Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Deanna is the "school slut" of her lovely education center, although she only slept with one guy, once - but it was a mistake she's paid for by being harassed practically every day. Story of a Girl gives a background to a name thrown around a lot in high school.

When Deanna starts working at a pizza shop alongside the guy she lost her virginity to (and contact with, as well), she begins to learn more about herself and come to terms with the lack of relationship between her and her father.

I think I liked the meaning and story behind this book more than the actual reading process. It was enjoyable, but it didn't fully enthrall me in the way I expected it to. I read and genuinely liked Sweethearts by Sara Zarr - it was cute, and a lot more fun and fulfilling to read, which is why I picked up Story of a Girl in the first place. Some parts fell flat to me, but I think part of it was because of my expectations. I think a lot more could have been done in this book, but the way the plot was laid out, and how intricate yet simple it was, made the book have some chutzpah. I really think this story was an important one to tell. And the father/daughter relationship was raw and completely real. Loved it.

And, honestly, high school is brutal. Pretty much every large group of students has a "school slut" - I've seen lies and fabrications made up about people a million times. And I've seen a million people, in return, believe them. Deanna was someone you could relate to and feel for, and her story is one of many, which is why it's of high importance to share. Ha. Props to Sara Zarr - I started this post expecting a neutral review to come out, but apparently this book had more impact than I initially realized. Confusion factor aside, I'll summarize - decent storytelling, greater message.

P.S. - I finished Buffy. All 7 seasons. I'm back to regularly scheduled blogging, now that it's out of my system. But I can't believe it's over. So. Depressing. I might have to resort to fan fiction or something. I think I have an addictive personality. Lalala.

Updates & General Stuff

Season Six of Buffy. It's kind of sick how addicted I am (staying up 31 hours straight any indication?)

I only have about a week until the event with Lisa McMann and Cassandra Clare! I. Can't. Wait. I'll come back bearing pictures and goodies to share with you all.

Right now, I'm reading my book club pick - Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer. Kind of an older read, but it won a Newbery Honor and it's pretty good. I'm excited to chat about it! (If you want to join my online book club, just email me. Always open to new members!)

I'm going to have to lay off the weekly contests for a while - crappy economy and all. There will still be contests, just not one every week. Here's to hoping you won't all ditch me. (BTW, the winner of last week's contest is "vvb" who said they had a celeb crush on James McAvoy. Good choice.)

I went to a Twilight release party on the, um, day it was released. It was kind of lame. But there was this girl there that looked EXACTLY like Alice. Down to the haircut and everything - she even had on one of the outfits Alice wears in the movie. It was freaky. And I won a free movie rental for apparently looking like Bella. Go me! Free movies! It was completely awkward, though, having to gallabant in front of these judgish people and then take a picture with the lookalike Edward. Not even going there. But I watched the commentary the other day, and it was a mix of boring and comical. ("Cheeseburgers". Ha.) but it all just made me want New Moon to come out more.

Anyway. That's what's been up with me. Nothing too exciting. I need to get through a lot of books, so I can actually review them. On my book reviewing blog. Go figure.

Hope all my lovely readers have been up to slightly more exciting things than PJs and excessive disc changes. Let me know what's going on, and what you've been reading/watching! :)

The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro

When Parker sees her name listed on the JV soccer team - as a junior in high school - her life pretty much topples over. Her three best "friends", who were all moved up to varsity, are ignoring her or snidely remarking about her new status, and she's left to play with a team of freshmen. But she's not planning on staying in this position for much longer. Parker devises an elaborate plan to get back with the upperclassman - one that involves a bit of (fake?) romance, a lot of kissing, and a little help from new friends.

There were definitely some "awww-inspiring" cute scenes, as well as some "ahh!-inspiring" scenes of dramatics. Enjoyable banter was present, which I love, and a splash of uniqueness showed it's face - the older girl/younger boy romance isn't something you see a lot. It was a cute, fun read, but I wasn't 100% convinced on it. There were some eye-rolling moments - how could Parker not see that her "friends" are complete wankers? And parts of the book just seemed overly dramatic, particularly the way in which her friends treated her. Knowing high school, though, maybe it's not completely unrealistic.

I know this book will take precedence over those in it's genre; anyone looking for a cute, teen romance could come to Tina Ferraro for their fix. I'd also recommend the Once Upon a Prom series by Jeanine Le Ny to any Ferraro fans.

MIA

Sorry about my lack of reviews/updates. Again. I've been really busy with life, etc. And, um, *cough* Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My friend told me to watch them (she was slack-jawed at the fact that I'd never before seen an episode), and the first three seasons are up on Hulu. So I'm now done with all three, and am BEGGING for more. I'm so addicted! And I did an impulse buy with leftover Christmas money - all 7 seasons in a Collector's Edition. Like, $100. Whoops.

Aside from that, I've got heaps of school work and blah. Life. I hope the wheel lands on 10 next.

But! I've still been reading. And I have a super-duper exciting feature planned for April. And contests. So I hope you'll stick around while I'm being lame.

Speaking of contests. The winner of last week's prize (20 Boy Summer) is katayoun. Email me with your address, and I'll get the book out to you. Thanks for entering, everyone. I really loved reading all about your summer vacations!

This week, I'm giving away a copy of Confessions of an Almost Movie Star by Mary Kennedy. It's not new, but I remember enjoying it. Here's the jacket summary:

OK, I admit it, I'm starstruck. Who wouldn't be? Not only is Hollywood shooting a movie at my school, but I edged out drama queen Alexis Bright for a role - opposite the Shane Rockett, my biggest fantasy since Brad Pitt. Sure, I play his girlfriend in the movie, but Shane's after more than a pretend romance. And I'm guessing that won't be okay with starlet Heidi Hopkins...or my long-distance boyfriend, Marc.

Then, just when I thought things couldn't get any juicier around here, someone gabs to the tabloids in the hopes of shutting us down - and events take a dangerous turn. And somehow my best friend, Tracy, and I are the prime suspects...

I remember about 10-15% of this book. But what I remember was good. And who doesn't love celebrity/famous books? I'm a mush for 'em. When You Wish by Kristin Harmel is the first that pops into mind, and man, did I love that book. So, to enter, just comment, as usual.

You can get an extra entry by telling me who your celebrity crush is in a seperate comment from your original entry.

*Sorry, but this contest is only open to people with a U.S. shipping address.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Oh, Dessen. You're one of the most solid, authentic authors in the YA world. Each book you produce comes out with shining pages and a golden spine. (Metaphorically, of course, because hello Ebay.)

In Along for the Ride, we have nocturnal Auden front and center. She decides to move in with her dad, stepmom, and new half-sister for the summer. A textbook kind of gal, she's surprised when she begins to make friends and (dare I say it?) find a place among other teenagers. Queue in Eli, a mysterious boy who Auden can't peg, and addition in several hours of nightlife? We've got ourselves a winner.

The insomniac factor was what intrigued me to Dessen's newest novel. Having sleep problems myself, I can definitely relate to the boring, dead hours of midnight to 6 AM. If you're living in NYC, that's not a problem. But in Ohio? Get real. So I found a relation to myself in Auden, and instantly grasped it. But, as we all know, Dessen's books never give you exactly what you expect. They all have common themes: fantastic friendships, great romance, etc. But there's just something else about them that makes her books sparkle. I'll probably say this again when I read her next release, but this may be my new favorite of hers.

What's yours? :)

Weekly Contest

The winner of last week's contest for Deadly Little Secret issss...Genevieve! Email me with you address and I'll send it at my next P.O. stop. I got 81 entries for this one. Nice job, guys. :) I also got a LOT of great suggestions for Author Chats, and I'm going to check with a lot of the authors you're all wanting!

Anyway, this week? I recently read (and loved!) Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. I'll be posting my review on the release date, but believe me - it's great. So, I'm sharing the love, and giving one of you lucky readers my ARC.

Here's the summary, via Amazon:

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

Now. To enter? Comment. This will run until I post the new contest sometime next week. I try and shoot for Mondays, but sometimes I miss the mark. I've realized that a lot of people are still entering after my contests have ended. So I'm going to start adding a large, red, caps-locked THIS CONTEST IS OVER at the end of the ones that are void.

Anywaaaay, ladies and gents. You can get extra entries by:
+1 for leaving a separate comment (aside from the first entry), telling me about a summer vacation you've had.

So, you can get 2 entries. The first, for commenting with whatever on earth you want to. And the second for sharing a little summer vaca anecdote.

If you don't happen to win this, make sure to add it to your TBR list.

*Sorry, but this contest is open to U.S. residents only.

EDIT: THIS CONTEST IS OVER.

Lost Summer by Alex McAulay

Lost Summer opens with an introductory scene to the main character, Caitlin. Within the first chapter (or so), we learn that she's not much of a goody-two-shoes, with booze and cigarettes dotting her room. Caitlin was never an extremely likable character to me, but she wasn't...unlikable? She was just kind of there. Sharing her story.

And her story changes a lot within the next couple chapters. Her pill-popping mom decides it's family vacation time, and throws everyone on a plane to North Carolina to stay in a shady Pirate-named hotel. Although Caitlin makes friends, some events take place that make her summer a memorable one. And not in a good way.

There was nothing jaw-dropping or awe-inspiring about Lost Summer, but it was fun. And while it won't leave a lasting impression, it was pretty good while it lasted. I have all of Alex McAulay's other books sitting on my shelf, and I'm sure they'll also be fun reads: they all certainly sound like it. The one I'm most excited about, however, is Shelter Me, his latest release. Historical Fiction. *gleams* So, should you read Lost Summer? I'd say yes. It's a fast-paced read, and one you'll enjoy on a cozy night in. I was pretty surprised by the writing, too; although it wasn't Shakespeare's level of pace, it was refreshingly good.

Last note. MTV Books. While I was wary to read some of their line beforehand, they've never disappointed. Each one (that I can think of) has been enjoyable. I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone is the first that pops to mind, and it's one of my favorites. So - what do you think about MTV's selection of books? I'm interested to hear.

Top Teen Books?

Reviews to come. I'm completely behind. I'll even provide the tomatoes for you to throw at me - I really need to get back on track. But here's a fun meme to do while I'm procrastinating. You can do it, too!

The following list of books teens love, books teens should read, and books adults who serve teens should know about was compiled IN ABSOLUTELY NO SCIENTIFIC MANNER and should be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Instructions:
Put an "X" next to the books you've read
Put a "+" next to the books you LOVE
Put a "#" next to the books you plan on reading
Tally your "X"s at the bottom
Share with your friends!

1. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy / Douglas Adams
2. Kit's Wilderness / David Almond
3. Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian / Sherman Alexie X
4. Speak / Laurie Halse Anderson X
5. Feed / M.T. Anderson
6. Flowers in the Attic / V.C. Andrews
7. 13 Reasons Why / Jay Asher X
8. Am I Blue? / Marion Dane Bauer (editor)
9. Audrey Wait! / Robin Benway X
10. Weetzie Bat / Francesca Lia Block
11. Tangerine / Edward Bloor
12. Forever / Judy Blume
13. What I Saw and How I Lied / Judy Blundell
14. Tyrell / Coe Booth
15. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants / Ann Brashares X
16. A Great and Terrible Beauty / Libba Bray X
17. The Princess Diaries / Meg Cabot X
18. The Stranger / Albert Camus
19. Ender's Game / Orson Scott Card
20. Postcards from No Man's Land / Aidan Chambers
21. Perks of Being a Wallflower / Stephen Chbosky
22. And Then There Were None / Agatha Christie
23. Gingerbread / Rachel Cohn
24. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist / Rachel Cohn and David Levithan X
25. Artemis Fowl (series) / Eoin Colfer
26. The Hunger Games / Suzanne Collins X+
27. The Midwife's Apprentice / Karen Cushman
28. The Truth About Forever / Sarah Dessen X
29. Little Brother / Cory Doctorow
30. A Northern Light / Jennifer Donnelly X+
31. Tears of a Tiger / Sharon Draper
32. The House of the Scorpion / Nancy Farmer
33. Breathing Underwater / Alex Flinn
34. Stardust / Neil Gaiman
35. Annie on My Mind / Nancy Garden
36. What Happened to Cass McBride / Gail Giles
37. Fat Kid Rules the World / K.L. Going
38. Lord of the Flies / William Golding X
39. Looking for Alaska / John Green X
40. Bronx Masquerade / Nikki Grimes
41. Out of the Dust / Karen Hesse X
42. Hoot / Carl Hiaasen X
43. The Outsiders / S.E. Hinton X+
44. Crank / Ellen Hopkins
45 The First Part Last / Angela Johnson
46. Blood and Chocolate / Annette Curtis Klause
47. Arrow's Flight / Mercedes Lackey
48. Hattie Big Sky / Kirby Larson
49. To Kill a Mockingbird / Harper Lee X+
50. Boy Meets Boy / David Levithan
51. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks / E. Lockhart X
52. The Giver / Lois Lowry X
53. Number the Stars / Lois Lowry
54. Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie / David Lubar
55. Inexcusable / Chris Lynch
56. The Earth, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things / Carolyn Mackler X
57. Dragonsong / Anne McCaffrey
58. White Darkness / Geraldine McCaughrean X
59. Sold / Patricia McCormick
60. Jellicoe Road / Melina Marchetta
61. Wicked Lovely / Melissa Marr
62. Twilight / Stephenie Meyer X
63. Dairy Queen / Catherine Murdock X
64. Fallen Angels / Walter Dean Myers
65. Monster / Walter Dean Myers
66. Step From Heaven / An Na
67. Mama Day / Gloria Naylor
68. The Keys to the Kingdom (series) / Garth Nix
69. Sabriel / Garth Nix
70. Airborn / Kenneth Oppel
71. Eragon / Christopher Paolini X
72. Hatchet / Gary Paulsen X
73. Life As We Knew It / Susan Beth Pfeffer X
74. The Golden Compass / Phillip Pullman
75. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging / Louise Rennison
76. The Lightning Thief / Rick Riordan X
77. Always Running: La Vida Loca / Luis Rodriguez
78. how i live now / Meg Rosoff
79. Harry Potter (series) / J.K. Rowling X
80. Holes / Louis Sachar X
81. Catcher in the Rye / J. D. Salinger X
82. Push / Sapphire
83. Persepolis / Marjane Satrapi
84. Unwind / Neil Shusterman X
85. Coldest Winter Ever / Sister Souljah
86. Stargirl / Jerry Spinelli
87. Chanda's Secrets / Allan Stratton
88. Tale of One Bad Rat / Brian Talbot
89. Rats Saw God / Rob Thomas
90. Lord of the Rings / J.R.R. Tolkien
91. Stuck in Neutral / Terry Trueman
92. Gossip Girl / Cecily Von Ziegesar X
93. Uglies / Scott Westerfeld X
94. Every Time a Rainbow Dies / Rita Williams-Garcia
95. Pedro and Me / Judd Winick
96. Hard Love / Ellen Wittlinger
97. American Born Chinese / Gene Luen Yang
98. Elsewhere / Gabrielle Zevin X
99. I am the Messenger / Markus Zusak
100. The Book Thief / Markus Zusak

34? Out of 100? That's it. This depresses me. I plan on reading A LOT of these, though, which is why I didn't do the whole "#" thing. Because it would be practically every book. Hmm. Maybe I should make this a personal challenge. What's your number?

House of Night Series

I'm a huge fan of the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast - with the recent outpouring of vampire books, it's definitely refreshing in it's uniqueness. I'm extremely excited to read the latest book in the series, Hunted. For fans, here's a book trailer. I thought they did a great job picking Zoey's character. :



You can also read the first chapter of Hunted here.

And the second chapter? In audio, here:



I. Can't. Wait. And if you haven't picked up this series yet - do that stat.

Time for another contest!

The winner of my last contest, Owning It, is Steph Su! Send me an email with your addy, Steph.

This week, I'm giving away a copy of Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz. A lot of people have loved it, and for those who like mystery? You'll eat this one up:

Until three months ago, everything about sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at an art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes far from ordinary. Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead she's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help – but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something...but he's not the only one with a secret.

So, to enter, as usual - comment. This contest is only open to U.S. residents and ends on Monday, March 9th. Until I'll announce another contest.

I'm trying to think up new, fun ways to give extra entries in my contests, so if you have any, throw 'em at me! This week, you can get:

+1 for posting a separate comment with any YA author's name who you'd like to see hosted in one of my Author Chats.

Alsooo - any authors/pubs that would like to donate a prize(s) for a Weekly Contest would be much appreciated! I'll do summaries, links, etc. Just email me if you're interested!

That's it! Comment your little hearts out.

EDIT: THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.