THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB JAN 11: Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pub.Date:January 5th 2010

Age Range: young adult

Pages: 224

Format: paperback

Source Of Copy: requested and received from the publisher

Popularity is the best revenge.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls--and now, at the start of her senior year, she's the cheerleading captain, the quarterback's girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she's ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend.

But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she's moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn't dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

If you love highschool drama, you should probably pick up this book. If you're wanting to plot revenge on your frenemy, you would love to hear Helen's story. Totally relatable and fun, Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood is a book about breaking out of past cocoon to find one's true self.

Just like What Would Emma Do?, this book is easy to follow. The tone is nice and the description is neat. It has a touch of religion/belief enough to summarize the author's point of view in the issue, but not too preachy. It's both entertaining and meaningful, simple but complicated, fun yet thought-provoking.

The subject of revenge is always fascinating to me, and I guess, to lots of teen readers out there. Even when she already reveals Helen's plan at the beginning, the author somewhat manages to switch our thoughts to a different directions of the story so we won't be able to predict everything and get bored in the middle. Also, it allows her to add some twists that I really enjoy reading. I, too, love the dangerous atmosphere she creates for the book. At some parts it feels like I'm watching a drama series on CW.

Helen is just as lovable as Emma is. I love how she discovers herself through out the event of her revenging on Lauren. I'm surprised at how she can be all sweet and nice, but amazingly sly and "evil" when the chances of destroying Lauren come. As for Lauren, she's a character that readers would love to hate. She's the kind of friend you want to stay away from forever, yet makes the story much more interesting with her personalities.

To sum up, once you read and love What Would Emma Do? You would love Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood. For those who wants your ex friend to pay back, read this, and see if you still want to.

Rating: 4/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB Dec 2010 - A Matched Made In High School by Kristin Walker

Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: February 4th 2010
Age Range: young adult
Pages: 277
Format: ARC
Source Of Copy: requested and received from publisher

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can't get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona's long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer.

Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

I'd been waiting a long time to read this book because it received nothing but praise and admiration from the bloggers as well as readers, and finally I did get my hands on a copy. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait. A Match Made In High School is unique, fun and totally unpredictable.

What primarily makes this book special, I believe, is its plot. Kristin Walker has introduced a new happening that we hardly see in any reads focusing on high school life - Marriage Education program. With this she adeptly brings in more drama, more complex situations and of course, more significant characters. I specifically love how the course goes due to Fiona's funny journal entries and how the couples pretend to earn money and manage their budget.

A Match Made In High School makes you really appreciate high school and all the fun it offers for 4 years. The narration makes the whole thing feels stimulating, hilarious and positive even though there are sticky circumstances and our characters are not happy all the time. Actually, it is fun at first and gets more serious as the story nears the end, yet never loses the hopeful and fun atmosphere.

Fiona. Let's see. She reminds me a lot of Audrey because both are crazily hilarious and witty and sarcastic. She's someone I'd love to befriend or better, be best friends with. Her transformation and personality development are truly enjoyable. I also love Sam, a really cute and thoughtful kid. Quite a lot of male characters may prevent you from guessing which one is the one but I think it's more exciting that way. Todd is my favorite and I'm glad he turns out cool.

Overall, if you have attended high school or will do, you HAVE to read this book.

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB OCT 2010 - Baby Proof by Emily Griffin

Publisher: Orion
Pub. Date: August 2nd 2006
Age Range: Adult
Pages: 320
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: purchase

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes....a baby carriage? Isnt that what all women want? Not so for Claudia Parr. And just as she gives up on finding a man who feels the same way, she meets warm, wonderful Ben. Things seem too good to be true when they fall in love and agree to buck tradition with a satisfying, child-free marriage. Then the unexpected occurs: one of them has a change of heart. One of them wants children after all.

This is the witty, heartfelt story about what happens to the perfect couple when they suddenly want different things. Its about feeling that your life is set and then realizing that nothing is as you thought it was- and that there is no possible compromise. Its about deciding what is most important in life, and taking chances to get it. But most of all, its about the things we will do- and wont do- for love.


This is the second time that I review an adult book on my blog. Last time it was P.S I love you which I didn't like really much. But this book, Baby Proof is a truly heartfelt and lovely read that I want to recommend to all the female I know.

The plot of the story revolves around the issue of having a baby or not. The author has an excellent way to introduce readers into the core of the problem. It's simple, straightforward yet still interesting. I feel connected to the characters and their story immediately.

The story progresses slowly as it introduces more cases of people with baby problems, letting us see the view from lots of sides. What I love about it that Emily Griffin can convince me on the spot that Claudia not having a baby is a normal and righteous thing. Having said that, as I see and understand more of the female lead, the reason for her strange choice considering children comes out naturally.

Baby Proof doesn't have many conversations, it's mostly in monologue which I don't usually like but I am, for some reason, intrigued by the story. It's a real page turner. I love Claudia and Ben, they're such realistic and nice characters. It's just a pity I don't get to see much of Ben (even less than Richard!!!)

Well, the book has an open ending which is satisfying because I don't think you should force yourself to do something out of love when you're not ready for it. But because of love you should always have a try.

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB SEPT 2010: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub.Date: May 18th 2010
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 489
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from the publisher

Salvation has its price.
The words stunned Adrian for a moment, but he kept going. "You're lying. What you're describing is impossible. There's no way to save a Strigoi. When they're gone, they're gone. They're dead. Undead. Forever."

Robert's next words weren't directed at Adrian. They were spoken to me. "That which is dead doesn't always stay dead...."

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?


Again I chose a Vampire Academy title for the book review club this month. This sensationally heart-throbbing, adventurous and romantic series has turned me into a vampire lover, and if you pick it up, I'm sure you'll be the next.

I think I've complimented plenty on Richelle Mead's writing so I'm going to keep it short this time. Her narration is perfect - fierce, strong and never lacks emotions. The pace is balanced - slow or fast depends on the situations. She has successfully created a world that makes you feel almost no different from our ordinary one, yet it's so mysterious and interesting you keep being sucked into it. Focusing on vampires only and no other creatures, but with myths and legends it's just as compelling (or even more compelling?) than any complicated paranormal read could afford to be.

Spirit Bound, to me, is the best Vampire Academy book that I've read so far. There has been a lot of ups and downs in this installment. It's eventful, it's surprising, it's shocking. It gives you hope then puts you into a confused state. Things have started to get harder now that Rose has a license to kill and has to face the ultimate choice of her life. Unlike book 4 where there's just a lot of reminiscence at first, this part goes straight to the actions and there are no shortages of fights in the rest of the book either. One more thing I like about not only this book the whole series is that I tend to get annoyed when there are so many characters but with Vampire Academy when someone new is introduced, it gets me excited and they aren't random people either, they have personalities that attract you one way or another.

The most satisfying feature of Spirit Bound aside from the thrilling plot is the character development. I won't say it in detailed in case it ruins all the fun but you will surely be pleased with how Richelle Mead dealt with her characters. They still keep the passion, the strength, the silliness and recklessness of youth, but they also have become mature through certain happenings. Sometimes it's irritating because you don't know why they act like it, but then it all makes sense if you put yourself into their places. Their relationships surely played an important part in this book too, some changes are welcomed while others may break your heart. And above all, Vampire Academy characters never lost their significant trademark(?) - they're all fierce and inspiring. The one that grows on me the most through this book is Adrian. But I won't say why because you have to find out yourself.

Overall it's a great book that you can read and reread and never get bored. But if you haven't picked it up yet, I suggest starting it in the middle of this December (when the next book is about to come out) because you won't like the huge cliffhanger that the author is going leave you with.

Rating: 5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB AUG 2010 - The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta

Publisher: Penguin Australia
Pub.Date: March 1st 2010
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 328
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from the publisher

Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world.

But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death.

And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.


Melina Marchetta is my number one favorite author. I love all of her books because they are so thought-provoking yet so close to heart and they never fail to impress me. The Piper's Son, happily, is no exception.

This book tells the story about a family falling apart because the death of a member and is trying to hard to pull themselves together again. In case you haven't noticed, in all of her books, Melina Marchetta always explore the subject of family to the core, each time deeper and with more people involved, thus the topic never gets old. Instead, I want to read to know more.

I also think this book is a upgrade version of everything the author has ever written because this time it's told in third person's respective - making everything fiercer and refreshing. You get to know not only the life of a guy that has abandoned his friends and the girl he loves because of the grief and the aunt whose life cannot be anymore complicated. All generations in one. This, amazingly, allows not only teenagers, but also readers of all ages to enjoy the book as well.

Characters in The Piper's Son? Unique but realistic. Some are totally cool when some are screwed up, but once they're introduced into the story you will find it hard to forget them. Readers that have read (and loved) Saving Francesca will be able to meet her and Will Trombal once again in this book and I can guarantee that they aren't just mentioned then disappear right after that.

I really like Thomas. His personalities and family background are just intriguing. At first I think he's sort of depressed it's hard to read, but then the pace picks up and that suddenly strengthens his character. He is, too, like every male lead in the previous books, one of the guy whose love for the girl is extremely adorable and still believable. Of course there's Tara Finke, a softer yet loveable girl that I wish to know more of.

Bottom line: if you don't get this book it's your loss. Even though it focuses much on family, the story perfectly depicts everything else in life, even little things that have never crossed your mind.

Rating: 4/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB JUL 2010: Ten Cents A Dance by Christine Fletcher

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Pub.Date: April 1st 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 356
Format: hardcover
Source Of Copy: from the author - Christine Fletcher

With her mother ill, it-s up to fifteen-year-old Ruby Jacinski to support her family. But in the 1940s, the only opportunities open to a Polish-American girl from Chicago-s poor Yards is a job in one of the meat packing plants. Through a chance meeting with a local tough, Ruby lands a job as a taxi dancer and soon becomes an expert in the art of -fishing-: working her patrons for meals, cash, clothes, even jewelry. Drawn ever deeper into the world of dance halls, jazz, and the mob, Ruby gradually realizes that the only one who can save her is herself. A mesmerizing look into a little known world and era.


A compelling book with a story set back in 1941, a debut read that makes the readers fall in love with the author immediately.

What I love the most about Ten Cents A Dance is that instead of choosing to portray a story in modern days, the author goes back to the past to seek an interesting background for her characters. And in my opinion, she does a great job. The atmosphere feels exactly like how it should be. How people live, how they treat each other, difficulties they have to face, everything feels movielike and relatable. Random details are added throughout the story are also a highlight. They make the book very realistic and unpredictable.

Ten Cents A Dance has a great plot. It feels free yet makes perfect sense. It tells the story of a teen girl who has matured early because of her hard life but also full of love, passion and hope. The twists are excellent especially near the end.

Ruby is definitely not your typical female lead. She isn't the meek type, but she isn't the strong dynamic style ever. She's smart but she can also be fooled. She stands up against the evils but she can lose herself carelessly in love with a bad guy. She carries the role of a money maker in her family, yet sometimes she's so childish. Her character is so interesting I don't even know where to start. And Paulie, it's really hard to judge him. I'm not going to say anything else to save you the fun.

To sum up, it's a book I hope everyone will pick up because it's worth reading. And loving.

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB JUNE 10 - Looking For Alaska by John Green

Publisher: Speak, Penguin US

Pub. Date: August 14th 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 221
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: contest prize

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction.


There's only one word to describe this book: awesome.

This is the second book by John Green that I've read and to be frank, even though An Abundance Of Katherines is witty and fun, it didn't impress me much. I had a little doubt about how great John Green's writing was because everyone talked about it. With this book, this author really shows me that readers don't adore him for nothing. Looking For Alaska is raw and amazingly gorgeous.

If An Abundance Of Katherines' highlight is the anagram and math, Looking For Alaska's charm will be the last words and passion for reading of the characters. More to that, it has a well developed but seemingly impulsive and natural plot, making you feel like you're reading what's really happening in real life. Normal things are portrayed in a very skillful ways, and as a result, the book attracts us even more.

The characters play a significant part in Looking For Alaska, not just the main ones, but also the subordinate characters. Everyone is unique and has their own background stories and the boarding school is where they fatefully meet each other. I love Alaska so much. She's like a mixture of opposite elements. She can be good at one moment, then turns bad in the next. Sometimes she's just reckless, sometimes so poetic. She's strong but still very vulnerable. She's someone you wish you know. Because she's a great person and she's mysterious as well. For Miles, he has something that very captivating I don't know how to explain. He isn't the ideal type of guys, but John Green does a great job of depicting his inner emotions I can't help but like him.

Overall, this is a really really really good book that I can quote and quote from forever. Go get yourself a copy and join John Green fanclub later when you finish.

Rating: 5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB MAY 10 - Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub. Date: August 25th 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 503
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from the publisher - Penguin Aus

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

If I was allowed to review this book in four words, I'd say READ IT RIGHT NOW, but because I can't, I'm going to spazz over this series just like always. If you're a reader, you just can't miss this. And if you're a vampire lover, it's your loss should you not pick up this series.

Blood Promise is a little bit different from the rest from the series because this time it's about Rose's adventure out there in the real world and totally alone. It's darker, somewhat sadder and more mysterious with lots of new characters introduced, minor and major abide.

The story focuses more on Rose this time with her relationships with her mom, her friends and above all, her love with Dimitri. Readers will get a chance to know of Dimitri's family, his life at home and how he is as a normal son. Of course, the writer didn't forget to update us about Lissa and everyone back in the academy, where things also gets very complicated than ever. And we cannot forget about shadow kiss right?

One thing I like about Blood Promise is that it finally gives us the point of view of Strigois, how they want to conquer the world, how it feels to be one. It's really interesting to see Dimitri in this new form although it's a little scary. And did I mention how weaky and vulnerable Rose appears at some moments? Totally different.

My only complaint is that there's not enough of action factor in this book. There are a few fights but none is as intense as ones in the previous installments. The end is really unexpected though, promising an even more amazing book to come this May.

I know you'll pick this book up, so enjoy it : )

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB APRIL 10 - Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub.Date: November 13th 2008
Age Range: 12 and up
Pages: 433
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from the publisher - Penguin Aus

Is Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret .... She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it-s way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...


Another awesome book from the bestselling series - Vampire Academy. More thrilling, more intense, more romantic, this, by far, has been the most compelling installment of the series to me. If you don't pick it up, it's really your big loss.

I don't think I need to gush about Richelle Mead's writing anymore because I've said it all in the first two reviews. To sum up, it's strong, sensible and very captivating. For those who are trying hard to find some book that can help you regain your reading interest, don't hesitate to pick a book by this author.

There're lots of ups and downs in the plot and more mysteries and theories are introduced in this book, setting a tangled mess of relationship and hardships. Ghosts, new group of royal vampires, auras, unwanted plans and predictions, all combine to create a new and exciting story. I love the dark mood of this book. It reminds me really much of Harry Potter series which I cannot put down for anytime longer than a minute. The book is just so well written you have to admire the authors.

As I've said before, the characters are the highlights of not only this book of the whole series. I've come to love more and more characters in this third installment. Adrian starts to play a bigger part in the story and he's totally not what he seemed in the second book. Christian too, is getting nicer. The center of it all is still Rose & Lissa's bond. I've always seen it a light and beautiful way but the bond, this time, is seriously dangerous and at the same time more interesting than ever. I also love how Rose and Dimitri are getting closer and more comfortable this time. Just that..well, I won't spoil anything. Go read yourself. All I have to say is that the way this ends (especially the last sentence) is epic.

This is the series that vampire-lovers have to read to satisfy their needs. And non vampire lovers to join the clan. Seriously, get it now.

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB FEB 2010 - The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

Publisher: Penguin USA
Pub.Date: February 4th 2010
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 272
Format: ARC
Source Of Copy: from author - Suzanne Young

As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty! When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe? The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?


A refreshing, fun but meaningful story about everything that's involved in a teenage relationship. A book that'll make you laugh and frown along with the characters, then lose yourself in thoughts of you and your someone.

The Naughty List is fast-paced, making it real hard for readers to put it down even once. 272 pages go great together and you can't help wishing there was more to read. I love Suzanne's voice real much. It's fun, it's a little bit crazy and just like how she chose to name the book, a little naughty.

The subject of cheating investigation itself is enough to bring thrill to the audience, and with the author's brilliant way of portraying it, The Naughty List becomes more appealing then ever. I love how SOS is so professional and serious about their business. It also cracks me up when Tess carries on her task of sneaking into people's house to trace evidence of betrayal. Everything about it is enjoyable.

As for the characters, I love Tess and Aiden. They're officially one of my favorite fictional couples now. Tess seems like a perfect girl at first but as the story progresses, she reveals more of her insecurities, which makes her more loveable. She makes mistake but learns from it, she doesn't quit her job no matter what happens. And Aiden, I have to say that I don't really trust him at first. However, as the story nears the end, he's become greater and greater. Christian is also an interesting character but I won't say much because you have to find out about him yourself.

Over all this is a great story about love and trust. The hardcover edition comes out tomorrow so pick up a copy as soon as possible. I'm so so in love with it I can hardly wait for the sequel.

Rating: 4/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB NOV - Bloom by Elizabeth Scott

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: April 24th 2007
Age Range: Age 12 and up
Pages: 231
Format: paperback
Source of copy: from the publisher - Simon Pulse Aus

There's a difference between falling and letting go.

Lauren has a good life: decent grades, great friends, and a boyfriend every girl lusts after. So why is she so unhappy?

It takes the arrival of Evan Kirkland for Lauren to figure out the answer: She's been holding back. She's been denying herself a bunch of things (like sex) because staying with her loyal and gorgeous boyfriend, Dave, is the "right" thing to do. After all, who would give up the perfect boyfriend?

But as Dave starts talking more and more about their life together, planning a future Lauren simply can't see herself in -- and as Lauren's craving for Evan, and moreover, who she is with Evan becomes all the more fierce -- Lauren realizes she needs to make a choice...before one is made for her.

An awesome debut by Elizabeth Scott, a heartfelt message about true love and how to live your life the way you want it to be. Honestly, I was a fan of Elizabeth even before I read her books and after reading Bloom I know why such a strange thing occured.

I know this sounds pretty bizarre, but if you asked me to describe how I feel about Bloom, I'd say reading the book is like wrapping a baby chicken in your palm. Everything about Bloom is gentle, sweet and extremely neat - something you want to learn more about, to realize the meaning of it and to cherish it even more.

I really like the way Elizabeth writes. She uses unfussy words, she describes things in a very simple way but there's still a feel of elegance to the book. It's brilliant I guess, cause that way Bloom will reach out to readers of all kinds. The story itself is very believable, even though the plot is totally predictable, the situations planned out for the characters are flawless. Reading Bloom is like listening to a friend's story that happened in the past. Bloom isn't actually fast-paced either, but funny enough I feel this urge inside to read faster and faster because I know it's getting better page after page.

I feel like I can make friends with the main girl - Lauren. Her character development is beautiful to begin with - from being all passive and hiding herself in her comfort zone to breaking her shell and coming out strong and determined to do things she should, even though it may hurt people at first. She's a passionate reader too and you can feel it clearly. Her connection with Even is another thing I admire. It's super strong and it doesn't happen too fast. I also like the rest of the characters except Dave. He's just way too good to be true. If I ever meet this guy in real life I think I'll just run away because the perfection is almost scary.

Overally, this is an unforgettable read for all the teen girls out there. Let Bloom tell you more about the choice between safety and wild happiness and then you'll be more confident to pick the right one yourself

Rating: 4/5

The Book Review Club NOV - Teach Me by R.A Nelson

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub. Date: March 22nd 2007
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 272
Format: paperback
Source of copy: from publisher - Penguin Aus

What happens when a high school student and her teacher cross that line?

Teach Me by R. A. Nelson is a powerful debut novel that readers will not be able to put down. From the very first page, Nine speaks in a voice that is at once raw, honest, direct, and unusually eloquent. "There has been an earthquake in my life," she says, inviting you inside an experience that fascinates everyone-an affair between teacher and student-and giving a personal answer to the question: How does this happen?

R. A. Nelson's strong writing is paired with a story we all want to hear, resulting in a novel that will speak to every teenager. A novel about a love so intense that the person you're with becomes your world, and when you lose that person, you lose your world.



This book was so awesome I could squeal all day. A perfect combo of truth and lies, love and betrayal, passion and anger, poetry and science, Teach Me was a true work of art that would reach out to not only teenagers but adults as well.

Teach Me was the book of many firsts - first time stepping into the world of poems and inconclusive dreams, first time falling deep into forbidden love, first time having the heart shattered and first time realizing the true meaning of life. The story grabbed your attention at the very first page with the seemingly bizarre but interesting protagonist - Caroline, or Nine as she called herself. There were no chapters at all. The book was divided into many different parts with a very poetic title for each, allowing the author to switch between very different scenes and the readers to explore various sides of Nine's story.

The devlopement of the story was amazing. At first you got this feeling of a very elegant novel where everything was gentle, sweet, delicate. Then came the passion, the desire, the addiction, pushing things to the verge of explosion. The change of voice was so smooth you hardly recognize the difference. It was still Nine, the smart and outstanding girl who tried to find the answer to the cause of her heartbreak. Sometimes what was happening was vague hence incomprehensible but that only made you wanted to read more and more. The book became unputdownable just then.

Nine wasn't a typical girl. Her personalities changed during the process of her story. Just like the book itself, on the first half all you saw was an intelligent girl who accidentally got herself involved in a relationship with her teachers yet things were under control . The rest of the book, on the other hand showed a confused and outrageous Nine who would do anything and everything to break the ones who had made her life this anguish. As for Mr. Mann, I wasn't really impressed by him initially, he just struck me as some jerk who took advantage of kids. But there was his side of the story too, with a hurtful twist that completed his character.

Overall this book was an impressive read of two people who fell in love and unconsciously taught each other things that were, hard to accept, but necessary to lead a real life. It was sad, almost too painful so if you have a faint heart, think twice before you pick it up

Rating: 5/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB OCT - Flash Burnout by L.K Madigan

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pub. Date: Oct 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 322
Format: ARC
Source of copy: from the publisher - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who’s a girl. One of them loves him; the other one needs him.

When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa’s long-lost meth addicted mom. Blake’s participation in the ensuing drama opens up a world of trouble, both for him and for Marissa. He spends the next few months trying to reconcile the conflicting roles of Boyfriend and Friend. His experiences range from the comic (surviving his dad’s birth control talk) to the tragic (a harrowing after-hours visit to the morgue).

In a tangle of life and death, love and loyalty, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of himself.


To be very very fair, Flash Burnout wasn't one of the best books that would impress its each and every single reader, however; there was something about it that was very provoking and alluring that I couldn't resist. And I'm not saying this because I fell in love with this book at first look either.

Flash Burnout went into the subject of conflicts between love and friendship. If you're wondering whether Blake's story could help you work out all everything to have balanced relationships then I'm sad to say that it won't. L.K Madigan didn't set up a sticky situation and as well tried to find a perfect solution to it. In fact, what I found was simply what a person may go through at least once in their life and how it affected him afterward.

From what I read in the synopsis, I assumed that there would be a kind of intensity I had to brace for but no, it wasn't even close. The mood of the book, surprisingly, was fun and light. There were plenty of jokes, smiles and hugs and kisses - those that made you feel good instead of heavy-hearted or painful. The girlfriend and the friend, most of the time was never on bad terms with each other. There was mostly no jealously, catfight so if you expect those thing, you can get them out of your mind now. The story just went on like a life should, if anything, there wasn't really a major problem waiting to be worked out.

The characters of Flash Burnout was the part that got me thinking the most. I thought that I understood them, then again, like I didn't know them at all. At first Blake struck me as a curious and fun teenager who loved to entertain people and couldn't get his thoughts (or hands) off his girlfriend. But as things progressed he seemed very deep. Sometimes I thought he cared a lot of about people, sometimes he was overwhelmed with his own feelings he might act selfish and mean. And his love for Shannon, even thought he kept repeating to himself that he was truly deeply in love with her, I wasn't quite convinced. Blake was, in other words, very inconsistent. He was this and then he was that. Perhaps that was what made him so interesting. I liked Marissa too, I just wished that she wouldn't be too sweet and vulnerable. Shannon's personalities felt flat for me, though.

The ending was...Well, I don't think I have a way to put it into words. It was exactly on the line separating the breathtaking endings and totally-mess-up-the-whole-story ones. It didn't contain a lucid message like "I finally realized that blah blah blah blah." Personally, I thought the whole book was to portray a small but not less important part of life - how we grow up from our decisions, our mistakes and all the things we had with the people that we've crossed path with.

If you trust me, I think you should read this book (and will like it). And did I mention that the photography was fun and inspiring?

Rating: 4/5

THE BOOK CLUB REVIEW SEPT - Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Barazt Logsted

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pub. Date: September 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Source of copy: from publisher - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.

Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her.

But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.

Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.


It's quite out of the question to sum up what I think of Crazy Beautiful in just a few words. Actually, it is a bit of this and a bit of that. Did the book turn out as I wanted? No. Did it disappoint me? Nonsense. Do I love it? Definitely. But I wish that I could love it even more.

Ever since I saw the cover of Crazy Beautiful as well as reading its synopsis I've been deeply in love with it. Not until recently that I found out that it was a retelling of my favorite fairy tale ever - Beauty and The Beast and it just made me want to grab the book and devour it in seconds. There were a lot of things to praise about the story but the coolest thing was, to me, that it was divided, in a skillful way, into two separate worlds. Readers will feel like they're reading two different books at the same time because Lucius's and Aurora's lives were nothing alike. Once was dark, gloomy and quiet to the point of insanity; while the other was bright, lively and full of hope and happiness. Reading from two perspectives gave you the chance to follow every step of both characters. Even though it might spoil the fun of guessing what the other was feeling/thinking, it was an essential move for such a story without many dialogues like Crazy Beautiful.

Lauren Baratz Logsted's writing was effortlessly clever. It was my first time reading something by her and I already knew that I'm going to look forward to her next book. I loved how she created the characters. As the rulers of their worlds, their images were clearly portrayed in contrast. Aurora resembled a princess with a big heart, who was positive and never wanted to judge people. If Aurora was sunlight then Lucius must be darkness, a guy with a hatred towards the world, destroying himself only to sink lower to depression and regret. But they were not perfectly carved people. Lucius had flaws, apparently. Aurora knew how to be annoyed and how to stand up to the evils too. That explained why, as fairy-tale-ish this book appeared, it was still believable, considering that Aurora loving someone who lived with hooks and wanted to scare everyone away wasn't something naturally persuasive.

What came in between me and Crazy Beautiful, loosening up our strong connection was that Aurora and Lucius hardly had any interaction. Staring, watching from afar, thinking of each other was okay too but I felt that those weren't enough to build a kind of steady relationship. If they could hang out together once or twice and had more conversations, it'd be much much greater I'm sure. Also, the ending (seems like I'm having trouble with endings all the time =.=) was so unexpected. I was on the verge of concluding that someone must have stolen a few last chapters off the book. I knew that Crazy Beautiful was short but I never thought it would end that way. It would be okay if this book was the first of a series, not an individual one.

Generally speaking, Crazy Beautiful was a gorgeous though not flawless book that I enjoyed and would love my readers to pick up as well.


Rating: 4/5

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB AUG - After by Amy Efaw

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: August 11, 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Who would leave their own baby in the trash to die?

Certainly not someone like Devon--a straight-A student, soccer player with Olympic dreams, more mature than her own mother. But desparation and panic drover her to do what most people can't even imagine. Now Devon's in a juvenile detention center, charged with attempted murder. If she's tried as an adult, she faces life in prison.

Does Devon deserve that punishment? Your answer depends on whether you believe her story--that she didn't even know she was pregnant. Was she buried in a denial so deep that she was unable to register the seemingly obvious signs of pregnancy?


On the acknowledge page Amy claimed her book to be clique since we have too many novels on teen pregnancy that it becomes a usual thing; however, to me, After clearly stood out. Because it didn't just tell a story of a mother at an inappropriate young age, but also about one that, as we all say, is heartless enough to abandon her own baby.

When I first read the synopsis I knew that this story was going to be very intense and haunting so I braced myself for everything that could happen in this. On the contrast, I wasn't really ready for all the heaviness, anguish and the likes. Don't get me wrong, I love it a lot. After is one of the rare books which grab you at first look, force you to turn page after page and leave you with a void of dry sadness. And that's just great.

The main character, Devon, presented two so-called kinds of women - those who get involved in sex when they're definitely not prepared to deal with the consequences and ones having the heart to throw away their babies. Surprisingly, I didn't find Devon devilish or despicable at all. There's something kept in the dark from the very first words that will give you hints of what actually happened to this girl and make you want to read more and more to find out why she did such a cruel thing, to figure out if she's guilty. Or if she's worth being forgiven at all. I think the author was really brave. At first I was really worried since I had no idea if she would manage to convince readers the fact that Devon didn't even know that she was pregnant could occur in real life at all. Turned out that I was worried about nothing. The reason came out slowly, it was logic though a bit vague, accompanied by the reality that Devon and her baby had absolutely no connection.

Amy Efaw's writing was fantastic. I got carried away with the story all of the time. What I loved about it was that even though it seemed really fast and breathless, I had time to explore the whole thing step by step and didn't get confused at all. The descriptions were creepy in an excellent way, especially those about the fateful night. I also liked the flashbacks. I thought they had the strongest impression of all.

I was glad I read this book because it gave me an inside look of the juvenile detention center like how the teens lived, what they learned from the staff and how they interacted with each other. Karma was my favorite character of the bunch, she was someone who could like bring out the worst in you.

I wouldn't have rated this book higher had it not been for the sudden ending. It left me kinda shocked and disappointed. If the author had written one chapter to elaborate Devon's realization it'd have been much much nicer. I wanted to know more about the guy too since he was responsible for this situation too. And maybe it's just me but I'd love to see the mother-baby unite and some growth of affection between them.

After was truly realistic and compelling. It help me get rid of my prejudice and hatred towards irresponsible teen parents and ones who left their babies. Everyone had their own stories and hardship so we people aren't in no situation to judge, and at some point, they can be forgiven for whatever they've done.


Rating: 4/5



P.S This post is published by my friend Debbie. Unfortunately my internet is acting up (again) so I think I cannot put up any reviews/comment on your posts for one or a few days. Bare with me, I'll be back soon ^^

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB JULY - Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub. Date: 29 June 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 432

Auden has always felt like the odd one out.

Since her parents' divorce she's shied away, studying lots and staying out of the party scene.

But now Auden's realized there must be something more and, just like that, she changes everything. Moving to her dad's house opens up a whole new world of beach parties, food fights – and simply having fun.

As she gets to know herself – and a secretive boy with dark, brooding eyes – can Auden begin to let go and finally feel like she truly belongs?


This book reminds me why I love Sarah Dessen so much. With the same laid-back, elegant tone; a touch of excitement and lots of hidden messages, Along For The Ride undoubtedly makes one of the best reads for summer.

The story sounds like a step forward from The Truth About Forever. It didn't take much time to notice how alike Auden and Marcy were - they both experienced something awful in their family and then, lost themselves in their schoolwork, job just to be secure and safe; everything outside their own world was none of their business. However, while what Marcy lost was her father, Auden lost her childhood. Added to that was Auden's seemingly incurable insomnia, which makes Along For The Ride not only different from its sister, but also more interesting.

Things I like about the book? Lots. It always appeals to me how Sarah Dessen expresses the feelings of the characters. Everything is like...they fix together into a box. There was never too much of intensity but it never felt flat either. The book will stir emotions in readers, just a little bit, then leave the rest for you to relate it all to your own experience and current situations.

That's why it'll leave such great connection on everyone who decides to pick it up.

I have to say that I myself didn't find Auden amazing as a main character. She was nice and had a lot of things you wanted to know about but she still lacked something. I liked Eli though, he was unpredictable and I bet you would love to have him as a company on your journey to discover what you have missed in the past years of your life. He was inspiring and fun and artistic in his own way. That characters that impressed me were actually Auden's Mom and Dad. Their extraordinaries annoyed me so much, I mean how could Auden put up with such weird parents? Having said that, their actions provoked me too. I thought a lot about family and how it meant to be altogether under one roof.

Last thing, let me tell you why Along For The Ride stood out among other books. The bikes. They played such an important role in the story. It helped make summer more athletic and less typical. In plus, the adorable step mother who was so honest and nice to her husband's child. And don't forget the awesome names of the girls too.

Although this to me isn't Sarah Dessen's best production, it's still worth waiting for and drooling over. So, if you haven't got your copy yet, I suggest you pick one up right now and let yourself go along for the ride.

Rating: 4/5

The Book Review Club June - Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: June 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 304

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"
"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.


Summer can be cheerful and giggling. Summer can be romantic and stormy. Or nostalgic. Depressing. Empty. Hopeful. In this debut book of Sarah Ockler, summer can be everything and anything you want. With a fresh, attractive voice, Twenty Boy Summer introduces you to a time of the year so gorgeous yet so heartbreaking, a summer of family, friendship, and true love.

Sarah Ockler's writing is amazing. On interacting with her I realize that she is a great author, someone who is honest and lovable. Her book, unsurprisingly, is just the same.

There was not much elaboration in the background of the story, instead, everything went straight to the main point - Matt died and lives changed for the rest of the characters. Still, the story was so well planned out you couldn't find a flaw. One step forward of Anna and Frankie's vacation was one step back to the happy past of the three when Matt was alive, which, to me, was creative and easy to follow. The exact amount of flashbacks made things not too poignant, however, gave us enough details about how it all used to be. I also loved the variety of ways used to describe reminiscenes of Matt, especially the whispers and the letters Anna wrote in her journal.

The book shared a story of grief and letting go and what I liked about it was how the author balanced between not drowing the readers into sadness (after all, it's a book about summer and summer is supposed to be fun) and preventing things from being too typical or plain. It made me squeal inside like a fangirl, it made me laugh hysterically and it, too, made me want to tear. The feelings brought are pure and just right. If reading My Big Nose & Other Natural Disasters is like talking to be best friend then turning the pages of Twenty Boy Summer is exactly what it feels to scanning through a journal - peaceful at the same time eventful.

Anna and Matt are my favorite of the story. Anna was lovely, strong though timid. She was simple to relate to. I loved her confessions and thoughts about her love for Matt and how she maintained to go on without him. They were so true and heartfelt. And Matt, even though just made his appearance here and there in blurry memories, was even more appealing than Sam, perhaps for his sincerity. The strong connection between the two almost overshadowed Anna's new romance, especially when it was strengthened by the beautiful meaningful necklace. Each and every reader, for sure, will fall in love with that precious necklace.

Twenty Boy Summer is a gorgeous book inside out. It encourages us to cherish every moment of lives that we're living; noone should cling to to the past just for we're afraid to leave behind what we love, because, as we move on, they will come along with us, and always will.

Rating: 4/5

The Book Review Club May - Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: June 2007
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: paperback
Source: gift from friend

There are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Before I start reviewing, let me just say that I have a big crush on this book (if it makes any sense). Don't ask me why because there's something that lures me in and I think I had fallen in love with Two Way Street even before I opened it. But I'll try to be as much objective as I can.

Upon glancing at the cover and skimming the synopsis, I had this feeling that the book was going to be really sad. Firstly, because it was about a breakup and its aftermath; second, words of the blurb sounded nothing but nostalgic. I was expecting a lot of breaking down and crying and grieving. To my amazement, I found most of the book funny and cute.

The story started at the beginning of the roadtrip of Courtney and Jordan, later jumped back and forth between current happenings and the past. Parallelingly telling us how the trip went on, the author also gave us a full view of how the couple got together in the first place. Because the irony was so obvious - the guy broke up with his girlfriend for another girl. yet still agreed to go on a roadtrip with his ex - you couldn't but wonder if there was something else that led to the separation. Actually, I was torn between the two parts; one moment I wanted to see what was next, a second later I found myself gaping at how their relationship sprung. Sometimes it could be confusing, since besides switching the time, Lauren Barnhodlt also let us approach the story in different points of views.

The writing was really nice. It wasn't embellished with flowery words or complicated descriptions. Everything, on the contrary, was simple and straight to be point. The dialougues fell real and natural, even though the mention sex of was often, I felt more funny than uncomfortable. However, there was something I have to say - this book is not going to be interesting from page one to the end. The secret mentioned in the synopsis (which, I think, is what you want to learn most) was unfolded in the early chapters. So do not expect the thrill or mystery.

What to expect then? Expect love. True love.

I really really really like how love was portrayed in this novel. It started with a break up, so it felt like we were going upstream. Seeing the unfamiliar Jordan and Courtney crossing their paths of lives and broken up Jordan and Courtney gathering pieces of themselves that still remained in each other's worlds at the same time was not something I usually experienced. It was different. Their love story was very simple actually. They met, unintentionally became attached with each other and felt in love. The special thing of it was how they expressed it. If you read the book, you know what I mean. The characters were just genuine and honest in love. Every single gesture towards each other, everything they said, conscious or not, exuded an aura of beautiful love that I couldn't explain. Like how Jordan tied up Courtney's hair or when she burst out when she saw the hamburger he bought finally had cheese in it. It was a kind of raw and heartfelt one you shouldn't miss.

Overall it's a nice book about love and roadtrip. I think you will love to give it a try.

Rating: 4/5 (not biased, I swear '^^)

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB APR - I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: July 2008
Pages: 352
Format: paperback
Source: from publisher- Simon&Schuster

A raw, edgy, emotional novel about growing up punk and living to tell.

The Clash. Social Distortion. Dead Kennedys. Patti Smith. The Ramones.

Punk rock is in Emily Black's blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily's all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn't it lead her right back to Emily?

If I have to pick one word to describe this book, it'll definitely be awesome. It intrigued me in every single way - the plot, the characters, the music, the love - all of them was mixed together, so naturally that you'll hardly recognize it takes great skills to do such a thing.

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is not just a story about music. It's also about family, friendship, love, hopes, dreams. Basically, it's all about life - the one of a girl who grew up with ablaze passion for music and an inner desire to find her gone away mother through it. Emily Black is such a beautiful and raw character. Surly she had many wrong thoughts, she behaved badly and got herself involved things that I considered really terrible - sex, drugs, minor crimes - yet I didn't think of her as a bad one at all. Emily was just herself, she did what she did because it was part of the process of growing up. Although she was a tough girl who wouldn't be brought down by people's meanness, Emily was soft at some moments too. She always wondered if her mother left because of her, she was scared of opening her heart to anyone. That fact just made me love her even more. She was a person with strong and weak sides, with so many flaws that you could spot from very first impressions. And it was why her character was perfect.

Emily's life story was told parallelly with her mother Louisa's so it was really interesting. You would have a chance to find out everything about the poor woman in details - how she was during her teenage days, why she left the family, what she did to get on all alone. Her story gave me mixed feelings. Most of the time I sympathized her, but I was really mad sometimes because she was too cowardly to face reality and got over everything.

It would be such a big mistake not to mention the passion for music. It was fantastic. I was not a fan of rock or punk or whatever but after reading this book, I really really adored it. The meaningful lyrics would make you squeal inside, and it'd feel like really listening to the songs even without no sound. The ending was not an entirely happy one. But guess what? It satisfied me to bits and pieces. It was an open one, the kind that would leave readers with thoughts about life and hopes for the best for Emily.

It seems to me that Stephanie Kuehnert just sat there taking notes of everything that happened around her life and suddenly I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone was born because the book was extremely real. You really should get yourself a copy. It's a must read.

Rating: 5/5

it feels good to rate some book 5/5 : D

THE BOOK REVIEW CLUB MARCH - Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: March 2009
Age Range: Young Adult

Pages: 288
Format: ARC
Source: from author

Leesie Hunt has many rules: No kissing. No sex. No dating outside the Mormon faith.

When Michael Walden-a deep-sea diver who lost his parents in a violent hurricane-arrives in town, Leesie sees someone who needs her. They fall for one another, even though his dreams are tied to the depths of the ocean and hers to salvation above.

Will their intense chemistry be too strong to resist?

Leesie and Michael must make the hardest choice of their lives: whether to follow their beliefs or their hearts.

Another love is uneasy kind of book, but Taken By Storm is still original through the way it is told - chats, chapbook poems and dive logs. The pace was never the same through out the story, once it was fast and intense, a second later everything was slow and dreamy. The tone also changed logically, whenever Michael voiced it was rough and raw, for Leesie's poems fragile and sweet just like her, and for chats, casual and friendly.

Leesie and Michael, both of their lives are complicated. Michael was still suffering from the great loss of his parents, unable to find his way out from the sorrow even though he believed once he was back under water, everything would be fine. Leesie was restricted in a world of rules - her religion forbid her from doing a lot of things other people considered normal: getting feet off the ground, being in the same room with a guy, using words like "grope" in a poem. They met and naturally became close; Michael needed someone to hold on to, and Leesie's heart told her she needed to save this poor guy. Love sprung slowly, along came more troubles.

Each of the main character had to struggle to survive through their romance. I enjoyed reading Leesie's poems where she poured her feelings into - first her pure soul only urged to heal Michael's, but then she found herself wanting more that that. She started to love his eyes, his hair, everything he did to her - even the scars he accidentally left on her palm. You may go mad at Leesie for making things so hard and difficult but even if you shout in your mind "screw those rules, you'll be happier without them", you'll feel bad for her being torn between her love and her faith. For Michael, he was a very complicated one. Even himself didn't know what he needed. He was stuck in his desire to dive, he was haunted, angry, lost - totally frustrated with himself. He loved Leesie, but sometimes he didn't even care about what she thought and how she felt. For once or twice I disliked Michael for he was so selfish and unreasonable, almost too lustful. But I loved the way Angela portrayed Michael's feelings, because throughout the story I almost felt just as uncomfortable and breathless as him. Like there was no way out.

I was so sad when the book ended. Even though the gloominess followed me from the start, I didn't expect it to turn out that way. It was heart-wrenching, probably something you will dwell on for a while after closing the book. However, I was satisfied, for the emotional ride never stopped, even to the last pages. When you reach the last two poems, you'll know what I mean.

Angela Morrison's debut novel will take you in a violent storm of love, lust and faith, and then, leave you with so much memories of a bittersweet love story.

Rating: 4/5