book kept me guessing about many things, while other things seemed more obvious. It was a great little mystery and I am definitely looking forward to picking up the next novel in this series. I tend to enjoy graphic novels, it's fun to see pictures accompanying stories, gives my eyes a rest from words. I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a graphic novel but it's very similar, with the text occasionally meshing in with the illustrations. If you haven't read an Emily the Strange I suggest to pick up a copy of this from your library, you might just get hooked on the strange little girl named Emily (even if she can't recall who she is).


First Line:
"I think I better take some notes, cuz something super strange is happening to me, and I don't know
1. my name
2. anyone else's name
3. where I am
4. how I got here
5. where I live
6. how old I am (am I a kid or just short?)
7. anything I've done since I was born
8. whether I'm a cat person or a dog person
9. whether I actually believe people are either cat people or dog people
10. what might have been written on the eleven pages that were torn out of this notebook
11. why this happened to me
12 how long it's going to last, or
13. what I should do next."
 
Favorite Line:
"It appears as though I was am a rich, popular, well-dressed girl who keeps a neat bedroom and wins trophies at everything she does."

Review: Girl Goddess #9 - Francesca Lia Block

Where I got it: My collection
Rating:  3.5 stars
Cover Rating: 3.5 stars (interesting, but looks poorly done.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 28, 1998
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 181 p.


Nine stories about girls who are lost in the world but find themselves as goddesses. Not in the literal meaning of Goddess, but they find that each of them are wonderful in their own way and they each have a place in the world.


This book is full of short stories about being a girl. Every type of girl. From a small girl that doesn't want to grow up, to girls that run a zine. Another great work for young girls by Francesca Lia Block. When I was introduced to her books, back when I first started reading YA, I couldn't get enough of her. She sends such a positive message in such a beautiful magical way. I love the way she uses words to craft her scenery. I enjoy this book, maybe a little less than I did when I was younger and still awakening within myself but I still appreciate it. I recommend this to any teenage girl that could use a little encouragement about being a girl.


First Line:
"In the morning, her mother helped her put on the bathing suit with the cartoon baby bird on it."


Favorite Line:
"I think about Raven and how nothing did, except that thing I said that day, and I wish more things had made her cry and I wish I could have swum just once in the sea if her mermaid tears where all the rockstars should have drowned."

Review: Smells Like Dog - Suzanne Selfors

Where I got it: ARC from Little, Brown and Co.
Rating:  4.5 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (It looks a little too silly)
Genre: Middle Grade
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 357 p.

Homer W. Pudding wants to be a treasure hunter like his uncle. His dad thinks he should work on being a goat farmer so he can take over the family farm. When his uncle mysteriously disappears, Homer is determined to find out how such a thing could happen. When Homer gets a dog delivered to him which was his uncle's "most treasured possession," he doesn't know what to do. That is until he finds a coin on the dog's collar. When his sister Gwendolyn asks him to runaway to the city with her, Homer thinks it's a chance to get some answers. He'll get answers alright, more than he bargained for.

This book was quite delightful. Treasure hunters and villains; in general a quirky cast of characters make up this story. I loved the idea of a kid who wants to be a treasure hunter and has an uncle who does just that. Homer is a like-able character in a too-small town. This book will be a big hit with kids who enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society and Pseudonymous Bosch's books. I hope there is a next installment soon to come of Homer's outrageous adventures. This book made me laugh, bite my nails and try to figure out how to get Homer out of sticky situations. A great book for kids, teens and adults alike.

First Line:
"Dear Reader,
The following story is a dog story, but it is not, I repeat, NOT, a sad dog story." 

Favorite Line:
"In a library, people who don't read are considered to be the weird ones."

Review: Ship Breaker - Paolo Bacigalupi

Where I got it: ARC from Little, Brown and Co.
Rating:  4.5 stars
Cover Rating: 3.5 stars (I really love the cover and how it looks like the side of an old ship, but I would not have picked this up because it looks like a boy book.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 323 p.

In America's Gulf Coast, ship breakers scavenge useful materials from long dead tankers. Nailer is one such ship breaker who works light crew, scavenging in the smaller spaces for copper wiring and such. When him and his friend Pima spot a Clipper ship ready to be scavenged that think they've gotten lucky. Until Nailer finds a girl inside, trapped, but still alive. He has to make a choice between scavenging her and her ship or hoping she can help him into a better life.

I did not expect to like this book at all. It's set in a sorta futuristic world, but not space-y futuristic more dystopian-y. When I read that Paolo Bacigalupi wrote Sci-fi I was really thinking that this would be a boring read. Boy was I wrong though. I loved this book. The setting was amazing and unique. I loved the loyalties portrayed and the survivalist instinct set into the characters. The characters all seemed so real and I just loved it. Paolo Bacigalupi won me over within the first few pages. No one was extraordinary (other than the half-men[part dog, tiger and human]). This novel certainly had it's slow parts but it had a lot of moments where I just didn't want to stop reading. This book will greatly appeal to boys and possibly even girls, who are looking for a gritty adventure story that takes them through a decrepit southern U.S. This was a very exciting book and I recommend it to anyone who loves reading and adventure. There's a hint of romance but nothing to turn you away from the high-action of the novel. Nailer was such an excellent realistic character who had me holding my breath and rooting for him all the way. This book CAN NOT be missed. A library is not complete without this novel, so buy it yourself or ask your YA librarian to add it to the collection.

First Line: 
"Nailer clambered through a service duct, tugging at copper wire and yanking it free."

Favorite Line:
"If he'd been down in there, he would have been nothing but a fine spray."

Waiting on Wednesday #25

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! 


This weeks Waiting on Wednesday is House of Dolls - Francesca Lia Block.


In a little house from another time, with lace curtains in every window and paintings hung in gold doily frames, Wildflower, Rockstar, and Miss Selene live a warm and cozy life. They wear fancy dresses, bake play-dough cakes, and spend their days enjoying one another's company.
For the three dolls, life is small but good.
But life is not good for Madison Blackberry, the owner of the dollhouse. Her grandmother pays more attention to the dolls than to her. The dolls have one another, but she is lonely in her big, empty apartment.
Then one day, as things always do—even for dolls—everything changes. 

This should be a fun little read. It's a middle grade novel and only 80 pages, so hopefully it will be good. Release date is June 1st 2010. You can pre-order it here.

Review: Keeper - Kathi Appelt

Where I got it: ARC for review from Simon & Schuster
Rating:  4.5 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (Very attractive)
Genre: Middle Grade
Publication Date: May 18, 2010
Publisher: Atheneum
Page Count: 403 p.

Everyone is mad at Keeper. Keeper is mad at those stupid, stupid crabs that got her into this mess. Today was the Blue Moon day and everything was supposed to be perfect. Signe's Crab Gumbo, Dogie's two-word song to Signe and Mr. Beauchamp's night-blooming plants. But, those stupid crabs, spoke to Keeper and convinced her to release them back into the Gulf of Mexico. Since she did that everything else has gone wrong. She broke Signe's favorite bowl, BD, her dog, broke Mr. Beauchamp's flowerpots and now everyone is mad at her. If only she could find her mom Meggie Marie, a mermaid, then maybe she could make things right. Keeper decides to go to the last place she saw her mother, the sandbar. However, Keeper doesn't realize just how strong the sea can be even when you offer gifts to Yemaya, the mother mermaid of the sea.

I really enjoyed this story. Kathi Appelt has a way with words. This story was magical and lyrical reminiscent of Weetzie Bat.  I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and being able to see the story from each of their points of view.  I thought it would be confusing to have the story constantly switching between characters but Appelt pulled it off flawlessly.  This was an enjoyable story about love and loss and growing up. Keeper had to come to realize a lot of harsh things and at parts this book was very depressing; but then you remembered how happy the little family by the sea is and everything seemed better.  This story was told in short chapters and sparse, though lovely, illustrations. I loved how she seamlessly brought together myths and real-life, interlacing them through each other to crafts an intricate yet, realistic childhood. Though, Keeper's world is not completely set firmly in reality, it also isn't completely mythological either. Appelt lets Keeper rest in this in-between world that makes you wonder if maybe there isn't a little magic surrounding us all.

First Line:
"Keeper leaned over the edge of the boat."

Favorite Lines:
" Jack wrapped his own fingers between Henri's. One wish, granted."

Review: The Prince of Mist - Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Where I got it: ARC for review from Little, Brown and Co
Rating:  3.5 stars
Cover Rating: 3 stars (I don't know that I'd necessarily pick this book up.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 4, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 200 p.


During wartime a father picks up his family to move out of the city and onto the sea coast. Once there, however, strange things start happening to some of them. A cat that shoots daggers with its eyes is adopted by the youngest child, the son notices the hands on the clock moving backwards, and the eldest daughter is simply in a slump. When the son, Max, meets a boy from town named Roland he gets a tour of the town and an invitation to go diving on some old boat wreckage. Max sensing his eldest sister's, Alicia, melancholy invites her along when he goes to visit Roland. When Roland tells of tales relating to the Prince of Mist, Max knows that it has something to do with the statue garden and the tapes he has found. He knows he needs help if he is going to figure out what is going on and stop it before it's too late.

I wish I could read this in it's original text, theoretically I can, and probably will. I feel like there were parts that just didn't translate well, because the story will be going along and then all of a sudden the writing seems a little off. Maybe that is how it was written but, until I read the original I can not be sure. Otherwise this was a very creepy, creepy novel. I made the mistake of reading this before going to bed. Big mistake. This story contains the spooky Prince of Mist, clowns(eek), statues that move only slightly, graveyards and underwater sunken ships. All these things make me stay up all night to finish the book hoping that once it's done I won't have nightmares. If you don't enjoy reading scary stories, and any of the above things creep you out, don't read this book. If you don't mind something a little spooky please pick this up it was a wonderful story. It's set in 1943 so it's got a nice historical fiction feel, without reading like your history book for school. The history lies within the characters actions and the way they use their words. Although some things seem out of place, I can't say for certain since I a.) didn't live in 1943 and b.) am not quite sure where this takes place, but it probably isn't New Hampshire. Also really enjoyable was the unconventional ending, I don't want to ruin it, but I appreciated it fully for not ending like you might expect. I certainly enjoy this novel and will pick up Carlos Ruiz Zafón's other young adult novels, should he write any more. I also look forward to reading this in it's original Spanish. If anyone here has read it in it's original and reviewed it please leave a link to your review below. As for the rest of you, go out and pick this book up it was well written and a pleasure to read.

First Line:
"Max would never forget that faraway summer when, almost by chance, he discovered magic."
 
Favorite Line: 
"Alicia woke shortly after sunrise to find two amber eyes staring intently at her from the window."

In My Mailbox #41

In My Mailbox brought to you by The Story Siren

Bought/Swapped:

Tempo Change - Barbara Hall

The Daughters - Joanna Philbin

Violet In Private - Melissa Walker

Dreams of the Dead - Thomas Randall

Rose Sees Red - Cecil Castellucci

Tenth Grade Bleeds - Heather Brewer

Eleventh Grade Burns - Heather Brewer

The Dead & The Gone - Susan Beth Pfeffer

The Lost Summer - Kathryn Williams

Happyface - Stephen Emond

Thirteen Days to Midnight - Patrick Carman

Glimpse - Carol Lynch Williams

Won: Librarything

Beautiful Malice - Rebecca James

Also, a used book store opened on my street so these are some other books I bought there.

The Thief Lord - Cornelia Funke

Faerie Wars - Herbie Brennan

The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.K. Rowling

House of Dark Shadows - Robert Liparulo

Watcher in the Woods - Robert Liparulo

When I got home I noticed that both of the Robert Liparulo books had signed book plates in them, so that was pretty awesome.

So that's what I pulled in this week, what did you all get?

Waiting on Wednesday #24

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!


Not your everyday coming-of-age novel
This story was supposed to be about Evie how she hasn't made a friend in years, how she tends to stretch the truth (especially about her so-called relationship with college drop-out Jonah Luks), and how she finally comes into her own once she learns to just be herself but it isn't. Because when her classmate Elizabeth 'Zabet' McCabe's murdered body is found in the woods, everything changes and Evie's life is never the same again.
 
 
Sounds very interesting and it comes out June 16th and you can pre-order it here.

In My Mailbox #40

In My Mailbox brought to you by The Story Siren

 Bought/Swapped: This is for last week too
Wake - Lisa McMann
Fade - Lisa McMann
Gone - Lisa McMann
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You - Peter Cameron
Anatomy of a Boyfriend - Daria Snadowsky
Heist Society - Ally Carter
My Name is Memory - Ann Brashares
Mexican High - Liza Monroy
Eight Grade Bites - Heather Brewer
Ninth Grade Slays - Heather Brewer
Fragile Eternity - Melissa Marr
Inside Out - Maria V. Snyder
A Certain Slant of Light - Laura Whitcomb
My Invisible Boyfriend - Susie Day
The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman (My Review)
Ghost Huntress: The Awakening - Marley Gibson
The Reformed Vampire Support Group - Catherine Jinks
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis 2 - Marjane Satrapi
Girl, 15, Charming But Insane - Sue Limb

 What did you all get this week?

Waiting On Wednesday #23

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine!

An enchanting tale by Christoper Golden about a teenager who wakes from a coma and slowly comes to realize that she is Sleeping Beauty of fairy tales. 
In present day New York, Rose wakes from a coma with no memory, and only her two aunts to care for her. But how long has she REALLY been asleep, and what secret past are her aunts hiding from her?

This one sounds so good and I really like this cover. I will certainly be checking this one out in September.



Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Teaser Tuesday #28

This week's Teaser Tuesday is from
Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

(page: 106 + 107)

"If you can manage to get detention tomorrow, you'll be like, legendary. By Jenna's definition, it took me a week and a half to become legendary."


Teaser Tuesday is brought to us by Should be Reading.
Rules:
1) Grab your current read
2) Open to a random page
3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4) BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Review: Green Witch - Alice Hoffman

Where I got it: Inter-library Loan
Rating:  4.5 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (again, I love how her front cover and back cover tie in together.)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Page Count: 144 p.

Green has survived, even after her family perishes in a vicious attack by the Horde. She becomes sort of a witch, able to have her garden grow overnight. Green sets out to collect the stories she really wants from the Enchanted ones(others call them witches), that each have their own story to tell, much like Green. Green is the keeper of people's stories. She makes her own paper, unique for each person, then she writes down each of their stories. This is Green's story and how she journeyed to find the one who can give your true love desires.

I really enjoyed this sequel to Green Angel (my review). Alice Hoffman crafts another beautiful tale about the young girl known as Green. Now Green has grown up, not in age, but within herself. She has grown to accept the new world that she is in. If you enjoyed Green Angel than this is definitely a book you must pick up. If you haven't read it you should try it. They are both quick, thoughtful, lyrical reads and you should not be disappointed. I loved following Green on her journey to self-realization and a renewed sense of happiness. This was a very encouraging and touching novel that explores what it means to lose someone and find yourself from the piece that are left.

First Line: "This is what I remembered."

Favorite Line: "Before long, Leaf will only have to whisper and the wisteria will bloom."

Review: Stop in the Name of Pants! and Are these my basoomas I see before me? - Louise Rennison

Where I got it: Library
Rating: 5 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (Lovely)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 19, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 303 p. (with glossary) + 18p. EXTRAS

This one made me cry a bit round the middle parts. When you read it you'll understand. If you don't cry you have no soul.

First Line:
"In my tent of shame."

Favorite Line:
"He reached up to get a can of Coca-Cola from a shelf and momentarily forgot about his elephant jeans and they just fell to his ankles."







Where I got it: Library
Rating: 5 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (I love how busy it is)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: October 6, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 308 p. (with glossary)

Gone are the piggy noses with sellotape and the drawn on freckles. Gone is stalking boys and fits of disco inferno(ish). Gone are the days of Georgia being on the rack of love and gone is Georgia's mates boyfriendlessness. Gone is this whole book series and all my amusingosity. Gone is Georgia immaturosity(ish). So this is le finale book. It's a ver ver sad thing to have happened. I could read these books for decades. She finally makes a good decision but it's very near the end of the book so I don't really get to know what happens next. This is a tragedy. I was recommending you read this series, but I don't know if you can deal with the heartache that comes with having to finish the series and move on. Of course you don't really have to move on you can just reread the series over and over. You really can too, its just as fun the second, third, one hundredth time around.

First Line:
"Why? Oh why oh why?"

Favorite Line:
"They had drawn a massive boy's trouser snake on the playing field with weed killer."

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