Review: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Author: John Boyne
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-385-75153-7/David Fickling Books (Part of Random House)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

In 1942, The Fury has dinner at Bruno's home and it changes his life. Bruno and his family have to move from Berlin to "Out With" because Bruno's father will be the Commandant there. Bruno doesn't have the same view in his new bedroom like he did in Berlin. This time his view is a fence with men and boys dressed in grey striped pajamas.

Being a curious nine year-old, he goes exploring to the fence and finds Shmuel on the other side of the fence. The two boys start an unusual friendship. They don't ever play together like typical boys because of the fence, that neither of them can cross. They just talk, but still Bruno cannot comprehend why Shmeul looks the way he does...small, pale, and skinny.

How will this friendship unravel...will Bruno understand the reasoning for Shmuel being on the other side of the fence???

First off, I don't know if I would label this as a young adult novel. I think it is more for children ages ten to twelve. Don't get me wrong, it is still a great book for others to read. But I would more likely recommend it to that age range.

This book was a little frustrating for me to read because it is written from a young boys point of view. He repeats things over and over again to the point where I thought I read certain pages already, but that is just the style. Bruno was also very naive because he really had no idea what his dad's job was. So, there were certain situations with him and Shmuel where I literally slammed my book down and had to walk away. Shmuel's character really kept the book going for me and I wanted Bruno to understand where Shmuel came from.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas had my emotions all over the place. One second I'm frustrated, the next moment...I'm happy, and then sad, then angry...oh goodness *sigh*. Right after reading this, I would have rated it a 3, but days later I kept thinking about the characters. And if the characters stay with me for so long I have to change the rating.

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

***I really want to watch the movie...so here is the trailer***

Review: Rebel Angels

Title: Rebel Angels
Author: Libba Bray
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-385-73341-0/Delacorte Press (part of Random House)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

We start off book two in the Gemma Doyle series with Gemma, Felicity, and Ann at Spence Academy. But soon, they leave the Academy for a little winter vacation in London to visit their families. Gemma's older brother is late picking her up and she strikes up a conversation with the handsome Simon Middleton. He shows interest in her, but Gemma isn't all that secure with herself since she has this hidden secret no one knows about...except her BFFs.

In London, the girls attend social events for the holiday season with their families, but they also escape into their world of magic. They enter the realms in search for the Temple that is supposed to be the source of the power in the realms. Gemma is told that it is there where she needs to "bind the magic" in order to re-establish the Order as the ruler of the realms.

Their mission in the realms and even in the streets of London becomes dangerous because they have no idea who to trust. The Rakshana keeps following her, a new teacher at the school seems iffy in Gemma's mind, Kartik acts weird around her, and then their is the girl in the insane asylum that talks of the realms.

Does Gemma find love with Simon or does she have feelings for Kartik? Who is she to trust this time around???

Rebel Angels is way more enjoyable than A Great and Terrible Beauty. I love how book two gives more information about The Order and even the Rakshana. We get a better look inside the magic world of the realms. There is more of a mystery this time around and a lot of guessing on who the bad guy is and who are we supposed to trust in this world of Gemma's. Bray also does a great job of weaving in some myths into the story...I love me some mermaid myths...so that was fun to read about : )

In the end, this was a very nice Victorian/Gothic type book and I actually would totally recommend this to my friends and family. The end of this book leaves me wanting more...I sooo want to know what happens next.

My favorite quote...

And for a moment, I understand that I have friends on this lonely path, that sometimes your place is not something you find, but something you have when you need it. Gemma page 547

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Startled By His Furry Shorts

Title: Startled By His Furry Shorts
Author: Louise Rennison
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-085386-0/Harper Teen
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Oh, poor Georgia...she's on the rack of romance. First off, the Sex God is still in Kiwi-a-gogo Land and she won't even say his name. Then, there's Dave the Laugh...her guy pal/occasional snogging buddy who kinda expressed his feeling for her. And now things are a bit uncomfortable with them. Finally, there's the Italian Stallion...Masimo. With this guy, Georgia expressed her feelings for him and said that she wanted a relationship with him. Masimo tells her he needs to think about it...oh the agony for our girl. So, now she can turn to her friends. But hold on...all of them kind of have their own guys. For goodness sakes Rosie is planning a freaking Viking wedding already.

Is young Georgia destined to be an old maid???

Book seven of the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series continues to be funny. I only thought that this one dragged on a little too long. But it's not going to stop me from continuing the rest of the series. Of course, there were a few laugh out loud moments. Even her made up words and phrases are catchy (thank goodness there is a glossary in the back for some words). After seven books, I'm starting to use some of these phrases/words. I can't wait to get to book 8. Hope you guys pick this series up!!!

Favorite Libby moment...
(Libby leaves Georgia's room b/c Gee isn't feeling well & yells at their mom)

Ginger's got a headache. For CHRIST'S SAKE, SHUT UP! page 122

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: A Great and Terrible Beauty

Title: A Great and Terrible Beauty
Author: Libba Bray
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-385-73231-4/Delacorte Press (part of Random House)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

The first book of the series starts off on Gemma Doyle's 16th birthday in India. But Gemma doesn't want to be India. All her life she has always wished to live in London, England and to attend the schools like any other British teen.

Well, a family tragedy strikes and her wish comes true. Gemma is sent to the Spence Academy to learn impeccable manners and the ways to becoming a good wife. But Gemma isn't like any other girl. She knows her mothers real cause of death and this power to see the future. Oh, and young Gemma has this mysterious "guardian" watching her.

At Spence, Gemma befriends some of the popular girls and a girl on scholarship. Gemma feels comfortable enough with these girls to share her secret. And has enough faith in them that she takes them to this whole other magical place to visit her mother.

Will opening up this magical realm lead to problems for Gemma and her friends???

I was so intrigued by Gemma's power to see the future. I felt miserable for her that she had to witness her own mother's death through these "great" powers. And since, she had no idea where these powers were coming from, I really wanted to see her discover the history of it.

This was based in the Victorian Era and it gave readers a glimpse into the life of a teenage girl back then. School was basically training ground for young ladies to become good wives or in Ann's case a good governess.

I'm having such a hard time with this review because there was just something about this book that I had a hard time with. I can't figure out what it is...I felt like it was missing something. I guess it was because I wanted to know more. Thankfully, this is only the first in the series and hopefully things will get better. Any thoughts on this book...book friends???

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers

Title: Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers
Author: Louise Rennison
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-058939-4/HarperTempest
Age Group: Young Adult

***Warning...This may contain spoilers because it part of a series (and it's hard to talk about this book without referring to the previous books in the series)***

The sixth book of the Confessions of the Georgia Nicolson series continues to follow her adventures with her friends, boys, and her crazy family. However, this time around, the Nicolson family take a trip to Hamburger-a-gogo land (aka the USA).

Georgia brings along Jas on the family trip to Memphis (the "clown car" convention is there). Georgia's loony family is all about the cowboys and fun in Tennessee, but Gee wants to find Masimo in Manhattan. According to Georgia's map skills, Masimo is only a few inches away from Memphis...so it'll be easy breezy to get a hold of him.

Will Georgia find her Italian dreamboat???

Rennison does it again. Book number six still had me laughing out loud. (And by the way I guess I really don't care if people look at me while I laugh my butt off in a Starbucks). I really liked how this book took place in America and how we can "see" America through Georgia's eyes. It was extremely hilarious!!!

From the previous books, we know that Georgia's geography/map skills aren't that great. And here is an example...

I leafed through the maps until I got to America and found New York, New York. I said to Jas, "Now, where is Memphis, Memphis?" page 49

On the plus side, Manhattan is only about an eighth of an inch long. page 49

My favorite laugh out loud moment...
In German class, Georgia asks her teacher about characters in their textbook...

Herr Kamyer, did all the Kochs go camping or was it just the little Kochs, and the big Kochs stayed behind? Or was it a mixture of little and big Kochs that came out? page 24

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: A Northern Light

Title: A Northern Light (aka A Gathering Light)
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-15-205310-9/Harcourt
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

A Northern Light is set in the Adirondack Mountains of New York with sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey as the main character. After her mother dies and brother leaves, Mattie is left on the farm with her sisters and dad. Now, she is left with the responsibility of helping out her dad on the farm and keeping a promise to her mother.

Mattie takes a job at the Glenmore to help bring some income for her family. This is where she meets Grace Brown and also where Grace gives her a bunch of letters to burn. But before Mattie can burn them, Grace's dead body is found in the lake. It is through the letters that Mattie learns what really happened to Grace.

The thing is, Mattie was never good at the whole farming/mothering thing. Mattie was good in school and especially writing. She wants to leave for college, but can she pull herself away from the responsibilities she has with her family and follow her dreams???

I picked this book up because it was a group read for Wild Things: YA Grown Up at Goodreads and I thank everyone there that voted for this book. A Northern Light is a wonderful coming-of-age story that actually deals with some tough realistic family issues that can somewhat still be related to today's teenagers...like having to deal with a parent's death (particularly breast cancer), taking care of siblings, and racism. Donnelly also wrote about childbirth and how it isn't pretty, but the result can be wonderful.

And probably my favorite, favorite, favorite part of the novel was Mattie's love for learning and words. I found myself loving the story as a whole, but I really looked forward to Mattie's word of the day and her duals with Weaver.

Mattie Gokey is one of my new favorite characters and she is hard to forget. I recommend this book to everyone so go pick it up!!!

Favorite parts of this story...

Recouriumphoration. Re for "again," and cour for "courage" and a bit of triumph tacked on, too, for good measure. Maybe it will get into the dictionary one day, I thought. And if it does, everyone will know its meaning: to have one's hope restored. Mattie, page 159

Words are just words, Royal would say. But words are more powerful than anything. Mattie, page 292

I know it is a bad thing to break a promise, but I think now that it is a worse thing to let a promise break you.

My Rating:

Now go and pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Away Laughing on a Fast Camel

Title: Away Laughing on a Fast Camel

Author: Louise Rennison

ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-058936-3/Harper Tempest

Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Oh no! The Sex God left the country and is now in Kiwi-a-gogo land. Georgia really misses him and decides she doesn’t want her heart broken any more, so she decides to practice glaciosity to the opposite gender.

Then, the Stiff Dylans get a new lead singer (half-Italian and half-American) and he is a Dreamboat. Is Masimo (Dreamboat) the key to heal Georgia’s heart???

Once again, Louise Rennison does it again. Book five in the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series is funny, funny, funny. This time around, we're introduced to my new favorite words for fake eyelashes...boy entrancers. We also get to read about the awkward, ridiculous situations that can happen with these boy entrancers.

Somehow Georgia still gets herself in these weird situations, but that is the fun part in reading these books. Don't you want to read about Georgia setting an old lady on fire in a church. Pick up this series and really enjoy all the laugh out loud moments. The humor is wonderful, but read it in the comforts of your own home if you don't want funny looks from other people!!!

A few favorite moments...

What Georgia thinks the classic, Heidi is all about...

About some girl who goes up a mountain in Swisschesseland to live with some elderly mad bloke in lederhosen, who sadly for her is her grandfather. page 32

This is what Georgia takes away from the book Heidi...

Always push invalid chairs off the top of mountains when you get the opportunity. page 76

The Ace Gangs sacred vow...

"We, the ace gang, will never let any boy come between us and the ace gang. We are one for one and one for all, once and for all." Or whatever it is that the Three Musketeers say. page 181

Happy readings!!!

My Rating:

Review: Dancing In My Nuddy-Pants

Title: Dancing In My Nuddy-Pants
Author: Louise Rennison
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-009748-6/Harper Tempest
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult
My Rating: 4/5

Georgia Nicolson chose the Sex God (Robbie) over Dave the Laugh. Her red-bottomosity is now put to rest because she is now the girlfriend of a future pop-star that will tour around the world. Also, Dave the Laugh is dating her friend Ellen.

The problem is that the Sex God is never around and Dave the Laugh isn't all that interested in Ellen. Will Georgia end up being a pop-star widow or will she be the girl with a cosmic horn? Georgia's also concerned about Angus (the part Scottish wildcat that is the size of a Labrador) getting his trouser snake addendums snipped (neutered).

For the fourth time, I could not put this Rennison book down. The whole series has me wanting more. I absolutely love reading about Georgia's life through her diary. She is a teenage girl that goes through sooooo many embarrassing moments and it makes me laugh. Sometimes it reminds me of my teenage days, but most of the time...I'm too busy laughing at the situations Georgia goes through.

A few favorite parts from the book...
Libby is my favorite minor character. Especially when she sings...

Mary Had a Little Lard, Its Teats Was White Azno page 9

Georgia reading Lord of the Flies...

Lord of the Flies is so boring...and so weird. I always thought boys were very very strange, but I didn't think they would start eating each other. Bloody hell, I must make sure I never end up on an island with a bunch of boys! page 100

Again, I recommend this book (mostly to the females, but boys might also enjoy this humor), but only read this book in public if you don't mind others watching you laugh out loud!!!

Pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) & HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas

Title: Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas
Author: Louise Rennison
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-447362-0/Harper Tempest
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

***WARNING...this may contain spoilers because it is part of a series. And it is kind of hard to write about this book without referring to the previous books***

In book number three of the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, our hilarious girl is now the girlfriend of the Sex God (aka Robbie). Everything is going great, except that her Mutti and Vati are dragging her off to Och Aye land (better known as Scotland). Oh, and the Sex God's band scored a record contract which means The Stiff Dylans are going to be out of town more often. So, now Georgia is by herself looking at all these guys and boy do they look good to her.

Is she going to forget about the Sex God and become a shameless vixen???

I was still laughing three books into the series...this girl is F-U-N-N-Y!!! And something I forget to mention in the other reviews was the fact that Rennison begins the book with a little letter to her American "chums" and there is a glossary in the back of the book. I always read these first and I laugh at it and also read it to the people in my household because it is just simply funny.

Here's a warning to those people out there who will read this in school during silent time or those who will read this book in areas where there is supposed to be quiet...you might get stared at or yelled at because you'll definitely be laughing your ass off.

Favorite lines from the book...

"We go awa' doon to Alldays, you ken." (I don't know why he called me Ken but that is the mystery of the Scottish folk). Jock McThick & Georgia page 9

"Och, I'm sorry. I couldnae see a thing in the dark. I was just like...you know...feeling my way hame." Jock McThick
Hame? Why was he calling me Hame? He used to call me Ken. Georgia, page 22

Every minute without the Sex God seems about sixty seconds long. Georgia, page 62

BTW...I can't help, but laugh when I read the words "nunga-nunga"...I guess now you'll have to read the books to find out what it means...HEHEHEHEH

My Rating

So, go read it & have fun with it and while you're at it...pick up your fave cup of beverage...HAPPY readings!!!

Review: On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God

Title: On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God
Author: Louise Rennison
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-4472265/Harper Tempest
My Rating: 4/5

This is the second series of the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series and was published in the UK as It's OK, I'm Wearing Really Big Knickers. This time around, Georgia's mom tells her that the family is moving to New Zealand (aka Kiwi-a-gogo Land) because Georgia's Vati has a new job. Of course, Georgia comes up with "good" reasons on why she can't leave, but ultimately she doesn't want to leave Robbie, the Sex God. The thing is Robbie thinks Georgia is too young for him and he tells her about Dave the Laugh. Now, Georgia decides to use Dave the Laugh as a red herring to get back at the SG.

Will Georgia's shenanigans win back the attention of the Sex God???

Georgia and the Ace Gang are still annoying the faculty at Stalig 14 and making fun of Wet Lindsay. And of course, Georgia is still ever sarcastic to her family members and even to her friends. But I love reading about her little adventures and the names she gives places, like...Kiwi-a-gogo Land. You'll def. laugh out loud in this book again. I even read certain passages out loud to my family and they were cracking up!!!

My favorite part of the book was when she kept talking to God, but when he didn't respond back to her wishes, she would start talking to Buddha. And in this book, Georgia gets "religious."
Here are some of the lines...

So much for Our Vati in Heaven. What on earth is the point of asking God for something if you don't get it? Decided to buy a Buddha tomorrow. page 19

Thank you, God. I will always believe in you. I was only pretending to become a Buddhist. page 42

Buddhism is the only way. I didn't try hard enough. I must meditate and be calm. page 50

Seriously, go pick up this series because this book will make you laugh your arse off...so go pick up your favorite cup of tea (or whatever you prefer) and read it!!!

HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

Title: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging
Author: Louise Rennison
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult
My Rating: 4/5

This is the diary of a teenage girl, Georgia Nicolson. Georgia is growing up in England with her BFF, Jas, and the rest of their group. These girls call themselves the Ace Gang. Fourteen year-old Georgia lives with her mom (aka Mutti), dad (aka Vati), little sister (Libby), and Angus (the part Scottish wildcat they found while on vacation in Scotland). Georgia writes about her hilarious life and her goal to get the attention of the Sex God, also known as Robbie. Oh, and she's never kissed before so she goes and gets snogging lessons...LOL!!!

Do you want to read a book and just laugh, laugh, and laugh???

Then, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging is the one you need to read. Seriously, this book is freaking hilarious, like laugh out loud funny. I read this book after golf, so I was sitting at Starbucks or at the clubhouse and people would look at me because I would just start laughing.

Sometimes, Georgia and her friends would be so immature and do such ridiculous things, but honestly who cares because they are sooooo funny...it really doesn't matter. Then there are times when her and her friends do "walk bys" when they knew cute boys would be in certain places. This totally reminded me of my high school days when my girls and I would do our "drive bys." LOL!!!

Rennison does such an awesome job writing about girls and putting humor into these awkward situations. I love it, love it, and love it!!! Everyone should read this book because it is just that funny!!!

I can't wait to finish the series!!!
BTW...I absolutely enjoyed the scenes with Libby...for a little girl...she had some pretty funny lines

Some lines I enjoyed...

I wonder how old he is? I must become more mature quickly. I'll start tomorrow. Georgia, page 50

Yes, I am the Queen and Georgia did a big poo this morning. Libby, page 64 (she said this in front of Georgia's crush)

HAPPY readings!!!

Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

Title: The Time Traveler's Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Age Group/Genre: Adult
My Rating: 5/5

Henry, the time traveler, has had a condition known as chrono-displaced person since he was a child and cannot control when he time travels. He just disappears from one time, leaving his clothes behind, and shows up in another time naked.

One day, as a grown man, he shows up in young Clare's secret meadow and they develop a secret friendship throughout her childhood. Eventually, as an adult, Clare meets Henry in his present (as a young adult) and he has no idea who she is, but Clare knows exactly who he is and what he can do.

Will their love for each other make it through the test of time...time traveling???

Let me just say, the time traveling was confusing in the beginning, but I was able to adjust to it all. And then it was a novel that I seriously did not want to put down. There were so many awwww moments and a few, "I can't believe he/she did that." But honestly, these are characters that I fell in love with (minus the Gomez guy).

I really enjoyed that we were able to read from both main character's points of views. The author did an awesome job making us fall under the spell of Henry and Clare's love. I was always on the verge of tears, but they didn't come out until the end. Once again I really wanted to shelter the character's in this book and not want them to hurt in any way.

I recommend this book to everyone. If you watched the movie, but didn't read the book...DEFINITELY pick up the book. It's soooo worth it!!!

Grab your fave drink & HAPPY readings!!!

Some quotes I enjoyed...
"But don't you think," I persist, "that it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?" Clare, page 231

***I absolutely loved the letter Henry writes to Clare at the end of the novel, but it's too long to put here...so now you have to read the book***


******POSSIBLE SPOILER*******




I really enjoyed Alba's character. I want to know what her life becomes of and if her and Henry really do meet up and what there meetings are like. I guess it's something I've always wanted to be able to do with my dad since he passed away.

Review: Go Ask Alice

Title: Go Ask Alice
Author: Anonymous
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult
My Rating: 3/5

Alice is your average teenage girl with parents and siblings. She is terrified that she is too fat and that boys won't like her. She's so excited to move to a different town when her dad is offered a new job, but is totally scared that she won't fit in. And she writes all her feelings down in her diary so we can understand her.

When they do move, she has a hard time making friends...even her younger siblings have friends and she's all alone. So, she spends the following summer back in her home town with her grandparents. She becomes slightly popular at a party where there is a game involving drugs in the drinks. Alice being a newbie to the drug scene gets hooked to the drugs and the friends that come with it.

She returns back home and finds the drug scene there as well. Alice spends the next year and a half addicted to them. As a result she runs away and returns home, but struggles to stay off the drugs. After being clean for awhile, she had a horrible incident with some hard core drug and ends up in a mental hospital. She has some amazing parents and siblings that stick with her, but can she really overcome the power of the drugs???

I read this book in eighth grade for the very fist time and thought it was great. But almost ten years later, I'm not so sure. The book is def. outdated, it took place in the 70s. And as I read it, some of the scenes just didn't seem all too realistic for me (maybe it's b/c I've never been involved with drugs).

This book is probably good to give to the younger high school students so they can read about some of the experiences. Alice really does a good job describing what happens during her drug days and the weird trips that she goes on.

HAPPY readings...but this book won't give you the happy feeling

Review: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Title: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Author: Mark Twain
Age group/Genre: Classic...this one in particular is complete & unabridged from the kids section
My Rating: 4/5

Huck Finn starts out in this book living with the widow Douglas, but can't stand that he has to be civilized in her home. Then, his drunken father shows up and takes him back to live out in the woods...the not so civilized way. Eventually, Huck has enough with his dad and takes off.

Huck runs into Jim, a runaway slave and the two of them embark on their runaway adventure down the Mississippi River. The two runaways deal with a King and Duke, armed robbers, and other interesting people. Huck has to choose if he can live with himself by helping Jim runaway or choose to be an actual friend to Jim.

This book was kind of a re-read for me. And I say kind of because this was required in 11th grade American Lit, but the book was a bit of challenge for me back then. Now...I really enjoyed it. All the little adventures were fun to read about...I was laughing out loud throughout the story.

FYI...if you find this book hard to read, just read it in a southern accent. It totally helped me. And it made the book more interesting. The way Twain wrote was hard on the eyes, so if you have to...read it out loud as well (especially Jim's part).

So...if you haven't read this book, I think you should. Def. encourage the kids to read it before they're in high school because at least the first time will be for fun. Then, in high school they can start concentrating on the actual literary part of the story...even though there is a notice in the book...

Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot. By order of the author per G.G., Chief of Ordanance

Review: Body Surfing

Title: Body Surfing
Author: Anita Shreve
Age Group/Genre: Adult
My Rating: 2/5

Sydney is twenty-nine years old, a divorcee, a widow, and really no major career. She took a live-in summer tutoring job at a beach house. The high school girl she is tutoring is a little slow, the dad is a nice guy, and the mom doesn't like Sydney for some reason. Sydney wants to figure out the rest of her life now. But the family's two grown sons show up at the beach house and both take a liking to her. Can Sydney let another guy come into her life after all her tragedy and which one does she choose?

The book was really slow for such a short novel. It took me a long time to get into it, but once the romance part happened it got better. And then all the drama that follows the romance, made the book bearable. This isn't a book I would recommend. So don't go hauling-ass out to the store to pick it up...okay? And I think I'll probably hold off on this author since it was my first read by her. But if you want to recommend any of her other books, give me a good reason and maybe I'll try.

Review: Emma

Title: Emma
Author: Jane Austen
Age Group/Genre: Classic
My Rating: 3/5

Emma Woodhouse is a beautiful, smart, and rich young lady living in England with her hypochondriac father. Emma takes credit for the marriage of her dear friend/ex-governess, Miss Taylor, and Mr. Weston. Now, Emma thinks she can play matchmaker, especially for her single friend, Harriet Smith. But Mr. Knightley tells her otherwise. As the novel progresses, Emma finds herself falling in love and others falling in love with her. However, she refuses to allow herself to even think of marriage. So what's the whole point of letting love come her way? Will she give in and will she succeed in her matchmaking???

This was my second Jane Austen book and I did enjoy this one more. I found the beginning a little slow for me, but then again it takes me a little bit to get into the classics (but once I'm into it, I'm into it). My favorite parts of the book were the conversations between Mr. Knightley and Emma. I'll probably put off another Austen book for a little bit, but I'll get to her other ones...I promise!

Review: Slam

Title: Slam!
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Age Group: Young Adult
My Rating: 4/5

Greg Harris is a seventeen-year-old growing up in New York. He loves basketball and loves to slam the ball into the hoop. Thus the nickname "Slam." Slam and his best friend, Ice, are a great one-two team on the court. But they won't be playing school ball together because they go to different schools.

Slam is a great athlete, but not so great in the classroom. And the principal knows that and warns him to pull grades up if he wants to play on the school team. Well, his grades are okay and he gets to play, but the head coach doesn't like him.

So Slam has to deal with a difficult coach, grades, a difficult home life, and a best friend that may be getting involved with bad things. Can he handle his life outside the court like he handles a ball?

This book won the Coretta Scot King Award, but I didn't know that the first time I read it. My teacher in 8th grade, Mrs. Donnelly, recommended it to me. One, because I loved basketball and two, she hoped that if the boys in class saw me reading this, they'll also read. Well, she accomplished goal number two because I remember letting a few classmates borrow the book.

Now, ten years later I re-read it and still love it. This is a fictional book, but it does feel real. Myers does an awesome job with weaving basketball life into real life. I didn't grow up in a hard neighborhood like Slam, but I was able to remember what it was like to be on a basketball team. The struggle between the coach favorite and the non-favorite. The want to be the best on the court, but also dealing with not-so-fun issues off the court. This book was relatable and a good book to read.

Read this book even if you're not into sports, but definitely give this book to a young adult that loves basketball. It incorporates the love for the game, but you also feel for the character. Go grab your fave tea or cup of joe and read it.

HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Wake

Title: Wake
Author: Lisa McMann
Age Group: Young Adult
My Rating: 4/5

Seventeen year-old Janie Hannagan lives at home with her alcoholic mother. She's an excellent student and works a crap load of hours so she can go to college. She's a typical hard working teenager, right? Sure, except for the fact that she can't sleep at night and she loses control of her body during the school day. And this is because Janie has a special talent.

Janie gets sucked into other dreams. Their falling dreams, sex-dreams, nightmares...all dreams. She doesn't tell anyone about this because they would never believe her or they would think she was a freak.

Then, she falls into a horrible nightmare...one that freaks her out way more than others. Janie witnesses a classmate's abuse in his dreams. Can she help him? Will he let her? Will they let each other in on their secrets?

First of all, the cover of this book totally caught my attention...it is simple and pretty...and cool looking with the black background and purple pillow (I'm a sucker for pretty books). And the best part was it was a page turner. I read the book in one sitting and I wanted to go out and buy the next one in the series.

McMann writes in the third-person, but it's like reading a diary. We witness exactly what Janie goes through and we also read the conversations she has with other characters. The conversations are fun as well.

I love the main characters Janie and Cabel. Their romantic tension was frustrating at times, but also fun to read about. The twists and turns throughout the book led to a very satisfying conclusion. I can't wait to continue the series. This book is for the young adult audience, but a fun easy read that I would recommend to adults. Read this book if you like fantasy and enjoy reading series.

Something that I enjoyed...

"This was the Goth stage, where I decided I'd never get the girl of my dreams because of my scars. Not to mention the hairstyle. (pause) But then she slammed a door handle into my gut. And when a girl does that to a boy, it means she likes him." page 177

And here is a little video...

Review: Wild Roses

Title: Wild Roses
Author: Deb Caletti
Age Group: Young Adult
My Rating: 4/5

Wild Roses is about Cassie Morgan's life, well part of her life...basically the year she was 17. Cassie's parents are divorced and so she spends some times at her dad's house and sometimes at her mom's. The thing about her mom's home is that she also has to live with her violin-genius step-dad. Oh, and her step-dad is on the verge of crazy.

Crazy Step-Dad is the world renowned violinist and composer Dino Cavalli. But at home he is mean, short-tempered, and basically paranoid. Dino constantly thinks his ex-manager is following him around, stalking the house, and preparing to ruin his wonderful career.

Dino is preparing for a concert and has also taken in cutie Ian Waters. Cassie falls for him the second his bike (bicycle) enters the front yard. The thing about Cassie is she doesn't want to fall in love because in her mind love = pain. And that is a BIG NO NO. And let's not forget crazy step-dad won't have anyone get in the way of a violinist, even a young student violinist.

So can Cassie deal with her step-dad and his insane mind...and does she give in to love???

If it were not for a book challenge, I probably would never have read this book (the challenge was to find a book with the words "wild" or "things"). This book was so much fun to read. I wanted to know who this supposed stalker was and why Dino was crazy. And I wanted to know Ian's story and why he wanted to continue playing the violin, even if it wasn't making him happy.

Not only did I want my questions answered, but I also loved the characters, and not just the main characters. Nannie, was hilarious...the part when she tried a crossword and would fill in the squares with random words, and would leave some squares blank...funny stuff. Then there was Bunny and Chuck...two big guys who practice natural healings and meditation chants...love it!!!

Deb Caletti does an awesome job writing the way teens talk and I can guarantee that I'll be picking up more of her books...I can't wait!

Some lines from the book that I love...

"Grammar words were so unlikable---conjunctive, some eye disease you need goopy medicine for; gerund, an uptight British guy. Gerund would like his tea now!" Cassie, page 25

"Lesson learned---charm is one-way ticked to hell. Better to fall in love with a man who is dull as a pancake than one with charm." Cassie, page 43

"Have you been drinking Optimism in a Cup?" Cassie, page 83 (referring to coffee)

"Snow is magical, and if you don't think so, you won't see magic anywhere." Cassie, page 158

"The cello sounds like a kind grandfather, while the violin is the ultimate PMS instrument." Cassie, page 188

"Bunny,'Three French men, two turtle doves.' Chuck, 'No one knows all those words. It's a fucking long song.' Bunny again, 'Three French men? Wee wee, monsieur. Jacques, Pierre, and Luc'" page 194

"You just never knew where you might find your kindred ones. Usually you just walk and walk among people who are not of your tribe, and then suddenly, there you are, in a place that feels familiar and known." Cassie, page 206

"In every one of those cars there is a story, or a hundred stories. For every light on in all of those huge city buildings, there is a story. No one knows what I am about to face, no one knows my story, and neither do I right then." Cassie, page 264

Review: Inkspell

Title: Inkspell
Author: Cornelia Funke
Age Group: 8-12
My Rating: 3/5

Inkspell is the second book in the Inkheart trilogy. This story continues a year after book one ends. Meggie lives with both her parents in Elinor's home. Not a day goes by that she does not think about the book that changed her life.

This story is based more around Dustfinger and who his character really is and why he longs for his own world. And naturally he does get to go back to his life, but he leaves behind his student, Farid. But Farid finds a way to go into Dustfinger's world and asks Meggie for help. She helps him only because she wants to live in the fantasy world and sadly chooses this over her parents.

And similar to Inkheart, this story is the adventure of the characters trying to find their family members. Farid and Dustfinger, Dustfinger and his wife, Mo and Meggie. Will they find each other in a story that is being changed everyday by different magical authors?

Okay, I know I was not excited to continue this story. But I had to for a challenge. And to be honest...it wasn't that bad. Probably because the second time around I had ZERO expectations for this book.

I liked that this story wasn't so much about Meggie and the evil Capricorn and his men. I loved that it evolved more around the mysterious Dustfinger and Farid. Even though Dustfinger wasn't the main main character in the first novel, I enjoyed him the most. And I learned that he was yearning and hurting for his own family.

This book was definitely better than the first, but not a big wower. So, give this book to a kid if you're an adult and just wait for the movie version to come out because the book was okay, but not worth my time to recommend to others.

Some quotes I enjoyed...

"Children, they're the same everywhere. Greedy little creatures but the best listeners in the world---any world. The very best of all." Fenoglio, page 134

"You know, I think that a book always keeps something of its owners between the pages." Taddeo, page 550