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

Spoiler: Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

This book is a blessing to us all.... in my opinion. Bethany makes me personally believe in everything more than before... like my personal pep talk. My faith, my family, my friends and myself all have a more meaningful purpose. I'm also happy to learn about other peoples experiences.

I love how Bethany thought about the the accident would affect everyone, not just herself. She never seemed to be 'woe is me'. She is a superb optimist.

Alan and Holt were amazing. To be there when it happened and still get in the water, it amazes me.

The whole thing affected not only friends and family, but really the whole community. Maybe both in a good way and a bad way. I'm sure more people come now and they have an optimist in Bethany. The bad way.. I'm sure lots we're afraid of the water... I know I would be.

Not only does Bethany inspire confidence and optimistic, she also shows faith. Faith that is almost extinct in the 21st century.

She has inspired me to live everyday like it's my last. And to have a closer relationship with God.

FAVOURITE LINES AND MOMENTS:

♥PG. XV

"What does God have in store for me? I really don't know, but I do know one thing for sure: the adventure has only started."

♥PG. 46

"So I guess that makes me the star competitor of the family- not that it gets me out of doing my chores at home."

♥PG. 54

"Here's what I think: you make your own adventure in life. And I truly believe that if you open your eyes to your surroundings, there's a lot of neat stuff to be found practically anywhere one earth. For me, the grass is never greener outside Hawaii."

♥PG.79

" I remember most clearly what the Kauai paramedic said to me: He spoke softly and held my hand as we were pulling out of the Tunnels parking lot. He whispered in my ear, 'God will never leave you or forsake you.'

He was right."

♥PG. 123

"Life is full of what-ifs. You can't let it hold you back. You can't let it hold you back.. If you do, you're not really leaving at all. just going through the motions with no meaning."

♥PG.133

"I believe in God

I don't mean that I believe in Him like a person might believe in, say, gravity or the sun coming up in the morning. Those are just facts that don't mean anything. I mean I really believe in God."

♥PG. 209

"I was just say what's in my heart hopefully my mouth cooperates."

♥PG.236

"The best part of the day: They got to see our glorious sunset on the beach. What I like to think of God painting his story board on the sky!"

Sincerely, Sidny

"When Alexis's little sister, Kasey, becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis thinks nothing of it. Kasey is a weird kid. Period. Alexis is considered weird too, by the kids in her high school, by her parents, even by her own goth friends. Things get weirder, though, when the old house they live in start changing. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on the unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough for the girls to see their breath. Kasey is changing too. he blue eyes go green, and she uses old-fashioned language, the forgets chunks of time.

Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey's shoulder. The formerly gentle, doll-loving child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister- but what if the green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?"

MY RATING: 9/10

Let's get this straight first! I'm a scaredy cat. A chicken shit... if you will. I got scared from the saw movie trailer. Just the trailer nothing else!

This book was the perfect amount of scary and funny blended together.I truly enjoyed the thrills and shivers I got while reading it at night.

The only reason it didn't make a ten for me was because of the description. The back of the book gives part of it away. I don't want to know it's a doll yet. That just killed the suspense!

Katie Alender made my all time favourite ghost story. I really enjoyed Kasey's character because she is unusual and unique.

THANK YOU KATIE ALENDER FOR A GREAT YOUNG ADULT GHOST STORY!

Sincerely, Sidny

Spoiler: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

This book was very great. I enjoyed reading it late at night or during a rainy day :D

Some characters I want to talk about:

-Alexis. So who would have thought this "goth" girl wasn't the tough front she put out. I mean she wasn't really that mean to anyone and when she was I think it was mostly because of the way they had treated her in the past. I think she should have spent more time with Kasey though.. then maybe she would have said no to Sarah. I think her and Carter are uber cute :D

-Megan. So I thought Megan was evil teenager who got everything she wanted but really she was way more like Alexis than I thought possible. I think that "opposites" attract. Thank god for Megan otherwise everyone might have died.

-Kasey. I actually feel bad for her... even though she is a lunatic. She had no friends until Sarah came along and I don't think she knew what was going on. It was kinda fun to hear her go crazy in my imagination.

-Carter. How cute is he? Really? I feel bad that he almost comitted suicide though. He seems like a dream guy... which is probably why he's only in my imagination and on a piece of paper!

-Shara. I was horrified when I thought that she was the evil spirit and that she tried to kill Megan. I couldn't think of a mother who could do such a thing and I'm so happy she didn't!

-Sarah. What an evil little girl! AhHH

Ok so the house was the best setting ever.. the way it was described gave me a great mental image and made the story all the more real to me.

I found a doll that looks eerily like the doll mentioned. I took a picture and if i can ever find my ipod again.. I'll post it for ya.

The necklaces were an awesome idea i just wish there was some more detail about them.

Favourite and Memorable Lines and Moments:

♥PG. 18

"I speak up in class, i get sent to the office. Meagan speaks up in class, she's a 'strong, assertive model student.' I post a few flyers saying that the vending machines on school property are a sign that our school district has sold out to the corporate-industrial establishment, I get (what else?) Saturday detention. Megan starts a campaign to serve local foods in the lunchroom (oh, and can we pleeeeeease maybe get rid of the soda machines?) and the local newspaper does a write-up about her.

She's like me, only not. Not like me at all. She's the golden girl and I'm ... tarnished."

♥PG.40

" 'They like it when kids get minor head injuries. They think it builds character.' "

♥PG.43

" 'I'm Carter Blume, by the way,' he said.

'Yeah I know.'

'Oh,' He sat in confused silence for a few seconds. 'Can I ask you a very serious question?'

'I'd rather you didn't, ' I said.

He stared straight into my eyes. 'if you were an animal, what animal would you be?'

Wait, what? 'Wait, what?' "

♥PG. 56

" 'Are you going to the dance?' Mom asked somewhere deep down inside she held on to the hope that one night I'd show up with my brown hair back, a pack of preppy friends in tow, and turn into Teen Princess Barbie, homecoming court, star tennis player... like she'd been in high school.

'Oh, yeah,' I said. 'My only problem is trying to decide who to go with- the captain of the football team or Zac Efron.'"

♥PG. 94

"Can you go crazy without knowing your crazy?

I mean most people do, right?"

♥PG. 102

"I said to myself, 'Carter, there's a girl that you need to knock down in the hallway sometime.' "

♥PG.136

" 'What are your flaws?'

'In case you haven't noticed, my whole existence is one big flaw,' I said, lying back on the grass next to him and staring at the sky. 'I am a giant pimple on the face of humanity.' "

♥PG. 182

"It was warm in the sunlight, but a cool hint of break shook the leave on the trees. They shimmied and quaked and reminded me of that dance move called 'Jazz hands,' where you stretch out your hand and wiggle your fingers."

♥PG. 191

"If only there had been a poster in the clinic: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SIBLING IS POSSESSED BY THE DEVIL OR JUST COMPLETELY MENTAL!"

♥PG. 203

" 'Listen. My grandmother might be home. if you say even a single word about this to her, I'll be grounded until college.'

'Al right,' I said, instantly certain that I would somehow slip and ruin everything. Hi, nice to meet you! Your granddaughter and I are just going to mess with the Dark Side for a while. I love those flowers, are they violets?"

♥PG. 217

"I looked at the dress. It was kind of 1960s looking, with a neckline that went in a straight line from the top of one shoulder to the other, no sleeves. it flared a couple inches under the bust into a puffy skirt that went down to about knee-high. the fabric was kind of stiff, so it stuck out.

'Take it. You're taking it. You have to,' She said. 'Everyone will die.'

'Oh great,' I said. 'Just what I need.' "

♥PG.335

"I threw the doll to the floor, grabbed the baseball bat, and smashed her face to smithereens.

The glow in the eyes faded.

And I was free.

The house was free.

We were all free.

Except the part where I was trapped in a burning attic."

♥PG. 342

" 'You have such a pretty smile,' Mom sighed.

I glanced up at her. She was smiling too, and her eyes were a little watery.

'Don't cry,' I ordered. 'I"ll never go to prom again if you can't keep it together.' "

♥PG.343

" "That's the doorbell!' Mom said and scrambled away to answer it.

'Forgive her,' I said to Megan. 'It's her first prom in twenty years. She's a little nervous.' "

♥PG.345

" 'I'm not... I mean, Alexis, I don't want to be just your friend. Not even just tonight. Every day. Every minute. I mean, maybe you don't feel the same way I do, but I have to tell you. I can't stand the thought that you might find someone else and never know how I-' "

♥PG.346

" I ran back to Mom.

'I have a boyfriend,' I whispered to her.

She smiled. 'Watch, I'm not going to cry.' "

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

Spoiler: The Outsiders S.E Hinton

This book really took me by surprise. I thought since it was so short that it really wouldn't hit the points I wanted and that I wouldn't enjoy it. But I really did. I got into the characters minds and into their situation. It's terrible to know that kids all over the world feel the need to join a gang to gain a family. I'm sure everyone has their different reasons but it makes my heart sink.

Ponyboy: he is still a kid and I don't think he honestly understands the world at all. I understand why he is in to gang life though. He wants to have a big family and since his brothers are also in it they could get him in no problem. I like Ponyboy he is the best character to tell this story from.

Johnny: I hate that he died! But I'm happy he died a hero for saving those kids. I know that he shouldn't have killed Bob and I don't think he meant to. do you? he just seemed like he was tired of being the underdog.

Dally: I think he wasn't as tough as everyone thought he was. I think he really cared about Johnny otherwise he wouldn't have pulled that gun and gotten shot. he wanted that. it was no mistake. I also believe that he wasn't as brave as the front he puts on. he only does it so he won't get hurt.

Darry: Although Ponyboy can't see it, Darry loves him more than he'll ever know

Sodapop: I Love His Name! He is amazing with the gang and good basically with everyone. I feel bad about the girl who dumped him. I wouldn't have though.. :D

Two-Bit: Every group needs the guy who can make people laugh. Am I right?

Cherry: She seems like a nice girl.

All and all I love this book and I think it teaches us not to judge a book by it's cover... or it's hair.

FAVOURITE LINES/ MOMENTS:

♥Pg. 11

"Darry looked as if he'd like to knock our heads together 'You're both nuts.'

Soda merely cocked one eyebrow, a trick he'd picked up from Two-Bit. 'It seems to run in this family.' "

♥Pg. 12

"He and Soda worked at the same gas station- Steve part time and Soda full time- and their station got more customers than any other in town. Whether that was because Steve was so good with cars or because Soda attracted girls like honey draws flies, I couldn't tell you."

♥Pg.19

"I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe myself. "

♥Pg. 70

"I was dying for a Pepsi. I'm what you might call a Pepsi addict. I drink them like a fiend, and going for five days without one was about to kill me."

♥Pg. 100

" I heard our ford vvrrrooooom and thought Soda's driving."

♥Pg. 107

"Sixteen years on the street and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn. Sixteen years of the street and you see a lot. But all the wrong sights, not sights you want to see."

♥Pg. 115

" 'Soda,' I called from the bathroom, 'When did you start shaving?'

'When I was fifteen,' He yelled back.

'When did Darry?'

'When he was thirteen. Why? You figgerin' on growing a beard for the rumble?'

'You're funny. We ought to send you in to the Reader's Digest. I hear they pay a lot for funny things.' "

♥Pg. 119

" 'I am a greaser,' Sodapop chanted. 'I am a JD and a hood. I blacken the name of our fair city. I beat up people. I rob gas stations. I am a menace to society. Man, do I have fun!'

'Greaser... greaser... greaser...' Steve singsonged. 'O victim of environment, underprivileged, rotten, no-count hood!'

'Juvenile delinquent, you're no good!' Darry shouted.

'Get the hence, white trash,' Two-Bit said in a snobbish voice. 'I am a Soc. I am the privileged and the well-dressed. I throw beer blasts. Drive fancy cars, break windows at fancy parties.'

'And what do you do for fun?' I inquired in a serious, awed voice.

'I jump greasers!' Two-Bit screamed, and did a cartwheel. "

Hope you enjoyed this wonderful book!

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.

Spoiler: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

I found this book very interesting. The way it covered religion without offending me was great!

Bethany wasn't the smartest character in the whole world... I can't believe she didn't figure out that Jake Thorn was a demon. I seriously thought he was the Devil himself. I like the fact that she feel for Xavier but seriously... the first pretty boy you meet your legs weaken.. mmmmkkk :P

Xavier is the perfect man and he is officially getting added to my fantasy crush list.. He would put his life on the line for Bethany no matter what. I felt bad that he lost the first girl. All because of Jake( i freakin' hate jake).

Molly is probably the best girl friend someone could have. She reminds me a lil bit of myself. Mostly because she babbles.

Jake Thorn: Is it no obvious that he's evil... I mean hell all these bad things happen as soon as he shows up in town. DUH!

Gabriel: Oh the protective big brother... he is a good guy I think and good for Molly I do believe.

Ivy: I wish she was my big sister :D

Taylah: That was terrible that she died. I mean why? I honestly thought Molly would die first...

Prom: Well if that wasn't a disaster i don't know what is. How could Xavier believe that Bethany would cheat on him so easy. That's just so dumb.

How Bethany showed Xavier what she was, was totally awesome and however, Alexandra came up with it was awesome. Jumping off the cliff, loving it.

I didn't like the ending because it was confusing. Were they going back to heavan, to another town or staying home wtf.

Favourite Line/ Moments:

Pg. 4: “‘Bethany, hand me the key,’ said Gabriel. Looking after the key to the house was the only job I had been entrusted with. I felt around the deep pockets of my dress. ‘It’s here somewhere,’ I assured him. ‘Please tell me you haven’t lost it already.’ ‘We did fall from the sky, you know,’ I said indignantly. ‘It’s easy for things to go missing.’ “ ♥Pg. 5 “ Human life was so complicated there were devices to boil water, wall sockets that channeled electrical currents, and all manners of utensils in the kitchen and bathroom designed to save time and increase comfort. Everything had a different texture, a different smell- it was like a circus for the senses.” ♥Pg. 12 “One of the most frustrating words in the human language as far as I could tell, was love. So much meaning attached to this one little word. People bandied it about freely, using it to describe their attachments to possessions, pets, vacation destinations and favorite foods. In the same breath they then applied this word to the person they considered most important in their lives. Wasn’t that insulting? Shouldn’t there be some other term to describe deeper emotion? Humans were so preoccupied with love. They were all desperate to form an attachment to one person they could refer to as their ‘other half.’ It seemed from my reading of literature that being in love meant becoming the beloved’s entire world. The rest of the universe paled into insignificance compared to the lovers. When they were separated, each fell into a melancholy state, and only when they were reunited did their hearts start beating again. Only where they were together could they really see the colors of the world. When they were apart, that color leached away, leaving everything in a gray haze. I lay in bed, wondering about the intensity of this emotion that was so irrational and so irrefutably human.” ♥Pg. 40 “ ‘Xavier Laro’s blond and play on the lacrosse team. He’s pretty hot. I wouldn’t blame you for liking him, but I think he might already have girlfriend. Or did they break up? I’m not sure; I could try and find out.’ “ ♥Pg. 57 “ ‘The teacher got really mad when one of the boys said something about Lady Capulet.’ ‘What did he say?’ ‘He called her a MILF, which must be offensive because Miss Castle called him a thug and sent him out of the room. Gabe, what is a MILF?’ Ivy smothered her smile behind a napkin while Gabriel did something I’d never seen before. He blushed and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. ‘Some acronym for a teenage obscenity, I imagine,’ he mumbled.” ♥Pg. 83 “ ‘Hi Molly,’ Xavier said when it became apparent that she wasn’t gong to initiate conversation. ‘Hi,’ she replied briskly and gave my sleeve a proprietary tug. When she spoke, it was in the wheedling voice of a small child. ‘Beth, come to the cafeteria with me- I’m practically dying of starvation! And after school on Friday I want you to come back to my place- we’re all getting facials from Taylah’s sister, who’s a beautician. It’s going to be awesome. She always brings lots of samples so we can do our own at home.’ ‘That does sound awesome,’ said Xavier with a feigned enthusiasm that made me giggle. ‘What time should I come over?’ “ ♥Pg. 87 “ ‘It’s not right,’ Molly continued accusingly. ‘He walks around looking gorgeous, being friendly to everyone, but won’t let anyone close to him.’ “ ♥Pg. 114 “ ‘Great. Well, how about you give me your number and I’ll put it in my phone. We can talk details later.’ He withdrew a shiny black gadget from the pocket of his windbreaker. It lay twinkling in the palm of his hand. I could hear the clatter of cookery coming from the kitchen and knew there was no time to lose. ‘It’s easier if you give me yours and I call you,’ I said quickly. He didn’t argue. I spied a newspaper of the coffee table, tore off a corner, and handed it to him. ‘I might need a pen,’ he said. I found one marking the place in a leather bound book one of my siblings had been reading. Xavier scribbled some digits, and I pocketed the slip just in time to give Gabriel and Ivy a beatific smile as they smile as they walked in, carrying a tray of mugs. I walked Xavier to the front door, where his eyes lingered a moment on his eyes lingered a moment on what I was wearing. The intensity had gone from his face and his characteristic half-smile had returned. ‘By the way, nice jammies,’. ♥Pg. 137 “ ‘The future Is not to be feared but confronted,’ said Angela. The way she said way she said it was almost a challenge.” ♥Pg. 137 “ ‘It’s your life line,’ the woman said, her eyes wide with alarm. ‘I’ve seen anything like it before.’ ‘What about my life line?’ I asked impatiently. ‘My dear’- Angela’s voice dropped to a mere whisper- ‘you don’t have one.’ ♥Pg. 157 “ ‘Did anyone else notice that it took Romeo all of five seconds to switch from Rosaline to Juliet?’ ‘That’s because he knew Juliet was the one from the moment he met her,’ I said. ‘Puh-lease,’ Bianca retorted. ‘You can’t know that you love someone after two minutes. He just wanted to get in her pants. Romeo is just like every other horny teenage boy.’ “ ♥Pg. 191 “ ‘ Sit Phantom!’ Ivy cooed. ‘On your bottom!’ ‘Oh, for goodness’ sake!’ Gabriel put down his book and pointed a long finger at Phantom. ‘Sit, ‘ he commanded in a deep voice. Phantom looked sheepish and sank straight to the floor. Ivy scowled in frustration. ‘I’ve been trying to get him to do that all day! What is it with dogs and male authority?’ “ ♥Pg. 242 “ ‘Let’s get out of here’ Xavier said, packing up his books. ‘Not until you’ve finished your essay.’ ‘I’m done.’ ‘You’ve written three line.’ ‘Three carefully considered lines,’ Xavier objected. ‘Quality over quantity, remember?’ “ ♥Pg. 250 “ ‘Beth I’d take on Megatron’s army to protect you.’ “ ♥Pg. 251 “ ‘Here eat this,’ he commanded and pushed a health bar across the table. As an athlete, he always seemed to have an endless supply at any given time. The label told me this one contained cashews, coconut, apricots and seeds. ‘I can’t eat this; it’s got birdseed in it!’ ‘Those are sesame seeds and they’re full of energy. I don’t want you burning out.’ ‘Why would I do that?’ ‘Because your blood sugar is probably low- so don’t argue.’ Sometimes it was easier not to argue with Xavier when his objective was taking care of me. ‘All right mother,’ I said biting into the chewy bar. ‘By the way, this tastes like cardboard.’ “ ♥Pg. 259 “ Before he could stop me I locked my arms around his neck and pulled him into an alcove between the lockers. It was his own fault really, standing there with his soft hair flopping over his eyes, his school shirt coming untucked, and the plaited leather band hugging his smooth tanned wrist as if it were part of him. If he didn’t want to be mauled, he shouldn’t have put himself right in my path.” ♥Pg. 261 There is a lovely poem on this page Edgar Allen Poe. It was monstrously long. So I decided to just say the page :D. ♥Pg. 271 “Is that what you spend your spare time doing?’ ‘You got me. All I do is write down lines to impress women.’ ‘Women?’ ‘Sorry- one woman,’ he rectified as I scowled at him.” ♥Pg. 284 “ ‘Well I don’t want a boyfriend, Daddy,’ said Madeline. ‘Boys are dirty, and they make a mess when they eat.’ ‘I’d imagine the six-year-old ones would.’ Xavier chuckled. ‘But don’t worry, they get better at it.’ “ ♥Pg. 309 “ ‘ Did I mention I’ve finally decided on a nickname for you?’ ‘ I didn’t know you were looking.’ ‘Well, I’ve given the matter some serious thought.’ ‘And what have you come up with?’ ‘Cookie,’ I announced proudly. Xavier scrunched his face. ‘No way.’ ‘You don’t like it? What about Bumblebee?’ ‘Worse.’ ‘Snookie-wookie?’ ‘Do you have any cyanide?’ “ ♥Pg. 311 “With the talk concluded, Xavier spontaneously swept me up into his arms. ‘Urgh, would you two just get a room already?’ Taylah called out. ‘C’est tres disgusting.’ “ ♥Pg. 312 “ ‘Wait have you seen it?’ ‘Seen what?’ I exploded. ‘You know,’ she said emphatically ‘It!’ She gestured in the vicinity of her groin until I finally understood her meaning. “ ♥Pg. 319 “ ‘There is nothing more alluring than a girl with a healthy appreciation of food,’ “ ♥Pg. 370 “ ‘ No really don’t use skin-care products.’ ‘Whatever, suit yourself.’ ‘It’s true, Mel,’ said Molly. ‘Beth’s family probably doesn’t even believe in beauty products. They’re kind of like the Amish.’ “ ♥Pg. 412 “As I watched him I realized that my whole world was right in front of me, just over six feet tall and lying on my bed. “ ♥Pg. 424 “When angels’ tears do flood the earth, The gates of Hell shall see rebirth. When the demise of angels doth impend, The human boy shall meet his end.” ♥Pg. 427 “ ‘Love you,’ Xavier said just before he drifted back to sleep. ‘Love you more,’ I said playfully. ‘Not a chance,’ Xavier said, fully awake now. ‘I’m bigger, I can contain more love.’ ‘I’m smaller, therefore my love particles are more compressed, which means I can fit more.’ Xavier laughed. ‘That argument makes no sense. Over ruled.’ “ ♥Pg. 430 “ ‘How did you learn to cook?’ ‘I had no choice, I had to learn,’ Xavier said. ‘My whole family besides Mom are useless in the kitchen. When she works late at the clinic they order pizza or eat whatever they can find that says, ‘add water and stir.’ So I cook for them whenever Mom isn’t around.’ ‘Xavier’s a man of many skills,’ I told Ivy and Gabe glowing.” ♥Pg. 435 “ ‘He’s the most amazing guy I’ve ever met, and I’m not going to pass up the opportunity to be with him just because you’re having a little PMS freak-out.’ She narrowed her eyes at me. ‘And for your information, he says you’re a bitch.’ “ ♥Pg. 435 “ ‘ Envy is a deadly sin, Bethany,’ Jake purred. His eyes were completely covered by a glistening black film, so I could distinguish between pupil and iris. ‘You should know that. Why don’t you just congratulate Molly and be gracious?’ ‘Or start writing her eulogy,’ I snapped. “ ♥Pg. 448 “ ‘Welcome to the dark side,’ he said, and laughed coldly. ‘Although I prefer to think of it as the fun side.’ There was murmurs of appreciation from his followers. ‘I can promise you nothing feels better than sin. Why not turn to pleasure when life treats us with such indifference? We are here all of us, because we want to feel alive!’ “ ♥Pg. 473 “ ‘I liked his tattoos. Do you think I should get one? I was thinking one that says ‘leirbag.’ ‘ ‘You want a tattoo of Gabriel’s name backwards?’ ‘Damn, is it that obvious? I’ll have to think of something else.’ ‘Gabriel doesn’t like tattoos,’ I said. ‘He says the human body is not a billboard.’ “ ♥Pg. 482 “ ‘ Do you ever worry that they might that they might show up again and everything will fall apart?’ ‘No , because I think between the two of us, we’ll manage to put things back together.’ ‘You always know what to say.’ I smiled. ‘Do you rehearse those lines at home?’ ‘It’s all part of my charm,’ Xavier winked.” ♥Pg. 482 “ She twirled and is saw that she had undergone a complete transformation. She had dropped the length of her skirt to below the knee, buttoned her blouse up to her chin, and fastened her tie neatly. He hair was pulled back in a severe braid and she had discarded all of her jewelry. She was even wearing the regulation school socks. ‘You look like you’re ready for the convent,’ Xavier said. ‘Good!’ Molly seemed please. ‘I’m trying to look mature and responsible.’ ‘Oh, Molly,’ I sighed. ‘This wouldn’t have anything to do with Gabriel would it?’ ‘Well, duh,’ Molly said. ‘Why else would I walk around looking like such a loser?’ “
Looking forward to getting the second book "Hades" when it comes to my school library on order. Next book on the list is the Outsiders by S.E Hinton.Sincerely, Sidny

UPDATE

Unfortunately my computer at home has crashed so being able to post has to come through school and when I finish a book at home I have no way of posting reviews and spoiler but I am trying to get the computer glitch worked out and I plan to have the Halo (by Alexandra Adornetto) done soon. I have sixty pages to go so by the latest I shall have posted something by tomorrow. BTW looking into laptops anyone have a favourite brand that's not crazy expensive? Let me know :D

sweetgirlsid@hotmail.com

Sincerely, Sidny

FUN READ: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

I thought I would do a little thing about books to read just for fun or a laugh... nothing that is to serious!

My sister got this book from the library and it looked funny so after I finished Mud Girl I stole it from her (she was finished it and didn't notice luckily) and read it. It was funny and the way it was described was great. I hope that someone who doesn't like reading might pick this one up and change there mind. There are pictures :D

THANKS JEFF KINNEY FOR A FUN BOOK ABOUT THE KID IN ALL OF US!

Sincerely, Sidny

Book Review: Mud Girl by Alison Acherson

"Mud girl, living at the river's edge.

Abi- Aba Zytka Jones lives with her dad in an odd little house that hangs over the Fraser River. Her mom took off a year ago. In his own way, so did her dad. She didn't fit in, never has, and she has questions.

Jude- the cute guy from the paint shop- starts to take an interest. Then she meets his two-year-old son, Dyl. The questions get even more complicated.

Ernestine- is she there to help Abi- or her dad?

Can Abi find the answers?"

MY RATING: 8/10

I liked this book.. it was good. And I'm sure someone will be mad because I didn't give it a perfect ten but I do have my reasoning. I didn't really relate well with Abi. I found her difficult to relate to and that's a real problem for me. I like most of the characters though so it was good just not... great. I was hoping though that it wouldn't end so abruptly. Endings are my downfall.... if I really like something( a book, movie) seeing it end is hard. This book was also a different style of writing (the characters are like the "regular" main characters) which is good. Being individual is goood! I did like that Abi was caring to everyone and so I still thank you Alison Acheson.

THANK YOU ALISON ACHERSON FOR SHOWING THAT DOING THE RIGHT THING CAN BE TOUGH BUT IT'S ALWAYS WORTH IT!

Sincerely, Sidny ♫♪♥

Spoiler: Mud Girl by Alison Acherson

This book was very interesting and arty in a way. Some characters are what I really want to discuss mostly about these books.

Abi's Dad- I was hoping in the end he'd get his crap together and be a parent. It was a disappointment that he didn't and Abi had to leave but she did the right thing. She was still only a teenager.

Jude- This man is the biggest jerk EVER! I disliked him extremely( on the verge of hate). I hope someone else felt this way about him. My only thought about him was that he couldn't handle one kid what was he doing trying to seduce another girl.... what if she had a kid to? I don't blame Dyl's mother for leaving but I wish she would have taken Dyl with her.

Dyl-He's just a little boy, he deserves better than Jude and I'm happy that in the end he'll have a real home (hopefully with Abi). I think Abi was almost like the only 'parent' he'd ever really had.

Lily- She took care of Dyl as long as she could. That must have taken some guts seriously... because she was dying realistically. I wonder what illness she had...? Any ideas? My best guess in cancer.

Horace- He seems like this great middle-aged guy. He almost acted like Abi's father near the end because he took care of her no matter what. He's perfect for Mary Rhodes.

Mary/Rhodes/Ernestine- IT's sad that she was only Abi's 'Big Sister' because of her dad but it worked out in the end. I think she was almost a mother figure... really she could have been Abi's mother. I hoe she's happy with Horace ohlalala.

Amanda- A true best friend! She cared about Abi's best interests from the first time she met her. She's kinda like a mother hen. A think all friend groups have one! I think they will always be friends. She didn't treat Abi badly because of where she lived or what her father was like.

Abi-She's had a tough time of it but I still wonder what she was like before her mother left. Any ideas? Comment :D She was strange but she found a life for herself not letting her past invade her future. It must have taken a lot of bravery to go to the Foster Home and 'Steal' Dyl. I think she would be a great parent.

Other questions: Why did her mother leave? We never really did find out.. or at least I didn't get it... What will happen to Abi's Dad on his own? Will he even notice she's missing?

Favourite Lines and Moments:

♥PG. 11-12 " 'It's the luck of the thing,' he said. 'I walk in, I say I'm looking for the most beautiful blue for the most beautiful woman on earth, and they show me this, and it's the only blue they have. I figure it's destiny.'

'Not everything that falls across your path is destiny,' Mum said. 'Sometimes what falls across your path is just there to trip you.' "

♥PG. 12 " 'Mary,' hes say on ocassion, 'where's your sense of adventure?'

'Brought me as far across the Atlantic as this side of Canada, then left me for someone else,' would be her answer"

♥PG. 17 " 'Would you like to go for a walk?'

That's probably number three or four in the Suggestions for New Big Sisters list. Right after Friendly Approach and Say Something Nice About Surroundings."

♥PG. 25 "She wonders what colour his eyes are: brown and warm; green, full of life; blue and bright. Her own: a dark murky blue-green, as if she's lived by the river so long it's become a part of her. Mud girl, living at the river's edge."

♥PG. 48 " Beside her, she can feel Judge closer, can feel his weight. There's a warmth on her neck and she turns at the suddenness of it, and they're connected. Just like that.

Abi's not prepared for it. She always thought her first real kiss would be something she could recognize at the time. But before she can tell herself what's happening, it's over.

'What do you think?' he asks, his voice husky.

I don't ant to think. She kisses him back because it's easier than talking."

♥PG. 58 " 'Oh my,' Rhodes says. Of course. She helps Abi to her feet. 'Oh my,' again and then, 'you haven't been... been...' she can't even say it.

'Drinking?' Abi asks. She motions around. 'What do you think?' She takes the arm Rhodes offers. 'I could've used a bottle though- a bottle of sunscreen.' "

♥PG. 60 "Back at the house she tries to help Abi to the chesterfield.

'No, not that piece of carp,' Abi tells her, still keeping her head down. She sinks to the floor, back to the wall. 'There's springs coming out of the cushions. They coil right up your butt.' "

♥ PG. 62 "Happy as a pig in shit isn't that what they say?"

♥PG. 83 " 'You do have friends, don't you, Abi?

'Of course,' Abi says quickly. 'I have.. Jude. And... there's the kids at school,' She adds. But a picture of Fiona come to her mind and she has to look away from Rhode's eyes.'

'Who do you laugh with?'

Stop poking at me like this! Makes Abi want to poke back. 'I don't need to laugh.'

'You do,' Rhodes says. 'More than anyone.' "

♥ PG. 105 "Who's a chick? Am I a chick? Is it something I want to be?"

♥PG. 120 " 'Uncle Bernard,' Mum had said, not looking at her. 'He's going to be Uncle Bernard.'

Uncle Bernard had lived his entire life in this house. He was sixty when he died, and left it to Dad. There was no one else to leave it to.

'Who?' Abi asked, even though she knew what Mum's answer would be.

'Your father.' She peered through the floorboards to the river. 'He's going to turn into Uncle Bernard now, and I don't want to be married to Uncle Bernard.' "

♥PG. 160 " 'How do you know that? About foster homes?' is all Abi can think of to say to Fiona.

Fiona's eyes rest on her now. 'Everybody know s that,' says Fiona.

'Not everybody,' says Abi. 'Only people who have nothing better to do than stick their nose into other people's homes.' "

♥PG. 172 " 'Does Ernestine... I mean Mary... come here often?' Abi asks.

He sets the tray down. He doesn't answer the question until he sis and looks at Abi. 'Sometimes I just don't know what to do with Mary. She makes me feel like a little boy, and I want some other little boy in class to go over and tell her that I like her...' "

♥PG. 180 " He stares at her, a dreamy look on his face, and she feels more and more uncomfortable. He pulls his artist's brush from his pocket and, in the air,he paints her face, taking pains to trace her brows perfectly with such concentration on his face. He paints her lips and even though there's five meters between them Abi can feel the caress."

♥PG. 195 "Abi remembers overhearing a conversation in the gym wash room, one girl saying to another, I told him: you wear a raincoat, or we're not going out to play."

♥ PG. 222 " 'We,' she says, looking into his face, 'are going to have fun today.'

'Boats?' he asks, filled with hope.

'Lots of boats!' "

♥PG. 234 "He looks at her pleading. 'It's not easy being a dad. I'm barely twenty. I gotta work. I gotta take care of my mum. My kid. I gotta cook some food when I get home. Go shoppin' ' He sighs. 'I gotta have a life. I deserve a life.'

Abi's tone is grit. 'This is your life,' she says motioning to the house. "

♥ PG. 253 "What'd she do? Have a list? 'Stock up on underwear and tampons. Find a Big Sister. Leave a cook book'... "

♥PG. 264 " ' But we're not regular?' asks Abi with a grin.

'You want to be regular?' Abi has a hand on herhip.

Abi thinks for a minute. 'Don't think I've ever seen myself as 'regular' nope.' "

♥Pg. 314 "My dearest Abi- I'm hoping you'll consider taking care of Dyl. He loves you and I know you love him to.

She can hear Lily's voice through the words on the paper.

But you are you and this may not be best for you, so please know taht there are other options. My lawyer has my will and can discuss it with you. Thank you Abi, you have brought light to my last days here- Lily Arden"

Sincerely, Sidny