In Which I Review... Twenty Boy Summer By Sarah Ockler

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Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?"
"Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?"

According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every 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 her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.
Hardcover, 290 pages
Published June 1st 2009 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers




Sometimes, just sometimes it seems an injustice to not only  the novel, but to the novelist, to put off a review. When it comes to Twenty Boy Summer, sometimes has become right now. I closed Sarah Ockler's gorgeously written novel just two minutes ago. There is still a feeling of both contentment and ache swirling around me and weighing down my heart. There are still tears, forming a small pool at the edges of my eyes, and soaking my lashes as I type. Ockler's novel started off well. I dealt myself a nice hand of assumptions about how I'd like the novel just 50 pages in. I could tell I would like it. I even thought that if things kept going as it was, I would rate it almost a four. 

What I did not expect was to be caught up in the events of Anna's summer in California. I didn't expect to grow pained by Matt's absence as much as I did, and I didn't expect my heart to become invested in the circumstances of Ockler's story.

As I delved further into the novel, I began to read the pages quicker than before, and by the time I got to the last page of chapter 24 I was crying. As soon as I got a hold on my emotions, and began to calm as  read the novel, I began crying yet again. I wept with the characters, and I wept with the storyline.

I gained wishes for the characters, and I wondered constantly how what was lost in the novel could possibly be salvaged. I fretted over the stigma of Matt's death, I contemplated the future of all of the characters, but especially that of Frankie and her parents, I pondered the relationship of Anna and Sam. I murmured that Jake was a major jerk.

Mainly, as I reached the end of my voyage into the life of Anna, and her loved ones, I realized that things between the characters, especially Anna and Frankie, were forever going to change. I also realized that the change might actually be better for them.

Oh, and the discovery of the necklace SO didn't make up for the feeling of loss that came with the journal, Sarah. But, I guess it wasn't meant to. Feelings, relationships, and the impact simple actions can have on a person can change, get better or worse, but in real life there are no perfect endings. Besides, as Anna said (well, somewhat), after an ending, there is a new beginning.

5 stars and a countless number of both tears and smiles.
And still, it's impact sort of, kind of hurts... but that's okay.


In Which I Review... Awaken Me by Emily Gossett

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After witnessing the horrific murder that was committed by her fiancée just days before their wedding, Aimee immediately flees from the life she knows. Lost in Greece, Aimee is inevitably and uncontrollably thrust into a supernatural world where she is terrified to learn what she really is. Crouching at every corner lies a new confusing memory that torments her from her previous life, while her feelings of love cease to die, but awaken more deeply for the mysteriously handsome stranger, who wants to rescue her. Battling the man, who she mistakenly still loves is a bigger conquest than imagined, but can she free her captured thoughts from the man who owns her? Facing the ultimate decision, to lose all humanity by becoming the weapon the Rogues desire most, or to destroy the creation of love. Can Aimee make the sacrifices needed to overcome deceit, love and her power that is irrepressibly blood thirsty?

1st edition
Published November 2nd 2011 by iuniverse
Won Book via author


Awaken Me... I loved it. After I read the first chapter, I was hooked. The story was enticing. It was fast paced and the concept was genius.  Awaken Me starts out with Aimee so close to becoming a young married woman. You'd think her life was perfect, but not for long! Immediately after witnessing her intended slaughter someone dear to her, she takes off. And may I say the way in which she leaves is quite impressive. As soon as she leaves, the already intriguing novel basically sucks you in. I read from that point on until I passed out from lack of sleep. I woke up grateful that I didn't bend pages by laying on the book. Then, I carried it with me on the bus, and around campus as I had classes to attend. 


I didn't even read it, I hadn't a chance but it stayed in my arms nevertheless. As soon as I got home, I plopped down on the couch with some relatively safe snacks and read until I realized I needed to get some homework done. Then I read before bed, woke up early and read and a bit later (thank goodness for weekends), I was done and aching for the next book in the series. I have to get it. 


I will say I deserve to be commended for remember my schedule with reading this, as it was a while ago. Needless to say, the fact that I not only remember my favorite aspects of the novel and the circumstances surrounding my reading it made a huge impact on me. In fact, I babbled about my love for this book so much on the Facebook page for Mera's YA Book List, that I hadn't realized that I'd forgotten to post an actual formal review. 





So, why read this book? I don't want to spoil it to much for you potential readers, but I must say it's amazing. Aimee's stubbornness actually adds to the storyline, which is a great feat for an author to accomplish.  Plus, Alec makes it all so much more entertaining. I'd ramble on a bit more but you'll just have to read to see why.

In Which I Review... Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price

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A girl's letters to her best friend reveal two lives derailed by anorexia in this haunting debut that's Wintergirls meets The Sixth Sense

It's not a hospital, a spa, or an institution. That's what they told me--that's what the brochures promised.

But no matter what the brochures promised, Zoe finds that Twin Birch is a place for girls with a penchant for harming themselves. Through journal entries and letters to her best friend, Elise, she tries to understand why she was brought there, and how she could possibly belong in a place like this. But Zoe's letters to Elise remain unanswered. She wonders why her best friend would cut her off without a word, reliving memory after memory of their beautiful, rocky, inescapable friendship. But everyone has secrets--including Zoe--and as her own fragile mental state hangs in the balance, she must finally learn to come to terms with what happened to Elise before she's able to let go.

Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson and Girl, Interrupted will race through this hauntingly emotional debut novel with the pacing of a psychological thriller.


Hardcover, 272 pages
Published June 14th 2012 by Penguin Group 
                                                                                             *Received ARC via the author*


 Zoe Letting Go is a captivating and haunting read. The novel follows the protagonist Zoe Propp through her days at sort of institution or emotionally or mentally unstable teen girls. No, the girls aren't diagnosed with mental disorders that stop them for functioning. The seven girls in the house have one central attribute in common- eating disorders. Well, everyone but Zoe. 


We go through the voyage with Zoe as she tries to discover the exact type of facility Twin Birch is. What makes this novel stand out is the fact that it is written in letters to Zoe's best friend, Elise, who has been ignoring her letters. Another reason it stands out- we have no idea why Zoe is suddenly dropped off at the facility by her mother until the end of the novel. Zoe doesn't understand why herself.


The novel is written smoothly, each unknown fact and problem piling on top of one another like a stack of freshly washed plates. Of course, the pile begins to rise so high it eventually crumbles. The book is alluring, mysterious, and emotional all at once, and each page has you wondering whether or not there will be a paranormal turn or just a major catastrophe gearing up to take your breath away.


Great book. I deducted one point mainly because I felt it could be better. However, part of that deduction came from my ability to guess half of the major twist in the story, which occurs at the end. I applaud the author on effectively adding a plot twist at the end of such a intriguing novel, without making it a cliff hanger. I did feel that with just a few more sentences the impact of the ending could have been stronger.


 Zoe Letting Go shows a fresh take on the thoughts of girls battling eating disorders, and definitely a good book for anyone interested in books of this nature. 
4 stars from me. I would recommend this book.


***Author Info: Nora Price is the pseudonym of a twenty three year old writer and journalist in New York.***

Summer Swaggin' Giveaway!

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Welcome to Mera's YA Book List!
Today the start of the Summer Swaggin' Giveaway hosted by My Home Away From Home!
In celebration of Summer and of course the always great swag that is available, we're having a mega giveaway all on one Rafflecopter!

So this summer while you're sweating away and reading your favorite books on the beach or in the comfort of your cool room, at least you can have some awesome prizes to divert your attention from the heat.

There are SIX, count it, SIX chances to win, meaning there will be six winners!
Before I get into the rafflecopter and the rules however, I have to mention the awesome pages and blogs that helped make this possible! If you haven't already, like their FB pages and follow their blogs!  These links re-direct to their blogs unless stated otherwise!                                                        

                                                  Mera's YA Book List
Now on to the excitement! 
Here's the guidelines:


The Summer Swaggin' Giveaway has TWO portions and THREE rules. 
Portion 1: Young Adult and Portion 2: ADULT. 
Rule 1: HAVE FUN! 
Rule 2: SHARE! 
Rule 3: There are TONS of mystery surprises! There are also two extra options for both portions and adults are free to enter for both the adult and YA portions, but are not allowed to take the extra entry for the YA portion!
Okay, now I can share the juicy stuff with you all!
And don't forget to have fun this summer! Try new things, however big or small they may be! :)

OH, AND HERE'S SOME EXTRA EXTRAS:
With every tweet you hashtag #SummerSwag, you get another entry! It doesn't even have to be about summer or the giveaway!
Super Summer Swaggin' Prizes:


1st place
$10 value book from Book Depository
Swag Smash Pack from P, L, TF (let me know!)
YA Swag bundie from Book Reader Add. (let me know!)
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
1 custom designed FB cover and/or profile pic for page/profile
Bookmark & Summer book swag from MHAFH (we're working on knowing what they are, lol)
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
eARC of Burning Bridges from MHAFH/Nadege Richards
(THAT'S A LOT!)
2nd place 
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
1 custom designed FB cover and/or profile pic for page/profile
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
ADULT swag bundie from Book Reader Addict
3rd place (ADULT)
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
1 custom designed FB cover and/or profile pic for page/profile
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
ADULT swag bundie from Book Reader Addict
Signed paperback of LOVE BITE by Kay Glass
Surprise Book & swag from PBC (let me know what they are!)

4th place
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
5th place
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
6th place
1 assorted swag pack from MYABL
Ecopy of If I Should Die Before I Wake anthology from MHAFH
Just fill out the rafflecopter below!
  Love you Guys and Happy Summer Swaggin' !

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In Which Kristi Reviews... Echo of An Earth Angel by Sarah M. Ross

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18 year old Tessa Copeland barely survived the worst year of her life—in fact, it was a miracle. After making it through the tragedy that killed both of her parents, she’s left to pick up the pieces of her life. Combating the holes in her memory and the concern of her friends was hard enough, but a new talent threatens to destroy everything she’s trying to reclaim.
David Allegri didn’t mean to ruin Tessa’s life. She was the brightest soul he’d seen in centuries and he couldn’t let her die, so the fallen angel used his abilities to heal her—only he took it too far and changed Tessa forever. Now, he has to figure out a way to explain what’s happening to Tessa and somehow protect both of them from the consequences.


His choice made them targets for the Hunters, who will use any means necessary to capture their prey. Only a desperate plan can help them escape, and sacrifices will be made. Time is ticking. Will they make it, or will they be lost to the echoes of fate?

295 pages
Published June 2012 by 4 Corners Press



Hey everyone! I was recently given an advanced reading copy of Sarah M. Ross's new book, Echo of an Earth Angel. Here's a review, but I don't want to spoil much so I'll try not to give too much detail. Overall, I give it a 4/5, mainly because the story seemed to drag a little bit. However, for fans of YA Angel novels, this one is definitely worth the read! It's a cute romance, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the series. Sorry I couldn't give more info! I hate spoilers, so I kept it uber-minimum. Long story short recap: Echo of an Earth Angel was really good, and I liked it. Props to Sarah Ross for a unique story and excellent writing!   


 

Finding New Blogs & Giveaways!

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Hello Listers!

I've realized that many of you have no idea how expansive the book blogging community really is. Because of that, you really had no idea how many resources are out there. There are thousands of book blogs running on the internet, thousands of places for us bookworms to meet up with other people who enjoy reading as much as we do, and thousands of book related giveaways to enter.

Unfortunately, for me, I grew up with no one to talk about books with. Even during the majority of high school, when peers described me I usually got "quiet", "nice", and "bookworm" as personal traits. Even with the people I was able to open up with (I'm totally introverted) they all described me as "a listener", "weird", and of course "a book-a-holic". And these things are totally true. The point of this was that I was "that girl who reads". I obviously still am, but unlike me, you guys have gained a glimpse into what is out there.

So for those of you who want a birds eye view, instead of merely the glimpse you have now, here a few ways for you to find cool new blogs and giveaways.

#1: Check the obvious spots.

These are the places even I knew about in high school. Popular places everyone knows.

Some of these are:

Magazine websites:

Places like Seventeen.com and other popular teen magazines like to have giveaways, and when hot new books pop up they usually have a few up for giveaway.

Publishing houses:

You guys know all about publishers right. So, next time you pass your bookshelves, take note of the publishers that you seem to have the most. Check out their websites. Most oft than not, they have giveaways of those books you have been ogling for months. Looking for new books? Check out their catalogs and sign up for their newsletters.

Teenreads.com

 

Teenreads is one of the most popular book websites out there. They always have interesting articles and interviews, and they always give out massive prizes. 

Goodreads.com

Okay, this one is newer, but not new. I didn't know about this in high school but Goodreads is a wonder to the book community. Just click on the Giveaways link to check out the wide array of giveaways in all genres. Many of these are posted by the authors, and you'll find out about books you never knew about.
Plus, if you love arcs this is a great way to get them. 

Besides, giveaways, Goodreads lets you set challenges for yourself, join book groups and clubs, and make lists depending on your preferences. It's a great way to spend spare time, especially in the summer. 

#2: Google it up, baby!

 

This may seem obvious, but it truly helps. 
Just type in what you want.

Some suggestions:
YA Book Giveaways
Book Blogs
YA Blogs
Book Giveaways

For more up to date results, add the current month.
I'm sure you can find the same info through other search sites as well, like Bing or Yahoo, etc.


#3: Look up book directories!

You may not know this but across the internet there are a bunch of lists. These lists tell you of some of cool blogs on the internet.

There are directories and sub directories for all types of blogs.

For book blogs and YA book blogs, this has proven beneficial.

How to look them up?
Just use a search site. 
type in Book Blog Directories or YA Blog Directories, or something similar and I guarantee they'll pop up.

You can do this same thing with places like Networked Blogs or Linky Followers (they are basically a version of directories that also allow you to follow the blog.

Here are some of my suggestions for directory searching:

yabookblogdirectory.blogspot.com





#4:  Finally! Just ask us! 

Most of us bloggers have certain blogs we always go to. So check out our side reels on our blogs! Some of us have directories of our own! Ask us on Facebook or Twitter, and if you want you can even message some of us to ask for our opinions on good blogs and giveaways! We do this for you guys and for ourselves.
And we're here to help you guys find awesome book related things. After all, isn't that what reviewing is all about.

:)

As a little parting, here are two new blogs I found today. Both are hosting giveaways now as well.
Go follow them if you please!

Rotten Apple Reads: http://rottenapplereads.blogspot.com/



Thanks for taking the time to read! Love you guys! :)

~Mera





In Which I Review... My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day

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A hilarious novel about the ultimate high school hoax gone wrong - Heidi invents a boyfriend only to find that her fake Romeo is suddenly more popular than she is!

Heidi has the perfect solution to her popularity problems - a fake boyfriend. She's even made him an Internet profile that makes him look like a motorcycle-riding, poetry reading bad boy. *swoon* Heidi's friends are so impressed they start emailing Heidi's fake boyfriend with their problems . . . including their problems with Heidi.

As if that weren't bad enough, a delicious and possibly single person called "A Real Boy" emails Heidi to say he knows the truth. Can Heidi escape from her world wide web of lies? Or will her chance at romance disappear faster than you can type gtg?

 Hardcover: 288 pages 
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Review originally written on our FB page : April 15, 2011

It was hard to get into this book in the beginning. It was a little rambly and slow but as I reached further into the plot, I found the main character,Heidi, very funny and quirky. She talks to a self projected version of the hero of her favorite television show (a.k.a. a over idealized version of her conscience), dates a gingerbread cookie, and muddles up her friendships. The main fault of this story is how late the actual plot of the story comes into play but in the end, Heidi's imagination, Teddy's huggable nature, Ed's emails, Mycroft Christie's allure, and the muck she makes of the situations dealt to her point me further in her favor. And if you really have no idea what any of that last sentence could possibly mean, pick up the book and have a blast reading!

Flash Giveaway!

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Since FB won't allow us to do giveaways on FB anymore (again), I'll just link to the flash giveaways here! (Meaning I'll have to re-think the games for the 1000 likes contest)

But for now, I just bought stamps and envelopes and I'm going to the post office in a couple of hours so the first two people to answer these three questions first (and correctly) will win two bookmarks and a little card.

The first bookmark is Felicia Rogers' The Key, the second is Meg Mims Double Crossing and the little card is Meg Mims also.

Second person to answer correctly will get a bookmark for Double Crossing, Tree/House by Jessica Knauss, and the Meg Mims card.

You guys have an hour starting now! Contest ends at 1:50. Winners revealed at two!

BTW, PM me on the FB page as soon as you enter with you mailing info in case you win.
All info will be kept safe, this just makes sure that I have the addresses before I go to the post. If you win and I don't have you address unfortunately, I'll be forced to pick another winner.

Good luck!

Here's the questions. (Answers all found on Facebook. #2 might be easier to find via Amazon.)

1. Name all of the MYABL admins. (There are 6 of us)
2. List every published work by both Felicia Rogers and Meg Mims.
3. How many more 'likers do we need until we have the 1000 likes contest on FB?

In Which I Review... Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

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 Junior high really sucks for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: his mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: he's being hunted by a vampire killer.


Hardback, 172 pages
Published August 16th 2007 by Dutton Children's Books

 4/5 stars



Eighth Grades Bites, first in the series by Heather Brewer, was a really good book. It was an easy read that any YA book lover would thoroughly enjoy. What I liked most about the book was that it wasn't like other vampire books. Firstly, it didn't center around romance. It shows that not every teenager in the world, whether there half vampire, or not has a greatly deep eternal love in their lives. Some don't even have many prospects. Besides that, Vlad Tod #1 is really just a book about a growing teenage boy dealing with his problems. Sure his problems are more difficult that the norm. I mean, he spends his time wondering if his teacher is a killer.
All in all, it was believable. I didn't fawn over this book like I've been known to do over other books, but I rated it a solid four, and I am excited to read the next four in the series.

Long story short: This book is definitely worth a read, albeit a light read. The story is engaging and quick. And you may become stuck like glue on the series, or you might not, but either way I can almost completely guarantee a pleasurable read.

In Which I Review... A Sideways Glance by Amanda Lawrence Auverigne

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 Tracy loves Mitch. At least she thinks she does. Her best friend Barbara does not believe in "love at first sight" and she constantly tells Tracy her practical views on romance. After weeks of keeping her feelings for Mitch a secret, Tracy finally meets her "crush" during an unexpected lunch date.


 E-book
32 pages

1 star










I feel bad for laughing. This was a horrible short story. It was an easy read so I guess it deserves credit for that aspect at least but as I sit here writing this small review I am chuckling as my fingers move across the keyboard.

Unfortunately, this short story wasn't one that was meant to be laughed at it seems.

Firstly, the writing style was off. Some sentences seemed too formal while others were stereotypically "teen". Also, there's too many noticeable grammatical and spelling errors. Besides that point, half of the details in the short were not relevant to anything. The major sign of this is the fact that every time the characters went through the lunch line- A Sideways Glance is set in a cafeteria- the entire proceedings is detailed.

We don't need to know everything the characters put on their lunch trays, nor do we need to know how much it all costs.

Also, the story itself was weird. The one saving grace of this five minute read would be the character Babs, I guess. She wasn't written in as daft a manner as the main character Tracy. Also, if you stretch it a bit (well, a lot), you might manage to find the semblance of a moral or two to this short. One being not to deprive yourself of food, perhaps, and the other maybe seeing beneath the surface.

Though not a moral, it does show how easily many young teen girls "fall in love" without even knowing a person, though it does so in an unrealistic manner.

I guess it's okay to read. It took me 5 minutes and I read it a 12:30 AM so it's good for when you don't have much to do.

In Which Leah Reviews... Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

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  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 must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the 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 seems too strong. Then comes the brooding and popular new transfer, Jake Thorn... who just so happens to be in Bethany's class. Something about Jake seems to be hiding something darker, something more powerful than expected. That thing, and Xavier, distracts Bethany to a point that Gabriel and Ivy are concerned.
The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?
                                                                
                                                          Hardcover, 484 pages
                                                         Published August 31st 2010 by Feiwel & Friends
 



Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel the warrior; Ivy the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone – especially herself…

This book has an interesting and beautiful cover which is how it grabbed my attention from the start. Good thing it had a great story within. It is told through the eyes of Bethany, an angel who grows to love being a human more than she thought she would, and to top it all off she falls for a boy in her school who makes her feel like she could fly without the help of her angelic wings. Bethany struggles with her human feelings for the boy and so this concerns her, especially when the other angels find out about them. Not only does she have to fight her own heart but there is an evil in town that only the angels could hope to defeat.
Bethany is an easily relate-able character and her modesty makes it easier to like the beautiful angel. It is interesting to see how she experiences everyday human things that we take for granted; it is refreshing and makes one think. This story even gave me some hope of finding that one person who would complete me and love me no matter what.
The other characters, like the two other angels and the mortal boy Xavier she falls in love with, were all very well written and they tied the whole story together. I was at first a bit hesitant to get this book but now I know it was worth it. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down; I wanted to know what happened next and I wanted more.
I am sure I’ll get its sequel, Hades, to read one day as well because things could only get more interesting. The book ended leaving me wanting more and that is a great quality in an amazing novel. Alexandra is a talented author who knows how to tell a story that you can picture perfectly. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Rating: 5/5

In Which I Review... Shut Up by Anne Tibbets

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Mary’s older sister, Gwen, has royally screwed up her life.  Not only is Gwen pregnant at seventeen, but she’s also decided to marry The Creep who knocked her up. Now Mary is powerless to stop her family from imploding.  Her parents are freaking out, and to top it off, The Creep has a gross fascination with Mary while Gwen enjoys teasing her to tears for sport.   Despite her brother’s advice to shut up, Mary can’t keep her trap closed and manages to piss off Mom so much it comes to blows. Mary doesn’t know what to do, and all her attempts to get help are rejected.  When she finally plans her escape, she fails to consider how it could destroy them all.

 Paperback: 118 pages
Publisher: Premier Digital Publishing 
Publication Date: February 28, 2012



 This book is short at only 118 pages, but that's because that was all the author needed. This book is superb. I honestly don't have to lead up to why I loved it because I definitely do. Tibbets novel is a heart wrenching, tear-jerker of a novel. The novel tells the tale of a young teenage girl named Mary, switching between the perspectives of her and her slightly older brother, Paul. Mary is constantly in the spotlight at home. This however is a horrible thing. Her older sister Gwen is cruel to everyone, especially Mary. Besides her cruelty, she is pregnant and is planning a marriage to her boyfriend, who often does or says inappropriate things to Mary. These are just some of the problems in Mary's life.


With her over dysfunctional family life, Mary has a hard time at school and home. This book wowed me. Besides the absolutely amazing cover, the story was perfectly woven in a tale that sticks. I felt for Mary throughout the entire novel. I even felt for the members of her family. The switching of perspectives, between Paul and Mary, could have been a potential disaster for the overall plot of the novel. However, it helped to evoke feelings from me that I didn't expect to  Shut up by Anne Tibbets is an unexpected gem. The story will slowly weave it's way towards your heart, and if you're anything like me, you'll close the book with tears in your eyes. Tibbet's work gets five stars from me. Highly recommended.

My Favorite Authors #2: Sarah Dessen! YA Chick Lit!

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I haven't finished up on this meme in a while so here's a new My Favorite Authors. 

My favorite authors is a sporadic feature here on MYABL, where I spotlight my favorite authors in a certain genre. Today, "YA Chick Lit"! And I'd definitely say that Sarah Dessen is a maverick in this field.

She is one of those authors that most people have read or know about. If you ask them their favorite book, they'll pick the one that most relates to their lives. The others they'll have fond memories of... but ask them the specifics and they'll mix it up.

For me, my favorite Dessen novel is Lock & Key, mainly because I know the hardships of not having parents around, and having to move in with another family member, much like the main character Ruby.

Since I can only go in specifics about two of her novels as I haven't read them in a while. I'll post the books in order of how I initially rated them with their blurbs.I've never rated a Dessen book anything less than a 4 however, so that isn't really saying much about the quality of the books. I think they are superb, especially for younger teens with a potential to be great readers.

Have you read them all?
I've read all but the last two, which funny enough were her earliest novels.



Ruby, where is your mother?
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?








a long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?




When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?











It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.







Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.










Rogerson Biscoe, with his green eyes and dark curly hair, is absolutely seductive. Before long, sixteen-year-old Caitlin finds herself under his spell. And when he starts to abuse her, she finds she's in too deep to get herself out...
















 
 Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along











Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break--because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever.











 Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything"—at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's Department Store.This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong. Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help,maybe Annabel can face what happened
the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.










 For fifteen-year-old Haven, life is changing too
quickly. She’s nearly six feet tall, her father is getting remarried,
and her sister, the always perfect Ashley, is planning a wedding of her
own. Haven wishes things could just go back to the way they were. Then
an old boyfriend of Ashley’s reenters the picture, and through him,
Haven sees the past for what it really was, and comes to grips with the
future.








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