That Chick That Reads

The Ever After by Amy Huntley Review

2012-01-09T08:45:00.000-06:00

The Ever After by Amy Huntley
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: October 1st 2009
Pages: 248
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this - she is dead. And alone in a vast, dark space. The only company Maddy has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things she lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that, with these artifacts, she can re-experience - and even change - moments from her life.

Her first kiss.

A trip to Disney World.

Her sister's wedding.

A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and frightening truths about her life - and death.

My Thoughts:

I honestly had no clue what the book was about when I bought it. A couple of years ago one of my blogger friends told me “hey read it, you’ll like it” so I bought it. I have to say that I was sad when I learned that she was essentially dead. How she died? Even she does not know. We are then taken through memories from every single moment that she had ever lost an object and through those moments we learn so much about her life when she was alive as well as the one in the afterlife. This book has friendships and love and that sense of family that not even death could take it away. I honestly had never thought about this concept before. I find myself thinking about what if we were essentially non existent but we are able to travel through our lives with out memories. I would def enjoy the moments with my husband and daughter the most. This book had me crying so bad at the end because it was just that good. I did not want it to end! I wanted to continue her story. It made me sad but happy all in one. Huntley def did a good job with this one! Now my head is going to be spinning with the possibility of an Ever After. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

If you could travel back and relive one of your memories, which one would it be and why? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Review

2012-01-07T08:31:00.000-06:00

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date: April 6th 2010
Pages: 276
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Some summers are just destined to be pretty. Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

My Thoughts:

I honestly can’t believe how awesome this book was! It’s been sitting on my bookshelf for so long and I just never had any real interest to read it until the other night. I enjoyed it so much. It was fluffy, and it had real problems that you would encounter in everyday life. I abs love Belly’s character! She’s this shy girl who all over the sudden transforms into this beauty queen. She’s kind of awkward but confident all at once. Her childhood crush of all time seems to be distant but ever so present in her life. It’s just one of those books that I wish I could live her life. To be able to go to this summer house, every single summer and enjoy it. To make memories like the ones we are flashbacked to in this book. I would honestly love to have a chance at that. This book in ways is sad because while all this fantastic yet terrible thing is happening to Belly, there are other things going on that are just crazy. Like not crazy exactly, it just makes you realize how everyone has a life and sometimes you get too involved in yours to even notice. Anyway, I can not wait to get my hands on the other two. Which I will very soon! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Did you ever have a summer thing you always did? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson Review

2012-01-05T08:19:00.000-06:00

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: April 26th 2011
Pages: 282
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

My Thoughts:

So I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book to come out since book number one! I wanted to know desperately what was going to be in the last blue envelope. Well just like any of her other novels, Johnson def did not disappoint. It was funny, entertaining and it had a little of everything. From romance, to living with a broken heart, to almost getting arrest, to traveling around the world in what seems like a minute with a complete stranger. I actually loved this novel just as much as the first one and that’s saying something because some authors can’t bring it back in a good second book but it was just so awesome. It def has some Maureen in it. The book is silly and serious when it needs to be and it the ending def left me satisfied. Couldn’t ask for a better follow up! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Would you go off with a complete stranger on a crazy adventure in order to recover something that essentially belonged to you? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Lost in Time by Melissa de la Cruz Review

2012-01-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

Lost In Time by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub. Date: September 27th 2011
Pages: 342
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

After their beautiful yet brief bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force are forced to separate. To fulfill the Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler travels to Alexandria to search for Catherine of Siena and the Gate of Promise. But Schuyler quickly discovers that everything she believed about the Gate to be wrong. Meanwhile, Jack makes the difficult decision to return to New York to face his twin and former bondmate, Mimi. But instead of a bitter reunion, he is faced with a choice for which there is no good option.
Mimi, with a most unexpected travel companion in Oliver Hazard-Perry, jets off to Egypt, too, to search for Kingsley Martin, her long lost love. With all roads leading to Hell, Mimi learns that not all love stories have happy endings. But she'll have to put her own feelings aside if she's going to save her crumbling Coven.
Packed with heartache, twists, and vampiric folklore, Lost in Time is sure to satisfy hungry fans' cravings for more Blue Bloods adventure.

My Thoughts:

Favorite book of the series so far! I can’t believe what happened! There were a lot of OMG moments and a lot of crying and laughing and wanting to throw the book against the wall one min and the next turning pages quickly so that I can just get to it faster. The end is getting near and it just makes me so sad! A lot of the questions we’ve had so far are starting to get answered. I couldn’t believe what Cruz put me though! The narration seemed to have changed a bit in the best possible way. I just enjoyed hearing these new voices and stories being told. Jack and Sckyler continue to be my favorite couple but as a stand alone character I’d have to give it to Kingsley, although Mimi isn’t too bad in this one (at least not by much). This one was a complete 360 change and I just couldn’t believe it, I still don’t! Can not wait until the final installment in the Blue Bloods series1 It’s going to be EPIC! 4.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of The Blog:

Would you go to hell and back to rescue the love of your life? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley Review

2012-01-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: June 9th 2011
Pages: 318
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Willow has spent most of her life as her mother's sidekick in a popular Las Vegas hypnotism show. So when she and her mom move back to their sleepy southern hometown to start over, she thinks she's in for a life of quiet normalcy. Except that her new life turns out to be anything but, when she kinda sorta hypnotizes Quinton, the hottest guy on the football team, to fall madly, deeply, head over heels in love with her. But what started out as an innocent way to make her best friend, Max, jealous soon gets way out of hand, and Willow begins to wonder if the mind - and more importantly, the heart - is something you can really control.

My Thoughts:

I liked Lipstick Apology and when I saw this at Borders in their final days I felt compelled to buy it. The characters were enjoyable. The situation was extremely relatable (well apart from the hypnotizing). Moving away from your best friend for 9 years must’ve been tough! Then to find out your best friend, the one you’ve secretly been crushing has fallen for someone else. Like Lipstick Apology, this one had two totally differently guys that made Willow into two different people. Quinton made her seem like the popular one, the fearless and crazy fun girl. While her best friend made her feel vulnerable and normal. Then comes the problem of hypnosis. It all starts off nice and dandy and then boom! It very quickly becomes a problem in a crazy mortifying sort of way. Like there was a part in the book where Quinton made a facebook fanpage to profess his love for her and it just made me laugh out loud! I do have to say I enjoyed this one a tad bit more than Lipstick Apology. I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What would you do if you could control another person’s mind? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

XVI by Julia Karr Review

2011-12-30T08:57:00.000-06:00

XVI by Julia Karr
Publisher: Speak/Puffin
Pub. Date: January 6th 2011
Pages: 325
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world-even the most predatory of men-that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past-one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer

My Thoughts:

When I got this book I didn’t think it would have anything to do with sex what so ever. Well that’s what I get for judging a book by it’s cover and back cover. If you like dark books, then this is def the one for you. This book is just so crazy! Like they have these little things that are embedded in their skin behind their ear and their talking and telling them what to do, how to do it, what to wear. Turning sixteen is supposed to be this coming of age thing but in this world it’s where sex is okie to do and it’s even commended. Turning sixteen in this society could possibly get you killed. This one was just so hard to read and it’s soooo dark. Sometimes I had to put it down because I just couldn’t read it. The writing was really good. The characters were beyond words. It’s one of those books that I don’t think I would want my daughter to read unless she was older and understood what sex really is. It’s just that dark. I do have to give props to the author for writing something that most authors don’t put a touch on. I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Do you think our society has gotten too attached to technology? Does it define who we are? Lemme know in the comment section below.

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine Review

2011-12-28T08:57:00.000-06:00

Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine
Publisher: Signet
Pub. Date: April 27th 2010
Pages: 241
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he's been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael's all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell...

My Thoughts:

This book, unlike the others, takes place outside of Morganville in a town that’s not easily forgotten. Well it’s seems like our favorite vamp has finally hit it high. Michael Glass finally gets the chance of a lifetime when he’s offered to record some of his music in Dallas. Of course he can’t leave without his three buddies. Well 2 buddies and 1 wonderfully gothic girlfriend. But things in this town aren’t what they seem. There’s a lot of things that I would’ve never even imagined that happened in it. There’s def a lot of romance, action and most of all vamp action to last us for a lifetime. It’s a pretty good book. Def one of the more entertaining ones and it also answers the question of whether there are other places like Morganville. Shane and Claire are still by far my favorite couple. The book ends just like every book. With us wanting even more! I abs love Caine and can’t wait to read the next installment in the series. I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What would you do to escape Morganville? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles Review

2011-12-26T08:56:00.000-06:00

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Publisher:
Pub. Date:
Pages:
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

My Thoughts:

This is def a good way to end the Perfect Chemistry trilogy! This one features the youngest Fuentes boy. He's a bad boy but not really a bad boy. I guess I'm not totally clear. Luis is the smart one of the family until he starts messing with the wrong crowd yet again and it seems like the Fuentes' past keeps coming back to haunt them. Nikki, his love interest, is the opposite of any of the other girls in the trilogy. She truly believes that she is finished with love. Love doesn't and will never exist for her (at least that is until she reunites with Luis after so many years). In this one, one of the Fuentes boys gets married! Oh come on guys! You know you've been waiting just as anxiously as I have for that to happen since book one. This one has a lot of action and I just felt so good after I finished it because I felt satisfied after reading it. Most authors don't find a way not to disappoint the reader with an ending to a very good series but I have to say that Elkeles had a perfect ending. It was wrapped up, clean and full of love and joy and everything in between. I can't wait to see what she has in the works! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Which one was your favorite Fuentes brothers? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Fade Out by Rachel Caine Review

2011-12-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

Fade Out by Rachel Caine
Publisher: Signet
Pub. Date: November 3rd 2009
Pages: 237
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Without the evil vampire Bishop ruling over the town of Morganville, the resident vampires have made major concessions to the human population. With their newfound freedoms, Claire Danvers and her friends are almost starting to feel comfortable again...
Now Claire can actually concentrate on her studies, and her friend Eve joins the local theatre company. But when one of Eve's castmates goes missing after starting work on a short documentary, Eve suspects the worst. Claire and Eve soon realize that this film project, whose subject is the vampires themselves, is a whole lot bigger-and way more dangerous-than anyone suspected.

My Thoughts:

This one is a little bit different than the other books in the sense that they're not totally as worried about walking the streets as they usually are. With Bishop gone and Morganville almost to normal, the gang is pretty much back to normal. At least that’s what it seems like at first. There’s more danger than they see. It’s one of those books that you have to be careful of who you trust because anyone can turn on you. This one was a tight gripping novel that has you turning pages like crazy. She def leaves us hanging on to her every word and wanting more of this crazy, you are never going to leave town. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the blog:

Who would you trust more, a crazy vampire or a computer? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz Review

2011-12-22T08:55:00.000-06:00

Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub. Date: June 9th 2010
Pages: 227
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Lavish parties. Passionate meetings in the night. Bone-chilling murders. Midterms. The day-to-day life of Schuyler Van Alen and her Blue Bloods friends (and enemies) is never boring. But there's oh-so-much more to know about these beautiful and powerful teens. Below the streets of Manhattan, within the walls of the Repository, exists a wealth of revealing information about the vampire elite that dates back before the Mayflower. In a series of short stories, journal entries, and never-before-seen letters, New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz gives her hungry fans the keys to the Repository and an even more in-depth look into the secret world of the Blue Bloods. Won't you come inside?

My Thoughts:

I didn’t think this was abs necessary to read with the latest books but boy was I wrong. It has interesting facts and status’ on members of the conclave. It has a lot of cute and awesome short stories. I honestly wish that I had read this one when it first came out, or at least before the other ones that followed it because most of the status’ have changed. The book has it’s advantages but what I find funny is that the book doesn’t always know what’s really going on. It’s interesting. Anyway, It’s a really good informative book and if you like that sort of thing or want to look back on a character, this is a great guide!

Comment Question of the Blog:

Which Blue Blood character is your favorite and why? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Abandon by Meg Cabot Review

2011-12-20T08:54:00.000-06:00

Abandon by Meg Cabot
Publisher: Point
Pub. Date: April 26th 2011
Pages: 304
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Contest from Goodreads

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.
Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away... especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld

My Thoughts:

I most def abs love this book! Pierce accidentally drowned in her parents backyard pool. She comes back but it seems like everything is changed. By everything she now is considered crazy among her classmates and she has this creepy but hot guy stalking her. Perfect right? Psh nope. This book is filled with nothing but adventure and action and romance but not in the way that you normally would consider it romantic. I can’t believe how the author incorporated Greek mythology in it! In high school I had a teacher that looooved it and so we studied it and I became fascinated by it. I loved the characters, the plot and just the whole feel of the book. It was just one of those that was really unique and it stuck with me. So this one was def a good page turner! This is such a spin on her usual series, which her popular one was The Princess Diaries, but it’s if as good or if not better! Looove it! Can’t wait to find out what happens next! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What’s your favorite myth? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Review

2011-12-18T08:53:00.000-06:00

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pub. Date: August 24th 2010
Pages: 390
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding

My Thoughts:

I can’t believe I never reviewed this book! This is the most powerful and meaningful trilogy that I’ve ever read and I’ve read a lot of books in the past couple of years. I am just completely shocked by the ending of this great and daring trilogy. Collins did an amazing job. When the second book came out I was all Team Peeta and nothing could change that but then I read the last book and that's when I realized that no one wins. Well if you can understand me in some weird way. There's no Team Peeta, there's no Team Gale. There's abs NO room for that because it's beyond it. When I say no one wins, it’s because it’s true. This series was beyond a simple love relationship and making it work. It was way more than anyone could ever imagine. It’s about taking a stand for what you believe in and start a revolution. Take pride in yourself and believe. Even if in the end you break. I understand Katniss. You have no idea how many countless nights I cried because of what happens in the books, it’s cruel and just ugh just plain cruel to do that to any human being. But if I was in her place. I would do the same thing. What’s one life if you could save thousands and millions. Ask yourselves this: Would you live a broken life to protect the ones you love and save millions of lives? I would never have the guts to what she did before I had my daughter. But now I understand why she did it. Why she took her sister’s spot in the Hunger Games, why she played along with Peeta, why she wanted to believe in something that she thought was beyond her reach. It’s hope. Hope that maybe one day you could do better, your kids, your grandchildren, your great grandchildren. We’re in a revolution now. This war in Iraq is coming to an end but what about Afghanistan? I’m a army wife. I worry all the time about where they would send my solider. It just reminds me of Katniss family and the countless of family’s that had friends and family go into the Hunger Games. They must have been worried too. It’s almost the same but they had to watch how their loved ones died. That is just a cruel way to end someone's life. This is a gruesome, something that could happen in the future trilogy that left me aching. Even though I read it over a year ago, I still wonder about it and talk about it because it’s one of those books that can not be ignored. 5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Do you think they’re going to ruin the book with the movie? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Academy by T.P. Boje Review

2011-12-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

The Academy by T.P. Boje
Publisher: Nook Edition
Pub. Date: September 9th 2011
Pages:
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Review request from author

Have you ever wondered where you go when you die?
Meghan is 16 when it happens to her.
She wakes up on a flying steamboat on her way to a school run by Angels in a white marble castle.
It is a school everybody has to go to before they are let into Heaven.
On the boat she meets Mick who has been dead for more than a hundred years but still looks like a teenager. He helps her past the difficult beginning at the new school in a new world.
One day some of Meghan's roommates find a mirror in the cellar of the school and they persuade her to go through it with them - well knowing it is strictly against the rules of the school. Meghan ends up back on earth where she meets Jason. But Jason is in danger and Meghan know something important. Something that is a matter of life and death. Soon she is forced to choose between the two worlds. The one she belongs to now and the one she left.

My Thoughts:

I love the concept of what happens after you die. I wondered it out loud and while I laid in bed several times before and after I read this book. Meghan suddenly dies at 16 and she’s taken to this academy where you learn about what happens after life. She meets great people and a magic Chef who seems to be her age but out ages her by hundreds of years. It isn’t until she meets a live one that she doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I loved this book! It was really good and just warm with a touch of darkness to it. There was only one thing that I didn’t like and that had to have been that in some parts of it, it sounded more like it was told like a list of stuff to do. Other than that I abs loved it and I can’t wait to read the next installment! It’s good stuff! I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What do you think happens after death? Lemme know in the comment section below.

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Radiance by Alyson Noel Review

2011-12-14T08:52:00.000-06:00

Radiance by Alyson Noel
Publisher: Square Fish
Pub. Date: August 31st 2010
Pages: 183
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

My Thoughts:

I loooved Riley from The Immortals series and I was so excited when she announced that she was making a side Riley project! This book was a really fluffy read. I enjoyed reading what goes on in Riley’s side of the world, as apposed to Ever’s. I love the idea of what happens when you cross the bridge and what Noel describes is exactly what I hope is on the other side waiting for me. A house, memories, your family that waits for you on the other side. It’s amazing. The language is beautiful. The characters are just abs wonderful. I just wonder if Riley ever falls in love? Can you fall in love in the after life? Could she experience everything she was cruelly taken away from? I guess I’d have to read the rest of the series to find out, I just hope for her sake that she has that and more. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Do you believe in crossing the bridge? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore Review

2011-12-12T08:51:00.000-06:00

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: August 23rd 2011
Pages: 406
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.
Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.
I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.
And I'm ready to fight

My Thoughts:

I do have to say that I liked The Power of Six a lot better than I liked I Am Number Four. There’s a lot of action and a lot of “oh no he didn’t” moves in this book. The way it’s written is kind of weird but cool. It starts with number 7 and then it’s like she’s stuck in number 4’s head. It’s kind of cool but annoying at times because sometimes it’s so confusing as to whom it speaking. There are a couple of major twist that happen in the book and I wasn’t too completely shocked because I kind of saw them coming but still it kind of shocked me a little. Anyway it’s a good read. Def better than I Am Number Four. Can’t wait for the next one! I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What would you want your legacy to be? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski

2011-12-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have) by Sarah Mlynowski
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pub. Date: June 7th 2011
Pages: 194
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

My Thoughts:

This book was really cute. It’s funny and so honestly cute. At first I honestly couldn’t get into the book. There’s was a lot of lying. Actually too much lying and if that were my daughter trying to come up with those lies, let me tell you I’ve prob done it and she would def not get away with it. It was like if it was too easy. Like I would never allow my daughter to live with her friend and just email her mom about her whereabouts, If and If I actually allowed her to do it, trust me I’d be getting on the phone, dropping by unexpectedly and doing all sorts of stuff. But I guess parenting has made me crazy. I didn’t like the love triangle. It was just too I don’t know. If you read the book you know what I mean. It just annoyed me at times. It just felt like she had to have sex with her boyfriend in order to keep him and that’s not what a relationship should be like. There were a couple of issues that most authors avoid just because they’re tough but I have to say that Mlynowski made it interesting and an awesome job with it. It had it’s laugh out loud moments and others where I was honestly and positively certain she was going to be caught. I def am looking forward to some more of this authors stuff! 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What’s one thing you’ve done but shouldn’t have? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Crossed by Ally Condie Review

2011-12-08T08:49:00.001-06:00

Crossed by Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pub. Date: November 1st 2011
Pages: 384
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever

My Thoughts:

I don’t know if it was just me or something but I kind of wished that Crossed had been a little different? Like it was interesting and Xander’s secret was intense and crazy awesome but I don’t know.. I guess it felt like it dragged on for the longest time. I do have to say that I loved that it was in both KY’s and Cassia’s pov’s. They were apart from each other but so close to each other that they just couldn’t imagine it. I fell in love with some of the new characters in this one. Sometimes it made me want to go into the storyline and give each and every one of them hugs. I realized something about the book covers last night. I don’t know if it’s just me that realized this too late but if you take a look at the covers the first one is green. There are three kind of pills and colors: green, blue, and red. The green one happens to make them “calm”. Well in Matched, the society was trying to calm Cassia because someone put KY into the mix. This book is blue, which the pill makes you survive (at least that’s what the society wants us and them to believe) and if you think about it, the entire book KY and Cassia are trying to survive on this incredible adventure, meeting people they don’t know about and going into something that is beyond them. They aren’t alone and that alone gives them all hope. I figure the last book will be in red and when you finish reading this one you could see why I think that. This book was good but I guess with everyone amping it up, I set my expectations way too high for it. I can’t wait for the last book to be fairly honest. I want to see what happens next and what becomes of the society. I give this one 3.5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

If you were on a journey and had the 3 pills the society offers, would you take them or would you be strong enough without them? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson Review

2011-12-06T23:48:00.000-06:00

The Fox Inheritance (b2) by Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pub. Date: August 30th 2011
Pages: 294
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.

Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.

Everyone except Jenna Fox

My Thoughts:

This one is def a good follow up to the previous novel The Adoration of Jenna Fox. This one is told in Locke’s pov. It’s interesting to hear from a male pov. It’s crazy what science and technology will do to people. Imagine being “saved” and having to watch your loved ones, your friends and everyone you pretty much know die. It must be really tough. Jenna has lived for 260 years without her 2 other best friends. Locke doesn’t know who to blame and honestly who can blame him. He’s human after all. Kara becomes this thing. Almost like if she’s not human. I guess that’s why they have the 10% rule. Locke is like stuck in the middle of it all. Having to fight to save himself or fall and do nothing about his future. I don’t know what I would do in their position. I mean everyone wants to live forever. No one wants to die. But if they gave you a choice to live forever but having to never grow old, that in itself would be incredibly tough. What if you fall in love with someone and then you slowly watch them die. Having to know that day after day is just one day closer to you staying you and in great health but that they deteriorate every second, every min, every day, every week, month, year. I honestly don’t know if it would be worth it. I have much respect for the characters in this book. They didn’t choose to be left this way but they made the best of an ugly situation. I really hope that they have another one coming out. I want to see what happens to the rest of the characters, both new and old. I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

If you could live forever, would you? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz Reviews

2011-12-04T23:47:00.000-06:00

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: Hyperion
Pub. Date: December 28th 2010
Pages: 160
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series.
Also, witness the bonding of Jack and Schuyler.

My Thoughts:

This is def my number 2 favorite book in the series! My favorite part to read has to be about Alegra and Bendix. I wanted to skip ahead and keeping reading about them because it was just so new and so very awesome to get a glimpse of Skylar's parents. It was just so sweet and cute and I was ready for their story. I love that Cruz would choose this book to do that. She had Skylar’s and Mimi’s pov in the present but then she goes into the past with Skylar’s parents. It was def different and just totally awesome. I can’t go on with how awesome this book really was. It’s short and it seems like you just want to continue in the story but it was sweet and something that I truly devoured very quickly. I just wish there was more of Skylar’s parents, but it’s maybe because there was too much cuteness in them. I loved it! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What character do you want to hear from next in Cruz’ Blue Bloods books? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

2011-12-02T08:47:00.000-06:00

Hourglass by Claudia Gray
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub. Date: March 9th 2010
Pages: 339 pages
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Bianca will risk everything to be with Lucas.
After escaping from Evernight, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, an elite group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at its hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—all her secrets threaten to come out.
Soon, Bianca and Lucas are on the run, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful vampires of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they run, Bianca can't escape her destiny. Bianca and Lucas have always believed their love could survive anything—but can it survive what's to come?

My Thoughts:

It took me forever to finish this book but it was because at first I couldn't get into it. I had bought the series at a book signing and was just kind of meh about it. I have to say though, I like this one the best out of all of them so far. The sentences flow a little better, and the plot was just like omg what's going to happen next. Bianca ends up leaving with Lucas at the end of the second book after an attack on Evernight. They ended up with Blackcross which is a group that hunts vampires. After that attack it's like they started a whole war. Lucas of course gets better after every single book! The ending is like wow.. Totally didn't see that coming, well maybe but not this soon! I can't wait to get my hands on the next one! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the Blog:

Who’s your favorite YA series couple? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells Review

2011-11-29T08:45:00.000-06:00

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pub. Date: June 1st 2010
Pages: 324 pages
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Sometimes I still wake up shivering in the early hours of the morning, drowning in dreams of being out there in the ocean that summer, of looking up at the moon and feeling as invisible and free as a fish. But I'm jumping ahead, and to tell the story right I have to go back to the very beginning. To a place called Indigo Beach. To a boy with pale skin that glowed against the dark waves. To the start of something neither of us could have predicted, and which would mark us forever, making everything that came after and before seem like it belonged to another life.

My name is Mia Gordon: I was sixteen years old, and I remember everything.

My Thoughts:

I bought this book after seeing it on sale in the Nook section and I saw that it had a lot of good reviews so I decided to purchase it and give it a chance. I honestly couldn't be more pleased with it! Mia and her family go to their family's vacation home for the summer. She's excited to see her cousin because they hadn't seen each other in 3 years and they were pretty much like p.b. and j until just recently. She started noticing that her cousins emails, text and phone calls seemed shorter as time went on until they were pretty much non existent. When they arrive it just a roller coaster ride even after the end.

This book is totally relatable. I felt like I was in the same position as Mia. No matter how hard you try, your younger sister always has the upper hand. Her parents were decent, except her mom reminded me of mine and most of the book I was just urgh with her. Although her dad was a dad that I wished I had. I love that this book pretty much shows how not everything is what it seems. It's one of those bittersweet story's. Simon and Mia's relationship was far more real than a lot of the other books I've read. It was slow but fast but everything in between all at the same time. This book was just full of awesome. Howells did an excellent job in keeping me interested as well as developing a deep message that will stay with me long after the book! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What was your most memorable summer? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Something Like Fate by Suzanne Colasanti

2011-11-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

Something Like Fate by Suzanne Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pub. Date: May 4th 2010
Pages: 268 pages
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

Best friends Lani and Erin couldn't be more different. Lani'’s reserved and thoughtful; Erin'’s bubbly and outgoing. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. There'’s no possible way they could be interested in the same guy.

So when Erin starts dating Jason, Lani can’'t believe she feels such a deep connection with him— and it may be mutual. The more Lani fights it, the more certain she feels that it’'s her fate to be with Jason. But what do you do when the love of your life is the one person you can’'t have?

My Thoughts:

I've been meaning to read this book for a while. I kept checking it out from the library over and over again until one day I just decided to get it and finally sit down with it. It honestly is a fun read. I loved that Lani and her best friend were all about the future and reading horoscopes. It just reminded me about what my friends and I used to do back in middle school and beginning of high school. The main character Lani is kind of relatable. I mean there are times that you fell for your friends boyfriend even if it's just a crush. The only thing that kind of messed with me was the fact that Jason wanted to go out with Lani then why didn't you ask her??? Gahhh but I guess it happens all the time. My favorite character would have to Blake because he seemed like the truest of all and he seemed as if he was a better best friend for Lani. Erin was just such a bad friend at times that I wanted to jump through the book and tell her that myself. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the Blog:

Do you believe in fate? Why or why not? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Gone by Michael Grant Review

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Gone by Michael Grant
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: July 1st 2008
Pages: 558 pages
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought for Nook

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

My Thoughts:

Okie I have to admit that every time that I walked in the library this book always caught my attention but I just didn't want to get it because the length always intimidated me. Then one day I was looking at the on sale section on the Nook website and bought it. I'm honestly glad that I did! I mean what would you do if suddenly everyone over the age of 15 disappeared? It's pretty much up to Sam to help put everyone to peace but with the coates kids trying to take over, it makes it a lot more difficult. This book had a little bit of everything. Even in between all this mess it had romance, the strength of family and how friendship could be affected by jealousy. It was a bit slow but after the first couple of chapters I was hooked. I can not wait to get my hands on Hunger, which I might go get at the library later! I give this one 3.5 out of 5 paws

Comment Question of the Blog:

What would you do if suddenly there were no adults? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Review

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Before I fall by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pub. Date: March 2nd 2010
Pages: 470
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: PTA's Reviewer's Rewards

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—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

Review:

I was really looking forward to reading this one! There was just so much about the idea of the book that I loved almost instantly. I mean what would you do if you could replay the day you died, over and over again? Would you change it or keep making the same mistakes? Everything I thought about this book flew right out the door as soon as I started reading it. The beginning surprised me because honestly the main character Samantha just seemed like the biggest B. Usually I loooove the main character but Samantha was just far from likeable. She was popular, obnoxious and took everything for granted. I can’t say I liked Samantha at all during the first part of the book, because then I would be lying. She was just everything I hated but you begin to see the big transformation day by day. Oliver did an amazing job with Before I Fall. She made me feel many different emotions through her work, that I honestly didn't know it was possible. I didn’t even see the end coming! It was so powerful and Oliver did such a fantastic job with this novel! It’s beautifully written and the ultimate message it brings will touch everyone who reads this! Def. 5 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the blog:

If you had to relive the same day everyday, which day would you choose and why? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,

That Chick That Reads

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins Review

2011-11-02T18:56:00.001-05:00

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Pub. Date: September 29th 2011
Pages: 338
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

My Thoughts:

I loooved Anna and the French Kiss and when I heard about this one I got really excited to read it! There's just something about Stephanie Perkins' writing that is just awesome! This one was slightly different from Anna is a few ways. Where I felt Anna struggling with her change of location, Lola was struggling with who she was as a person. I do have to say this.. I loved St. Clair more than I loved Cricket. Cricket was just too perfect for me. I loved that St. Clair had so many flaws and appeared so real. I also love how much is going on in the book! I mean she has her two gay parents to worry about (which they are unbelievably awesome!) and then her alcoholic and nonexistent relationship with her mother, her deteriorating relationship with her best friend and a jack a** of a boyfriend that no one, and believe me, no one really cared about. I love how Anna and St. Claire show up a lot during the novel because they are just tooo awesome! It’s crazy because I love how much she dresses up. All these different looks and she doesn’t care what people think (well sort of) but she still manages to go out and dress the way she dresses. It inspires me! I honestly wish I had that confidence but I don’t. Cricket dresses with his pinstripe pants and his flannel shirts. Lola doesn’t seem to notice what he’s wearing necessarily but the confidence. That in itself is amazing! She’s so unique and that’s def the thing I love most about her character. Lola is greatly written and was def a good follow up after Anna and the French Kiss. Can't wait to read more of Perkins' writing! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the Blog:

Are you a fashionista or just dress to get dressed? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads