Quick reviews

Hey everyone! Here are just some quick reviews of the books that I have been reading lately :]

House Rules by Jodi Picoult
A typical, twist-at-every-turn Picoult novel with a focus on special needs. One learns a lot about Asberger's Syndrome while reading this one, and not just from the load of facts and info that Picoult shares, but from eighteen-year-old Jacob Hunt's own commentary. Picoult's intense prose allows you to journey to the mind of person with Autism- and she does this beautifully. Yes, this one was a bit predictable and not my favorite of hers (The Pact, Second Glance, and Nineteen Minutes are my top three), but it was definitely worth reading.

The View From the Top by Hillary Frank
Frank creates a light, summer read by juxtaposing six teens stories' and intertwining them in a way that makes you want to read more. This book was deliciously layered and interconnected, with simple and delicate writing and an accurate portrayal of a group of friends' summer before college. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books describes Frank's novel as, "A perceptive portrayal of a summer that feels like it holds all of life's important changes."

Wanted (Pretty Little Liars) by Sara Shepard
My mind is still spinning from the last installment in the never-ending, mysterious and glamorous Pretty Little Liars saga. I do not want to spill any of Shepard's secrets because I know that a lot of people are in the middle of reading this series- but from a fan who has been reading her books since the first one came out in 2006- WOW. I am still undecided if I am content with its dramatic ending, but it did twist and turn better than any other series finale that I have read. Although I am super confused now when I watch the show, because like I said, my head is STILL spinning- read this one. It is an explosion of surprise- thanks Shepard for creating such a dynamic series!


Hopefully more to come when I find the time to read! :]


Did you read these books? Did you like them? Leave a comment!

Pretty Little Liars #7, Heartless

I just recently got my hands on the seventh installment of the Pretty Little Liars series, which I have previously discussed here on my blog. This new addition to this addicting series was just as full of suspense and drama as the first six books, as well as so many twists and turns that kept me reading this book constantly. I am not going to reveal much about the book here, just because I know that since the TV show came out, there are many readers just beginning to try out the series, and I would not want to spoil it for anyone. I will just say this- Sara Shepard creates four different story lines that meld together in this book, and that make readers question their own theories and ideas along the way. Although the ending was disappointing and did not reveal much, I am definitely looking forward to the eighth book of this series, which I heard is the last.

Just a bit from Amazon-

"Four gorgeous girls are telling very ugly stories.

First Emily, Aria, Hanna, and Spencer claimed they found a dead body in the woods behind Spencer's house, only to have it vanish without a trace. Then, when the same woods went up in flames, they swore they saw someone who's supposed to be dead rise from the ashes. And even after all that, the pretty little liars are still playing with fire. Call me heartless, but it's about time someone shut these liars up for good. After all, nobody likes a girl who cries wolf—least of all me. . . . "


Now, I need to briefly gush about the new Pretty Little Liars TV show. SO SO good! From the plot to the characters to the fashion, this new hit has me waiting desperately for Tuesday nights. Check it out!

In My Mailbox (1)

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi, The Story Siren based on Alea´s idea at Pop Culture Junkie . In IMM, bloggers report what books they have bought, borrowed, swapped, etc. that week. I will be posting my own In My Mailbox bi-weekly, so enjoy and leave a comment!

1. Looking for Alaska- John Green
2. Shiver- Maggie Stiefvater
3. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner- Stephanie Meyer
4. Heartless- Sara Shepard
5. House Rules- Jodi Picoult

Have you read these books or reviewed them on your blog? Let me know and leave a comment below! :]

The Visibles

To be quite honest, I expected Sara Shepard's first attempt at adult fiction to be the definition of a beach read- frothy, filled with gossip and simple language, similar to her YA reads. Boy, was I wrong. The Visibles is a heart-wrenching tale of young Summer Davis, with a microscopic view of her struggles with her family, friends, and the world around her. Sarah Shepard uses poetic and evocative words to explore this family's biological and emotional ties to one another, through both views of science and faith. I was completely drawn in by Summer's unique and fearful personality, her father's mysterious past and commencing mental illness, and the comical Aunt Stella. The introduction was an intriguing,italicized account of hidden love and a tragic accident from the past, that had me hooked from the very first page. This book details Summer's life as a teen to her thirties, skillfully creating a contrast between the past and present with precision to marvel at.

This moving text had me wanting more after every page, and I absolutely recommend it. It reads a bit as a teen novel, which I viewed as a positive attribute- the perfect mix of YA and adult fiction. I read it quickly, and already passed it on to my sister who is always looking for a good book- this one definitely is worth it.

A good chick lit series does exist

The genre of "chick lit" is usually not considered a good read. Usually, these short books are filled with drama, relationships, and fashion, lacking in any literary value. I do admit that I have been known to read an occasional It Girl or Private series once in a while. It is mindless reading that doesn't require much thought.


A few years ago, my sister and I discovered a series that gives "chick lit" a new feel. Pretty Little Liars is a fresh, new series that gives the reader the typical juicy details and secrets, along with suspense that makes you keep reading. The series follows the lives of four girls who were best friends in middle school. Their clique fell apart when their leader, Allison, disappeared. Now, years later, the four return to their hometown. No longer friends and dealing with the constant struggle of high school, the girls begin receiving messages from the mysterious"A." Somehow, "A" knows each girl's deepest secrets that only Allison knew. Where did Allison disappear to? Who is "A"? Believe me, these questions will keep you reading. You will not be able to put it down.

This series has been around for a few years and Sara Shepard releases new books constantly. The next installment, Heartless, will be released in January, 2010. Here is a list of the series so far:



1. Pretty Little Liars












2. Flawless












3. Perfect

4. Unbelieveable












5. Wicked













6. Killer