Spoiler: Tenth Grade Bleeds by Heather Brewer

I was slightly disappointed in this novel as it was so predictable. Did anyone else guess that Otis was sending Vlad the dreams? I hope so otherwise I'm far to suspicious. I hope that the next book is slightly more shocking. I still can't get over Heather Brewer's use of humor! I love it so much! A good laugh in any book, makes it a better book, at least in my opinion. I was happy with the use of family and other vampires in this book, we learn alot more about their culture and society.

Let's talk about some characters:
Vlad: The main character in these books has changed alot since we were introduced to him in the first novel. He is slowly changing into a man. I think I like it! Slowly, but surely we witness Vlad breaking out of his shell. Firstly, by dating Meredith and later by hanging out with the goth group. With Meredith he is so loving and kind, that is until he tries to eat her! I felt horrible that he broke up with her at the end, but I guess it was so he didn't kill her. With the goth group, suprising but I figured eventually he'd get the confidence to go and talk to them. There is only so much people watching you can do before you become a stalker. I can hardly wait to read more about Vlad in the next book!!!

Otis: This man must be the best Uncle ever to deal with Vlad's slight stupidity. How could Vlad not know that Otis was sending him the messages/dreams??? Even I guessed it and I'm not the sharpest bulb. In this book, we notice that Otis is falling harder and harder for Nelly, which would be him breaking yet another rule (SHOCKING I KNOW ! :P )  He makes me smile, mostly because of the way he thinks about the world. 

Meredith: What a sweetie! I wish that her and Vlad would have worked out, but it appears that he only wishes to eat her at the moment, but I'm sure we'll see her in the third book.

Nelly: Nelly is growing increasingly protective, and with reason. Her 15 year old nephew is growing impressively thirsty. I hope she doesn't think that she'll be next, but it is a possibility. After all he did almost eat his girlfriend.

Henry: A best friend through it all? I think not! We see Vlad and Henry fight alot in this book. Vlad is starting to order Henry around instead of asking and Henry is not going to take it. THAT A BOY!

D'ablo: Will this guy just die? For frick sakes. How much can you live through!?!?!?!?

Ignatius: How crazy is it that Vlad's own grandpa tries to kill him? It was the biggest shock in the book. There was some crazy stuff going on when I read that and I seriously swore extrememly loud about this family drama. Talk about family problems!

Goth Group: This is a group that Vlad branches out to in order to prove Meredith and Henry wrong about stereotyping and everything goes well, that is until he bites Snow. I was disappointed that Vlad didn't tell anyone about them. It's almost like a sexual affair if you think about it.

 

 

My Favorite Lines & Moments:

♥Pg. 21
" 'She's not walking with us. Her dad kinda thinks I might be a serial killer.'
'On account of what, exactly?'
'On account of I'm dating his daughter, I think.' "

♥Pg. 28
"Mr. Cartel cleared his throat and shifted in his seat a little before standing up. he picked up a long wooden pointer and, much to Vlad's horror, smacked the pointer against the nether regions of the man on the poster."

♥Pg. 39
"Suddenly the realization fell on Otis that to a human, the scene around them made it look as though he and Vlad had been making a nice stew out of the neighborhood children."

♥Pg. 79
"Sometimes Vlad wished that he were home-schooled. At least for health class.
Vlad shook his head. Strike that- the last thing he wanted was to listen to Nelly explain where babies came from. With puppets. Again."

♥Pg. 107
" 'Nelly seriously thinks I'm going to have Meredith for dinner.'
Henry shook his head. 'That's ridiculous.'
Vlad groaned. 'I know!'
'Meredith is way too small for dinner. If anything, she'd be lunch, or maybe a big breakfast.' "

♥Pg. 192
" 'So should we hug now, or...?'
Vlad chuckled, putting a hand up. 'Hey man, I missed you. But I didn't miss you that much.' "

 

Hope you have a great week,
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Title: The Absolutely True Diar of a Part-Time Indian Author: Sherman Alexie Pages: 230 Publisher: Little, Brown and Company Year Published: 2007 "Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation. Born with a variety of medical problems, he is picked on by everyone but his best friend. Determined to recieve a good education, Junior leaves the rez to attend an all-white school in the neighboring farm town where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Despite being condemned as a traitor to people and enduring great tragedies, Junior attacks life with wit and humor and discovers a strength inside himself that he never knew existed." My Rating: 9/10 I know what you're thinking, isn't that a bit racist of a title, but let me explain. This book is the story of an american indian/first nations boy who tells what some reservations are really like. It is both interesting and insightful. For many people, you have never seen a reservation, never been on a reservation or even really thought about what one would be like before. And that is understandable, you don't live in those conditions so you kind of block them out. This book showed me a side to reservations that I never really saw before, I realized that some conditions were bad, but I didn't really think about the violence, or the drinking. And I know that just because this talks about one reservation doesn't mean I need to judge the others, and I don't. I just wonder how there is such a great difference between them. This was not only a fictional story. This story was based on the author's, Sherman Alexie's, real life experience. I think by using something close to his heart Sherman Alexie hit a home run with this novel. THANK YOU SHERMAN ALEXIE FOR SHOWING THE TRUTH YOU HAVE KNOWN! Hope you all are having a good June :) Love, Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: The Absolutely Ture Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

This book was amazing! Insightful, humor-filled and right into the mind of teenager. This book is the story of Junior, or Arnold Spirit, a boy who has grown up on the Spokane reservation. He ends up leaving this reservation after a talk with a teacher. Going to a white school is probably the hardest thing he has ever done but I think for him it was worth it. I know that people are going to think that this book is racist, but it is really proving a point. Its showing that it doesn't matter where you come from, what race you are, what gender you are, or whether your the brightest bulb on the tree everyone has a right to a life, education and oppurtonity. This isn't always offered in the real world, but it needs to stop being an issue. If we all work together we can give children a quality education, food and over all life. Characters: Junior: Although the rest of the tribe doesn't think he's smart, he is incredibly intellegent and talented. He has a passion for learning and without Junior there wouldn't be a book. Rowdy: Junior's best friend who acts like a jerk sometimes, mostly because he's had a rough life. All and all, a good guy. Penelope: I can't believe no one did anything about her eating disorder. WTF!!!! Gordy: A small town sheldon cooper. But more awesome! Favorite/Memorable Lines and Moments: ♥Pg. 17 "He was always cring and screaming and kicking and punching. He bit his mother's breast when she tried to nurse him. He kept bitting her, so she gave up and fed him formula. He really hasn't changed much since then. Well, at fourteen years old, it's not like he runs around biting women's breasts, but he does punch and kick and spit." ♥Pg. 21 "I was lying on the ground, holding my nuts as tenderly as a squirrel holds his nuts, when Rowdy walked up." ♥Pg. 94 " 'I want us to be friends,' I said. 'Excuse me?' he asked. 'I want us to be friends,' I said. Gordy stepped back. 'I assure you,' he said. 'I am not homosexual.' " ♥Pg. 109 " 'Kid, you better keep your hands out of my daughter's panties. She's only dating you because she knows it will piss me off. So I ain't going to get pissed. And if I ain't pissed then she'll stop dating you. In the meantime, you just keep your trouser snake in your trousers and I won't have to punch you in the stomach.' " ♥Pg. 155 "My grandmother had no use for all the gay bashing and homophobia in the world, especially among other Indians. 'Jeez,' she said. 'Who cares if a man wants to marry another man? All I want to know is who's going to pick up all the dirty socks?' " ♥Pg. 191 "I mean you have to love somebody that much to also hate them that much, too." Have a good week folks, Love, Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Sarah by Margueritte Harmon Bro

Title: Sarah Author: Margueritte Harmon Bro Pages: 364 Publisher: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Year Published: 2001 Sarah's beloved father is killed in an accident, leaving the young girl and her sister with a mother barely able to cope and expecting another child. Heartbroken, she learns that her father's last words were about her. "Sarah's got to be something ... something grand. An artist..." Grimly determined to fulfill her father's ambition for her, young Sarah sets out to become an artist. But the challenge to be something more than a proficient if uninspired painter is overwhelming; Sarah has to work for every tiny step in progress. It is her music that gives her joy, however, and those who love her recognize her stunning talent at the piano - a talent that Sarah takes for granted. As Sarah matures and finds love, she gradually learns to give up whatever future her family and friends might envision for her and, right or wrong, look to her own soul to find the answers. My Rating: 9/10 This book caught me by suprise. Not only did I find that I could relate to Bro's character Sarah. She isn't sure about life and many times I think teenagers, or at least this one, feel the same way. The feeling of being unsure is found throughout the course of this book, but mainly all I wanted for Sarah was to find her calling and what she needed. Anything she needed. This book gives an insight to world around World War I. Sarah is a great role model for teenage girls to have. She is indecisive, and a romantic (i believe) at heart. The only reason this book didn't make a 10 was because during the first part, I felt frustrated by the way time moved between the chapters. I got lost in the years. All and all I love this book, and I would like to suggest it to anybody who enjoys history based novels and needs a little lift. THANK YOU MARGUERITTE HARMON BRO FOR A FANTASTIC ROLE MODEL! Love, Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: Sarah by Margueritte Harmon Bro

I loved this book, sorry to all readers that it took me so long to finish it. I enjoyed the way that this book was geared to young adults. It felt like someone wrote this book just for me to be geared toward what i'm going through. The indecision that comes with adolencense can be found in this book quite easily. The change of settings were exciting and allowed my imagination to become adventurous. This sounds awful, but my favorite place in the story was when Sarah traveled to Europe during the war to play piano for the troops. I feel that she did her part for society that way. Let's talk about some characters: Sarah: I think Sarah is a bit like me. Tall, slightly awkward, musical and lost. She is my favorite main character of the moment and she made me cry and smile. I think Margueritte Harmon Bro did an excellent job making a relatable main character. Rachel: A cutesy best bud is always needed with an undecisive main :) this is how I catagorize Rachel. Leslie: I thought he was interesting in Sarah at first to be honest, but Rachel and him make a very cute couple. He seems to understand Sarah completely. Dr. Rivera: A great friend of her father's and a true saint. He and his wife help Sarah find her calling. Mrs. Rivera: A true find. She is older than Sarah but has the energy of a young child, filled with many thoughts at once and is quite capable of leaving a man breathless. Grandpa: A man of few words, but wise ones at that. He has many long discussions with his granddaughter and helps her get through the good and the bad. Alan: I only wish he hadn't died in the war, but rather had stayed with Sarah and had a wonderful life. It was unfortunately bound to happen. He was a great character, one who i fell in love with to be quite honest. Erik: What a sweetheart? Although he has trouble with his hand loss, I'm happy that he found happiness with Sarah :) Memorable/Favorite Lines and Moments: ♥Pg. 3 " 'She takes after the Ducans; they're all tall. But her ankles she gets from Ma. The O'Malleys have good figures. Ma has the prettiest ankles I ever saw.' " ♥Pg. 113 " 'I do no make mistakes; not about musicians. Mistakes about cards, yes. About women, it could be. About horses, but always. But not about musicians...." ♥Pg. 119 " 'Number twelve has missed his calling,' said Mr. Templeton. 'He doesn't care whether he paints, and we do not care whether he pains.' The class laughed. Howard Powers took art because it was a painless way of gathering enough credits to play football. " ♥Pg. 139 " 'Shall we bring Penelope in the house, Sarah?' Penelope was the goat his grandfather had given him. 'I would like very much to teach Penelope to sit on a chair.' 'Maybe it would be better to take the chair to Penelope,' Sarah suggested. 'All in all, it seems to me that a chair would be more usueful in the garden than a goat would be in the parlor.' Baldy debated the matter seriously. 'Other people could sit on a chair in the garden, but we could very well have other goats in the parlor. For one thing, we don't know any other goats, do we? Why do we know so few many goats?' " ♥Pg. 162 "She only realized at last her mother was a woman with a life to live. before that time mama had been mama. One loved her and gave her presents, ran errands, looked to her for advice. Sometimes one rebelled at a restriction and inwardly called her unreasonable, old-fashioned, even silly about such things as never crossing one's legs in public. But she was a fixture in life, like the furniture, the house. Now all at once she was watching her mother's contorted face, she realized that here was a person with struggles of her own. Her mother had dissappointments and ambitions. She had personal plans. And now Dr. Rivera was bending over her anxiousy because she might die." ♥ Pg. 204 "It was like asking someone to look into the sun, or was she herself the sun, or was she going to have sunstroke right here in the middle of the dance floor?" ♥ Pg. 210 " 'I don't know what your custom is, but for me, whenever I kiss a woman the way I've been kissing you- and intend to go on kissing you- and right away- like this- and this- and this- why then I marry the woman at the first possible moment.' " ♥ Pg. 362 " 'He is a heathen,' said his wife fondly." Hope you all have a good week! Love, Sidny ♥♪♫

Kate's Choice: Philippa Fisher's Fiary Godsister by Liz Kessler

"Imagine if a fairy granted you three wishes... This is what happens to Philippa Fisher when Daisy, the new girl at school, announces that she has come to be her fairy godsister. Daisy doesn't really want to be there, but she has a job to do. So she's not best pleased with Philippa. And Philippa has to find a good way to use her three Wish Vouchers, which is easier said than done- especially when each one seems to make things worse. A story that sparkles with magic and is all about friendship, luck and how we decide what we really, really want." Kate's Rating: 8.5/10 The Interview: 1) Did you enjoy this book? Why or why not? What would you improve? ♥ The book was the bomb. I wouldn't change a thing. The story was very interesting. 2) What was your favorite part of the book? ♥ All of it :) 3) What is your favorite character and why? ♥ My favorite character was Philippa because of her magic tricks. 4) Do you like the whole idea of magic in this book? ♥ Yes, because the godmother's come in different shapes, sizes and forms. 5) What was your favorite part? ♥ My favorite part is when Philippa makes her final wish. 6) Was this different from other books you've read? Why or why not? ♥ It is different and since it was written in Britain the word use was very neat. 7) Least favorite part? ♥ When Daisy yells at Philippa. 8) Why did you pick this book? ♥ It looked facinating. 9) Who would you recommend it to? ♥ Girls who enjoy the idea of magic and fairies. 10) Did you enjoy the sequel as well? ♥ Yes, Philippa Fisher and the Dream Maker's Daughter, was also a very good book! UPDATE: I'd like to apologize for the lack of spoilers and reviews in the month of May. In my school district exams will be getting underway very shortly and studying is taking up most of my free time. I hope to have a review of Sarah by Margueritte Harmon Bro very soon. Have a good one :) Love, Sidny & Kate ♥♪♫

Book Review: Ninth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Title: Ninth Grade Slays Author: Heather Brewer Pages: 278 Publisher: Penguin Group Year Published: 2008

"High school totally bites when you’re half human, half vampire. Freshman year sucks for Vlad Tod. Bullies still harass him. The photographer from the school newspaper is tailing him. And failing his studies could be deadly. A trip to Siberia gives “study abroad” a whole new meaning as Vlad connects with other vampires and advances his mind-control abilities, but will he return home with the skills to recognize a vampire slayer when he sees one? In this thrilling sequel to Eighth Grade Bites, Vlad must confront the secrets of the past and battle forces that once again threaten his life. Find out why author D. J. MacHale calls The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod “Gruesome, heartwarming, spellbinding.” My Rating: 9/10 In this book, Vlad is entering High School, scary I know ;), and basically it follows him through this years struggles and successes. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't all I hoped it would be. The characters from the first book, we get to see develope which is the wonderful thing about any book series. I just don't enjoy the way that new characters are introduced. I find that personally I find the first book in a series hard to follow up, Heather Brewer did a good job, just not a 10/10 job. I didn't like how fast the time passed in this sequel. I found myself having a little trouble keeping up with how quickly time was moving. I still love Vlad :) He's a cutie. So basically that's my take on it. THANK YOU HEATHER BREWER FOR GETTING INSIDE THE TEENAGE WORLD! Hope you guys had a wonderful Tuesday. Love, Sidny♥♪♫

Spoiler: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

So as usual, I found that the sequel to a book is never quite as good. Maybe that's because I'm still thinking about how great the first book was, or maybe because it's true. I'm not specifying, just opinonating. Some thing in this book were a little different, such as the way that Joss was introduced. I guessed he was the slayer sinc eabout 1/4 into the book. That kinda kills the suspense. It would have shocked me if Edgar Poe was the actual slayer, wouldn't you be more suprised? Let's talk about the characters some more: Vlad: Oh how our little vamp has grown and into a high school boy. He's an amazing main character who makes me laughed and cry. But mainly laugh, what a goof. He reminds me of one kid in our school, the muse? Perhaps (JUST KIDDING)! I thought Vlad's best moment was when he went to Siberia with Vikas. Henry: Henry kind of disappeared a little in this book. High school made him popular and Vlad wasn't so he bailed slightly. Joss: What a guy?!?!?!?! He was the freaking slayer, DUH! Sorry I'm just a naturally suspicious and I like to guess. I love guessing right, but in a way it is a disappointment when you guess to early in the book. This is one of those times. Otis: I wish he was my uncle! Amazing, caring and wear a top hat? Be jealous guys, be jealous. Vikas: The oldest vampire who is funny, and makes a pretty good blood wine from what I've heard. Jasik: This vampire was an unexpected twist. Favorite/Memorable Lines and Moments: ♥Pg. 7 "One big plus of living with Nelly- who was actually no relation to him at all, but his mother's best friend fro years and years before his parents had passed on - was that she could bake cinnamon rolls so sweet and delicious that if she had the determination and funding she could easily give Cinnabon a run for their money. Just stay away from her meat loaf." ♥Pg. 11 "Vlad had no idea Otis was his uncle at the time, instead believing him to be a maniacal substitue teacher, out to expose Vlad's secret and quite possibly kill him. It was a simple mistake- anyone could have made it." ♥Pg. 12 "I'm sorry, Vladimir, but the rumor that vampires are able to charm women with a leering gaze is utterly ridiculous and completely false. have you tried simply askign Meredith if she likes you? In my experience, the direct approach works best. Calling a girl and breathing into the phone never got anyone a date. Whatever you decide, remember to be a gentleman." ♥Pg. 80 " HIs fangs elongated at the scent of blood, and he did nothing to will them back inside his gums. Sometimes, you gotta let it all hang out." ♥Pg. 120 " 'It's nice to meet you. Otis says you're the oldest vampire he knows.' Vikas smiled warmly. 'He speaks the truth, young one. But he forgetsthat I am also the best looking, most charming, and-' 'Humble. You forgot humble.' Otis was wearing a smirk." Hope you all have a wonderful week if I don't talk to you before the end of it. Love, Sidny♥♪♫

Kate's Choice: The Accidental Cheerleader by Mimi McCoy

Title: The Accidental Cheerleader Author: Mimi McCoy Pages: 160 Publisher: Scholastic Inc. Year Published: 2006 "Sophie and her best friend, Kylie, are the perfect team. Kylie has a wild side while Sophie is thoughtful and shy. Together, the two of them can do anything. But when Kylie signs them both up for cheerleading tryouts, it's Sophie who lands in the spotlight- and Kylie ends up on the sidelines. Soon, Sophie feels torn between her best friend and her fellow cheerleaders. Can Sophie and Kylie rediscover how to root for each other... before the clock runs out on their friendship?" Kate's Rating: 9/10 The Interview: 1. Did you enjoy this book? Why or why not? What would you improve? ♥ I enjoyed this book because it was interesting to see from a different girls point of view and what her life was like. I wouldn't make any improvements. 2. What was your favorite part of this book? ♥Characters, definitely! 3. What is your favorite character and why? ♥I like Kylie because I think it would be fun to hang out with her. 4. Why do you enjoy Candy Apple books? ♥ Its fun seeing what other girls' lives are like. 5. What was your favorite part? ♥ My fave part was the cheerleader tryouts! 6. Was this different from other books you've read? If yes, why? ♥ It's similar to other Candy Apple books I've read, but not exactly the same. 7. Least favorite part? ♥ When Sophie and Kylie were fighting 8. Why did you pick out this book? ♥ It looked interesting. 9. Who would you recommend it to? ♥ Girls around the ages of 10-12. 10. If you could speak to the author, Mimi McCoy, what would you say? ♥ I enjoyed this book. It was very, very intersting! Thank you. Hope you enjoyed this Kate's Choice, and I hope to write another book review & spoiler from my point of view (Sidny) soon. Have a good one :) Love, Sidny & Kate ♥♪♫

Book Review: Wild Orchid by Beverley Brenna

Title: Wild Orchid
Author: Beverley Brenna
Pages: 156
Publisher: Red Deer Press
Year Published: 2006

"Taylor Jane Simon is 18 years old and spending her summer with her mother in Prince Albert National Park. The holiday has been planned so Taylor's mother can spend time with her latest boyfriend, Danny, and work in a pizza restaurant that he runs. Taylor would just as soon stay at home, but because she suffers from an autistic condition, she can't stay on her own. Taylor's mother encourages her to explore the park's possibilities on her own. For Taylor, whose life experience has been limited by her condition, this means facing the test of meeting new friends, a test she has never faced alone. Summer also holds the possibility of finding her own boyfriend, though Taylor isn't quite sure how that might happen. The one thing that is certain is that by the end of the summer, Taylor will have to find the courage to be her own person and make her own path in life."

My Rating: 7/10

This was a so-so book. It was confusing and in my opinion, dragged on more than a little. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It was kind of mah. I was hoping for some suprises but basically the book goes exactly as the description does. Not enough suprise and a lack of climax lead for a dull read. I hoped that Taylor would be more intersting than she was and she rarely told details of things that had to do with the story line. I don't feel like I know here at all.
The setting on the other hand was far more enjoyable. I did enjoy the park and the nature centre. Another redeeming quality was the way that Taylor thought of the future. She was scared and I think that in some point of our lives we all feel this scared feeling. Frightened by the unknown was something that was relatable.
All in all, this book was ok.
THANK YOU BEVERLEY BRENNA FOR SHOWING ITS OK TO BE AFRAID OF THE UNKNOWN!

Hope you enjoyed this book review. The next book on the list is Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer.
Have a good weekend,
Love,
Sidny♥♪♫