Words Speak Volumes Reviews

My Signature

2008-09-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

So I went on mylivesignature.com today to look for my signature, because a good amount of the people of TEEN TUESDAY had them and I felt left out so I checked it out. My signature is more bubbly and connected, but this is the one I choose

It's sort of similar, but the letters are closer together and my m's, n's and h's are more bubbly. Maybe one day I'll take a pic of my handwriting so I can show you, but here it is, nonetheless.

September Contest!!

2008-09-05T06:45:00.001-05:00

The Book: The Elite by Jennifer Banash

Timespan: September 5th through September 26th

How to Get Points:
1 ENTRY
- Post a new comment on this post with your name and email address.
- Post a new comment on a book review on my blog.
- Post a new comment on an interview on my blog.

2 ENTRIES
- Make a bulletin on MySpace advertising my blog. (Make sure we're friends first, so I can see it.)
- Post a link about this contest on your blog.
- Join Wired Wednesday, which is another of my blogs.
- Refer someone to my contest and make sure they tell me.

3 ENTRIES
- Make me a banner or button to advertise my blog or Wired Wednesday.

4 ENTRIES
- Make me an animated banner or button to advertise my blog or Wired Wednesday.

When you've done something to gain points, please email me with what you did in the subject line (a different email for each task, please). words.speak.volumes@gmail.com is the address. Have fun.

I have decided to do this on Friday, so that I can call it Free Friday. I love alliteration. I am now part of Salon Sunday, Teen Tuesday, Wired Wednesday, Booking through Thursday (no alliteration, but it sounds cool all the same), and Free Friday. Free Friday will occur on the FIRST Friday of every month.

P.S. If you have any more ideas, you can email them to me and I'll pick the amount of points.

Booking Through Thursday: Volume Two

2008-09-04T20:33:00.006-05:00

Peer Pressure

I was looking through books yesterday at the shops and saw all the Twilight books, which I know basically nothing about. What I do know is that I’m beginning to feel like I’m the *only* person who knows nothing about them.

Despite being almost broke and trying to save money, I almost bought the expensive book (Australian book prices are often completely nutty) just because I felt the need to be ‘up’ on what everyone else was reading.

Have you ever felt pressured to read something because ‘everyone else’ was reading it? Have you ever given in and read the book(s) in question or do you resist? If you are a reviewer, etc, do you feel it’s your duty to keep up on current trends?

Giving that I am a reviewer, I often feel as though I am expected to be up on the trends. I read Twilight and New Moon in seventh grade and I just started my Freshman year on Tuesday. I want to re-read them to be ready to read Eclipse and Midnight Sun. My friends love the series. I have one friend who's read Twilight at least eight times. My other friend finished Midnight Sun in less than forty-eight hours. I am not pressured as much to read Eclipse as I am to read Midnight Sun, because it just came out. It's new. At school, nobody except me and my friends view reading as a fun, relaxing, voluntary experience. So nobody can really pressure me to read something. My friends wouldn't do that. They just want me to enjoy it. If they really liked it, they'll recommend it and leave it at that.

What I really don't like is offering to review a book for someone and I don't enjoy it. Then I feel as though I'm obligated to finish it. I do it anyway because my curiosity overcomes me, but sometimes I just think, 'There's so many way better books out there that I could be reading. Why do I have to read this?' Then I remember that I offered to read it and review it and that's like a client.... kind of.

Well, I hope that answers your question. Thanks for reading.

Wired Wednesday: Volume Two

2008-09-03T17:46:00.000-05:00

Feeling: Pretty energized

Current Book: Fringe Benefits by Valerie Frankel

Next Book In Line: Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro

Last Book Blog Seen (besides your own): Teen Tuesday

Link This Blog Please. Click Here.

Are you impressed by that Blog? Of course, there are so many thoughts and ideas there from other reviewers.

Any plans for today? Well, I plan to take a shower and get dressed. I will do my hair and makeup, and then I will make some breakfast. Then I have SCHOOL = Physical Science, Spanish II, World History, Band/Choir, World Lit, Lunch, Health, Intro To Food Service, and Geometry. After that, I have practice from 3:30 until 6:30ish. On the sheet, it says we get out at 6:15, but that never happens. Then I might get a haircut and eat some supper. Yup, that's pretty much it.

Teen Tuesday: Volume One

2008-09-02T21:36:00.002-05:00

Okay, people! I though this must be a joke, but nope. There she was all perky sitting in her seat a big cup of coffee next to her newly organized desk. Mrs. Blank (for security), my Freshmen Physical Science teacher, was ready. Ready to torture and rudely awaken the awaiting freshmen sitting at the tables in front of her. She then explained to us how this year would go and how there would be no way we could get by cheating the way that most of us did last year (not me, I didn't need to cheat) because we have tests/quizzes every Friday.

I have really survived my first day of high school unharmed, unless you count the matching blisters on the back of my heels from the cutest purple flats in the world. I however didn't have time to read at all and was officially about 20 minutes late to Health class with Mr. Blank (nope, no relation :D) because I had to refill the water machine for Student Council.

This week was a good one for me. I posted reviews for the following:

Anatomy of A Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky - 4.5

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen - 4.5

How I found the Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood - 2

Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita - 3.5

Violet On The Runway by Melissa Walker - 4

Ambition by Kate Brian - 5

Legacy by Kate Brian - 4.5

Inner Circle by Kate Brian - 4

I am currently reading Fringe Benefits by Valerie Frankel. It's pretty good. I read it until ten last night when I went to sleep. I still can't believe I fell asleep at such an early hour. :)

My blog will be hosting a contest for a surprise author coming soon, plus an author review. Just stay posted.

29. Anatomy of A Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

2008-09-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

Before all this happened, the closest I’d ever come to getting physical with a guy was playing the board game Operation. Okay, so maybe that sounds pathetic, but it’s not like there were any guys at my high school who I cared to share more than three words with, let alone a relationship.

Then I met Wes, a track-star senior from across town. Maybe it was his soulful blue eyes, or maybe my hormones just started raging. Either way, I was hooked. And after a while, he was too. I couldn’t believe how intense my feelings became, or the fact that I was seeing-and touching-parts of the body I’d only read about in my Gray’s Anatomy textbook. You could say Wes and I experienced a lot of firsts together that spring. It was love. And then came the fall.

I enjoyed this book, but it definitely wasn’t as good as others that I’ve read. The main character, Dominique, isn’t very strong. She spends too much time with her boyfriend and becomes obsessed with the way that they are seen and how much time they spend together.

RATING: 4.5 stars

Back To School

2008-09-01T18:35:00.004-05:00

13 hours and counting before my first day of high school starts.....

I'm only a little nervous. I know at least one person in each of my classes which is good. One of my best friends, Jade, is in 8 of my 9 classes, which is pretty exciting. I have a new book that I started tonight. FRINGE BENEFITS by Valerie Frankel. I'm bringing it along in my new purse. For school, I always get new stuff, that's part of the fun.

Tomorrow is a big day for me. I have my first day of high school, which is exciting, of course.
Then tomorrow is also my first high school volleyball game. I'm on the freshman team and I can't wait. I just got new shoes and they're orange, one of my school colors. I'm going to get back to reading, because being in school makes me want to read even more.

28. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

2008-09-01T18:00:00.002-05:00

"Ruby, where is your mother?"

With that question fromt he social worker, Ruby knows the game is up.

She's been living alone in the old yellow house, waiting out months until she turns eighteen and can finally be on her own legally. It certainly wasn't in her plan to be reunited with Cora, the sister who left ten years before, and broguth to live with Cora and her weathly entrepreneur husband.

Suddenly life is transformed: a luxurious house, private school, new clothes, and even the chance of a future Ruby couldn't have dreamed of. So why is she wary and unable to be grateful, incapable of letting anyone close? Her old life has been left behind, but where does she fit in this new life? Only Nate, the genial boy next door, seems to understand, perhaps becasue he's hiding some secrets of his own.

Funny, perceptive, and touching, Lock and Key will delight the legions of Sarah Dessen fans and win many new ones.

Lock and Key was a good read. It was longer, over 400 pages, but sometimes you love books like that. You just want to keep reading when the book ends, you wish it hadn’t. The storyline has so many plot twists and it’s different from the other Sarah Dessen novels you love, but you still wish you were like Ruby just like you do with Dessen’s many other protagonists.

I would have to say that some of the story was predictable. You knew how she would handle the situation, but you just as to read it to make sure. I would definitely recommend it.

RATING: 4.5 stars

Today/Tomorrow/The Day After

2008-08-28T22:49:00.005-05:00

Okay, so the rest of today/tomorrow/the day after (plus a bunch more days after that) are going to be so busy. I'm just gonna get right to my point.

My Schedule:

THE REST OF TODAY-8/28
11-12: Cleaning my room

TOMORROW-8/29
12-1: Reading & Surfing The Web (I can't get to sleep before 1 o'clock anywayz, might as well do something useful)
1-6: Sleeping
6-6:50: Getting Ready & Drinking Coffee & Checking my e-mail/blog/myspace
6:50-7: Driving To My Dad's House
7-7:45: Waiting at my Dad's House (Watching TV & Drinking More Coffee)
7:45-7:55: Walking to school
7:55-8:15: Organizing My Locker (No school hasn't started yet, I just know my combo, so I'm gonna bring my stuff now.)
8:15-8:30: Getting Ready for Volleyball Practice
8:30-10:40: Volleyball Practice
10:40-10:50: Get Ready to Go Home
10:50-11: Walk Home
11-11:30: Make lunch & eat it (What? I don't know yet)
11:30-4: Chill Time & Showering (The only time I really have to just hang out by myself all weekend.) Plus Brandy (a friend) arrives sometime in this area.
4-4:10: Driving to my mom's house
4:10-10: Hang out with Brandy (Watch movies & sit in the hot tub & surf the net)
10-12: Sleeping (Hopefully we fall asleep by then.)

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW-8/30
12-4:30: Sleeping (Hopefully)
4:30-5:30: Getting Ready
5:30-5:45: Find Something to Eat for Breakfast (and Coffee)
5:45-5:55: Andrea (a junior) picks us up to bring us into town (SCHOOL)
5:55-6: Wait for all the other Student Council members to arrive
6-6:45: Ride the Bus to the Craft Show
6:45-2:45: Help out at the Craft Show (and earn Community Service hours)
2:45-2:50: Get Ready to Leave
2:50-3:35: Ride the Bus Back to School
3:35-5:45: Going to a friend's house (don't know which one yet)
5:45-6: Getting to another friend's (spoiled) surprise party
6-10: Participating in said party
10-10:10: Getting back to my mom's house
10:10-10:50: Getting ready for bed
10:50-11:30: Checking e-mail/blog/myspace
11:30-12: Reading & Watching TV on my laptop

THE DAY AFTER THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW-8/31
12-12:30: Reading & Watching TV on my laptop
12:30-1: Trying to fall asleep
1-5:45: Sleeping
5:45-6:45: Getting Ready
6:45-7: Drinking Coffee, maybe finding something to eat
7-8:40: Driving to my aunt's church
8:40-9: Mingling in the lobby and drinking more coffee
9-10:30: Church Service
10:30-10:50: More Mingling
10:50-11:10: Driving to my aunt's house
11:10-4: Family Bonding
4-6: Heading into town (shopping, maybe?)
6-9:30: More family bonding
9:30-10: Being forced to lay down because school's coming up, but there's no way I'm going to sleep
10-11:30: Reading
11:30-12: Possibly falling asleep (if not, more reading)

THE DAY AFTER THE DAY AFTER THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW-9/1
12-10: Catching up on my sleeping
10-12: Family bonding
12-1:30: Driving Home
1:30-2: Getting Caught up on my laundry (and my family's)
2-4: Relaxing as much as I can (Checking e-mail/blog/myspace)
4-6: Reading and reviewing, hopefully
6-9: Watching a movie with the fam, checking to make sure we have all our school supplies.
9-10:30: More reading and reviewing
10:30-11: Trying to Get to Sleep

9/2
SCHOOL

I guess what i'm just trying to say is that I'm going to be SOOOOOO UBER busy that you shouldn't hope for any more reviews until Monday, but I will try. I promise I will. Well, now I need to get started on my room. Good night to you reviewers and Good Morning to REVIEWER X, I think. I don't actually know what time it is wherever she is. But Good Morning/Night anywayz, toodles.

Booking Through Thursday: Volume One

2008-08-28T10:49:00.009-05:00

This week's BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY post goes like this:

If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?

Or, um, is it just me?

I have to say that I am a mix of all of those. Definitely for the story. If the story isn't interesting, then why read it? I hate to keep reading a book, when I don't enjoy it. I also like to see the character development and interaction. I love people watching and reading is like doing it from your own home. (I'm a pretty nosy person.) I don't like metaphors much because if I don't understand them, then I feel stupid. I'd rather people just say what they mean.

Though when an author can make you laugh out loud or just start crying in the middle of a chapter, you know that person has unbelievable writing skills. You know that they really enjoy their profession. However, like Deb, I'd have to say that I'll keep reading for the story. I read because I want to know what's coming.

I enjoyed this post. Thanks Deb.

Things I'm A Part Of

2008-08-27T22:41:00.006-05:00

YA Books Bloggers is also really cool. I posted my first blog today. I'm really excited to see what all the other bloggers have to say.

Booking Through Thursday is a cool site. All you have to do is answer the post.

Random Buzzers is so cool. Just joined today. I already love it.

Weekly Geeks is one of the best hidden secrets on the web. Plus I think this pic is so cute.

Wired Wednesday: Volume One

2008-08-27T11:25:00.003-05:00

This is a new addition to the blog. On Wednesday as soon as you get up, grab a cup of coffee (or something else that's caffienated, if your not a coffee addict like me). Nothing before. We need some coffee to get us through the rest of this Hump Day. Then state how you feel on the blog and answer the following questions.

Feeling: A little tired

Current Book: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Next Book In Line: Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress

Last Book Blog Seen (besides your own): The Reading Sanctuary

Link This Blog Please. Click Here

Are you impressed by this Blog? Yes, I liked the layout.

Any plans for today? I have volleyball practice until 4:30 then at 5:15, I have to babysit with the rest of the freshmen in Student Council. Then I will come home, shower, eat something, and begin to read.

New Stuff II

2008-08-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

September is going to be a big month. A bunch of stuff is coming up.

A contest is coming. The name of the book is to be announced.
An author review is coming. The name of the author is also to be announced.
A new addition to this blog, a reviewer review is coming. Again, to be announced.
A poll is coming. I don't even need to write it. TBA.
Then a bunch of reviews will be coming.

I am very excited and you should be too. SEPTEMBER is the month to be here. Only six more days.

27. How I Found The Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood

2008-08-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

I had the most unbelievable summer. On a bike tour of Ireland, I fell head over handlebars for the hunky guide, Colin, and-oh, yeah-magically discovered that I'm a half-goddess. Then it was back to my painfully normal life-and my relationship with Colin fizzled to the occasional e-mail-until he wrote saying he was coming here!

But Colin's arrival is not so magical-the poor guy's exhausted. It seems that when I found my goddess mojo, a spell was cast on Colin. In his dreams he's forced to dance till dawn with the faeries, who want to boogie for an eternity. If I don't break the enchantment somehow, the prom I've been dreaming of will be Colin's worst nightmare. Look out, faeries, Colin's next dance is with me!

Can this half-goddess dance the night away with the mortal of her dreams?

I didn't enjoy this book. It read long and I wish I had read the first one in the series to see if it was the same.

RATING: 2 stars

26. Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita

2008-08-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm going to let you in on a little Hollywood secret: Movie stars don't always get along. It's true. You can't believe everything you hear during interviews on Access Hollywood. When a star is asked about her costar, she'll gush about how the two are best buds who go to the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf every Saturday morning after Ashtanga yoga for a fat-free Ice Blended. The truth is they probably haven't seen each other outside work in six months. Celebrities will say anything for good publicity.

How do I know? You've probably already guessed. I'm on of them. I'm Kaitlin Burke, one of Teen People's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25." Number six on Entertainment Weekly's "It List."

I thought this book was predictable, but highly addictive. I love any journal book, and this one was interesting. I just kept reading.

RATING: 3.5 stars

25. Violet On The Runway by Melissa Walker

2008-08-26T20:29:00.000-05:00

ON THE DAY MY LIFE CHANGED

THE LADY IN THE GIANT CHANEL SHADES

STARED ME UP AND DOWN

"Gorgeous, I've got fall castings coming up and I think you could be IT. And I mean IT. Are you busy next weekend? I can have you on a flight to New york Friday Night. If it's up to me, I say you're the next Kate Moss-but, you know, taller and without the PR problems...I hope!" Then she threw her perfectly highlighted hair back and laughed, which gave me a good look at her straight white veneers.

So that's how I happen to have this business card in the front pocket of my jeans as I start my senior year of high school. The card of Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City, who wants to put me on a plane this weekend and whisk me into her world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Me, Violet Greenfield, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.

And you wanna know a secret? I'm going...

I really liked this book. Violet is such an interesting character. She's really strong and a bit predictable, but you love her for it. In this world that she now lives in, in this world of running around and magazine shoots and backstabbing your best friends, you need to know there's one thing that will stay strong.

RATING: 4 stars

24. Ambition by Kate Brian

2008-08-26T20:02:00.000-05:00

THE HIGHER YOU CLIMB, THE FARTHER YOU HAVE TO FALL...

Reed Brennan knew being elected president of exclusive Billings Hall would change her life. What she didn't count on was being dumped by her boyfriend, Josh Hollis, or being held responsible for a fire that destroyed Easton Academy's oldest building.

AND NOW THE ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO SHUT BILLINGS DOWN. FOREVER.

As president, it's up to Reed to save Billings Hall. What better way to win over the headmaster than to host a glam fund-raising event in New York City? Everyone needs a date, and the newly single Reed is the most eligible girl on campus. All of Easton's hottest boys are angling to take her out, and for once, Reed's biggest problem is which one to choose.

Reed has never felt so popular or powerful until the police start asking questions about Cheyenne Martin's death. Excited party buzz quickly turns to whispered rumors and dark moods, and one thing is clear: There is someone who wants to see Billings, and Reed, go down. And they will do anything to make it happen.

I probably liked this one second best. Confessions will always be my all-time favorite, well until Revelation comes out, because that looks so good. This one Reed really shows that she is a force to be reckoned with. She's a tough person and she'll stand up for what she thinks is right.

RATING: 5 stars

23. Legacy by Kate Brian

2008-08-26T19:15:00.000-05:00

THE PRICE OF POWER.

After Cheyenne Martin's death, everyone at Easton Academy is struggling to recover from yet another tragedy-especially the girls of Billings Hall. With Cheyenne gone, they need to elect a new leader. And who better than Reed Brennan, the ultimate Billings Girl?

As the new Billings president, Reed suddenly has access to power she never imagined. Gossip is reported to her immediately. She has first dibs on everything from dining tables to dorm rooms, and Billings's most powerful alumnae are at her beck and call. So when Easton's students discover they're the only prep school on the East Coast not invited to this year's ultra-exclusive Legacy party, everyone turns to Reed to get them back on the list.

REED IS THE MOST POWERFUL GIRL AT EASTON.

She revels in her newfound status, but knows better than anyone that the Billings leaders have a tainted legacy: Ariana was institutionalized, Noelle was expelled, and Cheyenne just died. History has a way of repeating itself at Easton, and now that Reed has everything she's ever wanted, she has everything to lose.

This book was just as good as the others. Though, it does change the perspective, because Reed has become popular and idolized. The Reed we all knew was awkward and unsure of herself. She didn't know how to handle situtations, much less be in the center of things. She's grown up, but she's still the same girl.

RATING: 4.5 stars

22. Inner Circle by Kate Brian

2008-08-26T09:35:00.000-05:00

LAST YEAR WAS THE BEGINNING. WELCOME TO THE INNER CIRCLE.

Reed Brennan arrived at Easton Academy expecting to find an idyllic private school experience-challenging classes, adorably preppy boys, and a chance to create a new life for herself. Instead, she discovered lies, deception, blackmail, and ... murder. But, thanksfully, the killers were caught and the nightmare is finally over.

THE OLD BILLINGS GIRLS ARE GONE.

Now, with a new school year ahead of her, Reed steps back on Easton's ivy-covered campus ready to start over. So when the headmaster announces that Billings is forbidden from holding their traditional, secretive initiation, Reed is relieved. She champions the new rules and the six new girls the administration has picked to live in Billings Hall: Constance, Missy, Lorna, Kiki, Astrid, and newcomer Sabine.

But Reed's fellow Billings resident and new nemesis, Cheyenne Martin, believes the changes are a mockery of Billings history. Despire the new rules, Cheyenne vows to keep the old ways alive, no matter what-or who-stands in her way...

I liked this book. It took me forever to find it but it's like I just re-started and I feel as though I never stopped reading this series. It's definitely not as good as the others, but it's still a really great read.

RATING: 4 stars

21. True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet by Lola Douglas

2008-08-25T21:44:00.000-05:00

Teen star Morgan Carter's mom is trying to kill her. At least, that's what Morgan thinks when she's sent to Fort Wayne, Indiana, after a near overdose outside L.A.'s Viper Room.

Morgan's been sent to recover out of the spotlight. Way out. She's been given a major makeunder, a new name, and a completely different identity. Her plan? To keep a diary of the experience, have it published as a tell-all book, and stage a comeback. But when this L.A. girl finds love and a new life in Middle America, will she abandon it for another shot at super stardom?

Makeunder: New dark brown hair, fake squared-off fake tortoiseshell glasses, removing all traces of makeup, clothing from Target, Old Navy, and Payless

Name: Claudia Miller

Identity: Claudia Miller moved from New York to get away from the drama at her school. She moved in with her aunt and wanted to start new.

It's an interesting book and a fast read.

RATING: 4 stars

20. A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman

2008-08-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

Norah is a Brooklyn hipster. She is a book addict and a little short on her extra-curriculars. So she decided to start a book club. She also knows the perfect place. A local indie bookstore with a cutie behind the coffee counter. She can't wait to start. Yet, she's worried that no one will come.

When the first meeting does arrive, Norah gets a page-turning surprise. The attendees may be book-ish, but there are also a couple hotties. Sweet, bookish James is like a modern jane Austen hero. How will Norah snag him?

Norah, a secret romantic with hidden love stories in her room, devises a secret plan. If it works, she may have a 'Happily Ever After'.

I loved this book personally. I always read books about these exciting characters and all of there adventures. That's fine if you need some adventure in your life, but with A Novel Idea you feel like Norah. You love to read and you just want that boy to be perfect. This is a story for every book lover who is annoyed that the adventurous people in the books are more interesting than you.

RATING: 5 stars

19. Inside Girl: The Sweetest Thing by J. Minter

2008-08-24T22:08:00.000-05:00

Flan Flood still has a glamorous New York City life that any girl would envy. She lives in a fabulous town house, her closets have pounds of designer clothing, and her curfew: whenever the clubs close.

Flan and her new friends, Meredith and Judith, are still the normal everyday teenage girls you see on the street. They shop, get their hair done, and spend time together after school. They even break the biggest friendship rule of all: you can't go after the same guy. Adam McGregor is so cute that they don't know what to do. They just go for him.

When a costume ball comes, they all decide that is the place to throw themselves at him. How will the night end?

RATING: 3 stars

18. Poseur by Rachel Maude

2008-08-24T20:16:00.000-05:00

Four high school girls who love fashion (but hate each other) are forced together to create a designer label for their exclusive LA private school. Can a cool coquette, a shy punk, a ghetto-glam egomaniac, and a hippie goddess make peace for couture? Welcome to Winston Prep-where wardrobe means war.

The Cool Coquette - Charlotte Beverwil, with her wintery cream skin, long dark hair, almond shaped green eyes, wore a feminine dress with leggings and ballet flats on the first day of school. She loves all things French: Perrier, bicycling, cigarettes, Chanel.

The Shy Punk - Janie Farrish wore an unbelievable green micro miniskirt, a vintage cardigan, and yellow flats on the first day of school. She had newly cleared skin, short brown hair and enormous grey eyes. She wanted to be a fashion designer when she graduated. The drawings throughout the book are all hers.

The GhettoGlam Egomaniac - Melissa Moon showed up at school wearing black Juicy pants, a pink D&G tee, and silver Jimmy Choo stilettos. She has exotic features with her sultry eyes, a dusky complexion, and Angelina pout. With her famous parents, she wants to break free and start her own company.

The Hippie Goddess - Petra Greene wore two different-colored ballet flats, a wine-red linen skirt, a mop-gray thermal tee, a shredded scarf, fake pearls, and a Burger King crown. All of this was picked out by her younger sisters. With her wide hazel-green eyes and honey-blonde hair, she could pass for a Victoria's Secret model's more attractive younger sister.

These insanely different girls are thrown together in a group. How will they ever make it out alive, much less enjoy the time together? Read it and you'll find out.

RATING: 4.5 stars

17. Perfect by Sara Shepard

2008-08-21T11:34:00.001-05:00

This mysterious series is still coming. The books are so addicting. Aria still can't resist her ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing Mona. She just doesn't trust her. Emily has been betrayed by A, even worse than she could imagine. She doesn't know what to do and Maya is so confused. Spencer can't keep her hands of anything that belongs to her sister.

"A" knows these secrets and she won't hesitate to tell anyone. You may not trust her, but you should do what she asks. Or else.

RATING: 3.5 stars

16. Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

2008-08-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

It's been a year since the murder of 15-year-old Echo's older sister, Zoe, and she's still reeling from the aftermath. Her parents are numb, her friends are moving on, and as she starts high school awkwardly, she knows that she will never live up to her sister's memory. That is until Marc, who used to be Zoe's boyfriend, gives her the one thing that could help: Zoe's diary.

In the beginning, Echo is feeling frightened and uninterested toward the diary. She doesn't think there will be anything in there that she doesn't already know. But eventually, she begins to read and becomes engrossed in the world of her sister's. She applies WWZD (What would Zoe do?) to almost everything in her life.

You will honestly laugh and cry with this book. The plot is addictive and Noel really shows the dynamics between sisters relationships.

RATING: 5 stars

15. Inside Girl by J. Minter

2008-08-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Flan Flood had always had her pick of fabulous clothes and equally fabulous parties. Her legendary N.Y.C. family starts with her beautiful worldly parents, who are never on the same continent as her, much less the same city. Her sister Feb (short for February) is also never around. She is 20 so she lives by herself and she often leaves town for days at a time. If her parents aren't in the city, she most likely isn't at the house. Her brother Patch who just graduated still lives at the house, most of the time. He lives at friends houses for days at a time and their parents don't really care.

Now that Flan is starting high school, she wants to reinvent herself. First, she's going to a new school. Not the school that her sister went to, but one where nobody cares who she is or, most importantly, who she's related to. Second, she's going to be normal. She's going to make some new friends and be a normal teenage girl. She'll crush on boys and hang out with normal people. Flan isn't as normal as she'd like though, because normal teenagers don't have famous friends.

Introducing Sara-Beth Benny. That little child star who grew up to be on every gossip magazine in the country. She's so famous that paparazzi are following her everywhere and her old apartment building kicked her out because of it. She's been friends with Flan for a really long time and now that she's in need, Flan lets her stay with her. Then two more friends come. She really doesn't know how to handle these old friends with her new ones. It's a good read.

RATING: 4.5 stars

14. The Guy Next Door by Carol Culver

2008-07-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

This book is the classic. Boy and girl used to be friends. Girl falls in love. She thinks that the boy doesn't really know she exists and then she plots to get him to fall in love with her. Except this ones a little different. In this book you can see the boy's point of view too. Ethan is the one guy that Maggie knew more than anyone. They grew up together.

She always wanted him, but she never had the courage to go for it. With her lack of cash and looks, she's not even acknowledged. But then she gets a makeover, with some help from her father and friends. The perfect chance to take the plunge comes when she and Ethan start hanging out on the choir trip to Hawaii. How romantic, huh? She just needs to figure out how she's gonna do this. Fair read.

RATING: 3.5 stars

13. Oh my gods by Tera Lynn Childs

2008-07-29T18:24:00.000-05:00

Phoebe Castro has worked hard to be one of the best in cross-country running, and doing what she loves most will pay off in the form of a scholarship. Attending USC with her best friends Cesca and Nola is just a year away. Unfortunately for Phoebe, her mother has different plans.Returning from a family reunion in Greece, Phoebe’s mom has a surprise that will turn Phoebe’s world upside down. She’s fallen in love with Damian Petrolas, the headmaster of an exclusive academy on the Greek island of Serfopoula.

If that weren’t enough of a shock, Phoebe’s told that they’ll be moving there and the students are all descendants of Greek gods with inherited powers, leaving Phoebe as the only normal in attendance.Phoebe’s only hope for getting off of the island is to get her scholarship, but with a stepsister who’s out to make her miserable, life has definitely taken more than one turn for the worst.

Her new friends Nicole and Troy make life at the academy bearable, and her crush on the gorgeous Griffin Blake is a tempting distraction, but Phoebe knows that everything hinges on the decisions she’ll have to make. Her future is in her own hands.

RATING: 4.5 stars

12. The Elite by Jennifer Banash

2008-07-29T18:16:00.001-05:00

Casey McCloy jumped at the chance to see the Big Apple when her mother announced that she was going overseas to do some research for her book. The next thing Casey knows, she is moving in with her grandmother into the luxurious Bramford apartments of Manhatten’s Upper East Side. But can a girl from an all but unheard of town in Illinois fit into the big city and the prestigious Meadowlark Academy, where fashion divas and trendsetters like Madison Macallister rule the scene? I mean, when she first set foot in the Bram and bumped into Madison and her posse, she was instantly labeled a walking fashion violation—apparently Abercrombie isn’t high enough on the fashion food chain to warrant anything but distain from It Girl Madison! So does Casey stand a chance in Meadowlark and NYC?

Although Madison and her ladies seem imposing in their high fashion and expensive heels, Casey thinks she stands a chance to befriend the queen of style and sets out to do just that. Casey is taken out to do some shopping for a make over, but the sky high prices on all the designer brands that are a must for the stars of Meadowlark are completely out of Casey’s range! Luckily, with some unexpectedly generous assistance from Madison, Casey is now ready for her first day at the elite academy! But will a new outfit completely prepare Casey for what she’s about to face? And what is she to do with the hottie, Drew, also known as Madison’s on and off boyfriend, who keeps catching her eye?

Who can Casey trust? Can she really fit into this high-priced society? Can Casey keep up with Madison and her girls, or are they out of her league and only letting her in out of pity?

RATING: 4.5 stars

11. Frenemies by Alexa Young

2008-07-29T17:48:00.000-05:00

Frenemies is the story between two girls who used to be best friends. Avalon Greene is the fashion master at her school. If she says that bright red, ripped tights and olive green cargo shorts were a fashion statement, everyone would run out and buy tights to rip and cargo shorts for the next day. Of course, she would never make fashion a joke. She takes her job of mogul very seriously, calling out each classmate's fashion disaster and religiously reading fashion magazines. Friendapalooza, the ultimate bff bash, was planned by Avalon to celebrate the best-friendship between her and Halley. Except now that Halley is back from camp, it's almost like she slipped off the Earth for a bit, because no one in the world would ever wear that. Halley Brandon is back. Back from art camp where she spent the summer developing a new style all her own. Avalon rejects the style and Halley comes to that she and Avalon no longer have much in common.

To settle this debate, Halley and Avalon split everything down the middle. In the document labeled, GREENE-BRANDON SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT everything was outlined, because Avalon's parents were lawyers. PARAGRAPH ONE: Property. Avalon had set a box of Halley's stuff on her back porch and she'd like her things (vintage Vogues, glitter pens, and articles of clothing) back asap. PARAGRAPH TWO: School Grounds. Halley was allowed the far-left desk in the front row and Avalon would take the opposite in each of the classes. Halley hung out in the garden and Avalon got the lobby and the quad to hang out in between classes. PARAGRAPH THREE: Extracurriculars. Halley would keep gymnastics and Avalon would find another sport. PARAGRAPH FOUR: Social Life. Friends would be divided and Avalon would be the sole host of Friendapalooza. Though she would change the name. PARAGRAPH FIVE: Pet custody. Their shared puggle, Pucci, would switch twice a week.

Of course, agreements like this never totally work out. The girls still fought and everyone noticed. The only thing people wondered was when where they getting back together, because they couldn't fight like this for long. You'll just have to read it.

RATING: 4 stars

10. Flawless by Sara Shepard

2008-07-29T17:39:00.000-05:00

Flawless begins with the five of them in the past. Back before Ali disappeared actually. They are all messing around and then something happened. You really have to read it to figure that out because I can't just tell you. The story line is pretty much this. Spencer loves (and stole) her sister's boyfriend. Aria loves her teacher, who loves her back but won't say it. Emily falls in like with her friend, Maya, and someone finds out. Hanna uses ugly ways to make herself beautiful.

Then there's another secret. This one involves Ali and nobody can ever find out. Yet, someone knows. Who is it? You'll have to read. A is ready to take them all down and no one will see it coming.

RATING: 3.5 stars

New Stuff

2008-07-20T23:28:00.001-05:00

I've got a ton of new stuff coming soon. So stay posted. I have been SUPER busy lately and I'm sorry to all of my regular viewers. Thanks so much for stopping by. Thanks

Congratulations

2008-06-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

Dominique [the Book Vault] is the winner of the contest. I will contact you soon. Thanks everyone for participating. Another contest is on its way.

Author Review: Jody Gehrman

2008-06-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

Name: Jody Gehrman
Age: 36
Best-Known book: Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty

1. Why did you want to start writing?
I can't even recall, really; I've just always done it.

2. Fave Author
Really, it depends on my mood (classic or comedic, dark or fluffy). Some of my favorites are Vladimir Nabokov, Jane Austen, Helen Fielding, Nick Hornby. In YA: Maureen Johnson, Scott Westerfeld, Megan McCafferty, Louise Rennison.

3. Fave Place to Write
In my writing room. There's a hummingbird feeder in front of my window that keeps me entertained while I'm finding the next sentence.

4. Fave Food
Ice Cream.

5. Fave Book Blog
Hmm...that's a tough one. I bounce around a lot.

6. Fave Article of Clothing
Right now? This little black tank top that's comfy yet flattering.

7. Describe Your Room.
My boyfriend built our bed; the headboard and footboard (is that what you call it?) are both wave-shaped. It's got white walls and periwinkle trim (the only room in our house that's painted white!) It's sunny, small and sweet.

8. Did you imitate the characters in your book from people in your life?
Not really. They're composite characters; little pieces come from friends and acquaintances, but then each one takes on a life of her own.

9. What Book are you reading now?
I just stared My Most Excellent Year.

10. Do you like to write on the computer or in paper? Why?
I do outlines and notes by hand at first, but I compose the actual book on a computer. The computer is good for editing on the fly and really getting each sentence right, but writing by hand helps me think through the stickier issues.

11. Who are you most like: Hero, Amber, or Geena? Why?
Geena, probably, though there's a little of me in all the characters. Geena and I share a certain perspective on the world and we both love words. She's got a funny mixture of confidence and insecurity. I think we've got that in common, too.

12. Fave Coffee Drink:
I'm moody. Somedays I like mochas, other cappucinos, still others I'll go for a caramel macchiato. I crave variety.

13. Fave Part about being an author and Why?
Sometimes I just sit around and try to imagine my book in people's hands. I picture readers lying by the pool, sitting on airplanes, waiting in doctor's offices, all of them reading my words, and it gives me this indescribable thrill. After writing for so many years with an audience of mostly family and friends it's mysterious and wonderful to be reaching strangers, touching their imaginations in some way.

14. What would you say to a teen trying to get a novel finished and written? One who is trying to actually get it published?
Write what you love as often as you possibly can and don't let anyone who trivializes your work get too close to you. Take yourself seriously in terms of the amount of time and energy you give to it, but also let there be pleasure and a sense of whimsy in your writing life. External validation is always a blast, but it's the delight you take in the writing itself that will keep you coming back.

15. Anything that you'd have liked me to ask??
No, those were great questions!

CHOOSE ONE:
Coke or Pepsi Coke
Snickers or Kit-Kat Snickers!
L.A. or N.Y.C. NYC, though I'm a native Californian...
Roses or Daisies Roses
Writing or Reading Writing
Dogs or Cats Cats
CoverGirl or Maybelline Maybelline I think
Texting or Calling Texting, usually
Butterflies or Fireflies Fireflies
Cooking or Take-out Take-out
Flip-flops or Tennies Flip-flops
Last One: What is the number 1 item to have with you at all times during the summer?

A fabulous hat.

9. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

2008-06-17T12:13:00.000-05:00

Pretty Little Liars is about four friends. Or well, they used to be friends. Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily are all best friends with Ali, the most popular girl in school in the beginning of the book. Then Ali goes missing, or she died. Nobody really knows for sure. Anyway, the girls split up after that. Hanna becomes best friends with a girl that they used to pick on and they are both really popular. Aria moved to Iceland with her family, until she moves back. Spencer pours herself into her school work and spends all of her time doing activities that will look good on her application. Emily begins swimming and spends a lot of time with her boyfriend. Then three years later, Aria moves back and the story really begins.

They all start to get notes/text messages/emails that talk about the things, we'll say, they don't want talked about. So someone knows their secrets. The only person who ever knew these secrets was Ali. They wonder if Ali is back and if she's coming after them. Then they have more problems. However, all of these problems had sort of started when Ali was there with them.

Hanna uses bulimia to stay beautiful and skinny. Ali was the first (only) person to know that she was bulimic, and she was there when she first began. Aria is crushing on her teacher (and he's crushing back). Ali was the first (only) person to know that her father had a similar relationship. Emily is crushing on the new girl in school (and she's crushing back). Ali was the first (only) girl who Emily had ever crushed on before. Spencer is crushing on her sister's boyfriend (and he's crushing back). Ali is the first (only) person to know that this isn't the first time. When all of these messages detail the things that had happened in the past, they can't help but wonder if she's back.

Read this book. You won't be sorry. I can't wait to get started on the rest of the series.

RATING: 4 stars

8. Confessions of A Triple Shot Betty

2008-06-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

First off, I loved this book. I am in the process of applying for a job at a coffee shop sort of like this one in the book and I really hope I get it. But anywayz, back to the book. Geena is the regular sorta-tomboy, boys-kinda-suck, skateboarding chick. But she is also super smart and hangs out with the skank of the town. She also works at the coffee shop. Geena hopes this is the summer to remember. She'll have her best girl friend, Amber, and her cousin, Hero, there to do girly things with like tan around and paint their nails and go shopping. Then Hero arrives and right off the bat Amber is positive she doesn't like her. So they fight. Then Hero finds a love interest. He likes her too.

However, the player of the town, the irrestiblely hot John Jamieson likes Hero and he won't give up until she finally admits that she likes him too. Everyone is surprised that Hero doesn't latch on to John, as any other girl would do, even Amber and Geena. Then something happens that (mmhmm that's right, I'm not gonna tell you) will keep you guessing how its gonna turn out.

I got this book in the mail yesterday and I finished it this afternoon. That just tells you how good it is.

RATING: 5 stars

Author Review: Tina Ferraro

2008-06-16T19:07:00.000-05:00

Name: Tina Ferraro
Age: (my agent won’t let me answer this!)
Best-Known book: Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress

1. Why did you want to start writing?
Because I didn’t know any better! J I was 7 and it was fun!

2. Fave Author:
I love the books that my critique partner, Kelly Parra, writes.

3. Fave Place to Write:
Here at the computer!

4. Fave Food:
Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie...

5. Fave Book Blog:
The two I participate on, YA Fresh (http://www.yafresh.blogspot.com/) and Buzz Girls (http://www.yawriters.blogspot.com/)

6. Fave Article of Clothing:
My “Stressed Out” sweatshirt.

7. Describe Your Room:
Well, my room being my office...two computer stations, a long, cluttered table, a couple couches, bookshelves and a treadmill.

8. Did you imitate the characters in your book from people in your life?
Not directly, no, but definitely there are stereotypes.

9. What Book are you reading now?

WAKE by Lisa McMann.

10. Do you like to write on the computer or in paper? Why?
Computer. My brain and my fingers are fast!

11. Where did your inspiration for “Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress”?
I saw a book called 101 THINGS TO DO WITH A BRIDESMAID DRESS and it started me thinking...what if it was a prom dress? An UNWORN prom dress. What if the guy dumped her 27 hours before the prom... And away I went! J

12. Are you at all like Kate DelVecchio? Were you inventive/creative as a teen?
NO! Kate and I are polar opposites. She’s directed and calm and methodical, and I’m, um, not. And as a teen, yes, I was very creative, writing stories and inventing games. My friends thought I was a bit weird (but they loved me anyway).

13. What is a bit of the plot from The ABC’s of Kissing Boys?
Parker Stanhope doesn’t make Varsity Soccer with all her JV friends. She devises a crazy-but-might-just-work scheme to encourage the coach to promote her, which requires her to kiss the socks off the prom king at the sports fair.

14. What would you say to a teen trying to get a novel finished and written? One who is trying to actually get it published?
I would tell her/him to remember that storylines are done again and again and again, but your voice is what makes it special. So play with your voice, take risks and have fun, and you can’t go wrong.

15. Anything that you’d have liked me to ask??
How about what’s my favorite TV show? I’m a LOST junkie!

CHOOSE ONE:
Coke or Pepsi: Tough one--I like Coke Classic and Diet Pepsi
Snickers or Kit-Kat: Snickers
L.A. or N.Y.C.: I see the beauty in both.
Roses or Daisies: Roses (‘cause they’re romantic)
Writing or Reading: Writing on good days; reading on bad
Dogs or Cats: I am a cat lady!
CoverGirl or Maybelline: Maybelline, ever since I learned models use their mascara
Texting or Calling: Both, but I’m a slow texter
Butterflies or Fireflies: Fireflies because I like the night!
Cooking or Take-out: Easy, take-out because I hate to cook
Flip-flops or Tennies: tennis, unless I’ve just had a pedicure!

Last One: What is the number 1 item to have with you at all times during the summer?

Um...my driver’s license?

7. L8R G8R by Lauren Myracle

2008-06-15T15:13:00.001-05:00

Okay, so this book begins with Doug coming back from a big semester-long world trip. Zoe goes with Maddie to meet him at the airport and they welcome him. They all believe that this senior year is going to be the best ever. However, they get into it with Jana, the evil queen bee, again. She is not going after Maddie this time. It's Zoe. Maddie and Angela are supposed to defend her. Zoe doesn't even really pay attention because she's spending all of her time with Doug. They are so codependent on each other that they're the only people the care about. Pranks between {Angela and Maddie} and Jana hit an all time high.
Then the senior prom comes and nobody will ever forget that. Angela and Maddie get kinda mad at Zoe because she won't stick up for them against Jana and Doug gets mad at her because she won't stick up for herself. She may have some issues to sort out there. Do you think she can do it? You'll just have to read and find out!
Sorry this review is so short. I'm just kinda out of it today. The next one will be longer. I PROMISE!

RATING: 3.5 stars

The First Contest!!!! Wh-HOO!

2008-06-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so anybody interested can sign up for this one. Tina Ferraro, author of 'How to Hook a Hottie' and '10 Uses for An Unworn Prom Dress', has let me host a contest for her. Please post a comment and tell me about your 'DREAM' prom, your preference of either of her books, and your name and email address. Thanks for participating. This contest ends on June 22nd. Thanks

Author Review: Rachel Paige Myers

2008-06-09T00:27:00.000-05:00

ok, so this is my very first author review. Check her out at myspace.com/unfortunately_magnificent. She's so good!!

Name: Rachel Paige Myers

Age: Fifteen

Best-Known book: Unfortunately Magnificent

1. Why did you want to start writing?

I love to create stories. It was something to do.

2. Fave Author

I have a lot of favorite authors! Stephenie Meyer, Cassandra Clare, Sarah Dessen, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. It's a never ending list!

3. Fave Place to Write Outside

under the sun on a blanket, with my headphones on.

4. Fave Food

Chicken tacos, and anything with ranch dressing.

5. Fave Book Blog

Words Speak Volumes of course!

6. Fave Article of Clothing

My navy blue sweater, although it's too hot to wear it now.

7. Describe Your Room.

A cluttered mess. There are clothes on my floor. Books piled high on every surface.

8. Did you imitate the characters in your book from people in your life? Actually no.

All these characters came from my head.

9. What Book are you reading now?

I just finished reading "Harmless" by Dana Reinhart. It was really good. Now I am reading "Inexcusable" by Chris Lynch.

10. Do you like to write on the computer or in paper?

Both. The computer is more convienent, but I like writing by hand better sometimes.

11. Are you ever nervous that you won't get published? Yes, I'm very nervous. I would be very disapointed if I didn't get published but I could accept it. I love writing and there are always other stories out there to be told. If not this one, maybe the next one.

CHOOSE ONE:

Coke or Pepsi----Coke

Snickers or Kit-Kat----Kit-Kat

L.A. or N.Y.C----I've never been to either, but if I had a choice, I'd go to new york city.

Roses or Daisies----Daises

Writing or Reading----Hmm. depends on my mood. Now in this moment, i would say writing.

Dogs or Cats----Dogs, I dislike cats very much. I have a Chiuahiua.

CoverGirl or Maybelline----Cover girl.

Texting or Calling----Texting, gives you time to think about what your going to say.

Butterflies or Fireflies----Fireflies

Cooking or Take-out----It depends on what's in the cabinets.

Flip-flops or Tennies----Flip-Flops

Last One: What is the number 1 item to have with you at all times during the summer?

What else but a book?

Summer Vacation

2008-06-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

Guess what?

SUMMER is here! Summer vacation! Yay, I'm so glad. School had gotten so dramatic and unbearable. Now I've got 10 weeks of summer vacation. 10 weeks to re-invent myself before school. 10 weeks to chill out and just have fun. I'm so excited. Reading, my summer job, volleyball, and my friends are my main priorities right now. I'm really glad too.

6. TTFN by Lauren Myracle

2008-06-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

Time for another book review. TTFN is the second in the IM-filled book series by Lauren Myracle. TTFN takes place in their junior year. The book begins with the girls satisfied with their lives and over everything that happened in the first book. Angela gets some bad news: her family is moving. Moving all the way across America to California, where she will indefinitely be separated from Zoe and Maddie. Maddie meets a new guy, Chive. Chive is perfect for Maddie until she finds out that he's into some pretty heavy stuff. Maddie is in love with him even though she won't admit it. Whitney, his girlfriend, isn't right for him, she says. She's too giggly and she never understands his jokes or blogs.
Zoe gets a new job and guess who else works there? Doug. You remember Doug. Doug, Angela's Doug. Of course, he's not really Angela's Doug, since they were never together; he only pined for her. She never accepted him and just turned him down over and over. He got over it. Now he likes Zoe. Zoe likes him back. Angela doesn't know this. So she called Doug, one night, drunk and sad. She told him that now she was ready. She wanted him and would kiss him if he were there. She was feeling lonesome and watching 'A Cinderella Story' isn't fun by yourself. Doug was confused. Hadn't Zoe told her about him? He told her that they were together and Angela was furious.
She decides not to talk to Zoe and becomes even more lonely in California. Towards the end, Glendy [:(] pushes Angela to the edge and she pulls a stunt that she normally wouldn't have. Zoe and Doug do something that isn't exactly Parental Approved, and Maddie gets caught. Caught doing what, you ask? You'll just have to read it.

RATING: 4 stars

Coming Soon

2008-06-04T23:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, everyone.
HELLO!
Got your attention? Good. My very first, extremely anticipated (at least by me...and her) author interview is coming on Monday, June 9th. I will post a review hopefully every Monday after that, but I am starting with.....*drumroll-bum bum bum ba da da da bu bum bum* Ms. Rachel Paige Myers. She is an extremely amazing soon-to-be-published author, which is why I picked her. I wanted to start with something different. I didn't want to start with a fabulously-known author, who everyone else has interviewed. No, I wanted her. Her book, Unfortunately Magnificent, is great so far, at least what I've read. Anybody who wants to check it out can use my friends on myspace (she's in there) and Trust me, you won't be sorry. To check her out even more, you can come check out my blog on Monday to see her review. Thanks!
Um,
P.S. You can come and check it out before Monday too, because I will most definitely have some more book posts, starting with the rest of the TTYL series.
C Ya!

5. TTYL by Lauren Myracle

2008-06-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

TTYL has always been one of my absolute favorite summer books. I promised myself that I would reread it before I posted it as a blog. So I did. I reread it today. I read it today, because today was the third to last day of school. Tomorrow we are going to a waterpark as our end of the year field trip and on Friday we will spend the day sitting around, signing yearbooks, and planning our summer as we flit from class to class.
TTYL takes place in the sophomore year of Angela (SnowAngel), Zoe (zoegirl), and Maddie (mad maddie)'s. The entire book is written in IM, which makes it that much more fun and easy to read. Seriously, if you get into it, you'd find yourself falling in love with the characters and realizing that there's some of them in all of us. Zoe, the shy brainiac, keeps the other two from killing each other and is so sweet nobody would expect that she has an 'affair' with a teacher. Angela is, well, boy-crazy, but we all can be a little bit, right? She falls for Rob, her Spanish partner. For a few weeks, Rob and Angela are perfect together. They go to parties together, have special dates, and even Zoe and Maddie are getting annoyed by all the talk that has been focused on Rob during their conversations. Then evil Tonnie begins to butt in and Angela can't accept that Rob is giving her a lot of attention. She thinks it's all Tonnie's fault, even when.... wait, I can't tell you about that. Can I? Anywayz, on to Maddie, Maddie has tried so hard to keep the 'winsome threesome' together until all of a sudden her arch-enemy, Jana, becomes her best 'friend'. She's skipping things with Zoe and Angela to hang out with her and she doesn't realize it.
Then one night, Maddie completely ditches Zoe and Angel, and she goes to a party with Jana. She looses it and does some regretable things. With a 10th grade year of seductive teachers, bad boys, and drama-loving queen bees, who wouldn't be in trouble? The real question is, will the 'winsome threesome' make it back together?

RATING: 4 stars

4. Confessions by Kate Brian

2008-06-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

OHMIGOSH! These books just keep getting better and better. So Confessions starts out with the whole student population of Easton 'locked in'. They aren't allowed to leave the school grounds until the murder has been totally figured out. People become angry and rebel. Nobody wants to be held up in this place. Reed sneaks out one night and goes to the police station. She isn't allowed to talk to Josh, who's unfairly accussed of Thomas's death, and that makes her angry. Reed attempts to talk to Taylor, but she won't respond in an e-mail. Reed thinks that she is avoiding her for a reason and she thinks that Kiran, Noelle, and Arianna know that reason. Reed knows for sure that Josh is innocent. Her friends don't really believe her though. She tries to contact Blake Pearson, Thomas's absent brother, who doesn't show or contact in any form. Blake (and the school secretary) are the only people who have an alibi for Josh. (But that's a whole different part of the story)

They saw him the night Thomas was murdered. Neither of them will confess to it though. The secretary finally goes to the police and Josh is released. Noelle, Arianna, and Kiran are all sort of glad to have Josh back, but now they are pinpointing the murder on Blake. Next something happens that you would expect. The Billings Girls decide to leave the house and get drunk, a bit wasted, and over-all humiliate themselves at a friends house. After that, something you would NEVER expect comes. I'm not gonna write about it. You're just going to have to read it.

RATING: 5 stars

Author Meme

2008-06-03T18:04:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Plenty of Paper (Heather) http://plentyofpaper-reviews.blogspot.com/. So I guess I should get started!

(ahem) these be the RULES
Link to the person that tagged you
Post the rules somewhere in your meme
Answer those questions
Tag six people in your post
Let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog
Let the tagger know your entry is posted.

#1. Who’s your all-time favorite author, and why?
It's gotta be Lauren Myracle. Her books are so funny. I hvae read TTYL and TTFN so many times I can't even count. I read Rhymes With Witches last summer and I thought it was so funny. All of these girls are so serious about the popularity theft...wait, I don't wanna talk too much about that. EVERYONE should read that book. It's hilarious. haha. I emailed her once when I was having a really bad day and she sent back and she was so thoughtful. She told me that I could get through it and that I shouldn't worry so much about other people. The people that care about me will always be there. I was really touched and now I can't wait for Bliss, her next novel coming out August 20th. I'm buying it as soon as I can.
2. Who was your first favorite author, and why?
My first favorite author is Eric Carl. When I first learned to read, I had 'A Very Hungry Caterpillar' by my bed every night. It was the first book I could read on my own. That was when I was about three and a half. Since then I've read....idk, thousands of books, but he will always be my FIRST favorite.
3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?
The most recent has to be Kate Brian. I've read a few of her books before this month (Sweet 16, Megan McGowan's Guide), but lately I've been OBSESSED with the Private collection. I'm serious, I started Saturday and I've already finished 1, 2, and 3. They're great. I'd recommend them to anyone. The mystery keeps you reading way into the book until it's the last page, and even then you want to grab the next one in the series and begin right away.
4. If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection?
Kate Brian, Lauren Myracle, and Meg Cabot.... After a minute, I'd add Jodi Lynn Anderson, Alyson Nol, Ann Brashares, Lauren Halse Anderson, Lisi Harrison, Lurlene McDaniel, Aimee Friedman, Sarah Dessen, Cecily von Ziegesar, Zoey Dean, and the soon-to-be-published author of Unfortunately Magnificent
1. Steph (Reviewer X)
2. Tasha (And Another Book Read)
3. The Book Muncher http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com/
4. Muffins and Books http://cheeseandbooks.blogspot.com/
5. Book Bopper http://bookbopper.blogspot.com/
6. Em's Bookshelf emsbookshelf.blogspot.com

Now I have to keep my promise and inform you ppl up there!

3. Untouchable by Kate Brian

2008-06-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

Whoa, if I keep going at this speed, I'm gonna have over a hundred books done by the end of this summer. Untouchable has to be the most suspenseful Private book so far. The book begins with Reed and the Billings girls and half of Easton Academy at Thomas' parents' house. He's dead. His parents seem unaffected except for the fact they have to miss their flight to Paris because of 'this'. This inconvience, aka their son's DEATH. The Billings Girls bail out early with Josh, Thomas's once-roommate. Nobody knows for sure how this handsome, popular, easygoing boy died. That doesn't stop the girls from doing a little digging. They figure out the name of his drug supplier and tell the police.

Meanwhile, it's Thanksgiving time at Easton. Which evidently means Break. They have an end of the term bash, which almost ends with Noelle bashing Taylor's face in. Nobody knows the reason for that. Reed knows that there's a secret somewhere that they aren't telling her. The students file out of school, all except for Reed, Josh, and Taylor. She left early that week in the middle of the night, which nobody wants to take about. Reed is confused and doesn't know why this girl was so distrought or why she left in Karin's mother's car. Reed and Josh are left at the school alone and things happen so fast that they are both confused and pleased by the time school starts back up again.

People return to school, all except for Taylor. Reed is told that Taylor is away and not returning. This stimulates more questions than answers and with Thomas's killer still out on the loose, the drug supplier had an 'alibi', people are way more uptight than usual. Reed finds out something about someone that she thought she knew and she knows that she has to do something about it. The ending is so surprising and mysterious (leaving you with more questions than answers!), You can't wait for the next book. CONFESSIONS! Lucky I have it sitting right beside me. As soon as I post this blog I am going to begin that book. Toodles!

RATING: 5 stars

You've Been Tagged

2008-06-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.

The nearest book was Invitation Only by Kate Brian. I reviewed it only two minutes ago. These are the 5th, 6th, and 7th sentences on page 123.

"I'd rather hear about your trip. Was it as amazing as it sounded?" Yes.

Now I've tagged you. Post it on your blog and send me a comment. Hehe

2. Invitation Only by Kate Brian

2008-06-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm totally getting the hang of this reviewing stuff. Today I rode in a car for about five hours. Four of those hours I was reading, enticed in this book, which I have to say is even better than the first. Reed (main character, again) is living at Billings. Billings Hall, the one place she most definitely wanted to go. She is an official Billings Girl. Or so she thinks. Soon enough, you find out that life on the other side of the tracks isn't as grand as you thought it would be. There's still struggles, hardships, and the occasional (if you count everyday) chore. She knows that this is still better than before.

So, Reed is enjoying the pleasures and hardships of Billings as she thinks about the boy that left her (and everyone else). She is confused because she doesn't know how she feels about him and she feels guilty because she is 'involved' with another boy. This boy is the kindest, most gentleman-like boy you would ever meet in high school and he happens to be in love with Reed. Reed doesn't feel the same about him, but her old roommate does. Reed attempts to get them together but it only backfires when she begins to use him to get something (or somewhere) she wants.

Blackmail from an unsuspecting source surprises you until you have no idea how its going to turn out. Reed is stuck between two very different, yet extremely similar, decisions and she just follows her heart looking out for herself and then for her friends. The ending is nothing you will ever predict. The last page leaves you wanting more. Excellent read.

RATING: 4.5 stars

1. Private by Kate Brian

2008-05-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

My 1st review! Whoo-hoo! Ok, so Private starts out w/Reed Billings (main character) and her dad on the road to Easton Academy. She desperately wants to get away from her blah-gray town. She comes into the parking lot and is immediately enveloped in Louis Vuitton, limos, and beautiful people of all sorts. She doesn't belong and she knows it. She's a scholarship student from Pennsylvania with a wardrobe from Wal-Mart and a scratched Subaru. However, she wants to fit it and she makes a sort of an effort. That night she is looking out her window homesick and sees the Billings Girls across the quad in their dorm. The four of them are mesmerizing and she can't look away. A couple minutes later, one of them notices her and looks straight at her. Reed looks down, embarrassed, until she can no longer stand the tension. She raises her head and sees the face of that magnificent girl. She smiles and closes the curtains.

The following day, those four girls spot her in the cafeteria. The (obvious) leader, Noelle, calls Reed a glass-licking 'Peeping Tom' and asks her not to spy on them anymore. That doesn't sound that harsh, right? Well, when the person saying it to you has a snotty attitude and everybody is watching, it's pretty much public humiliation. With that embarrassment, the fact that none of the teachers seem to like her, and she still can't figure out this mysteriously dangerous boy who may like her and she might possibly like him, the year isn't really getting off to a terrific start.

Surprisingly, later in the book, the girls don't hate her as much as she thinks, she actually gets the boy, and with a friend's help, she's able to do better in school. The book then turns for her and everything she thought was different. Read the book if you want to figure out where Reed ends up. I thought it was good. She is a strong character if she feels like it, but she's very relatable and you find yourself hoping that she gets ahead. You, yourself, can't decide between the boy and the friends. Read it; you won't be sorry.

RATING: 4 stars

WELCOME!

2008-05-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

Hello to everyone who came to my blog. Thank you for coming. Summer is starting a week from now and I want something to do. I have decided to make a book blog and now people can come and read it. I don't know if anyone will actually read it. I just want to get it out there and have the chance. I'm going to review books. I am going to tell you smidgins of my own life, and hopefully, I will inspire you to read more books. I regularly read books. I just hope that I can convince others to. I want to interview authors and, perhaps, become important in someone else's life. If anyone is as interested in reading as I am, or maybe you're just curious about my life, please keep posted to this blog. Thank you and g'nite!