"Life's too hard! That's the reason for this book. People are suffering who could be helped by the ideas here. So I've been persistent at picking at these thought till they showed themselves...hopefully with a sense of our common destiny..." -Excerpt from Summary.
When I was approached by "Mark" to review this book, I was a bit shaky about reviewing this book, because I haven't read a self-help book before, other than my bible from Church. But I thought to myself, I may has well give this book a chance and I am glad I did. This book is perfect for that struggling teen who is trying to find out who they are. This book talks about money, love, personal purpose, and much more! Plus, it's humorous too and shows the good side to life! This book is definitely a must-read!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lord of Misrule by, Rachel Caine
"Morganville. Texas. Just south of normal. In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, a master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn't the only threat. Violent black clouds promise a storm of devastating proportions. As student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against the elements - both natural and unnatural - the unexpected happens: Morganville's vampires begin to vanish one by one. Discovering why leads Claire to one last choice: swear allegiance to Bishop...or die." - from Amazon.com
To my surprise, this book wasn't your typical vampire novel. It had much depth and story-line that made me shift on the edge of my seat. Rachel proved that her vampire series is a series to look out for. Now, I am not saying I do not like the Twilight series; I actually love the series, but I think you can't compare these two. Like my favorite teacher says; I like pineapples and I like pears. They're both my favorite fruits, but I can't say I like one more than the other. See, what I mean? I definitely recommend this book!
To my surprise, this book wasn't your typical vampire novel. It had much depth and story-line that made me shift on the edge of my seat. Rachel proved that her vampire series is a series to look out for. Now, I am not saying I do not like the Twilight series; I actually love the series, but I think you can't compare these two. Like my favorite teacher says; I like pineapples and I like pears. They're both my favorite fruits, but I can't say I like one more than the other. See, what I mean? I definitely recommend this book!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Miss Match by, Wendy Tolliver
Summary (from Amazon) : Sasah Finnegan has always had a knack for setting people up, and at sixteen, she's turned her talent into an online business, molding high school crushes into true love. But Sasah finds her toughest match yet when hottie Derek Ubran asks her to set him up with Sasha's gorgeous sister, Maddie. It's not that Derek isn't a good catch. In fact, after spending so much time with him, Sasha can't help but think he's perfect-for her that is. Can Sasah push her feelings aside for the sake of her business? Or has this miss finally found her match?
Review : This book is perfect for any teenager who wants to read a sweet, romantic love story. I thought this book was truly written in the eyes of a teenage girl, not in the author's POV. I thought the prologue was priceless and brought me into the story, automatically. You have to read the prologue, definitely. It will make you read the rest quickly.
I also loved the main character, Sasha. I found her to be spunky, funny, and not-to-mention very mature, since she is running a succesful Matchmaker business at sixteen! Most sixteen year olds are worried about their own dating life, let alone solving someone else's. Yet...that's exactly what comes in the climax.
Sasha is developing a crush for the love-interest in the story, Derek.
This book is great for any bored teenager who wants a good read! I definitely recommend it and I hope you all pick a copy up at your local bookstore. It's only $6.99, a good price for this economy.
Review : This book is perfect for any teenager who wants to read a sweet, romantic love story. I thought this book was truly written in the eyes of a teenage girl, not in the author's POV. I thought the prologue was priceless and brought me into the story, automatically. You have to read the prologue, definitely. It will make you read the rest quickly.
I also loved the main character, Sasha. I found her to be spunky, funny, and not-to-mention very mature, since she is running a succesful Matchmaker business at sixteen! Most sixteen year olds are worried about their own dating life, let alone solving someone else's. Yet...that's exactly what comes in the climax.
Sasha is developing a crush for the love-interest in the story, Derek.
This book is great for any bored teenager who wants a good read! I definitely recommend it and I hope you all pick a copy up at your local bookstore. It's only $6.99, a good price for this economy.
Rebel Princess by, Switchblade Kittens
Recently, Teenage Dirtbag Book Reviews, had the pleasure to review Swithblade Kittens new album, Rebel Princess. With their unique, punk-y sound, Switchblade Kittens will take you on a roller-coaster of high-adrenaline songs that will make you one to just get up and dance!
Inspired by Meg Cabot books, Switchblade Kittens wrote true, teenage-oriented lyrics that your teenager-next-door would love and relate to, which I think is an important vital for every music artist. When listening to this album, I found humor in some of the lyrics, but at the same time raw, emotial lyrics which I loved.
My favorite songs on the album were "All-American Girl" and "She Has a Rep". I found them both to be a whole lot of fun to rock out to and to have a good time with friends. I definitely recommend this album for any playlist you are looking for when hosting a party! The crowd will never leave the dance-floor!
Pick up a copy of this CD! You will not regret it, trust me!
Inspired by Meg Cabot books, Switchblade Kittens wrote true, teenage-oriented lyrics that your teenager-next-door would love and relate to, which I think is an important vital for every music artist. When listening to this album, I found humor in some of the lyrics, but at the same time raw, emotial lyrics which I loved.
My favorite songs on the album were "All-American Girl" and "She Has a Rep". I found them both to be a whole lot of fun to rock out to and to have a good time with friends. I definitely recommend this album for any playlist you are looking for when hosting a party! The crowd will never leave the dance-floor!
Pick up a copy of this CD! You will not regret it, trust me!
Interview with Kathryn Williams
1)What was the favorite part of writing, The Debutante?
I grew up in the South (Richmond, Virginia) but am still figuring out what it means to be “Southern.” It was fun for me to explore this world that I grew up in and love through the eyes of an outsider. I got to have fun with all those clichés that are clichés for a reason -- I did know a guy whose truck honked the tune to “Dixie;” a lot of my friends do have double names; believe it or not, people do eat fried okra (and if prepared incorrectly it does taste approximately like snot). But Annie also found some larger stereotypes flipped on their heads. Not every Southern girl is a prim and proper belle.
2)Which character can you most relate to and why?
I definitely relate to Annie. I can be very sarcastic and handle difficult situations with humor. I have a hard time when I feel other people are trying to define me or fit me into a box. I’ve felt like a fish out of water before. (Really, who hasn't? No really, if you've never felt like a fish out of water, message me because you're like a rare new species.) But Annie and I are different in ways too. I'm more open to change than Annie is at the beginning of the book. I found myself disagreeing with her sometimes, even if I could understand where she was coming from. I'd be a pain in the butt too if my parents had moved me my senior year!
3)Do you have any advice for future writers?
Write:) Even if you feel like what you’re writing is bullhonky, keep writing. Don’t be discouraged if you want to rip up your first draft, burn the pieces, and bury the ashes. Sometimes I do too. No one has perfect first drafts. And I mean no one (except maybe Shakespeare, but he was a freak of nature). Also, learn how to be a critical reader. By that I mean, learn how to dissect a book and see larger patterns and choices that the author’s made, not just the words on the page. Try asking yourself occasionally as you're reading, Why did the writer use this word instead of this one? Why did he/she write from this character's point of view? Why did the author start or end the story where he/she did? It will become second nature to notice those kinds of things, and it will help you in your own writing.
4)Were you ever a debutante?
Actually I wasn’t, although many of my friends from high school and college were. They were my “research” for the book. (One of the reasons I love writing: talking with your friends is considered research.) In Richmond, the debutantes come out their junior year of college rather than their senior year of high school. (This is becoming more common.) Like Annie, I thought it wasn’t really “my thing.” I decided to take a semester abroad instead. I don’t regret that decision for a minute (hello, I spent a semester in England, Greece, and Italy -- awesome!) but looking back, I do think I would have had fun had I done it.
5)Any plans for a sequel, new book, etc.?
No plans for a sequel to The Debutante. I’m pretty happy where I left my characters -- although never say never. But my new book, The Lost Summer, comes out in July!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Can you tell I'm excited?) Here's the "blurb":
"I died one summer, or I almost did. Part of me did. I don't say that to be dramatic, only because it's true."
For the past nine years, Helena Waite has been returning to summer camp at Southpoint. Every year the camp and its familiar routines, landmarks, and people have welcomed her back like a long-lost family member. But this year she is returning not as a camper, but as a counselor, while her best friend, Katie Bell remains behind. All too quickly, Helena discovers that the innocent world of campfires, singalongs, and field days have been pushed aside for late night pranks on the boys' camp, skinny dipping in the lake, and stolen kisses in the hayloft. As she struggles to define herself in this new world, Helena begins to lose sight of what made camp special and the friendships that have sustained her for so many years. And when Ransome, her longtime crush, becomes a romantic reality, life gets even more confusing.
6)Who was your inspiration for becoming a writer?
I don’t know that anyone in particular inspired me to become a writer (other than my parents, who always supported me in whatever I wanted to do). I’ve just always felt most natural expressing myself with the written word. I am so much better on the page than I am in person, trust me;) But there are many writers who have inspired me and who I admire. I think Judy Blume is the coooolest. Right now I really like John Green and Sarah Dessen. And in the adult world I love Tom Wolfe, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, Christopher Buckley, Donna Tartt, Lee Smith. I like everything, I guess!
I grew up in the South (Richmond, Virginia) but am still figuring out what it means to be “Southern.” It was fun for me to explore this world that I grew up in and love through the eyes of an outsider. I got to have fun with all those clichés that are clichés for a reason -- I did know a guy whose truck honked the tune to “Dixie;” a lot of my friends do have double names; believe it or not, people do eat fried okra (and if prepared incorrectly it does taste approximately like snot). But Annie also found some larger stereotypes flipped on their heads. Not every Southern girl is a prim and proper belle.
2)Which character can you most relate to and why?
I definitely relate to Annie. I can be very sarcastic and handle difficult situations with humor. I have a hard time when I feel other people are trying to define me or fit me into a box. I’ve felt like a fish out of water before. (Really, who hasn't? No really, if you've never felt like a fish out of water, message me because you're like a rare new species.) But Annie and I are different in ways too. I'm more open to change than Annie is at the beginning of the book. I found myself disagreeing with her sometimes, even if I could understand where she was coming from. I'd be a pain in the butt too if my parents had moved me my senior year!
3)Do you have any advice for future writers?
Write:) Even if you feel like what you’re writing is bullhonky, keep writing. Don’t be discouraged if you want to rip up your first draft, burn the pieces, and bury the ashes. Sometimes I do too. No one has perfect first drafts. And I mean no one (except maybe Shakespeare, but he was a freak of nature). Also, learn how to be a critical reader. By that I mean, learn how to dissect a book and see larger patterns and choices that the author’s made, not just the words on the page. Try asking yourself occasionally as you're reading, Why did the writer use this word instead of this one? Why did he/she write from this character's point of view? Why did the author start or end the story where he/she did? It will become second nature to notice those kinds of things, and it will help you in your own writing.
4)Were you ever a debutante?
Actually I wasn’t, although many of my friends from high school and college were. They were my “research” for the book. (One of the reasons I love writing: talking with your friends is considered research.) In Richmond, the debutantes come out their junior year of college rather than their senior year of high school. (This is becoming more common.) Like Annie, I thought it wasn’t really “my thing.” I decided to take a semester abroad instead. I don’t regret that decision for a minute (hello, I spent a semester in England, Greece, and Italy -- awesome!) but looking back, I do think I would have had fun had I done it.
5)Any plans for a sequel, new book, etc.?
No plans for a sequel to The Debutante. I’m pretty happy where I left my characters -- although never say never. But my new book, The Lost Summer, comes out in July!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Can you tell I'm excited?) Here's the "blurb":
"I died one summer, or I almost did. Part of me did. I don't say that to be dramatic, only because it's true."
For the past nine years, Helena Waite has been returning to summer camp at Southpoint. Every year the camp and its familiar routines, landmarks, and people have welcomed her back like a long-lost family member. But this year she is returning not as a camper, but as a counselor, while her best friend, Katie Bell remains behind. All too quickly, Helena discovers that the innocent world of campfires, singalongs, and field days have been pushed aside for late night pranks on the boys' camp, skinny dipping in the lake, and stolen kisses in the hayloft. As she struggles to define herself in this new world, Helena begins to lose sight of what made camp special and the friendships that have sustained her for so many years. And when Ransome, her longtime crush, becomes a romantic reality, life gets even more confusing.
6)Who was your inspiration for becoming a writer?
I don’t know that anyone in particular inspired me to become a writer (other than my parents, who always supported me in whatever I wanted to do). I’ve just always felt most natural expressing myself with the written word. I am so much better on the page than I am in person, trust me;) But there are many writers who have inspired me and who I admire. I think Judy Blume is the coooolest. Right now I really like John Green and Sarah Dessen. And in the adult world I love Tom Wolfe, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, Christopher Buckley, Donna Tartt, Lee Smith. I like everything, I guess!
The Debutante by, Kathryn Williams
"Between SAT and college applications, senior year can be stressful. Throw in a massive move, a best friend's betrayl, and poofy white fresses, and you have the makings of a Lifetime original movie. Unfortunately, for seventeen-year-old Annie McRae, this is no television special...it's her life.
Mere weeks before the start of what's supposed to be the best year of high school, Annie's parents inform her they're moving...to Beauforty, Alabama, land of deep-fryers, "debs", and worst of all, her grandmother. It's enough to send this true-blue Connecticut Yankee running for the Mason-Dixon Line. And before she can say "y'all," Annie learns she'll be trading in her cords for a debutante dress-or risk losing her ticket to college and out of the south." -From, The Debutante.
First things first, I absolutely loved the summary for this book. I actually thought it was fresh, funky, and hilarious, especially the part about the "Lifetime Original Movie"; that really made me want to read the book. I also really liked how it pulled me in; yes, I know it's strange to first discuss the summary, but I believe a summary can really make a decision, and I hope, after reading this summary, you decide to read this book-It's great!
OK, so I have to admit, I absolutely love the heroine of this story, Annie McRae; Kathryn did such an amazing job working in the eyes of a young, hip teenage girl and making her come alive. I love how I felt like Annie was a real person and I felt as if she was talking to me; her own unique voice shown through the story. Her sarcasm and jokes we're pretty clever as well, and Annie is such a great character, that you'll never want to put the book down. I also liked the "metamorphosis", so to speak, of her changing into a debutante. It was pretty impressive.
I think anyone who reads this book will be very pleased; with an original storyline and unique characters, you will never want to put this book down! I loved the whole "training sequence"; it reminded me of the Princess Diaries by, Meg Cabot; not by the writing style or anything of that source, but just the character and spunkiness that spoke through the section. This book really does give Kathryn a promising future in the writing business and I hope to read more of her books again.
Mere weeks before the start of what's supposed to be the best year of high school, Annie's parents inform her they're moving...to Beauforty, Alabama, land of deep-fryers, "debs", and worst of all, her grandmother. It's enough to send this true-blue Connecticut Yankee running for the Mason-Dixon Line. And before she can say "y'all," Annie learns she'll be trading in her cords for a debutante dress-or risk losing her ticket to college and out of the south." -From, The Debutante.
First things first, I absolutely loved the summary for this book. I actually thought it was fresh, funky, and hilarious, especially the part about the "Lifetime Original Movie"; that really made me want to read the book. I also really liked how it pulled me in; yes, I know it's strange to first discuss the summary, but I believe a summary can really make a decision, and I hope, after reading this summary, you decide to read this book-It's great!
OK, so I have to admit, I absolutely love the heroine of this story, Annie McRae; Kathryn did such an amazing job working in the eyes of a young, hip teenage girl and making her come alive. I love how I felt like Annie was a real person and I felt as if she was talking to me; her own unique voice shown through the story. Her sarcasm and jokes we're pretty clever as well, and Annie is such a great character, that you'll never want to put the book down. I also liked the "metamorphosis", so to speak, of her changing into a debutante. It was pretty impressive.
I think anyone who reads this book will be very pleased; with an original storyline and unique characters, you will never want to put this book down! I loved the whole "training sequence"; it reminded me of the Princess Diaries by, Meg Cabot; not by the writing style or anything of that source, but just the character and spunkiness that spoke through the section. This book really does give Kathryn a promising future in the writing business and I hope to read more of her books again.
Ink Exchange By, Melissa Marr
Ink Exchange, by Melissa Marr, is the follow-up to the outstanding book, Wicked Lovely. While you may not have to read this book, in order to fall into Ink Exchange, it would be nice to do so, therefore you can understand the storyline, characters, etc., though there is a new heroine, but same characters.
Meet Leslie, your normal teenage girl, with a tough life. With her father not really fitting the stereotype for the Mr. Great Dad award, Leslie's dad is still hurt about his wife leaving him, while at the same time her brother is addicted to hard drugs, as he brings in some dangerous people to their home. Plus, her family can barely pay the bills and rely on Leslie for money.
Little does she know, her best friend, Aislinn (the heroine from the first book) has ordered guards to protect her and keep her very safe from the bad influences.
To break free of being the "mother" of her father and brother, Leslie decides to do something out of the ordinary for her, and that is to get a tattoo. Going to Rabbit, the story's tattoo artist, he shows her a coveted book, that's off-limits to anyone else, and she chooses one that she likes. But as she gets the tattoo, something a "little" unexpectant happens; Leslie will be apart of the "faerie world". You can see part of the dilemma.
Now, don't be fooled, that's not where it end. Basically, this story is your (not so) typical love story, where the girl falls in love with the guy she literally can't have, and there's a boy who likes her, who she has to accept, but doesn't want too. I don't want to give away to much, but this is a very exciting story.
I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. In a world of vampires and werewolves, it's unlikely in the YA market to find a love story, about faeries. Melissa Marr, has outdone herself again, with creating such real, interesting characters that almost seem real to you, in everyday life. This book really shows the world, how much of a force she is to be reckoned with. There's so many (good!) twists and turns that put you on the edge of your seat, that you will never
want to put this book down. It's that incredible.
Lastly, don't hesitate. Go out right now and buy this book! Seriously, you won't regret it. Believe me, you will crave for the next book!
Meet Leslie, your normal teenage girl, with a tough life. With her father not really fitting the stereotype for the Mr. Great Dad award, Leslie's dad is still hurt about his wife leaving him, while at the same time her brother is addicted to hard drugs, as he brings in some dangerous people to their home. Plus, her family can barely pay the bills and rely on Leslie for money.
Little does she know, her best friend, Aislinn (the heroine from the first book) has ordered guards to protect her and keep her very safe from the bad influences.
To break free of being the "mother" of her father and brother, Leslie decides to do something out of the ordinary for her, and that is to get a tattoo. Going to Rabbit, the story's tattoo artist, he shows her a coveted book, that's off-limits to anyone else, and she chooses one that she likes. But as she gets the tattoo, something a "little" unexpectant happens; Leslie will be apart of the "faerie world". You can see part of the dilemma.
Now, don't be fooled, that's not where it end. Basically, this story is your (not so) typical love story, where the girl falls in love with the guy she literally can't have, and there's a boy who likes her, who she has to accept, but doesn't want too. I don't want to give away to much, but this is a very exciting story.
I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. In a world of vampires and werewolves, it's unlikely in the YA market to find a love story, about faeries. Melissa Marr, has outdone herself again, with creating such real, interesting characters that almost seem real to you, in everyday life. This book really shows the world, how much of a force she is to be reckoned with. There's so many (good!) twists and turns that put you on the edge of your seat, that you will never
want to put this book down. It's that incredible.
Lastly, don't hesitate. Go out right now and buy this book! Seriously, you won't regret it. Believe me, you will crave for the next book!
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