The Reading Nook

Monday, March 28, 2011

Review: Shine by: Lauren Myracle

I've only read one other book by Lauren Myracle, and that was "kissing Kate" a few years ago, and it was just "OK" for me. I felt like this book was heading down the same dull drum path, but towards the middle of the book that all changed and I found that I didn't want to put this book down.

This story is about a girl named Cat, who's best friend is victim of a vicious hate crime. The whole, small southern town seems to fall apart and Cat is the only one trying to find out who did this to her best friend. As secrets and people are exposed, more and more problems arise, and Cat isn't sure if she'll ever find out who put her best friend in critical condition at the hospital.

The book started out a little slow for me, but towards the middle I didn't want to put it down, and I found myself on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns that occurred. All of which shocked me and I had no idea that the story was going in the direction that it went it. This book is def. one of my favorite books i've read so far this year, and I encourage everyone to pick this up. It's raw, emotional, and heart-breaking, Lauren Myracle blew me away.

The Reading Nook's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Review: Pretties By: Scott Westerfeld

3 stars

I was really looking forward to this second book in the series after reading and LOVING uglies but this book unfortunetly a bit of a let-down, it took me a long time to get through, and i felt like i was constantly bored. I honestly thought this book was going to focus more on Talley's life as being a pretty but it was more about her escaping being a pretty and being on the outside again. I kept wanting something exciting to happen, but for me it just didn't happen. The love triangle or lack there of between David, Zane and Tally kind-of bothered me too, because I felt like it just hung there without anything of real substance happening.

I think a lot of people will probably disagree with this review because I know a lot of people loved it, but different strokes for different folks I guess. I didn't hate it, it just didn't fufill my expectations and was lacking something for me. I plan on continuing with the series and finishing it, because theres only two books left, but I sincerely hope that specials picks up for me!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Review: Populazzi By: Elise Allen

4 out of 5 stars

This was a very cute light read, which is nice once in a while after reading more intense novels. Elise Allen did a great job of making the story unique with an adequete amount of twists and turns to make you want to keep reading. I enjoyed the "popular" group and enjoyed the main character Cara and the whole premise of climbing the social ladder. The only character that really got under my skin was Cara's best friend, I felt like she only cared about herself and really just left a bad taste in my mouth. I wanted to constantly smack some sense into her!! The rest of the characters were very likeable, and I really enjoyed the story.
The story could have been very predictable considering the idea of a not popular girl becoming popular and the rise and fall of her popularity, but Elise Allen did a phenomanal job with keeping this book unique and unpredictable, A lot of the twists and turns I had no idea were going to happen, it was a fast read and I stayed glued to the story until I was finished. I cannot wait to see what other great books Elise Allen has in store for us!!

You should all check this book out, you won't be dissapointed!!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Book Review: Orchards by: Holly Thompson

4 out of 5 stars*

I haven't heard very much about this novel, until I won it off Random Buzzers. I was excited to see that it was written in verse and that the book was filled with beautiful illustrations. It was a very quick read, and it was different from anything else i've ever read.

This Story was about a girl named Kana Goldberg, who after the suicide of a schoolmate is sent to her relatives in Japan. Kana feels guilty about Ruth's suicide due too some things that were said by her friends to Ruth, and spends her summer contemplating what influence her and her friends had on Ruth's suicide. She is starting to feel at home in her native Japan after much hesitance about wanting to go away for the summer at all. She's starting to feel at home until news from back home sends her into a spiral all over again.

This story was fast-paced, and i really enjoyed it. It was beautifully written, and hopefully recieves much more praises in the near future. It not only had very thought-provoking issues, but also had very beautifully written poetry, that made you not want to put the book down!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Review for Kat, Incorrigible by: Stephanie Burgis

5 out of 5 stars!!

Wow, I cannot remember the last time I read a middle grade story, probably since I was 10 years old or so, but WOW!! after reading this I may need to seriously pick some more out, because otherwise I would feel like I am seriously missing out!! I honestly don't even know why I recieved the ARC from Simon and Schuster, but not only was I shocked when I recieved it in the mail, but I also LOVED the story.

This book had the right amount of everything, from fantasty, to drama, to comedy, etc. It was a pleasent mixture of everything you'd want to find in a book. Kat was an amazing 12 year old narrator, and I absolutly adored her character, she was cute, comical, and very smart for her age. The story itself was interesing and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

The only thing I can say about this book that would be of a critque nature would be that I felt that some of the word choices were a little bit advanced for a middle grade book, It was fine for me, but I think some 10 years old might have trouble with some of the terms, but then again it's been a long time since I was 10 years old, so maybe they arern't as advanced as I think they might be for someone of the age group.

All I can say is definitely go pick up this book, you will not be dissapointed!! I cannot wait to see what else Stephanie Burgis has in store for us and for Kat.