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Book Review: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe

>> Monday, April 23, 2012



Welcome, Caller, This Is ChloeReviewer: Taylor
Title: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe
Author: Shelley Corriell
Source: ARC from Amulet Books
Pages: 299
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Amulet Books
Rating: 4/5
Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

Main Idea: Wow! What a fun contemporary with a spunky, very likeable main character! Definitely one to pick up for a quick, enjoyable read.

One of the big things that can keep me from loving a book is the main character. Is he/she whiny/stubborn/stupid/etc.? If the answer to one or more is yes, then I am annoyed and very likely to be frustrated with the book. But Chloe? Chloe is none of the above. Chloe was fun, determined, spunky, and had a great attitude. I absolutely loved her!

When Chloe's friends desert her, her Junior year independent study project is rejected, and her mother and grandmother's relationship falls apart- Chloe refuses to do the same. She jumps on board with the school's radio station she (and the rest of the student body) didn't even know existed and decides to start her own talk show. Hilarity, heart-break, and heat (in some cases even literally) ensues.

I would definitely recommend picking up this cute contemporary as soon as you can get your hands on it! An adorable read!

Read more...

Review - Bunheads

>> Thursday, April 19, 2012


Reviewer: Rebekah
Title: Bunheads
Author: Sophie Flack
Source: Library
Pages: 294
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publication Date: October 10, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Reader
Rating: 4/5


As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?
I took ballet.
And no, I don't mean until I was 7.
During my high school years, I spent at least three days a week at the studio (usually more during performance or recital season). Looking back, I realize that was kind of a lot considering...

A. I am not a ballerina.
B. Like, I don't even take a single, crappy ballet class in college.
C. I wasn't even that good.

But the truth is, I loved it. Still do.

So my point it is, I wanted to read this book.

And I really liked it! I probably won't read it again, but I definitely enjoyed the story. The main character, Hannah is decent, but not just oozing in the personality department. But that kind of makes sense. She's overly disciplined. Her life is rigid, she works full-time, all the time, she lives alone....and she's only nineteen.

It's a simple enough story. Girl loves to dance. Girl dances all day, everyday. Girl wants to be promoted. Girl works her butt off. Literally. Girl must decide.

There's a cute boy. Another rich boy. A triangle? sort of.

Lots of dynamics with characters. You see the "best friend" the "friend you love but hate" and the "annoying friend."

But really, the book is about making choices for yourself. It's about figuring out what is actually the best thing for you. It's about deciding who exactly you want to be down the road. I was definitely satisfied in the end, even though it is somewhat bittersweet.

So yes, even if you don't know the difference between a plié and a posé, I think you should read it!

xo,
rebekah









Read more...

Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

>> Sunday, April 8, 2012


Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)Reviewer: Taylor
Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Source: Library
Pages: 375
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Rating: 4/5


I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.
Main Idea: All in all, I would definitely recommend reading this book. While there is not much Alex, at all... which is a total bummer, it is still a fast-paced, action packed read definitely worth your time!
 
Hmm... well, first of all, this book was NOT what I was expecting. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that.

However, I did really enjoy this book, hence the four star rating. I am all about a book with action and fast pacing, and save the first 50-75 pages, this book totally had that. I also loved the changing timelines aspect of this book- the way it switched from then and now. However, the "then" part always bored me a bit. I liked the "now" part much better!

A new person was also introduced, Julian. Although, I can't tell you how he fit into the story. That would be a spoiler... But the adventures she and Julian find themselves in were definitely very exciting!

For the most part, I saw all the major plot twists coming as most people have expressed which was kind of a bummer. There were a few smaller ones that I didn't see coming though, so those were always nice surprises! 

Thanks for reading!!

Taylor

Read more...

IMM (15)

>> Saturday, April 7, 2012


In my mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we show what we got this week! I got some books from Barnes and Noble with my dad. Rebekah is at her house this week so I'm just doing the IMM this week!


 
1. Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.
2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
This absorbing, award-winning novel is part love story, part family drama, and part coming-of-age story in one compelling tale. If Taylor Markham can put together the pieces of her past and present, she might just be able to change her future.
3. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is her French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before.
 4. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication. 
5. Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.
When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?




Enjoy!!

Read more...

Review - Torn

>> Monday, April 2, 2012


Reviewer: Rebekah
Title: Torn
Author: Stephanie Guerra
Pages: 263
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date:April 1st, 2012
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Rating: 3.5/5



Stella Chavez is your classic good girl: straight As, clean-cut boyfriends, and soccer trophies . You’d never guess that Stella’s dad was a drug addict who walked out when she was a kid. Or that inside, Stella wishes for something more.

New girl Ruby Caroline seems like Stella’s polar opposite: cursing, smoking, and teetering in sky-high heels . But with Ruby, Stella gets a taste of another world—a world in which parents act like roommates, college men are way more interesting than high school boys, and there is nothing that shouldn’t be tried once.

It’s not long before Stella finds herself torn: between the best friend she’s ever had and the friends she’s known forever, between her family and her own independence, between who she was and who she wants to be.

But Ruby has a darker side, a side she doesn’t show anyone—not even Stella. As Stella watches her friend slowly unravel, she will have to search deep inside herself for the strength to be a true friend, even if it means committing the ultimate betrayal.
Main Idea: This is a contemporary story about not judging people by their reputation or race,  being a good friend even when it's not the easy or hard, and loyalty.


We received this in the mail as an ARC just before our Spring Break, so I made sure to pack it up for the beach!


Stella is the kind of girl who doesn't have enemies. She's drama-free, non-confrontational, and committed to her family,friends, education, sports, and just about everything she does. I definitely related to her personality, especially the no-drama part. But, she's not perfect and she's realizing that she can't be.


When crazy fun Ruby becomes her sudden new best friend, Stella changes, for better and worse. But being a friend to a girl like Ruby, a ticking time bomb, comes with major hazards. I loved Ruby's character, even though she's not exactly the kind of girl I normally had classes with in high school. Still, she's ridiculous but good-hearted for the most part.


Some aspects of the story were a little far-fetched, but for the most part, this is a good modern-day tale about finding your friends and finding yourself. Stella is forced to make some decisions and either be one thing or the other, even if that means putting yourself in a position that isn't desirable. 



check it out!

Rebekah 

Read more...

IMM (14)

>> Sunday, April 1, 2012

Here is our IMM for the week! Enjoy!


Taylor and Rebekah

Read more...

Monday, April 23, 2012

Book Review: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe



Welcome, Caller, This Is ChloeReviewer: Taylor
Title: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe
Author: Shelley Corriell
Source: ARC from Amulet Books
Pages: 299
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Amulet Books
Rating: 4/5
Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

Main Idea: Wow! What a fun contemporary with a spunky, very likeable main character! Definitely one to pick up for a quick, enjoyable read.

One of the big things that can keep me from loving a book is the main character. Is he/she whiny/stubborn/stupid/etc.? If the answer to one or more is yes, then I am annoyed and very likely to be frustrated with the book. But Chloe? Chloe is none of the above. Chloe was fun, determined, spunky, and had a great attitude. I absolutely loved her!

When Chloe's friends desert her, her Junior year independent study project is rejected, and her mother and grandmother's relationship falls apart- Chloe refuses to do the same. She jumps on board with the school's radio station she (and the rest of the student body) didn't even know existed and decides to start her own talk show. Hilarity, heart-break, and heat (in some cases even literally) ensues.

I would definitely recommend picking up this cute contemporary as soon as you can get your hands on it! An adorable read!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Review - Bunheads


Reviewer: Rebekah
Title: Bunheads
Author: Sophie Flack
Source: Library
Pages: 294
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publication Date: October 10, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Reader
Rating: 4/5


As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?
I took ballet.
And no, I don't mean until I was 7.
During my high school years, I spent at least three days a week at the studio (usually more during performance or recital season). Looking back, I realize that was kind of a lot considering...

A. I am not a ballerina.
B. Like, I don't even take a single, crappy ballet class in college.
C. I wasn't even that good.

But the truth is, I loved it. Still do.

So my point it is, I wanted to read this book.

And I really liked it! I probably won't read it again, but I definitely enjoyed the story. The main character, Hannah is decent, but not just oozing in the personality department. But that kind of makes sense. She's overly disciplined. Her life is rigid, she works full-time, all the time, she lives alone....and she's only nineteen.

It's a simple enough story. Girl loves to dance. Girl dances all day, everyday. Girl wants to be promoted. Girl works her butt off. Literally. Girl must decide.

There's a cute boy. Another rich boy. A triangle? sort of.

Lots of dynamics with characters. You see the "best friend" the "friend you love but hate" and the "annoying friend."

But really, the book is about making choices for yourself. It's about figuring out what is actually the best thing for you. It's about deciding who exactly you want to be down the road. I was definitely satisfied in the end, even though it is somewhat bittersweet.

So yes, even if you don't know the difference between a plié and a posé, I think you should read it!

xo,
rebekah









Sunday, April 8, 2012

Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver


Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)Reviewer: Taylor
Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Source: Library
Pages: 375
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Rating: 4/5


I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.
Main Idea: All in all, I would definitely recommend reading this book. While there is not much Alex, at all... which is a total bummer, it is still a fast-paced, action packed read definitely worth your time!
 
Hmm... well, first of all, this book was NOT what I was expecting. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that.

However, I did really enjoy this book, hence the four star rating. I am all about a book with action and fast pacing, and save the first 50-75 pages, this book totally had that. I also loved the changing timelines aspect of this book- the way it switched from then and now. However, the "then" part always bored me a bit. I liked the "now" part much better!

A new person was also introduced, Julian. Although, I can't tell you how he fit into the story. That would be a spoiler... But the adventures she and Julian find themselves in were definitely very exciting!

For the most part, I saw all the major plot twists coming as most people have expressed which was kind of a bummer. There were a few smaller ones that I didn't see coming though, so those were always nice surprises! 

Thanks for reading!!

Taylor

Saturday, April 7, 2012

IMM (15)


In my mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we show what we got this week! I got some books from Barnes and Noble with my dad. Rebekah is at her house this week so I'm just doing the IMM this week!


 
1. Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.
2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
This absorbing, award-winning novel is part love story, part family drama, and part coming-of-age story in one compelling tale. If Taylor Markham can put together the pieces of her past and present, she might just be able to change her future.
3. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is her French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before.
 4. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication. 
5. Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.
When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?




Enjoy!!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Review - Torn


Reviewer: Rebekah
Title: Torn
Author: Stephanie Guerra
Pages: 263
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date:April 1st, 2012
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Rating: 3.5/5



Stella Chavez is your classic good girl: straight As, clean-cut boyfriends, and soccer trophies . You’d never guess that Stella’s dad was a drug addict who walked out when she was a kid. Or that inside, Stella wishes for something more.

New girl Ruby Caroline seems like Stella’s polar opposite: cursing, smoking, and teetering in sky-high heels . But with Ruby, Stella gets a taste of another world—a world in which parents act like roommates, college men are way more interesting than high school boys, and there is nothing that shouldn’t be tried once.

It’s not long before Stella finds herself torn: between the best friend she’s ever had and the friends she’s known forever, between her family and her own independence, between who she was and who she wants to be.

But Ruby has a darker side, a side she doesn’t show anyone—not even Stella. As Stella watches her friend slowly unravel, she will have to search deep inside herself for the strength to be a true friend, even if it means committing the ultimate betrayal.
Main Idea: This is a contemporary story about not judging people by their reputation or race,  being a good friend even when it's not the easy or hard, and loyalty.


We received this in the mail as an ARC just before our Spring Break, so I made sure to pack it up for the beach!


Stella is the kind of girl who doesn't have enemies. She's drama-free, non-confrontational, and committed to her family,friends, education, sports, and just about everything she does. I definitely related to her personality, especially the no-drama part. But, she's not perfect and she's realizing that she can't be.


When crazy fun Ruby becomes her sudden new best friend, Stella changes, for better and worse. But being a friend to a girl like Ruby, a ticking time bomb, comes with major hazards. I loved Ruby's character, even though she's not exactly the kind of girl I normally had classes with in high school. Still, she's ridiculous but good-hearted for the most part.


Some aspects of the story were a little far-fetched, but for the most part, this is a good modern-day tale about finding your friends and finding yourself. Stella is forced to make some decisions and either be one thing or the other, even if that means putting yourself in a position that isn't desirable. 



check it out!

Rebekah 

Sunday, April 1, 2012

IMM (14)

Here is our IMM for the week! Enjoy!


Taylor and Rebekah

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