Mini Reviews, Contest, & Book Banning

I've read quite a few books recently, but haven't have the time to post any reviews. So today I'll be posting some mini reviews. Here goes:

Title: The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)

Author: Kody Keplinger

Description: From Barnes and Noble

Rating (1-5): 5

"Duff" is not a word that I have ever heard, but in this novel it is the word used for the "ugly" friend. I absolutely adored this book. It showed that every girl sometimes feels like the ugly friend in her group of girls. Bianca, the main character is amazing, she isn't perfect. She may be a little chubby and broken, but she is funny, witty, sarcastic. I really related to her, and adored meeting her character. I didn't like Wesley at first and I was like 'girl, why are you kissing him?! He's an ass!' But, it turns out he is really sweet. There is a lot of sex, sexual acts, and sexual innuendo's in this novel. If these are something that offends you, I suggest you still read this book, but be forewarned, it isn't a cookie-cutter romance. It's real, real, real life. Real relationships. I loved it. My favorite thing is that the author is only 19 years old! How awesome is that? She sold this book while she was still in high school! So, she definitely still remembers what high school was like.

Title: She's So Dead to Us

Author: Kieran Scott

Rating (1-5): 4

Description: From Barnes and Noble

I didn't realize when I picked this book up that it is actually a series. I though it was a stand alone novel, so when I finished it I was kind of like uhhh.... Well, that ending sucked. But, then I got on the author's website and learned that it was a trilogy so then I switched my opinion to 'that's an awesome cliff-hanger.' I'm just sad that I have to wait until next year for the next book. I loved the characters and the story line. I can't not wait to see what happens in this small town. The girls are bitches, the boys are hot, the drama never stops. It wasn't how I thought it would be, it was seriously better.

Title: Aces Up

Author: Lauren Barnholdt

Rating (1-5): 3

Description: From Barnes and Noble

There isn't too much to say about this book. It was a cute, light, easy read. I think it is best for an in-between type novel book. I read it very quickly. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't the best book I've ever read or my favorite novel by Lauren. If you're looking for something very light and breezy I'd suggest checking this out from the library.

Title: One Night That Changes Everything

Author: Lauren Barnholdt

Rating (1-5): 4

Description: From Barnes and Noble
I really, really enjoyed this book. I laughed quite a bit and I was even jealous. I want to do all the things I fear in one night. Although, I wouldn't mine being under different circumstances and my fears would be very different from Eliza's. For most of the novel I couldn't decide on Cooper's intentions, but I finally settled on thinking he was sweet and only wanted to help her. This is an easy, quick read that I would recommend. It was a great story about an insane night around Boston.

Title: The Eternal Ones

Author:Kirsten Miller

Rating (1-5):4

Description: From Barnes and Noble
This book was GREAT! I loved the characters, all of them. I kept trying to figure out what was going to happen, what was going on. And, I one point I did guess what I thought was going to happen and I was right for the most part. I think it's amazing that Haven could design and make dresses so well. But, I do feel very bad for her because her home town is full of crazy. Crazy people, crazy ideas, crazy small-minded southerners. The devil is talked about a lot in the book and at first it annoyed me. I thought it was a little too much, but it is actually necessary for the story. I can't wait for the next installment. It will be a long, long wait, but I am so excited for it. Reincarnation is something that has always sparked an interest in me, and I was intrigued by the ideas in this book. Go out and buy this book!

I may be posting some other mini reviews later. But, I will most definitely be posting reviews for Speak by Laurie Anderson and Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. Both of which I LOVE. I will be posting reviews for these to take a stand against book banning. Both of these novels are up for being banned in school districts. For more information check out both author blogs. I promise you'll want to take a stand for this too.

Now, for the contest! I will be going to Austin in a couple of weeks for the Austin Teen Lit Festival. There will be 14 authors there signing books and speaking on panels. I am so excited for this. So, I am going to host a contest to spread the word about my blog. For someone who spreads the word to the most people or the most creatively will win a personalized signed book by the author of their choice from the festival. Check out the website, choose you're author, and I buy you the book, get it signed and personalized! This contest will end on October 1, 2010.

Summary of contest:

-Spread the word about my blog in anyway you want

-Send me the link if you post it on facebook, twitter, your blog, etc.

-The person who spreads the word the most effectively or the most creatively will win a personalized and signed book from the author of their choice

-Leave me a comment with the way that you are spreading the word and you're author/book choice

Good luck! Please spread the word and tell people to follow my blog!

**If I get a lot of followers from this the winner may win more than one book!