Book Review: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Title: Dreamland

Author: Sarah Dessen

Pages: 205

Publisher: Penguin Group

Year Published: 2000

“Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He’s magnetic. He’s compelling. He’s dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else- her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?”

My Rating: 10/10

This is an incredible book. I loved that Sarah Dessen makes the reader feel as though they are the main character. I feel like this book touches on so many teen issues and although twelve years have past since it’s been published they are all relevant. Really in the past decade or so things haven’t changed that much. I have not read a lot about some of these issues and I hope to find a book from the opposite point of view in Caitlin’s relationship. Curiosity makes me wonder what that book would be written like. I hope to read more Sarah Dessen books, but I hope I probably won’t read more back to back.

THANK YOU SARAH DESSEN FOR WALKING THROUGH SO MANY TEEN RELATIONSHIPS!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Pages: 213

Publisher: MTV Books

Year Published: 1999

“It is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letter are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all you need is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.”

My Rating: 10/10

I haven’t really read anything this amazing in a while. All the books I’ve read lastly have been good or great, but this book is EXTRARDINARY! I love the way that the book is written, how we don’t know who Charlie is writing these letters to so for all you know it could be you. I felt like I got to really get to know somebody, to become their friend, their confidant. Charlie is an amazing character that only a great author could truly develop. I do wonder where all the ideas came from, but I guess that could just be the modern world, the world of not being sure of anything. I think this book reminded me a lot of first year of high school, I was apprehensive and so nervous that I hardly got any sleep the night before, but when you get into it, it’s not as bad as you imagined it would be, not even close. I am so happy that I decided to read this book, and I can only hope that the upcoming movie lives up to this incredible piece of literature.

THANK YOU STEPHEN CHBOSKY FOR A CHARACTER THAT BECOMES A BEST FRIEND!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny ♥♪♫

BOOK REVIEW: Dark Secrets 1: Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler

 Title: Legacy of Lies
Author: Elizabeth Chandler
Pages: 199
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2000

"In Legacy of Lies, Megan has to stay with the uptight grandmother she wants nothing to do with. She's determined to get through the visit without any drama, but when she falls into a twisted love triangle with potentially fatal consequences, Megan may be caught up in her family's legacy in more ways than she realizes."

My Rating: 10/10

I would like to tell everyone that Dark Secrets has 2 stories in one book, so I'm reading one at a time.
I really enjoyed this book. It was spooky, mysterious and had a romance peeking through in between those other two characteristics. Legacy of Lies was filled with twists and turns that kept my heart racing and my mind wondering. I compliment Elizabeth Chandler for having a strange mind, I'm not even sarcastic! The only thing I could have used more of was a description of the town that Megan was living in. I didn't feel as if I had enough information to satisfy my imagination, but that's just me. If I may just say that Elizabeth Chandler has a twisted sense of writing, like VC Andrews, but with paranormal activity and in a Young Adult form. I love it!
THANK YOU ELIZABETH CHANDLER FOR A CRAZY PARANORMAL MYSTERY!

Hope you enjoyed :)
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Next Summer by Hailey Abbott

 Title: Next Summer
Author: Hailey Abbott
Series: Summer Boys
Pages: 230
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Year Published: 2005

"Three girls. Too many boys. One tempting summer.
Beth:I know I love George. And everyone thinks we're perfect together. So why does that sexy new lifeguard keep flirting with me? And why do I like it so much?Ella:Bye-bye, bad girl. I'm  trying to change my wild ways. But there are so many yummy boys around this summer. How can I resist them?Kesi:Tim is totally not my type. Besides, after last summer, i need a break from boys. If only I could get him out of my head...
Things are heating up again. Can you handle it?"

My Rating: 10/10

Next Summer, is the second book in the Summerboys series. I love the fact that Hailey Abbott made a smooth transition from summer to summer. I felt as though I'd read through what happened during the year. Again I say, a wonderful transition. The characters in this series have captured my heart and I had a struggle with the drama and not yelling at them all at one point. Yes, I do talk to the characters in my books, and no I'm not completely insane; only a touch. This story, I thought improved from the first book in the series, which is rare in my reading. Not only have the characters tugged at my  heart strings, so has the setting. I have never been to Maine, but my desire to go has increased in leaps and bounds after reading this book. It sounds like a beautiful place.
THANK YOU HAILEY ABBOTT FOR A SUPRISING IMPROVEMENT! 

Hope you enjoyed,
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Eleventh Grade Burns by Heather Brewer

Title: Eleventh Grade Burns
Author: Heather Brewer
Pages: 309
Publisher: Penguin Group
Year Published: 2010

"Things have taken a darker turn for the half-human teenager with an appetite for blood. Joss, a vampire slayer and Vlad’s former friend, has moved back to Bathory. A mysterious and powerful new vampire, Dorian, appears with a shocking secret and an overwhelming desire to drink Vlad’s blood. And Vlad’s arch enemy, D’Ablo, has a sinister plan to eliminate Vlad once and for all. With death threatening from every angle, Vlad will have to use every ounce of his skill and training to survive, but nothing can prepare him for what awaits him in the end." - amazon.com

My Rating; 10/10

I was starting to doubt Heather Brewer, worrying that her series might end up like most other peoples, but she proved me wrong with this book. This book was heartfelt and full of passion. Readers learn more about Vlad from the way he acts than what we are told. I truly felt a part in this story, as if I were there just on the side lines watching it all play out. I didn't guess what was going to happen at all. And I didn't feel disappointed at the end. The ending was the best one out of this series so far. I was shocked, happy and upset at the same time. It's important to me that an author ends the book at least as well as the started it, if not better.
THANK YOU HEATHER BREWER FOR PROVING ME WRONG!

Next book I intend to read is Between by Jessica WarmanLove,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Title: Eighth Grade Bites
Author: Heather Brewer
Pages: 182

"Vladimir Tod. Normal eighth-grade student? or powerful vampire?"
"Junior high really stinks for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod. Bullies harrass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers and no one to teach him, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings, and his enlarged fangs. When a strange substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he realizes he has a much bigger problem: He's being hunted by a vampire killer who is closing in... fast!"

My Rating: 10/10

I loved this book! I started reading it last night and couldn't put it down until I was yelled at. The way that Heather Brewer tells Vlad's story, is both funny and full of action. I think that she uses both of these things the best way possible. I laughed and gasped in horror in this book, sometimes simultaneously. I love when I book can change moods quickly and effectively. I think this book shows a different side to vampires, it didn't really mimic anything else I've read. It's individual and I believe that it helps all those kids who have at one point been picked on (me included... hard to believe i know :P ). I hope that you all take the time to read this action packed book.
THANK YOU HEATHER BREWER FOR STICKING UP FOR THE UNDERDOG!

Thanks for reading, please feel free to leave any comments below or email me at sweetgirlsid@hotmail.com
Next book on the list is............... Wild Orchid by Beverley Brenna!
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: Sometimes It Happens
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 312

" Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse..."
"Hannah's about to start her senior year, and she's never been so scared. That's because she's going to have to face:
1. Sebastion: the guy who dumped her on the last day of junior year.
2. Noah: the guy she's totally fallen for.
3. Ava: Noah's girlfriend... and Hannah's best friend.
As Hannah tries to figure out how she got herself into this colossal mess, one thing becomes crystal clear: There's absolutely no way her heart's going to make it through this day in one piece."

My Rating: 10/10

I don't know why lately, but I've really gotten into chicklits and this is another good one. I loved everything about this book. It gave a whole new perspective to cheating and teenage girls. Lauren Barnholdt did an amazing job of getting into the teenage mind and telling a story from inside it. I found this book hard to put down and the way that the chapters are organized is amazing. One chapter: First day of senior year, Chapter 2: The summer. It makes you want to just finish the book in one sitting, not to get it over with, but to find out what happens.
Again I have fallen in love with a male character. Sigh. Why do authors have to know my weakness of boys?
THANK YOU LAUREN BARNHOLDT FOR ANOTHER SIDE TO CHEATING
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Love and Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: Love and Peaches
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 243

"Three Georgia peaches are back for one last juicy summer.
For Murphy, coming home to Bridgewater means leaving her city life behind... and facing the boy she turned her back on. Leeda expects her trip to be short and sweet, until a suprising inheritance saddles her with a huge responsibility. And when heartbreak brings Birdie back to the orchard, she gets a crash course in letting go- and learning when to hold on."
"Brimming with all the charm, humor, and heart of Peaches and The Secrets of Peaches, this staisfying conclusion reunites three unlikely best friends for a final sweet farewell."

MY RATING: 10/10

I have loved this series from the start and I think this was the best conclusion to a series that I have ever read. I have trouble letting go and admitting a series is over but I think that Jodi Lynn Anderson ended this one just right! Over the course of reading this trilogy I have fallen in love with the characters, and I feel like I know them. I am a farely humorous person so I think the amount of "funny" used in these books is perfect. I can't believe that the series has come to an end and if they make a movie on these sets of books, I would love to do a movie book compare. I hope though, that if they do a movie that they do Jodi Lynn's writing justice. I'm sure she'd see to it! :D
THANK YOU JODI LYNN ANDERSON FOR THE PERFECT ENDING!
Hope you enjoyed,
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Not Suitable For Family Viewing by Vicki Grant

It came to my attention i never put this one on this blog... so here you go :)


"If your life were a TV show, would you even get a speaking part?"
"Robin has everything a girl could want. Thanks to her mother- the internationally beloved talk show host Mimi Schwartz- Robin's got the money, the means, and the connections to make even her wildest dreams come true.
Why, then, does she choose to sit alone in a dark room watching endless reruns of You, You and Mimi?
Don't ask Robin. She doesn't know- at least, not until a bizarre discovery propels her to ditch her pampered New York life for a deserted Nova Scotia fishing village. There, she stumbles upon love, the truth of her own background- and the shocking secret that helped make her mother a star."
MY RATING: 10/10!
This book was VERY griping and Vicki Grants sense of humour eases the tension. I love to laugh (as some of you may have guessed :D) so this book was perfect for me. My little sister wanted to know what was happening after I read her one chapter. It was ridiculous. The characters are perfect. I enjoy, Robin because she changes so much as the book progresses. The idea of a famous mother has been portrayed many ways, i think I like this one best. To show that no one's life is perfect all the time... or ever for some.
THANK YOU VICKI GRANT FOR SHOWING A DIFFERENT KINDA "RICH KID" AND TEACHING ME THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO BE RICH!

Book Review: The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

"Day 264
It's morning. Soft gray light slips over the tall redbrick wall. It stretches across the exercise yard and reaches through the high barred windows. In a cell on the ground floor, the light shifts dark shapes into a small stool, a scrawney table, and a bed made of wooden boards with no mattress or blanket. On that bed, a thin, huddled figure, Helmuth, a boy of seventeen, lies awake. Shivering. Trembling.
It's a Tuesday.
The executioner works on Tuesday."

MY RATING 10/10

The fact that this book is based highly on a true story plays a factor in my rating. I loved the way that Susan Bartoletti told Helmuth's story. She did have to assume make up some parts as Helmuth's last days were not known. But she worked with Helmuth's brother and his friends. I think that's something every Author that writes a story based a true person and story, should do. She impressed me with her descriptions of the area and she actually went to Hamburg and checked out the prison and his home town. That's pretty awesome.
I really did believe for a while that Helmuth had left this all behind. How his finally story was to be written. That's how great of a job she did. All and all I loved it!
THANK YOU SUSAN CAMPBELL BARTOLETTI FOR SHOWING WORLD WAR 2 FROM ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW!
Hope you enjoyed guys... and ladies :D
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Kate's Choice: School of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari

"Everyone's afraid of something...
Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders.
Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying.
Lulu Punchalower is scared of confined spaces.
Garrison Feldman is terrified of deep water.

Which is why this may be the scariest summer of their lives.
Worse than detention or summer school. Even worse than the
orthodontist. The foursome must face their phobias at the
exclusive and elusive School of Fear. The school is unusual, to say
the least. But "terrifying" would be a more accurate description.

The curriculum is simple: Conquer your fears in six weeks
or find out just how frightening failing can be. "

KATE'S RATING: 10/10

Interview:
1) Why did you pick out this book?
♥I heard it was a good read.

2) Who is your favorite character and why?
♥Mrs. Wellington, because she is strange in an awesome way.

3) Which part is best in the book?
♥The setting because the way that Gitty Daneshvari describes the school is so cool.

4) What is your biggest fear?
♥I am terrified of ghosts.

5)What is your fave part?
♥When they do history... I don't want to give it away!

6) What is your least favorite part?
♥When they go to the B&B.

7) Who would you recommend it to?
♥Fans of the Lemony Snikket's "Serries of Unfortunate Events."

8) Did you enjoy the second book? Was it better, worse or the same as this one?
♥ Yes I did enjoy it. It was a lot more interesting.

9)Do you plan on reading the rest of the series?
♥I hope so. I just hope I can find the last book :)

10)Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? What might you change?
♥I wouldn't change anything because I really, really enjoyed it!

Hope you enjoyed this little segment. As for me, I thought the book was ridiculous and can't wait to bring out the child in me with the second one :)

Love,
Sidny

Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

"You can't stop the future.
You can't change rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
... is to press pl►y."

"Clay Jensen doesn't want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made. Hannah is dead. Her secrets should be buried with her.
Then Hanah voice tells Clay that his name ison her tapes- and that he is, in some way, responisible for her death.
All through the night, Clay keeps listening. He follows Hannah's recorded words throughout his small town...
and what he discovers changes his life forever."

"Clay Jensen returns home school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker- his classmate and crush- who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay's one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.
Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself- a truth he never wanted to face."

MY RATING: 10/10♥

I love this book! It shows so many types of different people. Jay Asher really got "us"- the readers, inside Hannah's head. It made me realize there are many reasons why people committ suicide each and everyday. The chaqracters were perfect, all of them, even if some were just terrible. As a person who once or twice thought about suicide this book helped me see the damage it could do to those around me. It, this book,mainly taught me how life is sometimes like a domino effect. Sometimes in good ways and other times in bad ways. In this case it was bad. It taught me how getting involved in a rumour or even passing one on can begin to ruin someones life. You should be careful about what you say and do.
THANK YOU JAY ASHER FOR SHOWING A REAL LIFE SITUATION!
Sincerely,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate

"Alison Chapman has always believed she'd fall in love hard. And she does- with Sam Cody, a new guy with a gorgeous face and brooding eyes, a guy who's impossible to resist. When Sam asks her to the Valentine's Day dance, Alison is elated... until she finds out that her best friend, Isabella Cates-Lopez, has fallen for Sam too... until she find out that Isabella is dying. Now Alison wants Isabella's last days to be her happiest ever- even if she and Sam have to hide their love. Even if, by sharing Sam, Alison risks losing him forever." "Katherine Applegate's poignant novel of love, loss and the sacrifices made for true friendship will stir readers' hearts."

MY RATING: 10/10

This book is an amazing story that has changed my view of life forever.
It isn't often that you find a book that shows the best friends side of the story. I think it's great that we got to see Alison's life during this tragic event. I found that while I could see everyone's side of this "story" I related mostly with Alison. She gave everything for her best friend. I like to think that I'd do the same. Stritcly speaking, I think this book is good for everyone. Maybe not if you can't deal with grief, but feeling emotion is part of being human. I cried, laughed and yelled at this book. I think that's when I know it's a great one. When you show all three emotions of happiness, sadness and anger, you should know that the book is going to be good.
While this book is sad, it teaches us. It taught me not to take a moment for granted. And that I'd do anything for my best friends, I'd rather I be unhappy than them.
I hope that you guys out there decide to read this book and agree. Comment what you thought below :)

THANK YOU KATHERINE APPLEGATE FOR SHOWING AMAZING FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY! Sincerely,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

"She lost her arm in a shark attack and nearly died, but she never lost her faith. Now a major motion picture, Soul Surfer is the moving story of Bethany Hamilton's triumphant return to the competitive surfing and has continued to be a beacon of inspiration to all who hear it."

"They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf? Or that nothing- not even the loss other arm- could come between her and the waves? That Halloween Morning in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany responded to the shark's stealth attack with the calm of a teenage girl with God on her side, resolutely pushing aside her pain and panic while being rescued and brought back to shore. 'When can I surf again?' was the first thing Bethany asked after her emergency surgery, leaving no doubt that her spirit and determination were part of a greater story- a tale of personal empowerment and spiritual grit that show the body is no more essential to surfing, perhaps even less so, than the soul."

MY RATING: 10/10

There was no way I could base my rating on the characters or events this time. Since this book is full of true events and people, my usual, "I would have changed this event." isn't really possible. I might have changed the order that Bethany told the story, but it is her story, it's something she has to live with the rest of her life. I was shocked to think that she was a little younger than me when she wrote this amazes me :D.

Her story held me captive and i watched the movie 3 times in 2 days.

1) with my besties

2) my baby sister (ok she's ten now but w/e)

3) with my whole family. I literally made them stop whatever they were doing and watch this inspiring movie.

And before some says is the movie as good as the book or vice versa. I would say absolutely! In the book i felt closer to Bethany and God. While in the movie I could understand the terms of surfers way better (i just couldn't wrap my head around it sometimes).

I hope that you all have enjoyed this read :D

THANK YOU BETHANY FOR BEING A TRUE ROLE MODEL!

Sincerely, Sidny

Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E Hinton

"Ponyboy is fourteen, tough and confused, yet sensitive beneath his bold front. Since his parent's deaths, his loyalties have been to his brothers and his gang, the rough, swinging, long-haired boys from the wrong side of the tracks. When his best friend kills a member of a rival gang, a nightmare of violence begins and a swiftly envelopes Ponyboy in a turbulent chain of events."

MY RATING : 10/10

This book tells a story that people rarely get to hear about. The gang from the inside... not from a spectator. Ponyboy seems way to young to be dealing with these things and yet kids all over the world are dealing with the same thing. The fact that at fourteen he smokes and carries a blade, just blew my mind. When i was fourteen I spent most of the time in the library curled up with a good book, or hanging out with family and friends. I feel terrrible that this violence occurs all the time and no one does anything about. It's time for change! We can help. I'm pretty sure anyways.

I like that hinto wrote this book when she was onl;y sixteen. It's amazing. I love it!

THANK YOU S.E HINTON FOR WRITING ABOUT THE "BAD" GUY!

Sincerely, Sidny

Book Review: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

"An angel is sent to earth on a mission. But falling in love is not part of the plan."

"Three angels- Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human- are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seem too strong.

The angels mission is urgent and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?"

My Rating: 10/10

This book really spoke from the heart and though it is lovey dovey it still has enough action to keep a person interested. The language used in the book is very descriptive and helps paint a vivid picture in my mind of what is happening the whole time. Alexandra Adornetto has done a great job painting a fantasy in our own world. I like that she uses a small town it makes me look at the new kids in my school different that's for sure. This book was also the perfect length it didn't seem to drag on too long. It was just right. I love the fact that the girl is the one with the "powers" there aren't many authors who give females such an interesting role.

THANK YOU ALEXANDRA ADORNETTO FOR A SUPERNATURAL FEMALE!

Sincerely, Sidny.

Book Review: Amy by Any Other Name by Maureen Garvie

"I stop screaming, ad then I remember what I saw and I start again. What I saw was my head i a cage, my jaw wired ad bolted. Tracks of stitching across my forehead like Frankenstein's monster. But it's not the stitches or the bruising like a fadig suset. It's that no accfident I've ever heard of can turn blue eyes brown. I'm screaming because the face I saw in the mirror wasn't mine.""When sixteen-year-old Amy wakes up in a hospital bed, terribly injured from a dive onto hidden rocks in a quarry, her shattered body is not the worst of her troubles. The worst of it is the fact that the body is ot her own.

An over achiever from a wealthy Toroto family. Amy has somehow ended up in the body of Krystal, a troubled girl from the North-End Kingston. o one, of course,believves what Amy says. Ay's drive ad determiatio help her to build a new life, but all she really wants is to find her way back to the life she once had. Or does she?"

MY RATING: 10/10

I think this book teaches everyone a real lesson about how life could be so much harder for us to understad what other peoples lives are like without being in there shoes. Amy is in someone elses body! That's insane. The way that Amy lives deals with it must take a lot of guts. It made me wonder what Maureen Garvie was thinking about. How ever she came up with this idea she must have been really thinking about what it would be like. I feel like she worked really hard to make a point and I like that!THANK YOU MAUREE GARVIE FOR PUTTING ME IN SOMEONE ELSES "SHOES"!Sinerely, Sidny