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