Since You Asked by Maurene Goo Review

(Photo credit: hellosgiggles.com)

 

 

Since you asked… I did not like Since You Asked by Maurene Goo.

            Since You Asked chronicles fifteen-year-old Holly Kim’s sophomore year. After writing a scandalous article for the school newspaper, Holly is given her own newspaper column where she gives her brutally honest opinion about everything regarding high school. As Holly navigates homecoming drama and crushes, she realizes everyone may not be what they seem and high school may not really be as terrible as she originally believes.

            First of all, I must discuss the cover photo. It looks like a freshman girl’s heavily edited Instagram photo, or the Picnik editing on Facebook photos that was popular when I was a freshman in high school. The cover did not give me high expectations for this book. However, it is much worse than I originally expected.

            I absolutely hate the main character Holly. The only thing that she does the entire book is complain. My high school years have gone, and I know that I complained a time or two about assignments and what not. But this girl… ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is worth complaining about. While this may be the author trying to make her relatable, she just comes off bratty at times. One time in particular, Holly complains because her mother is allowing her to pick out her own Christmas presents. She throws an entire fit and it just makes her seem so ungrateful.

            Another major problem I have with the novel is Holly’s column. This is what drives the whole story, but to me, it is very unbelievable that what she would write would appear in a school newspaper. I was an editor for a high school newspaper and if a student wrote something like Holly would, they would never get their own column. Besides, Holly actually swears and tears apart student groups in some of her pieces. This would never be tolerated in a school newspaper. While I understand this is what moves the story along, as someone that was in a school newspaper, it comes across as unbelievable.

            For me, this story just didn’t do it. It only manages to earn 2 stars for this reviewer.

 

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I borrowed Since You Asked from the library.



Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins Review

(Photo: stephanieperkins.com)

 

 

            If you have not heard of Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, you probably are not a fan of YA fiction. Anna and The French Kiss is a favorite among YA fanatics and I am no exception. Naturally, I had to pick up Lola and the Boy Next Door. After reading, I can happily say that Stephanie Perkins did not suffer from a sophomore slump, and I even like Lola and the Boy Next Door more than Anna and the French Kiss.

            Lola and the Boy Next Door follows Lola Nolan, a girl who lives in San Francisco and has a passion for outrageous costumes. Lola’s parents do not like Lola's older boyfriend, but Lola is perfectly content… that is, until the Bell family moves back in next door. Years before, Lola had a ‘thing’ with Cricket Bell. Now years later, it seems as if their spark has not diminished.

            I absolutely adore Lola and the Boy Next Door, even more so than Anna and the French Kiss. While I feel that Anna and the French Kiss is slightly too overdramatic by the ending (kind of like Degrassi), Lola and the Boy Next Door is consistently amazing. Although some may think that the plot is too similar to Anna and the French Kiss (character is already in a relationship, but likes the other character, etc.), the unique characters definitely make Lola and the Boy Next Door its own special novel.

            I LOVE Lola. She is honestly one of my favorite YA characters. She is just so unique. Her struggles didn’t just consist of liking a boy. She also has problems finding out who she truly is underneath all the costumes. 

            Cricket is such a cute love interest. Whereas I find St. Clair flirtier, Cricket is slightly awkward. He is literally so cute. Every time Lola walks into a room, he gets so excited. Seriously, it is adorable. I also like how he is an inventor. It makes him stand apart from other male YA love interests.

            Lola and Cricket have such a cute relationship. I find that some YA relationships come off as forced, but Lola and Cricket naturally fit together. Their relationship progressed a little too slowly for the fan girl in me, but I appreciate that they do not get together in a day. 

            One aspect of Lola and the Boy Next Door that is 'eh’ is Anna and St. Clair. While I like having them part of the story, I feel ar times they are just in the story too much. Throughout the entire book they act all cute-sy, and sometimes it is just cute over kill.

            So, why do I prefer Lola and the Boy Next Door to Anna and the French Kiss? It feels more real. Don’t get me wrong, Anna and the French Kiss is a realistic love story. But, it takes place in Paris, has a love interest with a British accent, and the final kiss overlooks the entire city. Lola and the Boy Next Door takes place in San Francisco with just an average boy next door, which I personally find more relatable.

            All in all, Lola and the Boy Next Door is not one to be missed. I can’t wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After! 

 

Disclaimer: I purchased Lola and the Boy Next Door with my own money. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten Review

(Photo credit: amazon.com)

           It is rare that a book completely takes me by surprise. Honestly, I was not expecting much from Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Judging by the cover, I thought it would just be another fluffy YA novel that is simply good for passing the time. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Although Wherever Nina Lies isn’t the most well-written novel, I found that I enjoyed it far more than I originally expected.

            Wherever Nina Lies follows sixteen-year-old Ellie, who’s older sister Nina mysteriously disappeared two years earlier. Although Ellie’s friend Amanda says that Ellie should “get over it,” Ellie decides to reinvestigate her sister’s disappearance after finding one of her paintings stashed away in a box. This painting leads Ellie on a wild goose chase across the country with her new crush, Sean. Each stop along the way unravels the mystery surrounding Nina’s disappearance, which could be more deadly than Ellie ever imagined.

            Wherever Nina Lies is a surprising novel. Even though it is not the most well-written book, the plot makes the book significantly better. It is fast-paced with tons of twist and turns that kept me interested on each page. Recently, I have struggled to find a book that makes me want to keep reading and reading until I reach the end. I did not encounter this problem with Wherever Nina Lies. The author does a wonderful job of making the book so mysterious that I kept turning the pages to find out the ending (and find more clues to guess the ending myself).

            I actually really enjoyed Ellie’s character. She would stop at nothing to find her older sister, even when everyone told her to stop. I found this extremely admirable, and being a younger sister myself, I connected with the whole sister relationship. Yes, I think that Ellie is stupid for so easily trusting a guy that she just met, but her sheer determination to find her sister no matter what the cost makes her a lovable protagonist.

            The only downfall to the story is that parts of the plot are highly unbelievable. Ellie’s mom does not even call her to see if she is alright. I understand that Ellie mentions that she typically sleeps at her friend’s house every night. However, it seems as if Ellie’s mom would at least be concerned, even if she did receive a call from Ellie saying that she is staying at her friend’s house. After all, Ellie is under eighteen and she does not return to her house for clothes or anything for an entire week. In addition, most of Ellie’s hunches come from guessing and all her hunches are correct. While this does move the story along, it is very unbelievable.

            Despite its flaws, Wherever Nina Lies is a fun mystery that it bound to keep you entertained. I highly recommend it!

 

Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

           

Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman Review

(Photo: authorsnow.com)

 

How do I breathe without you? If you ever go, How do I ever, ever survive?

            Okay, so no this book is not about Leann Rimes. But, those lines describe this book perfectly. Actually, that’s what I first thought after reading the description. So, was Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman a hit like that Leann Rimes song? Um, not quite.

            Breathing follows Savannah, a fifteen-year-old girl who suffers from severe asthma that often leaves her hospitalized. At the beginning of the summer, Savannah meets Jackson, an older boy that immediately steals her heart. The two instantly become absorbed in a summer romance. However, when Jackson must leave to help his recently divorced mother, Savannah fears that she will not be able to figuratively or physically breathe without him.

            I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from Breathing since I hadn’t read very many reviews on the book. However, I did find the whole tagline to be slightly cheesy, so I feared that the book would suffer the same fate. After reading, my fears were confirmed.

            There’s not denying that the book centers around the romance. I thoroughly enjoyed how Jackson treats Savannah with respect. How well that he treats her is refreshing in a genre overcrowded with drama-filled love triangles and overly flirty/arrogant love interests. Yet, at times, their relationship is almost a little too perfect. Within only a time or two of meeting each other, they become so undyingly in love that it is unbelievable (even if it is a quickly heated summer romance).

            At first, I really liked Savannah. Her country twang and struggles with asthma make her a unique protagonist. However, like many YA protagonist, she pines for her boyfriend throughout the entire book. Let me make this clear. I don’t find girls weak for thinking about a guy or wanting to be with their boyfriend. But when a character literally belittles their friend’s relationship because she doesn’t think it is as real as her’s, mopes for half the book when she can’t see her boyfriend, almost gives up her entire future for said boyfriend, and constantly nags him about everything, I just want to scream because it’s so annoying! I know this is typically, overdramatic teenage girl behavior, but when the main character only whines about her boyfriend and nothing else, it gets old fast.

            My favorite character has to be Savannah’s mom. She adds depth to the story and her hesitancy to trust another man is very believable. She works hard for her family, and even though she can be rough around the edges, it’s clear that she truly cares for Savannah. I absolutely loved her character. While Dog is the typical annoying younger brother, I liked his storyline. Although I could predict it, it adds a nice touch to the story.

            As I mentioned before, I found the breathing aspect to be quite cheesy. Asthma is a unique topic and it is tied up nicely at the end, but the “How can I breathe without you?!” part was just too cheesy. I am not kidding you… Savannah actually says those words to Jackson. I think that I literally cringed.

            Breathing is a good choice if you are searching for a unique summer romance. Despite the somewhat cheesy premise, the book is decent and worth checking out.



Disclaimer: I borrowed Breathing from the library. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Breanna Blabbers: YA Covers That I Love

            We’re told to never judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to YA covers, it’s to hard to resist! What are my favorite YA covers? Find out below!

 

       

 

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this blabber. All thoughts and opinions are my own! Photo credit goes to goodreads.com!

 

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen Review

(Photo: goodreads.com)

            To say that I like Sarah Dessen’s novels is an understatement. Not only am I completely in love with the characters and get immersed in the setting, but I also connect to the novels on a deeper level. So, when I discovered that her newest book would hit shelves this summer, I literally could not stand the wait. However, after reading The Moon and More, I am sad to say that I am slightly disappointed, as the novel didn’t exactly reach my expectations (although it was still good).

            The Moon and More follows Emaline during the summer before she leaves for college. Everything seems to be changing in Emaline’s life all at once—she breaks up with the boyfriend that she has been dating since the ninth grade, her mostly absentee biological father reappears after months without communication, and a cute New Yorker named Theo helping with a documentary about a local artist has caught her eye. With so much in her life changing, Emaline is torn between her roots in Colby and the new, lavish future that Theo promises.

            Out of all Sarah Dessen’s books, I find this one the least engaging (at least, for the first half, that is). Now, in her other books, there is no huge catastrophic event, no real big ka-pow like say, in a dystopian novel. I acutally like how her books document people's everyday lives, which can sometimes be anti-climatic. However, in The Moon and More, I found myself... dare I say, bored? While there is some drama at the beginning of the novel, I found myself kind of bored throughout the first half. It felt like absolutely nothing was happening except background to the present day. I like Dessen's flashbacks, but in this, it seemed like not much was happening during the present day until at least one hundred pages into the story.

            Sarah Dessen books are known for the romance. Wes, Owen, and Dexter are all love interests that swept me off my feet. While I understand that the romance isn’t the main focus of this novel, I expected to at least have one or two sa-woon moments. However, I was greatly disappointed as I didn’t really like either of the love interests. Luke is perfectly fine, just your average typical boy. While he isn't anything to write home about (although very realistic), I enjoyed him far more than Theo. I couldn’t find myself rooting for Emaline and Theo at all. Emaline constantly compared Theo to her ten-year-old half brother Benji, so it was hard to look past this image, especially since Theo behaved like a child at certain points in the book. I hate how he belittled Colby and how he thinks he’s better and more refined since he lives in New York City. His arrogant attitude got on my nerves so much that I wanted to punch him at parts of the novel. Literally everything that came out of his mouth makes him seem like a jerk. I didn’t like their relationship at all.

            While I didn’t particularly like these male characters that much, I did love Benji. He was cute and added depth to the story. I enjoyed reading every part that he is in. As for the other secondary characters, I was a tad under whelmed. Dessen typically makes her secondary characters memorable and they add to the story. For me, they weren’t as developed as her other characters in other novels. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Daisy, Morris, and the rest of her family. They each had their own individual, unique personalities. However, I just felt like something was missing from these characters that are present in her other novels.

            Although I didn’t like these aspects of the book, I liked how this Sarah Dessen book felt more real and raw than some of her other ones. As I mentioned previously, I am a sucker for Dessen romances. While I was somewhat sad that I didn’t like the love interests, I am actually happy that this story didn’t have the typical happily-ever-after ending that many of her books have. It felt real and more mature than some of Dessen’s other novels and it’s something that I appreciated as a happily-ever-after would have seemed silly and out of place in this novel. 

            However, my favorite part of the entire novel is the family aspect, especially Emaline’s relationship with her biological father. Dessen wrote the scenes between Emaline and her father perfectly and their ending is believable and adds a great touch to the story. Likewise, I appreciated Emaline's relationship with her family. It felt very real.

            As always, make sure to keep an eye out for mentions of characters in previous novels. There’s a bunch, but I won’t spoil any of them for you!

            So, while I was somewhat disappointed that some aspects of the novel didn’t reach my high expectations, I did enjoy The Moon and More. While the beginning is slow, the ending is superb. Some may not like the more mature tone of The Moon and More, but it is still a good story that is worth your time.  

Disclaimer: I borrowed The Moon and More from my library (but I hope to own it soon!) I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler Review

(Photo credit: goodreads.com)

 

          They say never to judge a book by its cover… but I just couldn’t help myself with this one! The cover drew me in. It is seriously one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. At first, I expected this to be a light summer novel. With the title and the cute cover, I expected it to be about girls who go on vacation and meet boys. You know, your typical summer romance. However, after reading it, I can say this is definitely not your typical summer novel.

           Twenty Boy Summer follows Anna. Anna has always had a crush on her best friend Frankie’s older brother, Matt. When Matt kisses her on her fifteenth birthday, they secretly start dating. Matt decides that he will tell Frankie about his relationship with Anna when he and Frankie go on vacation to Zanzibar Bay. However, this never happens—before they go on vacation, Matt dies from a heart condition that nobody knew about.

            Thirteen months later, Frankie is still in the dark about Anna and Matt’s relationship and Anna is still not over Matt’s death. When Frankie asks Anna to go to Zanzibar Bay, she proposes that they meet 20 different boys to have the ‘Absolute Best Summer Ever.’ Anna is hesitant to agree with Frankie’s plan, but when she does she does not expect to fall in love or confront Matt’s death for good. 

            Twenty Boy Summer is beautifully written. Unlike most young adult novels, Twenty Boy Summer is not full of designer references, mean girls, or vampires. Instead, Ockler crafts a nearly perfect story full of love and heartbreak that left me experiencing the same emotions as the characters in the story. I seriously NEVER cry when reading books or watching movies. However, this book made me tear up quite a few times. Be prepared to go through a box of tissues on one page and laugh out loud on the next!

            However, what makes this novel so special are the characters. Each character has a different personality and deals with death in a different way. I could easily relate to many of the characters, and I don’t think anyone else would have much trouble either since there is such a variety.

            Even though I loved all the characters, Matt is definitely one of my favorites of the bunch . While he is only in the book for the first few chapters, the flashbacks that are sprinkled throughout the rest of the novel make you fall in love with him just as Anna did. However, the only downside to this is that I did not like Anna’s summer fling, Sam, as much as I loved Matt.

            The only bad part in Twenty Boy Summer is Frankie’s parents’ case of ‘missing parent syndrome.’ Even though Frankie says that they pick and choose what they want to hear, it becomes increasingly unbelievable that her parents never know about her and Anna’s true whereabouts. Throughout the novel, Frankie and Anna venture off on their own, even as far as San Francisco which is two hours away, and Frankie’s parents do not catch onto their lying. While it allows the characters to have a wild and care-free summer, it just comes off as unbelievable.

           Although the cover suggests that Twenty Boy Summer is an easy beach read, it is not a light novel and can be enjoyed anytime of the year.

Disclaimer: I borrowed Twenty Boy Summer from the library (but I need to own it because it is one of my favorite books!). I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!



Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Beach Reads (however YOU define a beach read!)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's 'Top Ten' is Top Ten Beach Reads. I define a beach read as a short, light, and fluffy book to pass the time while tanning. While some of these are more fluffy than others, they are all great books for a day at the beach! That being said, let's get into the list!

1. The Boyfriend League by Rachel Hawthorne- Danielle wants a boyfriend and loves baseball, so the perfect solution is to get a baseball-playing boyfriend. When the newspaper advertises that the local summer team needs homes for players, Danielle volunteers and falls in love with the cute pitcher. A light, summer read with a cute love interest and some funny moments!
2. So Inn Love by Catherine Clark- In So Inn Love, Liza works at an inn that's right on the ocean. She doesn't expect to fall in love or meet up with her old childhood friend that suddently acts as if they have no history. Like The Boyfriend League, this is a fluffy book with a cute romance!
3. Thrill Ride by Rachel Hawthorne- Megan leaves her boyfriend to work at an amusement park (that I swear is Cedar Point). Thrill Ride is the perfect beach read because it's just plain fun. It's nothing too deep and has some cute romantic moments.
4. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson- Though not fluffy like the other books I have mentioned, 13 Little Blue Envelopes would be great for the beach! Ginny recieves 13 envelopes, which take her on a crazy adventure through Europe. The traveling aspect of the book and the quirky characters make it a great choice for the beach!
5. Beneath the Glitter by Elle and Blair Fowler- If you like reading magazines at the beach, you'll like reading Beneath the Glitter there as well. In Beneath the Glitter, Sophia and Ava London hit up the Hollywood social scene after their popular YouTube videos go viral and they work on their makeup line. It's a fluffy, Hollywood glitz novel that's perfect for anyone who loves reading People magazine at the beach.
6. Girl At Sea by Maureen Johnson- Like 13 Little Blue Envelopes, this isn't exactly a fluffy novel like the others. Girl at Sea follows Clio as she sails on a boat around the Mediterranean with her father and his crew in search of a treasure. This is a cool story that mixes a past event with the present. The Mediterranean and boat aspects of the book make it a cool book to read while at the beach.
7. Killer Cruise by Jennifer Shaw- So, who's trying to kill the birthday girl? That is what Ashley (the birthday girl) is trying to figure out when she sets sail on a cruise ship with her friends for her sixteenth birthday. With a some romance and a killer (pun intended) mystery, Killer Cruise is a slightly different choice for beach read.
8. Past Perfect by Leila Sales- Chelsea works at a colonial village for the summer that has a rivalry with the village from across the street. Chelsea unexpectedly falls in love... but with the enemy. Past Perfect is funny and original, but not very deep, which makes it perfect for the beach!
9. Picture Perfect by Catherine Clark- Emily goes on a vacation with her family and family friends in the Outer Banks. While she meets some cute guys, it is a guy from the past that has her heart. Like Thrill Ride and So Inn Love, Picture Perfect is a light, fluffy novel with a cute romance and the perfect beach setting for a read at the beach.
10. Reality Check by Jen Calonita- This book will make you never want to be on a reality show (as if Jersey Shore wasn't enough). Charlie and her three best friends become insta-celebrities when they are given their own reality show. However, their friendship threatens to fall apart when on screen drama becomes off screen drama as well. Just like Beneath the Glitter, Reality Check is perfect for those who like reading magazines like People while at the beach.

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this article. All thoughts and opinions are my own! Credit for Top Ten Tuesday goes to The Broke and the Bookish.

Breanna Blabbers: My Favorite Love Interests

 

(Photo credit: thehungergames.wikia.com)

       They make our hearts beat faster. They make us fan girl. And they make us fall in love with them. No, I'm not talking about One Direction. I'm talking about the boys of YA fiction. Here are my favorite YA guys and why:

♥Dexter from This Lullaby- I LOVE DEXTER. Wes has always been my favorite Sarah Dessen guy...but Dexter is definitely creeping up on him! I seriously fell head over heels the second he came into the story. The whole part about "our song" was just so cute! He has quirks and I love them!

♥Finnick from The Hunger Games- When Finnick first appeared in Catching Fire, I was like, "Peeta and Gale, who?" Seriously though, who doesn't love Finnick? Whenever someone asks me who I would want to be in The Hunger Games, I say Annie. Every. Single. Time. (And, by the way, how perfect is Sam Claflin? I LOVE him in Pirates of the Caribbean.)

 ♥Four from Divergent- Tris is one lucky gal. I seriously love Four. I like that his flaws are real, like being afraid of Marcus. Sometimes YA guys have "flaws," which aren't really flaws. But Four has them, and they make him such a great character. And such a great love interest. Um, where can I find myself a Four?

♥Wes from The Truth About Forever- Every single time that Wes appears on a page I seriously go straight into fangirl mode. I do not know what it is, but I just start squealing and jumping around. I think my family questions my sanity whenever I read The Truth About Forever. I honestly have no idea what is, but I just love him SO much.

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this article. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Book Haul: June 5, 2013

 

I purchased That Summer by Sarah Dessen yesterday for only $1.99! Now I only need three books to complete my Sarah Dessen collection-What Happened to Goodbye, Someone Like You, and The Moon and More. This isn't really a haul, as it is only one book, but I thought I would share it with you since I love Sarah Dessen. I must say, I really love this cover. The colors are so pretty and it makes me want to go to the beach! I also haven't read That Summer in forever, so I'll need to read it again.

Book Haul: June 2, 2013

 

Today I purchased Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. I enjoyed Anna and The French Kiss, so I am excited to check this one out! Plus, I only paid two dollars for it.