Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters - Meredith Zeitlin

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin  
Date Released: March 1st 2012  
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons 
Pages: 288 pages
Date Read: March 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Author

Summary: 
Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

From Goodreads

My Review:
This is one of the cutest and funniest books I've read! Kelsey is such a lovable character! I Loved every second I spend inside her head! You know, I actually had my doubts on this book since the main character -Kelsey- is only fourteen, and recently I've been reading YA with older characters [around nineteen] and I thought it would be somehow annoying to read this, but NO! Not at all! I recommend this book to everyone :3

 For those of us who already left our Freshman Year behind, you just can't help but take a look at Kelsey and laugh a LOT, it'll make you remember your Freshman Years, I guarantee! and those who have not reached Freshman year yet, lol, start getting ready :P

 I actually feel bad for the fact that I laughed at everything that happened to her, there were parts where she was about to burst out crying and I was doubled over laughing xD it's just every single unfortunate event after the other, and you would think this would be annoying but, again, NO! it's just you shaking your head because you can't believe how things can always go so bad xD... you know, now that I think about it, my freshman year was pretty similar to Kelsey's, not the same situations but, Oh God I will forever keep those memories locked in the back of my mind where no one can find them, along with the yearbook O_O

 Back to praising Kelsey, she was a great character, and she was so Brave! Knowing myself I would have bailed in many situations which Kelsey went trough. She was an adorable, charming and brave character indeed.

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters is a book for everyone. It guarantees you'll have the time of your life. Embarrassing parents, a fresh start, best friends, trouble, boys and sticky situations are all part of Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters :)

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Cut - Patricia McCormick

Cut by Patricia McCormick

Date Released: February 1st 2002
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 160 pages
Date Read: January 21, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Barnes&Nobles

Summary:
"A tingle arced across my scalp. The floor tipped up at me and my body spiraled away. Then I was on the ceiling looking down, waiting to see what would happen next." Callie cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside. Now she's at Sea Pines, a "residential treatment facility" filled with girls struggling with problems of their own. Callie doesn't want to have anything to do with them. She doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone. She won''t even speak. But Callie can only stay silent for so long...

From Goodreads

My Review:

You know, it's hard to review a book like this one. I bought this book while I was going through some tough situations and they recommended it to me, saying it would help me with my own cutting issues. And, I'm happy to say, it did.

This book was no Love story, it was no inspirational story, not a memoir, not dramatic. It was just real. I was incredibly surprised when I heard that the author has never self-harmed, I really was, it was like reading my own story. Callie is a cutter and she's interned in a rehabilitation center, and also she refuses to speak or try to get better. Until she realizes that she can't stay silent forever, and that maybe, just maybe she can get better.

The book is very short, it's only 160 pages long and it's pocket size. It isn't even Callie's full story, just the beginning of it. If you have troubles with self harm, it's a must read, it makes your realize you're not alone with your feelings. And for the rest, this book is an insider, it'll make you understand why would someone go as far as to harm themselves, not to agree, but to understand.

The most amazing thing about the book is, like I mentioned before, that the author has never self harmed, it really is shocking, she captured everything perfectly. Cut is a simple, small book, with a story and emotions that are complicated, messy and painful. For me, this book became personal and like I said, no love story, no huge drama, no inspiring/cliche ending, and yet, it was life changing for me. I've been clean from the moment I ended this book [January 21st 2012] and it wasn't until today that I had the guts to post this review, I honestly hope that this book will inspire more teens like myself <3

*as a small suggestion, if you're planning on reading this book, I suggest you listen to Breathe Me by Sia, it's a great and fitting song. Also Fix a Hear by Demi Lovato [though that one is more of a break up song]

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Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Date Released: May 1st 2011
Pages: 356 pages
Date Read: February 29, 2012
Format: Paperback
Source: Amazon

Summary:
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

From Goodreads

My Review:

This book was so good, so so so good! and the ending was so Incredibly Happy and Good that it seemed unrealistic....

Let me explain my situation: I'm sure we've all had a friend when we were young that was in a relationship and swore they were going to get married and you were like "Pfft, yeah right, you'll break up eventually, you'll see." Something similar happened with me and this book, I was like "Pfft, yeah right, nobody gets such a happy ending. Pfft." Which really pisses me off! I used to be a hopeless romantic and now I've become un-romantic and disgustingly realistic. and it's not even realistic because Happy endings DO exist. We're just all too blind to see them. Society killed good romance and Happily Ever After >.<

But then I got to talking with lovely BF Jennifer from Some Like It Paranormal and I was ranting about how I was such a pessimist and she said [Quote] "Yeah I'm a big pessimist but I love my HEA! I don't care how unrealistic, an author should end things nicely otherwise I'm all upset and can't eat dinner!"

 

So Screw being a pessimist! Screw it I say!  I will enjoy this Happy Ending and give this book the 5 Stars it Deserves! It was a great and addicting story! I Loved it! and I want One Just like it! [well, we can keep a few situations out, I guess] 

The story was full of great elements, for example Abby mentions she has a troubled past, but you will never come close to guessing what she's running away from, I was very surprised and pleased when I found out, not your average situation. Moving on to Travis: Swoon worthy guy [Duh] Strong, with Tattoos and trouble trouble trouble. He was way to jealous at times for my taste and very violent [though never towards Abby] also very much of a jerk at times but, you can see he tries really hard to be better, which gives him bonus points. Abby was also driving me nuts at times, BOTH of them drove me nuts during the book, they were perfect for each other and they were both too stupid to see it, but it was never annoying and it only made me want to read faster! Spoiler Note, if you haven' read the book don't you dare see it! it'll ruin a really cool/cheesy/stupid part in the book! [Highlight]: "When he gets a tattoo with her name seemed stupid to me, waaaaaay beyond the valley of sanity. also when she gets one at the end.... Still, it was pretty cheesy/corny/stupid and I liked it x) also I love the ending when she reminds him never to bet against her, I really do think that gave the book a nice guarantee that they will get a happily ever after. After all, you simply don't bet against Lucky 13 ;)"

In conclusion: this book was Incredible. And the title could not describe it better, it's a Beautiful Disaster, because even though their relationship was, well, a Disaster, it was still Beautiful, Travis being the best version of himself he could be when he was with Abby, wanting to be the right guy and making the right choices, and Abby learning to take chances and also that sometimes life has other plans for you, and that this plans are often the best choice. An Amazing book that it's worth keeping and re-reading. You won't forget it. 

Where She Went - Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Date Released: April 5th 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 264 pages
Date Read: February 6th 2012
Format:  Hardcover
Source:Borders

Summary:

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

From Goodreads

My Review:

You know, I had really high expectations for this book, I was expecting some epic romance or something. I'm sad to say that I didn't got that. Still, the book is worth 5 stars and more. So even though the story wasn't what I thought it would be, it was still one of the most amazing stories I've read, just like If I Stay, Where She Went blew me away. Gayle Forman is one of my all time favorite authors, no doubt.

If you haven't read If I Stay then Stop Right Here. Do NOT read past this point, jump to the last paragraph instead :3 For those of you who have read If I Stay, I'm sure you remember Adam's promise to Mia, which sadly, he had to keep, and it becomes a sad and bumpy road - for both of them. Where She Went is told in Adam's point of view, we can see just how hard it was for him to loose Mia and how much his life changed. What I liked was that even though the situation was depressing, the book didn't felt like a "Oh my life sucks *sigh* I shall go jump of a bridge" sorta thing. It was realistic and also relatable, even if you are nowhere near Adam's or Mia's situation.

I was warned that I would cry - I didn't [I still feel bad for that ^^] still, the book was really emotional and just plain Beautiful. I Loved it. I L-O-V-E-D IT! Especially the final chapters! The book ended in realistic way! I was actually worried about it having a ridiculously cliche happy ending. I'm just plain in Love with this Novel, Adam and how Gayle Forman creates amazing characters and she allows us to go deep into them, to a point where you just feel that everything is happening directly to you, and you hurt along with the characters.

This book was so good that *sigh* it makes me wanna go jump of a bridge x) lol.

If you haven't read Where She Went you Must! Like, now! and if you haven't read Where She Went or If I Stay then, Oh God O_O you have no idea what you've been missing. go get both. Like, NOW!

PS: I Love Adam <3 one of my biggest book crushes of all time :3

“You don’t share me. You own me.” 
-Adam

My Review of If I Stay

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Date Released:  February 14th 2012 [US edition]
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272 pages 
Date Read: January 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always loved to write, and if I were to ever write a book, I would want to be just like this one. No doubt.

The writing style was really good! and the humor! Oh God I was laughing so much! especially at the sarcastic remarks! "This did not comfort me." That was my favorite line! [probably doesn't make sense if you haven't read it. You must]

It had the perfect valance of Lighthearted and Deep Situations! It was full of real art references and just in general, I would not hesitate to call this book a work of art. Delicate and just about perfect.

The support characters where great, Lucy had such a great sense of humor and I loved being inside her and Ed's minds. and Ed is my new boy crush ^^

I you haven't read it then What Are You Waiting For??!?!?!?!?!

It's worth Gold

“Emma Forest?" Jazz asks. "His ex is the girl with the big...?"
"That's the one," Daisy tells her.
Jazz looks at her chest. I pat her shoulder. "Guys care about personality too."
"Girls like me started that rumor.”

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.” 

Impulse - Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Date Released:  January 23rd 2007
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 666 pages
Date Read: December 31st 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Amazon

Summary:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

From Goodreads

My Review:

It’s hard to review this book, it really is. Suicide is not something to be taken lightly, and it is also something very hard to grasp. Something that we usually tiptoe around, nobody wants to be that close to death. Ever. What makes it so shocking is to wonder: What can drive a person to such ending? Why is it that they couldn’t see beyond their current situations, and why they had nothing left to loose.

It was especially hard for me to read this because I’ve been in this sort of situation, think of me as Vanessa [If you have read the book] if not, well, you need to read it, you really do. Everything was so real, and I actually thought I was going to have trouble keeping up with the writing style, but no, it was really easy to follow and to get into it.

Impulse shows the life of mainly three teens, though there are more people interned in Aspen Springs, and you get to catch a glimpse of them. Impulse really shows this: Some people will make it. Others won’t. In school, in a marathon, in life, in anything you can think about. Some people aren’t strong enough. Some people don’t want to fight anymore. They all act on their Impulse.

A strong story that comes with stronger decisions. If you’ve read titles such as Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Impulse is a must-be in your shelf

“Love means holding on to someone just as hard as you can because if you don't, one blink and they might disappear...forever.”

dancergirl - Carol m. Tazman

dancergirl by Carol M. Tazman
Date Released: November 15th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 248 pages
Date Read: December 17 2011
Format:  ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Ever feel like someone's watching you? Me, too. But lately it's been happening in my room.


When I'm alone.

A friend posted a video of me dancing online, and now I'm no longer Alicia Ruffino. I'm dancergirl. And suddenly it's like me against the world—everyone's got opinions.

My admirers want more, the haters hate, my best friend Jacy—even he's acting weird. And some stalker isn't content to just watch anymore.
 
Ali. Dancergirl. Whatever you know me as, however you've seen me online, I've trained my whole life to be the best dancer I can be. But if someone watching has their way, I could lose way more than just my love of dancing. I could lose my life.

From Goodreads

My Review:

Stalkers happen to be one of the things that scare the bejeezus outta me. That, and the end of the world. And Ghosts. And The Dark. And a lot of other things.




No kidding. So when I saw that dancergirl was about a stalker I was like: YAY! lol, I Love a good scare :3 But dancergirl was just... Okay.

Don't get me wrong, dancergirl wasn't half bad, but I remember when I read Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolar, I would go to bed all freaked out!

With dancergirl I found it very predictable who the stalker was, maybe it's because I have experience with this genre or something but, when they finally revealed who the stalker was, I was just like: I knew it! 

It was entertaining, I really liked Ali's passion for dance and in general it was a good read. I'd suggest you read it on your way to Palms Spring. or San Fransisco. or on a plain. I don't know why but I just think It would be something good to read on the road. Just my opinion :)

“I remember what he was wearing. A navy-blue coat and that Harry Potter scarf."
"What the heck's a Harry Potter scarf?" Jacy snorts, "Low-rent Invisibility Cloak? Only your neck disappears.”

 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Date Released: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 236 pages
Date Read: December 23rd 2011
Format:  Hardcover
Source: Barnes&Nobles

Summary:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I Really Liked It and It Was Amazing. 

lol, I have no idea how to explain yet. It was a simple story really, sweet, the beginning of a bigger one for Hadley and Oliver; but there were so many little details and things that just made the story so great and complete. I'm smiling like a fool right now, I seriously can't wait to re-read it. It's such a beautiful book that every time I glance at it I just get a bigger smile, and I'm sure it's going to be that way for a long time.

Oliver and Hadley were perfect. Not in a no flaws kind of way, but in a perfectly well done human characters with flaws and all. They both had different perspectives on many things but they also completed each other. I know that this sounds cheesy, especially if you consider that the story takes place over a 24 hour period, but everything was just so well done. I seriously applause Jennifer E. Smith, she did a wonderful job with this book, and like I said earlier, you can tell this is just the beginning for Oliver and Hadley.

This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%

“It's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity.”

&

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This is a must-be-in-your-shelf book, no doubt. The Statistical Probability that you will love it is: 100%