North of Beautiful

North of Beautiful


by: Justina Chen Headley


It’s not hard to notice Terra Copper.
She’s tall, blond, and has an unbelievably gorgeous body. But what most people in Terra’s tiny, stifling Washington town notice is her unmistakably “flawed” face. Terra secretly plans to start a new life by leaving her small town and escaping on an East Coast college, but is pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision introduces Terra to Jacob, a handsome but odd Goth Chinese boy who immediately understands her battle with feeling different, she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?



My rating: ****


Wow there is a lot that i would like to say about this book. First of all this book is like nothing i have ever read. This novel shows you a world from a different perspective. It talks about the true meaning of beauty; not the physical one, but the true , inside beauty.

Jacob and Terra are two such different individuals that are so similar at the same time. Both are facing the harsh opinions of society on their apparel, what separates them is how they deal with it. Jacob is care free, doesn't really care about what people think, when Terra does everything to satisfy the people around her and leads her life by what people think of her.

Without giving too much away the novel also shows how married woman are overshadowed by their husbands and how they loose themselves in marriage. I love how thru out the book you see the transformation of the female characters .

Anyway, this is a great novel, that teaches you not only about people, but also maps, other cultures and geocatching (something i never heard of before this book) but also about love, compassion and human strength. Good read.,

Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo

Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo

by: Christiane F.

Fourteen-year-old Christiane lives with her mother and little sister in a small apartment in a typical multi-storey concrete apartment building in a dull neighbourhood in the outskirts of West Berlin. She's bored and lacks things to do and is sick and tired of living there. She hears of Sound, a new disco in the city center, called the most modern discothèque in Europe. Although she's legally too young to go to the disco, she dresses up in high heels and make-up and asks a friend from school to take her. At the disco she meets Detlef, who is a little older. He is in a clique where everybody is experimenting with various drugs. At first she takes pills and trips, but gradually she becomes drawn deeper into the drugs, eventually ending up as a heroin-addict and prostitute.

My rating *****

This novel crafted with an astounding level of realism. It tells a story of a 14 year old heroin addict and her her downward spiral into heroin addiction and prostitution. The way the book is written it seems like you are looking through Christiane's eyes, every filthy toilet, every creepy, slimy john whom she must trick with for drug money, every moment of terror and desperation.

At this age, everything is felt so intensely so when Christiane falls for Detlef it feels for her like loosing him would mean the end of the world for her. The story really takes of when they start using together. What i like about this book it that it doesn't glamorize heroin or anything else those kids are going thru. It shows you the reality of life and the consequences you have to face when you go down that road.

Brilliantly written, mesmerizing story makes it impossible to keep your eyes away from the book. I love it, love it , love it!! Best book ever written about drug addiction!!

Twelve

Twelve

by: Nick McDonell

Twelve follows White Mike, a dropout drug dealer, through the week between Christmas and New Year's 1999. Twelve is not a coming-of-age story, because its kids never had a childhood. Their parents are off on holiday in Bali or business in Brussels, leaving hired help to look the other way as the kids stay home alone in their multimillion-dollar town houses, partying with drugs and sex and, in the end, much worse. From page one, the pace is set toward an apocalyptic climax. In the penultimate party scene, when we thought we couldn't be surprised, we are shocked. And throughout the book, where there is an excess of everything but hope, we are filled with that very emotion as White Mike struggles for nothing less than his soul.

My rating ****

Nick McDonell does have a nice writing style. It is crisp, clean, and driven by contemporary language. He catches the inflections and slang of how high schoolers talk, think, and act. The book was written when McDonell was in high school , which only makes you itch with anticipation for what comes next. If he can write like that when his only 18 imagine what he can do in ten years?

The way the book is written it seems more like a real life conversation rather than novel. It gives you a feeling that the author is leaving something out, a bit of mystery which makes that book much more enjoyable and interesting.

As White Mike answers beeps and deals film canisters filled with pot, Twelve -- which gets its title from another drug he occasionally deals --skips to stories of others. His friends, their friends, the people he deals to, then back again, with the overall effect a quick building of tension as White Mike and the others race toward a shocking fate they cannot predict. The transitions between the stories sometimes hang on mere moments, on the smallest of details.

The book is mostly written from a perspective of White Mike, who never actually used drugs so it's a nice change to see a world of drugs from thru sober eyes. The story is not really surprising or very challenging but very entertaining.

Great book, very quick and interesting read. Worth reading.

Fallen

Fallen

by: Lauren Kate

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce—and goes out of his way to make that very clear—she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

My rating ****

Many people compare Fallen to Twilight.... and I'm not sure how i feel about that. Yes, i will agree that both books speak of forbidden love and supernatural abilities, but i think that's where the similarity ends. There is also an element of a "love triangle", but the two stories are completely different.

Fallen is the kind of book you just cant put down. It has a very interesting plot and the way it plays out. However, it does start of rather slowly and then picks up the pace too quickly for my likings. Once the action starts every few paragraphs you have to stop and take it all in.

Fallen is full of mystery, suspenseful events and of course romance. I truly fell in love with the way Lauren Kate described Daniel. He is this lonely, "bad boy" and at the same time, he is a sensitive artist. From the very begging of the book you know that Daniel is different, special and definitely not human, however i couldn't put my finger down on what he was. Of course, the title itself gives you kind of an idea, but the book keeps you guessing till the end. The way the author described the undeniable chemistry between Daniel and Luce is truly amazing. I don't want to give too much away, you'll just have to find out on your own.

If you enjoy fantasy,mystery, suspense and romance this is a book for you. And prepare yourself because the sequel Torment is being released in August of this year. I, myself can not wait.

Junk

Junk

by: Melvin Burgess

Tar loves Gemma, but Gemma doesn't want to be tied down--not to anyone or anything. Gemma wants to fly. But no one can fly forever. One day, somehow, finally, you have to come down.

Annotation

Tells, in the voices of many individuals, of two fourteen-year-old runaways in Bristol, England, who find a home with anarchists and get involved in vandalism, shoplifting, and prostitution to support their growing addiction to heroin.

My rating *****

Amazing story told by many voices, many different perspectives of life. This is a novel about a group of teenagers who fall into a heroin addiction and and who embrace anarchism.

Very vivid picture is painted in front of your eyes while you are reading it. This is a definite eye opener.

The story mainly focuses on life's of two kids, David and his girlfriend Gemma. It correctly depicts the transition from 'soft' drugs, such as marijuana, to the eventual usage and subsequent addiction to heroin, which leads to prostitution, shop lifting and violence.

I think this is a very good book for all teenagers out there who wonder how is it to be a runaway and who are thinking about trying drugs. Also, for everybody else. I believe that anybody can find a character in this novel that they can relate to.

I give this book five stars not only for the storyline, but also for the way it's written. One of my favourites.

Go ask Alice

Go ask Alice

by: Anonymous

Alice COULD BE ANYONE. Alice COULD BE SOMEONE YOU KNOW. Alice USES DRUGS. With over a million copies in print, Go Ask Alice has become a classic of our time.

Annotation:

A fifteen-year-old drug user chronicles her daily struggle to escape the pull of the drug world.

My rating *****

Well, there is not much we know about the author of this great book. This is a very moving, terrifying at times story about a fifteen year old girl who struggles with basically everything in her life, from image issues to mental instability. What starts of as an innocent and unintentional drug use becomes a shocking reality. The main character, Alice, like million of other teenagers quickly becomes a part of the drug scene.

When i think about it, this book reminds me of "Candy" by Kevin Brooks. Both stories describe the world that we all live in. Alice, struggles with a drug abuse on top of regular problems that young people deal with. As well as Candy, Alice needs help to stop. However, in her case she doesn't have someone like Joe.

This is a story that will literally make the hair on your back stand. You feel for her, you feel a need to help that poor girl. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to put the book down till it's over. Definitely something worth reading.

Get me out of here

Get me out of here

by: Rachel Reiland

Borderline Personality Disorder. "What the hell was that?" raged Rachel Reiland when she read the diagnosis written in her medical chart. As the 29-year old accountant, wife, and mother of young children would soon discover, it was the diagnosis that finally explained her explosive anger, manipulative behaviors, and self-destructive episodes- including bouts of anorexia, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity.

With astonishing honesty, Reiland's memoir reveals what mental illness feels like and looks like from the inside, and how healing from such a devastating disease is possible through intensive therapy and the support of loved ones.

from: book cover

My rating ****

This book opens a lot of doors to a better understanding of what exactly a Borderline Personality Disorder is. The author lets the reader in on her private life, reveals her struggles, the good, the bad and the ugly. You learn how a wife and a mother deals with a mental illness and how it can be cured. When you are reading that amazing story you feel like you are really there, like you are really going thru it. She could not have been anymore open with her struggles than in this book.

This book is mainly for people who are either suffering from this particular disorder, know somebody who does, or simply want to learn something about it. Well, there were some parts of the book that disappointed me a bit, however this is a true story so you can't expect from it the same thing as from a fiction novel.

I would definitely recommend this book. This is a very captivating autobiography that makes you laugh and cry.

April

Burned

by: P.C.Cast, Kristen Cast

The highly anticipated seventh book in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling House of Night series













The Carrie Diaries

by: Candace Bushnell

The Carrie Diaries opens up in Carrie's senior year of high school. She and her best friends -- Walt, Lali, Maggie, and the Mouse -- are inseparable, amid the sea of Jens, Jocks and Jets. And then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture. Sebastian is a bad boy-older, intriguing, and unpredictable. Carrie falls into the relationship that she was always supposed to have in high school-until a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With her high school days coming to a close, Carrie will realize it's finally time to go after everything she ever wanted.
Rabid fans of Sex and the City will love seeing Carrie Bradshaw evolve from a regular girl into a sharp, insightful writer. They'll learn about her family background -- how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impression her early friendships and relationships left on her. We'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where the next Carrie Diaries book will take place.

March

Hunted

by: P.C. Cast, Kristen Cast

Mother-daughter writing team P.C. and Kristin Cast open up a whole new chapter in Zoey Redbird's complicated life with their fifth "House of Night" novel (St. Martin's Press, 2009). Zoey is a powerful fledging who is training for her conversion to vampyrism at a private boarding school. Zoey and her circle are currently battling evil high priestess Neferet and fallen angel Kalona, who have taken over the Oklahoma House of Night. She is also dealing with power struggles among the other fledglings along with the usual teenage angst that accompanies multiple boyfriends.

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The Vampire Diaries

by: L.J. Smith

Elena Gilbert's love, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell's Church. While her friends Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over their town, Elena goes in search of Stefan.
In order to find him, she entrusts her life to Stefan's brother, Damon Salvatore, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Along with her childhood friend Matt, they set out for the slums of the Dark Dimension, where Stefan is being held captive. It is rumored to be a world where vampires and demons roam free, but humans must live enslaved to their supernatural masters. . . .
Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?
Back in Fell's Church, Bonnie and Meredith have made some dire discoveries. They hastily try to follow Elena and warn her -- only to be caught up in Elena's most dangerous adventure yet.



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Fangs

by: James Patterson

Max and the Flock are flying high over Africa, but this time they're not alone. A sky full of cargo planes accompanies the team as they bring much-needed aid to the continent's poverty stricken regions. Among the volunteers is the mission's benefactor–the mysterious billionaire, Dr. Hans Gunther-Hagen. Max is intrigued by his generosity, but there's also something about him–and his intense scrutiny of the Flock–that makes her nervous.
But Dr. Hans isn't the only puzzling thing about their trip. The Flock also receives a cryptic message from a young girl, who tells them, "The sky will fall." Max and the Flock are ready to return home, still unable to make sense of her statement. But the surprises don't end with their departure, and something unbelievably momentous shakes up the Flock–pushing Max and Fang closer than ever. Will the team be able to stick together through the chaos?

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Before i fall

by: Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High, from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12 should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Fortunately, she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Lucas

Lucas

by: Kevin Brooks

One unforgettable summer afternoon, Caitlin meets a boy named Lucas, and her world turns upside down. Lucas is everything Caitlin longs to be. Brave. Honest. Free. And he is also everything the people around her fear the most.
As Caitlin grapples to find her true self amidst the unforgiving ways of her small town, she is mysteriously drawn to Lucas. For this, there are consequences. When the town suddenly turns on Lucas, Caitlin must make the most difficult choice of her life…

from: book cover

My rating *

I like Kevin Brooks, however I think this book was a disappointment. I was expecting something more exiting and thrilling than this, especially after Candy. Actually I found this book rather boring. The characters are not defined and specific, thru out the whole book you keep forgetting who is who.

The main character Lucas is intriguing but nothing passed that. Caitlin is an average girl, without any spark. Something I am not used to, especially that those characters are fictional and I think something more could’ve been done with them.

I can’t say it was all that bad… the book started off quite interesting, however, that’s where the excitement ends. You are constantly waiting for the story to develop more and before you realized the book is over.

This book is not something I would really recommend and not something I would read again.

Candy

Candy

by: Kevin Brooks

Joe is a kid from the right side of the tracks who cares about his music and not much else- until he falls from a girl names Candy. It starts as attraction, a crush… and then turns into something more like an obsession. Joe wants to be a part of Candy’s world, but it’s full of things he never gone near before – drugs, violence, desperation. The darker it becomes, the closer he gets to Candy’s true identity.

Sometimes love means tremendous pain. Sometimes loves means heart-pounding danger. Sometimes love is sweet. But more often it stings. Joe is going to try to save Candy from the darkness… even if it means risking everything.

from: book cover

My rating ****

Kevin Brooks is a great writer who captures the reality of life in his books. Candy is a perfect example of that. In today’s society many teenagers end up at the bottom of existence, whether it was their choice or not. This is very provocative and suspenseful story about two teenagers that simply feel in love.

However, nothing is simple about their love. Candy’s troubled life brings down completely Joe’s simple yet empty life. When the reader follows the story of those two teens, he can’t help but feel for them. This book for me defines the meaning of love and how far you are willing to for another person.

The story simply describes something that we close our eyes to in everyday life. Prostitution, drugs, violence is all around us yet we don’t seem to see it unless we read about it papers or books.

This is definitely a book for somebody that is of a strong character and can handle the harsh truth of today’s life. I personally loved the book and would recommend it.

Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry

by: Simone Elkeles

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south siders and north siders aren't exactly compatible elements. So when head cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive. But neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all-love. Can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart?

from: book cover

My Rating *****

For me Perfect Chemistry was a great story. I think I might’ve read it three times. For me the best thing about this book is the lesson that it gives you. Your nationality or where you were brought up doesn’t determine who you are as a person. The love story between Brittany and Alex is an amazing proof of that.

The way that Simone Elkeles described the characters feels more really to me than any other fictional characters out there. In fact, they seems so real you would think that this story is based on true life. The constant reminder of the different lives those two lived before they fell in love just makes the story so much more intense. Thru out the book you are left guessing and that makes the ending much more surprising.

It definitely brings down all the stereotypes with which we have to deal every day. That points not only to what the two main characters feel for each other but also what they have to deal with in their private lives. I don’t want to spoil it too much so I won’t say much more about the plot.

There is really not much more I would like to say about the book besides that everyone should read and learn from it.

Twilight Series

Twilight


by : Stephanie Meyer




I’d never give much thought to how I would die – though I’d had reason enough in the fast few months - but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this….. Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of someone else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.

When Isabella swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts. Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back….

Deeply seductive and extraordinary suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned.


from: book cover

My Rating *****

Twilight is by far my favorite book. This book had me at the edge of my seat and begging for more. The concept of the book, the comparison of good and evil, right and wrong really keeps you guessing till the end. The way Stephanie Meyer captured the two main characters Edward and Bella is indescribable.

When you are reading a story of two teenagers that are ready to give up their lives for each other and won’t stop at anything to be together you can’t help but smile. We all know that first love seems to be the strongest and the best feeling you would ever experience, so it is very easy for us to relate.

The book captivates you and makes you feel like you are a part of the storyline. Not only that but you also feel the pain, the happiness and the sadness of the characters. Thru out the whole book Edward struggles with the feelings that he has for Bella. The thought that he might hurt her is almost unbearable to him. Bella on the other hand, aware what kind of danger she is in, doesn’t doubt for a second her decision of being with Edward.

What I really liked about this book is also use of all the supporting characters. Stephanie Meyer knows how to make a story more interesting and vivid. Edward’s family, Bella’s friends, all fulfill very important roles in the book. In a lot of young love novels parents are rarely mentioned to that extend. I think that because in Twilight they are we get a better idea of who the characters really are. Our families are the ones that shaped us to be who we are today.

On a final note, I think that regardless if you are a fan of vampire stories or not you should definitely read the book. The story line, characters, and the feeling of wanting more is all you can ask for. When you are done with Twilight you will be dying to read New Moon.