Waiting On Wednesday

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Book: Like Mandarin

Author: Kirsten Hubbard

Release date: March, 2011

Summary:

It's hard to find beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming. Fourteen-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances and pickup trucks adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild girl Mandarin Ramey: seventeen, shameless and utterly carefree.

Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin.

When the misfits are united for a project, they embark on an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and constantly searching for someplace magic. Grace even plays along when Mandarin suggests they make a pact to run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds that plague their badlands town.

But all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, even the best friendships can't withstand betrayal.

This one sounds like an interesting story, I'm already curious about Mandarin and what makes her so intriguing....

She's So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott

She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

Release date: May 25th, 2010

Source: Bought

My Summary:

Ally Ryan used to have it all, until her father's financial investment went downhill...along with all the money he invested using money from family friends. The Ryan's had to pack up and leave, and the life Ally knew was gone for good. Until Ally and her mom land back in Orchard Hill long after Ally's dad vanishes without a word. Ally's mom has secured a new job in the city they swore to never go back to, and a decent living space. Too bad Ally's old friends aren't too happy to see her. The only one that seems to make the slightest effort is Jake Graydon, the newest addition to Ally's old circle of friends. Drama and scandal ensue as the unlikely pair grow closer, and old grudges are brought even closer to the surface...

Review: Addictive, scandalous, and all-over exciting, She's So Dead To Us has got me wishing the sequel was already out.

Every page of this book had me hooked, which is definitely one of Scott's specialties. The narrative alternates between Ally and Jake, giving an intimate insight on both characters. Its easy to automatically sympathized with Ally, especially when her old friends decide that they are done with her. Even with Jake, there were moments when he follows the crowd, and I wanted to hate him…really, I did want to. But I couldn’t. He’s a flawed guy, but he has some redeeming qualities (just like Ally). The supporting characters were all dynamic as well, although I would have loved to see more of Annie and David (and perhaps I will in the sequel!).

Highlights: Scott is a master at keeping the pages turning. It's always difficult to put any of her books down. Plus, the ending (hello, cliffhanger) has got me intrigued for the sequel, He's So Not Worth It. SSDTU is a guilty pleasure, much like Scott's books under her pen name, Kate Brian (The Private Series). 

Lowlights: It was simple enough to tell at some points what was going to happen, but I didn't ever really see anything wrong with that. I still had fun reading, and still found myself surprised at a few other points. 

Rating:   

The Girl From Atlantis by Richard Schenkman Review

Book: The Girl From Atlantis

Author: Richard Schenkman

Age: Middle Grade/MG

Release date: February 8th, 2010

Source: Author

My Summary: 

Ever since Athena Crowley was young, she's always loved the water and had the natural ability to stay afloat. Yet, as she grows older, Athena can't remember life with her mother, who was lost in a terrible accident at sea. Luckily, she's always had her supportive and caring father, Robert, around. 

But now, when Athena's father goes off on a business trip, eleven-year-old Athena finally discovers a reason for why she always hear an annoying buzzing sound whenever she plunges below the ocean water's surface: she can hear and talk with sea creatures. With a helpful sea turtle and an adventerous spirit, Athena embarks on a journey to Atlantis, and what she finds there may change her life completely.

Review: Sweet and fun, The Girl From Atlantis is perfect for a light, summer read for those of you who enjoy middle grade novels.

Athena is spunky and fearless, I'm definitely envious of the girl! She's adventurous, and she's always had a talent of working with sea animals, as well as an unusual natural ability in water. Her character was fun to follow (third person narrative), and I enjoyed reading about life in Atlantis. The reasonings for certain things (like how they cook underwater) were interesting, and actually made a lot of sense.

The novel starts from Athena as a toddler, so it isn't until around chapter nine that the book finally catches up to the main plot of the story. The Girl From Atlantis is fun, fresh, and a great story if you're feeling a different take on Atlantis and it's residents. 

Highlights: I thought I had the ending guessed completely before I got there, and was a bit surprised to find that it didn't quite end the way I thought it would. But what I loved the most was how artwork was included with the story. The art brings the story to life, and added that extra spark. 

Lowlights: The first however many chapters seemed a bit too much for building background with Athena and her father (as well as explanations about her mother). I was surprised by just how much of the story dealt with the story before going to Atlantis. I've also read better written MG novels, but I still really enjoyed the story. 

Rating:   

Vacation

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know that I may not be hanging around much in the blogosphere this Monday through Friday because I'll be going on vacation with my family.

But I should still have posts going up. And if I'm able to access a computer, I'll try to comment on everyone else's blogs like normal. For those of you who may send emails to me this week, just please be patient and I'll get back to you as soon as I possibly can.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week =)

In My Mailbox 31

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren

For Review: 

Minder by Kate Kaynak (signed!)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver (*jumps up and down with joy*)

Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett (aka, The Page Flipper)

Alexis by Alexis Singer

Hannah by Hannah Westberg 

(last three for a tour, where I'll be reviewing Rae)

Won:

Signed bookplate and a bookmark from Dianne Salerni 

Soulless by Gail Carriger 

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King (both books from Lizzy!)

We Hear the Dead from Teen Fire

Thanks to Kate, Elyse, Lisa, Dianne, Lizzy, and Paul for everything!

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend, 

Blog Tour: Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Today I have the wonderful Tricia Rayburn here to answer some questions about herself and her newest novel. Tricia Rayburn is the author of tween and teen books like the Maggie Bean series, Ruby's Slippers, and her YA novel that's the first part of a trilogy, Siren. 

Quick! Describe Siren in 7 words or less!

Quaint coastal town plagued by mysterious deaths!

What inspired you to write Siren?

Despite loving swimming and the beach, I now won’t go swimming AT the beach.  I’m too scared of sea creatures—sharks, jellyfish, crabs, you name it!  This recent fear made me think about what else might be lurking beneath the surface, and the idea for Siren grew from there.

Who is your favorite character (excluding Vanessa, the narrator) in Siren and why?

I love them all, but besides Vanessa, Simon’s probably my favorite—because he’s her favorite, too!

I've got admit, I'm a fan of Simon too! If you could live a day in any book and as any character, what book and character would you choose?

I’d love to see Hogwarts from Hermione’s perspective!

Ooh, nice answer! Anything else you'd like to say?

Thanks so much for having me!  I hope your readers enjoy Siren.  :)

Thank you for answering my questions, Tricia! 

Siren is in stores now. If you haven't read this one yet, you MUST go read it! This book rocks, so don't miss out! You can read my review of it here. 

Waiting On Wednesday

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Book: The Lipstick Laws

Author: Amy Holder (visit her blog, she's so nice!)

Release date: April 4th, 2011 

Summary: 

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Kahn, and can ruin anyone's life as easily as snapping her perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. With zero friends and nothing close to a boyfriend, April is so unpopular, kids don't know she exists. That is, until Britney notices her. One lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Britney's friendship comes with a price tag.

How much is April willing to pay?

The current cover rocks, and so does the plot! Plus, how do you not love that title? It all makes me so curious!

What are you guys waiting on?