Fade by: Lisa McMann

Summary: This intriguing, if not quite stand-alone, sequel to Wake (S & S, 2008) follows undercover investigators and high school seniors Janie Hannagan and her partner/boyfriend Cabel as they attempt to unmask and trap a sexual predator teaching at Fieldridge High. Janie is a dream catcher-she has the ability to be sucked into another person's dreams-and her job is to glean clues to the culprit's identity from her classmates and to act as bait. The latter task annoys protective Cabe, and their relationship, already strained by a scarcity of alone time and the need for secrecy (their last case might be jeopardized if they are seen together), is further stressed. Furthermore, Janie receives documents from her now-deceased dream-catcher mentor promising to detail the fate in store for her, and she's not sure she wants to know the truth. While there are few surprises in the main plot arc, the spare but effective narrative holds readers' attention, especially when Janie delves into the chilling truth of her ability. (Summary by Amazon)

Review: This was a phenomenal book! I loved reading every minute of it. Fade was not the type of book that had some interesting parts, it was a book that was interesting as a whole. Page after page, my attention remained with this book. As much as I enjoyed Wake, Fade was even better. I was able to get to know Janie and Cable in a more personal way. Cable is explained more in this book. We learn more about how he feels and why he is so protective about Janie.

Janie also grew as a character in this sequel. She is coming to terms with being a dream catcher. Even though she does become scared about the years to come, she realizes that Cable will be with her no matter what happens. Janie becomes strong as a person. I could not help but turn the page to find out what happened next. There was an air of mystery throughout the book. I enjoy those books that keep your attention and make you wonder what is going to happen next. This was a wonderful book and I cannot wait to read the third book Gone. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure, mystery, and a hint of love.

Animoto.com

Pittsburgh Penguins

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins on their Stanley Cup win. Both teams did a phenomenal job in the series. Congrats!!

Red Wings!

I love the game of hockey for those of you who do not know this about me. The Detroit Red Wings are playing the final game against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. The Red Wings are my favorite team because I am from Detroit. I just wanted to say GO WINGS and GOOD LUCK! Lets bring home the Stanley Cup for a second year in a row.

Kate

Dreamland By: Sarah Dessen

Summary: Strange, sleepy Rogerson, with his long brown dreads and brilliant green eyes, had seemed to Caitlin to be an open door. With him she could be anybody, not just the second-rate shadow of her older sister, Cass. But now she is drowning in the vacuum Cass left behind when she turned her back on her family's expectations by running off with a boyfriend. Caitlin wanders in a dream land of drugs and a nightmare of Rogerson's sudden fists, lost in her search for herself. (Thanks Amazon)

Review: At first I was very excited to read this book. I had such great experiences with Sarah Dessen's books in the past. Once I started reading the book, I began to have a difficult time getting through it. I felt that it took a long time to explain why Cass left the family and went to New York.

Caitlin seemed like a character that many girls can relate to in a way. She tried to deal with her parents reaction to her sister leaving by being with Rogerson. At first he seemed like someone she could be with and not have to think about her sister, then he began hitting her. Caitlin did not leave him after he began abusing her. I was frustrated with her when she did not leave him or tell someone about the situation.

This was a good book to illustrate that girls often find themselves in abusive relationships. Many people do not know how to end those relationships and I think that is what Sarah Dessen was trying to convey. This was a good book, it just was not one of my favorites. I love Sarah Dessen's style of writing and I will continue to read her books.

Kate

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side By: Beth Fantaskey

Summary:The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .
Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with new found confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Review: This was a good book. I really enjoyed reading it. The story line was very different than anything that I have ever read. The fact that it was not the typical vampire story of how the girl falls in love with the boy vampire, was refreshing. It was a story about two families coming together through a marriage that would bring peace among enemies. The story kept me engaged and wanting more.

I did get a little upset about how Lucius was acting after Jessica refused him. He began to become a completely different person. Personally, I liked how he talked as if he were born hundreds of years ago. He came across as being educated and elegant. After Jessica realized that she actually loved Lucius and that her duty was to marry him, she began to lose him. That was the part where I got really agitated with him. After I got past that, the ending was good, but I wish there were a sequel. I thought the ending was not completely satisfying. A sequel would just make me a very happy person.

This was a good book. It was one that you would want more of. I suggest it to anyone who enjoys vampire based books.

Kate

Just Listen By: Sarah Dessen

Summary: When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend-the popular and exciting Sophie-she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. But then she meets Owen-a loner, passionate about music and his weekly radio show, and always determined to tell the truth. And when they develop a friendship, Annabel is not only introduced to new music but is encouraged to listen to her own inner voice. With Owen's help, can Annabel find the courage to speak out about what exactly happened the night her friendship with Sophie came to a screeching halt? (Summary by Amazon)

Review: I really liked this book. Sarah Dessen does a wonderful job of writing books. She has this way of captivating the reader's heart in a way that makes them not want to put the book down. This book is easy to relate to. Everyone has at one point or another had friend troubles. Some of these troubles are deeper than others.

I also thought it was fitting to show that all families are not perfect. Every family has some issues, whether it is a sick sibling or a parent who pushes you into an activity. Dessen also showed the disagreements between siblings. Whether you have one or five siblings, we all have fights. Just Listen also showed how sisters can form bonds that have been broken. Families are all very different and the book showed this.

One of the other story lines that I liked was Annabell and Owen. It was not the typical boy meets girl and then they fall in love scenario. They became friends who could learn lessons from one another. These lessons came from music and family dramas. It was nice to see a fresh take on a relationship.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I suggest it to those who have or have not read Sarah Dessen before. I guarantee you will like it. Dessen has this way of writing that will leave you wanting more.

Perfect You By: Elizabeth Scott

Summary: Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.
And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.
Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen — but only if she lets them.... (Summary by Amazon)

Review: I thought the book was good. It was not one of my favorites, but I liked it. I enjoyed reading how Kate's and Will's relationship blossomed and matured. The struggles that Kate faced seemed to be a little like reality. Every teenager has issues with their parents. Today, we are faced with a troubled economy and many people are faced with money problems. This book was centered around a family with an income problem. It was nice to see the book relate to what many people are faced with currently.

The one thing I did not like about the book was how the parents ended up. I guess I enjoy happy endings. This book showed that not every family ends up being happy and together. Sometimes families separate and that is the reality. Life throws us curve balls and we have to deal with them. This was a good book and I hope you enjoy it too.

Kate

Perfect Chemistry By: Simone Elkeles

Summary: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Review: This was a fantastic book. The author had a very distinct way of writing. The book flowed and was easy to read. It will keep your attention and interest until the very end. I found it interesting to read the different view points of the two main characters. They were so different from each other in the beginning, but by the end of the book, you will be able to see similarities between the two. Their lives are completely different in the sense of how much money they have.

The author went into detail about everything. I found this to be one of the great features of the book, because real life is not "sugar coated," so why should a book be. The story line was different and was a fresh take on how life is in certain places. I highly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to most people who are interested in a great read.

Kate

The President's Daughter By: Ellen Emerson White

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Meghan Powers likes her life just the way it is. She likes living in Massachusetts. She likes her school. And she has plenty of friends. But all that is about to change. Because Meg’s mother, one of the most prestigious senators in the country, is running for President. And she’s going to win. ( Summary by Amazon)

Review: I absolutely loved this book! It is one of my favorites. This is one of those books that you cannot put down. You will want to keep reading until you are finished. The character of Megan is a person who anyone can relate to. Even though many of us are not the daughter of the President, we go through the same insecurities and embarrassing moments. Megan is very witty and sarcastic, but many times it is understandable. She has to be in the public spotlight, even if she does not want to. It was a great book. I recommend it to basically everyone, because it is an easy read and it is captivating. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Kate

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by: Deb Caletti

Summary: It is summer in the Northwest town of Nine Mile Falls, and sixteen-year-old Ruby McQueen, ordinarily dubbed The Quiet Girl, finds herself hanging out with gorgeous, rich, thrill-seeking Travis Becker. But Ruby is in over her head, and finds she is risking more and more when she's with him.
In an effort to keep Ruby occupied, Ruby's mother Ann drags Ruby to the weekly book club she runs. When it is discovered that one of the group's own members is the subject of the tragic love story they are reading, Ann and Ruby spearhead a reunion between the long-ago lovers. But for Ruby, this mission turns out to be much more than just a road trip....

Review: Honestly, this book took me a while to get into. Once I kept reading, I enjoyed it. The book is about a girl who is ordinary and is considered the "Quiet Girl". She meets this rich, bad boy and she discovers her fearless side. For a while it is a freeing experience and turns into what Ruby thinks is love.

The characters in this book kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next. I loved how the author portrayed all of the different characters. The way Caletti used the Casserole Queens past experiences to teach lessons was an amazing way of going about the story line. Characters who you would consider to be boring and not interesting were funny, sincere, and caring. These were the people who helped Ruby discover who she wanted to be. Caletti wrote in such a way, that the characters grabbed your heart and grew on you. You will root for people to overcome their obstacles. It took me a while to get used to the style of writing, but it was worth the persistence. I am excited to read more books by Deb Caletti.

Someone Like You by: Sarah Dessen

Summary: Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure. (Summary by Amazon)

Review: This was my first Sarah Dessen book and I loved it. It was easy for me to follow. The book was a good illustration of how friends are important. I liked how Scarlett made her decision about the baby. She had her whole life ahead of her, but she decided life was more important. It was interesting to see Halley's and Macon's relationship go through twists and turns. This book will remain one of my favorites for a long time. I look forward to reading many more Sarah Dessen books.

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows By: Ann Brashares

Summary: By Amazon

Summer is a time to grow.

Seeds

Polly has an idea that she can't stop thinking about, one that involves changing a few things about herself. She's setting her sights on a more glamorous life, but it's going to take all of her focus. At least that way she won't have to watch her friends moving so far ahead.

Roots

Jo is spending the summer at her family's beach house, working as a busgirl and bonding with the older, cooler girls she'll see at high school come September. She didn't count on a brief fling with a cute boy changing her entire summer. Or feeling embarrassed by her middle school friends. And she didn't count on her family at all. . .

Leaves

Ama is not an outdoorsy girl. She wanted to be at an academic camp, doing research in an air-conditioned library, earning A's. Instead her summer scholarship lands her on a wilderness trip full of flirting teenagers, blisters, impossible hiking trails, and a sad lack of hair products. It is a new summer. And a new sisterhood. Come grow with them.

Review:

This was a cute book. It shows how as we grow older our lives change, but the one thing we can count on is our friends. We may go our separate ways, but we can't forget where we came from. In my opinion, the book would be enjoyed by those who are of the younger reading audience. I liked this book because it was cute, funny, and it showed the real issues that young girls have to deal with.

Kate

When It Happens By: Susane Colasanti

Summary: By Amazon

Sara and Tobey couldn't be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara's other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she's thrilled. But then there's Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey's goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey's real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet!

Review:

This book was very enjoyable. It shows that it is true that sometimes opposites can attract. Sara was dating a jock, who did not treat her with the respect that she deserved. Then she got to know Tobey, and things began to change. It was a cute book about friends, loves, and finding yourself. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read. It gives great perspective into a teens life.

Kate

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Summary:

When sixteen-year-old Hope and the aunt who has raised her move from Brooklyn to Mulhoney, Wisconsin, to work as waitress and cook in the Welcome Stairways diner, they become involved with the diner owner's political campaign to oust the town's corrupt mayor.

Review:

I really liked this book. The main character in the book was a girl named Hope. She and her aunt had moved from place to place the whole time she grew up. Her aunt Addie is a cook, so she always worked in diners and Hope was a bus girl. When Hope and her aunt move to Mulhoney, Wisconsin, they took a job at a local diner. The owner has leukemia and is running against the corrupt town mayor. Hope helps him in his campaign. This book is a good illustration of never letting evil win. It is a feel good book and it is easy to read.

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Summary: By Amazon

There are two sides to every breakup.This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. ...They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney - for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la - this is Courtney pretending not to care.But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot. Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

Review:

I liked this book. It gives insight to the many issues that teens deal with on a daily basis. These issues are love, lies, heart-break, and forgiveness. The two main characters, Jordan and Courtney, seem like real people who are in a relationship. They are completely opposites, but they work. Jordan listens to rap music and Courtney listens to alternative. Jordan suddenly broke-up with Courtney and says he met another girl. Courtney is surprised by the new situation. Not every situation is how it seems. Sometimes the people involved are not who you would expect. This book had some twists and turns that will keep you interested. I recommend it for those looking for a funny and light read.

Kate

Hey!

Hey I'm Kate. I like to read, play basketball, and take pictures. This is new to me so I'm a little slow for now. I'm excited to start blogging. That's it for now. 

Kate.