Do not ignore a call from me when you know I am feeling neurotic about a boy. That is Best Friend 101.” —NashMaggie and Nash are outsiders. She’s overweight. He’s out of the closet. The best of friends, they have seen each other through thick and thin, but when Tom moves to town at the start of the school year, they have something unexpected in common: feelings for the same guy. This warm, witty novel—with a clear, true voice and a clever soundtrack of musical references—sings a song of love and forgiveness.
Maggie's voice was very strong and powerful. I enjoyed reading about her because she seemed like one of my best friends with her funny and vibrant personality with a love of music. I adore that this book dealt with being overweight in a body positive way. I couldn't help but cheer for her and succeed in anything that Maggie did because she reminded me of myself.
I found her friend Nash to be funny and engaging, but so moody at times that I wanted to just push him off a cliff. He didn't appear to care about Maggie at times and instead focused on how he felt that he was being "wronged." Tom was a cool and charming kid that ended up hanging out with them.
I found this romantic plot to be engaging and related to Maggie's difficult situation. Pretty much, she needs to pick if she will get the guy or her friend will. One thing that I adored is that Maggie being overweight and Nash being gay weren't a part of the plot, but just an aspect of their characters. Dinnison's writing is strong and I can't wait for the next book that she writes. Overall, Maggie has an intense voice and I want to her friend. The plot interested me and I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't a must-read for me. I would recommend this book to fans of The DUFF by Kody Keplinger, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, and Fat Kids Rule the World by K.L. Going.the forthcoming Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
Disclosure: This book was purchased by me.
The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.
I found Violet to be a likeable character. The position that society places her in gave me a lot of empathy for her and I cheered for her to succeed by finding some way out of it. I like that she took some risks to get a better life, but at the same time, I found that this made her seem naive as she plunged into another world that she didn't completely understand or comprehend. I found the romance to be very sudden and Insta-love and I wished that there was more development on it. As a result, I didn't care about the romance. I was actually more interested in the political system because the manipulation seemed like the power moves made in House of Cards. I wish that there was more of that, but I understand the need to leave some questions unanswered and I am excited to see how this series will continue.
This book takes on both dystopic and fantasy elements, which surprisingly blends well together. On the other hand, I found some similarities to other dystopian books to be intense at times. Ewing's writing did grasp me and led me to finish this book rather quickly (Almost one sitting!) and I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I feel that this book mirrors aspects of The Handmaid's Tale, Wither, and The Selection and I would suggest this book to fans of those books. The end made me want to read the next book, but I don't feel the need to read it right away. If you like a character placed in a difficult situation, a quick and fast plot with political intrigue, and books with dystopian and fantasy elements, then I would suggest this book. It isn't amazing or bad, but more so just good and interesting.
Disclosure: Received ARC from Publisher
Source: Publisher
Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant -- until Celia meets Lo.
Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea -- a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid -- all terms too pretty for the soulless monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality.
When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her . . . and steal his soul.
I love this series. Pearce creates such dark, but complicated retellings of fairy tales and I just need more. Celia was such a sweet character and I understood her character a lot. Her sisters were harder to understand, but I still found them to be entertaining. I liked how they blended together, because sisters tend to be very similar yet slightly distinct. I like Lo too. The romance in the story was beautiful and I liked that Pearce made the plot surprising and enjoyable. The plot drew me in and enchanted me into wanting to read more. I find her originality to be amazing and the story was well crafted as a result. Pearce crafts another beautiful retelling of a fairy tale and I can't wait to read more books along this way. If you have enjoyed her other books, you must read this one now. It is very similar to Sisters Red and Sweetly and dives deeper into the story.
Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.
I found The Truth about Alice gave a very interesting point of view, because of the diverse cast of characters. I felt like the characters had a very journalistic and documentary feel to them. The reveal of the manipulation of rumors and people presented both a realistic point of view. I slowly balanced my like and hatred of characters with the reveal of each aspect of the characters. I wish that some of them had a bit more dimension, because they approached it, but didn't quite accomplish it. Like Kelsie, for example, annoyed me so much, and I felt with her, but I didn't understand all of her motives.
The plot was paced very well and I read it fairly quick. It addresses a lot of major issues within high school, such as bullying, slut-shaming, and among others. I found the multiple point of view created a great overview of what was happening It was a very short and fast read that I enjoyed. Most books usually focus on the victims of bullying and I found the switch of that to be original. The writing made a good passage of time and created a unique book. Overall, if you want a book that feels like a documentary that focuses on important issues and has a spark of originality, I would recommend The Truth about Alice. I can't wait to see how her next book turns out.
Source: Netgally
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.
Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.
In We Were Liars, E. Lockhart presents engaging character, a brilliant plot, and bare, but beautiful writing with a lot of originality and an enchanting setting. I adore this book, because of how brilliantly it was written. First off, there is a huge cast of characters. Each one had something about them. Cadence or "Cady" is damaged by her accident and I found that part to be very interesting. Mirren was a great balance of intelligent and girly. Johnny always made me laugh. Gat is mysterious and also Cady's love interest. I loved their interaction and dug into the book wanting more. The plot of this book is masterly crafted. Like I did not expect the ending and I think is what made it such an impact that I didn't guess what was happening. I haven't been surprised in a book in so long. This was also a fairly quick read for me. I found it addicting and didn't want to stop reading this book. E. Lockhart's writing is gorgeous in this book. I have enjoyed her previous books, but the writing in this book is spectacular and magical. I kept on re-reading parts, because the writing was so magical. This book had a lot of originality and I want more books this. Part of the appeal came from the setting and the Sinclair family. If I had the chance, I would join them for the summer. Overall, I adored this book. You need to read this book, if you adore contemporary novels, but want an original and enchanting one. Actually, just read this book as soon as possible and pass it on.
Source: Publisher
Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.
Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.
I related to Elise a lot. Especially as a teen, I felt like an outsider and I didn't really have a place in a world. I have also been bullied. Elise's character was really good at portraying these issues in an impacting and intelligent way. I also enjoyed when it showed her DJing, because she found herself and was able to have fun. I liked all of the allusions to music and found it to be a good addition to the story. I think that it is also very true, because books and music both have aided me when I was in a very dark period of my life and allowed me to realize that there is still hope and love. I found the plot to be very engaging and I became sucked into this book quickly. This book is a lot different than the book that I have previously read from her, Mostly Good Girls. The writing is more intense and grabs you in certain places. Overall, I enjoyed this book and hope to find more like this book in the future. I also definitely need to check out Past Perfect!
Source: Library
Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.
Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.
This book has a huge cast of characters and while as it seems overwhelming at the beginning, they quickly became distinctive. The characters are all very developed and unique. Several characters stood out to me. For example, Daenerys is such a strong and remarkable character. Tyrion was such a funny character and made me laugh a lot. Arya was also kick ass and brave. I could go on the other characters forever. Martin isn't afraid to harm his characters and I became emotional in several place. This book starts out slow, but quickly becomes exciting. There are so many plots that are linked together flawlessly. I became enthralled in what would happen next and needed to know more. The world building is also done so well. I never felt overwhelmed by what was happening and Martin explains it perfectly. The map in the book also helped a lot. The concept of winter being years long, also interested me and I hope that comes into play in later books. This book is rather thick and at times, it felt like it would last for forever. At the same time, I never felt bored. I don't think that the story could be told in less content, but at the same time, it is a bit tiring reading it. Martin's writing is pretty good. He is really good at make a story believable. I haven't watched the show, but I am definitely interested in it now. I would recommend anyone that likes Epic Fantasy. It has really well developed character, an interesting plot, and great world building. I am definitely interested on continuing with the series, but I am going to take a break before continuing reading this series.
Source: Publisher
Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.
In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.
There are a lot of characters introduced at once. I felt a bit overwhelmed from the characters, because there are so many of them introduced at once. They weren't super distinct and it took a while for them to develop. Dean was an outsider, but he tried to help people. I believed that it would have been better if there had been another point of view, because I felt that I was losing a lot of information that could have been given later in the story. A lot of this book focuses on the mundane and there are a few places that are action-packed, but it quickly slows down from the first page and picks up later. I wish that the author had focused a lot more on the action parts, because the plot is okay. I thought the premise was interesting, but I wish that it was plotted a bit more. The originality helped me want to read this book more. The writing was okay, but I felt that Laybourne condescended to the audience a few times. The ending became a lot better, and almost redeemed the book. I hope that it picks up in the second book. Overall, I would recommend this book, if it interest you. Otherwise I would skip it.
Source: Publisher
THREE FEMALE FRIENDS FACE MIDLIFE CRISES IN A NO-HOLDS-BARRED EXPLORATION OF SEX, MARRIAGE, AND THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE.Holly: Filled with regret for being a stay-athome mom, she sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Will it bring the fulfillment she is searching for?Andrea: A single mom and avowed celibate, she watches her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for—a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly’s castaway husband?Marissa: She has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay, rebellious teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts.
As one woman’s marriage unravels, another’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s reconfigures into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.Unflinchingly honest, emotionally powerful, surprisingly erotic, Triangles is the ultimate page-turner. Hopkins’s gorgeous, expertly honed poetic verse perfectly captures the inner lives of her characters. Sometimes it happens like that. Sometimes you just get lost.Get lost in the world of Triangles, where the lives of three unforgettable women intersect, and where there are no easy answers.
I am used to Ellen Hopkins, she writes amazing and intense books. Her adult books are similar to her young adult books, in which they don't hold anything back. Her characters are developed really well. Andrea, Holly, and Marissa are all unique and I enjoyed them. I really felt for Marissa and her family and connected to her family and what was happening to her. I liked their families too. The plot was very gripping and I became invested into the characters pretty quickly. It is a pretty fast paced read. Ellen Hopkins' writing is amazing as always. I love her verse and find it to be so beautiful. I recommend this book to anyone that likes Ellen Hopkins' young adult. Overall, it was an interesting book and seemed a bit different than her young adult books, but it is just as intense and epic as her other books.
Source: Library
Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.
When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?
A Michael L. Printz Award Honor book that was called "a fiendishly-plotted mind game of a novel" in The New York Times, Code Name Verity is a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other.
I wasn't sure if this book would live up to the hype that I had heard, but it did. The thing that attracted me most in the story is that it was about friendship and what people would do for each other. It was also about trying to find your place in a world torn apart. I loved both of the main characters. Verity is a strong, fearless, and likable character that grows on you. Maggie is a strong character that is unsure of her place in the world. I loved her love of flying and her devotion to it. Their friendship made this story so much more intense and gorgeous. The other characters in the book are complex and you learn a lot about them. I liked that none of them were simple, but there were several forces that came into play to every decision. I began to care for many of them.
One of the best things in Code Name Verity, is the WWII Britain. I could feel the intensity and the fear of the unknown. Even though I know the History, I still became caught up in what would happen next. It was just so well done, because I understood the terror. The plot was very fast pace and exciting. I had to know what happened next. Everything in this book linked together flawlessly. This book is extremely original and unlike anything that I have read. Elizabeth Wein's writing is gorgeous and spectacular. I regret not reading this book sooner. It was just such a spectacular book and honestly, I can't say more. It is the kind of book that you need to read to understand what I am talking about. It is clever with many twist and turns. I recommend this to anyone that wants an astonishing and remarkable read. It is timeless and made me think so much about myself. Seriously go read this book now, if you haven't!
Source: Publisher
She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But... they are brother and sister.
Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.
I heard a lot of hype about this book, when it came out, and I was very reluctant to read it. Finally I caved and read it. I felt a lot about the characters and I understood how they got into this situation. Their mom is absent for most of the book and they are forced to take care of their siblings. As a result, the line between brother and sister is more than blurred, it is non-existent. I never felt disgusted by their relationship, which I thought was in part of Suzuma's writing. I actually cheered for them. By the end, I hoped that they would have a good ending. I hated their mom, because she had these children that she constantly neglected. The plot was powerful, intense, and emotional. It dealt with incest in a non-cliche way and while it didn't condemn the love, it also didn't redeem it. Suzuma explains an intense situation that is both believable and extraordinary. This book is definitely original and I can't think of another book that compares to Forbidden. Suzuma's writing is emotional and beautiful. It made this book so strong and enjoyable. If you was a very unique, but still emotionally driven contemporary book, I recommend that you read this book like now. I absolutely adored this book and can't wait to read the next one from Suzuma.
Source: Publisher
A modern-day retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a chilling twist
Harper has never been worried about falling in love, something she is skeptical even exists. But everything changes when Logan moves to town, and to Harper's shock, the two tumble into an intense romance. It's everything she never thought she wanted.
Then she meets Logan's twin brother, Caleb, who was expelled from his last school. True, he's a bad boy, but Harper can't shake the feeling that there's something deeply sinister about him--something dangerous. When Logan starts pulling away, Harper is convinced that Caleb's shadowy past is the wedge being driven between them. But by the time she uncovers the truth, it may be too late.
The author of Prada & Prejudice, You Wish, and Ripple delivers a modern-day retelling of a famously gothic tale, full of suspense, lies, and romance.
Harper is a very sweet character. She has a lot of fears, but she is trying to overcome some fears with her boyfriend Logan. He is a very sweet and protective guy, but the person that he wants to protect her the most from is his brother Caleb. Strange things happen to Harper and people that she cares about. Harper begins to suspect that it is Caleb as he approaches her. While the first half is spent with many exciting events, the second half slows down as she tries to figure out what is happening. Her stubborn nature towards the end annoyed me, because it went against her constant fear at the beginning. I mean she was constantly depending on other people and suddenly she is independent. It just didn't add up to me. The plot was really exciting and intense. Like the atmosphere from the book kept me reading, because it was so creepy and even scary at times. Hubbard's writing was not as strong as the previous books, but it was still good. Overall I enjoyed this book, but it could have been better. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants an intense read with great atmosphere.
Source: Publisher
Deuce’s whole world has changed.
Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
I really enjoyed Encalve and was very excited to read this book. I find Deuce to be a very intriguing character and I liked to see her be challenged by the environment around her. She really grew and developed through out the book. I found this book to be very emotional and I grew attached to even the more minor character and liked the more prominent characters like Fade and Stalker. The book starts up rather slow with what is happening in Salvation, but the tension quickly grows as event after event is revealed. I was surprised at some of the twist and turn. The Freaks also continue to develop and the book gives a continuation from the previous book of what is happening with them. I literally had chills at several parts, because of how intense part of this book was. Aguirre is an amazing writer. She describes scenes so well that I think that I am there and her fighting scenes are spectacularly vivid. I recommend this book to fans of Enclave and if you enjoy thrilling and intense books, but haven't read the first book, I suggest that you start the series. I am really excited for the third book Horde and can't wait to read it.
Source: ALA
A riveting new story from Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten and Revived.
17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life...
Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created.
Cat Patrick knows how to blend Science Fiction with contemporary, which makes a very fun and creative story. I have enjoyed her past two books and was very excited for this one due to the concept. I didn't know what to expect when I heard about this story, but I found Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey, which isn't what I expect when I heard about a book with clones in it. I really thought that they would blend together, but they were so distinct and alive. Sean was a very caring character that I loved instantly. The mom seems like the bad character, but I believe that her intentions were really from caring about them.
This book is really easy to engage with and I just kept on wanting to read more and more of this book. The plot goes very fast and I read it in about a day. There are a few plot twist and they weren't extremely predictable, but Patrick inserts small hints of possible out comes. I found this book to be extremely unique and unlike anything that I have read. Patrick's writing is amazing and makes the reader want more, while feeling satisfied with the end. I can't wait to see what she writes next. I recommend this book to fans of her previous books and fans of both contemporary and sci-fi. This book had dynamic characters and a fast paced plot that felt original, with a great voice and awesome writing.
Source: Publisher
In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.
Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.
Suzanne Young knows how to create a believable world with characters that you can't help, but loving and wanting more. I can see the dependence on prescription drugs, mandatory treatment, and the rush to premature conclusion from parents in the future. Actually many of these things are beginning to set into motion. I really like Sloane. She was smart, brave, and strong. I liked that she was able to take risk and I have felt a lot of the sadness and silence that she expressed. I understood her and related to her. I really liked James too. He cared about her, but also had his own flaws. I really enjoyed their relationship and kept on want more about them.
The Program was the perfect blend of action and romance. It was a book that ignited me with so many emotions and filled me with so many thoughts. I had to continue reading this book and I wanted more when it is over. The Program was a original take on a very serious issue in society that comments on some of the issues within the treatment of people dealing with depression or other mental illness. Young's writing is fabulous. The story is engaging and I just wanted and needed more. I am definitely excited for the sequel and can't wait to see what Young writes next. I recommend this to fans of Dystopian Novels or people that want strong characters, thrilling and epic plots, and just amazingly beautiful and emotional writing that impacts you with every word.
Source: ALA
TWO MISFITS. ONE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE.
It's 1986 and two star-crossed teens are smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love--and just how hard it pulled you under.
A cross between the iconic '80s movie Sixteen Candles and the classic coming-of-age novel Looking for Alaska, Eleanor & Park is a brilliantly written young adult novel.
There are books that I absolutely fall in love with and it hurts when it finished. That is how I felt about this book, I wanted more.
I loved Eleanor. She is funny, intelligent, and down to earth. I also liked how Rowell didn't make it super pretty or thing. Instead, she has "flaws" and that is one of the reason that Park likes her. Park was amazing too. He was sweet, thoughtful, and just amazing. Rowell reminded me of how it felt to be a teen and in love. I enjoyed the development of the relationship and that it was slowly built as time passed. I liked the other characters in this book and just wanted more. I found the plot to be very cute and fun, but at the same time, it dealt with serious issues in a matter that I liked. I found the book intense due to this. I also loved the setting of the 1980's and how they talked about bands and comic books. I found this to be a very original book and I hope to find one like this in the future. It made me feel so many emotions and I couldn't help liking it. Rowell's writing is amazing and clever. I can't wait to read more from her in the future. It was raw and the story stayed with me after it was over. I need more. Like seriously, you need to read this book as soon as possible if you like contemporary romance. I recommend this book to fans of John Green, Jennifer E. Smith, Stephanie Perkins, and Courtney Summers.
Source: Publisher
The only thing worse than forgetting her past... is remembering it.
When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.
Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.
Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.
Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?
From popular young adult author, Jessica Brody comes a mesmerizing and suspenseful new series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.
I really liked Sera. I liked that she wanted to figure out who she was and would do anything to figure out who she is. She is very strong and I just adored her. Her foster brother Cody was so sweet and I just loved how much he cared and wanted to help her. Zen was a intriguing character and I want to know more about him. I found the relationship between Sera and Zen to be awesome and rather sweet. I liked that he came back every single time and wanted to protect her. The plot of this book starts slowly, but the pace quickly speeds up. I found the idea to be very complex and interesting. I found the plot and science behind to be unique. I adore Brody's writing. I found the transition from contemporary to sci-fi/mystery to be believable. I recommend Unremembered to readers that wanted likable characters, an exciting and enjoyable plot, and a unique and interesting concept. I am really excited for the next book and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Source: Publisher
Joy delamere is suffocating.
From asthma, from her parents, and from her boyfriend, Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out. She can take his cruel words, his tender words . . . until the night they go too far.
To escape, Joy sacrifices her suburban life to find the one who offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. He introduces her to a world of fierce loyalty, to its rules of survival, and to love--a world she won't easily let go.
Set against the backdrop of the streets of Seattle, Holly Cupala's power-ful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the secrets we keep, and the ways to redemption. But above all, it is an unflinching story about the extraordinary lengths one girl will go to discover her own strength.
I live on the very streets that this book takes place in. I have walked by many of the places that she walked by. I have also worked with the homeless in this area. So this book definitely hit close to home, but I loved it. Joy has dealt with a lot and she makes a decision to change. She is smart, but not enough for the streets. Creed was a caring and sweet character that I loved. His love for music was amazing and I just loved how strong of a character he was. I liked that everyone had their own story and there was so much depth to it. Santos and May intrigued me and I found the family, that they all created in spite all that has happened, to be amazing. It was a very intense read, because it dealt with many issues. I love how Cupala dealt with it in a clever and smart way that didn't make it overbearingly depressing. Instead, I felt that this book was hopeful. The plot is packed full of action and interesting. I could not put this book down and I wanted more. This book is very original and I loved all of the details that this book had. Cupala is a great writer and I can't wait to see more from her in the future. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants an intense and gripping read. If you like Cupala's previous book Tell Me a Secret, you must read this book and I would also recommend this book to fans of Jennifer Brown and Amanda Grace. Don't Breathe A Word has full of complex characters, a gripping plot, and amazing writing and if you enjoy those is a book, you should definitely read it.
Source: Review
Being a 16-year-old safecracker and active-duty daughter of international spies has its moments, good and bad. Pros: Seeing the world one crime-solving adventure at a time. Having parents with super cool jobs. Cons: Never staying in one place long enough to have friends or a boyfriend. But for Maggie Silver, the biggest perk of all has been avoiding high school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations.
Then Maggie and her parents are sent to New York for her first solo assignment, and all of that changes. She'll need to attend a private school, avoid the temptation to hack the school's security system, and befriend one aggravatingly cute Jesse Oliver to gain the essential information she needs to crack the case . . . all while trying not to blow her cover.
I adored Robin Benway's books. Audrey, Wait! and The Extraordinary Secrets of April, June, and July were funny and clever books that I adored.
Maggie was a funny and clever. I liked that she was confident about herself. She was just a great character and I loved the relationship that she had with her parents and their family friend Angelo. It was great to see in Young Adult and I hope to see it more. I also adored her friend Roux. She was very spontaneous and unpredictable. Jesse may seem like just another bad ass, but he had a past and I found it very intriguing. I found the plot to be very fast paced and intriguing. I read this whole book in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down, because I had to know what would happen next. I did not want to leave this story unfinished. I liked the world that Benway built and I wanted to know more about it. The way that Benway wrote about a teenage spy was original and I can't wait to see what is next. Benway's writing is just amazing and I can't wait to read more. Her books are just so funny and clever. I recommend this to the fans of Ally Carter. Seriously, it has a smart and funny character, an exciting and interesting plot, and really sharp and amazing writing.
Source: Publisher/ALA MW
Sam is in love with her best friend Nick, but she can't seem to tell him. So she decides to flirt with golden-boy Carter Wellesley, hoping Nick will see it and finally realize his true feelings for her.
On Monday, everyone at school is saying that Carter raped Sam. He didn't, but Sam can't find the words to tell the truth. Worst of all, she's afraid she'll lose Nick if he finds out what really happened.
As graduation approaches, Sam discovers that living the lie isn't as easy as her new friends make it sound--and telling the truth might be even worse.
I had a hard time liking Sam, because of the fact that she doesn't correct people on what Carter did. I get that she had a lot of peer pressure and the fact that Carter was complete asshole to her, but she made his whole life change as result. I found the plot really fast paced and I had to know what happened next. I think that Amanda Grace displayed that there are consequences to every action. I really liked Nick, he was a really great guy that had great standards. Amanda Grace also creates a spectacular ending. This is a quick read that deals with a complex issue in such a smooth and beautiful way. I can't wait to read more from Amanda Grace in the future. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a book that deals with complex issues in a realistic way with a quick and engrossing plot.
