A Page Turner Book Reviews

"The Lost Summer" by Kathryn Williams

2009-06-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have read hundreds of books and they have all touched me in different ways, but “The Lost Summer” forced me to pull out all those precious memories from those magical summers at camp. Helena Waite is returning to her favorite place, Camp Southpoint, but this year things will be different. She is no longer a young camper, this year she’s a counselor. The only crappy part about this is that her best friend Katie Bell, the other half of Hels Bells, is still a camper. Kathryn Williams displays the true realities of friendship, summer love and how in the heat of a summer night it can be hard to make the right choices. “The Lost Summer” was very easy for me to relate to because I have been a life long camper and when I was old enough a counselor. I loved this book because I could personally relate to the friendship struggle between Helena and Katie. Being a camper it was easy to goof off and act silly with my summer friends but becoming a counselor came with new responsibilities and freedoms. I no longer had the same rules as a camper. Lights out at 10 o’clock did not apply to me and I didn’t have to stay in my cabin during rest hour. Much like Helena it was easy to abandon my life as a camper and get caught up in the joys of being responsible for a group of young girls. Although my all girls camp didn’t have a boys camp right next to it, I do know how convincing the words of a smooth talking guy can be. “The Lost Summer” is a wonderful coming of age story, I’m the same age as the main character and after reading this book I feel I have grown a little more. I have never read a book that has had me teary eyed through the entire story, but this one did. Some of it had to do with the story but most of it came from the little things that reminded me of my “lost summers”. Singing those familiar camp songs you know by heart around the camp fire and pigging out on s’mores until you could puke. It’s funny how when we were younger we wished to be older but even though I am only seventeen I find myself wishing for those summers back and my summer friends.

As you can tell this book made me think about some of my fond camp memories. One of my favorite has to be playing in the clay pit every year after a big rain. We would get nasty, smelled disgusting and had clay in places it didn't belong. And if we were real lucky we could drag the Camp Ranger in there with us and get him covered too. So I'm wondering do any of you have any fond camp memories? If you do I would love to hear them!!

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

2009-02-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

What Amazon says about it:

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, the master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the 1f8 evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn’t the only threat.Violent black cyclone clouds hover, promising a storm of devastating proportions as student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against elements both natural and unnatural.

What I say about it:

Two thumbs up

The Morganville Vampire Series is one that I am a devoted follower to. The story is one that is so addicting that you spend the months between books impatiently waiting and when it finally gets here you devour it in one evening. Rachel Caine has a way of drawing you in to the story so that it feels like you are really there. There were times in Lord of Misrule that I felt like I was right beside Claire running from a group of ravenous vampires. In typical Rachel Caine style she leaves you on a cliff hanger dying to know what happens next. The only complaint I have comes from the hopeless romantic part of me and wishing there would have been a little more Shane and Claire action. I'm not sure if I have said this in previous reviews but one thing that I truly love about the series is the vampires and the fact that they are not you typical vamps. One more thing. Even though you find the series in the YA section you do not have to be a YA to read them. My mom is currently fighting me over my copy of Lord of Misrule. I recommend this to all Morganville Vampires followers. Now I am off to pre-order my copy of Carpe Corpus.

New Years Resolution, New Schools and other random stuff...

2009-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

My New Years Resolution:
I know most of you are probably thinking "the time for News Year Resolutions is over, where has this girl been" but I am going to post it anyway. My New Years Resolution is to actually post reviews on here. I have completely dropped the ball on posting. But I have a semi good excuse. I started a new school this year which just so happens to be an online high school. It has been extremely different from doing independent study like I was before. So I'm sure you can imagine that it took a lot of adjusting especially since this was the first year for this school in South Carolina and there were several technology glitches. So just when things started settling down the club list came out so of course I decided to sign up for as many things as possible but settled with two, Journalism/Yearbook and Student Council. I am also proud to say that I am secretary of my Junior Class and I have a big part with planning our Junior Prom. I promise I will try to do so much better this year on my reviews.

Books:
As I always do I spent my annual Amazon gift card from my Uncle on books and my order finally came in today. In my Amazon box there was:

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine ( I have been dying for this to come in the mail)
A Year in Europe: Three Novels by Rachel Hawthorne
S.A.S.S When Irish Guys are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee ( I have been meaning to read these and finally got around to ordering one.)

Look for Reviews on these three soon.

So I hope you guys have not lost faith in me and that I still have a few people that will read this. Now I am off to do HORRIBLE Algebra 2 Honors work.

The Orpheus Obsession by Dakota Lane

2008-10-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Anooshka Stargirl has what most people would describe as a difficult life. Her father is out of the picture and her mom is depressed and tends to be on a different planet than everyone else. Thankfully for Anooshka she has an older sister that lives in New York City so she has somewhere to escape to every now and then. On one of her trips to the city her sister tells her about the singer Orpheus. Anooshka immediately falls in love with in his lyrics. And then when she meets him briefly in a park she falls in love with and his mysterious personality. Just like any teen girl with a crush Anooshka becomes obsessed with Orpheus and a need to learn everything about him she can. She starts by reading his blog daily and then going to his restaurant to see if he shows up. Anooshka eventually gets in with Orpheus and she thinks that is what she wants until she spends a night alone with Orpheus in his apartment. Weeks go by and Anooshka hears nothing from Orpheus and she comes to realize Orpheus is not a shy misunderstood artist but that he is a self-centered rocker.

The Orpheus Obsession is a very fun fast paces summer read. I really enjoyed how relateable it was. Being a teen girl I can really understand the obsession that Anooshka develops for Orpheus. The Orpheus obsession is one of those books that you can not wait to share with your friends.

"She's So Money" by Cherry Cheva

2008-03-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

"She's So Money" had me hooked immediately from reading the cover flap. You know who doesn't love a story about the classic good girl that learns to let loose. Maya's first priority has always been school so that she can attend her dream college, Stanford. Maya works long hours at her parents restaurant and spends the rest of her time studying. After one especially difficult night at the restaurant, Maya and her brother are to exhausted to do the clean up. Their parents are away so they think it will be fine if they wait till he net day to clean up the restaurant. But just as it always happens something bad occurs. The health inspector comes to the restaurant for an unannounced inspection and slams them with a massive fine. Maya is afraid of disappointing her parents and she does not think that they can handle paying the fine so she decides to take care of it her self. Maya along with Camden King, the most popular boy in school, devise a very elaborate homework ring. Where they charge to do other kids homework. Maya had never planned for it to become as large as it did but as the date to pay the fine got closer and closer Maya and her team took on more clients. Maya is able to pay the fine but the guilt of having kept all these secrets from her family and friends eventually wears on her and before long she spills everything to everyone.

For me "She's So Money" covers many different areas. Not only does it have humor and comedy but it also teaches a very valuable lesson to the readers about honesty and knowing when you have dug a hole to deep to get out of without asking for help.

Choices by Deborah Lynn Jacobs

2008-03-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

After Kathleen's brother is killed in a tragic accident. She is racked with guilt feeling that it is her fault for the accident. With all of these emotions and feelings that Kathleen has she begins to shift between several different alternate universes. In each one Kathleen is a different person exploring different personalities in some doing things she had never thought about doing before. As Kathleen continues to shift the only constant thing that does not change and follows her to each alternate universe is Luke. She finds out that Luke is able to shift too and that he had intentionally been following her through each universe. Luke helps Kathleen understand what kind of power she had and how to control it better. Kathleen finds out something about Luke that makes her wonder if she can really trust him and everything that he has told her. With the conclusion of the book Kathleen comes to realize that what she wanted is not what she needed. Life is full of choices, the good and the bad, the question is which one will you make.

"Choices" was a fast paced read that keeps you guessing. I read "Choices" in one sitting late at night. I could not put it down till I was through. This book really makes you realize how the choices you make in life affect everything else.

Deborah Lynn Jacobs has written a few other books which you can find out more information about on her website.

www.deborahlynnjacobs.com

Wake by Lisa McMann

2008-02-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone has always wondered what the person that fell asleep beside you one the bus or in class is dreaming. Well for 17 year old Janie being sucked into the dreams of the people around her is part of her daily routine. Theres only so many sex-crazed naked dreams that one girl can take before it gets old and Janie has reached her limit. She is tired of being yanked into other peoples dreams without any control over how fast she enters and departs the dreams or what happens while shes is in them. Most of the dreams she is pulled into are typical teenage dreams untill she starts being drawn into someones nightmares that has a monster with knives for fingers. This is the first time she particiaptes in some one elses dream. She soon finds the source of the nightmares is Cabel Strumheller who has a few secrets of his own. After having kept her secret since she was 8 years old Janie confides in Cabel. Janie and Cabel have and up down, love hate relationship that centers around Janie learning to how to control this "power" she has. I really loved Janie and Cabels realtionship. It was really different which is what in my opinion makes it special. At some points that plot had me alittle confused but I think that that is part of what makes the book so intresting. By the end of the novel though it was clear as to what was going on. Overall "Wake" was very enjoyable and intresting and I really liked the style of writing that Lisa McMann chose to write in. I will definitely have trouble waiting for the sequel "Fade" to come out next year.

"Wake" is set to be released in early March. For more information on Lisa McMann and "Wake" visit her website at http://www.lisamcmann.com/

Almost Home by Jessica Blank

2008-01-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

"Almost Home" is a real eye opener to the life runaways have. The characters all have different reasons for leaving their families. Whether they were running form abuse of some kind of just looking for something bigger. But the one thing they all have in common is the love they have. All of them just want somebody to love. It was amazing for me to see how these seven kids all of different ages, personalities and back grounds were able to create a family on the streets of L.A. Even as dysfunctional as it was they made it work. The flap on the cover says that Tracy is the thread that ties them all together. I could not agree more. She changes every person she comes in contact with. It saddened me to read about how these teens had to go about getting money and finding a way to eat. They had do everything from selling drugs to sex in order to be able to have a meal. It's different when you hear bout runaways on TV or in a movie but when you read about it and see it through the eyes of these characters it makes it more real. The things that these teens had to go through are heartbreaking and gut wrenching but this is what really happens. I have read stories about run away teens before but they all tended to be romanticised but the novel that Jessica Blank has created show the real facts about what really happens. What deeply disturbed me most was Eeyore's story. She was only 12 years old and her step-brother sexually abused her which is the reason why she chose to runaway.."Almost Home" is the most moving YA novel I have read. This is definitely one that I would recommend for everyone to read. I really like how she has included several help lines, shelters, and other resource in the back of the book. I was unaware that 1.5 million kids runaway every year along with about 1 million that are thrown out by their parents. This is a serious issue that more people need to know about so that other things can start being done to help.

A- Z Reading Challenge

2008-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to participate in a reading challenge for a while now and I have finally decided which one I would like to take part in. The A - Z Reading Challenge is hosted by Thoughts of Joy. You can find the link to her page in the side bar along with the link to my page where you can keep track of my progress and find out more information about the challenge. I am open to any and all suggestions for books to read.

The Debutante by Kathryn Williams

2008-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Annie McRae was ready for her senior year of high school, I mean it is suppose to be the best one right? Well at least that is what Annie thought until, her parents dropped the bomb that they were moving to Beaufort, Alabama the place where her Dad grew up. Annie quickly realized that her dream of going to Brown will be her only way to escape the "woods". Her pain only becomes worse when she finds out that the only way her Grandma will pay for Brown is if Annie makes her debut at the Magnolia Ball. Having no interest in taking part in this southern tradition Annie holds out hope to receive a sports scholarship. When she does not receive the scholarship she decides to just suck it up and deal with it (but that does not mean she has to like it). Somewhere in all this debutante chaos and learning how to be a lady she slowly begins to realize that it is OK for her to make friends in Alabama especially when she needs them the most. Annie also leans that a little southern charm looks awfully nice on a guy.

I really like how much Annie's character changes throughout the book. She goes from the typical stereotype that all people from the South are hicks from the woods to learning that they are not so bad after all. This was a fun light read that I really enjoyed and kept me laughing. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author.

The cover posted here is just for the galley. It will most likely change. The Debutante is due out in May.

Letters to My Sisters by Ngozi Osuagwu

2007-12-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

Letters to My Sisters is composed of letters written by Ngozi Osuagwu to a few of her patients discussing a few of the gynecological problems for women. Letters to my sisters was very informative on some of the things that happen to a woman's body. I found this book to be very encouraging. With the very first letter you get the feel for how caring she is to her patients and how devoted she is to doing her job and doing it write. I really enjoyed how straightforward she was in explaining what was going on through the letters. Even when having to deliver upsetting news she offered nothing but encouragement, hope, and compassion for her patients. I found it very refreshing that she did not sugarcoat anything instead she gave straightforward diagnosis and solutions. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself, how everything works, and exactly whats happening. I would recommend this to every woman I meet. In fact I have given a copy to best friend in hopes that she learns more because everyone can always work to improve their health.

An Open Vein by J.M. Warick

2007-12-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

John had always been the smartest in his class. After being labeled as gifted in the fifth grade he continued to soar through his classes until his early graduation at 16. John's parents best friend, Kane, offers John a chance to spend the summer with him in New York City. Ready to be free of the problems that come with high school and ready to prove his independence John jumped at the chance. Upon his arrival to New York City John and Kane explored various places and sites, ate at popular restaurants and eventually fall into a routine. John is loving his independence and is excited about starting his journey at USC to become a doctor. One night as John was helping Kane unpack when he came across a document that would change everything he had known. John is starting to accept this new information. When Kane comes home one day from his job at the hospital and tells John about a letter he received threatening Johns safety. Prepared to do anything to protect John, Kane suggests that John reaming inside the apartment instead of going out. Gradually staying inside 24/7 starts to get to John and he begins to disobey Kane by sneaking outside to sit in the courtyard. Kane gets slightly angry at John but lets it go. One night John gets food poisoning and becomes really sick. Kane has to insert an IV into John to help him to recuperate. Kane insists that John learns to depend on him more. Kane decides to try an exercise that will help the two of them become closer. Kane removes all of Johns clothes and requires him to ask for his clothes and his food when he needs it. Eventually Kane becomes even more controlling to the point that John is locked in his room for long periods of time in the nude and without any food.

AN OPEN VEIN is a psychological thriller that forces the reader to ask why. Why does John allow Kane to completely control and dominate him. Why does Kane treat John so badly and what was his reasoning behind it. J. M. Warrick has done an absolutely amazing job in keeping me guessing for more. This is definitely a book that I will read over and over again.

Primavera by Mary Jane Beaufrand

2007-12-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

Primavera takes place during the Italian Renaissance. Flora is the youngest daughter of the Pazzi family. The Pazzi is one of the two most powerful families. The Pazzi and their biggest rival the Medici are in a bloody struggle for the ultimate power over Florence. Caught in the middle of this is Flora. While her beautiful sister Domenica is being painted by the famed artist Botticelli Flora is dreading what is to happen to her. Flora is seen by her mother as possessing no beauty. Her mother does not even allow her to dine with the rest of her family for fear of having to explain their "ugly" daughter to their guests. Because she posses no beauty her mother is positive she will not be able to find a husband so she has been destined to spend her years in a Convent. The only reason she has been sent to the Convent yet is because of her dear Nonna who has stuck up for her and kept her from being sent off. Flora does not realize that even though her mother did not fuss over her or buy her pretty dresses as she did Domenica she had all love she could need from her Nonna.

Suggested reading age for Primavera is 12 but that seems a little young for me because of how bloody and graphic the fight scenes are. Primavera is set to come out in March 2008.

2007-11-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

Poseur by Rachel Maude

Charlotte Beverwill, Janie Farrish, Melissa Moon and Petra Greene have nothing in common except for their passion for fashion. They all have completely different fashion styles and hang out will different groups. So you can imagine that when these four girls are put into to the same class together to create their own fashion label they really Clash. They all have different opinions on each other and make no move at first to try to work together. Each girl has an opinion on what their fashion label should be. By the end of the book the girls realize that even though they are very different they can work together with their fashion label. Because everyone has a little bit of a POSEUR in them.

Poseur was a fun read and very entertaining with the catty fights between the girls. I recommend this for any fans of the Gossip Girl series. Poseur is due to be released in January 2008

2007-11-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

A New Start

I am completly addicted ot books. I decided to start this blog to post reviews of the many many books I read. If you would like to e-mail me to give me suggestions or questions or anything at all feel free. I love getting e-mail. Make sure you check back often to check for new updates and reviews. Thanks.