Review: Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Hate List
By: Jennifer Brown

Paperback: 432 pages

Published: August 11th 2009

 

Synopsis: Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life. -Goodreads.com

 

 

So often I read to escape. I read to go to faraway times, alternate realities and places where everyone behaves predictably (either good or bad) Unfortunately life is unpredictable and things happen for reasons we will never understand. This book takes you there and I am happy I went. This story is about bad tragic things happening because right or wrong they do. Thankfully the character Valerie is taken on the journey of recovering as difficult and sometimes impossible it seems, not bogging down on understanding the past. This book reminded me that unfortunately, I need face through fears and consequences of my actions and sometimes the actions of others. I need to move on regardless of my situation. This is a powerful book and is on the “Must Discuss” list when my daughter reads this. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and spun me around so much there were times I was not sure who was right or wrong, sometimes life is like that. I think this book realistically and thoughtfully addresses bullying and though the storyline is extreme to the nth degree. I could relate to it so much. It really spoke to me.

 

Summer Listening made easy!

Summer Listening

Wondering what to read this summer? Perhaps you should try these audiobooks you can download for free this summer. Yes! I said Free! check out audiobooksync.com. Each week this summer they will have two books to download one classic and one new title paired together with a common theme.

SYNC Titles
Summer 2012 Schedule
June14 – June 20, 2012
The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch, Read by Dan Bittner (Scholastic Audiobooks)
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Frank Galati [Adapt.], Read by Shirley Knight, Jeffrey Donovan, and a Full Cast (L.A. Theatre Works)

June 21 – June 27, 2012
Irises by Francisco X. Stork, Read by Carrington MacDuffie (Listening Library)
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Read by Wanda McCaddon (Tantor Media)

June 28 – July 4, 2012
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud, Read by Simon Jones (Listening Library)
Tales from the Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang, Read by Toby Stephens (Naxos AudioBooks)

July 5 – July 11, 2012
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Read by August Ross (AudioGO)
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, Read by Ian Holm (AudioGO)

July 12 – July 18, 2012
Guys Read: Funny Business by Jon Scieszka [Ed.] et al., Read by Michael Boatman, Kate DiCamillo, John Keating, Jon Scieszka, Bronson Pinchot (Harper Audio)
The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Stories by Mark Twain, Read by Norman Dietz (Recorded Books)

July 19 – July 25, 2012
Cleopatra’s Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter, Read by Kirsten Potter (Oasis Audio)
Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, Read by a Full Cast (AudioGO)

July 26 – August 1, 2012
Pinned by Alfred C. Martino, Read by Mark Shanahan (Listen & Live Audio)
TBA (Brilliance Audio)

August 2 – August 8, 2012
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Read by Khristine Hvam (Hachette Audio)
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Read by Simon Prebble (Blackstone Audio)

August 9 – August 15, 2012
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, Read by Rupert Degas (Harper Audio)
Dead Men Kill by L. Ron Hubbard, Read by Jennifer Aspen and a Full Cast (Galaxy Press)
 
August 16 – August 22, 2012
The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, Read by Jay Laga’aia (Bolinda Audio)
The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Read by William Roberts (Naxos AudioBooks)

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave by Anne Aguirre           

Razorland Series #1

Hardcover 262 pages

Published April 12, 2011

Synopsis:

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known. – Goodreads.com

What can I say… WOW! I had to wait a while for this at the library. I picked it up yesterday and it was totally worth the wait. I will warn this is not the best book for the faint of heart there are some gruesome scenes and violence throughout. This is dystopian fiction awesomeness! If you are wondering what to read after the Hunger Games Trilogy grab this one. The next in the series Outpost is expected to be released in September this year. Squee!

I give this 5 out of 5 stars!

 

While you are waiting for book two to come out in September check out another dystopian favorite Divergent by Veronica Roth  It’s sequel Insurgent will be released in a few weeks May 1^st

Top Ten Favorite Covers

Top Ten Favorite Covers
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

All of these books I picked up because of the cover art.  All of these books I loved, but a few I may not have read if I were not drawn to the cover. Yes, I am that shallow :)

How to Save A Life by Sara Zarr

We have had a very mild winter with no real snow this year. I think this book’s wintery cover grabbed me. I needed to read it.

Wintertown by Stephen Emond

This was on display at my library and realized that I kept walking past it. When I realized the snow was pieces of punched paper I threw it in my bag to check out. 

Very cute.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

This book is beautiful! You cannot help staring at this cover the key is raised and the title with the made of gears and watch parts is just pure awesome.

Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

This cover is one of my absolute favorites. The fog on cover has this opalescent quality.

Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

This cover is so clever. It is truly creepy.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

I think the blue color and the beautiful dress snagged my attention on this one. I had to have it.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I picked this up at a book fair. I love the metallic purple title that is raised over the eerie silvery metallic trees in the background.

Entwined by Heather Dixon

I love the dress! I love the castle in the background! I want to go there even though I cannot dance.

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

What a sweet cover for a sweet story. I love the heart shaped snowflakes.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

This cover is gorgeous. After this came out my TBR pile was huge but I kept eying this book.  I finally broke down and bought it mainly because it’s so pretty.

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why

By Jay Asher

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published October 18th 2007

ISBN13 9781595141712

Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers. – Goodreads.com

Last week when I was at the library looking for Jay Asher’s most recent book I finally decided to pick this up. I have avoided reading this for a long time. Frankly I really was not interested in the idea of this book, but I have heard too many gushing things about this book to pass it up. So I stepped put of my comfort zone and checked it out.

What a powerful and thought provoking read I am glad I read this! I think it is important to note, if you begin reading this you HAVE to finish it. It is very important to complete Clay’s journey with him to truly benefit from it. The subject of suicide was seriously hard for me to read about. It would have been easy to put this down and spend my time searching the web for images of kittens in cups. Fortunately, this book handles the subject well and gave me a sense of closure at the end. This book tackles very difficult topics aside from the obvious – suicide. Through Hannah’s tapes we learn of all the hard life situations that lead her toward her decision. At the same time we experience Clay’s viewpoint where he struggles with his guilt and sorrow!  

Unfortunately teen suicide is very real and these situations really do happen. In this book we see parts of both sides. I think it is important to know how are actions can truly hurt people as well as how much our positive actions can really impact someone. It would make an excellent discussion book. (for teens or adults) You definitely should read this.

Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Synopsis: Three brothers struggle to stay together after their parents' death, as they search for an identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society in which they find themselves "outsiders."

When my daughter had to read The Outsiders for her 7^th grade English class I pulled out my copy and decided to re read it! The Outsiders is one of my all time favorite books. I have not read this in a long time though I have read it more times than I can count. When I had to read it for school I read it over and over and over. I read it at least four or five times in the time allotted to read it for class. My copy is old and trashed but I love this book! Re-reading it with the soft silky worn pages fitting in my hand I have to wonder why I have not re-read this for so long.

I love hearing Ponyboy’s voice in my head. Of course as I re-read this now I have the luxury of visualizing the characters from the movie in my mind. (This story is one of the times I really do not mind the movie!) The movie (1983) has Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez and Ralph Macchio. I remember when the movie came out and as a tween girl with a huge crush on Matt Dillon The Outsiders became my favorite movie (and still is). I absolutely stand behind the statement the book is always better! (though I am grateful Francis Ford Coppola did not cast a blond for Dally) In the book the characters are much deeper. I love how it captures that the tough guy greaser can be sensitive and to me that truly is touching. Their loyalty is something to desire. It tells us while sometimes we cannot change our circumstances, we certainly can affect the outcome. If you have not read this you should and if you have you should re-read it.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door

By Stephanie Perkins

Hardcover, 338 pages

Published September 29th 2011 by Dutton Books

more details...ISBN 0525423281

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. - Goodreads.com

With Valentine’s Day approaching I thought I would review a sweet chick-lit romance. This is also featured on the 2012 list of Best of Fiction nominees by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).

I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I will say though, after reading Anna and the French Kiss (which I LOVED) I was hesitant, I mean, what if this one is not as good?  Stephanie Perkins definitely came through on this one. I loved how Anna and St. Clair show up in Lola’s San Francisco. This is a sweet story I was totally absorbed into Lola’s world. You cannot help but fall head over heels for Cricket. He is seriously crush worthy! Of course in order for Lola to fall for him, she needs to come to terms with who she is and be honest with herself. It is this journey that is so genuine and sincere that drew me into this book. So if you are looking for a sweet Valentine’s Day read look no further!

Mom Disclaimer: I have to say I do not approve of Lola’s relationship with Max! He is a dork!

I give this 4 out of 5 stars

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Hardcover, 318 pages

Published January 10th 2012  

Synopsis: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. - goodreads.com

Wow! I need to start by saying you will need a box of tissues when you read this.

Normally when reading, I prefer to delve into worlds with monsters and problems that are fantasy and are not mine. The monster in this book is very real and the problems Hazel encounters in this book are legitimate ones. Thankfully they are not mine.

Honestly, I would not have picked up this book if John Green hadn’t written it. As a parent this book was VERY difficult to read. It sent me on an emotional journey of guilt, gratitude, grief, compassion and acceptance.

I am so glad I read this, even as I am writing this half blindly through tear-swollen eyes. This story is heartfelt sweet and touching. It is a very sincere look at a difficult subject that did not leave me with the emotional residue that would scar me. (I cry at commercials) As I reflect on this story I like it even more. If you are looking for a heart-warming story to read for Valentine’s Day (if you are not afraid of shedding some tears) this is a must read!

I give this 5 out of 5 Stars

Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

By: Ransom Riggs

Intended Age: YA

Hardcover: 352 pages

Published June7th 2011 by Quirk Press

more details...ISBN 1594744769 (ISBN13: 9781594744761)

Synopsis:

A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows..

-goodreads.com

I have been working my way through the 2012 list of Best ofFiction nominees by the YoungAdult Library Services Association (YALSA)

On this list, is this bizarre book by Ransom Riggs. Maggie got this for her birthday and I finally picked it up to read. First I have to say this is a very creepy book and the horrific family tragedy that sets Jacob off on his quest is just that horrific. As you well know my love for macabre, I dove in. This book is full of weird, odd and bizarre pictures that the author weaves into the story. I was afraid it would be too dorky or forced ‘cause these pictures are weird! But it actually works. I enjoyed this book far more than I thought it would. I will however caution those fearful of shadows, as you may want to sleep with the light on.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince

By: Cassandra Clare

Hardcover: 502 pages

Published: December 6th 2011

Synopsis: In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.-Goodreads.com

 

So I just finished my Christmas present Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. I loved this book it was definitely a great book to start the new year with.  

First you must know this is book two of the Infernal Devices series and you have to read book one Clockwork Angel first. The series author Cassandra Clare suggests reading them in publication order as the two series intertwine. So if you have not read any of her books you should read them in this order:

City of Bones (Book 1 Mortal Instruments)

City of Ashes (Book 2 Mortal Instruments)

City of Glass (Book 3 Mortal Instruments)

Clockwork Angel (Book 1 Infernal Devices)

City of Fallen Angels (Book 4 Mortal Instruments)

Clockwork Prince (Book 1 Infernal Devices)

City of Lost Souls (Book 5 Mortal Instruments) May 8, 2012 

Clockwork Princess: (Book 3 Infernal Devices) NO SET RELEASE DATE

City of Heavenly Fire: (Book 6 Mortal Instruments) NO SET RELEASE DATE

Now that I have increased your “to be read” pile you’ll need to get crackin’ to catch up by the next release date of May 2012. Clockwork Prince is my favorite of the entire Shadowhunter series so far. So no need to worry, all this reading will not disappoint! The Infernal Devices series is set in Victorian London with a steampunk-ish setting.  It serves as a prequel series to the Mortal Instruments series that is set in Modern day New York City.  Believe it or not as the stories progress they get better.  I love the character of Will Herondale. Oh… Will Herondale closed hart, quotes Shakespeare, constantly tending to the walls he has built around his heart. He reminds me in a way of my true literary crush the brooding Edward Cullen. It is sooo hard to talk about this book without spoilers for the series.  If you are looking for a something new to delve into I highly recommend these!

4 out of 5 stars

Review: Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The Name of the Star

By: Maureen Johnson

Intended Age: YA

Hardcover: 372 pages

Published September 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

ISBN 0399256601 (ISBN13: 9780399256608)

Synopsis: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. –goodreads.com

OK, this book just looks nice. I love the cover, with its opalescent tone, giving it an ethereal feel. So eerie. I love how the first page each chapter is bordered by these beautiful scrolls and the font is super cool especially when the Chapter begins with the letter I (it looks like a candle)

I have heard about this book on the blogosphere for some time now and I finally got my hands on this book (just released Sept 29^th) Thank you Maggie for getting this for your birthday and letting me read it!

I started this book at night and stayed up as long as I could finishing it before lunch the next day. It is truly creepy! This book could keep you up at night scouring the shadows of your room. Jack the ripper is frightening enough! Now there is a copycat killer and main character Rory has just moved to the locality of the original and now copycat murders. Maureen Johnson ups the stakes by adding a ghoulish twist I really didn’t see coming. All and all it was an awesome hair-raising tale that I highly recommend.

My only complaint is that I read this SO soon after it was published! DARN! Now I have to wait till book two of the Shades of London Series is released. AHHHHHHH! So I will now troll/cyber-stalk Maureen Johnson’s twitters for any news and updates.

I am Thankful for Along For The Ride

 Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

This post is to qualify (again) for the 19-YA-Book Giveaway by author Beth Revis. I think this is the greatest idea and cannot wait to see what books people are most thankful for. 

So this summer some random chick recommended Sarah Dessen’s Along for the Ride to me after I finished (and LOVED) Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I was told that if I loved Anna I would most definitely love Along for the Ride. She described it to me as a good “beach read.” OK so those of you that know me know I do not hang at the beach nor did I go to the beach this summer. I mean really? Beach Read? ME? Is there a murder on the Beach? Are there zombies on the beach? Are there werewolves or sparkly vampires on the beach?

So you ask what is a beach read? I define (in my mind from the Chris - tionary) a beach read as a book that is a quick read. The story completed at the end, no strings attached. A book you can slip into without over thinking. A book you can set down in the sand to fly a kite without being consumed with what will happen next.  An entertaining light read (sometimes sappy or gushy or gooey) that you would leave for the next vacationers to enjoy.  Also known as book I normally would not read.

Not long after this recommendation I was strolling through BJ’s and saw Along for the Ride. I hesitantly decided to scoop it up. Auden, the main character in Along for the Ride is a braniac insomniac who is given the chance to spend the summer with her father and his new family. She meets mysterious hunky loner and fellow insomniac Eli and together they embark on midnight “quests” both learning to let go and possibly find love. AWWWWW! 

Along For The Ride is indeed a quick read, very entertaining and the story is wrapped up in a bow at the end. BUT that bow is so beautiful on a wonderful glittery present I debated on opening it again. Immediately I wanted to jump back in those pages of fluffy sweetness! Instead I went back to BJ’s like the crazy book lady I am, I dug through the piles of books pushing little kids outta the way and found Just Listen, Lock & Key, and The Truth About Forever. I also have been known to troll the D section of the library, blocking sassy tweens in their skinny jeans to get that copy before they do. I love Dessen’s characters, they are so multifaceted and complex! She immerses you in their fears, insecurities, grief, resentments, and anxieties at the same time she takes you by hand and shows you hope, kindness, understanding, acceptance, empowerment, and true love. Seriously! How comforting.  

The situations her characters face sometimes are very intense and powerful, In This Lullaby, Annabel deals with isolation, and the shame and guilt of concealing her attempted rape, while her sister self destructs with a near fatal eating disorder. In Dreamland Caitlyn’s perfect romance become a nightmare of addiction and physical and mental abuse. I have to admit I was very worried being led down some of these dark avenues but Sarah Dessen guided me through the pain and despair into a happy world with sunshiny rainbows and closure in a very real and very believable way.

So Beach Read? Hmmmm.

Would I read this at the beach? Absolutely!  In a box with a fox! I would read this book here or there; I would read this book anywhere.

Is it a quick read? I could not put it down! So yeah I zipped right through it.

Is it a light read? Not really, I was totally absorbed in the story and characters. I mean What the heck is up with Eli?? When I did set it down for a nano-second it was to make chicken salad for dinner :) 

Would I leave the book for the next vacationer? Heck no! Try to pry it from my hands! I would however leave a nice note recommending it strongly.

I am thankful for Along for the Ride. I especially love that in each of her books there is a cameo by former characters. The settings of her books overlap, making a map of her world in my mind. Because of Along For the Ride I have been introduced to a new genre I would not have explored. I am so grateful I picked up this book. Right now have three of Dessen’s books on my TBR pile and then I will have read everything she has written to date. So Sad! * tear*  That’s OK I will read these again and patiently wait for the next one.

The book I am most thankful for.

The book I am most thankful for. 

 

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

 

This post is to qualify for the 19-YA-Book Giveaway by author Beth Revis. I think this is the greatest idea and cannot wait to see what books people are most thankful for.

OK! Let me explain!

I have always been a reader! I love to read! After my daughter was born, I slowed down and really didn’t read much new, except for picture books! (Which are awesome!) As she began reading I started finding all of my favorites to share with her and began re-reading these. When at the bookstore I was always looking for a specific book knowing if she liked this, she certainly would like that. Classics. 

I never paid attention other books on the shelves or to the Young Adult section at all until Twilight.

Seriously! I reluctantly picked up Twilight to see what the fuss was about. The movie had just come out and as a mother to a tween girl whose friends were reading it; I felt I needed to read it too. I devoured this book and immediately went out and bought the rest in the series. When finished, I didn’t know what to do! So I read them again, and again, and again. My daughter started worrying about me and suggested that I find something else to read. The bookstore was overwhelming; browsing through the young adult section the covers shout at you, you cannot help but pick up the book to see what is about. I wanted to read them all! I decided as a parent I would try to read at least the first of all these new young adult series to be informed. So I read Shiver, preordered Linger and read Lament and Ballad. I read City of Bones and immediately got the rest of the series and pre-ordered Clockwork Prince. I read Paper Towns and bought everything that John Green wrote. I read Hunger Games, Catching Fire and thought I would die waiting for Mockingjay. I have found so many new authors that I love! Last year I read 66 books. This year I have read 85 so far (almost all young adult books) I “say” I read them to know what my daughter is reading, to enrich our discussions. But really I am just a book junkie that is hooked on young adult. I read book blogs, (I have a book blog-ish) I listen to podcasts about books. I have made most of my family stand in lines to get books autographed. I follow my favorite authors on Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr. (I actually joined Twitter & Tumblr to follow authors & bloggers) Twilight introduced me to the incredible world of young adult fiction. I just needed something else to read to fill that hole after Twilight. Today, I am willing to read out of my genre comfort zone and because of that have found some amazing books and authors. Thank you Twilight!

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss

By: Stephanie Perkins

Intended Age: YA

Hardcover: 372 pages

Published December 2nd 2010 by Dutton

more details...ISBN-10: 0525423273 (ISBN13: 9780525423270)

Synopsis: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited? -goodreads.com

I borrowed this book from the library.

I am actually still giddy from reading this. I have to qualify that I have never really been a romance reader. I prefer horror, mystery & gore. So today when I was in the library with an impatient child waiting for me I grabbed this off the must read display. I read it straight through. Actually, I want to read it again! What a great, feel good, squishy, happy ending, sweet book. St. Claire is totally swoon worthy. Grab this if looking for a nice summer read. I definitely will read her upcoming release Lola and the Boy Next Door (due in September 2011)

I give this 5 out of 5 stars