For Keeps by Natasha Friend

Title: For Keeps

Author: Natasha Friend

Pages: 272

Genre: YA/Teen

Source: Library

From the moment I opened to the first page of For Keeps, I instantly knew  I was going to love this book.  Told through Josie's perspective - with a fresh, young voice, we learn of her relationship with her young mother - who is as much a parent as a best friend.  Josie and her mother, Kate, are as close as a mother and daughter can get.  It has always been the two of them against the world -but when Kate suddenly becomes interested in a man, the close-knit relationship with her daughter starts to crumble.  Aside from the problems the mother and daughter team are facing - there is also the reality of Josie's dad.  Paul Tucci (said dad), has never been in the picture.  The thought of him alone can make mature and capable Kate go into a hyperventilating fit.  So when Paul's parents move back to town, you know nothing good can come of this... or can it?

I really loved this book.  From start to finish I was invested in these characters lives.  Josie had this strong and memorable voice.  She was very mature for her age - yet at the same time she was innocent and gullible.  I absolutely loved the relationship between her and Kate.  For some reason, parents aren't a big factor in YA books.  In fact, in most books they're just someone mentioned in passing.  Rarely do you ever see them play a major role.  That is not the case in For Keeps - Kate's role in the book is just as important at Josie's. 

Aside from Josie and Kate, there were some other characters that I loved as well.  I absolutely loved Liv, Josie's best friend.  She brought a smile to my face every time she came in a room - with her quirky fashion sense, snarky remarks and sarcastic humor.  Riggs, Josie's love interest, was also a highlight.  I liked the push and pull between them - but I especially liked the way that Josie was able to stand up for herself and her feelings - not letting her love for him blindside her.    I love a strong female and you definitely find that in Josie.

I think Ms. Friend does a superb job in creating a realistic, heartfelt, coming of age story in For Keeps.  The novel exudes love and charm and definitely leaves you feeling good at its closure.  This was a very enjoyable read and one that I can highly recommend.

My Rating:

Soulstice by Simon Holt

It has been six months since the events that transpired in The Devouring took place. For the past six months Reggie Halloway has seen nor heard anything from the Vours.

Although they are survivors, Reggie, her brother Henry and her best friend Aaron, are all still affected by their ordeal from six months prior. Reggie has nightmares and cannot put aside her terrible memories. Henry not only has war wounds but he has become a quiet boy who continues to suffer from nightmares and violent episodes. Aaron seems to be the one least affected, but he is worried for his friend and continues to worry about the investigation taking place regarding the disappearance of town golden boy Quinn Waters - which we all know he is now swimming with the fishes after his Vour possession.

And then everything goes to hell in a hand basket - the Vours make their move against Aaron and Quinn Waters somehow survived his drowning in freezing water and is back looking to pair up with Reggie - since his Vour brethren have turned against him. As Reggie continues to learn more and more about the Vours - she begins to realize that there are more townfolk possessed then she anticipated. She does not know who to believe, who to trust - for the one least expected might just turn out to be a Vour.

Let me start by saying that I found The Devouring to be very scary - well I found that Soulstice upped the scariness stakes. The Devouring was more about developing the atmosphere, getting a feel for the Vours and what they stand for. In Soulstice, Mr. Holt focuses more on fear. The scenes are tense, terrifying and I could not help but be fascinated by them. I also found it to be more fast-paced, picking you up right from the start and not letting you take a breather until you were done with it (at least that is the way it was with me).

I really like Reggie - she is a smart, strong heroine - at times she even has this Buffy-esque type feel to her. The Vours and their madness and the twists and turns along the story will have you at the edge of your seat. Mr. Holt's writing is intense and graphic when it comes to bringing any child's (including my own) fear to light. The fearscape he creates (although shorter than in The Devouring) was even more creepy then the first. And can we talk about the nasty cliffhanger at the end - I was like Oh, hell naw!!! I can't believe it ended that abruptly... very evil, very, very evil Mr. Holt!

All in all, a deliciously creepy series. One that I think that will cater to not only teens looking for a scary book but one that will also seduce lovers of horror. This is definitely not one you want to read before bedtime as I guarantee you will have a hard time falling to sleep. I personally cannot wait to see what will happen next - I look forward to the next installment, Fearscape, scheduled to release Fall 2010. Yikes!

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction. [via GoodReads]

This was such a great book. Told in two parts the "Before" and the "After". Throughout its pages we meet Miles "Pudge" Halter. He's recently left home and is now enrolled at Culver Creek a boarding school - seeking his "Great Perhaps." Looking for Alaska chronicles his ordinary life - leaving behind his former Florida high school and moving out to Alabama. There he finally feels that he fits in. He makes friends with the Colonel, his roommate, Lara Buterskaya, Takumi, and last but definitely not least, Alaska, the girl he immediately falls for.

Mr. Green does a superb job in really capturing the lives of these teens. Their feelings, emotions, actions were all relateable, realistic, we have all been there, we have all done these same things. I really commend him for not only introducing us to these characters but, if you're anything like me, you'll feel like you not only got to know them by the end of the book, but that they're also your friends. Pudge, the Colonel, Alaska, Lara and Takumi are just living their lives - but doing whatever possible to amuse themselves along the way. Even if it means irritating their teachers, playing pranks on the Weekday Warriors and all without getting caught by "The Eagle", the dean. They learn about alcohol and just how good it can make them feel, and then exactly how bad it can also make them feel, they learn to smoke cigarettes and experience sex for the first time.

This is their story of growing up, of loving and losing, of dealing and eventually just living life to the fullest. Mr. Green's writing is witty, entertaining, thought-provoking. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And I guarantee it will stay with you long after you are done with it. A great story and one that I think should be required reading for teens.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Some summers are just destined to be pretty Some summers are just destined to be pretty.

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. [via Goodreads]

From reading the synopsis to this book you can't help but think that this is a fluff read - but that was not the case.


Belly looks forward to her summers. Ever since she can remember her summers are full of her favorite things. The beachhouse, her almost-aunt, Susannah, her mother and brother, the beach, the boardwalk and Susannah's boys - Jeremiah and Conrad. Summers mean they all get together and spend three glorious months together. 


And Belly is looking forward to her summer... not just because duh... it's summer, but also because she gets to see Jeremiah and Conrad... especially Conrad. Although they've grown up together, almost considered cousins, she shares a grand friendship with Jeremiah, but Conrad she has always loved. She can't help but want to see them, be with them... but something has changed this summer. Jeremiah continues to be the free spirit he has always been - always making jokes, cracking a smile and just having a fun time. But Conrad has changed since last summer. He quit the football team, he acts irritable, he smokes and just wants to be left alone in his room. This is the summer that, notwithstanding the changes, everything finally comes into place.


Belly, although she comes off (for most of the story) as a shallow, self-centered and most often immature, young lady, really does a lot of personal growth and maturing throughout. Her struggles felt real and I think Ms. Han did a good job of capturing the emotions of a teen girl accurately. The writing was simple but it was precise and clear which I really like - nothing too convoluted to where I got lost. I did have some issues with the jumping in the chapters from past summers to the present summer, but it wasn't to hard to catch up. 


The Summer I Turned Pretty is carefree, romantic, and in the end, I found the story and its characters endearing. Plus, I love books where the story takes place at the beach, at a beach house, pier or boardwalk. Although the book's ending is a bit vague, it can be a stand-alone, but it has come to my attention that it is part of a trilogy - so I'm sure we'll be hearing more of Belly, Conrad and possibly another summer or two.

This is the perfect book to read for the summer, but I would recommend you read it no matter what time of the year.

Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar

Dexter College is a small liberal arts college in the quiet town of Home, Maine. But it won't stay quiet for long with this group of freshmen. There's Shipley--blonde and beautiful, the object of envy and more than a little lust. Determined to assert herself and to shed her good-girl image, she buys cigarettes and condoms, because that's what every self-respecting college girl does. Her edgy roommate, Eliza, came to Dexter to get noticed, and she has the attitude and the mouth to prove it. Then there's Tom. Handsome, privileged, used to getting his own way, he's a jock-turned-artist who thinks his paintings will change the world. Sensitive Nick, Tom's wake-and-bake pot-smoking roommate, wants to follow in the footsteps of his boarding-school hero. And then there are brother and sister Adam and Tragedy Gatz. The freckle-faced farm boy lives at home with his parents and his little sister, who does all she can to stop him from being a wuss.

As Shipley, Eliza, Tom, Nick, and Adam find out, that first year of college is more than credits and cramming. Between the lust and the love, the secrecy and the scandal, they'll all receive an unexpected education. It's a time of shifting alliances, unrequited crushes, and coming of age. Find Yourself is Dexter's motto. And they are determined to do just that. [via GoodReads]

This is my first von Ziegesar novel. I've never read any of her Gossip Girl series and I thought it would be fun to start with something adult and then make my way to some of her YA books. I thought wrong. I personally did not like this book and therefore now really have no want to read anything else by her.

By reading the synopsis of the book you can only describe it as promising. I mean, yea, I like reading books about kids in college. The drinking, the parties, the sex, the "finding yourself" moments, all sorts of new friendships and in's and out's of relationships. I definitely like reading about all these things and finding a book that encompasses all these topics is really a plus for me. I truly found the depictions of these events to be realistic. There were also some funny moments scattered throughout - although they were rare.

What I did find odd was that the book was set in the 90's. The mentioning of the walkman's and CD players, President Clinton, etc. were all accurate. But there was the mention of a Starbucks on campus that I think might be off in time frame - especially since the school is out in the sticks somewhere in Maine. And like this there were other minor discrepancies that I also caught. Nothing overly horrendous, but definitely enough to peeve my analness when it comes to accurate facts.

In the end, I just felt like I couldn't connect with the characters. They were too cliche. Everything was too expected. From what I've read, this will be part of a three book series - although it reads perfectly as a stand alone. Sadly I think I will refrain from reading the rest.

This might work for fans of Ms. von Ziegesar - especially those who have grown up reading her Gossip Girl series and are now in college. It just didn't work for me.

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Daniel has what is called "the memory". He has the ability to recall his past lives and can recognize the souls of those he's known. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties he does not forget who he was or whom he loved. For Daniel, throughout all his lives, has always loved Sophia (despite her name changes and altered appearances). Imagine dying and being reborn and still remembering (from a young age) what you did in your previous life, who your family was and whom you loved.... Daniel (and yes, he is always known as Daniel) does not forget.

The same cannot be said for Lucy (present day name for Sophia). She does not remember who Daniel is or their love that has transcended time. And although they have found each other over and over throughout the centuries, she always seems to forget the love that has always, and fatally, ended much too abruptly.

Alternating between the present day lives of Daniel and Lucy and their expansive history beginning in 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, you get a very in depth look at all the many layers of their relationship(s). I especially loved these times. Ms. Brashares did an amazing job in depicting the era, the landscape, the people, it was very detailed making it something I could envision, taste, touch and smell. Now I can't say how accurate these depictions are, but I was nonetheless satisfied with them. Obviously the narrator of these "past" chapters is Daniel and it's through these same chapters that you really get to know him. Daniel's voice is so soothing. He's is thoughtful, self-less, intelligent and his reflections really captivated me. But no matter the year, it's those moments when he finally encounters his Sophia that he truly comes to life for you. His love and his need to convince her that she loves him in return ... basically oozes off these pages. I have to say that I was swept away by the whole of this story. Call me a romantic fool, but I just could not help myself.

I absolutely fell in love with Daniel this book. The characters were incredible, the writing was compelling and the journey was one I would take over and over again. The ending (or lack thereof) left me a little freaked because it is a cliff hanger but, upon further examination, it has come to my understanding that there are two more books to Daniel and Lucy's story. Hooray! I can't praise this one enough. If you're a sucker for love (and who's complaining?), you should get yours hand on My Name is Memory asap.


** And just as a side not, (because I'm pyscho like that) did anyone else catch the similarities in the names (Daniel and Lucy) and even the whole "love that never ends" subplot to Fallen by Lauren Kate? Pretty freaky, yet somewhat interesting, huh? I'm just saying.**

My Review:

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Title:  Numbers 

Author:  Rachel Ward

Pages: 352

Genre: YA / Teen
Source: Library

Jem has a secret no one knows. A secret she knows must not be shared. See, if Jem stares into a persons eye she sees a set of numbers. These numbers are the date of the person's death... an expiration date, if you must. She's had a rough life. And at 15, she's orphaned, never knowing her daddy and her mum having overdosed when she was still a child, she's been bounced around from foster home to foster home and although now she is stable living in yet another foster home, she lives behind a hard shell that allows her to not get too close to anyone.

Until she meets Spider. Spider an outcast just like her, but also so different. Spider is full of life, he's bursting at the seams with energy and for some reason he keeps finding ways to follow and hang around Jem. She eventually relents and they form a distant and grudging sort of friendship. One day while in line at London Eye, Jem begins to see that everyone around her has the same numbers and quickly makes up her mind that something terrible is bound to happen. She grabs Spider and makes a run for it. When a devastating act kills those at the "Eye" that day, they both become the main suspects and end up on the run.

What a very interesting premise. Imagine to know the date of everyone's death. That concept alone was very thought-provoking for me. I really found Ms. Ward to have created a very credible character in Jem. The way that her unique ability basically forces her to act, always wearing hoody's, with her hair in her face, never really wanting to look into someone's eyes, not wanting to force bonds - familial or friendship, all these traits were very realistic to me. Her relationship with Spider (which is really the main focus in the book) and how said relationship changes Jem and her views was very enjoyable to read.

My only complaints would be that the whole "numbers" thing was not the main focus on the story - halfway through the story the numbers just dwindled. The story changed and it became more of a love story - I found that unexpected. I also really hate (and this is just something personal on my behalf) when there is a lot of description as to body odors... you know, bad breath, oily hair, BO in general. If an author mentions it once or twice I can overlook it, but if it's the main focus every time a new character is introduced I start getting turned off to it - this was really a factor with me in this book. 

All in all, this story really had a lot of potential. It was like a roller coaster ride for me - it was very fast-paced in the beginning then it slowed for a while towards the middle and then picked up speed again at end. It's not one that I loved, but I definitely enjoyed it. The last sentence in the story really surprised me so I most definitely will be picking up the sequel (The Chaos) upon its US release sometime in early 2011. 

One last thing I also want to mention, although it is advertised as a young adult book, I do recommend it more for older teens as there is drug use, theft, sex and death.

My Rating:

Far from You by Lisa Schroeder

Alice has felt as if she's been spiraling down the rabbit hole ever since her mother passed away. It's been a few years since her mother's death and she is still suffering from her loss. To make matters worse, her father hasn't been there for her in her time of need. She has had to grieve all on her own, since he has re-married and is a expecting a new baby any minute now.

Alice finds comfort in her boyfriend Blaze, her faith, her guitar, music and her BFF, Claire. But things are about to change, for Claire is fed up with Alice's "depressing" music and a fight between the girls quickly ensues. Then things take a drastic turn when Alice gets caught on the road in a snowstorm with her newborn half-sister Ivy, and her "wicked" stepmother, Vic. It is now up to Alice to deal with the issues that she has long avoided, especially if she wants to get out of this predicament alive.

My first impression of Alice was that she was selfish, ignorant and mean. I got the impression right from the start that she never gave her stepmother a chance - she was too involved in her grief, her boyfriend, her music, etc. But that's what I really like about Lisa's writing. She creates characters that are real, that you can relate to. I loved taking this journey with Alice.

Considering this is such a short book, you quickly become attached to some of these characters. They all bring their own unique quality to the story. You can't help but find yourself biting your nails towards the second half of the book and reading on with tears in your eyes as you see our Alice grow and understand and eventually forgive and heal. 


Far from You is written in verse, and only the second book that I've read in this style, but once again I am in awe by how much feeling and emotion can be contained in so little writing. If you have any doubts about reading one of Lisa's books please put them aside and read just one of her books - I guarantee if you're anything like me, you'll want to read them all!

My Rating:

Heist Society by Ally Carter

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels.

Now at 15, Kat is in the middle of the biggest con she has ever attemped... she's attending boarding school (using a fake identity, of course), but nonetheless, she has broken free of her family and their thieving ways and is striving to be a "normal" girl.

But all her dreams of normalcy are ripped away from her when she is framed as the perpetrator of a prank at school and eventually ends up expelled... their goes that dream. But even worse then getting expelled is the fact that her father has also been framed. If the 5 paintings that he is rumored to have stolen are not returned within the allotted he will suffer a greater punishment then just a mere expulsion.

It is up to Kat (who makes a deal with the evil man who owns said paintings) to return them even though her father did not commit the crime of stealing them. She rounds up her own crew to get the job done (including her Lolita-esque cousin who looks innocent and sweet with her mini skirts and high heels; the billionaire boy next door and the computer nerd that can hack into any system). But can a bunch of teens pull off an Ocean's 11 worthy heist or will their plans land them in the slammer?

This is fast-paced, full of unpredictable plot turns, danger, adventure, some great characters and a little romance sprinkled in for good measure. It really is just perfect.

I think the plot was just brilliant - I found it to be original and well-orchestrated, unbelievable at times, but that's what made it so great. Ms. Carter's writing style is witty, funny and she definitely has a way of connecting with the reader. I loved the various twists and turns that always had you on your toes. Who was Visily Romani? What happened to the paintings? Will these kids actually get away with this? Everything was a mystery and just when you thought you had it figured out, you'd be thrown for another loop.

I enjoyed Heist Society so much! I loved all the shenanigans that Kat and her ragtag crew have to go through. Ms. Carter made Kat such a strong young woman - she was the perfect female lead. Her crew brought the perfect amount of comedy and techy geekiness as well as the villain brought the perfect amount of villainy/creepiness.

Overall this is one that can be enjoyed by everyone no matter what the age. I can't wait to see where we will go to next.

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest. [via GoodReads]

The first time I saw Chasing Brooklyn at my bookstore I scanned through its pages saw that it was written in verse with its very short chapters and its few sentences per page and put it right back where I found it. At the time all I could think was why waste money on something that when actually put together amounts to maybe 150 full pages of writing not to mention what matter of character definition can you get out of a story written so sparsely. All I can say now is... (and I'm not ashamed to say it) boy was I wrong.

This is the first book I've read that is written in verse and I can't even begin to tell you how fascinating and beautiful and just enthralling I found this story to be. Lisa Schroeder definitely has a way with words! She may not use many of them but the one's she does use, she makes you feel them in your heart and you can't help but want to savor them. I've never read anything like this before so please bear with me while I gush over how awesome this book is.

For starters, this is a fast-paced novel that can be read in a few hours tops. But I personally would not recommend that. This is a story to be savored, enjoyed, even to dwell upon for a little just to fully capture all the emotions and feelings that the main characters go through. What I most enjoyed about it is that it is told through alternating points-of-view between Brooklyn and Nico giving the reader a very in depth look into at all sides of the story. You can't help but go on this journey with them and feel their sorrow, loss, self-discovery and ultimately their healing. There were many things that I loved about this novel and those include, not just the characters, but the hauntings (which I found really creepy) and the training for the race.

I am still awed by how much emotion and depth Ms. Schroeder conveyed in just a few short sentences. I actually liked it so much that I went out and bought everything else she's ever written, yes, sorry, the OCD kicked in.

All in all, Chasing Brooklyn is haunting, riveting and one that I think everyone should read. And to those of you who don't read books written in this style, don't knock it 'till you try it, you won't be disappointed.

Gone by Lisa McMann

Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she’d made her peace with it. But she can’t handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He’s amazing. And she’s a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it’s going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she’d ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out.... [via GoodReads]

Gone is the highly anticipated, final installment in the Dream Catcher Trilogy. This is the story of Janie, the girl who catches dreams and, Cabel, the boy who loves her.

I've really enjoyed this series. I found it original and the characters very endearing. What I truly liked about Gone is that you really get more character definition, it was more of a character driven novel. There isn't so much of a mystery in this one but rather its about the characters coming to terms with themselves... learning more about each other and accepting that. Janie has learned to deal with her "gift" and has found a greater purpose for it. But she now knows that this gift comes at a very high price. A price that not only will affect her immensely but will also affect Cabel. Janie has some tough decisions to make.

There's not much more I can say without giving too much away. I did feel that this book was different from the prior two in the series, but not in a bad way. The writing was the same - with it's short chapters and even shorter sentences. Janie was whiney and not so much the tough girl I've come to love... but all is forgiven - the girl is definitely leading a rough life. For those of you who haven't read the first two books in the series and are considering reading Gone - I would not recommend you do that. Although Gone can almost be seen as a companion book since it is THAT different from the other two, you don't really get much background information as to know what happened previously so after a couple of pages you will be lost. Start at the beginning and I guarantee you will be swept away in Janie's journey. All in all, this worked for me. I enjoyed this trilogy immensely and I can definitely recommend it to not just teens but to adults alike.

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she? [via GoodReads]

This was a sweet, coming-of-age story of a young girl who is at the point in her life where she is discovering who she is and where she is going. Marisa is a very relatable character - she's a sophomore in high school and is looking for Mr. Right. When she lands the perfect boyfriend (handsome, popular, etc.) she begins to realize that sometimes love doesn't have to be perfect and can be found when least expected.

Although the story does have a light feel to it, it does touch on some rather serious subjects, making it not just a fun book but also an emotional story. I do have to say that I was drawn more to the lighter/more romanticer (yes, I made that word up) moments in the story. I also enjoyed the whole anonymous DJ bit... although I did guess who it was from the start.

I have to confess that I did wish that it would have been more fast-paced... I felt as if something was waiting around the corner the whole time, but it just never came. All in all, this is a classic coming-of-age story about friendship and first love that is easily enjoyed.

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

After a run-in with a bat leaves Flory without her wings, she finds that her whole lifestyle is in for a change. For instance, she falls off the tree she has been living in and ends up in the giantess's yard. There she must learn how to survive - find a new home and without her wings, that means work. Angry at the bats, mad at the night, and annoyed with herself, Flory decides she won't be a night fairy anymore--she'll be a day fairy. With her trusty dagger and an always-hungry squirrel, she's off on an unforgettable adventure.

What a sweet little tale awaits you in the pages of The Night Fairy. This will definitely appeal to little girls... because really, what little girl doesn't dream of being a fairy?

Flory is one tough fairy... I mean tough as nails. She is not shy about threatening any foe with her dagger and, at times, due to her lack of being around other fairy's, her demeanor with her fellow garden dwellers can be rather rude, demanding and even stand-offish. But you can definitely see her growth throughout the story as she not only learns to survive in her new world but she also learns to be a friend.

The story comes in a slim volume with stunningly, enchanting artwork by Angela Barrett. The pages were sleek and shiny and you had some thick glittery pages at the end of the book... very nice all-around package that makes you want to display it on your bookshelf. This is a story that can be enjoyed by everyone (no matter the age) and believe me, those of you who do pick it up will cherish it.

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff. [via GoodReads]

Once Dead, Twice Shy is a fast-paced novel that sadly I just did not enjoy. For one, the book starts and you feel like if you missed the first half of it. You just get thrown right smack into the story, or at least that's what I felt like. Now for me it was a little different because I read the short story in Prom Nights from Hell titled Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper which was were I was originally introduced to Madison and what intrigued me enough to make me want to see what happens next with her.

I really liked the premise of the story. I'm a sucker for good vs. bad (or, in this case, dark vs. light) stories and this really sounded promising. But in the end, I just didn't get a true feel for the characters and the story ended up being too predictable for my tastes.

I can definitely see it's appeal and why teens would want to read it (with all the hype for paranormal books nowadays), but it just didn't work for me.

The Day I Shot Cupid by Jennifer Love Hewitt

Self-proclaimed Love-aholic, Jennifer Love Hewitt, has penned this adorable little book for all you girls looking for love in all the wrong places. In its pages you'll find all sorts of advice from what to wear on a first to what not to eat or drink while you're on it. How to wait for him to call. How to not be overly needy. Feeling worthless. When to snuggle like "velcro" and then act all nonchalant about it. It is a tell-all book about all the "do's" and "don'ts" in relationships... or lack thereof. Her stories were insightful, witty, and humorous that not only give you a glimpse into some of her relationship woes but can also be helpful in avoiding some of those same painful and/or embarrassing scenarios.

Although I'm one of the lucky one's who has been married for years and considers herself to be in happy, healthy relationship with her "hubs", I can definitely appreciate a book like this. I loved the cutesy graphics, the short chapters and the bullet-point areas all told in a spunky, yet honest voice. My favorite part, Jamie Kennedy's cameo - definitely makes a girl feel good about herself and puts a big smile on your face.

This was a sweet little book that can be read in a couple of hours tops, but definitely not to be taken as light reading material as there are many lessons to be learned scattered throughout. Jennifer Love Hewitt has outdone herself in my book with her amazing love guru-ness skills. She definitely knows what she's talking about and I'm hopeful we'll hear more from her in the future.

Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart

Ever since her mother passed away, Katie's been alone in her too-big house with her genius dad, who restores old paintings for a living. Katie takes a summer job at a garden estate, where, with the help of two brothers and a glamorous librarian, she soon becomes embroiled in decoding a mystery. There are secrets and shadows at the heart of Nothing but Ghosts: symbols hidden in a time-darkened painting, and surprises behind a locked bedroom door. But most of all, this is a love story—the story of a girl who learns about love while also learning to live with her own ghosts. [via GoodReads]

I've been prolonging writing this review. I think it might be because I felt that this story fell a little flat for me. I'll be honest, it was slow, not too much of anything going on and just when you finally start getting acquainted with the characters, the story ends.

With that said, there were still some aspects of it that I did like. For instance, I loved Ms. Kephart's writing - it was captivating and lyrical. There were really two main threads in the story. Katie's grief for the loss of her mother and then the mystery surrounding Ms. Martine Everlast. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of it. It just felt too slow for me. The build-up was very slow moving and passive and in the end it just didn't hit the mark for me.

The first person narrative was believable. Katie's grief and sense of loss are palpable. It even brought a tear to my eye. I liked the gentle love story also interspersed within the story. And one last thing that I want to make mention of, I loved that the librarian had model looks with her fashionable clothes and killer heels.

All in all, I can see it's appeal, but sadly, it just didn't work for me.

Over My Dead Body: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise & M. Sarah Klise (illustrator)

The Klise sisters are back with the follow-up to 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You. Here we once again catch up with Ignatius B. Grumply, Seymour Hope and that wonderful ghost, Olive C. Spense, who are now part of their very own publishing group. Olive and Ignatius do the writing, Seymour does the drawing and the readers pay $3 for their stories. It's worked out quite nicely since they have been able to buy the house on Cemetery Road and are all living happily.

But their happiness is soon dampened, when upon investigation by the The International Movement for the Safety & Protection Of Our Kids & Youth (a/k/a IMSPOOKY), it is deemed that Seymour can no longer live at 43 Old Cemetery Road without his parents. No matter how much Ignatius tries to prove that Seymour is not "unsupervised", but instead is loved and living happily with him, Olive and his cat Shadow, Dick Tater, the head of IMSPOOKY, will not relent and splits up the trio. They'll need some clever and quick thinking in order to get their trio together again and provide their readers with the promised chapters in the book by Halloween or else it will be complete and utter mayhem.

Once again, this series is cleverly written in epistolary fashion. Mostly told through letters, e-mails, drawings, newspaper clippings and Dick Tater's television broadcasts. I absolutely fell in love with the first book in the series and I was not disappointed in this sequel. It is a fun, quick read that is geared more for a younger crowd (3rd to 5th graders) but can definitely be enjoyed by adults as well. My favorite part of the series still remains the names of the characters who reside in the town of Ghastly, IL: Shirley U. Jest, Dick Tater, Claire Voyant, Fay Tality, and of course M. Balm, the librarian! Full of great humor and a very sweet little story that you can devour in an hour flat.

My Rating: 

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

15-year old Daisy is sent to live with her aunt and cousins in England when her father and stepmother have had enough of her attitude and eating disorder (which said eating disorder came about by refusing to eat since she was sure her dreadful stepmother was trying to poison her). She is sent from her Manhattan home to live in a rural farm in England - even though there is the threat of war looming (which no one believes will actually happen). The day after her arrival, her Aunt Penn has to leave on a business trip and she finds herself alone with her four cousins. But their parent-less freedom and summer bliss is cut short when an unnamed aggressor attacks England and they find the country under occupation by enemy forces.

The kids aren't really affected by the war at first. They are living under the assumption that the war is too far away and their little haven in the countryside will be spared. But when the British army takes over their farmstead and split the kids up sending Daisy and her youngest cousin, Piper, away they find themselves living a harsh and very scary reality.

Let's start with what I really liked about this book - I think Ms. Rosoff did a phenomenal job of capturing the toll that war can have on children. I really liked the way the effects slowly progressed... how at first the kids felt safe as if nothing could touch them. But then slowly airports were shut down, meaning Aunt Penn could not return back home, then electricity was shut off, and eventually getting food and supplies became a problem. The bad things slowly started trickling in. From the moment you meet Daisy, Edmund, Piper and the rest of the cousins you can't help but like them. And it pains you to see how these children have to struggle to feed themselves and survive the atrocities of war. I liked that it was told in the first person. since through Daisy we get a firsthand account of the perilous journey she and Piper go through in order to find their way back home.

There were several things I was not too fond of though. For instance, I really didn't like the way the story was told with its lack of quotations and full of fragmented and/or run-on sentences. You have to go into realizing that Daisy is telling you her story out loud rather than reminiscing about that time in her life. I truly think that because the story is told this way you don't really get an in depth feel for the characters. It did not go into as much description as I would have liked. It almost felt as if you were skimming over it. I also felt a tad uncomfortable with the relationship between Daisy and Edmund... oh yes, kissing (and much more) cousins. Although it is done tasteful, it was still graphic enough to make me feel slightly creeped out by it.

This was a quick read and one that I found impossible to put down. I can't say that I absolutely loved it, but it really had me enthralled and I must say that once I finished it I had a hard time getting it out of my mind for several days. Although it is classified as YA, I personally would not recommend it to younger teens as it is detailed when it comes to war crimes and the relationship between Edmund and Daisy.

All in all, I would still recommend it. It was a good read and one that I'm sure fans of dystopian, realistic fiction will enjoy.

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Caitlin is beginning her junior year in high school - but she's definitely suffering from much more than beginning-of-the-year jitters. Everything is different for Caitlin this year - her best friend Ingrid is no longer there - she committed suicide and now Caitlin is left reeling from the aftershock and trying to come to terms with the loss of her closest friend.

Not only is Caitlin suffering emotionally, but everyone around her is also affected by her unexpected death. Ms. Delani, the photography teacher, seems to be giving Caitlin the cold shoulder and being overly critical of her work. The kids at school are walking on eggshells around her. Even her parents are concerned over the way she's acting (she's been spending long periods of time in her car parked out front of her house).

Then she finds Ingrid's journal. A journal that Ingrid carried with her at all times of the day and that Caitlin's sure will have all the answers as to why her friend would resort to suicide. Caitlin makes a pact to read one entry a day in the hopes of finding answers... but instead she finds so much more.

I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, but I've been holding off because I knew this story was going to have me on an emotional roller coaster. I must admit that I am pretty impressed with the way Ms. LaCour was able to capture Caitlin's grief in a way where she makes it YOUR grief. From the moment you open to its first page until you read it's last sentence, you are on a journey with Caitlin - a journey to find a way of coping and living without someone you love. It's a journey that is heartbreaking, emotional, thoughtful, even painful ... one that will bring tears to your eyes, but will also leave you feeling hopeful and lighthearted.

This story is beautifully executed - it captures all aspects of adolesence and brings them into perspective. The characters were captivating. The story was emotional, raw, powerful. It definitely resonated with me and will not be quickly forgotten.

The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw

Ida MacLaird visited St. Hauda's island a year ago. There she met a man named Henry Fuwa who spoke of creatures such as the moth-winged cattle and a beast whose glance could turn anything to pure white. When the tips of her toes begin to turn to glass, she can think of no other person that can help her other than Henry and she is quite certain that whatever her mysterious affliction is, she obtained it while at St. Hauda's.

Midas Crook is somewhat of a loner. He hides behind his camera and only sees the world through its potential for photographic composition. He happens to run across Ida one day while in the woods and can't seem to stop the impulse to want to photograph her, to know her, to find out what is causing her such unhappiness. He tries to fight his feelings for her - but her sad, defiant spirit calls to him and he finds himself waging a war with time. For Midas has to put his past behind him, and that includes the memories of his cruel father, his tortured mother and his insecurities and embrace the opportunity he has found in Ida... the chance at true love. But love won't be enough if they can't find a way to stave off the spread of the glass.

Let me start by saying that I picked this book up because I fell in love with its stunning cover. I never even got around to reading its synopsis, I just saw it, loved it and read it. For some reason, I assumed it would be a YA title - don't know why I was under that assumption, so needless to say, I was surprised to find an adult fairytale-type story within the pages of The Girl with Glass Feet.

Although you would think this is Ida's story, it really is more about Midas. As they struggle to find a cure for the rapidly spreading ice, the relationship between them grows into something unexpected. It is through Ida's perseverance that she is able to break through Midas' memories, inhibitions and introverted nature and bring him fully into the present, to be alive... with her, before it's too late.

It did take me a couple of chapters to actually get into the storyline. But from the first page, I found myself taken in by the whimsical (even mythical) descriptions we get of St. Hauda's. It didn't take very long before I found myself completely immersed and needing to read more about the complicated characters that are Midas and Ida.

Midas made me feel anxious and exasperated - I wanted to grab him and just shake him and yell at him to snap out of it before love simply slipped away. He had the pressure of his father's suicide and I know he preferred to see life through his camera, but he was just letting life pass him by. Then there was Ida - she was spunky, well-traveled, spontaneous, but slowly turning to glass. I loved how she was able to overlook Midas' flaws, and see the goodness in him.

This was a very unusual love story and one that I found even more peculiar since the fact that she was turning to glass never really surprised anyone. You'd think if I showed you my glass feet you would somehow panic or freak out in some way... but no, these characters just saw it for what it was... she's turning into glass, so let's find a cure. I found that rather odd, but then again, so were the moth-winged cattle and the technicolor jellyfish. I think the author does a good job of bringing all the fantastical elements in the novel together with the realism and genuine relationships scattered throughout.

It definitely had a lot of potential but it left me feeling as if some things were left unanswered. I also really wished some of the more magical elements were brought more into perspective. Overall I found this to be a unique and interesting read - but not one I would recommend to everyone.