Are You Going To Kiss Me Now? by Sloane Tanen

Are You Going To Kiss Me Now?

High school junior Francesca Manning is an outsider, an aspiring writer and secret devourer of celebrity gossip mags. A fake essay to Seventeen wins her the celeb-schmoozing opportunity of a lifetime, but after the plane crashes, she's stranded on a desert island with five of the most clueless, self-involved headcases to escape Hollywood. Happily skewering their foibles in witty observations on her iPhone proves surprisingly educational for Francesca. The group must work together to survive-if they don't insult each other to death first.

At First Sight:
The concept of this book is strangely hilarious. I mean, who would get stranded on a desert island with five other celebrities? I was attracted by the fact that it seemed very funny and just interesting. I wanted to know where Francesca would end and how everything would play out.

My Thoughts:
I picked up the book and I couldn't put it down at first. Sloane's voice is real and addictive. It's like talking to your best friend. I couldn't help but think about one of my favorite authors that achieves the same sort of feeling, Meg Cabot. I liked how the beginning moved. It was nicely paced and definitely laugh out loud funny. Francesca and her best friend, Jordan, are like two peas in a pot. Their addiction to texting is much like mine and my friend's and their relationship was very believable.

Towards the middle and end of the book I started feeling less and less excited. Of course, they were stranded in a desert island and those celebrities aren't really smart but I kept waiting for them to have redeeming qualities that would make them feel like real people and not empty-headed bimbos. I mean, we all know celebrities have lives but we don't actually see much of that, right? I expected Sloane Tannen to show us that real, emotional, sensitive side of the celebrities but it never came. It also seemed to me like they kept going over the same things again and again. The end was a bit rushed for me but it had a nice surprise that I loved and it closed the book in a good satisfying way.

Overall, I think the book's greatest strength is its humor. The characters are not ocean-deep and I've always been huge on characters. But this book is so entertaining and nicely paced that you almost forget about it. It's the type of book you'd bring to the beach because it's definitely light hearted and sort of that summery fun feel.

In one sentence:
"Laugh out loud funny!"

Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing: 4
Cover: 4
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8 stars

The Chocolate Wars by Robert Cormier

The Chocolate War

Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author,The Chocolate War stands ready to shock a new group of teen readers.

I had to read this for school and I was surprised at how good it was. I was also surprised that in my strict Catholic school, they'd allow a book like this where it's shown masturbation and similar topics.

I liked the concept of the book and although it was a bit slow at first, I enjoyed it. The only thing that I'd say negative is that I felt like I didn't know the characters. None of them really grew by the end of the book and they all felt a bit distant.

The book is a bit dated but there's nothing really to give it away.

In one sentence:
"Better than you would ever think."

Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing: 5
Cover: 3
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8 stars

A Princess Of Landover by Terry Brooks

After fourteen years, New York Times bestselling fantasy master Terry Brooks has returned to the magic kingdom of Landover. The remarkable realm of dragons, demons, wizards, and wonders that wove an irresistible spell in five classic novels throws open its gates at long last for a brand-new adventure featuring a dazzling cast of characters and creatures.

Ben Holiday, Chicago lawyer and mere mortal turned monarch of enchanted Landover, has grappled with scheming barons, fire-breathing beasts, diabolical conjurers, and extremely wicked witches. None of whom have prepared him for the most daunting of challengers–a teenage daughter. Sent by Ben and his beloved sylph bride, Willow, to an exclusive girls’ prep school, headstrong (and half-magical) Mistaya Holiday has found life in the natural world a less than perfect fit. And when her latest rebellious antics get her indefinitely suspended, she’s determined to resume her real education–learning sorcery from court wizard Questor Thews–whether her parents like it or not. 

But back home in Landover, Mistaya’s frustrated father is just as determined that the precocious princess learn some responsibility, and he declares her grounded until she successfully refurbishes the long-forsaken royal library. Mortified by the prospect of salvaging a king’s ransom in moldy books–and horrified by word that repulsive local nobleman Lord Laphroig seeks to marry her–Mistaya decides that the only way to run her own life is to run away from home. 

So begins an eventful odyssey peppered with a formidable dragon, recalcitrant gnomes, an inscrutable magic cat, a handsome librarian, a sinister sorcerer, and more than a few narrow escapes as fate draws Landover’s intrepid princess to the last place she expected to go, and into the thick of a mystery that will put her mettle to the test–and might bring the kingdom to its knees.

Although this book is adult fiction, it might as well be read by every age group. I've read some of Terry Brook's work before and I loved it so coming into this I was expecting a lot.

Unfortunately, it did not measure up. While the book is good in some parts, it is quite slow on others and I couldn't get into it until the very end. I kept waiting for the action to happen and when it did, it fell short.

The main character, Mistaya, is a fifteen year old teen and I was happy that I could relate to her and her problems as a teenager. I also loved Thom and the little hints of romance here and there.

The supporting characters were good and the villans were villans. There's nothing that really impressed me about this book.

In one sentence: "Falls short compared to other Terry Brooks's work."

Plot: 3
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Cover: 4
Overall Feeling: 3
Average: 3.8 stars

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Wildthorn

They strip her naked, of everything—undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen—still Louisa Cosgrove, isn't she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . . >Originally published in the UK, this well-paced, provocative romance pushes on boundaries—both literal and figurative—and, do beware: it will bind you, too.

The cover of Wildthorn first cought my eyes, I love historical novels and the historical aspect of this one was amazingly done. The title also cought my eye.

Other than that, the book lacked in a lot of other places. I expected a lot and was thoroughly disappointed. It's hard for me to say this because I liked the book, just not as much as I thought. The characters are good and the premise is good. But the story drags a bit and only gets better later.

It did bring a few surprises, that's for sure. But other than that, it didn't have much to offer.

Louisa is a good character but often, her narration drags a bit. The best parts are the flashbacks which show a much more dynamic Lousia. I still liked her strong mind and determination.

Overall, I recommend going into this book without a lot to expect. It's a good book but not amazing.

In one sentence:
"While it lacks in some parts, good twists and turns keep the reader interested."

Plot: 3
Characters: 4
Writing: 4
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 3
Average: 3.8 stars

Review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley

The Heart Is Not A Size by Beth Kephart

The Heart Is Not A Size
Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. ...Or are they?

When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known.

Beth Kephart paints a world filled with emotion, longing, and the hot Mexican sun.

When Georgia discovers a program where she could go to Mexico to help build a community bathroom, she doesn't hesitate to join alongside her best friend, Riley. Both Georgia and Riley have secrets that will threaten this friendship. Will they be able to stay friends?

I loved how easy it was to read this book. I was done with it in two days. A really quick at-the-beach read. Beth Kephart has a beautiful writing style, almost poetic. The words just...flow.

Riley is a very extreme character. She wants to be against everything her mother wants her to be. You can see that their relationship isn't that good and I felt and suffered with Riley.

Georgia is a quiet character, reserved, and with a big secret. Of course, she is worried about her friend and how extreme she's taking everything but it doesn't quite work out.

The setting is fantastic. I love how vividly everything was portrayed in Juarez.

Overall, I really liked the story. It was a quick and easy read and enjoyable but not at-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of enjoyable. I really liked Georgia and Riley's friendship and how imperfect it was, yet, it seemed to work out.

In one sentence:
"A quick read about friendship and the risks we're willing to take for it."

Plot: 4
Writing: 5
Characters: 4
Cover: 2
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Okay, I'm going to say this book was entertaining. I read it fast and I liked it a lot. That said, I have a few things to say about it and the topic of 'bad romance'. I read a post (and a few follow-ups) at In Which A Girl Reads. This post, among other things, is the sickly nature that some YA books have taken recently, especially Paranormal.

I liked Nora, I think she was realistic yet I also think she was weak. She was also a walking contradiction. Even though she clearly felt uncomfortable by Patch's stalking and creepy behavior, she didn't want to 'be rude' to him. I get it fine. But here's the thing:

Patch wants to kill her but oh, wait! He's in LOVE with her too. I don't believe this one bit. He's not in love with her, he's just super turned on by her. The difference is monumental. While the attraction between them is one of the things that are very entertaining, there were a few hints and there that were too creepy and to unacceptable in my opinion. Nora was having bad feelings about a guy but so suddenly she turns those around because he doesn't want to kill her anymore...because he's IN LOVE with her.

I'm sorry, but I don't get that. Why would you want that? I've always told myself: "The second that a boyfriend even implies violence on me, he's so gone." So why did it somehow become acceptable in literature? I know this is a rant/review and it's not exactly what you wanted to hear, but hey, I'm here to express my thoughts and concerns after reading a few articles and agreeing with them. My eyes were definitely open.

I liked that book, I said that before and I still say it. But I also understand that it is DANGEROUS and CREEPY and NOT LOVE. I feel like many females today, including Nora, give themselves up because they can't handle stuff. What happened to sticking with your own believes? This does not really ring well with me.

Okay, that short rant said, the book is mysterious and there is a sense of danger that you didn't get in - okay - Twilight (which is one other example of these kinds of books) which made me keep myself at the edge of my seat. I WILL be reading the next installment and I'm not against 'bad romance' per say, it's more of the way that lust is confused by love and that people try to justify it as, "Well, it's okay because he's hot and he did THIS ONE THING."

In one sentence:
"Entertaining and mysterious, yet, cliched and creepy."


Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing: 3
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8

Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann

Though haunted by memories of his father's arrest in Pinochet's Chile,
Daniel Aguilar has made a new life for himself in the United
States--far from politics. But when his father is released, Daniel
sees what years of prison and torture have done. Trying to reach his
father, Daniel, along wth his "gringa" girlfriend, finds himself in
the democracy struggle of the country he thought he left behind.

Dan has lived with the memory of the night when his father was arrested and feeling like it was somehow his fault. Now, after years of trying to get him out of prison, Dan and his family reconnect with a father they don't know who is physically and emotionally tortured. The book, set on the 80's during Pinochet's rule of Chile, follows Dan, his girlfriend Courtney, and his family as they try to face the new challenge that is his father.

I was very exited to participate in my first blog tour so I thank everyone who is involved for giving me this great opportunity.

Okay, now onto the book. Overall, I liked the book. I liked the history, the characters, the premise, and the plot. But I talked to my Dad who also read it and I re evaluated my thoughts on it.

The story rang real all the way through it. Being a Latina myself, I found it easy to relate to the situation and the culture. The descriptions are sometimes graphic and the book is often ignited by horror and suspense. These elements I really liked and added to the overall story.

Now, something my father said about the characters made me rethink them a bit. Although they are generally believable and round, the characters do lack some depth. Some of their decisions I wasn't sure what motivated them. The pain of the father was seen but superficially touched. I would have preferred to have a description of his dreams before he woke up screaming. Dan's decisions sometimes seemed quick and I couldn't really see the motivation behind them.

My Dad thinks Courtney is the real MC but although I disagree, I think her character was the most thorough. You can see why she does what she does and the history behind it.

In once sentence:
Overall, it was a good book but it lacked some depth and development.

Plot: 5 stars
Characters: 3 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall Feeling: 4
Cover: 3
Average: 3.8