Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pub. Date: Oct 2nd 2007
Age Range: Age 12 and up
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Source of copy: from the author - Julie Halpern

Anna Bloom is depressed -- so depressed that her parents have committed her to a mental hospital with a bunch of other messed-up teens. Here she meets a roommate with a secret (and a plastic baby), a doctor who focuses way too much on her weight, and a cute, shy boy who just might like her. But wait! Being trapped in a loony bin isn't supposed to be about making friends, losing weight, and having a crush, is it?


For a debut book, Get Well Soon is too cute for words. A very strange story about a bunch of teens thrown together in a "loony bin" and find themselves in the most craziest situations, this book will surely leave you with big smiles and a heart full of hope.

Julie Halpern never fails to make feel goofy and entertained when reading her stories. Her writing is neat and close to heart, a kind that you think can be written by anyone your age but still, you know it takes skills to do such a thing. The plot itself is fun enough, and the way she chooses to carry it out is just fantastic - everything is told through Anna's crazy letters to her friend at home, although she for sure won't send any of it.

What I love about Get Well Soon is that it doesn't have many dialogues but it still manages to capture my complete attention. Why? Because Anna's voice is too hilarious you cannot ignore any of her monologues. Even though she's said to be depressed, she appears whiny and upset in such a funny way. Her descriptions about the "loony bin", the things that happen there will also draw the readers in.

Not just Anna, but every characters, everyone in the mental hospital is adorable. I love hearing their stories - how they get to this point, why they stay and when they'll leave. Surprisingly they're almost like normal teenagers (except the one who worship Satan) and they get along really well. All their hardships are portrayed nicely, all sound very light-hearted. Sometimes I even forget that Anna has a problem, like she's just there observing and reporting everything. Her life in the "loony bin" is so interesting that I once or twice want to visit that hospital right away. She becomes healthy, she makes friends, she even falls in love. Isn't that fantastic?

The story ends with satisfaction a bit of nostalgia so that makes Get Well Soon not only a cute read but a touching one as well. I really really do hope that Anna will meet up with the others in real life once again because they are so cool together. All together.

I love this book. You will love it too, I'm sure.

Rating: 4/5

Waiting On Wednesday (40)

Idea taken from Breaking The Spine

Rules Of Attraction by Simone Elkeles.

New sparks will fly in the sequel to Simone Elkeles’s breakout book Perfect Chemistry

When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado. Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

With new characters to fall in love with and the same hot romance found in Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles has crafted another sure-fire hit for teens.

I loveeeeeee Perfect Chemistry way too much I could never ignore this book. First, the title sounds so lovely. Second, I heart the cover(seriously, who doesn't?) I'm also very curious about Carlos's relationship with Kiara because, according to my memories, he already had a girlfriend named Destiny back then. I hope their story is just as cool as Alex and Brit, but I will expect a stronger and more unique character of Kiara than Brittany.

Try not to break the rules of attractions on April 27th 2010

Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

Publisher: Penguin US - Razorbill
Pub. Date: June 11th 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 270
Format: ARC
Source of copy: from the publisher - Penguin US

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips…conks her head…and wakes up in the year 1815!

There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily’s family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily’s cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.

But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex’s heart, before her time in the past is up?

More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.

A totally cute book about self-appreciation and time-traveling. With humour and a touch of fashion sense, Prada and Prejudice makes a lovely read for teen girls.

Prada and Prejudice has such a refreshing plot. Putting on a shoe and being sent back to the past where you are mistaken for someone else and got involved in a lot of issues? It is definitely fun and new, bringing the readers excitement of a different experience.

What I enjoy the most from the book is how Callie manages to adapt the life of the year of 1815 and still stays true to herself. Sure she wreaks some havoc, but she helps the people there realize a lot of meaningful things too. That being said, I still feel that the book lacks something to excel other stories. There are quite a few unreasonable things and the problem sort of just works itself out. The storyline is a little simple and not eventful enough to keep the thrill I feel at first.

Callie is fun to be with. She's a little stubborn and insecure girl but in certain circumstances she is surely a strong lady. I don't like the idea of her buying a pair of Prada shoes just to impress people who don't actually care about her, still that silliness of her makes Callie a cute character.

The ending is a little too happy and predictable, but I guess it fits the mood of the story - fun and loving. If you like stories about time-traveling in a cute teenage way, be sure to add this to your list of book.

Rating: 3/5

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin Aus
Pub. Date: 31 January 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 322
Format: paperback
Source of copy: from the publisher - Penguin Aus

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires – the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden deep in the forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger . . . and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa on of them forever . . .


I just finished reading this book and I have to jump to the computer to gush about it right away. Why? Because it's so awesome. With a strong voice of narration, remarkable characters and lots of twists, Vampire Academy (VA) is not only a perfect choice for fans of vampires but also ones that might not be that interested in fangs and the likes.

If you're a bit tired of vampire-human romance and want to explore something more fun about vampires, I suggest you turn to VA. Its plot focuses mostly on vampires and how they struggle to live among so many kinds of themselves - the royal Dragomir, the evil Strigoi, the brave Dhampir. It's a very interesting and refreshing turn on stories of these creatures, thus it excites the readers.

The best thing about this book is that you don't have a feeling that you're reading about non-human beings at all, even though the characters are different and mysterious. There are not much parts about fangs, biting and blood, instead what you'll find is legends, magic, secrets of the past. Everything winds together and makes VA a captivating read. Teenagers' life in this book is portrayed perfectly too, with all the dramas, the hookups and gossip, it's almost as if you're reading a reality book, not the paranormal kind.

I bet that whoever picks up VA will either fall in love with or want to be Rose. She's such a brilliant protagonist. Even at first page, she appears utterly courageous and unbeatable. She's fun, she's fearless and she knows what she is and is not. She's not one those girls who's beautiful but thinks they're not nor too clueless to realize that her friend is head over heels with her. Rose is so real because of that, and because she has flaws just like everyone does - recklessness, stubbornness, craziness, she has it all.

Since the author has such a good way to connect Rose and Lissa, it seems that we have two female leads not one, even though their stories don't necessary involve each other every second and every minute. As a princess, Lissa isn't meek or too dependent. She has a strong side of herself and sacrifices a lot for Rose too. Their bond is envious, for real.

Oh and did I say I love Dimitri and Rose's relationship? It's another different thing that VA has. Their love is forbidden, but in a very beautiful way, not sappy one. Their age gap makes us more curious to learn about how the two will get together. And their feelings are built through various ways, mostly by fighting and learning to deal with hardships side by side so it feels very natural.

The ending is lovely. It doesn't leave us with any cliffhanger but we know that we're already looking forward to reading book 2. I consider it a success because VA will be great as a single book as much as it is as the beginning of a series.

Bottom line: this a MUST-HAVE. I don't care if you like vampires or not, get this book NOW!

Rating: 4.5/5

Mini Reviews: Young, Loaded & Fabulous (Book 1&2) by Kate Kingsley

I admit that I don't have much to say about these two books. They are for quick read, you know, just to relax your mind for a while and I don't think readers take them very seriously either. If you love to read about rich (and spoilt) kids who are involved in fighting, backstabbing, bitching each other and of course falling in love then you may like Young, Loaded and Fabulous.


Publisher: Headline
Pub. Date: November 13th 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 320
Format: paperback
Source of copy: from the publisher - Headline

London socialites Alice Rochester and Natalya Abbot are glamorous, sexy, spoilt and only sixteen. When they're not at their prestigious private school, St. Cecilias, just outside London (where they rub shoulders with the children of Europe's elite), they can be found partying in London's private members clubs or jetting off to the most sophisticated European cities. Alice and Tally have ruled, undisputed, at the top of St. Cecilias' social hierarchy since their arrival at the school three years ago. But now trouble is brewing; friendships with boys are getting complicated and sparking jealousies between the girls, and, to make matters worse, a thoroughly unwelcome American girl has just arrived.


Book 1 is pretty much about how Tristan comes back and builds his relationship with Alice and then suddenly everything goes downhill. There aren't many happenings in this book and I find the characters quite weird. Alice can be nice and goofy one moment, then the next she's so annoying and mean. And Tristan, I don't really know how he really feels for his best friend either. The character I can tolerate with is Dylan. She seems okay and doesn't want to hurt anyone at all. I feel quite bad for her at some point because Alice is trying too hard to make her life miserable.

The thing I remember most about this book is how lonely and not cared for these kids are by their own parents. Guess it happens to rich children all the time.

Rating: 2/5

Publisher: Headline
Pub. Date: July 23rd 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 320
Format: paperback
Source of copy: from the publisher - Headline

Love is in the air at St Cecilia's: Alice Rochester has a new man in her life, much to her ex Tristan's dismay, Tally Abbott and hot new teacher Mr Logan's secret tutorials are getting cosier and new girl Dylan Taylor is being well and truly romanced by Jasper. But when the crew all head over to Rome for Alice's cousin's lavish engagement party hosted by Italian Vogue tensions are high. Will it all end happily ever after?

Book 2 is a little more interesting than book 1. Now Tristan wants Alice back but she's hanging out with her new boyfriend. For Tally, she seems to be head over heals with her teacher. I see more connections between the characters in this book and it's more eventful too. It's fun seeing Alice and Tristan playing their game of love and get together (sort of) at at the end. There's less meanness towards Dylan to so I guess it's a good thing.

Rating: 2.5/5

Waiting On Wednesday (39)

Idea taken from Breaking The Spine

Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simmer.

After her mother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Haley convinces her father to take her to Iceland, where her mother was last seen. There, amidst the ancient fissures and crevices of that volcanic island, Haley meets gorgeous Ari, a boy with a dangerous side who appoints himself her protector.

When Haley picks up a silver coin that entangles her in a spell cast by her ancestor Hallgerd, she discovers that Hallgerd's spell and her mother's disappearance are connected to a chain of events that could unleash terrifying powers and consume the world. Haley must find a way to contain the growing fires of the spell—and her growing attraction to Ari.


A bit of romance, a bit of magic, a bit of mystery, this book has what it takes to attract the readers (not to mention the very nice cover). Janni Lee Simmer's first book was loved a by a lot of teenagers so I hope this one is just as great. What do you think about this one? Can it excel Bones Of Faerie?


Catch Theif Eyes on April 27th 2010

In My Mailbox (38)

Idea taken from The Story Siren


Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess.

They promised Meredith nine years of safety, but only gave her three. Her father was supposed to be locked up until Meredith turned eighteen. She thought she had time to grow up, get out, and start a new life. But Meredith is only fifteen, and today her father is coming home from prison. Today her time has run out.







How It Ends by Lauran Wiess.

All Hanna's wanted since sophomore year is Seth. She's gone out with other guys, even gained a rep for being a flirt, all the while hoping cool, guitar-playing Seth will choose her. Then she gets him -- but their relationship is hurtful, stormy and critical, not at all what Hanna thinks a perfect love should be. Bewildered by Seth's treatment of her and in need of understanding, Hanna decides to fulfill her school's community service requirement by spending time with Helen, her terminally ill neighbor, who she's turned to for comfort and wisdom throughout her life. But illness has changed Helen into someone Hanna hardly knows, and her home is not the refuge it once was. Feeling more alone than ever, Hanna gets drawn into an audiobook the older woman is listening to, a fierce, unsettling love story of passion, sacrifice, and devotion. Hanna's fascinated by the idea that such all-encompassing love can truly exist, and without her even realizing it, the story begins to change her. Until the day when the story becomes all too real...and Hanna's world is spun off its axis by its shattering, irrevocable conclusion.


Mixed Messages by Jahnna N. Malcolm.

Jade has had it for Zephyr forever. But you can only crush on a guy for so long. And with graduation just around the corner, it's now or never. Jade writes Zephyr a love letter. Only Zephyr never gets the letter. Adam gets the letter. It's a huge disaster and total embarrassment....

Then again, maybe not.






This week I got three books from Simon & Schuster UK. One rather disturbingly haunting, one very thought-provoking and one simply cute and light-hearted. They complete my feats of books don't they? I've been hunting for Laura Wiess books forever so it's awesome to get my hands on these copies. And Mixed Messages? It sounded so cute I just had to request ;)

Thanks Kathryn from S&S UK for these three books<3


So how's your book feast? Any nice 'dishes?

Friday Flavor (5) Chatting With Sarah Ockler + Contest

Hi there people!!!

Friday Flavor is back this week with more book recommendations and of course, as you can see from the title, a contest! :) Is that enough to keep you reading on? Well, this week is a little more special than others because our guest will talk about her favorite recently read book through a video she recorded in Philadelphia. So what are you waiting for? Click play and see which books Sarah loves and the one she is giving away for one luckiest commentor.

Such a lovely video isn't it? I was already interested in Once Was Lost but hearing Sarah talk about it make me want to read it even more. Jumping Off Swings seem good to and I'm really glad I'll be able to read it soon. I've not heard about Sorta Like A Rock Star til Sarah mentioned it here. It sounds great, you guys should check more info on it.



Now, onto the giveaway part, Sarah has agreed to give away an ARC of Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr to one of the readers of Friday Flavor. (I'm so jealous of the winner already ^^) Simply leave a comment on this video and you'll be entered.


For extra entries:

+1 New follower
+2 Old follower
+2 If you comment on my review of Twenty Boy Summer
+2 If you follow @sarahockler on Twitter
+4 If you link/tweet about the contest

Open to whoever has USA/Canadian mailing address(es). The contest runs to Dec 18th so you have plenty of time to get extra entries. Good luck to everyone, and thanks Sarah for such a wonderful video as well as the awesome giveaway.

<3

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

Waiting On Wednesday (38)

Idea taken from Breaking The Spine

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica whisper: I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that’s what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.


This one seems so great doesn't it? I love that it has a touch of paranormal but not too much. It's like reading mind, but Hearing Whispers sounds much more mysterious and less typical. I read about people having problems with their special abilities but killing herself? Woah, very intense. One more point for pretty cover.


Be prepared for all the whispers you'll hear on April 27th 2010