"Secrets Of My Hollywood Life On Location"

Written By Jen Calonita

Kaitlin is a comeback star with a complicated life. She got tired of the Hollywood life. She posed as an exchange student named Rachel and went to high school for a couple months. In those couple months she feel for Austin, A cute lacrosse player. Till the paparazzi realized who she was. Then she came back to Hollywood and tryed to get back on top. Austin decided to come with her to go on the crazy ride of Hollywood on one condition, she is totally truthful with him.

When Kaitlin scores a star role in the movie of a lifetime. She can't help but take it. Till she realizes her ex boyfriend, Drew, is her costar. He Is her ex from a year ago that used her to get on top. Along with him came Sky, Kaitlin's old costar that always tried to take her spotlight. But Kaitlin didn't care as long as she had Austin at her side.

Till Kaitlin comes up in the news with bad publicity. Someone she knew was giving the paparazzi her secrets. On top of that, Drew's publicise wants Drew and Kaitlin to act like they're dating to get publicity for the movie. She starts to lie to Austin about it all to keep his feeling from getting hurt. But is that really such a good idea?

My rating: 9/10. This was a really good book! it shows us how people in Hollywood go through dating and go through dealing with paparazzi. It shows us what we've always wanted to know. The real life of a star.

-Lynn

Picture from: https://www.google.com/search?q=secrets+of+my+hollywood+life+on+location&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=571&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=dNzEUJv8Ooji0QG_tID4Ag

Final Postings...

Lynn and I have decided that it's time to end our run as bloggers for the time being. Christmas is around the corner and we've been getting really busy with other things. This doesn't allow us the time we need to read and review the number of books we would like to. So, the final post for now will be Secrets of my Hollywood Life:  On Location by Lynn. We hope you've enjoyed our blog. Who knows, maybe one day Lynn and I will be back to blog again. Thanks everyone who follows our blog and reads our posts.

-Louise

"Fangirl"

Written by:  Ken Baker

Fourteen-year-old Josie Brant is your typical teenage girl. She attends a public high school, listens to music, and obsesses over a male pop star. What isn't typical about Josie? She just so happens to have a father with a dangerous secret, the gift of songwriting, and she just so happens to unknowingly win a contest hosted by her celebrity crush, Peter Maxx. 

Josie's BFF, Ashley, wins a contest hosted by Peter Maxx, but she enters with a song Josie wrote. Josie didn't know that Ashley entered her song as Ashley told her entering the contest would be childish. Josie finds out when Peter comes to congratulate Ashley who won because of the lyrics she sang. 

Peter isn't your typical teenager either. He's a mega-pop star who's known worldwide. But Peter is harboring his own set of secrets. What will happen when he walks into Josie's school and meets the one-and-only Josie Brant. Throw in a crazed opening singer and who knows what will happen? You'll have to read Fangirl by Ken Baker to find out.

Picture from:  youngadultish.com

My rating:  8/10. This was a great book, but I found some of the events unrealistic for a fourteen year old. I can't tell you what scene was unrealistic because I would be giving away most of the plot. What I can tell you is that the book was otherwise well written. I loved the scenes where the characters communicated via Twitter and text. Also, I feel Josie could stack up to some of the more well known heroines in young adult romances today. She's strong when she faces her fears, her challenges, and the situations that put her in new troubling situations. Hopefully, we see more of Ken Baker in the young adult book scene.

-Louise

"The Lucky One"

Written By Nicholas Sparks

\Logan is a U.S. Marine. He finds a picture of a young woman buried in the dirt in Iraq. He  takes it back to base to try to find it's owner. When no one claims it, he keeps it with him. With that picture he seems to get just a little bit of luck. He escapes deadly combat that two of his friends die in.

Logan's third tour ends, all he seems to have on his mind is the girl in the photo. Him and his dog go on a journey to find this women that gave him so much luck. He hopes to thank her. But when he finds Elizabeth, a beautiful divorced mother he can't seem to be able to tell her.

He gets a job at her dog kennel. Logan even gets along with her mother and son.  This starts a story that the both of them will remember for the rest of their lives filled with drama, sadness, and love. But what will happen when Elizabeth's Ex husband gets into it? Will Logan ever tell Elizabeth about the picture he found?

My rating: 8.5/10: i loved this book. It keep me reading for hours. But I didn't like some of the ending.

Picture from: http://www.nicholassparks.com/books

"Amy and Roger's Epic Detour"

Written by:  Morgan Matson

Senior year is supposed to be the best year of your teenage life, right? For Amy, it may be the worst year yet. Amy's dad died in a car accident where Amy was the driver a few months ago, no one except family knows her brother is in rehab, and her mom has decided that now is the best time for a move from California to Connecticut. However, Amy's mom needs to move ASAP to Connecticut to find a new house for them, but Amy doesn't want to move with a month left in her junior year. The compromise is Amy can stay by herself at home as long as she brings the car with her to Connecticut when she's done with the school year. Amy can't bring herself to drive since her father died. This is where Roger comes into play. Roger is the son of a friend of Amy's mom who just so happens to need a ride to Philadelphia this summer. Roger is going to be the driver in the cross-country trip that Amy's mom plans for the two of them. The trip is supposed to take a few days, but some unexpected events may prevent them from arriving in Connecticut on time.

Picture from:  goodreads.com

There are some pages in the book that are meant to be the trip journal that Amy's mom sent for the trip. On these pages there are doodles, playlists, and receipts from the journey that tell a story all their own.

My rating:  10/10. Morgan Matson finds a way for her readers to live vicariously through Amy and Roger on this road trip and I love it! One of my life goals is to go on a road trip and now I feel like I have. Also, the storyline and events that take place in this novel seem like they could happen to anyone and I think that's what makes this book so great. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a must-read for the people that want to experience a road trip without the cost and character relationships that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A truly wonderful debut by Morgan Matson that made me hungry for her next novel Second Chance Summer, out now.

-Louise

"Lock and Key"

Written by Sarah Dessen

Ruby has always fended for herself. Her mother is a drunk and addicted to drugs. So one day when her mom vanishes, she decides to stay at the house and just live on her own. Till her sister figures it out and she is sent to live with her. Her sister, Cora, is very successful. Now Ruby has her own room in an amazing house. She also is going to a private school. She finally feels as if she might have a future.

Nate is the boy next door. He's funny and very attractive. nothing could make this trip any better. But when Ruby and Nate get together why does Nate try to keep her at a distant? Why doesn't Nate let her in his house?

Ruby keeps a necklace that has the key to her and her moms house on her neck at all times. She realizes that she should just throw it away and move on. She soon realizes that Nate is going through a lot more then she thought he was. Ruby decides that sometimes to save yourself you have to save someone else along the way.

My rating: 9/10. I loved this book. It was amazing and very interesting. But the ending really disappointed me. 

-Lynn

Picture from:  https://www.google.com/search?q=sarah+dessen+lock+and+key&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=k9jEUM6YCYHY0QH334HYBg&sqi=2&ved=0CAQQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=571

"Summer Love"

Written by Wendy Loggia

Meg and Noah have been friends forever. Ever since they were 5, their families spend their summers together at the beach. Megs always there for Noah. But this summer Noah realizes changes in Meg. Like how she's beautiful. But He would never let a little attraction get in between their strong friendship. Friends forever?

Noah gets a job at a restaurant were he meets Tara, a gorgeous server. He can't stop thinking about her. But is it b ad when he starts to think of Tara and Meg?

Meg also starts to realize that Noah has changed his looks, he's hot now! Till Meg starts to date Jeff. What will Noah do when he starts to get jealous? Will he pick Meg or Tara? How does Meg feel about Noah, just friends or more? Will they really be friends forever?

Mr rating: 8/10. This was definitely a good book. But i feel that the book didn't go on the story line enough. It didn't keep me interested for a long time.

-Lynn

 

Picture from: http://books.google.com/books/about/Summer_Love.html?id=luFbmVPgU_EC

"Maine Squeeze"

Written by:  Catherine Clark

Colleen Templeton thought she had the opportunity of a lifetime; going to Europe with her parents for the summer. What she didn't realize was that her parents weren't taking her. At first she wasn't happy that she wasn't getting off "the island", but when her parents told her she would have the house to herself except for the four friends she was allowed to invite, she changed her mind. The catch was that her aunt and uncle would be dropping in unexpectedly to check up on the girls and the house to make sure they weren't disobeying the rules Colleen's parents left. 

Picture from:  digital bookshelf.net

After her parents leave, Colleen goes back to work at Bobb's -- a seafood restaurant that's a favorite of the tourists for the summer. She's excited to go back because she knows that Evan won't be there this year. Evan was Colleen's summer love from last summer. She didn't expect it to end when summer did, but Evan stopped calling and emailing her back. This year she has Ben and there's been no talk at Bobb's of Evan returning to work this year. What could possibly go wrong? When she gets to work and finds Evan, what's this Maine-girl to do? 

My rating:  9.5/10. The book was on the predictable side and that's why I didn't give it a perfect 10. Other than that small detail, Maine Squeeze is the perfect read for the dead of winter when you want to escape to the beach, or in the middle of summer when you just want that summer romance. I find myself reading and re-reading this novel once or twice every year, and I've had it for 4 years. 

-Louise

"The Truth About Forever"

Written By Sarah Dessen

Macy is just a normal teenage girl. She does well in school and has a boyfriend. She also is balled up in her safe zone. But the one thing different about her is she isn't looking forward to her summer vacation. She thinks its just going to be a long, hot summer. Her boyfriend, Jason, is going to Brain camp for the summer and the most she has to look forward to is her Job at the Library, which she only has because shes filling in for her boyfriend. Her free time would be spent on SAT vocabulary drills and hanging out with her mother.

Sometimes the best thing for you is the unexpected. For Macy it was a job at Wish, a catering job, with its fun crew. Or how her sister will be remodeling the beach house, a place Macy's mom tried to keep away because of all the memories of Macy's father. She also meets Wes, an artistic boy that always tells the truth. For once in her live Macy finally starts to come out of her safe zone and realizes maybe it isn't better to be safe then sorry.

My favorite part-- When she first starts working for Wish, she learns that her crew is fun and a little chaotic. This is the start of Macy coming out of her shell.

My rating: 9/10. I loved this book. It was amazing. It was good at giving details and getting into the point. But i didn't like how long it took to get to some points in the book. I feel that it was very slow and hard to read in the beginning.

-Lynn

Picture from: https://www.google.com/search?q=sarah+dessen+the+truth+about+forever&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=2_m8UKnFGsbp0QHZ-IDAAw&sqi=2&ved=0CG4QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=585

"Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys"

Written by:  Kate Brian


Picture from:  barnesandnoble.com

Megan Meade is not in your typical living sitution. Megan is the daughter of two military personnel. For as long as she can remember she's moved to every military base her parents are assigned to. This time it's different. Her parents have been reassigned overseas and she doesn't want to go along. Her only options though are to stay in the U.S. with the McGowans or move overseas with her parents. Megan decides to stay with the McGowans-old family friends who she hasn't seen in years.

Megan has always been an only child, but living with the McGowans means she's acquired 7 new siblings, all of them are male. Megan just wants to be treated like a human being while staying there, but she finds herself ostracized from nearly all the boys because she's a girl.

Sean, Evan, and Finn are the three boys closest to her own age. Sean is already out of high school, Evan is a year older and extremely good looking in the traditional sense, and Finn is the same age and just plain adorable. Evan is charged with driving her to school everyday so she gets to spend loads of time with him and get to know him.

Going to new school always poses challenges, but for Megan, it's even worse. Living with two of the most popular guys in the school doesn't help and neither does the fact that she's a soccer star. How will Megan deal with her new life? Is their love blooming in the McGowan household? And how will the McGowans change because of Megan? You can find all the answers in Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys, written by bestselling author Kate Brian.

My rating:  10/10. I absolutely loved this book. Megan is truly an inspirational character. She handles the hardships she faces extraordinarily. Kate Brian dishes out a perfect summer read that any romance fan would love.

-Louise

"The Rescue"

Written By Nicholas Sparks

Taylor has always been the man that takes risks. As a volunteer firefighter it's easier for him to take those risks. He risks everything just to save other peoples lives. He just can't take one risks - falling in love. Every girl he's been with seems to just go away one day and none of his friends know why. Then one day a storm hits his town. When he goes out to fix some power lines, he finds a crashed car. In that car is Denise, a young single mother. But when he finds her, her son Kyle isn't in the car with her. Taylor and the other volunteer firefighters go out in this record breaking storm to find Kyle, the little boy that doesn't speak very well. Taylor ends up being to one to find him. To his surprise this rescue ends up forming into something more with Denise. Will he finally fall in love?

My favorite part-- When we find out the one thing in Taylor's past that makes him not want to fall in love and move on.

My rating: 10/10. I loved this book. I keep going back to it once i put it down. I also love how right in the beginning he goes straight into the action of the book and he uses that to introduce the characters.

-Lynn

Picture from: http://www.nicholassparks.com/books/the-rescue



"The Guardian"

Written By Nicholas Sparks

Julie Barenson's husband died leaving her the promise to watch over her and a dog named singer. Four years later, Julie finally starts to date again. She meets Richard, a handsome engineer who treats her like shes perfect. He even gives her a locket with her initials in it. But Julie soon realizes that her real love is her best friend Mike, also her husbands best friend. Singer loves Mike, But ever time Richard comes over Singer growls, hes ever bitten Richard once. Julie Breaks up with Richard and starts to see Mike. Everything seems to be fine, Mike and Julie are happy together. They don't fight much and Singer loves him. But then Richard starts to show up at every place they are, almost like hes planing it? Also someone keeps calling Julies house but never says anything. Who keeps calling? Is it just a coincidence that Richard seems to be everywhere they are? What will happen when Richard starts to see Julies friend Andrea? My favorite part of the book is when Mike and Julie get together because you now that he likes her from the start but your just waiting for her to realize she loves him.

My Rating: 8.5/10. I loved this book, it had a good story line and stayed with that storyline the whole time. It was also very interesting the whole way through. But i feel that sometimes they focused to much on events that werent really that important in some parts of the book.

-Lynn

Picture from: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=38897761&biw=1024&bih=571&wrapid=tlif135402535364110&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=NMm0UNebLqfJ0AHM_gE&q=nicholas%20sparks%20the%20guardian&tbo=d

"Catching Jordan"

Written by:  Miranda Kenneally

Jordan Woods is not your typical teenage girl. She's the daughter of Tennessee Titans quarterback Donovan Woods, all of her friends are male, and she's the quarterback and captain of her high school football team. Jordan is treated like 'one of the guys' by everyone on her team and the coach. But when Ty Green moves to town, Jordan isn't so sure she wants to be just 'one of the guys'. Jordan has always feared having a boyfriend, especially one on the football team, because she doesn't want to lose her status as a respected member of the football team. She thinks showing even the tiniest bit of girliness would automatically make the team disrespect her. As the plot develops, a love triangle forms and Jordan realizes who actually has her back in the crazy world she lives in.

Found here:  goodreads.com

My rating:  10/10. Kenneally kept me on my toes with her debut. There was a certain aspect of predictability at some parts, but all the good outweighs these slips. Jordan is a likeable and relateable character that any tomboy can relate to. The detail she provides of the football games shows the Kenneally really did her homework, or is herself an avid fan of the game. The romance is believable as well, which makes the book that much better. I can't wait to read Stealing Parker, Keneally's second book!

-Louise

"Summer Boys"

Written By Hailey Abbott

This book focuses on three main girls; Ella, Beth and Jamie. Each one of them is suffering from the thought of "summer boys".

Ella Is a girl who has had her far share of boyfriends. They were more like her servants, she never really liked any of them. Till this summer she starts to like Peter, a cute singer, too bad he's her sisters boyfriend...

Beth and George have been best friends for two years. George gets a girlfriend over the summer. Will Beth finally start to realize that she really does like George, as more then a friend? will it be too late?

Jamie and Ethan feel for each other last summer and have been doing the long distance relationship. She can't wait to see him this summer! But what will she do when the boy she had her first time with dumps her?

My favorite part of this book is the ending when everything falls into place the way it should be.

My rating: 8/10. I liked this book. But it was sometimes hard to follow when they jumped from girl to girl.

-Lynn

Picture from: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=summer%20boys%20hailey%20abbott&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=38897761&biw=1024&bih=571&wrapid=tlif135403887239010&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Mv60UNHKK4WX0QGxyIGwAQ

"Anna and the French Kiss"

Written by:  Stephanie Perkins


Found here:  goodreads.com



If you had the chance to go to the City of Lights, would you take it? Anna's father gives her the chance of a lifetime, but she doesn't want it. However, she doesn't have a choice as the decision has been made for her; she's going to Paris. Anna has her own pre-formed opinions of Parisians and they aren't flattering.

When she arrives at her new boarding school, she meets St. Clair and is instantly attracted to him. St. Clair shows her what life in Paris can truly be like.When she gets to know him and his friends better, will she find something to like about her new life, or will she continue to yearn for her old one in Atlanta?

My rating:  8/10. I enjoyed this book because of the setting, Etienne St. Clair, and the storyline itself. However, I can't give this a perfect 10 because I don't feel like it was fresh, new, or exciting. It was predictable of a romance book, and there wasn't anything that stood out from other books in its genre. It's definitely a good summer read or just a book to read when you're in the mood for romance.

-Louise

"Keeping the Moon"

Written By Sarah Dessen

Colie has always been the girl that doesn't fit in. First it was because she was over weight. But once she lost all the weight because of her moms new job at a workout gym, she got picked on for something she didn't even do.

She's sent to stay with her aunt Mira for the summer. Her aunt lives in Colby, North Carolina. She doesn't expect that people will even bother with her since no one back home ever does. But when she gets there she pretty much gets a job at Last Chance Bar and Grill with no effort. There she meets Morgan and Isabel. Two bet friends that are exact opposites of each other. Then she meets Norman, a boy that becomes a good friend to Colie.

Colie realizes that she can be herself with some people while shes there. Isabel and Morgan get to know Colie as the real Cole. Not as the girl that everyone back home thought of her as. They teach her the real meaning of friendship. Norman shows her that you can't just let a friend go when they accept you as you. Her aunt shows her that its okay to be yourself, even if people make fun of you because it. This book is filled with romance, friendship, and a story that will keep you reading. 

My rating: 9/10. I loved this book. But I felt that Sarah Dessen focused to much on introducing the characters at the beginning and didn't focus enough on getting to the point. 

-Lynn

Picture from:  https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=keeping%20the%20moon%20sarah%20dessen&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=38897761&biw=1024&bih=571&wrapid=tlif135404319665610&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=2w61ULuaE-u_0QHB7oH4Aw

Every Week From Now On...

Starting with this week, Lynn and I will be reviewing the books we've read recently. All the books will continue with the romance theme, but they will no longer have a specific category each week. Some weeks, there may be paranormal from me and contemporary from Lynn. This will keep things interesting for everyone and for Lynn and I, as we feel sticking to one theme doesn't suit either of us. Thanks for reading!

-Louise

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Written by Stephen Chbosky

Have you ever felt like you don't belong? Like you shouldn't live in the world you do? That's how Charlie feels. He writes everyday to an anonymous person. He writes about what it feels to be in High School, and how it feels to be a nobody. Till he meets Patrick, a bad boy that he becomes best friends with. Then he meets Sam, Patrick's sister, who he secretly loves. Patrick and Sam show Charlie what it like to have fun and come out of your safe zone. Everyday his letters to this anonymous guy gets happier and happier. Charlie starts to know what it feels like to have friends and not be a nobody. Charlie gets together with Mary Elizabeth, one of Sam's friends, because Sam says they would be good together. But Charlie ruins everything when he tells everyone he really loves Sam. Will Sam every forgive him for breaking her friends heart? will Sam and Charlie every get together? My favorite part is definitely the ending. If you like romance books you'll like this book.

My rating: 8/10. I liked the book. It shows some peoples struggle with High school. Some parts kinda confused me though and it kinda got off track some moments. But its still liked it.

-Lynn

Picture From: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=perks+of+being+a+wallflower&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=38897761&biw=1024&bih=571&wrapid=tlif135368297726510&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=G4-vULq0NZHr0QGe54GwAw#um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=perks+of+being+a+wallflower+book&oq=perks+of+being+a+wallflower+book&gs_l=img.3..0l7j0i5l2j0i24.36344.37688.0.37860.5.4.0.0.0.0.219.563.0j2j1.3.0...0.0...1c.1.iPjxgAqzNlQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=2f61eead7157a245&bpcl=38897761&biw=1024&bih=571

"Gossip Girl"

Written by:  Cecily von Ziegesar

From:  talking-gossip.com

Serena van der Woodsen is back on the Upper East Side. Before leaving for boarding school, she was the most popular teen in Manhattan. Serena comes back with the expectations of regaining her old friends, her popularity status, and and invitation to one of the most exclusive parties in the area. However, things don't go exactly as planned. While struggling to accept these new developments, Serena meets Dan, an average teenage boy. This is new for her, as she's only ever socialized with the people of the same monetary status. Throughout the novel, all the elite are followed by Gossip Girl-- a girl with a blog that reports on all the latest news. Everything they think is private can instantly become public knowledge with Gossip Girl. I don't have a favorite part per-se, but I enjoy reading Gossip Girl's blog.

My rating:  5/10. I think this book was over-hyped. I was prepared for a brilliant new novel, but what I got was a well written diary. This book has a 5/10 because I think the Gossip Girl and Dan characters are wonderfully crafted. It doesn't garner a higher rating because it read like a diary. It followed the lives of all the characters with some drama and romance, but not enough to keep me interested.

- Louise

"The Hunger Games"

Written by: Suzanne Collins

Have you ever wondered what the future would look like? Do you think we would be better or worse off than we are now? In Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, we're much worse off. Divided by a civil war, put into twelve districts, and dominated by the capital, their world is very different from ours. The majority of the districts live in poverty.The districts revolted against the capitol, The capitol won. To flex its muscle, the capital decided to make every district offer up one male and one female between the ages of 12 and 18 to fight to the death. The sole winner would be bathed in riches. The event:  "The Hunger Games." 

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 with her mother and12-year-old sister, Prim. Katniss and her best friend, Gale, sneak past the district lines to hunt to put food on the table. For the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Prim Everdeen is selected in the lottery as the female tribute. To protect her little sister, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Peeta Mellark name is drawn as male tribute for District 12. Will Katniss survive "the Hunger Games"?

My Rating: 10/10. This book is one of my favorites. When I thought of the concept of children killing children I didn't think I would like it. But it's so written well, once I sat down to read it, I didn't get up. I also feel that the book relates to the world today. It shows that we may not seem like it but we do actually sit there and fight each other. Also there is someone ruling us, they might not be as cruel as the capitol but the government controls our actions in life today. 

-Lynn

Picture From: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hunger+games+cover+of+first+book&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bpcl=38626820&biw=1440&bih=712&wrapid=tlif135290747345410&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=2bqjUIK9Ha3H0AHH5YGwAw

"Bunheads"

Written by:  Sophie Flack

Picture from:  www.4dancers.org

"Bunhead" is a slang term for an extremely dedicated ballerina. A bunhead lives for ballet. They've dedicated their live to their art. Bunheads by Sophie Flack is a work of fiction based on Flack's own life as a professional ballerina. The book details the life 19-year-old Hannah Ward, a dancer with the Manhattan Ballet Company. In the company, you live or die by Otto's (the company director) cast list. The cast list details the ballet each dancer will be performing and the level of dancer he or she is (principal, soloist, demi-soloist, corps, or apprentice). Hannah has dreamed for years of becoming a soloist and decides to do whatever it takes. Then, Hannah meets Jacob, a pedestrian (the ballerinas' term for someone not involved in the ballet world), and she becomes conflicted between wanting to spend time with Jacob and the need to spend that time perfecting herself for the ballet world. Soon, changes in the cast list for the ballets cause Hannah to realize that she needs to make changes. All of this leads up to a shocking resolution.

My rating:  8.5/10. Flack's novel is well-written; however, I found myself looking for more details. Flack doesn't elaborate on what the different types of positions are (principal, soloist, etc.). But, I was pleasantly surprised by the inside look into the life of a professional ballerina. A wonderful debut novel by Flack.

When I first started reading Bunheads, I was under the impression that it was the basis of the TV show of the same name. After reading it, I realized that I was mistaken. Flack's novel is entirely different from the TV show. They are both wonderful insights into the ballet lifestyle though.

-Louise

"The Last Song"

Written By Nicholas Sparks

Veronica ("Ronnie") hasn't talked to her father in three years. When her parents divorce and her dad moves away, she loses her passion for playing piano because she used to play with her dad. But when she has to spend the summer with him in North Carolina, she realizes she has to talk to him, even if it's angry talk. Then she meets Will, a local boy who has had his far share of girlfriends. Ronnie  starts to lets her guard down around Will and starts to fall in love with the last person she ever would have ever thought of liking. In the process her relationship with her father changes. She opens herself up to being happy, but is she also opening herself up to pain? When Juilliard starts heavily recruiting Ronnie to go to there to study piano, she has to decide whether to hold on to her anger or to let it go and begin playing the piano again. Complications arise when she discovers her father has been hiding something from her all summer, a secret that had to come out sometime. Will Ronnie forgive him?

 

My Rating: 8.5/10. I loved this book. It has a good story line and keeps you attached.I did not, however, like the ending. 

-Lynn

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Week Number 3: Books to Movies/TV

Because not everyone is a reader, and TV and movies take up a lot of time in our daily lives, we are offering all the reasons to turn off the TV and save money on movie tickets. So this week, as the title suggests, we'll be reviewing books that have been made into big-screen or TV movies! Louise will be covering Bunheads and Gossip Girl (book #1 in the wildly popular Gossip Girl series) to tempt you to turn off the TV. Lynn will be tempting you to save money on movie tickets through her review of The Last Song, The Hunger Games, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. So, turn off the TV, save your money for something that can last a lifetime, and tune in this week for five new reviews by Lynn and Louise.

"Dreamland"

Written By Sarah Dessen

Caitlin has always tried to live up to her sister, Cass. Cass is athletic, has good grades, and she understands Caitlin.On Caitlin's sixteenth birthday, Cass runs away, sending Caitlin into her own little dreamland, where nothing seems to be real. Caitlin starts to become her own person. She joins cheerleading with her best friend Rina. Even though she hates cheerleading, she doesn't quit because for the first time since her sister left, her mom begins smiling. Then Caitlin meets Rogerson, a cute bad boy with whom she begins spending all her time. He's the only one who makes her feel like Caitlin and not Cass's sister. But what will she do when being with Rogerson ends up being worse then being without him? Why won't Caitlin write her sister back? Will Cass ever come home? Is Cass the only one who would understand what shes going through? My favorite part of this book is when the truth about Rogerson finally comes out. It comes fast, but you sit there and think, finally!

My rating: 8/10. I liked the book, and the storyline was compelling. It wasn't, though, one of Sarah Dessen's best written stories.

-Lynn

  

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"What Happened to Goodbye"

Written By:  Sarah Dessen



Picture from:  goodreads.com

Some people may think that having multiple personalities is a physchological disorder. For Mclean Sweet, it's what happens every time she moves to a new place. Mclean used to have a normal home life with married parents that loved each other. When her mom, Katie, had an affair, Mclean left with her dad, Gus, whoworks for a company that buys, fixes, or closes restaurants all over the country. Since leaving with her dad two years ago, Mclean's been in four different towns, four different schools, and has taken on four different names and personalities. Now, in Lakeview, she accidentally calls herself by her actual name for the first time in two years. She doesn't feel as though she knows who she is anymore. In Lakeview, Mclean makes actual friends whom she actually lets into her real life. Throughout the book, Mclean finds herself, a love that may last, and a place to call home. Written by bestselling author, Sarah Dessen, What Happened to Goodbye is a well-crafted, original novel about love, friendship, and the power of finding a place for yourself in this huge, messed-up world. Should be on everyone's must read list.

My rating:  10/10. I found myself experiencing a wide range of emotions while reading this book; sometimes I was moved to tears, and other times I was laughing right along with the characters. I was rooting for Mclean throughout the book to find herself and a home. Dessen kept me coming back for more, and I simply couldn't close the book. 

-Louise

" Along for the Ride"

Written By Sarah Dessen



What do you do when you're in the position where your parents are both smart, and they expect so much of you? Auden is that girl. The only difference is that her parents got a divorce, and her mom's the only one who pushes her to do well in school. When she and her mom get into a fight, she goes to stay with her father for the summer. While there she finally makes friends and, for the first time in her life, doesn’t focus on school. She also meets a boy who has gone through a hard time in the last year. Will she and her mom make up? Will she get into college? What’s going to happen with the boy? Favorite part-- the bicycle metaphor. The focus of the book is the precarious balance between school and friends. 

My rating: 10/10. This is one of my all-time favorite Sarah Dessen books. I couldn't stop reading it. It was written really well, stayed with the storyline and never got off message. It's amazing!

-Lynn

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"Just Listen"

Written By:  Sarah Dessen



Picture From:  goodreads.com

Just Listen is a marvelous read about the life of a teenage model coming into her own skin. Annabel Greene, an in-demand model, is going through life on autopilot. She doesn't have the heart to tell her mom, who lives vicariously through her daughter, that she doesn't want to model anymore. Her sister, Whitney, was also a model, but she developed an eating disorder and now lives back at home with Annabel and her parents. Annabel doesn't have many friends anymore because Sophie, her former BFF, think Annabel slept with her boyfriend-- the truth, however, is much more complicated. Then, Owen Armstrong comes along, changing everything. Annabel doesn't know anyone even remotely like Owen. He is a member of a court-ordered anger management class, a complete music freak, and the host of an early morning radio show. Owen teaches Annabel valuable life lessons, the most important of which is "just listen". Because this is a young adult ROMANCE blog, this book will obviously contain a love story as well. My absolute favorite part of this book is the first time Annabel and Owen really sit down and talk about subjects that aren't facetious. I don't think I've ever experienced such a powerful story in a fiction novel. Sarah Dessen weaves a realistic tale that anyone can relate to. Fans of romance and music alike will find this book pleasing. 

My rating:  8/10. Dessen gets down to the gritty stuff in the life of an anorexic through Whitney, the life of someone with anger management issues through Owen, and the life of a teenage model through Annabel. This book relates to everyone, and the writing is magnificent. However, I found myself only giving Just Listen an 8/10 because the beginning was a lot of background details. This isn't something that keeps me occupied as I like a moving storyline. 

-Louise



"This Lullaby"

Written By Sarah Dessen

Remy has had a lot of boyfriends, and learned everything about boys from her mother who is now working on husband number five. She's the girl who always knows when to give a boy "the talk", right before anything gets too serious. Then she meets Dexter, a cute musician-- their meeting is my favorite part of the book.  Remy spends a lot of time with Dexter, following his band to gigs and pretty much everywhere else he goes. Does she actually like this guy? Or, is she setting him up like she did the others for "the talk"? How will she react when Dexter plays "that song"?  Love romance?  You'll love this!

My rating: 9/10. I loved this book! Once I started reading, I didn't put it down. It's well-written and has a good story line. 

-Lynn

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Week Number 2: Sarah Dessen

So, now that you've seen some of the paranormal books we read, we feel you should experience some contemporary romance novels. Because Lynn and I absolutely LOVE Sarah Dessen, we are dedicating this week to her books. You can expect two posts from me, one of What Happened to Goodbye, and the other, Just Listen. Lynn is going to be reviewing This Lullaby, Along for the Ride, and Dreamland. I have to say, I think we're quite excited about this particular week, and we hope you are, too! (NSL)

-Louise

"Twilight"

Written by Stephenie Meyer

Bella has never felt as though she belongs. She moves in with her father when her mother decides to travel with her new boyfriend. At her new school, she meets Edward, a cute, mysterious guy who seems to be hiding something. When she falls for him, she figures out his dark family secret-- they are vampires. What will happen when other vampires start to go after Bella? How does Edward stay in control whenever he's around her?

Despite the strangeness of her situation, Bella finally feels that she is where she belongs. My favorite part of this book is Edward's reaction to Bella when they meet. This is a love story that wrestles with the questions of what love is and what it means to belong. If you love paranormal romance, Twilight is for you.

My rating: 9/10. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. It had a good story line and it stayed with that story line through the whole book. It isn't a ten because the story line isn't my favorite but its still good.  

-Lynn

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