Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth.

Speak is an amazing book. From the first sentence, you will be pulled into the world of Melinda Sordina. Her honesty will make you think and notice what is really happening in her world and yours. I understand how she became quiet, because I do that when I am upset. The plot of Speak does seem a bit slow at the beginning, but actually grows to be very entertaining and interesting. This book is also not a light read. I think fans of Stephanie Kuenert will enjoy it.

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

I am interested on how this book will be. The Twilight series is okay.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in fragile bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the thinnest. But then Cassie suffers the ultimate loss-her life-and Lia is left behind, haunted by her friend's memory and racked with guilt for not being able to help save her. In her most powerfully moving novel since Speak, award-winning author Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's struggle, her painful path to recovery, and her desperate attempts to hold on to the most important thing of all-hope.
I used to have an eating disorder and could connect to Lia's struggle. Anderson creates an original and truthful tale of a girl with an eating disorder. It also shows the story of a cutter and a girl haunted by her friend's death. Even though this book is rather deep, it has sparks of humor. I also liked that no one tried to rescue Lia from this and she has to deal with her eating disorder by herself. The plot is one full of amazing strength and emotions. Halse is a fantastic writer that creates an amazing book that is written in magical prose. I recommend this to anyone that is looking for a book that is full of strength and a journey

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

Damien Locke knows his destiny--attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City's next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he's the product of his supervillain mother's one-night stand with--of all people--a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he's forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy's struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.

I really liked Damien. He has a very snarky and unique personality. Even though he is in a fantasy town that is full of heroes and villains, he deals with everyday teenage problems. I really enjoyed the plot. That Damien was able to choose his own path after being raised by a supervillan and also was able to make his own choices. I found Kat and Sarah to be realistic and great additions to the book and helped further developed the plot. This book was very original and has created a very unique and interesting genre. I highly recommend this book for a fun, unique, and hilarious read.

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her. Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry. After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all. But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life

I really love the cover and it sounds amazing. Shadow Hill is by Anastasia Hopcus and it comes out on July 13th.

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like your best friend's boyfriend.

Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, supersmart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend.

Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful.

Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more...

Elizabeth Scott creates another fantastic book. Sarah is a selfless girl to her very demanding best friend Brianna and she is torn apart by what she feels for Ryan. These characters are very brilliantly developed. I could relate to feelings that the characters had, both in friendship and romance. The plot was very character driven, but it worked really well for the plot. I really enjoyed it. I highly suggest that you read this book. It is a fun romance.

The Clearing by Heather Davis

In this bittersweet romance, two teens living decades apart form a bond that will change their lives forever.
Amy is drawn to the misty, mysterious clearing behind her Aunt Mae's place because it looks like the perfect place to hide from life. A place to block out the pain of her last relationship, to avoid the kids in her new town, to stop dwelling on what her future holds after high school. Then, she meets a boy lurking in the mist--Henry. Henry is different from any other guy Amy has ever known. And after several meetings in the clearing, she's starting to fall for him.
But Amy is stunned when she finds out just how different Henry really is. Because on his side of the clearing, it's still 1944. By some miracle, Henry and his family are stuck in the past, staving off the tragedy that will strike them in the future. Amy's crossing over to Henry's side brings him more happiness than he's ever known--but her presence also threatens to destroy his safe existence.
In The Clearing, author Heather Davis crafts a tender and poignant tale about falling in love, finding strength, and having the courage to make your own destiny--a perfect book to slip into and hide away for awhile.
The Clearing is a magical book. Amy has lived a hard life, after she is abused by her ex-boyfriend. Then she moves in with her aunt and is able to start over her life. It seems like this story is right out of a faery tale. Then she finds a magical clearing and is able to be transported to Henry. I loved how well the transportation to the 1940's was. It was so mysterious and mystical, just like you would picture it. Also, Henry is so sweet and adorable. I loved him so much. The plot of The Clearing was fast paced and you are quickly drawn into Amy's world. Davis is a stunning writer with such originality and creativity. I highly recommend that you buy the book, this moment. Seriously, I loved it.

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how.
If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful.
This lovely and memorable debut by Alyssa B. Sheinmel contains many of the hallmark themes found in young adult literature—friendship, coming of age, finding a place to belong, and overcoming the death of a loved one. Emotionally moving from start to finish, The Beautiful Between introduces a strong new voice to the genre, a voice with a long future ahead of it.
This book sounds really amazing. I also love the cover so much, it is completely gorgeous.

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

I rarely find books that are so true to life. Tessa emulates what most sick teen experience. She is afraid of what will come next and wants one last huzzah. With the help of her party loving best friend Zoey, she is able to complete the crazy list. She also meets Adam, who is one of the most sweet guys that I have ever read about. It is amazing that his love reached into Tessa's death. I also loved Tessa's little brother, who is completely sweet and adds humor to this bleak book. The plot is amazing and I guarantee tears by the end of the book. Downham makes you care for a strong character that is fearless against the final act of her life. Seriously, buy this now.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had “borrowed” that Porsche?). But her step-mother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior. Suddenly Shelby’s summer plans are on the shelf, and she’s being packed off to brat camp. It’s good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.

Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges, III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn’t be getting tangled up with another bad boy…but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good looking one? One thing’s for sure, that pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

I found Never Cry Werewolf to be a quick and fun read. Shelby was a likable character. She knew that shouldn't have done a few things, and now she is going to Brat Camp. I don't exactly get why people send their kids to brat camp, but that is a different matter. Anyways, I sympathized with her. Austin was an interesting character. Right from the start, he is a cute character, but also a bad boy. I wish that the other character had been developed a bit more and the romance between Austin and Shelby seemed rushed. I didn't feel that Austin would have told Shelby that he was a werewolf so quick and that seemed unrealistic to me. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a cute book with a cute ending.

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.
I really enjoyed Prophecy of the Sisters. I am excited to see what Guardian of the Gate will bring and exactly what will happen in this book. The summary sounds amazing. I miss the Gothic feel that was in the cover of the first book.

Eyes like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Enter Stage Right

All her world's a stage.

Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.

She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.

She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.

Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Bertie was a very fun character. She was very sparky and unique. Nate was very sweet and cute. Ariel was moody, yet mysterious. I found both characters would have an appeal to the reader. I loved that their were characters from plays and not all of them had the personality that were in the original works. The faeries from A Midsummer's Night Dream were my favorite. The plot was unlike anything that I have read. The book was so magically delightful and fun. Mantchev is a fantastic writer. She created an enjoyable and one of a kind book that I loved. So, check out Eyes like Stars right now and become immersed in such an amazing book.