Saving Zoë

Saving Zoë  By Alyson Noel

Publication Date: September 2007
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 230
Age Group: YA
Source: Barnes and Noble
 
Summary: (Barnes and Noble) Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues. As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë. Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything. Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of. When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed—not even Echo.

My Thoughts: This was one of the best and fast reads that I have read in a long time! I devoured every word that Alyson Nöel wrote. Echo was an insightful and believable character that had a strong, independent voice. My heart was pulled in different directions throughout reading this book. It was fresh and addicting, making it easy to finish in one sitting. I was thrilled to have picked this up! (It caught my eye because of the name! That's exactly how I spell mine.) I have nothing more to say than that you should really drop everything and read this book right now, if you haven't already.

Cover: 5
Plot: 5
Style of Writing: 5
Characters: 5
Overall: 5

Would I ever read from this author again?: YES!!!

Gold Star Books

What's the best book you have ever read?

These next couple of posts, I haven't put much thought into, so this could turn out to be a total waste, or it could blossom into something great. I want to have a sort of "Gold Star Book Awards" to recognize all of the books that I am in LOVE with. And all the books that you are in love with too! I want to kind of compile a list of "Must Read" books that will then get awarded.

We can maybe start by genre and do separate lists? Maybe this could be it's own separate page?

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated! Lately, I have been feeling like my blog needs a little more added umph!

So, let me know what you think.

Oh, and I will be putting up a review soon! (Just if you were ever wondering)

What would be on your list?

Numbers: The Chaos

The Chaos by Rachel Ward

Publication Date: March 2011
Publisher: Schoolastic, Inc.
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 339
Source: Publisher

Summary: Adam has more than inherited his mother's curse: When he looks in someone's eyes, he not only sees the date of their death...he feels the searing, shocking pain of it. Since Jem died, Adam has lived by the sea with his great-grandmother, Val. But when rising tides flood the coast, they return to London. The city is an alien, exciting, frightening place. Most disturbing of all, Adam can't help but clock how many people's numbers are in January 2027; how many are on New Year's Day. What chaos awaits the world? Can he and Sarah stop a catastrophe? Or are they, too, counted among the "twenty-sevens"?

My Thoughts: This was a great sequel to a book that I thought was a little strange. This summed up the story line in a nice way and gave me a second opinion on the first novel; Numbers. Rachel Ward really does do a great job with the description of feelings. The writing was very good. 

The story is told from two new characters perspective; Adam and Sarah. They each have their own feelings and takes on the situations at hand. It was neat to hear from each of them about the other and vice versa. All in all, it wasn't that bad.

Cover: 4
Plot: 4.5
Style of Writing: 5
Characters: 4
Overall: 4

Would I ever read from this author again?: Yes.

Waiting on Wednesday

This is my first ever "Waiting on Wednesday" post!  If you've never heard of it you should check it out. It's a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This one I found while searching through some new releases over at Tea Mouse. check out the post here.

Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Summary:
Brooke

I don't like Kathryn Pease. I could pretend everything's fine between us. I could be nice to her face, then trash her behind her back. But I think it's better to be honest. I don't like Kathryn, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

Kathryn

I saw a commercial where singers used their voices to shatter glass, but the whole thing is pretty much a myth. The human voice isn't that strong.
Human hatred is. Anybody who doubts that should feel the hate waves coming off of Brooke Dempsey. But I don't shatter; I'm not made of glass. Anyway, the parts that break aren't on the outside.

Brooke and Kathryn used to be best friends . . . until the night when Brooke ruthlessly turned on Kathryn in front of everyone. Suddenly Kathryn was an outcast and Brooke was Queen B. Now, as they prepare to face off one last time, each girl must come to terms with the fact that the person she hates most might just be the best friend she ever had.

My Thoughts: I can't wait! Obviously..that's why I chose this one. It seems a little catty and it might have a bit of an immature story line, but I think it will prove to be a fast read that is purely just for fun. I've never read anything by Sara Bennet Wealer, so this will be a new author for me. I hope this one turns out to be good. :)  Also.....I LOVE the cover!!! It totally caught my eye.

What are you waiting for?

Release Date: Feb. 15th; HarperTeen

Choker

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Publication Date: January 2011
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Age Group: Young adult
Pages: 233
Source: Barnes and Noble

From the Back Cover: Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?*

My Thoughts: This was a thriller! It was spooky, mysterious, and shocking. I started it today at about 10:00 a.m. and I finished it at about 5:00 p.m. I couldn't put it down. It was short enough, but had much depth. I am super excited about this debut author; Elizabeth Woods, and I can't wait to see what else she produces in the coming future. The character of Cara was a bit annoying at times but in the end, I felt bad for her and it left me on a good note. The narration is 3rd person and I thought that it fit well with the story line. Some books you just can't forget...and this is one of them. It will surely have me lying in bed thinking about it!


Cover: 5
Plot: 4.5
Characters: 5
Style of Writing: 4
Overall: 5

Would I ever read from this author again?: Yes!!! Can't wait.


*Synopsis courtesy of goodreads.com

Numbers

Numbers by Rachel Ward


Publication Date: February 2010
Publisher: Schoolastic, Inc.
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 325
Source: Barnes and Noble

From the Back Cover: Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the Eye ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today's number. Today's date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem's world is about to explode!

My Thoughts: This was not at all what I expected. That's not to say that i didn't enjoy it, though. From what I read from the back, I thought this story would be oriented around the mystery of the bombing of the London Eye. But it went on to be a story of two teenagers running away and surviving, while trying to hide from the authorities. It was a bit raunchy at times and had more for a more mature teen, than anything else. It was set in England and written by and English author.  Ward has that original British humor that made the book worthwhile, for me.


Cover: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characters: 4
Style of Writing: 4
Overall: 4


Would I read from this author again?: Maybe. I would need to have heard raving reviews about another book by Rachel Ward, for me to consider it.


Oh yeah, Happy Monday!

The Lying Game

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Publication Date: December 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 307
Source: Borders

From the Back Cover:
I had a life anyone would kill for.
Then someone did.
The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.
Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.
Let the lying game begin.

My Thoughts: I loved this book! It was so hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading until the final page was turned and then there was a cliff-hanger! I love that! I loved the way it was narrated and the description was perfect. I am a HUGE fan of the Pretty Little Liars so I thought it was only right to read this...great choice. I think that realistic fiction lovers and mystery lovers will devour this book. I can't wait for the second in the series!

Cover: 5
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Style of writing: 5
Overall: 5

Would I read from this author again?: YES!