Spoiler: The Keepers of the Flame by Jennifer Armstrong & Nancy Butcher

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, considering the first book wasn’t one of my favorite things to read. I’m overjoyed that the series seems to be getting better as I read. In this book I could visualize everything, and relate with the characters. I loved seeing how other humans had survived the plague; it was interesting to see things from Cory’s perspective.

CHARACTERS:
Mommy: I find it incredible that she has been able to take care of the younger children so effectively. I can understand how she would be upset when the Keepers take away her kids and near the middle we realize she had a right to be. Taking “her” kids and locking some of them up, that’s not right!

Teacher: In this book we see Teacher change from a leader to a frightened child. In The Kindling, I thought that Teacher was the most adult out of the family, but in this installment she seems more uncertain, more childlike. She has a right to be worried about Cory taking her spot, but really this whole Book business kind of creeps me out. It seems more like pretend than the real deal.

Hunter: Hunter seems like sweetheart who, to me, is interested in Mommy. He seems to want to fit in with the Keepers more than the others and is saddest when they leave. I was worried that he would stay behind so he could be part of this group, thank god he didn’t!

Angerman: He only gets crazier! I think that Angerman is either remembering his father or he has a mental illness, such as schizophrenia. I hope that someone notices and gets him the help he needs.

Action Figure: I felt horrible when Action got sick from taking that protein supplement trying to be a man. Poor boy. What a brave thing he did though when he set the horse free, hopefully Action doesn’t return to his wild, unruly ways.

Cory: I really didn’t like Cory in the beginning, but I’m starting to warm up to her ever since she tried to save Puppy and Kitty. I wish that Mommy and Cory hadn’t fought, but really that’s what the story needed to create suspense. Cory seems like a sweet girl, and I hope that she says more about what happens with the Keepers’ culture.

The Keepers: They creep me out! The kind of cult that makes others fear for their lives.

 

 

Moments to Remember:

Pg. 64

“So what if they thought he was talking to himself? For that matter, so what if they knew he was talking to the mutilated mannequin on his back? Their opinion of him was the least of his concerns.”

Pg. 157

“ ‘Do you think they’re looking for us?’

‘Oh, gosh, no, you think so?’ Angerman said in a fake-dimwit voice. ‘Why would they look for us? It’s just a total coincidence.’

Teacher jabbed him with her elbow. ‘All right, all right- they’re looking for us.’”

Pg. 225

“The blade whistled. ‘Take that, fire-eaters.’

Oh I’m so scared!

‘This just in!’ Angerman held the hilt of the saber to his mouth, like a microphone. ‘You should be.’”

Book Review: Best Friends For Never by Lisi Harrison

 Title: Best Friends For Never
Author: Lisi Harrison
Series: THE CLIQUE
Pages: 149
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Year Published: 2004

"In the second book starring Westchester County's most privileged middle schoolers, the Clique declares Massie a hero for hosting the first boy/girl Halloween party of 8th grade. Massie's already hired Landon Dorsey, the hottest party planner in the 9-1-4 area code, but her parents insist she has to invite the entire class. Unfortunately that means everyone. Layne is bummed that the boys will be there -- she IMs Claire that's so "DESPR8" -- as Claire wonders if maybe a boyfriend will make her happy.Meanwhile, Massie and the Clique are fighting over who gets to invite Derek Herrington. Dylan thought it was obvious that she was the one who danced all night with Derek at the OCD benefit last month, but says "Whatevs" when Kristen gets all weird about it. Fine, she can have him. He was a terrible dancer anyway and there will be tons of guys to choose from at the party...."

My Rating: 9/10

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and i think I'm addicted to the drama that goes along with this story line. I have fallen in love with the characters and the setting. The descriptions make the setting in my mind crystal clear. I hope that the next book in this series is as good as this one and that all and all they only continue to get better. Nothing as depressing as a great first book and a suckie rest of the series. I can hardly wait to read the next book in this series. The only thing I didn't like was the way that Massie changed. I expected her to act a certain way, but she had changed a bit.
THANK YOU LISI HARRISON FOR AN ADDICTING MIDDLE SCHOOL CHICK LIT!

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: Best Friends For Never by Lisi Harrison

I didn't mind this book, it wasn't as good as the first but it wasn't all out horrible. I still love the setting of Westchester and suprisingly I even like the characters even though they're snotty. I didn't realize until this book, that this series is really a comedy for all of us who have gotten through middle school. It makes us look back on that time and laugh when the biggest problem was a misplaced hair, a mean girl or a crush that we weren't sure about. It makes me laugh at the drama but at the same time Lisi Harrison does such a great job with suspense that I'm always wondering what's around the corner. Around the corner for this spoiler is....

Claire: Claire really starts to stand out in this book. She isn't afraid to be herself, but she starts to treat Layne weird. I also didn't like the way she treated the guy on the dancefloor. She's ... BECOMING ONE OF THEM :P

Alisha: It's obvious that she is trying to shy away from the pack, she wants her own even if that includes someone as stupid as Olivia.

Dylan: I feel bad that Dylan really is so physched abot losing weight. I hope she doesn't take it to extremes!

Kirsten: We didn't hear much from her, other than she liked Derrington.

Cam: Seems likes a sweetheart, but almost like he's playing them. I hope not.

Derrington: What a jerk!?!?! I hope that he dies alone with 7 cats.

Todd: I find it ridicoulous when he starts to refer to Massie as, "my pet."

Moments to Remember:

♥Pg. 34
" 'She'z ah prafeshhhanal pahtee planna,' Massie said, doing her best Arnold impresonation.
Claire was shocked. She'd expected massie to rush to Landon's defense.
'She'll be beck when we-ya zixteen,' Claire joined in."

♥Pg. 68
" 'At least I wore a costume. You look the same as you always do,' Layne said. 'Identical to Massie.' "

 

Thanks for reading :)

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Out of Body by Stella Cameron

 Title: Out of Body

Author: Stella Cameron

Series: A Court of Angels

Pages: 392

Publisher: MIRA and Star Colophon

Year Published: 2010

“Forced to witness unspeakable horrors…

Born of an ancient family of clairvoyants, Marley millet finds that her psychic gift is both unsettling and incredibly dangerous. She never wants to travel again- but the choice is not hers to make.

After glimpsing the fates of two missing New Orleans jazz singers, Marley knows she has no choice and must speak up before more women disappear. Flinty cop-turned-writer Gray Fisher, who interviewed both chanteuses before they vanished, takes a special interest in Marley’s incredible story- and in Marley.

Scouring the wild clubs of the French Quarter, Marley and Gray make an unlikely and uneasy team. But their determination is matched only by the heat between them… and the evil they have uncovered.”

My Rating: 7/10

I didn’t mind this book. I enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t just a romance book that I would get bored with but rather a paranormal mystery, and that’s what really held my interest. I didn’t really think that this book would have so much sexual content, but now that I think about it there is a picture of people going at it on the cover. I did enjoy the characters, and as I always wanted to visit New Orleans, I loved the setting. I should also say that this is an adult book with some graphic moments, not for under age 16, I’d say.

THANK YOU STELLA CAMERON FOR A GREAT PARANORMAL MYSTERY!

Hope you enjoyed this book review

Love,

Sidny ♥♪♫

 

Spoiler: Out of Body by Stella Cameron

This was a different book than I usually read, not only is it an adult novel, but also it’s a romance. All in all this book is good if you can get past all the sex, I understand the attraction between Gray and Marley without hearing intimate details, that just makes me blush. I loved the fact that the setting was New Orleans, a city I’ve always dreamed about visiting. I also feel for the characters.

CHARACTERS:

Marley: The female main character who is very in tune with her psychic powers (she has to be, she’s a Millet after all) and who is very adventurous. I love her spunk and how she doesn’t back down from a fight, even with Gray.

Gray: A cop-turned-writer who falls instantly for Marley. Nothing like love at first sight *sigh* I was happy they got together, but really… shouldn’t they be focusing on the dead body and missing singers? Come on guys, you can always have sex to celebrate after. I love this man though. I feel horrible that he was treated so badly as a child L that was awful, but he came out well ;)

Sidney: I thought at first this was funny that I shared a name with this character but as I figured out she is evil, I was far less entertained. I figured out she was getting rid of people for her own profit, but I never would have guessed she was related to the beast doing the killing

Bolivar / The Monster: What a scary mental image Stella paints of it attacking the prisoners. I felt scared, but also interested in what the heck this thing was!

Moments to Remember:

♥Pg. 24

“Marley scratched the dog’s head. ‘You’re the best. You’ve got the prettiest ugly face I know.’”

♥Pg. 31

“The autopsy should be going on now, if Blades got to it.’

  Fisher grinned with half of his mouth. ‘Blades is a first-rate M.E. I still say he chose the profession to fit his name.’”

♥Pg. 59

“So she stuck out like a nun at a Chippendale show.”

♥Pg. 207

“‘I’ve got your dog and she like me. Run away and she’s mine.’”

Thanks for reading this spoiler.

Love,

Sidny xoxo

Kate's Choice: Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul

Title: Chicken Soup For The Kid's Soul
Authors: Multiple
Pages: 366
Publisher: Healt Communication Inc.
Year Published: 1998

"Kids wanted a Chicken Soup book of their own, so here it is! Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul is for Kids ages nine through thriteen, and it's 'all that!'
Sometimes you feel like life is a total blast, from scoring the winning goal to hanging out with your friends. Yet other times, life is too complicated: You seem to see violence everywhere you turn, more parents are getting divorced, your best friend moves away, or you feel like you don't fit in.
Now there's a place to find answer and encouragement and to find answers and encouragement and to help you realize that your dreams really can come true.
With funny stories about friends and family, and serious stories about heroic kids and difficult choices, this book with make you laugh, cry, think and feel good about yourself."

Kate's Rating: 9.5/10

The Interview:1. This is the first nonfiction book we've seen you read for Kate's Choice> Do you enjoy fiction or nonfiction more?♥ I tend to read fiction, so I guess I would say I usually enjoy fiction more.

2. Did you enjoy this book? Why or why not?♥ This book was a clue in that not everyone has it so easy, and we should be happy for a good life.

3. Would you continue reading Chicken Soup Books?♥ Yes, I really enjoy them.

4. Your favorite section?♥ On Love

5. Least favorite section?♥ On Death and Dying

6. Why did you pick this book?♥ It looked interesting.

7. Who would you recommend this book to?♥ Children between the ages of 8-12.

8. Do you find the stories relatable?♥ Somewhat, some of the things I haven't experienced.

9. If you could talk to any author from this book which would it be and why?♥ Christ Holder Ocker, because the story she wrote was touching.

10. If you could right a story, which section would it be in?♥ On Friendship.

Enjoy,
Love,
Sidny & Kate ♥♪♫

Spoiler: The Kindling by Jennifer Armstrong & Nancy Butcher

I liked this book alot. If I might make one suggestion though to the readers of this book, it would be to imagine that the event of Fire-us took place in 2012 or closer to our time. It makes the world that Jennifer Armstrong and Nancy Butcher made a lot more believeable. When the event takes place in 2002-2007 it's easy not to be afraid of what happens in the "future". I think that this book is a stand alone book. It's a sci-fi book mixed with a type of mystery that I have never seen before. I do wish that we would have known a little bit more about the Before Time though. It would have made the book more interesting.

Characters:Hunter: I feel bad for this boy, I'm not sure how old he is, but he is the man in the family for the first half of the book, the provider. It's not fair that such a young boy should have to find all the food, clothes and other necessities for the family. I love the fact that he isn't scared of the bones, that he's brave enough to protect everyone from such a horrible sight.

Teacher: For me, this is the most relatable character. Although she carries around her own scrapbook that will apparently 'tell the future' I still like her. I love that Teacher is remembering things, and we as the readers get to remember things with her. She is an amazing character who is basically a detective, trying to find out what is going on with this horrible disease.

Mommy: She is a tough character to like, but you also want to love her. I think everyone has a friend like this, you know the one who is always looking after everyone else first and then thinking of herself. I hate the fact that Mommy is only 14 and put in charge of 4 children. That is a tough job to handle as an adult, I'm sure, never mind a teenager. I wonder about her fear of the outdoors though. Hope we get to hear more about that.

Angerman/Anchorman: This is a very interesting character who is thrown into the mix about half way through the book. I was happy that we got to see inside his head throughout the book, because otherwise we would just think he was completely mentally challenged. The idea that he hears voices makes me wonder if he has a mental illness or superpowers. He is unusual, but in a way, loveable.

Action Figure: What an adventurous  young man? He sure can cause a lot of trouble though.

Teddy: I like him, he seems to know what's going on and though he's quiet he is very bright. I understand his fear of alligators completely now that I have read over Teacher's memory.

Doll: She gets most of her traits from Mommy.

Baby: Again, like Mommy.

Kitty & Puppy: I think it's horrible that these kids were left alone in the wilderness, but the question is by whom?


Favorite Lines & Moments:
♥Pg. 222
" 'Once upon a time,' Mommy began, 'there was a girl named-um-' She searched her memory. What, what was that fairy tale she loved so much? Someone used to tell it to her every night before she went to bed. 'Cindy Ella..."

♥Pg. 234
"Action Figure stood on the last remaining plank of a dock that leaned at a crazy angle toward the water. Sunlight turned Action Figure's hair into a white halo, and the boy held both arms out, as if saying behold!"

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: The Clique by Lisi Harrison

 Title: The Clique
Author: Lisi Harrison
Series: Clique
Pages: 220
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Year Published: 2004

"Meet The Clique...
Massie Block: With her glossy brunette bob, and laser-whitened smile, Massie is the uncontested ruler of The Clique and the rest of the social scene at Octavian Country Day School, an exclusive private girls' school in Westchester County, New York. Massie knows you'd give anything to be just like her.
Dylan Marvil: Massie's second in command who divides her time between sucking up to Massie and sucking down Atkins Diet shakes.

Alcia Rivera: As sneaky as she is beautiful, Alicia floats easily under adult radar because seh seems so 'sweet.' Would love to take Massie's throne one day. Just might.

Kristen Gregory: She's smart, hardworking and will insult you to tears fast than you can say 'my haircut isn't ugly!'

Enter Claire Lyons, the new girl from Florida in Keds and two-year-old Gap overalls, who is clearly not Clique material. Unfortunately for her, Claire's family is staying in the guesthouse on Massie's family's huge estate while they look for a new home. Claire's future looks worse than a bad Prada knockoff. But with a little luck and a lot of scheming, Claire might just come up smelling like Chanel No. 19"

"The Clique... the only thing harder thang getting in is staying in."

My Rating: 9/10

This book is full of gossip and drama, just what a needed for an uneventful day of summer. In this novel we are introduced to a group of middle school girls who are meaner than most high school football players (not physically obviously, they might break a nail). I remember middle school quite vividly and I understand how it works. It doesn't matter where you're from there are always clique and then there are the "it" girls. The ones everyone wants to be. We get an up close and personal view of these girls at the beginning of their popularity filled "careers"
I really loved the way we see the view of Claire, the unpopular character and Massie, the ultra popular girl. This way we see what each thinks is important. I loved this book because of the way Lisi Harrison wasn't afraid to go there. She wasn't afraid to us swears in a middle school based novel.
THANK YOU LISI HARRISON FOR SHOWING THAT MIDDLE SCHOOL IS A LOT MORE HARSH THAN SOME PEOPLE REALIZE!

Thanks for reading :)
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: The Clique by Lisi Harrison

This book is absolutely filled with the drama from middle school. At least that's how my middle school felt. Whose in, whose out and whose a total loser? It's interesting to read that this is happening all over North America. Girls are getting meaner at a younger age than ever. I sadly loved reading about it. Maybe because I was able to relate! That's a good feeling that I haven't had in a while.  It helps that all these kids are ridiculously rich, wearing brands I haven't even heard of! The characters in this book are amazing and while I didn't fall in love with them I was able to see them as certain people from my life and it makes sense that this is such a popular series.

Characters:Massie: Incredibly snooty, and the undoubted leader of the Clique. Or is she? When Claire sneaks into her room it doesn't take long to turn her friends against her. Maybe she's not as loved as everyone acts. The fact that the whole school worships her is a pile though. There has to be someone who doesn't want to be like her at all. At least one who just hates her guts. I hope so anyways. Everyone loving you is bound to give you a big head. The best part of the book is when she finally realizes that Chris is not interested in her at all! Thank gosh, a little rejection is what this girl needs. Wait I take that back, a lot of rejection.

Dylan: I feel bad that Dylan feels the need to diet. Every girl should feel amazing in her own skin and be happy with who she is. The sad thing is that Dylan's mom encourages this when she's only in Gr. 7

Alicia: I thought she was the second in command during the book. I think that Massie is jealous of her, it's mentioned more than once that she looks like a model.She should be the leader, if you think about it.

Kristen: I was shocked that Kristen turned out to be poor. That's a very interesting fact considering whose she's friends with. To bad she has friends that wouldn't actually accept her if they knew she was poor.

Claire: A unexpected toss up in this wealthy society. I loved that Massie had to realize that she wasn't all that. Claire got a great revenge on Massie, a well deserved one at that. I didn't like that she changed when she was friends with the rest of The Clique. She should be happy that she isn't like them.

Layne: The kinda girl every group needs. Someone who is unafriad to be who she is. Althought she did take Massie's offer to be popular. That was a mistake and one I doubt she will repeat.

Chris: Thank GOD he wasn't interested in Massie, as if that girl needs an more followers.

Favorite Line & Moment:
♥Pg. 208
" 'Why doesn't anyone ask us to dance?'
Layne turned to face Claire and bowed deeply. 'Claire, would you like to dance?' "

Thanks for reading.
Love,
Sidny xoxo

Book Review: Mercy, Unbound by Kim Antieau

 Title: Mercy, Unbound
Author: Kim Antieau
Pages: 165
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2006

"Mercy O'Conner is becoming an angel.
She can feel her wings sprouting from her shoulder blades. They itch. Sometimes she even hears them rustling.
And angels don't need to eat. So Mercy has decided she doesn't need to either. She is not sick, doesn't suffer from anorexia, is not trying to kill herself. She is an angel, and angels simply don't need food.
When her parents send her to an eating disorder clinic, Mercy is scared and confused. She isn't like the other girls who are so obviously sick. If people could just see her wings, they would know. But her wings don't come and Mercy begins to have doubts. What if she isn't really an angel? What if she's just a girl? What if she's killing herself? Can she stop?"

My Rating: 8/10

This book is very interesting and follows a different line then I thought it would. I imagined the book to be a lot more fictional, but it stuck to a line about eating disorders. Eating disorders proved to be the main theme. I didn't overly enjoy it, I found it hard to follow and at the end I wasn't sure what really happened. I just felt out of it, but I could connect with the eating disorders. It's a very important story that I haven't really read about before. Eating disorders effects so many young lives, of both girls and boys of all ages. I think that it's caused by the media personally and other aspects of a persons life. I think that Kim Antieau was very brave to take on such a realistic topic, while combining an angel into it. And for that, this book earns a 8/10.
THANK YOU KIM ANTIEAU FOR BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO TACKLE SUCH A HUGE MATTER!

Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫