Book Review: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Book: You Against Me - Jenny Downham


Publication Date: July 7th 2011 


Read from February 25 to March 04, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Contemperary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

My Views:

I have heard great things about Jenny Downham first book Before I Die, but for some reason I just can't get my hands on it. So, when I came across this book i just picked it up without giving it a second thought.

I went into this book without any knowledge about it and I was really surprised with the plot and it's treatment. The story and the treatment is very true to life. Rape is a very tricky subject and this book deals with it in a very mature manner. 

I liked the characters and it was not difficult for me to relate to them. I really liked Ellie and Mikey. I like the family dynamics and the conversations between the characters.

The book is great, it could have been a little better but I still ended up loving it loads. 

The Good:

• The story and the subject matter. It's different!
• The characters feels real and they talk like real people.
• The love story and the back story of Ellie and Mikey.
• The mystery part of the book. There is not much of it but whatever is there is done very well. 
• Thought provoking. It really made me think and i genuinely like that in a book. 

The Bad:

• I just wished the book to be a little more darker, grittier and intense. Other then that I don't really have any complains.

Overall: 4/5 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “If you want a girl to like you, you have to listen like a woman and love like a man.”

Favorite Character: Mikey

Book Review: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Book: Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler


Publication Date: June 1st 2009


Read from February 06 to 10, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Drama


Goodreads Summary:


"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 Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every 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 her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.


My Views:


Let me start by saying that I was really looking forward to this book. I wanted to read it since it first came out. But, unfortunately I just didn't love this one. It was just blah! for me.


The plot is very interesting and the writing is brilliant in parts but i just didn't connected with the book at all and I hated some characters.


The Good:

• I liked Anna as a character and I somewhat connected to her.
• The story was interesting.
• The writing was good and the only reason I finished the book.
• The cover is gorgeous. 

The Bad:

• The plot was ruined because the book seemed so long and draggy. 
• I simply hated the character of Frankie. I hated it so much that I didn't even sympathized with her.
• It didn't get Anna and Sam's relationship at all.
• The grown up aspect of the book seemed childish and immature. 

Overall: 2/5  and a thumbs down

Writing: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
LoL Moments: 2/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: “Weeping is not the same thing as crying, It takes your whole body to weep, and when it`s over, you feel like you don`t have any bones left to hold you up.” 

Favorite Character: Anna

Book Review: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Book: Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley


Publishing Date: August 1st 2010


Read from February 05 to 06, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Goodreads Summary: 


"Let me make it in time. Let me meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."

It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.

His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.

Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.

But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.

My View:

There are times when you pick up a book and you just can't put it down and Graffiti Moon my friends is one of those books. I can't express in words how much I love this book. The story, the background and the characters are all amazing. There is nothing in this book that I didn't like.

 Art work of Shepard Fairy

The story is about Lucy and Ed and that one amazing night where they discover secrets, confront the facts and share their inner most feelings. 

I must admit, I love art of any form and graffiti art is no exception. I love the works of Banksy and Shepard Fairey. And if you are like me and love graffiti. You should check out the movie Exit Through the Gift Shop. 

Now coming back to the book; the art, the romance, the characters and even the freaking dialogues were just amazing! This is my first book by Cath Crowely and I can't wait to read many more.

The Good:

• The whole art aspect of the story really string a cord with me. 
• Ed and Lucy are really amazing characters and their interactions are hilarious.
• The message of the book is very powerful and not at all preachy. 
• I simply love every character in the book. Seriously! every character in the book was very well thought of. 
• The couples! Ed and Lucy were cute and funny. Daisy and Dylan were just adorable. Leo and Jazz were very real with their insecurities and conflicts. 
• The whole idea of shadow and poet is genius.
• The book is very funny with a hint of seriousness in it. 
• The poems in between by poet were insightful and just plain awesome.
• The pace of the book was just right.

I can go on and on about this book but I don't wanna seem like a fan girl. So all i can say: people who like contemporary novels, this is for you. And for people who don't like contemporary novels, this is the one you should start with.

Overall: 5/5 and a double thumbs up!
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5


Favorite Quote: “I guess love's kind of like a marshmallow in a microwave on high. After it explodes it's still a marshmallow. but, you know, now it's a complicated marshmallow.”


Favorite Character: Ed, Lucy, Daisy, Dylan, Jazz and Leo (in-short all!)

 

Book Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler

Book: The Future of Us - Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler


Publishing Date: November 21st 2011


Read from February 01 to 03, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Contemporary


Goodreads Summary:


It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

My View:

I won't lie to you, my expectations from this book was HUGE!! Reasons for that are: I love previous books of the authors. Thirteen Reasons Why and The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things both are one of my favorites plus the plot just sounded so amazing. 

The story is about Josh and Emma, two friends who accidentally find themselves on the internet in future via Facebook. I mean the idea is genius and I loved it!

The book was so much more than I can describe it. Initially, I thought it will be just about the Facebook or future thing but it had many layers to it. I enjoyed the book and loved it. The characters seemed real and the setting was fabulous. 

The Good:

• The IDEA! It was just genius and so so awesome. I like science fiction books and I love contemporary books. This was two in one.
• The writing was easy and enjoyable. I just didn't wanted to put the book down.
• The whole concept of the ripples was amazing. It played like a mysterious element to me.
• The whole 90's nostalgia! I did actually got my first computer in 1996, I was eight then but I remember. I remember the dial ups and having a e-mail address that time was such a big deal.
• The characters! I loved Josh, another crush worthy character and I know a lot of people hated Emma but I sort of get her too and I liked her. She was flawed but likable. 
• I said it on another review, but I love books that have alternating point of views.
• The music and movies references. Dave Mathews Band, Greenday (Dookie!),  Alanis Morissette and Oasis (I still listen to wonderwall all the time!).

The Bad:

• I really wanted to know more about Kellen and Tyson. 

Overall: 4.5 and a double thumbs up!
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: “When the right moment appears, the key is to not let it pass.”

Favorite Character: Josh

Book Review: Spin by Catherine McKenzie

Book: Spin - Catherine McKenzie


Publishing Date: February 7, 2012


Read from January 17 to February 1, 2012


Genre: Adult Fiction, Chick-Lit, Contemporary


Goodreads Summary: 


Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

My View: 

Spin is about Kate. Or Katie. Whichever. She is a thirty something slacker who suffers from a drinking problem, not that she aware of it. All she want is her dream job at the music magazine, The Line but she gets hammered the night before her interview and losses her chance. The next few weeks goes in a blur with sulking, wine and television. 

Next thing she knows, she gets a call back from The Line and they want her for a special assignment. She has to go undercover and spy on "the" Hollywood scarlet, Amber Shepard in rehab. Katie is ready to do anything for her dream job or so she thinks. 

I was highly surprised by the book. The book was witty, fresh and had some incredible characters. The book could have gone all serious on us but it doesn't. It's a lighthearted, fast paced and a very funny read. 

The character of Katie is hilarious. She is smart, funny and hopeless. If you're looking for a flawed character look no further, Katie is a epitome of it. Even with the lying, scheming and drinking; she is still a very likable character.

The Good:

• The book is incredibily funny. I laughed out loud on many occasions. 
• I really liked Katie. She is convinced she doesn't have a drinking problem and so her interactions and reactions with people in rehab are entertaining and funny.
• I loved Katie interactions with Saundra, the therapist.
• Music! I loved the music aspect of the book. The references of artists and songs. It actually made me fell is love with "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree" all over again. 
• The book has a array of very interesting characters. I liked Amber, Henry, Saundra, Greer, Joanna and Rory,

The Bad:

• I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. I don't know exactly why but I think the writing is way better in the second half.
• This is not an issue book and it doesn't take itself very seriously. If anyone is looking for a issue book this might not be your cup of tea or better your glass a wine.
• The realistic factor of the book is pretty low but who cares it's just a fun book.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: "Like U2 says. I'm stuck in a moment I can't get out of.
You said it, Bono. And a nice guitar riff, The Edge. You work that shit."

Favorite Character: Katie, Amber and Greer.

Thanks HarperCollins via Netgallery for the arc!  

Book Review: Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen #1) by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Book: Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen #1) - Catherine Gilbert Murdock


Publishing Date: April 30th 2006


Read from January 24 to 26, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Sports, Chick-Lit


Goodreads Summary:


When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D.J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

My View:

Another one of those books that was sitting on my TBR pile for sometime now. 

Dairy Queen is about 15 year old D.J Schwenk, she is big, tall, hardworking, strong and much to her dismay runs the family farm. She is stuck doing all the chores because of her father's injury. She lives with her parents and a little brother, who doesn't like to talk. The Schwenk love their farm and their football. Both of her older brothers and star football players are away at college and she hasn't talked to them for the past seven months because of a family feud. D.J is overwhelmed with school work and farm work and when Brian Nelson, a rival team quarter back come to offer a helping hand she is not so pleased at first. The summer D.J thought would surely suck turned out to be a summer that teaches her lot. She form unlikely friendships and learn to talk and express her feelings.

If I have to hold a conversation regarding American football I can assure you I will be utterly lost. But, even though the book is filled with football I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. D.J is an amazing character and the premise of the story is very fresh and interesting.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series. 

The Good:

• D.J: She is so ordinary and yet so different. She is unlike any other heroins out there. She has a very distinctive voice. I love the fact, that is so reflective about her surrounding, thoughts and feelings.
• The story, background and the whole family dynamics are a breath of fresh air. 
• I love the fact that Brain is not a conventional love interest. He is flawed and that's what makes him so real.  
• Every character in the book is someone you know and can relate to.  
• The story is about normal and real people in normal and real situations. 
• The sports/football aspect of the book. I love sports movies and this book is just like that. An under dog story.
• The book is full of humor, which is always a good thing.

The Bad:

• The first person narrative could be annoying for some. I loved it though. 

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 5/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.”

Favorite Character: D.J, Brian & Carter

Book Review: The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

Book: The One That I Want - Jennifer Echols

Publishing Date: December 6th 2011

Read from January 21 to 23, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

My View: 

Boy oh boy! I don't know how will I justify my ratings and comments about this book. The book was not very original, nor the subject matter was very interesting. I just read Keeping the Moon, which sort of have the same subject but  Keeping the Moon was a lot serious than this one.

The One That I Want is about Gemma, who is still trying to figure out who she really is. Her only friend or so-called friend is Addison, who is always mean to her. Gemma has lost a whole bunch of weight and has just made it to the majorette team. At majorette camp Gemma and Addison come across Max and Carter, from a rival school who are their for football camp. 

Gemma is instantly attracted to Max, the guy who was staring at her while she practiced her majorette routine. But then Max asks Addison out even though Gemma and Max has this incredible connection. To make the matters worse Gemma is stuck with Carter, who is dull and boring.

Normally, this is not the kind of book I like but i really enjoyed this one. The characters were nice and the writing was addictive. I loved Max, he was so swoon worthy.

Even though the story was not new, I would still recommend this book to anyone because of Echols writing.  

The Good:

• As i said already, the writing was just amazing, addictive, easy to read and very good. 
• I loved Gemma, her attitude, her purple streaks, her insecurities and her relationship with Addison. (I have had that friend!)
• Max oh Max. Max was funny, charming and very very sexy. I loved the fact that he was Japanese.
• The interaction between Gemma and Max was frustrating but funny and sweet.

The Bad:

• I hated Addison. Addison was mean, shallow and self centered and I wanted to choke her. 
• It was predictable but cute nonetheless. 
• I wanted more of Delilah and Robert.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 3.5/5
Cover: 3.5/5

Favorite Character: Max and Gemma 

Book Review: Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

Book: Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen


Publishing Date: September 1st 1999


Read from January 19 to 20, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Coming of Age


Goodreads Summary:


Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along.

My Views:

I have a few confessions to make before I write any further. One, this my second book by Sarah Dessen. I am embarrassed to admit it, but it's true. Second, This book is been sitting on my shelf for the past 4 - 5 years. Again, total embarrassment.

Keeping the Moon is about Colie, who never really had any friends. Because of all the moving around she did as a child and because she was overweight. The story starts when Colie is send to Colby, to her aunt for the summer. She is forty pounds lighter but still very lonely. Her mother is the queen of workout infomercials and is away a lot of the times. Colie is not looking forward to the summer and expects the worst out of the situation. Little did she know, that this summer will change her forever. 

Keeping the Moon was a short and easy read. The story was inspiring and beautiful. The characters were very interesting and different and the writing was just brilliant. I cried a lot reading this book. It was very touching and powerful. The book was written in 1999 but it has such a timeless feel to it. 

The Good:

• The writing was brilliant and compelling.
• The character were very unique and original. Norman was not the handsome boy next door and Aunt Mira was so eccentric and fascinating.
• I love the camaraderie between Morgan and Isabel. Morgan was naive and sweet. Isabel, on the other hand was tough and witty. Their friendship was cute and funny.
• Colie, as the protagonist was awkward, insecure and quite. Which made her very relatable.
• The book made me laugh and cry alot.  

The Bad:

• There was nothing really bad with the book but, it gets predictable at times.
• Morgan's plot was a wee bit too dramatic for me.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “All the bitchy girls in the world are just a training ground for what men can do to you.”

Favorite Character: Colie,  Norman & Isabel. 

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Book: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn & David Levithan


Publishing Date: October 26th 2010


Read from January 17 to 18, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

“I’ve left some clues for you. 

If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

My View: 

I was really excited to read this book, because I simply loved the last book by the duo (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist). I really really liked this book as well. It was hilarious and features two very charming characters. I laughed out loud a lot during this book and finished it in a day, which usually doesn't happen with me. I just couldn't put the book down!

The plot is really engrossing. The story starts with Dash, who finds a red moleskine notebook in his favorite book store, next to his favorite book. The book is planted by Lily, and is filled with little dares. Dash starts to play along with the dares. For most part of the book Dash and Lily never meet face to face and only communicates with the help of the red notebook. 

Both characters are lonely and are looking for love and companionship. The dares they give each other are hilarious. I just couldn't stop smiling that stupid smile while reading this book. 

How I wish I could also have my own lovable geeky snarly boy. In short, I loved this book for it's comical genius. 

The Good: 

• It's funny! I mean really, one of the funniest book I have ever read.
• I loved Lily. She was quirky, funny, bubbly, sweet and so damn cute.
• The dares were fun and very exciting. And did I mention hilarious!
• Dash was so comical. I mean he was the epitome of snarl and totally crush worthy. 
• The backdrop of New York and holiday season did wonders for the book. 
• I love the side characters. Boomer was epic! Aunt Ida, I wish I had a great aunt like that. Cousin Mark, I have a cousin like that. 
• And I loved the interaction between aunt Ida and Dash.

The Bad:

• I have to admit, the book was so unrealistic in parts but it still made me laugh a lot.
• The characters seemed too sophisticated to be 16 years old.

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 5/5
Cover: 5/5

Favorite Quote: “I showed him the Post-it. “You see They’re from Lily.”
“Who’s Lily?”

“Some girl.”

“Ooh … a girl!”

“Boomer, we’re not in third grade anymore. You don’t say, ‘Ooh … a girl!’”

“What? You f**king her?”

“Okay, Boomer, you’re right. I liked ‘Ooh … a girl!’ much more than that.
Let’s stick with ‘Ooh … a girl!”

Favorite Character: Lily, Dash, Boomer, Aunt Ida and Cousin Mark

Book Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Book: Love Story - Jennifer Echols


Publishing Date: July 19th 2011


Read from January 11 to 13, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance


She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

My View: 

This is my first book by Jennifer Echols, who is a famous for her contemporary romance novels. Love Story is a sweet, fun and frustrating at times. It's fast paced book and uses very original methods for conveying the story. 

Love Story is about Erin, who grew up in Kentucky with her grandmother. She aspires to be a writer in New York City, much to her grandmother dismay. When her grandmother learns about her plans, her grandmother disinherit's her and gives her college fund and the family farm to Hunter, the stable boy. Now Erin has no money and has to work her way through college, her only solace is her creative writing class and soon that happiness is also snatched away from her when surprisingly, her former friend and now enemy Hunter joins the class. The two has a long history with each other and through their stories they get reacquainted.   

The story is somewhat original and very quirky, the presentation is very fresh and new. I love how the book starts with one of the stories that Erin has written for her creative writing class. The stories within the story is a fantastic device and it is used very interestingly. 

Erin and Hunter are very interesting characters. They have this love hate relationship going that makes this book very enjoyable. Hunter is alluring and  mysterious which makes him a very good love interest. Erin is very strong and hardworking which makes her very human. There are many layers to the story and characters which make this book very entertaining.

My only real problem with the book is the ending. If feels a little rushed and abrupt. I would have liked to see the more of these two characters and where they are heading. 

The Good:

• The creative writing classes. The stories that Hunter and Erin wrote, which gave insight on the background of these characters. Plus, the discussion that followed in the class about these stories.
• I really like the side story of Summer and Manohar. They were hilarious!
• The writing was very easy to read and hooking.
• The mystery surrounding Hunter and his intentions.

The Bad: 

• The story can get frustrating at times because the lead characters are so very stubborn.
• The abrupt ending. It left me a little unsatisfied and story felt incomplete. 

Overall: 3.5 and a thumbs up. 

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote:  “I saw myself exactly as he saw me.

And that made me angry.” 

Favorite Character: Hunter, Erin and Manohar

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Book: Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins


Publication Date: December 2nd 2010

Read from January 04 to 06, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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 View:

I am loving 2012 and it's just been 7 days! and one reason for that is amazing books like Anna and the French Kiss. This is a perfect Chick-Lit for a rainy day. It was fun, hilarious, romantic and it made me so giddy. I am still blushing. The characters and the setting both are perfect and I just fell in love with the whole book. 

The story is about Anna, who against her wishes is sent to Paris for her senior year of high school. She doesn't know french and all her family and friends are back home in Atlanta. Things starts looking up for Anna when she meets the handsome French American British guy, St. Clair. The whole book then follows the friendship between Anna and St. Clair. They are funny, ignorant and so in love.

I should tell you, the story is not unique but the writing is brilliant. Stephanie Perkins debut novel is a hit for me. The book is filled with cliches and the biggest one can be the setting, PARIS DUH! But it's just so romantic and awww worthy that I just love every bit of it.

If you are looking for reasons to pick up this book. Chuck everything I said up till now just pick up the book for ST. CLAIR! I have never been so in love with a fictions character in my life. 

This is how I imagine him to look like. (Isn't he a cutie?)

The Good: 

• Anna and St. Clair may be the star of the book but every character in the book is brilliant.
• The setting: Oh Paris how i love you!
• The love story is amazing and awww-some full.
• The Writing is wonderful and fresh. There were times I couldn't keep the book down.
• And St. Clairrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I Love HIM! 

The Bad: 

• The cover! It was the only reason that I didnt pick this book any sooner.

Overall: 5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 5/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “I wish friends held hands more often, like the children I see on the streets sometimes. I'm not sure why we have to grow up and get embarrassed about it.”

Favorite Character: Étienne St. Clair

Book Review: Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

Book: Then Came You - Jennifer Weiner

Publication Date: July 12th 2011

Read from November 06 to 13, 2011

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

The lives of four very different women intertwine in unexpected ways in this new novel by bestselling author Jennifer Weiner (In Her Shoes; Best Friends Forever). Each woman has a problem: Princeton senior Jules Wildgren needs money to help her dad cure his addiction; Pennsylvania housewife Annie Barrow is gasping to stay financially afloat; India Bishop yearns to have a child, an urge that her stepdaughter Bettina can only regard with deeply skepticism until she finds herself in a most unexpected situation. Interlocking dramas designed to ensnare; bound to be a bestseller.

My Review: 

I won't lie, I picked this book with a lot of expectations. This would be my second book of Jennifer Weiner after In Her Shoes, which i really liked. The story seemed interesting and loved the books or movies where there are multiple stories, which come together at the end. 

But.

This was a disappointing read all the way through. The story consist of four women: An egg donor, A surrogate, the intended mother and her mother step-daughter. The book starts okay with each chapter dedicated to one woman but soon you realize that there is actually nothing new or interesting in the book. I found myself bored and skipping paragraphs and it took a long time to finish this book then it normally takes me. 

I was mildly interested in the stories of Annie: The surrogate and Jules: The egg donor but the other stories of India: The mother and Bettina: The step-daughter was not interesting and was borderline annoying. 

The Good:

• The writing was readable and that is the sole reason why I finished the book.

The Bad: 

• The story moves too slowly.
• The characters are not relatable and I never got their motivation. 
• Nothing new in the book and the story seems very stale.

Overall: 2 and a thumbs down!

Writing: 3/5
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
LoL Moments: 2/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Character: Jules and Annie

Book Review: The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver #1) by E. Lockhart

Book : The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver (Ruby Oliver #1) - E. Lockhart


Publication Date: June 24th 2009

Read from January 02 to 04, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Humor

Ruby Oliver is 15 and has a shrink. She knows it’s unusual, but give her a break—she’s had a rough 10 days. In the past 10 days she:

lost her boyfriend (#13 on the list),

lost her best friend (Kim),

lost all her other friends (Nora, Cricket),

did something suspicious with a boy (#10),

did something advanced with a boy (#15),

had an argument with a boy (#14),

drank her first beer (someone handed it to her),

got caught by her mom (ag!),

had a panic attack (scary),

lost a lacrosse game (she’s the goalie),

failed a math test (she’ll make it up),

hurt Meghan’s feelings (even though they aren’t really friends),

became a social outcast (no one to sit with at lunch)

and had graffiti written about her in the girls’ bathroom (who knows what was in the boys’!?!).

But don’t worry—Ruby lives to tell the tale. And make more lists.

My Review: 

I picked up this book because it was sitting on my shelf for wayyyy too long and I had to read it. To be honest I was not excited going into the book coz for some reason I thought it will be too young for my taste and I might not enjoy it. But to my total surprise, I don't know when i started enjoying it and found my self laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

The book is about Ruby Oliver aka Roo, who goes to Tate High School with her best friend Kim and other friends Nora and Cricket. She is semi popular and loves her boyfriend Jackson. But then her perfect world starts to crumble when Jackson dumps her for Kim (Yes! her best friend!) and she starts having panic attacks. She goes into therapy and for strictly therapeutic reasons, find herself making list of her 15 boyfriends (real or not) and along the way she gets to know who she is and what really matters to her.

I loved Roo! She was far from perfect and makes lots of mistakes but then again that's how a teenager is, and that's the reason i find her so relatable. She is insecure, great at talking, intelligent and very ordinary looking. If i was still 15, there is no doubt in my mind that Ruby would be my best friend!

This book was very therapeutic for me. I kept asking myself the questions, that Doctor Z asks Ruby which ultimately gave me a better understanding about myself. (Or so I think!)

I recommend this book to every female on this planet earth and beyond. It was an eye opener for me and I cant wait to read more of Ruby Oliver books.

The Good:

• The book is hilarious. I laughed and giggled almost through out the read.
• To me at least the book gives a message of hope. That after all the crap that happens to you. You can still come out of it feeling okay.
• It is a really fun read and super cute in places.
• Ruby! She is my soul sister!
• Some really crush worthy guys *winks*
• The lists! All the lists not just the boyfriend one. 

The Bad: 

• Not really a flaw in the book, but i freaking hate Kim Yamamoto!
• Well i am a sucker for tears and i didn't cry.

Overall: 4 and a two thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 3/5

LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote:   “I hate those endless descriptions of a heroine's physical attributes . . . it really bothers me how in books it seems like the only two choices are perfection or self-hatred. As if readers will only like a character who's ideal--or completely shattered.”

Favorite Character: Ruby Oliver, Noel DuBoise and Gideon Van Deusen