Anna and the French Kiss Book Review

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 4.8/5

“For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” 
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

Summary: (Goodreads) 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?

My Thoughts: Do NOT be turned away by the cover or the title. It may look cheesy, but it's not cheesy. It's a darn good book. I'm serious. I have to admit, I was initially turned off by it because of how I thought it would be. Then I started looking online at reviews and such, 99% of them praising it. So I saw it in my library and thought, why not? Wow. I really wish I had my own copy. 

So in this book, Anna is sent to a school for Americans in Paris by her father. She doesn't want to leave her best friend and crush in Atlanta. But while Anna is there, she meets new people and meets a very attractive, Parisian boy of whom she definitely has her eye on. That makes for some romance that will surely leave you in awe.

Let's just talk about St. Clair for a moment. I don't think there are enough adjectives to describe just how awesome his character is. He's the PERFECT boyfriend and his interactions with Anna are just so dang adorable. Stephanie Perkins did a fantastic job describing St. Clair. I love him.

As for Anna's friends, they weren't the best characters, but that was okay. I was more interested in St. Clair anyway. :)

Overall this was an AMAZING book and I totally recommend it to anyone. I feel like so many people would enjoy this book. Happy reading! 

~Bradi~

Stacking the Shelves (#2)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews as way to share all the great books you've received throughout the week.

 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I've heard SO MUCH hype about this book and how amazing it is. I never wanted to pick it up until recently when I saw it at my school library. I figured, why not get it? So I've read a ton of reviews about this book and I'm more excited than ever to read it.

Borrowed: Hardcover, school library

My Life in Black & White by Natasha Friend

I saw this at the store on an end cap next to the book Before I Fall. I LOVED Before I Fall, so I thought that maybe this book is similar. I read the summary and decided to get it!

Bought: Paperback, at Barnes & Noble for $8.99

Wake by Amanda Hocking (Watersong #1)

I was INSTANTLY attracted to the cover. I Know, I know. Never judge a book by its cover! But how could I not?! Such a beautiful cover and an impelling synopsis. I had to pick it up!

Bought: Hardcover, at Wal-Mart for $12.03

Recommend A... Book With Blue Cover

Summary: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

Why I Chose It: Obvious reasons. Well first, it has a blue cover. It's the third and final installment of my favorite series, and it's awesome. Although a lot of people didn't, I loved the ending of the series, and Mockingjay was a truly amazing book in my eyes. I would totally recommend this one and the second one for people who read the first one!

~Bradi

My Life Next Door Book Review

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial
Publication Date: June 14, 2012
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5/5

“It's as though I don't make a ripple as I drop off the face of the earth.” 
― Huntley Fitzpatrick, My Life Next Door


Summary: (Goodreads) A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

My Thoughts: Coming into this book I had pretty high expectations since many people reviewed it and loved it. I automatically thought I would too, since I love YA contemporary novels. I'm happy to say it did meet my expectations. Although it didn't fully satisfy me at the end, I really liked this book with all of the romance and fun involved.

The characters in this book were great. It kept the book alive. I loved the Garrett's! I thought all of the kids were so different and interesting in their own way, and I had such a vivid picture of each one. I always looked forward to parts with them in it!

My favorite character in this book was Jase. I really loved Jase. What I loved most about him was he was an amazing boyfriend, son, brother, and person. He was always so calm and collective, and that just made me love him even more. He was so sweet and all of the romance parts were adorable. :)

The only bad part about this book, to me, was the ending. I wasn't quite satisfied of where we were left. I'm left wondering about a lot of things. I have many unanswered questions about it. If you've read it, you know what I'm talking about.

Overall this was a great summer read. A very interesting, cute, fun book that will have you all laughing multiple times throughout. :)

~Bradi

Recommend A... Book Someone Else Recommended to You

From Goodreads: Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Why I Chose It: After I told my friend from Spanish class to read The Hunger Games, (Yes, I had to convince her! Can you imagine?!) she told me to read the Percy Jackson Series because she loved it so much. So after months of her nagging me, I finally took it from my brother's room and read it. Although I liked it, I'm just not into that kind of fiction. I'm not a monster gal, but I still liked the action and suspense and would totally recommend The Lightning Thief to anyone who likes to read about someone fighting monsters!! 

That's such a lame thing to say, but you know what I mean. ^

~Bradi

Recommend A... First Book in a Series

From Goodreads: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

Why I Chose It: Divergent is a great book to kick off a series. It leaves you wondering at the end and it introduces you to the world so well, that you just can't wait to come back and visit it.

My Review On Divergent

~Bradi

Forgotten Book Review

Title: Forgotten
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.4/5


Summary: (Goodreads) Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting—before it destroys her future.

My Thoughts: The idea and the premise of this book was so different and interesting, that I just had to pick it up. And I am very glad I did. I really liked this book. I wouldn't say I loved it, because it had its flaws that I can't quite put my finger on. But I really did like this book. The way it flowed, and the way London grew as a character and learned to cope with her condition was amazing. I loved watching her grow.

I'd say that what set this book back a little was a piece of the ending. And, also, the fact that London forgetting things would get very frustrating for me to read. That being said, it makes me imagine how frustrating it is for her in general!

I loved the love story in this book. Luke was the perfect boyfriend, and was very patient with London. He was sweet, cute, polite, and had London's back every step of the way. The best part about their romance, in my opinion, was the fact that she fell in love with him everyday, even though she's only had a day to really meet him. I really loved Luke's character and I wish that sort of person existed in my life. 

Cat Patrick managed to add in the mystery effect while I was reading the end. I started to get very excited watching everything unfold in front of me. Although Patrick tied up almost all of the loose ends in conclusion, there was still one I was left unsatisfied with.

But overall, I thought this was a very smart, and awe-worthy book that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is the least bit hesitant. It's worth it, trust me! :) 

~Bradi

Stacking The Shelves (#1)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews as way to share all the great books you've received throughout the week.

Partials by Dan Wells (Partials #1)

I am definitely VERY excited to read this. It sounds so interesting and I've heard a lot of great things about it! I've wanted it ever since I saw it in the bookstore and read the synopsis. I can't wait to see where this book takes me!

Bought: Hardcover, at Barnes & Noble website for $10.98

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I have to say, advertisements work! I saw an add for this book in Seventeen magazine and instantly wanted to get it. The book trailer was cool too! So I'm very excited to read this one.

Bought: Hardcover, at Barnes & Noble for $16.99

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I have to say, lately I've been a sucker for romance. That's why I really wanted to pick this up after I heard what it was about! I'm always in the mood for a good boy-next-door story.

Bought: Hardcover, at Barnes & Noble website for $11.98

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

This book was only $6, so I said what the heck. After looking it up on Goodreads, I learned that it got some mixed reviews. But I think it sounds interesting, so I can't wait to see how it goes.

Bought: Paperback, at Sam's Club for $5.88

Evercrossed by Elizabeth Chandler

I went to Books-A-Million and saw that there was a $3 sale, and got too caught up in the moment to realize that this is a sequel so a book I haven't read. But, I'm going to get the first one somewhere so I can actually read this one. Silly me! ;)

Bought: Hardcover, at Books-A-Million for $3

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This book sounds right up my alley. I love space, and I think this will be an interesting and cool read. I also think it's neat that the main character is telling the story through a year of journal entries. 

Bought: Paperback, at Barnes & Noble website for $7.70

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

I recently finished my first Sarah Dessen book, The Truth About Forever, which you can the review for here. I love how Dessen writes, so I thought I'd pick up another one of her books. I've heard a lot about this one so I can't wait to read another great Sarah Dessen novel!

Bought: Paperback, at a thrift store for $4

If you have read any of these books, tell me how they are in the comments! I'm excited to read ALL of them! :)

The Truth About Forever Book Review

Title: The Truth About Forever
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: May 11, 2004
Rating: 5/5

“What you need, what you deserve, is a guy who adores you for what you are. Who doesn't see you as a project, but a prize. you know?” 
― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever


Summary (Goodreads):

A long hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?

My Thoughts:

Wow. All I can say is wow. This book had a way of completely captivating you. From the metaphors, similes, foreshadowing, character. To me, the characters were real. Everything that happened would make me totally emotionally invested. Although it did take me a couple chapters to really get into it, this was definitely one of the best books I've ever read. And having it be my first Sarah Dessen experience, I am definitely going to dive into more in the future.

In this book, Macy had experienced a tremendous loss when her dad died. But instead of mourning too much about it, she decided to clean up her act and help out her mom, who acted like Macy's dad never existed. Macy was perfect. She did what she was told, had good grades, and had a perfect boyfriend. He was going away for the summer so she needed to fill in for his position at the library info desk. The next the she knew, Macy found herself a new and exciting job working for a caterer whose workers are fun and chaotic, including a boy named Wes. Macy changes in ways she never expected she would.

Although she frustrated me more times than one throughout the book, Macy was a great main character. I really felt for her at times, and that made me get emotionally connected to her. Sometimes I felt like she didn't have a clear vision of what she wanted, therefore she wouldn't stand up for herself when she really needed to, and that really got to me. Over all though, I loved Macy and had a lot in common with her.

Now lets talk about the romance. I thought what Sarah Dessen did in this novel was amazing. She played out the romance with Wes perfectly in my opinion, and the relationship he and Macy created was amazing. (Not to mention how insanely incredible Wes was as a person.)

Overall I really loved this book. It's the kind of book that I'm going to re-read over and over!

~Bradi

13 Reasons Why Book Review (Read in 2011)

Title: 13 Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Publisher: RazorBill
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 289
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5/5

“No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same.” 
― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why


Summary: (Barnes and Noble) Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face.

Thirteen Reasons Why is the gripping, addictive international bestseller that has changed lives the world over. It's an unrelenting modern classic.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It was very dark, without being straight up depressing. There were some sad moments, but it was mostly all mysterious for me. This book had a way of totally captivating your attention and putting yourself in Clay's shoes while he's listening to those tapes.

I loved Hannah's character. I thought she seemed dark and mysterious, and added that aspect to the book. I could just hear her voice inside my head as she explained the stories. She was almost (Pretty Little Liars) Alison-like to me in how I pictured her.

As for Clay, I'm really not a big fan of boys as the main character or in first person. So I liked Clay's character okay. I did really feel for him in most of the book. But at some parts, he just made me mad.

What made me mad the most, though, was how selfish Hannah was being. Yeah, she was getting crap from a lot of people, but her suicide and the tapes were all for herself. She didn't think about how others would feel when these two things got out.

Regardless, the message of this book was amazing. It was a great example of the outcome of bullying, but also what comes with suicide. And I really liked how it sheds light on the subject of making or breaking someone. Just a smile can change their day. 

A great read, and really addicting. I totally recommend it!

~Bradi

Divergent Book Review (Read in February 2012)

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Series: Divergent, #1
Pages: 487
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5/5

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” 
― Veronica Roth, Divergent


Summary: (Barnes and Noble) In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

My Thoughts: I was told that if you liked The Hunger Games, then you will like Divergent. And I did like Divergent. This world that Tris lives in was very interesting for me to read about. When I started the book, it felt like every other dystopian novel-- with the different rules and regulations for that dystopian society. But when Tris chose Dauntless, (not a spoiler, you find out pretty early on) and she had to do all of the different Dauntless things to prove she belongs there, I instantly got hooked. Not to mention, a boy enters the equation. I really loved Dauntless, and what Tris had to go through to prove she could be Dauntless. It added a really exciting aspect to the book. I also just loved the characters. You really got to know each one, and I had a clear vision of them in my head. The ending was pretty good on Veronica Roth's part. She left us with some satisfaction, but also left us in the middle of a big situation. That totally got me pumped for the next book!

~Bradi

The Hunger Games Book Review (Read in June 2011)

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 14, 2008
Series: The Hunger Games, #1
Pages: 374
Rating: 5/5

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” 
― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games


Summary: (Barnes and Noble) In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It's definitely one of my favorites. I thought the world that Suzanne Collins created, and brought us into, was amazing. She made me feel like I was there. Reading this book was an emotional ride. There were times when I wanted to laugh, cry, and sometimes both. I think that Suzanne Collins did a great job creating Katniss, the main character and heroine of the story. I loved how Katniss acted and felt for the people around her. She's not a selfish character, but she's not a very "happy go lucky" character either, and that's what makes her so dynamic. I fell in love with every character, too. There were so many characters to relate to and so many to root for, and that's what made it so exciting. I think what really kept everyone on the edge of their seats was the fact that there were so many characters, and they're all fighting for one thing. And in the process, they die. I think The Hunger Games is a book that shows us authority, and what happens when it gets into the wrong hands. It shows us the importance of freedom and how it could get taken away from us. I loved this book and I think it has an amazing message and story that everyone should read.

~Bradi