Review | The Beautiful Between

Title: The Beautiful Between
Author: Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 192
Rating: 2.5/5

If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment bui...more

"If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how.

If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful."

The Beautiful Between, although heartfelt, it didn't come full circle for me. The plot seemed to revolve around three things and three things only. Connelly's relationship with Jeremy, Connelly's desire to find out what happened to her father and Jeremy's family secret. Another thing I noticed about this novel's plot is that it didn't move much and felt repetitive.

I believe the main characters were just thrown into becoming friends and all was said and done. I didn't see a true bond between them. Although, I admit, there was a deeper message between them. That just because someone's from a clique you don't necessarily like that doesn't mean that they don't have problems of their own and that you can't relate to them. Or help each other. I adored that aspect of the novel. I also liked the aspect of high school being thought of as a fairytale.

Although this novel didn't satisfy me as the reader, The Beautiful Between was something that needed to be read for the simple fact about the inner message of the novel. But it's really your choice to read this novel or not. Who knows maybe you'll like it better than I did.

Waiting on Wednesday [14]

"When her mother is killed in a car accident, Michele Windsor has no choice but to move in with the wealthy grandparents she's never met in New York. Disillusioned by their coldness, Michele retreats into her room, where she discovers her great-great-aunt's journal--and, once she touches its pages, finds herself hurtled back in time.

In the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele learns that a wedding is coming up between the Windsors and another prominent family, the Walkers. But when Michele attends a party, something miraculous happens: while almost no one can see her in this era, one gorgeous young man with sparkling blue eyes can. Drawn together by mutual attraction, the two bond over music and the parents they've recently lost. But when the party is over, Michele learns the truth--the man she just fell for is Phillip Walker. And she, unknowingly, has just inspired him to call off his wedding to her great-great-aunt, prompting a family feud that will last for generations.

As Michele travels back and forth in time, she and Phillip meet over and over, always frustrated by their inability to have more than a few hours together. Michele knows she should try to make a life in the present, but none of the boys at school can hold a candle to Phillip. Finally, Michele tries to end their romance altogether--spurring a tragedy that transcends generations. Has Michele destroyed her chances for happiness? Or is her love for Phillip . . . timeless?"

Why? Because it's about time travel romance. I mean come on, who doesn't like reading about that kinda stuff? Plus it sounds amazing. Oh and it's a 2011 release, so it'll be awhile before I even get near this book, lol.

Teaser Tuesday [16]

""Locked?" Simon perked up.

"I busted it open. It's a workshop. Nothing but tools."

"So why would it be locked?" I asked.

"I'd love to say suspicious," Simon said. "But if this Banks guy had kids around, then I'm not surprised. My dad isn't exactly Mr. Handyman, but he kept a lock on his toolbox. You know parents. Paranoid."

"Yeah," Derek said. "Especially after their son flattens his finger trying to nail a drawing to the wall."

"Hey, I'm not the genius who suggested it." Simon glanced at me. "Tape wouldn't hold, and Science Guy explained that the paper was too heavy for the adhesive. So I got some nails."

Derek rolled his eyes."

Daily Dose [o1]

This is a meme hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly and apparently you post pictures that made your day or gave you inspiration. I loved reading others' posts with this meme, so I thought I'd start sharing mine. It'll switch up the blog a little. And even though, it says every Monday, I'll go with every Sunday.

Let's get on with it shall we?




Er...yeah, I'm going to have to get better at this.

In My Freaking Mailbox! :] [36]

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren with some inspiration from Pop Culture Junkie. But we all knew that, right? Right. So let's get down to it.

Each of the books, except for the third picture is from the library. The publisher sent book three for review.

Book one: I was feeling the need to read a classic, so I chose The Catcher in The Rye. Silly enough, I've never read this. Book two: how could I not pick up the last book in the Darkest Powers Trilogy?! Enough said.

Book three: SQUEE. Enough said. Srsly. Book four: I've always liked this series, and plus the covers are always gorgeous. As a matter of fact, these last two books have gorgeous covers.

Review | Raised by Wolves

Title: Raised by Wolves
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Publisher: Egmont
Pages: 432
Rating: 4/5

"Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?"

IMM! [35]

Hey all. Here's an In My Mailbox! You know the gist, this meme was created by The Story Siren and with inspiration from Pop Culture Junkie.

Both books are for review.

Review - Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shade

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 309

Rating: 5/5

"Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last. Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone. Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift."

IMM! :] [34]

"Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials based on the real historical characters, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692—Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam Jr.

When Ann’s father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann sees an opportunity and starts manifesting the symptoms of affliction. Ann looks up to Mercy, the beautiful servant in her parents' house. She shows Mercy the power that a young girl is capable of in a time when women were completely powerless. Mercy, who suffered abuse at the hands of past masters, seizes her only chance at safety. And Ann’s cousin Margaret, anxious to win the attention of a boy in her sights, follows suit.

As the accusations mount against men and women in the community, the girls start to see the deadly ramifications of their actions. Should they finally tell the truth? Or is it too late to save this small New England town?"

That's all I got this week and, I've gotta admit, this sounds like a purrrty good read. Oh, oh, oh how could I forget? Happy Birthday, America ;) And, like, even though fireworks are illegal, go have some fun with those. And enjoy those family cookouts! Catcha later, bloggers.

Contest Winner Annoucement.

Happy 4th of July weekend! :)

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That contest that was on my blog went really well, there were 243 entries in all. I'd say that went well, don't you? Anyways the winner isssss....

Ashley R.

You have 48 hours to respond to my email or I'm going to choose a different winner. Thanks for the awesome contest, guys!