Hush, Hush

 

This was such an awesome book. I don’t read this part of the YA Genre often but this totally changed my views. I cannot wait to read more. I loved the entire book. There were some parts that I thought Why is that in there? I think that was because there was so much action that some of the parts felt dry. It was like there wasn’t as much action in the middle like there was at the beginning and near the end. But let me just say: Great Book! I am so glad I read it. I wasn’t very optimistic about reading it mostly because I tend to stay closer to the romance section of YA (ie Jen Calontia and Sarah Dessen etc.)

Questionnaire

Summarize the book without giving away the ending. A girl who always thought of herself as average finds herself falling for a dark and dangerous guy with more secrets beyond her wildest imagination.

What did you think of the main character? Nora was so funny at times yet so dense at others. I would never listen to my best friend after she led me astray so many times.

Which character could you relate to best?  Jules

Why? I think everyone plots revenge in their own ways… his was just more proactive.

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Vee and Eliot

From whose point of view is the story told? Nora

Were the characters and their problems believable? Uh, no.

How did the main character change during the novel? She went out of her comfort zone. She learned to trust.

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered?  Why was Patch so mysterious? Because his past was dark and unspeakable.

Did you learn something new from the book? No, not really.

Was the book different from what you expected? Yes. I expected something more dark and sinister when I flipped through the pages at the book store.

Was location important to the story? Yes, I enjoyed the fact that it was set in a place with unreliable weather. It was that much more interesting to read.

Was the time period important to the story? Yes. It went from the past (1565) to the present.

Share a quote or two from the book. “I’ve got quite a collection going of an eZine columnist who believes there’s truth in eating organic, who writes poetry in secret, and who shudders at the thought of having to choose between Stanford, Yale, and… what’s that big one with the H?” – Patch on Nora

Share a favorite scene from the book.  When she first meets him.

What did you like most about the book? That Vee and her made up. I couldn’t think about going through life without my best friend.

What did you like least? That her best friend didn’t believe her… even if she was wrong.

Did you like the way the book ended? Yes and I cannot wait for the sequel.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? People can change but there past never does.

What did you think of the cover? It was dark, I almost didn’t buy it because of the look of it.

Would you recommend this book? 100% Yes

How would you rate it? **** (Four out of Five Stars – it was flat at times.)

My First Booktube video!

 

I finally started making youtube videos for this blog. Whoo! These are the books that I have purchased over the course of the past few months. :)

 

Enjoy

 

 

 

 

One Of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies

 

Written in verse Sonya Sones cultivates a tragic love story that I never wanted to end. One of those hideous books where the mother dies is an amazing novel of lost loves and finding yourself. – Jewels from Jordan

I sped through this novel. It was amazing, literally one of the best books I’ve read in 2012. There is not much more I can say about this book so without further ado let’s get on with the questionnaire.

Questionnaire

Summarize the book without giving away the ending. It’s about a girl named Ruby who loses her mother and has to move to L.A. with her movie star dad.

What did you think of the main character? I loved Ruby. I felt her sadness through every page I read.

Which character could you relate to best?  Ruby.

Why? If I lost my mother I wouldn’t know my place in the world.

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Whip and Max.,. I mean for obvious reasons that I will not disclose at this current time. (BUY THE BOOK!)

From whose point of view is the story told? Ruby

Were the characters and their problems believable? Yes.

How did the main character change during the novel? She basically went from someone hating her new life and wishing she could go back to the way things were, to embracing her life with her daddy.

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered?  Would she be able to live in L.A. and be happy.

Did you learn something new from the book? Mommies will always be missed.

Was the book different from what you expected? Yes. I didn’t look ahead to see it was writing in verse form.

Was location important to the story? Yes. Movie stars live in Los Angeles… Duh.

Was the time period important to the story? Yes.

What alternative title would you choose for this book? Seriously. Why haven’t I takent his question out yet? Oh that’s right. I got distracted by that piece of foil that somehow managed to make it back to my room from the kitchen….

Share a quote or two from the book. Depressed? Who? Me? Yes, hideously. Not to mention way ticked off. Wouldn’t you be? – Ruby

Share a favorite scene from the book.  When she started letting her daddy in.

What did you like most about the book? That her dad wasn’t some stuck up jerk who didn’t want her.

What did you like least? That it took the entire book for her to listen to his side of the story.

Did you like the way the book ended? Yes.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? Anyone can be a Father; it takes someone special to be a Daddy.

What did you think of the cover? She looks exactly like I imaged Ruby to look like.

Would you recommend this book? Yes.

How would you rate it? ***** (Five Out Of Five Stars)

Top Ten Bookish Confessions

 

Hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish

 



10) I didn’t start reading until I watched Twilight on DVD. My sister got it on her Easter Basket but claims that it is not true. (Yeah right. You might not like it now – but you did.) I ended up putting it down three times before I actually finished it – henceforth rereading the first half of the book three times. I also hate to admit this as a Twihard. Because I honestly love it. I have read it four times. (Not including my first three pathetic attempts.) I was never an avid reader in my tween years. I just didn’t think it was worth it. I remember picking up my first Nancy Drew book when I was nine and rushing inside waving it around in the air saying: “It’s just like a movie but only with words!” Yeah, call me dim but I never knew that. :D

9) I have a confession. I beat, bruise, and batter my books. Yep. Every book on my bookshelf looks like it has been through World War III. There is not a single book on my shelf in good condition up until last year. Fingers crossed my mom doesn’t call the police. We take physical violence very seriously in Texas.

8) I cannot get into the Paranormal/Romance genre. Aside from Twilight I am not allowed. My mother is very protective. Maybe it’s from all those years of letting me chew the led paint off of my crib bars, but maybe she feels guilty. Then again, maybe she just doesn’t want me to be cultural rounded. (Not saying vampires and demons would do that… but this is just an afterthought.)

7) Another Twilight confession. I made a deal with myself. I would read Twilight so I could get to the FUN series Harry Potter. That’s probably why I ended up reading The Twilight Saga over the course of a month and Harry Potter over four. Yeah, lesson learned: If you think your going to like one series over another it’s Murphy’s cruel Law that your likely going to fall head over heels for the other. (Not to say I don’t want a free trip to Disney world to go to Harry Potter World. Walt? Where is my phone call?)

6) I used to skip over words in second grade when I was reading to myself in class just to get the jest of the story so I could do other things like play outside. Again, I wasn’t an avid reader.

5) I only write through journals halfway before I put them up and move to a more interesting cover, or style. (But usually cover) I just cannot seem to get through an entire journal but that’s okay because my nana can’t either. (Does that mean there is no hope for my gazzilion of notebooks?)

4) I am not ashamed to admit I am a stalker. I stalk Jen Calonita. I have a slight addiction. Maybe it’s unhealthy but when I drift to my computer I just find myself on her sites ie.

Official Website
Facebook
Twitter
Yahoo! Group
Blog
Pinterest
Goodreads

Like I said… just a slight addiction.

3) When I start a book and cant put it down I abandon every chore my mother throws at me. Every single one. Dishes have gone unwashed along with floors not being swept all because one single author decided to write an irresistible book that I could literally not put down. I blame the author. How dare He/She?

2) I have a list of authors that I have to have on my book shelves. Everyone of Jen Calonita’s books is obviously a must, although Dessen and Colasanti’s are also highly needed. (like oxygen.)

1) If you have ever read The Hunger Games you will know why I feel like the biggest cheater EVER. I started reading the Hunger games right after I finished re-reading the Twilight Saga… again. I haven’t picked up Twilight since then but have started to pick up The Hunger Games again. Does that make me the bad guy or Collins?

-Jordan

The Espressologist

 

 

I have this theory. You can write a book if you dot say you’re going to write a book. Because then you might get so caught up in trying to write the book that you’ll never write the book. Jane Turner had a theory to. Everyone could be matched to the perfect person through the type of coffee they drink. She has this notebook where she records who drinks what at her job as a Barista at Wired Joes. She calls this Espressology and her being the one deciding who belongs with who is The Expressologist. She starts matching up her friends and her best friend – Em – starts going out with a guy named Cam who actually has a crush on Jane, of course Jane has a crush on the school jock, but when her boss talks her into a  in-store promotion that spreads like wildfire and a television studio comes to film it, the school’s It girl and her secret crush seem to be the perfect match. So the question is will she let him go for the sake of Espressology?

This was very inventive. I loved the entire book. I cannot imagine not having it in my collection. Such a good read. It makes me want to start working at a coffeehouse and start coming up with my own Espressology system!

QUESTIONNAIRE

 Summarize the book without giving away the ending. *LOOK ABOVE*

What did you think of the main character? I fell in love with Jane from the beginning.

Which character could you relate to best?  Cam

Why? Because he is love with someone who is completely oblivious, who doesn’t even realize she is hurting him.

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Her Boss, Derek.

From whose point of view is the story told? Jane Turner

Were the characters and their problems believable? Yes. Love is complicated.

How did the main character change during the novel? She went from wanting something she wanted to something she needed. Cam was there all along and she just didn’t open her eyes.

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered?  Basically it was about love. I believe it was a Valentine’s Day Novel. (At least that’s when I bought it.) How would she choose between her desires and the Espressology system that she thought was full proof? It was answered when she realized that she had made a mistake. Her secret crush was not the one made for her coffee/personality-wise. Cam was though.

Did you learn something new from the book? The person that your meant to be with isn’t always who you imagine.

Was the book different from what you expected? Yes and no. I expected something quirky and fun and it gave me that. Lots of laughs my sister had to tell me to quit telling her things that the characters said because she wanted to read the book for herself. But also no it wasn’t, because I honestly expected her friend to be happy for her – not to give her the silent treatment. Goodness! Let her explain!

Was location important to the story? Yes they were in dire need of a coffeehouse.

Was the time period important to the story? No not really.

What alternative title would you choose for this book? I’m seriously going to delete this question. It is totally useless. They choose it for a reason.

Share a quote or two from the book.

Em – “Stop laughing! This isn’t funny. He’s been acting strange ever since he graduated.”

Jane – “Sounds like it” I mean seriously, a bowling league?

Share a favorite scene from the book.  When she storms out because she lost her crush and Cam goes to comfort her.

What did you like most about the book? The ending. Everyone was happy. Cam and Jane got together and she still had her best friend.

What did you like least? The fact that Will (Her crush) was just using her. She really liked him.

Did you like the way the book ended? Yep.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? That true love waits.

What did you think of the cover? I loved the catchphrase on the front: *Get a little love with your latte*

Would you recommend this book? Yes.

How would you rate it? **** (Four Out Of Five Stars) It was a little slow at the beginning.

Half Upon A Time

 

 

This was such a fun read. I didn’t want to put it down! Between May’s (Princess) giving away her sarcasm to all the twist and turns weaved throughout the plot it was a highly enjoyable read. I loved the Prince and Jack’s witty banter throughout the book and the ending was totally unexpected.

I cannot say enough about this book, I truly cannot. James Riley has made a Debut Novel that I will remember for eternity and always have on my book shelf. His sense of humor kept me laughing non-stop throughout the entire book. Everyone needs to read this book. It is truly for all ages. My mom plans on reading it along with my pastor. I’m loaning it to anyone who will take it. Totally awesome!

QUESTIONNAIRE

Summarize the book without giving away the ending. A fairytale unlike any other, such fun. The humor was sharp and used in all the right places while the places that the characters experienced issue after issue it was solved with grace and laughter.

What did you think of the main character? Jack has some embarrassment issues. I have never heard of a guy blushing so much. I loved it. I definitely think he is going to be one of my favorite male characters of all time.

Which character could you relate to best? The Prince.

Why? I think everyone tries to prove themselves at one point of their lives. I don’t think it was just about avenging his father’s death as much as it was about him finding out whom he really was and what his purpose is in life (Other than taking over the kingdom.)

Were there any other especially interesting characters? The Wicked Queen of course!

From whose point of view is the story told? It’s told in third person, but it follows Jack.

Were the characters and their problems believable? Hardly. My nana is definitely not the Wicked Queen and I can honestly say if I called her that she would take my silver spoon away.

How did the main character change during the novel? Jack wasn’t able to fulfill his destiny in his Grandfather’s opinion until a Princess from Punk appeared out of the sky.

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered?  Would they find May’s Grandmother? Yes, they did. Just like all good fairytales they reached their destination and James riley managed to spin a little bit of reality into the mix when it didn’t go exactly as planned.

Did you learn something new from the book? That not everything is always what it appears to be.

Was the book different from what you expected? Yes, I didn’t expect there to be an opening for a sequel but I am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.

Was location important to the story? Yes, like all good fairytales you couldn’t have a Queen without a Castle.

Was the time period important to the story? No, not especially.

What alternative title would you choose for this book? There isn’t one. It was very creative.

Share a quote or two from the book.

Jack – “It’s probably used to listening to the witch. Maybe you remind it of her.”

May – “You want me to tell it to drop you?”

Jack – “I take it all back. You’re wonderful and beautiful and amazing.”

May – “That’s what I thought.”

Share a favorite scene from the book.  When he kisses her at the beginning of the book and she wakes up.

What did you like most about the book? The fact that the story is going to continue – I cannot wait for the sequel!

What did you like least? That either Jack or the Prince is going to betray her.

Did you like the way the book ended? No, it ended. I wanted it to go on forever.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? That you have to keep going even when you think you’re out of the game and there is no getting out of the hole you’re in.

What did you think of the cover? Love it. It caught my eye in the store. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up without Jack’s feet dangling from the beanstalk. :)

Would you recommend this book? Yes, this is going to everyone this Christmas.

How would you rate it? ***** (Five Stars)

Sleepaway Girls

 

I have my glasses on, hair fixed and smell faintly of bleach from just finishing up the kitchen – I’m ready for another Book Review! Whooo, snaps for Jordan! :) I was just sitting around listening to Ke$ha (for the umpteenth time) when I thought why not?! I was considering doing one every Friday, but honestly I am not a fast reader. I would have to do past books and would probably be talking about Romeo and Juliet’s last and final act instead of the current topic at hand let’s say, Andrew Clemet’s award winning book – and one of my favorites – Frindle. So to save myself the misery of deleting post after post to get it correct we are going to hold off on that for now. :)

The one I have refrained myself from doing the past month and a half is Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita. I will admit I was hesitant. If you’ve heard of her you know she is best known for her extraordinary work in magazines and such but even more so – by teenage girls at least – for her Secrets Of My Hollywood Life Series. I’m going to give you fair warning there is some bragging to come. The last addition to the series was released last year and yes I cried and had to have my sister read it to me. Puffy eyes are not easy to read with. I probably gave the Kleenex brand their Christmas Bonus due to this one book. I will admit that I was not pleased at all with this last book. Why would you end your series with her in Acoma? Once again I reeled myself in and decided not to send a stream of angry emails. You don’t do that to another person especially a fellow author. After I got over that HUGE hole in the road, I took over the book and read the last six chapters of The End. The Books are listed below:

1. Secrets of My Hollywood Life
2. Secrets of My Hollywood Life: On Location
3. Family Affairs
4. Paparazzi Princess
5. Broadway Lights
6. There’s No Place Like Home

Her other novels are listed below:

1. Sleepaway Girls
2. Reality Check

And her newest series premiered on March 23, 2012
1. Bells

I’m not going to go down any more Rabbit Holes :) This review is for Sleepaway Girls so let’s get started.

I boycotted the two novels mentioned above because I strongly believe(d) that she shouldn’t have taken tow hears off to write two other novels when I could have had two more books added to the series. But I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I see her reasoning. She wanted to let Kaitlin Burke live just a little bit longer, so that is why I am just now doing a review on this fantastic book. Sleepaway girls was amazing the main character was fun and flirty with just a tiny dose of shy.

QUESTIONNAIRE
Summarize the book without giving away the ending. A girl goes to summer camp with the idea of getting away from her best friend and her new boyfriend. Little does she know more drama waits at this little remote area than she ever dreamed.

What did you think of the main character? I fell in love with Sam Montgomery from the very first paragraph. I absolutely get where she is coming from. I would never spend an entire summer listening to two love birds. I think she took the high road. She left instead of causing a big fuss. :)

Which character could you relate to best?  Courtney AKA Court

Why? Because she doesn’t care what people think.

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Grace! If there was one character I wish I could relate to it would be her. I so wish I could play sports. Hello! Uncoordinated Ville Population: 1.

From whose point of view is the story told? Sam Montgomery

Were the characters and their problems believable? Yes. Although the way they handled it – in the end, were not. I just don’t see how all those campers cold care about two girl’s food fight. It should’ve been old news by the time they made the video for the talent show.

How did the main character change during the novel? She ultimately changed when she realized that her supposedly best friend didn’t care as much about has as she did for her. (does that make sense?)

What was the book's central question, and how was it answered?  It was a romance novel but I think it was basically about her pushing against her fears and leaving her sofa for the summer to grow. I think it was answered when she finally came out of her shell and left with friends and a possible relationship.

Did you learn something new from the book? Yes. True friends are there through thick and thin, wannabee friends are just there until something better comes along.

Was the book different from what you expected? Yes and No. I expected a boy to be involved – but not two. I also thought she would get a nemeses – I didn’t assume she would have to one day (maybe) live with her.

Was location important to the story? Yes. If she didn’t go to summer camp how would she have met Cole and Em.?” 

Was the time period important to the story? Not really. Well I guess in some ways yes. People now days don’t spank in summer camp like they used to. (Although they certainly should’ve done just that to some of those characters!)

What alternative title would you choose for this book? I always think that the author made the right choice, so I wouldn’t,

Share a favorite scene from the book.  At the very beginning when she gets hit in the head with a ball.

What did you like most about the book? The fact that it had a happy ending, I like how she stood u for herself and made what she wanted to happen. :)

What did you like least? It ended. I really could’ve read this book for eternity. Although you would need a lot more plot twists.

Did you like the way the book ended? Didn’t we just go over this? (But if it had to end, then Yes!)

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? That friends are always there. Jen Calontia is really good at portraying friendships.

What did you think of the cover? I liked it. I thought the camp t-shirt was a nice touch.

Would you recommend this book? Yes.

How would you rate it? **** Four Stars. (What? It isn’t SOMHL.)

Thanks for readin' - Jordan