[via Happy Things]
Dear Prudence....... <3 the Beatles.
Saturday
Friday
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:
It's the Friday Hop and Follow
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Yes, my friends, I do. I am a self-proclaimed, no doubt about it, book cover whore. Not only do I buy a book for its cover, but I also showcase it in my bookshelves. I like pretty things. I don't know about you guys, but when I buy something pretty I like to show it off. So I do. ;) I don't care how much the hubbs makes fun of me for this.
Over at Follow My Book Blog Friday - Candace @ Candace's Book Blog has a question for us:
What is your favorite brick and mortar bookstore?
Well I would have to say my favorite book store would be Barnes and Noble - only because my friends and I normally meet there once a week to discuss books, drink coffee and just plain gossip. It's become a hangout for us and there's nothing better than the aroma of fresh coffee and new books the moment you walk into that store. But very close in the running is an indie bookstore - Books and Books. This bookstore is not only quaint and pleasant, and just the way I like -with books stacked from floor to ceiling, but they also bring in so many authors for readings, signings and workshops. They are the absolute best and a true gem here in Miami.
If this is your first time here at All About {n} - Welcome! Make yourselves at home and feel free to browse around. Everyone else, well hey, welcome back.
If this is your first time here at All About {n} - Welcome! Make yourselves at home and feel free to browse around. Everyone else, well hey, welcome back.
GIVEAWAY: Vampire Academy Series
Hey guys, as promised, this is the second of the FOLLOWERS ONLY giveaways that I'm hosting. I hope I'm not the only person who hasn't read this series. I have a friend and, I won't mention who, that raves about this series all the time. I actually met Richelle Mead (loved her!) and yet, I still have not started these books. I know, I am terrible. So, I got one of these boxed sets for me and I got one of them for a lucky follower.
This box set includes the first three books in the Vampire Academy series. In it you will find Vampire Academy, Frostbite and Shadow Kiss.
This special giveaway is for FOLLOWERS ONLY. Old followers get an extra entry. And I will allow extra entries for posting on sidebars, blog posts, twitter, facebook, the new All About {n} button, etc. (just leave link(s)). Make sure to leave me an e-mail address too. Winner will be drawn October 3. Open internationally. Good luck.
Thursday
YA-D2 Reading Challenge
I know, you must be thinking... another challenge?!! But yes, I'm joining another challenge. I couldn't pass up on this one - Bart's Bookshelf is hosting a YA Dystopian Challenge. I love dystopian novels!! So why not do a challenge right? Plus they might even coincide with my RIP Challenge qualifications. I'll try to complete:
Level 3: Is for the dystopian die-hards! Minimum requirement for this level is five young adult dystopian novels, between the 1st October and 19th December. There is, however no maximum cap, you can keep reading for as many books as you like!
Here are some of the titles I have in mind for the challenge:
- Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
- Matched by Ally Condie
- Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
- The Giver by Lois Dowry
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pheffer
- The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne Duprau
Some other good one's for this challenge - too bad I've read them already: How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff; Anything Hunger Games; The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson; The Host by Stephenie Meyer; The Forest of Hands and Teeth & The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan. Just some ideas for those of you that might consider joining in the fun.
Do you have any other suggestions for me? I'd love to hear them.
The challenge will take place from October 1st 2010 through December 19th 2010. Wanna play too? Here's the challenge sign-up post.
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