A few things.

I'm still posting more reviews tonight, but I need to go run some errands.
The reviews I'll be posting tonight are:
Aces Up: Lauren Barnholdt
One Night That Changes Everything: Lauren Barnholdt
She's So Dead To Us: Kieran Scott
The Eternal Ones: Kristen Miller
And, maybe others.



There are a lot of fabulous authors coming to an area near me soon! The prizes in the upcoming contest will be signed copies of some of their books by them!
I'll be going to the Austin Teen Book Festival
and
Smart Chicks Kick It Tour in the Woodlands, Texas
look up those tours to see the selections of authors!


Oh, and think of ideas to spread the word about my blog! That will be part of the contest.

Stalker Girl- Rosemary Graham

I'm sorry it has been so long since I have posted a review, but I am posting a few reviews tonight.



It's back to school time, I hope everybody has a wonderful start to school whenever y'all go back!



I can't wait until tomorrow! Mockingjay comes out, FINALLY! I'll also be posting some hints about the contest in one of the posts tonight!



Title: Stalker Girl
Author: Rosemary Graham
Author website:
Rating (1-5): 2
Cover rating: 4



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



Well, I was kind of excited to read this book. I thought the plot sounded very interesting, but I was disappointed. Now, that's not to say it is a bad book. This book is just not for me.



I kept getting confused with the writing. I found it...jumpy. It was a little hard for me to keep up and after the first few glimpse of the new girlfriend, I already felt Carly was going too far. I can sort of understand wanting to see someone you've never met before. Someone who has replaced you, but I don't think I would ever actually go out of my way to see someone.



I did like that this plot is original. The plot was very interesting, I just think it could have been carried out better. If you're looking for something new to read, I'd suggest going to you're library and checking it out. It wouldn't hurt to form your own opinion of it.

LONGGGG WEEEK

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything. It has been a long week and I have read a few books so those reviews will be up soon. But, I have been so busy. I have a deal with my dad that I need to finish so I can get the new Iphone. So, that is what I have been focusing on. But, when I post my reviews I will also be posting a contest soon! Prizes will include signed stuff from authors! So, check back!

Some Girls Are- Courtney Summers

I hope everyone has had a good week! I felt like this week dragged on forever. I do not like waking up early for work, it's no fun. I may be posting another review besides this one. Have a great weekend!

Title: Some Girls Are

Author: Courtney Summers

Author website: http://www.courtneysummers.ca/

Rating: 4

Cover rating: 4

Description: Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard-falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High...until vicious rumors about her and her best friends boyfriend start going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend...if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Wow, this book was intense. This book is Mean Girls on steroids. It's honest, chilling, and jaw dropping. Regina begins to take a beating at her school after her fall from her hallway fame. The torture that her ex-friends put her through is horrible, but she herself has done worse. I can't imagine some of these things actually happening in a school. I think it would be stopped before it escalated to where it did in the novel, but then it would probably just happen off school grounds, if they were determined enough. Some of the hazing in this novel though, I think can definitely happen, and I know that a single rumor, true or false, can haunt you.

I have never met a character like Regina before. She is so angry, but rightfully so. She has a quick mouth, which isn't always the best thing. I felt myself being torn. I felt sorry for her, but sometimes I was thinking Regina, why in the world would you say that?. I also felt torn because I am a huge believer in karma, but some of the things that came Regina's way, I thought was too much. Yes, she did horrible things, too, but she didn't deserve a lot of what happened to her. She was a strong character, I think one of the strongest I've met. Her determination to fight back stunned me, I felt proud of her even though she carried it too far at times.

Something that definitely needs to be understood before picking up this novel is that it is not a love story. Or at least, not your typical love story. This book is different, more gritty, more edgy, more daring. I was enthralled throughout the novel, but this isn't a happy story. It isn't light and fluffy. It is intense and was probably difficult to write. I applaud the author, Courtney Summers, she did a beautiful job with her character's voice, Regina. And, the ending was perfect. I reccommend picking up this book and giving it a try. I loved it.

Bloom- Elizabeth Scott

I'm going to do another review by another one of my favorite authors today. I reread this book last night before I went to bed, and I am so glad I did.

Title: Bloom

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Author website: www.elizabethwrites.com

Rating (1-5): 5

Cover rating: 4

Description: There's a difference between falling and letting go. Lauren has a good life: decent grades, great friends, and a boyfriend every girl lusts after. So why is she so unhappy?

It takes the arrival of Evan Kirkland for Lauren to figure out the answer: She's been holding back. She's been denying herself a bunch of things (like sex) because staying with her loyal and gorgeous boyfriend, Dave, is the "right" thing to do. After all, who would give up the perfect boyfriend?

But as Dave starts talking more and more about their life together, planning a future Lauren simply can't see herself in-as Lauren's craving for Evan, and moreover, who she is with Evan becomes all the more fierce- Lauren realizes she needs to make a choice...before one is made for her.

Like I already said, I reread this book last night, and I am so glad I did. It has simply just been too long since I've read an Elizabeth Scott novel. And every time I do read one, she never ceases to amaze me. There will be little snippets, just a sentence or paragraph, and I just have to stop reading and think "wow, she really gets it, she really does." She has stayed in contact with her inner teenager throughout her writing career, which is something I admire. As an aspiring young adult writer, I hope I never lose the teenager me. I feel as teenagers we are more passionate about life. I want this to stay in me, I want to it show in my characters. Elizabeth Scott does this, she shows the real teenager.

I'm pretty sure Bloom is my favorite Elizabeth Scott novel. I love Lauren, she is witty and sarcastic. I laugh out loud at most of the things she says. And, although she wishes she were more graceful and had better hair. I love that isn't graceful and she's fully aware of it. I connect with Lauren on so many different levels. I see a lot of myself in her. That might be why this is my favorite novel by Elizabeth Scott. The only part I don't connect with her on is her feeling of shame when it comes to her love of books. I do understand why she does feel that way though. I can't tell you how many times I tell people I love to read and they look at me like I am a freak that has no friends. I'm sure some of you, as readers, have experienced this, too in some way or another. So, I understand her wanting to hide the fact she wants to be a librarian and that she loves to crack open a book and get lost. But, I could never imagine hiding that part of myself. And, like Lauren I have picked up books in hopes of finding an answer in their pages.

Evan is an outstanding character. I think he sounds funny and sexy. I love the way Elizabeth Scott describes his different smiles, from bitter and mocking to happy. I like that the past he and his mother share has stayed with him, and the way he feels he needs to protect her. I like the way he watches out for her. I love Lauren and Evan together, their chemistry just flies off the pages.

Lauren and Dave's chemistry on the other hand, is completely lacking. I like that Elizabeth Scott didn't put chemistry in their relationship. It just adds more to Dave's uberly Christain character. And, I can't help, but laugh when I read Lauren asking "Are you gay?".

And, of course Elizabeth Scott never fails to add in friendship with the love. The situations she puts her characters in in terms of friendships are so real. Things I've been through, things we've probably all felt. She doesn't feel the need to patch things up nice and pretty, instead she goes for the reality of the situation and stays with it.

And, of course the entire thing is written beautifully with many quotes that stay with me. I hope Elizabeth Scott keeps writing for years to come. I know many readers, myself included, would feel the silence in the young adult world without her there.

When It Happens- Susane Colasanti

I was sick today, so I had to stay home from work. But, it wasn't all bad I was able to reread a book that I have always loved.

Title: When It Happens

Author: Susane Colasanti

Author website: http://www.susanecolasanti.com/

Rating (1-5): 5

Cover rating: 4

Description: At the start of senior year, Sara wants two things: to get into her first-choice college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him.

Dave, the body Sara was hoping would realize she exists, moves in on Sara first. But Tobey is impossible for Sara to ignore. He gets the little things that matter to her and, most importantly, he feels like something real. Can a slacker rock star wannabe win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?

This is my favorite Susane Colasanti novel. From the first time I read it, it touched my heart. Susane Colasanti always has the best quotes in her novels that I love to read over and over again. She is one of my favorite authors, and probably always will be. Her words always come straight to my soul. I couldn't possibly like her characters anymore than I already do. Especially Tobey and Sara.

I used to feel the same as Sara when she said she was waiting for her life to start. I have always felt way. I always just waited to get through high school waiting for "my real life" to start, but soon enough, I realized that this is my real life. I have to live it everyday. And, I think Tobey made Sara realize that, he made her stop planning and keep living in the moment.

I admire the easiness of Susane's words. While I'm reading I feel like I'm sitting in a a coffee shop with Tobey and Sara. I feel as if I'm their best friend and they are just recounting the story of how the fell in love. It doesn't get any better or any more real than her characters. They are the people you sat or sit next to in high school. The one in your science class. The kid next to you on the bus. The one you see everyday in the hallway. They always care about the little things, like real people do. Like really great pens.

These soul mates are ones that I will love reading about for a very long time to come. It give me confidence, that people are meant for each other. Susane Colasanti never fails to give me faith in fate, soul mates, and love.

The Body Finder- Kimberly Derting

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope your weekend was great! I have been waiting for this book FOREVER. Or, at least it seems that way. So, I'm super excited to finally have read it.

Title: The Body Finder

Author: Kimberly Derting

Author website: www.kimberlyderting.com

Rating (1-5): 5

Cover rating: 4

Description: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies-or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world...and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer- and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer...and becoming his prey herself.

This book was definitely worth the wait. I added my name to the wait list at my library a few months ago and have desperately watched the wait number creep slowly down until finally it was mine turn. I wish I would have bought this book and read it awhile ago. It was just so good, I absolutely loved it. I think the only reason I didn't go and buy it is because I am stubborn. I was determined to wait it out, even though I waited impatiently. From the very beginning I have heard only good things about this book, and everyone who has steered me toward it did not let me down.

Kimberly Derting weaves Violet's story beautifully in her debut novel. Violet is just as stubborn as I am, which made me laugh. I loved her playful banter with friends and Jay. And, oh, Jay. Lovely, lovely Jay! I wish I had a childhood friend like him, it would be simply amazing if I did. The way Violet and Jay met all those years ago on the playground was so adorable. And Violet even showed her stubborn nature then. When I first started the book I was a little hesitant because it wasn't told in first person. And at times when a novel is told from the third person perspective you don't get as good of a feel for the characters as a first person perspective. But, so many times throughout the book I forgot that I wasn't reading a first person perspective. I knew Violet, I felt for her. I yearned with her for Jay. I was jealous of Lissie, embarrassed by friends, determined to find the cause of the echo, and scared against the predator. I felt her emotions without being in her mind. I also felt the other character emotions as well. Kimberly Derting did a magnificent job bringing her characters to life. Her characters showed emotion with authenticity. I loved it. Third person perspective was perfect for this novel.

Something else I was so impressed with was the little snippets she added in told from the hunter's side. My sister is a studying criminal psychology in school, so I hear a lot about serial killers and their behaviors. Derting did a fabulous job bringing the serial killer to life. Every aspect of how those types of humans usually are she put into her character. His meticulous nature, the need for perfection, and always the need for more. She even had him follow patterns that a serial killer would in real life.

The only down side of this book is that I have to wait until March of 2011 for the sequel. I will be sitting on the edge of my chair until then. And I guarantee you, for the sequel, I will not be on a library list. I won't have will power or patience to wait for the next book. I'll be at the book store when they open waiting for it to get in my greedy hands so I can devour it.

Infinite Days- Rebecca Maizel

This is my third review for today. These were all books that I've read this week. I may have another review up for tomorrow. I'm halfway done with The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting and I have a sneaky feeling it's about to get to the point where I WON'T put it down!

Anyway, on to this book.

Title: Infinite Days

Author: Rebecca Maizel

Author website: www.rebeccamaizel.com

Rating (1-5): 4

Cover rating: 3

Description: "Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste. Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else who wasn't Rhode. But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream. I never expected to be sixteen again...but then gain, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me.

First things first, this book floored me. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because it didn't rank in my favorite series. But, it definitely is up there in ranking. I was so impressed with this book. This is not another vampire love story. It has such an interesting twist. Vampire becoming human? This is one that we are not reading everyday. We aren't seeing this on every other shelf at the book store.

The first part of the description is really why I decided to read this book. Rhode's last to Lenah made my heart skip beats and I knew I had to read it. It was not what I was expecting at all. I expected the lovey vampires. These vampire were far from lovey. It took me back to what vampire are supposed to be. Vicious, cruel, depressed creatures that only lurk in the night, that bond over the evil they create. These were real vampires.

I found it hilarious that Lenah was thrown in the modern world after 100 years in the ground. A lot has been invented in that time period and the language has changed dramatically. I love her internal battles with herself when trying to figure out what things meant. I praise the characters. Lenah and Rhode were such strong characters, true characters. They were brave, vicious, but still found a way to love each other. Lenah was strong in any element. She didn't back down. Even in this new life she found a way to persevere through anything, to fight through anything. She had a spark in her, that not all characters have. The reader gets to know Rhode through flashbacks, and I enjoyed that very much. He was kind, romantic, strong in ways his kind couldn't imagine. He went against his nature, but still owned his nature.

I cared for Lehan's new human friends just as much as I cared for her vampire friends. Their emotions were real. The jealousy portrayed between some characters was flawless. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new twist on vampires. You won't regret it, and the last paragraph will leave you hungry for more. I can't wait until the next installment.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour- Morgan Matson

This will be my second post for today. I hope all of you are enjoying your weekend so far!



Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Author website: www.authors/simonandschuster.com/Morgan-Matson
Rating (1-5): 4
Cover rating: 4



Description: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew- just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a read trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. She's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road- diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards- this is story of one girl's journey to find herself.


I read this book on the Internet one day at work. We were really slow, with absolutely no patients, so I decided to read this. And, I loved it. I enjoyed it so much and found myself laughing out loud and smiling, a lot. Amy is a great character even through her turmoil. She's sorting through the grief of her father's death, and she blames herself because she was behind the wheel. As she and Roger are driving Amy's mother's car across country on a predetermined route set by her mother, they decide to go on a detour. Where could the harm be as long as they arrive in Connecticut at the correct time, right? They go on crazy, fun adventures, meet new people, and even visit old friends. This is something I have always wanted to do. I've always wanted to travel the U.S. by car. And, maybe go to places I wouldn't have planned a vacation for in the first place. Just looking at an Atlas and pointing out a city or state, and then driving. Maybe in the future? :) The pictures and scraps from a road trip that were in the book were fun to look at and read. It almost it look like a scrap book.


I also discovered that Chick-Fil-A is not a nationwide fast food restaurant. We have them down here in Texas, and they are delicious. I couldn't believe that they aren't everywhere. Amy and Roger tried their first Chick-Fil-A sandwich on their road trip and loved them. So, I suggest if you don't have a Chick-Fil-A in your state, get your butt in a car, plane, train, bus, whatever and get to the nearest Chick-Fil-A, and order a No. 1. You won't regret this, unless your vegetarian.


Amy is having best friend conflicts in the story. This is the only point that I think could have been improved on. Her best friend is always being shoved off the side. I wish something could have been resolved between the two of them, instead of just focusing on Amy and Roger.


Roger was a cute character, and I would have loved to have gotten to know him more. I think it would have been interesting to have alternate points of view in this story. So, you could know what he was thinking at some points in the story, especially the funnier parts.


This is a great end of summer novel that I suggest you pick up and read. Especially if you're looking for something fun and light. It wasn't at my library, but maybe you can find it in yours. Or read it online at the Pulse It community of Simon and Schuster.

Take Me There- Carolee Dean

Hello everyone! I read a few books this week, so I'm going to post reviews for all of them today.

This is the first, here goes!

Title: Take Me There

Author: Carolee Dean

Author website: http://www.caroleedean.com/

Rating (1-5): 4

Cover rating: 4

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

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

First off, I thought this book was going to be a sweet love story, and probably something similar to Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, but it was not. Yes, there was a love story, but that was not the main plot in the book. The book starts in California and after a turn of events Dylan ends up in Texas. Huntsville, Texas to be exact, for those of you who don't know what is held in Huntsville, Texas, I'll tell you. Huntsville is a small town and home of Sam House State University. It is also the home of six prisons, one of which is used for the death penalty. Even though death row is not located in Huntsville, the inmates are sent to Huntsville for their final day. Now, you're probably 'wondering why is this girl telling us about prison in Texas?' Well, Dylan comes to Texas for just that. Prison. He comes to face his father who is in prison. He leaves behind the girl he loves in California and heads to Texas. The main reason I loved this book so much is because it tells the story of Dylan, a boy who can't read or write. And, illiteracy is something that breaks my heart, because as a reader and writer, I can't imagine any fate worse than taking words away from me. The moral I got from this story is basically without reading and writing, you can go absolutely nowhere. I'm not sure if this statistic is true or not, but it cites in the book that 75-80 percent of all inmates can not read at grade level. Can you even imagine? I can't, I simply can't imagine where I would be without being able to read. I can't fathom not being able to go to a different world for awhile. It's is one of the greatest things being sucked into a new story. My heart goes to those who are unable to experience the pure joy of cracking open a new book. And, I can only guess that those who can't feel alone. Especially the ones in school who have only gotten by with cheating in some form. I really think this is why this book touched me so much. It showed me the importance of what I love.

Something I really enjoyed was how Texas was portrayed. The author painted it with such authenticity. It made me smile and laugh. A lot of times the south is portrayed incorrectly. The accents are always referred to as 'slow southern drawls', but I have lived in Texas all my life and I haven't ever heard a 'slow southern drawl.' Most southerners I know actually speak at a rapid pace.

This story is haunting and chilling. There are so many twists and turns. And, it is real. As real as you can get. And, there is love. Yes, there is love in many forms. I suggest you pick this up and give it a try. Even, if it sounds like something you aren't interested in. As a reader, as someone who adores books, pick this one up and remember. Remember what a gift it is to be able to read the words scribbled across any page. Remember the stories you know and love. I may not read this novel again and again, but Dylan's story will definitely stay with me.

Review, Contest, and News

Today I'm going to review Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. I named my blog after this book. I adore it, but before the review a couple of things first. This is going to be a long post.

There is an AWESOME contest going on over at another blog right now, definitely check it out if you're interested in some great books to read! Some of which are ARCs!
http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/

In other news, have you heard the latest? Barnes and Noble is being sold! It really could mean nothing, it could just mean a change of ownership, but in one of the many articles I read about this news, it compared Barnes and Noble to Blockbuster. Which scares me, because well, Blockbuster is basically going out of business. It's been outranked by Netflix, Redbox, and all the other ways people now acquire their movies. I hope that this doesn't happen to Barnes and Noble because of all the e-readers out there. So crack open your piggy banks and put in a bid for Barnes and Noble. It's going for about 700 million plus. If I was that wealthy I know I would try to buy it!

Now on to the review.

Title: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Author website: http://www.sarahdessen.com/

Rating (1-5): 5

Cover rating: 3.5

Description: When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend- the popular and exciting Sophie- she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. But then she meets Owen-a loner, passionate about music, and his weekly radio show, and always determined to tell the truth. And when they develop a friendship, Annabel is not only introduced to new music but is encouraged to listen to her own inner voice. With Owen's help, can Annabel find the courage to speak out about what exactly happened the night her friendship with Sophie came to a screeching halt?

Now, Sarah Dessen, is probably my absolute favorite author, ever. She is wonderful and eloquent with her words. She makes each of her readers really feel. I can always feel a connection with the characters when I read her books, it never fails. I adore her novels so much that my wonderful boyfriend made me a frame with all her book covers in it to hang in my office for our two year anniversary. That really isn't a good picture of it, but I assure you that it is beautiful and I love it so much. Just Listen is my favorite of all the Sarah Dessen books, but I don't think it is my favorite book of all time. Even though Sarah Dessen is my favorite author, her books aren't my all time favorites, but they are definitely up there in my ranking. To me, they are more of the reliable books than the best books. I can always read Just Listen and all other Sarah Dessen books and have a smile on my face. I kind of think of it as Just Listen is that shirt in my closet that has been there for years. It isn't my favorite shirt, but it is definitely the most comfortable, the most reliable. It will always look the same on me as the first day I tried it on, and it will survive countless spring cleanings for years to come. It's one of the shirts that I'll always come back to, it's a shirt that I automatically go to when I need something to wear. Just Listen is like that for me, no matter the books I read between my re-reads of this, it will always have a place with me. I'll always go back to it and feel as if I was reading it for the first time. I think Sarah Dessen has a power to do this to her readers. She draws them in and keeps them coming back for more. Always, always wanting more of her words, characters, friendships, and love. And, then I have my favorite books and these books are like my favorite shirts that I've had over the years. I wear them on the weekends when I'm going out, but after a few months or so, I've found a new favorite shirt, and after a while I never go back to the old favorite shirt. I have favorite books like this, too. I find a book and I become obsessed with it. I can read it over and over again. But, then I find something just a little bit better, something I'm more drawn to, especially after I've read my favorite book countless times. But, Just Listen, I'll never be tired of or really any of Sarah Dessen's books.

Annabel and Owen are probably my favorite couple in literary terms and that is probably because they remind me so much of my relationship with my boyfriend. He is, as is Owen, obsessed with music and tries to teach me all about it. But, I'm the same as Annabel I disagree with a lot of his choices and challenge him. I adore Annabel and her voice. She is a strong female, even in her time of heartache and trouble, she is strong and reliable for her family. I love that she continues with her modeling career for her mother. It shows how nice and caring of a person she is. The relationship is shares with her sisters is so real. I love how you can see how one incident effected them all in different ways. And, then there is Owen. First off, I adore the name Owen, always have, always will. He is a strong male lead for this book and perfect for Annabel. I can't even describe how much I respect his honesty. Honesty is everything I ask for in anyone I know. It is the most important thing in any relationship. I like how Owen wasn't the popular kid. He wasn't a football player that always had problems with those who weren't popular. And, then a girl comes along and discovers that he doesn't even like football, he's more into poetry and art. He's sensitive and all that. Okay, I'm sorry, but yeah right. I like the average guy, the one that maybe you over looked for years. Maybe the one that you've noticed, but always been intimidated by. Because those guys, the ones that all the girls aren't pining after, are the ones that usually are worth something. And, I think Owen is the epitome of that thought. I recommend this book to almost everyone I come across. And, I'll love it for years to come. I hope Sarah Dessen is writing until I'm a little old lady in a nursing home, because I am sure that I will love her words and thoughts until the end of time.

Last thing, I will probably be posting more reviews throughout the day. One of which is for a book I just finished last night, but I haven't decided how I feel about it, yet. And, finally, finally, FINALLY, it was my turn at the library to check out The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. I'm so excited to read it, I've heard so many wonderful things.

Reviews

I will be posting lots of reviews soon of books I have recently read! Please let your friends know about this site!

The Ghost and the Goth- Stacey Kade

Good morning y'all! If some of you aren't from the south, then I am sorry for the use of y'all. I promise I am not some like back woods hick!

Title: The Ghost and The Goth

Author: Stacey Kade

Author website: http://www.staceykade.com/

Rating (1-5): 4

Cover rating (1-5): 5

Description: After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she's stuck as a spirit (DON'T call her a ghost) in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast who despises the social elite. He alone can see and her (turns out he's been "blessed" with the ability to communicate with the dead), but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.

Alona has never needed anyone for anything, and now she's supposed to expose her deepest, darkest secrets to this psuedo-goth boy? Right. She's not telling anyone what really happened the day she died, not even to save her eternal soul. And Will's not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side. He only has a few more weeks until graduation, when he can strike out on his own and find a place with less spiritual interference. But he has to survive and stay out the psych ward until then. Can they get over their mutual distrust- and weird attraction between them- to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don't exist?

When I first picked up this book from Barnes and Noble, I was, to say the least, a little torn by it. I thought it sounded a little bit intriuging, but possibly too corny for my tatse. But, I loved the cover art, the blonde girl reminds me of Jenny from Gossip Girl season 1. And also, I love alternating voices in books, so I decided to take the plunge and give the book a try. I can honestly say that I do not regret it. It was a great book that I really enjoyed. Alona, the most popular girl in school, tragically died in an unexpected accident. As she's haunting her old school she discovers her friends and boyfriend move on so easily without her. And, depressing home life is only getting more depressing. She quickly discovers one person can see her though, Will Killian. With his own tortured past he doesn't want to deal with Alona and the consequences she keeps bringing to him. It is an understatement to say that these two teens hate each other, but I loved how Will's character was very much a boy. Sometimes in novels with alternating voices with female authors the boys don't always come across as real boys do. Don't get me wrong I love the sensitive, sweet, guy that every girl wishes she had, but it isn't always a reality that guys are that way. But, Will's character, while he is sensitive, he doesn't try to hide his hate for Alona. His hate doesn't stop his attraction though, and I loved that. He spoke and thought of her as a boy in real life would. He was physically attracted to this blonde beauty. His thoughts and..um...reactions to her defintely showed that. Alona is witty and fun, I loved her character. This book is also going to be a trilogy and I have to say that I can't wait for the next two installments. It will be exciting to see where Stacey Kade takes both of these characters.

If you witty, fun books with a twisted semi-love story, then this book is for you. I recommend giving it a try. It had plenty of twist and turns, some that were unexpected.

Getting up and running

Hello! This is my first post and my first experience with a blog. I'm still getting used to somethings and also learning. So, I ask that y'all be patient with me while I try and make this blog the best it can be. I'll also be experimenting with a few different review styles. If you'd like please leave your input about which is best. Also, please spread the word about my new blog! http://www.just-read-books.blogspot.com/ is the link for my blog. I titled my blog 'Just Read' because Just Listen by Sarah Dessen is my favorite author. I got the idea to title my blog after my favorite book from another book blogger, Tricia. You can check out her blog at http://www.the-truth-about-books.blogspot.com/.
On this blog I will be reviewing mostly young adult fiction books, but every once in a while I may throw in another genre. I will be reviewing all genres of young adult fiction though. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I'm pretty much willing to read anything.
On this blog I will also be doing contests and such. Check back to keep a look out for those. I'll try to interview authors. As I go along I'll be adding more and more "fun stuff." I can't wait to get this up and running!
My first review will be posted tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Oh, and if any other bloggers are reading this, please leave suggestions and comments about the best way to run a blog! And, how did you get the word out about your blog? Any helpful hints? That would be great, thanks!