Review: Romeo & Julet & Vampires by Claudia Gabel

Title: Romeo & Juliet & Vampires

By: Claudia Gabel

Publisher: Harperteen (August 31st, 2010)

My Copy: Review Copy provided by Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

Book Description:

"You are deluded, Romeo. Vampires do not have the capability to love. They are heartless."
The Capulets and the Montagues have some deep and essential differences. Blood differences. Of course, the Capulets can escape their vampire fate, and the Montagues can try not to kill their undead enemies. But at the end of the day, their blood feud is unstoppable. So it's really quite a problem when Juliet, a vampire-to-be, and Romeo, the human who should be hunting her, fall desperately in love. What they don't realize is how deadly their love will turn out to be—or what it will mean for their afterlives. . .

Claudia Gabel combines this legacy of a tale with the current vampire trend. Gabel’s attempt at creating an new age story with William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is quite entertaining. I having never been a personal fan, of the Romeo & Juliet, find myself quite impressed with this new story.  Not only did Gabel find created a twist that proves quite entertaining; she also manages to rewrite Romeo and Juliet that is much more easily read than the original. Having already deciphered the complicated text of the original story she has made this a easy story to comprehend, and readers may find it easier to understand the original story through these pages. Personally, I would not see myself being drawn to this book from its cover alone. Though, once I began reading I was very impressed by the story that is hidden behind this cover. Still following the storyline of the original story readers will know what to expect. The only unknown of this story is how the author will change the next scene to create a vampire story within the well-known Romeo and Juliet story. Being a literature lover I found this to be very creative mixing the old with the new. Kudos to Gabel for such an interesting read, and the rewriting of this well loved masterpiece.

Book Tour Review: Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Title: Secondhand Charm
By: Julie Berry (http://www.julieberrybooks.com/bio.html)
Reading Level: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury Books (October 12th 2010)
My Copy: Advance Reading provided by Publisher
BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:
Evie Pomeroy dreams of being a physician, like her parents had been. A royal scholarship gives her her chance, and she sets out to the university accompanied by the boy next door. But bandits, shipwreck, a mysterious creature, and even the tug of friendship may tear from her what matters most. YA fantasy for teens and tweens.
I was ecstatic when I received Bloomsbury’s invitation to participate in a Book Tour for this new release. This unique fantasy read is about a young girl that finds herself with a companion that she would have never imagined. Soon after she finds herself and her companion on a journey that could cost her her life. I was impressed by this story line from the moment I read the description. A new turn in the current trends of this genre, I found this to be a breath of fresh air. My concern was raised early on due to the effort I was exerting trying to stay focused on this story. It seemed to be starting slower than I tend to like, but my faith was surely restored. Once the story began to unfold the pace anticipating picked up bringing forth a incredibly entertaining read. Being an old fashioned girl myself, I always enjoy a good book with an old fashioned heritage. Along with the Fantasy attributes it also includes a simple and sweet love story that will keep you guessing throughout the story. If you are looking for a diamond in the ruff you will find that here.

How Many Can You Name?

I am a huge fan of dancing movies. **MY FAVOITES** Anyways I was taking a peak at my google reader, and I can across this video on Katidom... So, I borrowed this to show off, and offer you a question of the day...

HOW MANY CAN YOU NAME?

New to the Shelf Week 29th through October 3rd

This week has several books being released on Tuesday and Friday; that I can not wait to get my hands on. If you have any that I haven’t listed leave a comment so that other readers can learn about them too.. I have had the pleasure of review a few of these, Thanks to the wonderful Publishers, so be on the lookout for my review links below the description.

New This Week

 

Blood on My Hands by Todd Strasser

Publisher: Egmont USA September 28th

Book Description:

Callie is at an October keg party in the woods, when she notices that her friend Katherine has gone missing. The kids spread out to look for her and Callie finds her, lying on a path, with a big, bloody fake knife in her. She reaches for the knife and raises it, only to discover, to her horror, that it is real. At that moment, another of the search party stumbles on them, and takes a photo of Callie holding the bloody knife. Now she is the suspect in a grisly murder. How can she prove her innocence - and find the true murderer?

 

End of Days by Max Turner

Publisher: St Martins Griffin September 28th

Book Description:

In this thrilling follow up to Night Runner, Zack Thomson is back with his friend Charlie, searching for answers all the while being hunted by a creature most deadly...
While Charlie struggles with his vampirism, he, Zack, and their friends are pulled into a conflict with the mysterious Mr. Hyde, a creature who hunts vampires. As the story unfolds, and the ties between Zach and his girlfriend Luna intensify, the network of support around them collapses, forcing them to redefine their notions of good and evil and find a way forward.

 

Left for Undead by LA Books Crimson Moon Novels Book 6

Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks September 28th

Book Description:

Secret government operative Sasha Trudeau earned a long vacation with her lover and fellow Shadow Wolf, Hunter, after the brutal wolf-like attacks that left New Orleans in an uproar. But when her team calls with news of vampire slayings, Sasha knows it’s only a matter of time before another war breaks out among the supernatural denizens of the world …

The vampires are nobody’s ally, but the cold-hearted deaths of their own kind make them even more bloodthirsty than usual. But who is the culprit? With the Seelie and Unseelie courts claiming innocence and aligning together, Sasha’s team is at a loss. Until they discover that they’re facing ancient creatures from the depths of hell itself, bent on unleashing pure fury … 

 

Siren Song by Cat Adams (Blood Singer Book 2)

Publisher: Tor Books September 28th

Book Description:

Nothing if not resilient, Celia Graves is slowly adjusting to being a half-human, half-vampire Abomination. But her troubles are far from over. Her best friend’s murder is still unsolved, the cops are convinced she should be in jail, and her old lover, the magician Bruno DeLuca, has resurfaced in her life, saying he has something important to tell her.
The vampire attack that transformed Celia kicked her latent Siren abilities into high gear, and now she’s been summoned to the Sirens’ island to justify her existence—and possibly fight for her life—in front of the Siren Queen. Celia isn’t sure she’ll survive to make the trip. The demon she defeated in Blood Song hasn’t exactly gone quietly—he’s left Celia suffering from a powerful curse.

 

Torment by Lauren Kate (Fallen Book 2)

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers September 28th

Book Description:

How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

MY REVIEW

 

When Rose Wakes by Christopher Golden

Publisher: MTV Books September 28th

Book Description:

An enchanting tale by Christoper Golden about a teenager who wakes from a coma and slowly comes to realize that she is Sleeping Beauty of fairy tales.

 

 

 

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers September 28th

Book Description:

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.
This companion novel to Warman's critically acclaimed Breathless proves that sometimes the biggest lies are told to the people you love the most.

MY REVIEW

 

Alpha by Rachel Vincent

Publisher: Mira Books October 1st

Book Description:

YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE...
The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.
It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can--that will--change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.
But life never waits until you're ready.

 

The Miracle Stealer by Neil Connelly

Publisher: Arthur A Levine Books October 1st

Book Description:

Andi Grant adores her 6-year-old brother Daniel, a "miracle child" who fell down a mine shaft and survived. People regularly come to him for blessings and healings (which sometimes seem to work), and Andi is horrified by his exploitation, esp. when she finds signs of a stalker around their home. With the help of her once-and-maybe-future boyfriend Jeff, she comes up with a plan so audacious, so dramatic, it will stop the attention on Daniel forever: an "Anti-Miracle" that will unravel with the slightest examination of the facts, and cast doubt on Daniel's powers forever after. (cont.)

As her plan comes together, the stalker draws closer, and the clock ticks toward Daniel's star turn at the local Paradise Days celebration, Andi finds herself wrestling with her own beliefs in God and her brother, and wondering if what she really needs is . . . a miracle

RECIEVED COPY FOR REVIEW BE ON THE LOOKOUT REVIEW IT IS YET TO COME!

You are, Not Here by Samantha Schutz

Publisher: Scholastic Books October 1st

Book Description:

Annaleah and Brian had something special -- Annaleah is sure of it. When they were together, they didn't need anyone else. It didn't matter that it was secret. All that mattered was what they shared.
And then, out of nowhere, Brian is killed in an accident. And while everyone else has their role in the grieving process, Annaleah finds herself living on the outside of it, unacknowledged and lonely. How can you recover from a loss no ne will let you.

Review: Dark Song by Gail Giles

Title: Dark Song

By: Gail Giles

Reading Level: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: Little Brown Book for Young Readers (September 2010)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy Provided by Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:

Mark said he heard the dark song when he creeped houses. The song the predator's heart sings when it hears the heart of the prey. I heard it now. Mark said it had always been in me. Lurking. Waiting for me to hear.
Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?

 

A truly terrifying story about a young girl that follows her heart and turns a blind eye to her reality. Ames is the main character, after her life falls apart, in attempt to find normalcy she looks toward Marc. Marc is a man that has a history full of darkness and secrets. When Ames catches his eye; she becomes his newest obsession. He easily takes the fear and insecurity that this family is feeling and turns it into his own leverage. I am very impressed with this character, and the light grasp she keeps on reality while living through this story. The fact that she know in the end what is right, and finds the strength to do what is right shows a very deep character. Even more, I was impressed by the very end statement about her innocence. This is incredibly complex characters, and I can see how the main character could follow the path that she did. Dark Song is a fast paced and gripping nightmare that the reader will feel throughout the pages. This is a story that offers a glimpse at the true evil of the world, and how easy it is for the innocent to be tainted. While I have heard wonderful reviews for Giles’s earlier novels; I have not had the privilege of reading them thus far. By far, I can say that this novel has definitely grabbed my attention, and I will look into more from this author.

Review: Forgotten by Melody Carlson

Title: Forgotten

By: Melody Carlson

Publisher: NavPress Books (2010)

My Copy: Review Copy from Publisher

Reading Level: Young Adult Christian Fiction

BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:

Struggling 17-year-old high school senior Adele has a secret . . . she's homeless. Adele enjoys being with the "nice kids" in the church youth group, but she has more in common with the young people who live on the streets. Which group of friends will she choose? And what's God's role in her life?

If you are not a believer or seeker of the Lord this may not particularly be the book for you. If you are a believer this is an awesome reminder of the power of the Lord, and if you are a seeker this is an awesome opportunity for you to be moved. It is a chance at beginning to understand the Lord, and where he might just fit into your life. Forgotten is actually in the young adult genre, but I feel that this is a read for any Christian. This is a excellent example to the younger generation of His Power, as well as, a look at the life of this incredible 17 year old that finds herself in a nightmare. Over night Adele is stranded no home, no money, and no mother. I find this story to be heartfelt and gut wrenching. As a parent I was overcome by some much emotion toward Adele and her mother. At times such as these, it is hard to sit back and believe that there is a plan. Our responsibility is to believe in God’s plan, and pray that he will look out for this young girl in her time of need. As if being stranded and alone was not enough, this story continues a downward spiral that leaves her without her job, her savings, and the vehicle she had resorted to sleeping in. I never thought that this story could get any worse, but it appears I was very very wrong. Not only did that story tremendously move me, but I found myself reflecting on the story and relating it to my own life. While I am not a seventeen year old, nor an I homeless I believe that out of this very complex story everyone will find a way to reflect on their relationship with our Lord and Savior. I believe that you will find yourself one step closer to fully understanding your relationship with the Lord.

New to the Shelf 09/19-09/25

For the week of September 19th thru 25th I have only a few books this week that I have been  drooling over lately. Take a peek below, and see if you would be interested as well!

 
Crave by Laura J Burns and Melinda Metz
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: September 21st, 2010
Description:
Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin’s office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That’s when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teenaged vampire, imprisoned in Martin’s office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn’t know the half of it.
Paranormalacy by Kiersten White
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: September 21st, 2010
Description:
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanhoff
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Description:
Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.
A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?

Review: As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Title: As You Wish
By: Jackson Pearce
Reading Level: Young Adult Fantasy/Romance
Publisher: Harper Teen (09/01/2010)
My Copy: Review Copy provided from Publisher
BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:
Ever since Viola’s boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again, and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

But Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she won’t wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, Jinn can’t deny that he’s slowly falling for Viola. But it’s only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she’s in love with Jinn as well…and that if she makes her final two wishes, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

As You Wish is incredibly fun and fast paced novel. It is a journey that ends almost as quickly as it started, and will leave the reader with a feeling of contentment. Regretably, I lack any major positive for negative comments about any of this book. I enjoy novels such as these; they allow a fast and funny story that did not require much mental effort to unfold. Sometimes book addicts need a vacation from deep stories; sometimes we all need a little glimpse of happiness and fairytales.

Where the Truth Lies Book Tour: Review

Title: Where the Truth Lies

By: Jessica Warman

Reading Level: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: Walker Books Release 09/28/2010

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

This is a very clever tale of love, lies, and secrets. The whole story seems to be interwoven with lies and betrayals; beyond my wildest imagination. The level of emotion throughout the story was unexpected, and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. An overview shows that this story is broken up into three parts. Having completed the novel I like to think of the separate parts as THE RELATIONSHIP, THE SHOCK, and THE UNRAVELING. The first part proved to be a little discouraging and I was concerned that I would struggle with the pace of this novel. I never anticipated to become so consumed by this story, but I was quickly redirected with the second part. Emily is our main character, she is what appears to be the typical girl with the perfect life. When Del become a part of Emily’s life I was very hit and miss on the character. I was unable to fully label him as bad or good. He seemed to genuinely care for Emily which would send on the path of the good boy and the disapproving father. Then, something in the story would lead me on the path that Emily was about to find herself in very big trouble, and I did not see how she was going to be able to get out of this one. The reality of the story, and what actually happened was a complete and utter shock to my reading system. I could not have anticipated it, and I did not even fathom this as a possibility when I was reading. I am still reeling over the carefully mastered story, and the reality of how all of these individually ended up with in the same story. Emily’s entire life was surrounded by lies and secrets. This makes one sit back and begin to wonder what would their own lives really look like if everyone secrets were revealed. This carries a huge lesson on the intensity and impact of lies. Although, I find myself concerned with Emily’s hiding her pregnancy and moving to New York to deliver. I fear that some young  people would see this as a solution, when it should not even be an option. While I may not be particular fond of her actions, I feel that Warman depicted very nicely the love and loss of Emily’s baby. I think that she tried to realistically show how this would affect your life, and that is life changing. This is a very cutting edge book, and I could see where for many it might even be controversial.

Kiddy Korner Review: My Princess Bible by Andy Holmes

Title: My Princess Bible
Author: Andy Holmes Illustrator: Segey Eliseev
Publisher: Tyndale Books (September 2010)
Reading Level: Childrens Christian Book
BookWhisperer Rating: Five Star


Description:

My Princess Bible is based on the popular format of My Pajama Bible. The new board book combines princess-like art of women of the Bible with art more reflective of the modern-day princesses who will learn of biblical women.
My Princess Bible shares stories of 19 women of the Bible through a rhyming story and a short takeaway summary in prose. Each story ends with two lines that remind the reader of valuable character traits of a princess; the little princesses are even encouraged to recite the learning of the biblical princess using her name in the blank instead: “________ is God’s special princess; ________ is sad when she does something bad” (the takeaway from the story of Eve). This format helps children see biblical women as princesses who teach us about godly principles. It also helps reinforce that the little girl reader is special and seen as a princess because she is created by God. The final story (number 20) is taken from Psalm 139 and features the reader as the godly princess. It reminds the reader that princesses are daughters of the King and are loved by God. Little girls will love to read My Princess Bible over and over to learn about God’s princesses.(http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/1_products/details.asp?isbn=978-1-4143-3324-3)

 

 

My Princess Bible is a wonderful book that will allow your little princess to relate to many women of the Bible. Holmes has a incredibly unqiue story that allow young girls to learn women of the Bible, and how their stories relate to their own young lives. I love the emphasis it puts on the lesson of each of these women. With lessons including; loving your family, honesty, your love for the Lord, and the importance of the Lord in their lives this book is not only a enjoyment but a lesson guide for own young princesses.  Each lesson begins with "______ (enter childs name) is God's special princess." (page 3 My Princess Bible) Being the mother of a young "princess" I find this book to be an awesome way for children to view the Bible. Adding the concept of the each woman being a "Princess to the Lord" give children a fairytale feel, and will capture their interest for the story. With increased enjoyment my own experience has been repeative reading, I am thrilled to find with each revisit my young princess is actually grasping the concepts of the story, and thus learning the Bible more quickly. My opinion is this book is defintely a winner for Parents and Children alike. A great recommendation for anyone with their own princess. 

 

 

 

New to the Shelf 09/14/2010

My releases for this week all come out today. I can’t wait to get my hands on these books. Take a look for yourself, and if you have any that you think I would like drop me a line.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Date: September 14th, 2010

Description:

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

 

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Publisher: Tor Teen

Date: September 14th, 2010

Description:

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.
Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.
But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

 

Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

Publisher: Egmont USA

Date: September 14th, 2010

Description:

This is a compelling and beautifully written novel about first love, first sex, and everything in between. Maddy Fisher has decided to fall in love. And not just any sort of love: can't-eat can't-sleep crazy in love. Rich Ross is after the same thing. He's set his sights high, and he's going to make it happen. The problem is, in life's messy whirlwind of friends and lies and sex and porn, the real thing can be hard to fine. But there's always a first time for everything. .

 

What you are you waiting for?

Review: Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

Title: Not that Kind of Girl

By: Siobhan Vivian

Reading Level: Young Adult Romance Fiction

Publisher: Push Books

My Copy: Review Copy provided by publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

Book Description:

Slut or saint? Good friend or bad friend?

In control or completely out of it?

Life is about choices, and Natalie Sterling prides herself on making the right ones. She’s avoided the jerky guys populating her prep school, always topped honor roll, and is poised to be the first female student council president in years.

If only other girls were as sensible and strong. Like the pack of freshmen yearning to be football players’ playthings. Or her best friend, whose crappy judgment nearly ruined her life.

But being sensible and strong isn’t easy. Not when a prank nearly gets her expelled. Not when her advice hurts more than it helps. Not when a boy she once dismissed becomes the boy she can’t stop thinking about.

The line between good and bad has gone fuzzy, and crossing it could end in disaster . . . or become the best choice she’ll ever make.

Only being 28 years old, it has not been so long ago that I was a student and all too aware of the pressure and cruelty that your peers can extend. Though, being this age there have been a few years since my temporary presence in school. I can tell you without a doubt that with each passing generation it appears the intensity and level of pressure is only escalating. I feel for kids of this generation, and I hope that they can survive without too many scars. Not that Kind of Girl is the picture perfect novel that portrays the exact behavior that can be expected surrounding today’s youth. Natalie is the main character, and the one gleaming light, the innocent girl that even with the negativity and influence of her peers she has turned out to be a very tremendous young lady. Though this is only how things may appear, and when you are the good kid you still have expectations and they just might be even stronger than everyone else. Connor is the dream boy, and I can not believe that Natalie spends so much time with her “nose in the air” that she doesn’t figure this out sooner. When you are trying to be the good kids there are certain things that are not allowed, and having the hot QB as a boyfriend is probably the most important DON’T on the list. Nobody will look at a good girl, and think that just maybe this is a serious and deep relationship. The entire book is a very easy read that I had completed in one sitting. I found it to be entirely flowing and fast paced; keeping my attention the whole way through. Vivian has a talent for irony and shock adding so much more to this story, and the ability to captivate the reader. This novel is a very good example of how any extreme can be negative. Everyone needs moderation in the lives, and it doesn’t always pay to be serious all of the time. If you are not happy then nothing in your life really matters. Most important is to live your life for you and no one else. I have really enjoyed my introduction to Siobhan Vivan ; you can expect to see more from this author on my TBR list.